Boomerang 1×9 Review: “Us Too” – Addressing The #MeToo Movement In A Very Powerful Episode

Boomerang decided to address the Me Too movement in its penultimate episode and I loved every second of it. “Us Too” shared different perspectives from the main cast as they tried to make sense of what happened.

Trigger Warning: This review talks about sexual assault. Proceed with caution.

The Me Too movement, while extremely important, isn’t without its share of critics. It is a polarizing situation, which is an unfortunate thing we have to deal with. Why won’t everyone want to be safe and allow others to feel the same? Sigh.

‘Us Too’ talked about sexual assault and harassment as well as the consequences (or the lack thereof in certain cases). The episode opened with the Graham Agency closing due to accusations against Simone’s father, Marcus Graham. For those who have watched the film Boomerang, thinking of Marcus being faced with such accusations does make sense (for some).

Through Simone, Crystal, Ari, Tia, Bryson, and David, we got to see how different people handle such situations. The entire episode was very powerful.

You could get to hear these characters share something you or someone you know might have said in real life regarding sexual assault and harassment accusations.

With Simone, we got to see how such accusations affect the family of the one being accused. She has to make sense of her feelings as a daughter as well as knowing the importance of standing with the ones who come forward. For Simone it doesn’t matter if the event took place decades ago; what is wrong is wrong.

While Simone is Marcus’ daughter, Bryson always looked up to Marcus as a father figure. To him, Marcus was perfect. Ari seemed to be in a similar boat. He couldn’t understand how certain men (R. Kelly and Bill Cosby were mentioned in the episode) should be completely canceled when the content they have produced meant so much to numerous people out there. Should the art be separated from the artist?

“Us Too” shared how dangerous it can be to put people on pedestals and how it can lead to ignoring certain problematic things about them so you can continue to think of such individuals as being perfect.

Crystal came in with the victim shaming. While at first, I couldn’t understand how a character like her could think like that, the episode revealed Crystal’s stance was due to her own experience with sexual assault. She blamed herself for what happened to her.

Crystal’s story is similar to countless others who have blamed themselves; thinking they deserved what happened to them because of how they acted, talked, etc.

David came in with a religious speech. Now, don’t get me wrong. I get how religion plays an important role in many lives (it does in mine, too). However, when you come in with how a higher power has a plan, how everything happens for a reason, and how no one should be judged while doing nothing to help the victims, I would appreciate you keeping such opinions to yourself.

Also, I couldn’t get behind David saying men should treat women like their mothers. As far as my opinion goes, women shouldn’t be respected just because you relate their existence to your mother, sister, daughter, etc. You need to respect them because they are living beings.

Tia made the most sense in “Us Too,” and I loved every word. She talked about how men abused their power to take advantage of women trying to be financially stable and provide for their families. She talked about how tough it is for women to feel safe even when they are simply waiting at a bus stop, shopping, or walking somewhere.

And yes, before some of you point it out, Tia did address women in power, too. The fact remains women are less likely to abuse their power. However, if some of them do, you know Tia will stand with the victims.

She also talked about how some people want others to move on. While it can be easy for certain people to move on and leave the past in the past, it isn’t so easy for those who have experienced sexual assault or harassment.

I can’t wait to see what Boomerang has in store for us in the season one finale. The show has been renewed for a second season.

What did you think of Boomerang this week? Let us know.

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Resource: National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline – Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.

Visit the website RAINN.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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