The finale of Get Millie Black is a deep exploration of choice and consequence. Created by Jamaican novelist Marlon James, this HBO limited series blends genres to tell a gripping detective story with themes of race, colonialism, and self-discovery. The show follows Millie, a Jamaican woman who returns home to join the Jamaican police force after working as a Scotland Yard detective. The story revolves around her investigation of a missing schoolgirl, but the deeper narrative challenges Millie to face her past and make difficult choices that shape her future. If you’re ready for a detective story that dives into personal and societal ghosts, Get Millie Black delivers.
A Detective Story with Deeper Themes
While Get Millie Black may start as a typical detective mystery, its layers set it apart from the genre. Marlon James, known for his diverse storytelling in novels like A Brief History of Seven Killings, uses this series to explore colonialism’s lingering effects. He mixes detective fiction with elements of Jamaican folklore, queerness, and historical trauma, creating a show that challenges the traditional boundaries of genre. James explains that detective stories, when done right, can serve as a vessel for more profound issues, using crime as a neutral space to confront race, class, and the impact of colonial history.
The final episode, “Curtis,” brings everything into sharp focus, not only resolving the case of the missing girl but also showing Millie’s internal journey. As the series wraps up, Millie must confront her past mistakes and reconcile them with her present. The finale’s exploration of the dead and their lingering influence on the living is poignant, urging viewers to reflect on how the past continues to haunt us. Get Millie Black is more than just a detective show—it’s an exploration of identity, history, and personal growth, making it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys deep, multifaceted storytelling.