Yes this was sad but my tears were more about the beautiful send off that was given to Miss Candy. The thing I love about this show is how the rivals come together when it really matters. They are truly family in the end. They fight and fuss but when one of them is in trouble that's when their love shows. I love it!!
23 Reviews
God Bless You, Miss Candy
pioneer6410 July 2019
An outstanding episode for an outstanding show. I too broke down in tears.
azanti002911 July 2019
I have an entire blog coming up about this show in a few months from now (search Diamonds in the Sky blog) but found after watching the most recent episode I had to do a review on IMDB for POSE.
Firstly, POSE the show does so many things that the drama 'Transparent' covering similar issues set in contemporary times, failed to do. Unlike its predecessor, POSE is a show set firmly within a community that already exists and the range of different and diverse human beings who make up that community (There is after all only one race in the transgender community - THE HUMAN RACE) rather than about following one characters journey into joining said community today (I'm not saying a show like Transparent doesn't have a place, its just POSE for my money is a better show in every sense) - Set during the 1980s New York City, Transgender underground Ball Room era, the story follows several 'Houses' families made up of often ostracised individuals who have been outcast from the rest of society because of their choices in gender and sexuality. Seeking a family of their own, they often join 'Houses' normally led by an older member or Mother who looks after their well fare, runs the house and encourages its members to take part in the fashion ball room competitions in order to win trophies. As with any other group of people (Including my late Fathers bowling team) such groups are made up of a complex range of personalities with more than one or two egos clashing with each other. In addition to dealing with all the prejudiced and violence that often faces such a community it's soon stalked by another killer, the AIDS epidemic. So it is against this complex and colourful backdrop that we're introduced to the stories of a range of characters that we the audience are invited to both love and hate in equal measure.
POSE is a show that the LGBT community has been crying out for, for an extremely long time. It's approach to the characters is both honest and refreshing and as with other well written drama shows before it, no character here is entirely good or bad, everyone has flaws. Even those you find yourself screaming at in one scene often redeem themselves with a small act of kindness in another. What makes this show exceptional however is A) That they cast actual transgender actors in several leading roles and B) That so many of the cast are such exceptionally gifted actors, who could hold their own against the likes of Dicaprio and Hardy and even the weaker cast are cast well suited to their strengths. Special mentions must be made to M J Rodriguez, Indya Moore and Angelica Ross (whose character departing from the show compelled me to write this review.) The show's tonal balance is the other reason it is so good. It has the right amount of glitz and glamour almost bordering on the musical and surreal at times, but never allows itself to overstep that mark, while tackling extremely serious issues with an appropriate mix of lighter moments. This is a very hard balance for any show to achieve. The recent episode covering the brutal murder of one of the leads made me burst into tears, not only because I was so distressed at the departure of my favourite character but it was a poignant reminder of the departure of my Transgender friend, Naomi Hersei, who was murdered in similar circumstances in the United Kingdom in March of 2018. At least in her case her murderer was given 20 years.
I cannot praise this show and its creators enough and I must also mention Billy Porter, who as the shows anchor, is fine casting. I knew people just like his character in so many different areas of society. Their like are reminders to us all how special and unique the human race can be. And perhaps that is the core message of this show. If so, it delivers it 100%
Firstly, POSE the show does so many things that the drama 'Transparent' covering similar issues set in contemporary times, failed to do. Unlike its predecessor, POSE is a show set firmly within a community that already exists and the range of different and diverse human beings who make up that community (There is after all only one race in the transgender community - THE HUMAN RACE) rather than about following one characters journey into joining said community today (I'm not saying a show like Transparent doesn't have a place, its just POSE for my money is a better show in every sense) - Set during the 1980s New York City, Transgender underground Ball Room era, the story follows several 'Houses' families made up of often ostracised individuals who have been outcast from the rest of society because of their choices in gender and sexuality. Seeking a family of their own, they often join 'Houses' normally led by an older member or Mother who looks after their well fare, runs the house and encourages its members to take part in the fashion ball room competitions in order to win trophies. As with any other group of people (Including my late Fathers bowling team) such groups are made up of a complex range of personalities with more than one or two egos clashing with each other. In addition to dealing with all the prejudiced and violence that often faces such a community it's soon stalked by another killer, the AIDS epidemic. So it is against this complex and colourful backdrop that we're introduced to the stories of a range of characters that we the audience are invited to both love and hate in equal measure.
