The sequence begins with Keisha reconnecting with Justin—an outdated classmate, a brand new flame—at a home social gathering. Their relationship unfolds over cute dates and examine classes, the 2 of them selecting their method via all of the messy, lovely confusion of rising up. And when she and Justin lastly have intercourse for the primary time, Keisha is given the house to discover what bodily connection appears to be like like on her phrases: The burden of her previous lingers, and she or he’s nonetheless studying to belief herself, set boundaries, and converse up when one thing feels unsuitable. (All of the whereas, Justin’s mother and father, a profitable Black couple who steadiness being strict and supportive, give us a window into the sort of lasting partnership all of us hope for—exhibiting what love can appear like throughout generations.)
By now, Mara Brock Akil is understood for creating impactful reveals with advanced Black leads—from Girlfriends to Being Mary Jane and The Recreation. Her earlier characters have at all times been richly layered, and Keisha is not any totally different. Her resonance begins along with her look: She doesn’t put on a lot make-up, goes between rocking braids and her pure hair, and—in true LA style—wears gold loops and a nameplate necklace.
She’s sensible, humorous, and has wonderful style in music. However she’s additionally a people-pleaser, usually quieting her personal must preserve issues simple for her mother—a single mum or dad working lengthy hours to place her daughter via faculty. It’s possibly why so many adults have discovered themselves drawn to the sequence: Keisha’s story is highly effective in its very familiarity. She speaks to a youthful, extra weak model of ourselves.
Akil’s skill to seize our complexities, joys, and rising pains provides her work a signature magic—although she wasn’t the one Black lady who helped to set Eternally on its ft. There was additionally the work of costume designer Tanja Caldwell, casting director Kim Taylor Coleman, and Regina King, who serves as each govt producer and director of 1 episode.
Simply as Moesha has stood the take a look at of time—29 years later, it’s nonetheless discovering new audiences—I hope Eternally turns into that lasting touchstone for a brand new technology, a present they will develop up with and return to. It’s not radical to ask for extra tales like this—it’s rightful.
