Two masterclasses to the end. Cicely Tyson and Viola Davis have the ability to bring us all to tears and show us what a mother-daughters relationship is. So beautiful.
I can't help but cry thinking about the scene where her mom says Our baby done big! And I couldn't help but think, that somewhere I have probably failed my folks.
I'm the Black Sheep of my family. I could achieve everything and to them it would be nothing. It's hard and heartbreaking to be rejected by the people You love the most. But if life has taught me anything is this...If you do your Best then whatever happens will be the Best. When you do, Your best shines a light on the Best that others can do.
The one truth in this scene, you can't be happy hurting other people. I believe that includes yourself! On that note, both are amazing actresses and I loved their scenes together. RIP Cicely Tyson
I think Viola and Cicely have great mother/daughter chemistry but this scene was in bad taste imo. #1 It was a wasted opportunity for Annalise to come to her mother. #2 It heavily implied that Annalise needs to be with Nate or any other man to truly be happy. Her scenes with Eve about saving herself and it being difficult for her to be a gay black woman were more authentic and heartfelt.
The question goes more deep. Annalise doesnt go from Men to Women just for the sake of been confortable. She goes for the sensation of feeling safe. Something that her mother never offer her (thats what annalise feels) She goes after who can make her feel safe. She loves according to who can protect her. Eve, Nate, Sam are just an example. Been afraid of sexuality, is something Annalise convince herself, because is more confortable instead to admit about her true feelings. Annalise admiting her feelings, it would conflict and be unfair to her mother. Ophelia was a product of her time. She was not a bad person or wanted anything bad to happen. For annalise, it would be unfair and cruel blaming her mother for what happen. This is the central problem. In one hand, Annalise wants to blame Ophelia, but on the other hand she cannot. Annalise doesnt go for gender or sexuality, but for who offers protection. Eve was a strong white lesbian, that was fierce and that draw Annalise (at some point, i even think she pick some traits from Eve). Eve could protect a young black girl in a white world. Sam could protect emotionly Annalise, by telling her what she need to do, for the pain to stop. Nate offer her sexually comfort that shield her from the memories. Once that sensation of savety goes, Annalise move to another person. Thats why Bonnie and Frank never sexually or romantic interested Annalise. They were like her. And she need to protect them. Specially Bonnie, that was so like her, and having a similar path.
I think the scene serves to show the reality of familial relationships and the kind of 'advice' older generations in the Black community give younger generations as well as the mindset and perpetuation of servitude among Black Women. I agree that it's unhealthy but the representation sparks conversation such as this so I do like that it was depicted in the show...not that you asked but yeah.
