The Ms. Pat Show Season 2 Episode 6 Rent-A-N!gg@
- TV-MA
- August 11, 2022
- 27 min
The Ms. Pat Show season 2 episode 6 is titled "Rent-A-N!gg@". As the title suggests, the episode focuses on the controversial issue of renting a Black person for a short period. Ms. Pat finds herself working as an event planner for a wealthy client who requests that she source a Black person to attend a dinner party as a way of demonstrating her supposed progressiveness.
Ms. Pat is initially uncomfortable with the idea of renting a Black person, and the episode explores the various ethical concerns surrounding this practice. The show takes a critical stance towards the notion of owning and renting individuals, highlighting how it dehumanizes and commodifies people. However, the episode is not purely moralizing, as it also engages with the complexities of the issue.
Throughout the episode, Ms. Pat speaks with various characters and weighs the pros and cons of fulfilling the client's request. She talks to her husband about the practicalities of finding someone to rent, and to her White friend about the motivations behind the client's request. Additionally, she engages in a conversation with the young Black man she eventually hires, who is struggling financially and sees this as an opportunity to make some quick cash.
The episode also highlights the divide between different Black experiences. Ms. Pat and the young man rented for the evening come from different backgrounds and have different attitudes towards the situation, which leads to some interesting conversations between them. Ms. Pat grapples with the idea of commodifying Blackness, while the young man is primarily focused on the monetary compensation he will receive. This dynamic allows the episode to delve into the nuances of Black identity and the different perspectives with which Black people view their lives.
As the evening progresses and the young man interacts with the wealthy White guests, tensions rise. The episode depicts the discomfort and unease that this situation creates for everyone involved. The White guests struggle to communicate with the young man, and he feels increasingly out of place. Ms. Pat observes all of this and reflects on her own relationship with her identity and ethnicity.
Overall, "Rent-A-N!gg@" is a thought-provoking and nuanced episode that tackles a difficult and complex topic. The show does not shy away from the difficult questions, and presents the various arguments and perspectives in a balanced and sensitive manner. This episode is a testament to the show's willingness to engage with challenging subject matter and explore it in a thoughtful and honest way.