The whole “i am” is also a play on the fact that black peoples history is so deeply entrenched and unknown, especially due to slavery, that we have to self identify, hence why Hippolyta she says her name and what/where she wants to be, this also plays into the meaning of the name Hippolyta which means “to let loose”
It also relates to the quantum physic theory that I am the universe and the matter that makes up the universe of multidimensional existence and can create myself as I desire myself and my life to be.
“I am” is also a biblical reference. God naming Gods self as “I am” and humankind being made in God’s image and how racism strips Black people of their humanity and God-given rights.
Racism was only invented to justify capitalism. It didn't even exist until the slave trade occurred and the Colonies of North America only helped to justify its existence to continue slave trades. Even during the Roman Empire, there were blacks and whites and all shades of people that lived together and we know this because Rome ruled not only most of Europe but the middle east and some of the northern African territories. There is hardly any historical evidence of racism until around 18th century when the pacific slave trade started to come around.
I don’t know about y’all but this was one of my favorite episodes. As a Black Woman who often times feels “lost” in this world - this episode helped me remember the vastness of my soul and power of my mind. I feel so empowered and bigger than all this bs happening in our world/country. Also - the speech Hippolyta gave to her goddess warriors in the middle of battle was so amazing. 👑
I saw Queen Califia (Kalifia>> it sounds very Black American in the naming 🧐 kinda like Ya-HEE-Ma). That is a good 1 too! She was an Amazonian queen of modern day California. They have a sculpture mural of her in California. Pay attention to her skin complexion on the 🐢!
Yes. The “Dora Milaje” (The Adored Ones) of Black Panther cinematic and comic fame are based on the Dahomey Warriors. The king of Dahomey was constantly surrounded by his all-feminine guard, and would choose his queen from among their ranks. They successfully staved off the French colonizers for years before they were eventually conquered.
As someone who teaches Afrofuturism, I am thoroughly enjoying every episode of Lovecraft Country. That said, this episode is fantastic. The levels, layers, and Easter eggs are unparalleled. This analysis is insightful. 1 small note, he visits his cousin’s friend and not his actual cousin.
I saw Queen Califia (Kalifia>> it sounds very Black American in the naming 🧐 kinda like Ya-HEE-Ma) That is a good 1 too! She was an Amazonian queen of modern day California. They have a sculpture mural of her in California. Pay attention to her skin complexion on the 🐢!
Most important to "I Am" is jazz musician Sun Ra whose origin myth is that he traveled to outer space where he changed his name from Herman "Sonny" Blount. The notion of navigating time and space, portals and re-creating one's self in spite of systemic racism and oppression is part of Afrofuturism. That is Sun Ra's voice you hear near the end ("Black people are myths...") when Hippolyta and George visit Diana's comic book world. The narration is from the film "Space is the Place."
Me too. I am rewatching the episodes leading up to the finale and so it made me so sad omg. I watched a documentary with his mother and she broke everything down of what they did to him and how he looked when she seen him. I was sobbing uncontrollably. NEVER FORGET THE STORY OF EMMETT TILL
I think it’s telling that the first stop for Hippolyta was pleasure and sensuality. It’s often what we black women are taught to shun or turn down in ourselves. It set her free to connect to herself in a way that church, society, culture and family teach you to ignore and hate about yourself. She seemed to gain a healthy acceptance of herself and her relationship to pleasure when prior she was all about numbers and science.
@@scottlypuff Yeah, it's really quick and subtle, very easy not to notice it. I just wanted to add that because I think a lot of people didn't catch it.
Love the fact she decides not to return to her segregated reality after experiencing true freedom & puts herself 1st with George following Hypolita’s journey. She realized how small she has become however it’s her daughter Dee who truly sees her mother as her hero and creates a Comic book character inspired by Hypolita. I believe she will return in future episode to save Denise
This episode was fantastic. Hippolyta’s world was so small at first that her fantasy stopped at a clean prison. Then it evolved to celebrity, which isn’t always much better. She eventually fought her way to pure consciousness ( the great IAM/ the God Consciousness) that transcended space, time, and form. I also enjoyed the imagery from Hidden Figures and A Wrinkle in Time. The writers knocked it out of the park. ❤️👸🏾
I dont velieve those were 'fantasies'- they were just as real as her lofe back on earth. This show explored alternative time lines, different planets, and time travel. Hypolita was born and reborn and now has those life experiences with her.
This is the second episode in a row that includes a version of "Besame Mucho", a Mexican bolero song (a version in Korean is played during the restaurant scene of last week's epsidoe, and an instrumental version is played in Montrose's appartment in this week's episode). Also, the song by Joseph Baker that Hippolyta listens to in the car is a French version of "Piel Canela", another bolero song originally in Spanish language. Not sure if there is anything to it.
I caught it too ... it was the Cold War and there was a push at the time by white people to “embrace” Latin American culture but it was still steeped in racism. This came from a concerted effort to avoid more countries becoming communist. It also speaks to the hypocrisy of the time. Truman in response to what he saw as oppressive regimes in Latin America said “[It] must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or outside pressures." But this obviously didn’t include brown and black people in the US, or those fighting the police and systemic racism. I’m grateful they included it because often in these shows, they just make it about black v white, as if no other group has existed in the US
This was definitely a nice nod to Hippolyta’s book chapter! Even the lines about feeling lighter and knowing she’s not on Earth, but not light enough to be on Mars. I’m sure the timeline is different now because Tic came back with the book (written by George) and the Orthea Blue book was in Hippolyta’s purse before the portal, but under the cop afterwards
Hey, apologies for this, I was just taking notes and jotted down riots because Leti also referred to them as such in the show. Around about the 13 minute mark of the episode she tells tic that his relative ‘survived the riots.’ No disrespect meant
@@heavyspoilers Also until recently in American History this event has often been referred to as "The Tulsa Race Riot" and has only been known as the "Tulsa (Race) Massacre" for a short while. No doubt to obfuscate and whitewash the event, as a riot sounds a lot less evil and kinda makes it sound like the black people were the ones rioting, rather than being massacred. FYI HBO's Watchmen actually publicized what happened back then much more than the education system in the US and a lot of people learned about it for the first time from that show.