POSE is a show that the LGBT community has been crying out for, for an extremely long time. It's approach to the characters is both honest and refreshing and as with other well written drama shows before it, no character here is entirely good or bad, everyone has flaws. Even those you find yourself screaming at in one scene often redeem themselves with a small act of kindness in another. What makes this show exceptional however is A) That they cast actual transgender actors in several leading roles and B) That so many of the cast are such exceptionally gifted actors, who could hold their own against the likes of Dicaprio and Hardy and even the weaker cast are cast well suited to their strengths. Special mentions must be made to M J Rodriguez, Indya Moore and Angelica Ross (whose character departing from the show compelled me to write this review.) The show's tonal balance is the other reason it is so good. It has the right amount of glitz and glamour almost bordering on the musical and surreal at times, but never allows itself to overstep that mark, while tackling extremely serious issues with an appropriate mix of lighter moments. This is a very hard balance for any show to achieve. The recent episode covering the brutal murder of one of the leads made me burst into tears, not only because I was so distressed at the departure of my favourite character but it was a poignant reminder of the departure of my Transgender friend, Naomi Hersei, who was murdered in similar circumstances in the United Kingdom in March of 2018. At least in her case her murderer was given 20 years.
I cannot praise this show and its creators enough and I must also mention Billy Porter, who as the shows anchor, is fine casting. I knew people just like his character in so many different areas of society. Their like are reminders to us all how special and unique the human race can be. And perhaps that is the core message of this show. If so, it delivers it 100%
Wow
snkcharmer11 July 2019
Prepare for the tears
michael-phillips-5583812 July 2019
Beautifully written and acted
Stone-Author13 July 2019
One of the best episodes in an incredible, important and empowering show
fshardlow6 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
For the people saying this was a halt in the momentum of the show... F you.
This episode was beautiful, it was also necessary. Pose is certainly fun and glitzy and glamorous HOWEVER let's not forget the fact that these characters represent real people, real queer lives and losses. I think this episode was the reality check us viewers needed- Candy may have been a fictional character but she represents so much and her send off was truly heart-warming.
So much respect for the entire team behind this episode, from the actors to the writers to the crew. Everyone clearly put their best foot forward and it showed.
Well done Pose.
This episode was beautiful, it was also necessary. Pose is certainly fun and glitzy and glamorous HOWEVER let's not forget the fact that these characters represent real people, real queer lives and losses. I think this episode was the reality check us viewers needed- Candy may have been a fictional character but she represents so much and her send off was truly heart-warming.
So much respect for the entire team behind this episode, from the actors to the writers to the crew. Everyone clearly put their best foot forward and it showed.
Well done Pose.
From the bottom of the heart
jesusalf28 July 2019
Wow
aylaspaans2 November 2019
Art.
megaruda21 October 2019
This episode puts plenty of movies to shame, sorry not sorry. First of it all, it manages to bring hope out of a tragedy in a seamlessly manner, the acting is so subtle yet flawless, the exchange between Miss Candy and her parents is one story I had not heard before, specially not with such class and in a big tv show. I am so used to trans characters being portrayed as hookers who get killed and the main character fights for justice, but the trans character is so irrelevant and only a victim sometimes without even a line of dialogue. This is the most brilliant show at this moment, sure, sometimes the scripts could be polished just a tiny bit more in my opinion, but not this one, this was a flawless victory for everyone, there should be a Criterion Collection category for T.V shows.
Shocked!
