Clean Slate

If you can look past the frequent gender affirmations, as well as the repetitive use of terms like "she," "her," "daughter," and "woman," along with Laverne's character often behaving like a cisgender teenage girl, this sitcom is generally lighthearted and entertaining.

The show can feel somewhat cringeworthy and unrealistic, particularly when Laverne, towering at over six feet in dresses and heels with a full face of makeup, seems fixated on reliving her childhood as a "girl." This feels odd, considering her character appears to be in her 40s. The sitcom seems to be trying hard to fit into the mold of a typical white woman sitcom, rather than exploring the complexity of a black man returning to Mobile, Alabama as a black trans woman in a comedic way.

That being said, the show still offers enjoyable moments, especially in its heartwarming portrayal of a father's unconditional love and acceptance.

I do wish the show had delved deeper into why Des ran away and provided a more realistic, nuanced conversation between Des and her father about her transition.

Let's be honest for a moment. Trans people are a huge topic of conversation in our society at this moment -- hopefully short lived so we can get back to living our lives. That this show even was produced and released is a small miracle that would make the ladies of the church choir in Mobile Alabama shout Hallelujah.

What really makes this show a standout is the cast and dialog. There are just some moments that made me laugh out loud in delight at the witty jabs. And seeing Desiree turn down an undeterred ex-con named Mack again and again, despite their obvious chemistry, is terrific.

I think this show is meant to be lighthearted, sunny and sweet as a pecan pie (of which Desiree's father, Harry, cannot get his fill of). And seeing Desiree settle back into her home town and find acceptance is something we all can connect with.

Is this groundbreaking content? No. Does it need to be? Also no.

We've come to expect that any media featuring trans identities needs to be educational, righteous, progressive, and informative of their experiences. It doesn't!

It's refreshing to have a mindless primetime sitcom featuring a trans main character- but not have the storylines solely focused on that single characteristic.

Of course the topic is navigated at intersections where it makes sense, but it is by no means focused on her gender identity.

Instead, the show is focused on themes and plot lines we've come to expect from our comfort sitcoms, with plenty of laughs to go around too.

Hoping they get a season 2. I need more Laverne Cox on my screen because that woman is a STAR.

The first episode's writing may have been a little bit awkward and unnatural, but by the last episode I was literally crying as Laverne Cox's character goes through a healing process.

It discusses a lot of issues facing our modern world and does so in a wonderfully comedic way. From transphobia and religion, to Jan 6th and the women who walked at Selma, they touched on so much. While I know it is meant to be a lighthearted show, my only note would be to maybe include a story or two of characters who weren't able to mend fences or weren't supported when they came out, just cause there are plenty of ppl out there with that experience, and it ended up feeling like an underrepresented reality in such a relevant subject.

I loved all the supporting characters who are played by a wonderful cast of comedians, and I must say I was very impressed by the young Norah Murphy!

Thank you Laverne Cox for your unending talent and courageous representation of the queer community!

I really liked the idea of this show and the fact the story is about a trans trying to fit in, the idea is fresh and the content relevant in todays world, however I found most of the characters and script both cliche and cheesy Desiree is the only believable character to me the others feel like they've jumped out of a Tyler Perry comedy I thought this show would be deeper with wit and comedy sprinkled in. I feel it could be a lot better but it's an ok show if you go into it knowing you'll get an easy watching slightly predictable sit com. It's enjoyable but could be so much more. That's just my opinion though others may think it's perfect.