'Miss Governor': Tyler Perry’s political dramedy mixes laughter, power plays and family feuds
The cast of "Miss Governor".
Image: Netflix
If you are looking for something new and casual to watch, then Tyler Perry and Niya Palmer's political dramedy "Miss Governor" should be on your radar.
"Miss Governor" follows Antoinette Dunkerson, brilliantly executed by actress and director Terri J. Vaughn, as she navigates life as a working mother who unexpectedly gets thrust into the role of Mississippi’s first black Lieutenant Governor.
Alongside Vaughn is rising star Drew Olivia Tillman, who is cast as Dunkerson's rebellious teenage daughter, Lola. Tré Boyd plays her son, Titus, and Jo Marie Payton plays her mother, Cleo.
Jade Novah as Shamika, Dyon Brooks as Basil and Robert Craighead as Governor Harper round off the main cast.
Tré Boyd, Drew Olivia Tillman, Jade Novah, Terri J. Vaughn, Karon Riley and Dyon Brooks in "Miss Governor".
Image: Netflix.
Upon winning a government seat, Dunkerson finds herself struggling to make a substantial difference for black lives in a state still grappling with its past, governed by the old-school, white supremacist attitudes of Governor Harper and his mostly white government.
Dunkerson needs to figure out how to thrive under this sexist and condescending governor, as well as keep her family in line now that they’re in the public eye. It's a real feat for a single mother.
After being put through many degrading situations, like going viral for snarling like a pig and eating a dozen pork hot dogs, Dunkerson finally stands up to Governor Harper, but their confrontation lands the governor in the hospital.
With Harper incapacitated, Dunkerson seizes the moment to step into his shoes and finally put her vision for Mississippi's future into action, but it doesn't last very long.
As the show progresses, Dunkerson transforms from someone struggling to find her voice into a determined leader willing to stand up for herself and her community.
Amidst the political intrigue, the "Miss Governor" doesn't shy away from addressing deeper themes of family, resilience and the loneliness that comes with being a singleton. Her kids, who have let status get to their heads, also showcase what power can do.
But, throughout it all, Dunkerson's journey shows the importance of standing up for what's right, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
"Miss Governor" delivers plenty of laughs, even though at times, it falls flat; it stays engaging and is ultimately worth watching.
• "Miss Governor" is currently streaming on Netflix.