Laverne Cox’s Norman Lear-Produced ‘Clean Slate’ Has Beautiful Trans Representation but Muted Comedy: TV Review
In Prime Video's "Clean Slate," Laverne Cox ptorrays Desiree, a woman who returns home to her father after being estranged for 23 years.
The late Norman Lear‘s career was defined by centering underrepresented stories rarely seen on television, and “Clean Slate,” one of Lear’s final projects, continues that tradition. The show follows father/daughter duo Harry (George Wallace) and Desiree Slate (Laverne Cox), who reconnect after being estranged for over two decades. Created by Wallace, Cox and Dan Ewen, and produced by Lear, the series is heartfelt, well-acted and has beautiful representations of the LGBTQIA+ community, specifically trans people. However, the comedy overall is rather middling and doesn’t quite jump off the screen.
“Clean Slate” opens in a quaint Mobile, Alabama neighborhood. Harry embraces the day by cruising the streets in his blue Chevy Burrata convertible. He blasts Stevie Wonder’s “For Once in My Life” and greets everyone he passes before arriving at the Slate Family Car Wash, the business he’s owned and operated for decades. A prideful man who refuses to get Wi-Fi despite urging from his store manager Mack (Jay Wilkison), Harry is in an especially good mood because he’s learned that his son is returning home for a visit after being away for 23 years.
Elsewhere, on a bus headed into town, Desiree is having a last-minute therapy session where she discusses meeting her father for the first time as her true self. Later, as chicken wings fry on the stove and the Alabama football game plays on the television, Harry readily opens the door, expecting to greet his long-lost son. Instead, he finds a vivacious and impeccably dressed Desiree on the porch. While the duo’s reunion has a few bumps, especially as Harry comes around to now having a daughter instead of the son he remembered, they are eager to find common ground and make up for lost time. Harry isn’t always up to speed on the most politically correct lingo. Yet, he’s driven by a fierce love for Desiree and a desire to redirect the course of their fractured relationship.
Popular on VarietyFor her part, Desiree contends with reconnecting to the man and the community she abandoned without explanation. She is also forced to confront her more recent choices, which led to her fleeing New York City for her hometown. In addition to acknowledging where they both have fallen short, the pair encounter comical clashes over Harry’s hoarding and workaholic tendencies, Desiree’s vegetarianism and her proclivity to run instead of confronting issues head-on.
“Clean Slate” also expands outside of the Slate home. Down the street, Desiree’s childhood best friend Louis (D.K. Uzoukwu), the church choir director, struggles to welcome her home because her presence shines a spotlight on the things he’s not ready to face about himself. Meanwhile, his mother, Ms. Ella (Telma Hopkins), welcomes everyone with a warm embrace and a delicious meal. Finally, Mack’s precocious 11-year-old daughter Opal (Norah Murphy) is more in tune with adults than kids her age. She finds a kindred spirit in Desiree, who knows what navigating life in Mobile with a single dad is like.
The series has several topical themes, including religious bigotry, opposing political views and bullying. However, “Clean Slate” is much more subdued than audiences might expect from Lear’s past work. Desiree confronts the prejudiced church pastor in a clash that’s not truly resolved. Additionally, she faces her own biases about Mack when he tells her he’s a convicted felon. Also, a random cameo from a beloved “Real Housewives” cast member feels forced and contrived instead of flawlessly blended into the narrative.
Still, there are several laugh-out-loud moments sprinkled throughout the show. In Episode 4, “Chrome Jesus,” one of the strongest of the season, Harry and Desiree make hilarious remarks about each other’s church attire. In Episode 5, “Pillars,” Mobile residents come together for Election Day, which leads to a major blow-up between Harry and his neighbor/arch-nemesis Miguel (Philip Garcia). Later, a fight involving the church ladies breaks out, and the polling place nearly goes up in flames.
“Clean Slate” isn’t perfect, but it showcases the transgender experience with beautiful humanity. While Harry doesn’t always understand Desiree’s perspective, he extends his hands toward her even in his most stubborn moments. The pair uses a pronoun jar, which Harry contributes to when he accidentally misgenders Desiree. Moreover, Mobile isn’t depicted as a backward town. Though things might move a bit slower, most people are warm, welcoming and willing to learn. Still, with Cox and Wallace steering the ship, fans will likely have expected a much bolder story than what’s presented here.
The eight episodes of “Clean Slate” premiere on Feb. 6 on Prime Video.
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