My thoughts exactly; I just made this comment. Two things... 1.Please don’t belittle The TULSA MASACRE AKA The destruction of BLACK WALL STREET by White Supermacy to simply the roits. 2. It’s THE WIZ not The Wizard of Oz.
Everyone is missing the biblical meaning of "I AM" When Moses asked the burning bush who should I say sent me and the Lord said "I AM hath sent me unto you" I think the afro beauty is a goddess
As I recall, the woman Tic was going to meet was his mother's sister. The woman he did meet was his aunt's friend and, after both were widowed, her housemate; the aunt had died some years earlier. This would be an amazing callback to Tic's fight with this father: two women living together, especially widows like they both had been, was socially acceptable in a way that two men in similar circumstances would never have been. The woman spoke of Tic's aunt with great affection, and had quite a few pictures of the two of them together; a relationship seems a reasonable conclusion. Not only does this balance Tic's relationship with Montrose, it also fits very well in the theme of how we define ourselves.
@@yaboythealien The refer to it as a riot in the show as well. HS mentioned it somewhere above as well and apologized for any offense give. Until recently in American History this event has often been referred to as "The Tulsa Race Riot" and has only been known as the "Tulsa (Race) Massacre" for a short while. No doubt to obfuscate and whitewash the event, as a riot sounds a lot less evil and kinda makes it sound like the black people were the ones rioting, rather than being massacred. I would almost bet that the writers of the show used that whitewashed term on purpose rather than the more accurate term, as another example of how history has been altered and shaped by white voices to invalidate the horrors of racism in order to be proud of their "history" BTW HBO's Watchmen actually publicized what happened back then much more than the education system in the US and a lot of people learned about it for the first time from that show :)
This show is so deep, who else has gone back and watched older episodes and picked up on little things you missed in the first viewing? Would have loved to binge watch this on Netflix!
This was my favorite episode. I’m 19 and just finished my “I am” journey in terms of my race and gender. So to see another black woman do the same thing, on screen, in a much cooler way, yet still relate to all of her feelings and why she was sent to all those places was amazing. If anything this helped me realize how lucky I am to be a black woman now because I was able to start my “I am” journey so young compared to Hippolyta. I think this is because society back then held black people, especially black women, down so much so they couldn’t focus on their true selves. All they could do back then was think of their race and how it played into their lack of safety. No time for introspection. I think this has been passed down to many black people now as almost a fear of introspection. It’s disheartening to find your true self and then be in a place that will always stereotype you into a less than because of what you look like. I feel like that’s where they have to go next with Hippolyta’s story: her adjustment period. Especially with Dee being questioned by police I can’t wait to see how she handles that. Lmao that was long and I’m not proofreading because I’m 💨 you’re watching your 7th lovecraft country breakdown you should be able to get it🤗
The more I see Hippolyta, the more I love her. She has so many dimensions and layers to her, and I'm incredibly happy and amazed every time she finds a new one. I also love that she is a black woman who is also a gifted scientist. I know she isn't a professional scientist, but that is who she is to her core. She lives science, she loves science, she is science. Besides, if she lived in a better world, she would probably be a professional scientist. She is certainly talented enough to be one.. I definitely relate to her in this regard. I'm delighted to see such a character depicted on screen.
I truly appreciate ur breakdowns, U often sell yourself short, but I learn so much more hearing ur breakdowns which IMO are some of the best ones out there it gives me an extra appreciation for the episode. The rapper Nas has an album called 'I Am' and the woman on the album cover was obviously an influence, it looks just like the woman that guided Hypolita. This was my favorite episode, alternative worlds and time travel...man I had no idea this show was going to go there- EPIC!! The journey of self-discovery toward Self-Actualization, WOW!! Hypolita had a chance to be an Inter-dimentional God, I probably wouldn't have come back if I was her. Loved this episode! Gotta go back to rewatch--- there was so much to unpack!
Bessie Stringfield on the motorcycle 🏍 Frida Kaloh giving a speech Josephine Baker The DAHOMEY AMAZONS of Africa Hippolyta as a TIME Traveler through SPACE & Explorer everything in between So much to love about this. I really appreciate the in-depth exploration of her character what an amazing actress Most certainly will be watching again and again
If any episode deserves an Emmy, this is the one. Funny... it was the strangest of the episodes so far, but felt the most grounded. The beauty of discovering that her imagination was the key to her freedom, and the lack of it that bound her. And, yet, with her amazing intellect, it is her dreams that give birth to reality. Maybe, that’s how we are to understand “magic” in a Lovecraftian world. All is not as it appears, but skewed...flipped even. Consider the voiceover in the trailer. “If this is the American Dream (Jim Crow, white supremacy, racialized culture, etc.) what is the reality”? Perhaps this episode speaks to that.
This episode brought me to tears because it made me feel like I really had to think about who I Am. It was so beautiful and ethereal and I’ve never seen anything that gave me such a profound vibe.
@@S1ipperyJim Christianity is a rip off of indigenous religious doctrine and occultic medicine. Before Colonialism most of indigenous peoples had women deities.
I have to comment on the visuals again in this episode. Each new setting was so beautifully rendered, and the 50's era sci-fi space suits were amazing. I don't think you mentioned it, but Dee's travel comic was left behind in the blood of the guard who was shot, which explains how she will be found. I did wonder (and maybe hope a little) if there might be a chance of George coming back at the end, but having Hypolita make the choice to return to Dee was a strong moment for her character.
