Ep 1. Respect

The third season of Genius has opened with its first episode named Respect. This season, the series turns its focus to the life of Aretha Franklin, an iconic singer who was known as the "Queen of Soul." The series delves deep into the life of this remarkable woman, exploring her struggles, achievements, and contributions to music.

The first episode of the third season starts with a young Aretha at church, showcasing her remarkable singing skills. The audience is then introduced to her family, living in Detroit, Michigan. As with any family, they have their share of problems and conflicts. Aretha's father, C.L. Franklin, is a prominent pastor in the community, with a reputation for being an excellent preacher. However, he is depicted as a flawed man, with a complicated personal life.

The episode then moves on to depict a young Aretha, who is struggling with identity issues. She has a chaotic home life, with her parents going through a messy divorce. Her mother, Barbara Siggers Franklin, has moved away to Buffalo, New York, leaving Aretha behind. Aretha is forced to deal with the fallout from her parents' divorce, which affects her deeply.

As the episode progresses, we see that Aretha's father, C.L. Franklin, has taken charge of raising Aretha and her siblings. He is depicted as a strict disciplinarian, who is more interested in his church and his reputation than in his children's well-being. However, he recognizes Aretha's singing talent and starts to groom her for a career in music.

Aretha's journey to becoming a successful singer is not an easy one. She faces numerous setbacks, including rejection from record labels and producers. However, she refuses to give up and continues to pursue her dream. The episode portrays her determination and her willingness to overcome obstacles, which eventually leads to her big break.

The show portrays the challenges that Aretha faced due to her race and gender. As a black woman, she was forced to deal with discrimination and prejudice throughout her career. The episode shows her struggle to gain respect in a male-dominated industry and her search for her unique voice as a black woman.

The first episode of Genius season three also showcases some of the famous musicians who influenced Aretha's music, including Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and Dinah Washington. Her music was heavily influenced by gospel music, which she grew up singing in her father's church. The show also highlights her collaborations with famous producers and songwriters, such as Ted White and Carole King.

Overall, the first episode of Genius season three offers a compelling portrayal of Aretha Franklin's life, struggles, and triumphs. It showcases the remarkable journey of this legendary singer, who overcame numerous obstacles to become the "Queen of Soul." The show also highlights the social and political issues of the time and how they shaped her music and her life.

In conclusion, the first episode of Genius season three delivers an emotional and powerful portrait of Aretha Franklin's life. It is an excellent start to what promises to be a compelling season, full of drama, music, and inspiration. The audience will be left eagerly waiting for more, to learn more about this remarkable musician and the legacy she left behind.