Credit: Macall Polay/FX
I’ve had a lot of fabulous opportunities happen for me in the world of journalism. One that I will truly never forget was when I went on set of the F/X series Pose last month.
Pose, which had its second season premiere last night, is one of the best LGBTQ shows on television right now. Let’s take this a step further: it’s one of the best shows on television. And if you aren’t watching it, do yourself a favor and get on Netflix, binge the first season and get caught up. Because it’s a necessary viewing experience for our community and beyond to really see what life was like for some of us thirty years ago.
POSE — Pictured: Angelica Ross as Candy. CR: Pari Dukovic/FX
For those of you who aren’t in the know, Pose takes viewers into the world of the Harlem ball scene in the late 80’s. The documentary Paris is Burning first did in 1990 and now we get to see it done in from a scripted yet equally as powerful viewpoint.
The series, created by the genius team of Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Steven Canals, has resonated with its audience in a tremendously positive way. On Rotten Tomatoes it sits at 98 percent fresh and on IMDb it has an 8.5 out of 10 rating. Not too shabby.
Pose has also earned a ton of award show love, including two nods at this year’s Golden Globes for Best Drama and Best Actor (Billy Porter). Here’s hoping those nominations eventually turn into wins given just how fantastic this show really is.
The press junket that I was invited to took place at an undisclosed location last month. The energy on board the bus we took to get there was palpable as many of us knew what a special experience this would be.
POSE — “Acting Up” — Season 2, Episode 1 (Airs Tues, June 11, 10:00 p.m. e/p) Pictured (l-r): Dominique Jackson as Elektra, Hailie Sahar as Lulu, Mj Rodriguez as Blanca, Angelica Ross as Candy. CR: Macall Polay/FX
We got to set and were taken to a press only area that included a display of some of the most fabulous fashions that have already been seen on the program and one in particular yet to be shown. That one was worn by Elektra Abundance (Dominique Jackson) on the season 2 premiere last night. And honey, it looked even more amazing in person.
It was the first time that I truly understood what goes into making a costume for a TV series or movie. The intricacy and detail in each piece, when viewed up close, is spectacular and something that shouldn’t be unnoticed when watching a show like this.
Most of our day saw the cast and producers come in and out when they could to talk to us about season 2 and how this show has immensely changed their lives. The one thing that was very clear was that each person was passionate and ultimately grateful to be part of this journey as it has touched them in many ways.
Tears flowed at my table with some of the actors, notably Hailie Sahar (Lulu) and Mj Rodriguez (Blanca) who were overcome with emotion while talking about their characters and the impact that the show has had on their lives. More on that to come next week.
There were many cool moments we got to experience during our time there. We went inside Blanca’s apartment that she shares with her children and saw some other sets that viewers will get to witness for the first time this season (staying quiet about the details for now).
The best part of the day, besides talking to the amazing people from this show, was when we got to watch an actual ball take place. This blew my freaking mind because they are done so wonderfully on the show that to see this up close was truly amazing.
We stood back while the extras, who were all dressed in their 1990 realness, danced the night away with a ton of acting going on in between (once again, staying quiet about details). I was living my life to the fullest during each take while secretly hoping that they could threw me into the ball as some super cute cub who joins one of the houses in a later episode (Ryan, call me). Regardless, it was thrilling to see the energy from the actors and extras that day and is something I will never forget.
POSE — “Acting Up” — Season 2, Episode 1 (Airs Tues, June 11, 10:00 p.m. e/p) Pictured (l-r): Billy Porter as Pray Tell. CR: Macall Polay/FX
Pose is such a special show and I’m elated that it got a second season. I look forward to spending my Tuesday nights watching what will happen with Pray Tell (Billy), Blanca, Elecktra, Lulu and everyone else that makes this series one of the best on TV.
Pose airs Tuesdays on F/X. Check your local listings.
This is the opinion of one contributing writer and not that of Instinct Magazine or other Contributing Writers.