She's dead. The Dahomey women warriors were based on real people. Her name Hippolyta comes from greek, queen of the Amazons (Wonder Woman aka Diana's mother).
Hippolyta was taking on Amazonians. Black American indigenous women. So you are correct. The Dahomey plot points are annoying and erasure of Black American indigenous.
Nice job Paul pointing out historical references in your review as not all your viewers might know people like motorcyclist legend Bessie Stringfield. It was nice to see Hippolyta’s character grow this episode and how intelligent she was (like on the space ship).
Bobo aka Emmett is away on the trip and is briefly mentioned that he can't wait till he gets back because he knows how to play. This means that between now and next episode he will be killed...
@@killerjob12 its just the white version of giving it a softer term to sound less barbaric and demonic. Of course it would be in the script as riots because white ppl own the tv but it was clearly a full on massacre and the guilty should feel guilty.
The only thing I don’t like is George’s last moments he dreamt about tics mom and not Hippolyta who was waiting for him and looking for answers that bothers me
I think tic mom married montrose to hide the secret that he was gay and that tics mom was with uncle George first...its too much but I wanna know more lol
I think they all saw the deepest desires or worries. Remember George did not kiss her in the mouth, that showed respect for Hippolyta. It was subtle, but it was there. And he was able to walk away from it, unlike the other two.
tjpm yea subtle or not he was away from his wife and daughter but only tic mom was on his mind and it don’t sit right with me cuz she still looking for answers and his deepest desire was to be with her
Could it be that tic mom was his first love but due to certain things happen he married someone else and when he see tic it brings back those feelings (just a question)
Dr.Brand commenting on this video "Maybe Love means something more-something we can't yet understand. Maybe it's some evidence, some artifact of a higher dimension that we can't consciously perceive. I'm drawn across the universe to someone I haven't seen in a decade who I know is probably dead. Love is the one thing that we're capable of perceiving that transcends dimensions of time and space. Maybe we should trust that, even if we can't understand it."
Not quite. He was trying to live up to What Montrose wanted him to be. Tic was a soft little black boy nerd who loved books. You can understand why that would terrify Montrose into trying to beat any possible "gay" out of him. Tic wanted to please him so he volunteered for the most manly endeavor he could think of. And yeah... The repressed anger did help with him "follow orders" when it came to war crimes. But fact is, he did it because he wanted Montrose's love and approval so badly. It's even when he started this whole Lovecraft Country journey in the first place, despite being estranged from him. Because he wanted to believe his dad reached out to him via that letter.
MuvaofPearl Montrose Hated that he went to the army so that wasn’t it he wanted to take his anger out he has a dark side he killed his first loves friend with no remorse his dad instilled that in him because he beat the hell out of him
Great breakdown as always! Just one thing, Tic wasn't speaking to his cousin, that was a close friendof hers. I believe she passed. That's why the woman brought out the photo album. There's a picture of them beside each other and Tic noticed the birthmark then. The ladies moved in together after their husbands passed.
I love this show! This episode was a love letter to black women. It was beautifully wrote and portrayed. I felt a sense of empowerment watching it. Great video!
Almost 3 years of an astrophysics degree here 👋🏽 Life got in the way so I didn’t finish 😔 I was so happy that Hippolyta was an astronomer. This episode was beautiful. So many brilliant parts but the Sun Rah speech was so perfect.
Is it just me or perhaps Tic's portal journey that we didn't see was actually portrayed in the beginning of episode 1? On a battlefield fighting aliens with Jackie Robinson smashing monsters with his bat. That scene feels to out of place to be a random dream that he had.
This episode was my fav. So basically Hippolyta died as Tic tried to save her. She went through different portals, which can be interpreted as heaven (hence why everything was white and she was naked). Dark melanin people are extraterrestrials aka from outside of earth, so that’s why heaven was space. The “I AM” space woman, well she was who she said she was, I AM. *GOD IS A BLACK WOMAN* When you die you have the ability as melanin people to create your reality. Hippolyta was with her husband who died, but decided to come back for Dee at the end, maybe as an ancestor, spirit guide or guardian angel since she wasn’t in episode 8.
The name Sarafina is a reference to Sarafina! A young black South African struggling for freedom during apartheid. Specifically the 1964 Soweto school uprisings. 176 kids were killed by white policemen, and many more injured. We celebrate Youth Day here on 16 June.
I wonder if we are supposed to look past Leti clearly being much lighter than her siblings like in most shows or that she likely has a different father for the plot
I just know this is one of those shows I will need to watch from the beginning to see clues that I have missed, thank you for your reviews, it is very informative
The title of this episode and every reference you mentioned is a reference to God naming himself in the book of Exodus: God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM"; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" Exodus 3_14 The basic theme of the episode being that Hippolyta naming herself and reclaiming her identity allows her to transcend into a god like state not bound by the people and society that kept her small.
As always I absolutely love your breakdowns and look forward to them each week! ❤ Okay so I beleive that the afro android (epic by the way) she did say her name is 'I Am' and I beleive this is a reference to God as that is what he is also called. With her being female was a play on the fact that many people believe that God is a woman.
“Every beginning is in time and every limit of extension in space” may be a reference to Doctor Who, where the time and space travel machine is called a TARDIS, standing for Time And Relative Dimension In Space.
What popped into my head was DesCartes: I think therefore I am. But then later, i figured it was her journey to decide who she was, not what someone expected her to be. In the end, she got to define herself, a feeling we all crave, really. How liberating that must have felt. It’s strange how a lot of the characters, through magic, wind up getting what they desire. I wonder what the price for that will be.
Check out our breakdown of 81 Insane Details and Easter Eggs in Lovecraft Country Season 1 here - th-cam.com/video/r2iJyNcHkpc/w-d-xo.html
Do y know where I can get a screen shot of that space ship?
I also feel that Hippolyta's math scene was a nod to the real life Black women that were "computers" for NASA! Very "Hidden Figures" vibes!