J_Bun12 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Reading the other reviews, I'm shocked that people found this episode genuinely engaging.
I have really enjoyed Pose so far (with the exception of the singing episode) but Candy's goodbye was overwrought and cheesy. Having her talking in everyone's ears? It's been done so many times, and the supernatural element just felt out of place with the rest of the show.
I will admit that the ball at the end was a nice touch. Overall, I think this episode had a lot of fat that could have cut this hour and five minute episode, to make it a more engaging 40-45 minutes like many of the other episodes.
I have really enjoyed Pose so far (with the exception of the singing episode) but Candy's goodbye was overwrought and cheesy. Having her talking in everyone's ears? It's been done so many times, and the supernatural element just felt out of place with the rest of the show.
I will admit that the ball at the end was a nice touch. Overall, I think this episode had a lot of fat that could have cut this hour and five minute episode, to make it a more engaging 40-45 minutes like many of the other episodes.
Stunning
jamison060110 February 2020
The most emotional episode yet
EeeGee19 October 2020
Amazing on all accords
pckosmas3 November 2020
An Ugly Cry and Hope
jocardo-255361 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This episode here! I enjoy this entire series. I feel that the story lines are interesting, the characters are likable, and it is not to see Queer BIPOC LGBTIQAN+ people the focus of a show that is not all doom and gloom. This particular episode wins the Ball because it is so painful and joyous at the same time.
The episode focus on Candi, who is based on Venus Xtravaganza from the documentary Paris is Burning. If you have not seen this documentary yet, stop reading and go watch. Then watch again. Then come back. Candi wants a drag queen, lip syncing category at the Ball. Not only does she receive pushback, she is mocked. The idea is shot down. Candi, who is a sex worker, is murdered by a client. The community is in shock and it causes them to reflect on their treatment of Candi by them interacting with her ghost. They all come to realization that they are family and need to support each other.
The funeral for Candi is held with the entire Queer Ball community showing up to pay their respects. Candi's parents attend the funeral and the mom misgenders her. Blanca invites them in to say their final goodbyes. Candi's ghost interacts with her parents, in a touching goodbye with Candi, some truths are shared and faults admitted. Her fighter says "You may not know how to throw a spiral but your tough behind sure could tackle. My little fighter. All them boy things just wasn't your way. But you had guts" UGLY. CRY.
The lip sync at the end to Never Knew Love Like This Before was amazing and beautiful.
The episode is heartbreaking but ends on such a hopeful note.
The episode focus on Candi, who is based on Venus Xtravaganza from the documentary Paris is Burning. If you have not seen this documentary yet, stop reading and go watch. Then watch again. Then come back. Candi wants a drag queen, lip syncing category at the Ball. Not only does she receive pushback, she is mocked. The idea is shot down. Candi, who is a sex worker, is murdered by a client. The community is in shock and it causes them to reflect on their treatment of Candi by them interacting with her ghost. They all come to realization that they are family and need to support each other.
The funeral for Candi is held with the entire Queer Ball community showing up to pay their respects. Candi's parents attend the funeral and the mom misgenders her. Blanca invites them in to say their final goodbyes. Candi's ghost interacts with her parents, in a touching goodbye with Candi, some truths are shared and faults admitted. Her fighter says "You may not know how to throw a spiral but your tough behind sure could tackle. My little fighter. All them boy things just wasn't your way. But you had guts" UGLY. CRY.
The lip sync at the end to Never Knew Love Like This Before was amazing and beautiful.
The episode is heartbreaking but ends on such a hopeful note.
Meandering and boring
cyndi_fan24719 June 2020
One of the most boring things I've ever seen on screen. Any momentum that was building in previous episodes has been brought to an abrupt and jarring halt. It is striking the amount of dialogue used in this episode committed to saying nothing at all. I'm sure it was intended to be deep and meaningful, but under any kind of scrutiny it proves to be superficial at best.
Cheesy and bad
morganwjacobson21 July 2020
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