Marvel seems to be just about everywhere today-with 19 movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, countless animated series, and live action shows spanning numerous networks including ABC, Fox, FX, Netflix and Hulu. Marvel’s latest offering, Cloak and Dagger, will be on Freeform-a network aimed at teens and young adults. This writer was able to attend an event hosted by Freeform and the charity GirlForward that included a screening of the series premiere and a Q & A at the Logan Theatre.
Cloak and Dagger follows teenagers Tyrone (Aubrey Joseph) and Tandy (Olivia Holt) as they navigate various life hurdles including their burgeoning super powers. They are both dealing with trauma from their childhoods that intersect in more ways than they know. Tandy has a strained relationship with her mother and lives on her own. She spends most of the first episode stealing from the rich and trying to avoid her problems. That is until she encounters Tyrone.
Tyrone comes from a middle-class family. His family suffered a devastating loss when he was a child and it is clearly still impacting them. The show doesn’t shy away from real world problems and makes it a point to address racism and police brutality. Tyrone’s mother Adina (Gloria Reuben) has an emotional and powerful moment with her son in which she expresses her fear that even if he does everything exactly right he will still be harmed. This was one of several moments that grounded the show in our reality heightening the audience’s connection with the material. Tyrone and Tandy meet, which triggers their powers and ignites their relationship.
The premiere, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, is a promising start to the show. It lays the groundwork of what’s to come and gives plenty to build upon. The episode uses flashbacks to Tyrone and Tandy’s childhood interspersed with the present-day story line. This tactic helps us invest in the characters’ emotional journeys. That investment makes us eager to learn more of their story and to see how they grow. The show was willing to address and center societal problems but still managed to be a fun teen superhero show.
Freeform and GirlForward- a charity that supports girls who are refugees by providing mentoring, help with English, and guidance- hosted a Q & A after the screening. While the interviewer asked some pertinent questions, the real excitement came when the panelists took questions from an eager audience member. Perhaps the Q & A would have been more engaging if they had involved the audience more as the audience was clearly affected by some of the heavy issues brought up in the show.
Overall it was a successful event with a lively discussion about an exciting new show. Cloak and Dagger is perfect for Marvel fans or folks who enjoy edgy teen dramas.
Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger premieres on Freeform Thursday June 7th at 7pm. Visit the JUST WATCH website for more information
To learn more about GirlForward visit the Girl Forward website.
Cast
Olivia Holt, Andrea Roth, Gloria Reuben, J.D. Evermore, Aubrey Joseph, Wayne Pére, James Saito, Noëlle Renée Bercy, Ed Hannigan, Rick Leonardi, Bill Mantlo, Joe Pokaski, Rachel Ryals, Dalon J. Holland, Al Vicente, Carl Lundstedt, Maceo Smedley, Miles Mussenden, Bryan Michael Hall, Cristalle C. Leonard, Mike Donovan, Deric Augustine
Crew
Gina Prince-Bythewood, Ed Hannigan, Rick Leonardi, Bill Mantlo, Joe Pokaski, Alan Fine, Stan Lee, Jeph Loeb, Joe Quesada, Wendy Willming, Mark Isham, Tami Reiker, Claire Koonce, Christine Kromer, Meagan Lewis, Michelle C. Harmon, Paul Uddo, Adie Kaplan,
Christi Leftwich, Chris Bailey, Jeffrey Edward Baksinski, Andy Dylan
About the Author
Taryn Smith graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago's BFA Performance program in 2011. After graduating, she co-founded Realize Theatre Group and served as Executive Director for the company. She has filled numerous roles while with RTG both on and off stage including making her playwriting debut with her play America, Inc . She has worked as a stage manage, designer, director, and actor. Outside of the theatre world, Taryn is a licensed massage therapist.
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