Gooooood point! 👩🏾🚀🚀🌍
Exactly what I said
i was like "DAmn i wish my brain worked like that" lol
Her entire arc essentially as an astronomer is 100% this
The whole “i am” is also a play on the fact that black peoples history is so deeply entrenched and unknown, especially due to slavery, that we have to self identify, hence why Hippolyta she says her name and what/where she wants to be, this also plays into the meaning of the name Hippolyta which means “to let loose”
And the fact that IAm are powerful words a lot of celebrities have used that like Beyoncé
It also relates to the quantum physic theory that I am the universe and the matter that makes up the universe of multidimensional existence and can create myself as I desire myself and my life to be.
Black Americans history is that we are indigenous to the continent of America. We are PoWs. Prisoners of War.
in the bible God says that to Abraham as well.
@@JayKahlid and to Moses at the burning bush "I AM has sent me to you".
“I AM” in love with Hippolyta. The African Warrior scene was bomb. 🔥
💯🌍🌞
Completely agree, watching it over and over!
I cried honestly
I am.... rather,
WE ARE Hippolyta
Black American warrior scene
Facts#BlackQueensMatter
“I am” is also a biblical reference. God naming Gods self as “I am” and humankind being made in God’s image and how racism strips Black people of their humanity and God-given rights.
Because racism in all actuality and truth is birthright theft.
THIS IS THE ONE💯👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Racism was only invented to justify capitalism. It didn't even exist until the slave trade occurred and the Colonies of North America only helped to justify its existence to continue slave trades. Even during the Roman Empire, there were blacks and whites and all shades of people that lived together and we know this because Rome ruled not only most of Europe but the middle east and some of the northern African territories. There is hardly any historical evidence of racism until around 18th century when the pacific slave trade started to come around.
@@anthonygordon9483 ???
I was just getting ready to post a very similar reply! Outstanding insight
I don’t know about y’all but this was one of my favorite episodes. As a Black Woman who often times feels “lost” in this world - this episode helped me remember the vastness of my soul and power of my mind. I feel so empowered and bigger than all this bs happening in our world/country. Also - the speech Hippolyta gave to her goddess warriors in the middle of battle was so amazing. 👑
🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Absolutely empowering!
Yes! Girl that speech damn near brought tears to my eyes! This episode hit home for me🙌🏾
This episode was my absolute favorite. Being a woman I can relate.
@@shantiethediva, satisfying in so many ways.
The real mvp is woody.....so many miles and wear and tear.
"Woody will outlive us all"
- Uncle George
It also seems that Woody is becoming the iconic ride for this TV show. Like KITT from Knight Rider or the GMC Vandura van from the A-Team!
@@markrothenbuhler6232 we need action figures stat! :D
@@Ramipon "The whole southside of Chicago could fit in it" they are all going to end up there and get away inside the woody
Trouble Follows I watch the show for the cars - I worry more about them getting hurt than the people!
The Writer said that those amazonians are based on the real Dahomeys Amazons which Black Panthers female arrmy was based on.
Amazing, thanks for letting me know
I saw Queen Califia (Kalifia>> it sounds very Black American in the naming 🧐 kinda like Ya-HEE-Ma). That is a good 1 too! She was an Amazonian queen of modern day California. They have a sculpture mural of her in California. Pay attention to her skin complexion on the 🐢!
Tiana Freeman yes it’s in San Diego
Yes. The “Dora Milaje” (The Adored Ones) of Black Panther cinematic and comic fame are based on the Dahomey Warriors. The king of Dahomey was constantly surrounded by his all-feminine guard, and would choose his queen from among their ranks. They successfully staved off the French colonizers for years before they were eventually conquered.
Amazons is what the Europeans called them, but they are called The Mino. “The Mothers” of Dahomey
As someone who teaches Afrofuturism, I am thoroughly enjoying every episode of Lovecraft Country. That said, this episode is fantastic. The levels, layers, and Easter eggs are unparalleled. This analysis is insightful. 1 small note, he visits his cousin’s friend and not his actual cousin.
The African women warriors Hippolyta encounters are inspired by the Dahomey who fought against the French. They were real people.
I saw Queen Califia (Kalifia>> it sounds very Black American in the naming 🧐 kinda like Ya-HEE-Ma) That is a good 1 too! She was an Amazonian queen of modern day California. They have a sculpture mural of her in California. Pay attention to her skin complexion on the 🐢!
I knew that had to be an actual moment in history, thanks for explaining!
Yep, as Nettrice said, they fought the French not confederates.
@@tianafreeman9388 I saw Queen Califa as well
Also, the warrior she was training with “Nawi”, was actually the last surviving female Dahomey warrior to die back in the 70s.
Most important to "I Am" is jazz musician Sun Ra whose origin myth is that he traveled to outer space where he changed his name from Herman "Sonny" Blount. The notion of navigating time and space, portals and re-creating one's self in spite of systemic racism and oppression is part of Afrofuturism. That is Sun Ra's voice you hear near the end ("Black people are myths...") when Hippolyta and George visit Diana's comic book world. The narration is from the film "Space is the Place."
Ah amazing, thanks for the info
Best explanation ever! Beat me to it!
thank u 🙏🏾 i was wondering who that was..loved the Joesphine Baker song too🔥
u happen to kno it?..im still looking😂
I was wondering why the space world seemed almost kid like, and it's because it's Diane's imaginary world!
@Lwandile M lol yep sure does
Something you missed: the Lovecraft Country book Tic is holding is written by George Freeman! Hope this gets explained later
Ahhhhhh nice!
Didn’t notice that thanks
I noticed!
Came to say that. Glad people picked up on it. The Easter eggs are serious in this show!
