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The critically acclaimed series and the promising layers
of complex female stories from other cultures.
Photo: FX/Hulu
Anna Sawai’s portrayal of Mariko in the FX series Shogun may be more significant in complex female stories than we can see on the surface. Her critically acclaimed role in the limited series based on James Clavell's 1975 novel may signal a shift toward more authentic and nuanced portrayals of women of color in film and television - and how they represent non-Western cultures with greater depth.
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Mariko, a woman of samurai lineage navigating the complex social and political landscape of feudal Japan, delves deeper into and beyond the stereotypical portrayals of Asian women than we typically see in the content of the major streaming giants. Instead, Sawai's Mariko is portrayed as a strong, intelligent, and independent character, whose story is deeply rooted in Japanese history and culture.
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Photo: FX/Hulu
​Non-English speaking cultures have often been filtered through a limited and lens, and perpetuated one-dimensional stereotypes and monolithic portrayals.
Shogun shifts the perspective and allows for a more authentic exploration of Japanese culture and history, free from the constraints of typical cultural interpretations and comparisons - moving beyond tokenism to embrace stories that are rooted in the real experiences and histories of people from diverse cultures.
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Watch the series on FX or Hulu.
MICHELLE NGUYEN
By Marissa Ramirez
August 25, 2024 6:57PM PDT
Photo: FX/Hulu
Photo: FX/Hulu
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Sawai's "Mariko" opens a lens to a different historical perspective, where feudal Japan is not sidelined or simplified. With her own motivations and complexities, Sawai allows for a character in a series that has been lauded for it's respect toward historical authenticity. And shows the significance of honor even in Japanese female lineage.
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The broader implications of this shift are significant. Mariko is depicted as a complex, resilient, and intelligent woman who navigates the treacherous waters of feudal Japan with grace and determination. Her character breaks away from the stereotypical portrayals of Asian women that have long dominated cinema - passive, submissive, or overly exoticized. Instead, Mariko stands as a testament to the strength and agency of women of color, providing a portrayal that is both layered and empowering.
Photo: FX/Hulu
SHOGUN: WHAT ANNA SAWAI'S PORTRAYAL OF MARIKO MEANS FOR THE COMPLEX STORIES WE HAVEN'T LEARNED OF YET
MICHELLE NGUYEN
Photo: IMDB
By Celine Morell
August 22, 2024 8:17AM PDT
Photo: Netflix
YERIN HA CAST AS SOPHIE BECKETT IN BRIDGERTON SEASON 4
The "Halo" actress is set to play Benedict Bridgerton's love interest
​Yerin Ha, the Australian-Korean actress who rose to fame with her role in "Halo", is set to join the cast of Netflix's "Bridgerton" for its fourth season - which will focus on Benedict Bridgerton’s romantic journey (played by Luke Thompson). Ha who played Kwan Ha in the "Halo" television series, was born and raised in Australia to Korean immigrant parents and trained at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney, one of the country’s prestigious drama schools. She will be portraying Sophie Beckett, a key character in the next chapter of the beloved Shondaland series. The illegitimate daughter of an earl, Sophie is forced into servitude by her cruel stepmother. Her life changes when she attends a masquerade ball and catches the eye of Benedict Bridgerton, sparking a romance that transcends social class and convention.
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Season 4 will shift the focus to Benedict Bridgerton, the second eldest of the Bridgerton siblings. Portrayed by Luke Thompson, Benedict has been a fan-favorite since the show’s debut, known for his artistic sensibilities and his struggles with societal expectations. As the series follows the structure of Julia Quinn’s novels, Season 4 will adapt "An Offer From a Gentleman" where Benedict’s romance with Sophie Beckett becomes the central storyline. The third book in the series, Sophie’s story is a Regency-era twist on the classic Cinderella rags to riches tale.
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Yerin Ha’s Sophie will bring a new dynamic to the show, as her character challenges the rigid social hierarchies of Regency London and pushes Benedict to question his place in the world. Their love story may be the most compelling yet, blending themes of identity, class, and true love.
The series, which has consistently pushed boundaries with its diverse and inclusive casting continues this tradition, further enriching the show’s narrative tapestry.
MICHELLE NGUYEN
The third season of everyone's favorite series
delivers a surprise: very little plot.
