Ep 6. Pretty Boy Blue

Redfern Now season 1 episode 6, titled "Pretty Boy Blue," is a compelling drama about the lives of individuals living in the inner-city suburb of Redfern in Sydney, Australia. The episode highlights the challenges faced by young indigenous people in the area and explores issues of identity, pride, and community.

The episode follows the story of Clinton (Aaron McGrath), a talented and ambitious young boxer from the Redfern community who is determined to succeed in the sport. Clinton is a gifted athlete, with a promising future ahead of him, but he faces many obstacles along the way.

Clinton's father, Chook (Wayne Blair), is a former boxer who had a successful career until he was forced to retire due to an injury. Chook is proud of his son's achievements but is also jealous of his success and is unable to let go of his own past glory. He puts pressure on Clinton to win and to be the best, and this puts a strain on their relationship.

Meanwhile, Clinton is grappling with his own identity and the expectations of his community. He is proud of his heritage but feels like he doesn't fit in with the stereotypical image of an Indigenous person. He is more interested in hip hop music and fashion than in traditional culture and is struggling to reconcile his own identity with the expectations of his community.

To complicate matters, Clinton's best friend and mentor, Sivvy (Luke Carroll), a former boxer who is now a drug dealer, is pressuring him to get involved in his illegal business. Clinton is torn between his loyalty to his friend and his own ambition to succeed in a legitimate career.

As the episode unfolds, Clinton's relationships with his father and his best friend are put to the test, and he is forced to confront his own identity and make difficult choices about his future. The episode culminates in a dramatic and emotional boxing match that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

"Pretty Boy Blue" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode of Redfern Now that explores the complexities of indigenous youth identity and the pressures faced by young people growing up in disadvantaged communities. The performances of the cast, particularly Aaron McGrath as Clinton, are outstanding, and the story is both compelling and heart-wrenching.

Overall, Redfern Now season 1 episode 6 is a must-watch for anyone interested in social issues and drama. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of giving a voice to underrepresented communities.