Ep 1. Color Adjustment

Color Adjustment is the first episode of the fifth season of POV. This documentary takes a nostalgic and thought-provoking look at the ways African Americans have been portrayed on television. The episode highlights the complex and often fraught relationship between black people and the television industry starting from the Civil Rights era to the early '90s.

Through a series of interviews with industry experts and great clips from classic TV shows from across the years, the episode charts the way that black people were initially under-represented and only appeared in stereotyped and often offensive roles on television. Everything from the portrayal of the "Mammy" character to blackface minstrel shows is explored in detail.

As the episode moves on through the decades, it's fascinating to see how representation slowly improved over time. More and more black characters were given the opportunity to be a part of prime-time shows, and as a result, audiences began to view them as more than just caricatures. Still, the pervasive effects of racism and discrimination persisted, with many shows either shying away from any kind of meaningful exploration of race or just perpetuating the same old stereotypes.

Towards the end of the episode, the focus turns to the growing visibility of black writers and producers in the industry, and the positive changes they were increasingly able to affect. A number of interviews are included here, including conversations with prominent figures like Diahann Carroll and Norman Lear. These interviews provide a rich and engaging insight into the cultural and political context of these developments.

The episode concludes with a look at some of the most recent and widespread depictions of black people on television, both positive and negative. The episode acknowledges that the industry has certainly come a long way since the Civil Rights era, but reminds viewers that there is still so much work left to do.

Overall, Color Adjustment is a great documentary that provides a unique perspective on the complex and often-fraught relationship between black people and television. The interviewees all offer insightful and fascinating perspectives, and the show's use of clips is both informative and entertaining. The episode holds a magnifying glass to a significant issue with grace, intelligence, and nuance, making it an essential watch for anyone interested in the history and impact of television on society.