Photo: FX
By Will Song
August 15, 2024 9:10AM PDT
In The Bear Season 3, the show tells you it can still deliver tension - simply not the kind you were expecting. The series, known for its raw portrayal of the culinary world delves deeper into the psychological and emotional landscape of its characters.
The season opens with Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) reflecting on his past, symbolized by a scar on his palm. This introspective moment sets the tone for a season that is less about plot advancement and more about exploring the layers of Carmy’s life and the people who have shaped him.
The narrative structure of Season 3 is unconventional, often looping and layered, reflecting the chaotic and fragmented nature of the protagonist’s experiences. The surprise is the show is in no hurry to tie anything together, and the characters are seen more from their own separate lives than together as an ensemble. This approach may not offer the same immediate gratification as the high-energy exchanges of previous seasons, but it highlights the show’s greatest strength: its willingness to take risks and push creative boundaries.
Critics have noted that The Bear continues to defy genre conventions. While it is often labeled a comedy, the series leans heavily into dark comedy territory, exploring themes of grief, consequences, and personal demons. This season, in particular, embraces a moody and more disorienting tone, which may not resonate with all viewers but is a testament to the show’s commitment to authenticity and depth - and it takes on a more artistic and cinematic visual journey.
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Photo: FX
Creator Christopher Storer and his team have crafted a season that, while different, is uniquely suited to the subject matter of the culinary arts and the Michelin world. The experimentation with tone, format, and story structure mirrors the innovative spirit of the culinary world itself. It’s a bold move that may not please everyone, but it underscores the show’s creative restlessness and refusal to conform to expectations.
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The Bear Season 3 may not be like its two previous seasons, but the norm of The Bear is there is no norm. Its uniqueness lies in its willingness to experiment and explore new narrative territories. For fans willing to embrace this journey, the season offers a rich, layered experience that stays true to the show’s core themes while daring to offer friction - even in the form of your viewing experience. This creative direction is promising for future comedy television and shows that unconventional episodic stories can indeed be on the menu.
THE BEAR SEASON 3: A BOLD EXPERIEMENT IN TELEVISION
Photo: Instagram @michellebuteau
Photo: ABC/Hulu
Quinta Brunson, known for her breakout role in "Abbott Elementary," has seamlessly shown audiences the definition of multi-faceted. Michelle Buteau continues to captivate audiences with her dynamic presence in stand-up specials and memorable performances in popular shows like "The Circle" and "First Wives Club." Her comedic style blends sharp wit with candid reflections on modern life and relationships.
Ayo Edebiri represents the emerging generation of comedians, celebrated for her fresh perspective and cultural commentary - and the depth it can add to a darker comedy series like FX’s “The Bear”.
Variety's acknowledgment of Brunson, Buteau, and Edebiri underscores their impact on shaping comedic narratives and expanding representation within the industry. Their inclusion in the 2024 Comedy Impact List reflects their influence in pushing boundaries and fostering meaningful dialogue through humor - and the genre's power to entertain, provoke thought, and inspire change in today's cultural landscape.
VARIETY'S 2024 COMEDY IMPACT LIST SPOTLIGHTS QUINTA BRUNSON, MICHELLE BUTEAU, AND AYO EDEBIRI
Photo: Hulu/FX
By Willa Le
July 22, 2024 10:19PM PDT
Variety revealed their 2024 Comedy Impact List and with no surprise Quinta Brunson, Michelle Buteau and Ayo Edebiri top the list. The talented comedians have made indelible marks with their unique styles, and memorable performances. Their ability to navigate and redefine humor in the digital age marks them as influential voices in the industry.
F E A T U R E
MICHELLE NGUYEN
Behind the success of stand-up specials
for Marlon Wayans and Katt Williams
By Will Song
July 14, 2024 11:25AM PDT
In the dynamic world of comedy production, Michelle Nguyen stands as a pivotal figure, steering the successful productions of some of the biggest stand-up specials today. As a Producer at Dakota Pictures, Nguyen's influence spans across prestigious networks and streaming platforms, including Netflix, HBO, and now Amazon Prime.
Nguyen's recent achievements include producing Marlon Wayans' uproarious stand-up special "Good Grief" for Amazon Prime and Katt Williams' thought-provoking "Woke Foke" for Netflix. These specials have garnered critical acclaim but have also resonated deeply with audiences, showcasing Nguyen's adeptness in working with compelling and culturally relevant content.