Didnt spot that ! Courtney B. Vance rocks as George ( my favourite character in the show) and it looks like he's coming back
Also Seraphina is the female version of Seraphim which is a type of celestial being/angel
🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
how about the police chief sewing a black mans skin on his chest!!
Female version ? where did you get that
@@lovinghand7325 find the definition of the name
This is literally one of the greatest shows I have ever seen and I always come to your specific breakdown. Thanks man
The bobo part brought me to tears as a kid I would see his battered face in my dreams wondering why somebody could do that to a child 😞
@Ghostface I assume you mean racists right?
Oh my friend, they did that and a lot worse to black children, to black people period.
Valkire Pridgeon “Animal - Definition 3: a human being considered chiefly as nonrational” - Merriam-Webster
@Ghost Face comparing what happened then to now is a dishonoring those that had to endure what they did
Me too. I am rewatching the episodes leading up to the finale and so it made me so sad omg. I watched a documentary with his mother and she broke everything down of what they did to him and how he looked when she seen him. I was sobbing uncontrollably. NEVER FORGET THE STORY OF EMMETT TILL
I think it’s telling that the first stop for Hippolyta was pleasure and sensuality. It’s often what we black women are taught to shun or turn down in ourselves. It set her free to connect to herself in a way that church, society, culture and family teach you to ignore and hate about yourself. She seemed to gain a healthy acceptance of herself and her relationship to pleasure when prior she was all about numbers and science.
Ooh ! 😯 Very good point. Hadn’t considered that.
the woman tic has dinner with isnt his mother’s cousin, it’s her friend from church. she says his moms cousin died a while back
also in the companion podcast they mention that bertie and ethel were more than friends...yay lesbians!
@@pandadorable82 which means she knows more than she's telling if they were that close in relations!
Good point.
This show is honestly just getting better and better
I’m loving the adventure and fantasy aspect of this show mixed with the historical events. It makes for great television.
Waking up to a new episode and your review every Monday makes Monday easier.
Much love
Same x
I love the fact that the show touches on so much history.
Frida Kahlo and Josephine Baker actually were in a relationship for a while!
How interesting.
The party scene starts with a brief shot of them kissing.
@@212sean good to know! i can't afford the streaming service right now, so i just watch this channel for my video spoilers, haha.
@@scottlypuff Yeah, it's really quick and subtle, very easy not to notice it. I just wanted to add that because I think a lot of people didn't catch it.
@@scottlypuff Hey Scott..Just a tip...The website couchtuner..has all the episodes and other streaming shows 4 free
Love the fact she decides not to return to her segregated reality after experiencing true freedom & puts herself 1st with George following Hypolita’s journey. She realized how small she has become however it’s her daughter Dee who truly sees her mother as her hero and creates a Comic book character inspired by Hypolita. I believe she will return in future episode to save Denise
Diana?
This episode was fantastic. Hippolyta’s world was so small at first that her fantasy stopped at a clean prison. Then it evolved to celebrity, which isn’t always much better. She eventually fought her way to pure consciousness ( the great IAM/ the God Consciousness) that transcended space, time, and form. I also enjoyed the imagery from Hidden Figures and A Wrinkle in Time. The writers knocked it out of the park. ❤️👸🏾
I dont velieve those were 'fantasies'- they were just as real as her lofe back on earth. This show explored alternative time lines, different planets, and time travel. Hypolita was born and reborn and now has those life experiences with her.
Zerek Anthony Sure. They were her projections of reality, but her worlds were limited because she was limited.
Yesss!
@@taotaostrong I had a different view of it-- I guess its how u interpret it.
Zerek Anthony That’s cool. Everyone is free to enjoy the show in their own way. Have a good week.
This is the second episode in a row that includes a version of "Besame Mucho", a Mexican bolero song (a version in Korean is played during the restaurant scene of last week's epsidoe, and an instrumental version is played in Montrose's appartment in this week's episode). Also, the song by Joseph Baker that Hippolyta listens to in the car is a French version of "Piel Canela", another bolero song originally in Spanish language. Not sure if there is anything to it.
That's very interesting! Hopefully there's more to this!
Caught those too!
I caught it too ... it was the Cold War and there was a push at the time by white people to “embrace” Latin American culture but it was still steeped in racism. This came from a concerted effort to avoid more countries becoming communist. It also speaks to the hypocrisy of the time. Truman in response to what he saw as oppressive regimes in Latin America said “[It] must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or outside pressures." But this obviously didn’t include brown and black people in the US, or those fighting the police and systemic racism. I’m grateful they included it because often in these shows, they just make it about black v white, as if no other group has existed in the US
This was definitely a nice nod to Hippolyta’s book chapter! Even the lines about feeling lighter and knowing she’s not on Earth, but not light enough to be on Mars.
I’m sure the timeline is different now because Tic came back with the book (written by George) and the Orthea Blue book was in Hippolyta’s purse before the portal, but under the cop afterwards
I also have a feeling that tic was transported to that battlefield we saw in episode 1. We never saw where his journey took him, only the afterwards.
I feel like these reviews should be attached the episodes on HBO's website lol so good!!!
It's so interesting to hear someone call it "riots". It was a massacre, respectively.
I muttered the same thing when he said "riots". It was a bomb and massacre of an entire town.
Hey, apologies for this, I was just taking notes and jotted down riots because Leti also referred to them as such in the show. Around about the 13 minute mark of the episode she tells tic that his relative ‘survived the riots.’ No disrespect meant
@@heavyspoilers Also until recently in American History this event has often been referred to as "The Tulsa Race Riot" and has only been known as the "Tulsa (Race) Massacre" for a short while. No doubt to obfuscate and whitewash the event, as a riot sounds a lot less evil and kinda makes it sound like the black people were the ones rioting, rather than being massacred. FYI HBO's Watchmen actually publicized what happened back then much more than the education system in the US and a lot of people learned about it for the first time from that show.
My thoughts exactly; I just made this comment.
