Ep 4. Alex Wheatle

Small Axe season 1 episode 4, titled "Alex Wheatle," is a gripping portrayal of the eponymous character's life journey. The episode takes viewers through the life experiences of Wheatle, a British-Jamaican writer who, despite being raised in a White foster family, never forgot his roots.

Set in the 1980s, the episode opens with Wheatle's arrest during the Brixton uprisings of 1981. The police brutality he experiences at the hands of British law enforcement officers transforms him into a political activist who is determined to stand up against systemic racism. Through flashbacks, viewers are taken back to Wheatle's early life in care homes and his initial struggle to come to terms with his Jamaican identity.

The episode then transitions to Wheatle's discovery of reggae music and his consequent immersion into the Rastafarian culture. At this point, Wheatle finally feels like he belongs somewhere, and reggae music becomes a cornerstone of his identity. It is during a visit to a Rastafarian gathering that he is introduced to the spoken word and begins to write, exploring his creativity and his passion for storytelling.

Later, Wheatle moves to South London and becomes embedded in the Black British community, which serves as an inspiration for his writing. However, as he begins to assert himself, Wheatle experiences the harsh realities of police brutality that culminate in his brutal arrest. The episode showcases the trauma that Wheatle and other victims of systemic racism suffered in the hands of British law enforcement during that period.

Despite his traumatic arrests, Wheatle does not back down and continues to write. He finally gets his big break when he is invited to participate in a literary night event organised by he Bridgeman family. Through his lyrical storytelling, Wheatle resonates with his audience, and his talent is finally recognised.

As the episode concludes, viewers are reminded of the ongoing fight against systemic racism, especially as regards police brutality against Black people. Alex Wheatle's life journey resonates with many in the Black community who, like him, have had to navigate a hostile system that continually seeks to undermine them.

In conclusion, Small Axe season 1 episode 4, Alex Wheatle, is a powerful episode that vividly captures the true story of one man's life journey of self-discovery and creativity, while also shining a spotlight on the ongoing struggle against systemic racism in the UK. It is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the Black British experience and the positive impacts of creative expression as a means of resistance.