Ep 3. Red, White and Blue

In season one episode three of Small Axe titled "Red, White and Blue," the audience is introduced to a young man named Leroy Logan, portrayed by John Boyega. The episode takes us on a journey into Leroy's personal and professional life, shedding light on his experiences as a black man in a predominantly white police force.

The episode starts with Leroy leaving his job as a scientist to join the police force, much to the dismay of his father. Leroy's father had experienced first-hand the racism and discrimination black people face at the hands of the police. His father viewed Leroy's decision to join the force as a betrayal of their community.

As Leroy starts his new job, he encounters many challenges and unfair treatment from his colleagues. He is constantly subjected to racist remarks, and his supervisors do not hesitate to blame him for anything that goes wrong on the job, despite his impeccable record. However, Leroy remains undeterred and is determined to make a positive impact in his community.

Leroy's passion for his job is fueled by a personal tragedy. His best friend was killed by a gang member, and Leroy was unable to get justice for him. This incident motivated Leroy to join the police force and work towards making his community safer.

As the episode progresses, Leroy faces even more challenges. He is at odds with his father, who still sees him as a traitor. Additionally, his colleagues refuse to work with him, and he is forced to work alone on several occasions.

Despite all the challenges, Leroy remains committed to his job and is eventually recognized for his excellent work. He receives an invitation from the Queen to attend a ceremony at Buckingham Palace, where he is honored for his service to the community.

Overall, "Red, White and Blue" offers an insightful look into the trials and tribulations faced by black people in law enforcement. It highlights the importance of representation and the need to create a more diverse and inclusive police force. The episode also sheds light on the impact of racism on the mental health of individuals in the community and the importance of advocating for mental health awareness in black communities.

The episode masterfully portrays the relationship between Leroy and his father, highlighting the generational divide within the black community when it comes to law enforcement. "Red, White and Blue" is an emotional and thought-provoking story that is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of race and policing in the UK.