Pardon me but I think perhaps I have watched too many films and documentaries about the plight of Indigenous Canadians. I think the point of having too much of this negativity was after watching the documentary “Twice Colonized”. The negativity almost dehumanizes Indigenous populations.
APTN is reversing the negative spiral after its showing of series “Tales from the Rez” with a new web series JASON which will launch on APTN lumi with all six episodes on February 14, 2024. Written and directed by Andrew Genaille (Rehab) and shot in Vancouver, BC, JASON is arguably a romantic comedy with an all-star lineup of Indigenous talent. While there is a light comedic touch particularly in the first two episodes the series does take a serious twist in the subsequent episodes.
Peter Robinson (Hey Viktor!) stars alongside Tanis Parenteau (Billions) as Jason, a young writer who is going through significant changes in his life. He moved out of his parent’s place on the rez to attend university in the city and with his newfound freedom, he is making choices that challenge the expectations of his family and friends. One of these choices is his romantic involvement with his sister’s best friend, a woman who is twice his age. Jason’s emotional journey is heartwarming as he navigates life, finding love and discovering his true self.
“What I love about the show is that it features a woman over 40 with a little salt and pepper in her hair in a leading role as the love interest. As someone who has been in the industry as an actor for a long time and now as a producer it is something I don’t often see on screen. Creating space for women and also for Indigenous people to be empowered in this industry is important to me. I hope the project resonates with audiences in a new way,” says Parenteau.
Parenteau shines in the series as a temptress with her voice, smile and twinkling eyes. She is equally convincing as a woman racked by self doubt.
Tahmoh Peinkett as Darrell displays a character part cad, part sloth with a barely transparent steak of aggression.
What can you expect each episode?
Episode One
Jason is a 20-year-old student attending a university campus in the suburbs of Vancouver, British Columbia. While at sister Amanada’s for dinner he meets Karen “the older woman” in her forties. Hmm….that look, the sparkling eyes and sly smile shown by “the older woman” Karen. Karen is Jason’s sister’s best friend What’s going on?
Episode Two
Jason and Karen delve into the topic of younger men having a relationship older woman of course in an oblique way. Karen’s relationship with her boyfriend Darrell is in a poor state. Karen starts texting Jason showing him some racy head shots she has made. There is that twinkle and smile in her eyes. I think we are receiving an inkling of what is going on!
Episode Three
We know what is going on here now! Jason muses, “ I can’t believe what is happening.” Karen “makes herself very cozy” in her bathtub sexting Jason. Darrell is a real cad.
Episode Four
Jason leaves his phone in Karen’s sheets and Darrell discovers it with explosive results. Jason and Karen flushed out!
Episode Five
The sex is great but a familial tornado descends in the midst of it all. Baby brother Jason grows up in a hurry.
Episode Six
Is the ending a happy one? Perhaps.
JASON was produced in association with APTN and with the financial participation of the Bell Fund and the Indigenous Screen Office. It was developed with the assistance of NSI Art of Business Management – Indigenous Edition.
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