"Marlon Wayans: Good Grief" brought Wayans' signature humor to Amazon Prime, where Nguyen played a role in bringing the creative to what we see on screen and all production aspects behind it. The special not only highlighted Wayans' comedic prowess but also underscored Nguyen's ability to support and collaborate seamlessly with talent and networks to deliver standout performances.
Similarly, "Katt Williams: Woke Foke" on Netflix showcased Williams' sharp wit and incisive social commentary, further solidifying Nguyen's reputation for producing standout comedy content. Her expertise in navigating the complexities of production—from start to finish—helped ensure immense creative reach while meeting the high standards of platforms like Netflix.
Nguyen's journey in the entertainment industry spans continents, originally hailing from Sweden before making Los Angeles her home base. Her diverse portfolio includes producing original productions such as "The Standups" and "Hidden America with Jonah Ray," demonstrating her versatility across comedy genres and formats.
"I am passionate about bringing authentic and impactful storytelling to audiences," Nguyen remarked. "Each project presents unique challenges and opportunities, and I am grateful to work with talented comedians like Marlon Wayans and Katt Williams who push boundaries and elevate the comedy genre."
As a leading producer at Dakota Pictures, Nguyen oversees all aspects of production, working closely with directors, executive producers, and streamers to ensure seamless execution. Her meticulous approach includes the normal stuff we would guess producers have a hand in - and much more.
For Nguyen, producing stand-up comedy isn't just about orchestrating a series of jokes; it's about creating an unforgettable experience. "I wish everyone could come visit a stand-up set," Nguyen remarks. "It's a challenge like no other because by no means is it easy." She speaks from over a decade of experience in the high-pressure environment of live comedy production, where every detail matters.
"In the middle of rushing to get everything in place - even more so on a live show like Katt’s special - there's an incredible thrill," Nguyen explains. From the control room to the backstage wings, she witnesses firsthand the magic and chaos that culminate in laughter. "I've been in control rooms with tears streaming down my face," she admits, "but you don't want to laugh too hard because you want to be mindful of everyone on comms."
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Control room monitor for Marlon Wayans: Good Grief" (2024) I Photo: Dakota Pictures
Nguyen's enthusiasm for her work shines through as she describes the dynamic energy behind the scenes. Working alongside some of the best technical and live personnel in the industry, she thrives on the unpredictability and creativity that live comedy demands.
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Nguyen's role extends beyond individual specials to encompass a wide range of projects, including series and feature films, reflecting her commitment to fostering diverse and engaging content across multiple platforms. Beyond the technical challenges and the thrill of live shows, Nguyen pushes for diversity in comedy production. "Comedy, TV, film—it's all about the lens," she asserts. "The best comedy out there brings a different perspective to the table." Nguyen believes that diversity, whether in the creative roles or behind-the-scenes, enriches the comedic landscape by offering fresh perspectives and stories.​ "There's real impact in a wide range of perspectives," Nguyen emphasizes. "Whether you're on the creative side or creative adjacent, diversity helps bring a new lens."
Looking ahead, Nguyen continues to helm high-profile productions, including upcoming stand-up specials and series that promise to entertain, enlighten, and resonate with global audiences. Her dedication to and innovation in comedy production cements her as a driving force in shaping the future of comedy.
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Watch "Marlon Wayans: Good Grief" on Prime Video and "Katt Williams: Woke Foke" on Netflix.
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Michelle Nguyen in the control room during the live broadcast of "Katt Williams: Woke Foke" (2024) for Netflix I Photo: Dakota Pictures
"Katt Williams: Woke Foke" (2024) reached number 1 on Netflix I Photo: Netflix
Photo: Dakota Pictures
In the wings of Marlon Wayans on stage at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York for Marlon Wayans: Good Grief" (2024) I Photo: Dakota Pictures
Nguyen's ability to balance the intensity of live production with the need for a certain level of execution is a testament to her skill and dedication. It's a job that requires not only technical prowess but also a deep understanding of comedic timing and audience engagement.
The Katt Williams’ live special exemplifies her approach to pushing the boundaries of live comedy. "This team and production is blowing me away," she exclaims. "I found new ways to tinker with the process, and it's incredibly challenging and fun. It's certainly keeping us on our toes."
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Marlon Wayans at the premiere screening of "Good Grief" (2024) I Photo: Dakota Pictures
Michelle Nguyen after wrapping the live broadcast of "Woke Foke" (2024) I Photo: Netflix