Two things...
1.Please don’t belittle The TULSA MASACRE AKA The destruction of BLACK WALL STREET by White Supermacy to simply the roits.
2. It’s THE WIZ not The Wizard of Oz.
@@heavyspoilers no worries, I noticed that the younger people on the show refer to it as riots; I wonder if it's an underlying choice of words.
Atticus is most likely the Jackie Robinson stranger who saved his father and uncle. I’m putting money on it
Yes!!!! I was thinking that a few episodes ago but I didn't know who they would pull it off until last night.
I think that was the purpose
Ooooh! Yes, I could see that.
Clay!!!!!!!!! You bring up a great point
I was thinking this as well!!
Anybody else get Tron vibes when she landed on that planet?
Everyone is missing the biblical meaning of "I AM" When Moses asked the burning bush who should I say sent me and the Lord said "I AM hath sent me unto you" I think the afro beauty is a goddess
As I recall, the woman Tic was going to meet was his mother's sister. The woman he did meet was his aunt's friend and, after both were widowed, her housemate; the aunt had died some years earlier. This would be an amazing callback to Tic's fight with this father: two women living together, especially widows like they both had been, was socially acceptable in a way that two men in similar circumstances would never have been. The woman spoke of Tic's aunt with great affection, and had quite a few pictures of the two of them together; a relationship seems a reasonable conclusion. Not only does this balance Tic's relationship with Montrose, it also fits very well in the theme of how we define ourselves.
Nas has an amazing album titled "I am", in which he stakes his claim to the world of hip-hop.
Classic album. Almost all the I Am references in music, books and tv are a callback to religion. It’s what God said in the Book of Exodus.
🎯
This is who I attributed this episode to when I saw the title
I Am...Nastradamus
My favorite Nas album
Please correct: There were no RIOTS in Tulsa, it was a MASSACRE!! Again that was no riot, please research this.
This point was also mentioned to this channel during the Watchmen series. Freudian slip I guess.
@@yaboythealien The refer to it as a riot in the show as well. HS mentioned it somewhere above as well and apologized for any offense give.
Until recently in American History this event has often been referred to as "The Tulsa Race Riot" and has only been known as the "Tulsa (Race) Massacre" for a short while. No doubt to obfuscate and whitewash the event, as a riot sounds a lot less evil and kinda makes it sound like the black people were the ones rioting, rather than being massacred. I would almost bet that the writers of the show used that whitewashed term on purpose rather than the more accurate term, as another example of how history has been altered and shaped by white voices to invalidate the horrors of racism in order to be proud of their "history"
BTW HBO's Watchmen actually publicized what happened back then much more than the education system in the US and a lot of people learned about it for the first time from that show :)
This show is so deep, who else has gone back and watched older episodes and picked up on little things you missed in the first viewing? Would have loved to binge watch this on Netflix!
You can tell from the way his aunt looks at him that George is his father and she knows it!
This was my favorite episode. I’m 19 and just finished my “I am” journey in terms of my race and gender. So to see another black woman do the same thing, on screen, in a much cooler way, yet still relate to all of her feelings and why she was sent to all those places was amazing. If anything this helped me realize how lucky I am to be a black woman now because I was able to start my “I am” journey so young compared to Hippolyta. I think this is because society back then held black people, especially black women, down so much so they couldn’t focus on their true selves. All they could do back then was think of their race and how it played into their lack of safety. No time for introspection. I think this has been passed down to many black people now as almost a fear of introspection. It’s disheartening to find your true self and then be in a place that will always stereotype you into a less than because of what you look like. I feel like that’s where they have to go next with Hippolyta’s story: her adjustment period. Especially with Dee being questioned by police I can’t wait to see how she handles that.
Lmao that was long and I’m not proofreading because I’m 💨 you’re watching your 7th lovecraft country breakdown you should be able to get it🤗
FACTS
I thought the tall robotic body black female stated her name was "I am "
Did anyone also confirm hiring that
I heard that too.
Yes, she did say that
That exactly what she said her name was, “I am”- as in God
She did. I Am is God. God calls himself I Am.
Same.
The more I see Hippolyta, the more I love her. She has so many dimensions and layers to her, and I'm incredibly happy and amazed every time she finds a new one. I also love that she is a black woman who is also a gifted scientist. I know she isn't a professional scientist, but that is who she is to her core. She lives science, she loves science, she is science. Besides, if she lived in a better world, she would probably be a professional scientist. She is certainly talented enough to be one.. I definitely relate to her in this regard. I'm delighted to see such a character depicted on screen.
I truly appreciate ur breakdowns, U often sell yourself short, but I learn so much more hearing ur breakdowns which IMO are some of the best ones out there it gives me an extra appreciation for the episode. The rapper Nas has an album called 'I Am' and the woman on the album cover was obviously an influence, it looks just like the woman that guided Hypolita. This was my favorite episode, alternative worlds and time travel...man I had no idea this show was going to go there- EPIC!! The journey of self-discovery toward Self-Actualization, WOW!! Hypolita had a chance to be an Inter-dimentional God, I probably wouldn't have come back if I was her. Loved this episode! Gotta go back to rewatch--- there was so much to unpack!
....that's not a woman on the album cover that's Nas in a mask.
@@benaffblack 😄 hahaha really? I always thought it was a woman!? Well it resembles that lady on the show-- u still gotta give me that.
