Ep 4. Part 4

In Part 4 of Roots (2016) season 1, the story continues to follow the lives of the enslaved Africans and their brutal treatment at the hands of their white owners. Kunta Kinte's daughter, Kizzy, is shown growing up and fiercely resisting the attempts of her owner, Tom Lea, to break her will. Despite physical and emotional torture, Kizzy remains resolute in her desire to rejoin her father and return to her African roots.

Meanwhile, Kunta Kinte is still in Virginia, where he has been sold to a new owner. He continues to struggle against his bonds, refusing to adopt the slave name of "Toby" and adamantly proclaiming his true identity. Kunta's defiance brings him both admiration and punishment from his fellow slaves and white owners, who view him as a troublemaker.

As the episode progresses, viewers are introduced to several new characters, including a slave woman named Belle and her son, Noah. Belle and Noah are owned by another white family, the Waller's, who use Noah as a breeding stud to produce more slaves for their plantation. Belle and Noah's story sheds light on the horrific practice of forced breeding, a common practice in the antebellum South that resulted in countless families being torn apart.

In addition to exploring the daily struggles of enslaved Africans, Part 4 also delves into the complicated relationships between white slave owners and their black mistresses. One such relationship is between Tom Lea and Kizzy's mother, Bell, who was forced into sexual servitude and bore Tom two children. Despite her bitterness and anger towards Tom, Bell is shown nurturing her children and seeking ways to protect them from the horrors of slavery.

The episode comes to a dramatic close when Kunta Kinte is given a chance to escape his bonds and flee to freedom. However, his escape attempt is thwarted at the last minute, and Kunta is subjected to a brutal punishment for his disobedience. The scene serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by enslaved Africans and their constant struggle for survival and dignity.

Overall, Part 4 of Roots (2016) season 1 is a powerful and emotional episode that continues to explore the complexities and atrocities of slavery in America. Through its vivid portrayal of characters and events, the episode highlights the resilience and strength of enslaved Africans in the face of unimaginable brutality and oppression.