Blackstone

TV review by Kari Croop, Common Sense Media
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Common Sense says

age 16+

Drama's worthy themes include frank depictions of addiction.

Hulu Drama 2014
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Parents say

age 12+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Blackstone is an edgy ensemble drama set in Canada, exploring systemic problems on a fictional First Nation reserve and a small group's desire to effect positive change. There are frank depictions of alcohol and drug abuse -- including binge drinking and glue sniffing -- and some of the most disturbing scenes involve teens. There's also a fair amount of unbleeped language, from "bitch" to "f--k," along with a death by suicide stemming from a teen character's rape.

Community Reviews

Arindam B.
Arindam B. Adult
November 26, 2017
age 12+

Blackstone is a pathbreaker

Amazing sandwich of some pretty trite film making combined with character development that goes way beyond what we've learnt from the masters including David Simon. Off hand I can't think of parallels except from Dickens. Bill Sikes and Andy Fraser. Also, Ron E Scott has a much deeper understanding of addiction and alcoholism than I have seen anywhere else. More: I see a patient compassionate exposition of seemingly modernised but actually unevolved aboriginals trying to make sense of and grapple with a changed world order they are not equipped to handle. I have seen this in other parts of the world in real life. But never like this on film and done so poignantly. Camera work and dialogues rise from the pits Season 2 onwards
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In the wake of a teen's tragic suicide, a small group of members -- including addiction counselor Leona Stoney (Carmen Moore) and activist filmmaker Victor Merasty (Nathaniel Arcand) -- band together to change the political power structure within the BLACKSTONE First Nation reserve. But ousted chief Andy Fraser's (Eric Schweig) corruption runs so deep that it takes more than one election to take him and his cronies down.

Is It Any Good?

Some critics have described this award-winning independent drama as the "Canadian Sopranos." And, although the writing and acting aren't always on that scale, it's not an unfair comparison. One of the best things to say about Blackstone, however, is that it doesn't really compare to anything that's come before it. Thanks in large part to head writer Ron E. Scott, a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, the series is tackling long-overdue topics in a refreshingly honest way from the perspective of aboriginals.

Although adults make up the bulk of Blackstone's audience, kids are involved in many of the storylines, including a sobering rape and suicide, a child-abuse investigation, and scenes showing heavy recreational drug use and drinking. More mature teens will see characters' risky behavior as part of the cautionary tale they're meant to tell, but the only way you’ll know for sure is to watch with them and talk about it.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Blackstone's portrayals of reservation life, particularly the way teens spend their time. How would growing up on a reservation like the one in the show affect your future -- and would you feel like you even had one? What are the obstacles young Native American people face, and is it possible to break the cycle of self-destruction?

  • Do Blackstone's realistic depictions of drug use and alcoholism run the risk of being instructive for impressionable young viewers? How often do characters who abuse substances on the show face negative consequences? How accurate is the series' take on addiction as it relates to native communities, and is there any stereotyping?

  • How does Blackstone compare to other movies and TV series that have attempted to explore native cultures? Does the fact that the story is told from an aboriginal point of view make a difference in the way Native American characters and their problems are portrayed?

TV Details

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