Hahah yeah the Egyptian sarcophagus! Hahah I love that album specially you won’t see me tonight
Bessie Stringfield on the motorcycle 🏍
Frida Kaloh giving a speech
Josephine Baker
The DAHOMEY AMAZONS of Africa
Hippolyta as a TIME Traveler through SPACE
& Explorer everything in between
So much to love about this. I really appreciate the in-depth exploration of her character what an amazing actress
Most certainly will be watching again and again
3:04 The quote is from a popular book Critique of Pure Reason by the german philosopher Immanuel Kant
If any episode deserves an Emmy, this is the one. Funny... it was the strangest of the episodes so far, but felt the most grounded. The beauty of discovering that her imagination was the key to her freedom, and the lack of it that bound her. And, yet, with her amazing intellect, it is her dreams that give birth to reality. Maybe, that’s how we are to understand “magic” in a Lovecraftian world. All is not as it appears, but skewed...flipped even. Consider the voiceover in the trailer. “If this is the American Dream (Jim Crow, white supremacy, racialized culture, etc.) what is the reality”? Perhaps this episode speaks to that.
This episode brought me to tears because it made me feel like I really had to think about who I Am. It was so beautiful and ethereal and I’ve never seen anything that gave me such a profound vibe.
“I Am” is the best episode of the series thus far. The reunion with Hip and Uncle George is bittersweet.
The girls playing jump rope in the next episode recalls A Nightmare On Elm Street.
Yessssssss i got that too!!!
Its official this series is all over the damn place this is insane
"I am" is an example of the God complex. I AM is the name of God. He calls himself "I AM".
^She - herself^
@@S1ipperyJim that was written by man
@@S1ipperyJim Christianity is a rip off of indigenous religious doctrine and occultic medicine. Before Colonialism most of indigenous peoples had women deities.
I have to comment on the visuals again in this episode. Each new setting was so beautifully rendered, and the 50's era sci-fi space suits were amazing. I don't think you mentioned it, but Dee's travel comic was left behind in the blood of the guard who was shot, which explains how she will be found. I did wonder (and maybe hope a little) if there might be a chance of George coming back at the end, but having Hypolita make the choice to return to Dee was a strong moment for her character.
Omg you are the GOAT of recaps! Your attention to detail does not go unnoticed. I am subscribing and hitting the notification bell. Thank you so much🥰
Thank you 🙏
She's dead.
The Dahomey women warriors were based on real people. Her name Hippolyta comes from greek, queen of the Amazons (Wonder Woman aka Diana's mother).
I agree with your thesis....thesis not theory cuz the likelihood that you're correct.....
Hippolyta was taking on Amazonians. Black American indigenous women. So you are correct. The Dahomey plot points are annoying and erasure of Black American indigenous.
Folklore
What do you mean she’s dead though? You think she never left/ leaving the portal?
Not Greek but African folklore.
The young man who asked when Bobo is coming back is Gill Scott Heron.
Please explain how that’s Gil Scott Heron?
Because they refer to him as Gil in prior episodes
And Gill Scott Heron and Emmitt Till were best friends growing up.
The Bassman Presents: WOWWWWWWWW I never knew that
Who wrote "whitey's on the moon "? I love that poem and I'm a white irishman
Nice job Paul pointing out historical references in your review as not all your viewers might know people like motorcyclist legend Bessie Stringfield. It was nice to see Hippolyta’s character grow this episode and how intelligent she was (like on the space ship).
Bobo aka Emmett is away on the trip and is briefly mentioned that he can't wait till he gets back because he knows how to play. This means that between now and next episode he will be killed...
I loved this episode, I feel they improved on the book.😁
Think the same, but I miss the Chuthulh's son at the end.
I love your breakdowns but I cringe every time you say Tulsa “riots” it is called Tulsa massacre. Kindly do your research 🤓
It's also known as the tulsa race riot, both are technically right. 😊
Montrose calls it the tulsa riots also the older lady tic visits calls it the same ?
@@killerjob12 its just the white version of giving it a softer term to sound less barbaric and demonic. Of course it would be in the script as riots because white ppl own the tv but it was clearly a full on massacre and the guilty should feel guilty.
Heads up definition, ive been a fan/supporter of your content for a while & I think this is your best video to date. Excellent job
The only thing I don’t like is George’s last moments he dreamt about tics mom and not Hippolyta who was waiting for him and looking for answers that bothers me
I think tic mom married montrose to hide the secret that he was gay and that tics mom was with uncle George first...its too much but I wanna know more lol
I think they all saw the deepest desires or worries. Remember George did not kiss her in the mouth, that showed respect for Hippolyta. It was subtle, but it was there. And he was able to walk away from it, unlike the other two.
tjpm yea subtle or not he was away from his wife and daughter but only tic mom was on his mind and it don’t sit right with me cuz she still looking for answers and his deepest desire was to be with her
@@tjpm facts this show is just soooo damn good i cant wait to see how they are gonna go in deep with dee character
Could it be that tic mom was his first love but due to certain things happen he married someone else and when he see tic it brings back those feelings (just a question)
Dr.Brand commenting on this video
"Maybe Love means something more-something we can't yet understand. Maybe it's some evidence, some artifact of a higher dimension that we can't consciously perceive. I'm drawn across the universe to someone I haven't seen in a decade who I know is probably dead. Love is the one thing that we're capable of perceiving that transcends dimensions of time and space. Maybe we should trust that, even if we can't understand it."
Love this show and appreciate the commentary. It has provided more insight and confirmed things I wasn’t clear about it.
Tina Cruz-Tillery lol i need it explained to me 🗣
16:55 Tic comes back with the book but it's authored by uncle George Freeman. Will we see Tic's journey?
I peeped that too. Probly my fav episode.
Ive missed George so much hope he comes back
The fact that tic was beat is the reason he went to the war to get all that anger out
Not quite. He was trying to live up to What Montrose wanted him to be.
Tic was a soft little black boy nerd who loved books. You can understand why that would terrify Montrose into trying to beat any possible "gay" out of him. Tic wanted to please him so he volunteered for the most manly endeavor he could think of.
And yeah... The repressed anger did help with him "follow orders" when it came to war crimes.
But fact is, he did it because he wanted Montrose's love and approval so badly. It's even when he started this whole Lovecraft Country journey in the first place, despite being estranged from him. Because he wanted to believe his dad reached out to him via that letter.
