The new Apple TV+ series, “The Big Cigar”, tells the true story of Huey Newton’s escape to Cuba in 1974, where he sought asylum with a government sympathetic to his cause. Newton, the founder of the Black Panther Party, had been accused of murder and faced the choice of fleeing the country or facing another stint in prison. Despite weighing the options, Newton chose to flee to Cuba. The show, based on a true story, focuses on Newton as a man, conflicted by his past and present. It explores his human side, highlighting the contradictions and conflicts of interest within the Party. Newton, played by André Holland, is portrayed as a broken man, haunted by his past and struggling with his legacy.
A Still From The Big Cigar. (Via IMDB)
The show successfully presents a drama about Newton’s life, but falls short in certain aspects. Bert Schneider, a Hollywood producer and co-protagonist, is underdeveloped, with the show failing to adequately explain his motivations and character. This lack of depth makes it difficult to understand Schneider’s idealism and actions, leading to a sense of detachment from the story. On the other hand, the cast shines, with Holland delivering a compelling performance as Newton. His co-stars, including Alessandro Nivola and Tiffany Boone, also deliver strong performances. Nivola’s portrayal of Schneider, however, lacks depth, making it challenging to fully understand his character.
The show does an excellent job of portraying Newton’s politics, refusing to romanticize his communist ideals or downplay the Party’s contradictions. It also touches on the ugly aspects of Newton’s life, albeit briefly. However, it stops short of fully exploring his violent tendencies and the accusations of rape leveled against him. The Big Cigar, while succeeding as a drama, ultimately falls short in its portrayal of Newton, the man. By leaving out some of the complexities of his life, the show neglects to provide a nuanced exploration of the man behind the ideology.
