Netflix’s Sense8 may be the “controversial” show not only international, but also American media needs. Sense8, released in 2015 on the streaming site Netflix depicts the journey 8 seemingly unrelated people from all around the world go on upon discovering their surreal, neurological connection. Sense8 is one of the first popular shows in modern American media to incorporate both actors and characters that are LGBT+ into the main cast and actively challenge common, modern issues any person may endure.
Sense8 is a Netflix original show produced by Lilly and Lana Wachowski in conjunction with J. Michael Straczynski. It began airing on June 5, 2015. Its directors, Tom Tykwer, James McTeigue, and Dan Glass also played a large role in the production of the show. Nevertheless, much of the conception and production is accredited to the mastermind of Straczynski and the Wachowski sisters.
The Wachowski sisters are two trans sisters who were born in Chicago in the 1960’s. Most of their cinematic influence originate in Tolkien novels, comic books, Hitchcock and Kubrick movies, and assorted Japanese animation films. They have also stated that philosophers such as West and Wilbur serve as great inspirations for their work. On the other hand, Straczynski was born in New Jersey in 1954. His line of work has included being a playwright, journalist, and even an author in the past. Like the Wachowski sisters, he is a long-time comic fan and even wrote comics in the 1980’s. In producing Sense8, the two wanted to create something that differentiated themselves from the industry and, in the Wachowski sister’s words, “screw with the audience's’ experiences”. 
Sense8’s inception came about during a conversation about how technology can connect people while simultaneously uniting and dividing people. The group wanted to express a sense of “evolution” through the unity of humankind, simulating a global understanding through the show’s character’s otherworldly connections. The Wachowski sisters especially were excited to express topics and ideas foreign to modern television, such as the expression of sexuality and gender identity. Sense8 ended up becoming one of the first notable television shows starring a transgender actress playing a transgender character in the main cast, with Jamie Clayton as Nomi. In her casting, Clayton has said the following:
“To be able to be on a set with someone who is trans (Lana Wachowski), who is directing me, who had written this part of a trans character was a dream come true. I thought to myself, ‘I want this experience. I want to be able to do this.’ It’s so rare in Hollywood. There’s more opportunity that’s being presented, especially really recently, for trans characters on television, but I thought, ‘Shit, when am I going to get to play one that’s actually written by someone who’s trans?’ I knew that that was really special. That was my number one reason.”
Through its diverse cast, Sense8 was able to convey multiple diverse and widely uncommunicated themes to its audience, some of them being the themes of unity and solidarity and gender, sexual and racial identity.
The primary theme of the show is the unity of people and the solidarity those across the globe have. The main cast consists of 8 people from 7 different countries. They speak different languages, are of different races, and have different religions and affiliations. Nevertheless, they are able to connect both through their “otherworldly” connection and their ability to empathize with each other and their problems. Each character deals with different issues related to their culture and identity. Despite their differences, they are able to help each other out, whether it be lending martial arts skills or being a shoulder to cry on. This friendship they have is representative that no matter the physical or figurative barriers keeping people apart, there is always a way to connect with one another.
Another theme presented within Sense8 is the expression of gender, sexual, and racial identity. As stated, one of the main characters, Nomi, is a transgender character played by a transgender actress. Within the show, she also has a black girlfriend (who are admittedly the cutest couple in the show). Lito, another of the main cast, is also gay and deals with discrimination in his line of work as a famous actor in the industry. With their diverse backgrounds and cultures, a wider audience is able to relate and associate themselves with their troubles. These lesbian and gay couples convey the message that love knows no boundaries, no matter gender or sexual orientation. Also incorporated into this message of identity is that of racial identity; as stated, each character hails from a different corner of the world. The show portrayed how any person can be “normal” without being confined to stereotypes or cultural norms. The characters are amazing while also being minorities; this empowers not only the worlds from which they originate but also the people they represent. It brings a unique perspective on these groups and also serves as a proper representation of their true cultures.
I personally believe Sense8 is a beautiful show on both the production and symbolic level. They quite literally traveled all around the world to shoot this show, and spared no expense in the cinematography. The shooting and direction of the show is gorgeous, from the skylines to the landscapes. The detailed effort the directors put into perfecting each and every scene was visible in the beautiful transitions and flow of the show. Also, the directing was especially clever, what with the seamless character transitions and hops from country to country. One wouldn’t know there would have been months between each shoot or a particular scene; the positioning was precariously planned and the great detail allowed for an amazing product. 
On a more symbolic standpoint, I believe Sense8 has come to represent a part of society people wish to push away. Authentic Asian actors, Mexican actors and the like seldom appear in American media. The inclusion of such a diverse casts allows for the show to expand its horizons and appeal to a wider audience, all while appearing much more real to the American one. With its diversely “controversial” themes and all-around cleverness, Sense8 is truly one of the most beautiful shows in modern media today and should be appreciated for all the hard work put into its production.
*fun fact: sense8's season 2 release date has just been announced for this christmas omg*
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2 comments
Write commentsI not have watched Sense8, but based on your description of the show I may have to reconsider my decision. I am always glad when TV shows use a diverse cast because of the lack of representation of people of color. Based on the information provided, I feel as though the show is making progress for actors of color. Moreover, your detailed description of the themes of the show allowed me to have a better understanding of complexity of the show. In addition, there is such a lack of lgbq+ characters in many shows, so this show is making huge strides in the advancement of lgbq+ characters. Moreover, I like how the show instills different countries and cities because many times TV shows, show foreign countries as undeveloped and ravaged by poverty.
ReplyI've never heard of Sense8 until your presentation and honestly, I'm hoping I can borrow my friends' netflix account, make my own, or perhaps google alternative websites to watch it...Anyways, as you probably know, I'm always really critical on lack of representation in the media. In fact, me and my friends are always wishing there would be a series that had LGBTQ+ and POC representation. This show has all of that in addition to an interesting plot that really for me shows how everyone is really connected despite differences--as the show I feel suggests. This was really enlightening and I'm happy that such a show exists. I have not watched it yet but I am excited to as soon as possible--I hope it opens the door for more representation in forms of media.
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