MuvaofPearl Montrose Hated that he went to the army so that wasn’t it he wanted to take his anger out he has a dark side he killed his first loves friend with no remorse his dad instilled that in him because he beat the hell out of him
Yes i think so its why he was so angry and could kill ji-ah friend so easy . Shows people do change
The book tic is holding at 15:16 mark is written by George Freeman.
Great breakdown as always! Just one thing, Tic wasn't speaking to his cousin, that was a close friendof hers. I believe she passed. That's why the woman brought out the photo album. There's a picture of them beside each other and Tic noticed the birthmark then. The ladies moved in together after their husbands passed.
I agree it’s also implied that the women have a “relationship” after their husband’s death
I love this show! This episode was a love letter to black women. It was beautifully wrote and portrayed. I felt a sense of empowerment watching it. Great video!
Yesss I said this too. Uncle George is coming back. I'm glad we saw him in this episode.
Hippolyta’s speech was so moving it really touched me.
Agree! And, television has come a long way. We would not see N episode like this even on cable as recent in time as 10 years ago.
I cried
@@brittneymiles4499 So did I sis xx
I’ve been looking forward to this
Cheers 🍻
You always so clever!!! As soon as I finished to watch this serie I watch your videos for a better explanation!!!
I think this was the best episode this season. I am sad we only have 3 episodes left. I literally got HBO because of this show
Heavy Spoilers make my Mondays after watching Lovecraft!!!✊🏾💯
Cheers Timothy, glad you’re enjoying the coverage
Heavy Spoilers keep up the great work Mate 💯💯💪🏾love your vids
I love your content! You make it so easy to understand the episodes.
I look forward to your videos after every new episode. Keep up the great work. 💕
Almost 3 years of an astrophysics degree here 👋🏽 Life got in the way so I didn’t finish 😔 I was so happy that Hippolyta was an astronomer. This episode was beautiful. So many brilliant parts but the Sun Rah speech was so perfect.
It came from 18th century philosopher Immanuel Kant. The name of the book is Critique of Pure Reason.
Is it just me or perhaps Tic's portal journey that we didn't see was actually portrayed in the beginning of episode 1? On a battlefield fighting aliens with Jackie Robinson smashing monsters with his bat. That scene feels to out of place to be a random dream that he had.
I think that the Machine recognized her DNA! The background was all DNA universe !
I don’t think anyone has mentioned this but Atticus is also the name of Atticus finch one of the main characters in to kill a mockingbird.
Did you know there is actually a technical term for hitting something to make it work? It's called "Percussive Calibration".
No way
I really enjoyed this episode & any little things I was pondering over you have cleared up with your breakdown. Keep em' coming.
This episode was my fav. So basically Hippolyta died as Tic tried to save her. She went through different portals, which can be interpreted as heaven (hence why everything was white and she was naked). Dark melanin people are extraterrestrials aka from outside of earth, so that’s why heaven was space. The “I AM” space woman, well she was who she said she was, I AM. *GOD IS A BLACK WOMAN* When you die you have the ability as melanin people to create your reality. Hippolyta was with her husband who died, but decided to come back for Dee at the end, maybe as an ancestor, spirit guide or guardian angel since she wasn’t in episode 8.
I too loved the little "woody" spaceship.
Thank you for your breakdowns it really helps me to understand the episodes on a deeper level! Appreciate you!
Another great review. Love this show, just don't know what to expect. Thanks, man.
Both captivated and confused by the latest Lovecraft Country episode, so this breakdown really helps
The name Sarafina is a reference to Sarafina! A young black South African struggling for freedom during apartheid. Specifically the 1964 Soweto school uprisings. 176 kids were killed by white policemen, and many more injured. We celebrate Youth Day here on 16 June.
I wonder if we are supposed to look past Leti clearly being much lighter than her siblings like in most shows or that she likely has a different father for the plot
Love the way you do the breakdowns
I just know this is one of those shows I will need to watch from the beginning to see clues that I have missed, thank you for your reviews, it is very informative
The Afro Futurism is so dope on this episode. Funkadelic
Let us know your thoughts on the episode and if we missed anything drop it in the comments below.
I really thought the “I am” was referencing the I am a man Memphis sanitation workers’ strike but that’s the only thing my mind went to.
too many ads
So am I correct that the only thing lovecraftian in the series has been the brief shoggoth reference in ep 1?
The title of this episode and every reference you mentioned is a reference to God naming himself in the book of Exodus: God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM"; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" Exodus 3_14
The basic theme of the episode being that Hippolyta naming herself and reclaiming her identity allows her to transcend into a god like state not bound by the people and society that kept her small.
As always I absolutely love your breakdowns and look forward to them each week! ❤
Okay so I beleive that the afro android (epic by the way) she did say her name is 'I Am' and I beleive this is a reference to God as that is what he is also called. With her being female was a play on the fact that many people believe that God is a woman.
I love your outlook because you are an English white man who has a grasp on this is history
“Every beginning is in time and every limit of extension in space” may be a reference to Doctor Who, where the time and space travel machine is called a TARDIS, standing for Time And Relative Dimension In Space.
Awsome. learning something new explained is confusing and intriguing at the same time. Wish i could write like this.
I rely on you to do this ...Great job...again..
What popped into my head was DesCartes: I think therefore I am. But then later, i figured it was her journey to decide who she was, not what someone expected her to be. In the end, she got to define herself, a feeling we all crave, really. How liberating that must have felt. It’s strange how a lot of the characters, through magic, wind up getting what they desire. I wonder what the price for that will be.
birth mark could reinforce George being Tic's dad
Thanks for providing some more context!
This was my favorite episode to date. I would watch a series with just Hippolyta traveling through time and space.
I absolutely love your channel. Keep it up fam! 💪🏿