Lenny Henry’s Windrush drama in Three Little Birds disappoints with its over-sanitized portrayal | Television & radio

2023-10-23 00:04:04

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Review: Lenny Henry’s Windrush drama "Three Little Birds" emerges as a sanitised portrayal

Our ancestors hold a sense of mystery for us, including our grandparents and even our parents. We marvel at their bravery in embarking on journeys to foreign lands and their resilience in enduring hardships and discrimination. Yet, they often left without fully explaining themselves, leaving us with the task of understanding who they were and what they went through.

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Lenny Henry, the legendary entertainer turned advocate for media diversity, has delved into this exploration of his own heritage in previous acclaimed series like "Soon Gone: A Windrush Chronicle" and "My Name Is Leon." However, his latest series, "Three Little Birds," takes on a more personal dimension as he serves as the creator, executive producer, and writer for four out of the six episodes.

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Personal Stories that Reflect Common Experiences

The plotlines of "Three Little Birds" draw inspiration from Henry's own family's experiences, which will resonate with many immigrant families. The overt racism displayed by neighbors, the substandard housing at exorbitant prices, and the emotional detachment from their home country create a jarring sense of disillusionment for these Commonwealth citizens arriving under their British passports.

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Missing Authenticity and Cultural Vibrancy

"Three Little Birds" unfortunately misses the mark when it comes to capturing the cultural vibrancy of the era. The absence of a ska and dub reggae soundtrack, genres that had a significant influence on Jamaica's music but didn't gain popularity in the UK until the 1960s, is notable. Instead, the portrayal of a blues party in Notting Hill features American styles like boogie-woogie and ragtime, leading to unfavorable comparisons with the iconic Silly Games scene from Steve McQueen's "Lovers Rock."

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While paying tribute to Trinidadian musician Winifred Atwell is commendable, the lack of depth and texture throughout the drama is apparent. Some promising supporting characters, such as no-nonsense neighbor Mrs. Biswas and the landlord at a racially-charged pub, are introduced but then neglected. The focus on the three female leads, while showcasing their confidence and the diverse talent behind the camera, borders on putting them on a pedestal rather than exploring their complexities.

An Idealized Portrayal

The characters and their actions in "Three Little Birds" often feel sanitized, as if seen through the lens of a young person writing home to worried relatives. For example, the reasons behind a woman staying in a relationship with a deceitful partner like Aston, or the potential underlying lesbian desires between Chantrelle and fellow nanny Siobhan, are not fully explored. The drama exhibits deep reverence for the Windrush generation without truly understanding their experiences.

A Lack of Understanding

While it is important to respect and honor our elders, "Three Little Birds" falls short in providing a deeper understanding of this pivotal period in history. Although it is entirely appropriate to acknowledge and rectify the disrespect shown to the Windrush generation, a satisfying and engaging television drama necessitates a more nuanced and authentic portrayal. By truly comprehending the experiences of our predecessors, we can better honor their legacy.

• "Three Little Birds" aired on ITV1 and is now available on ITVX.

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