CULTURE
AntiBlackness
& Biphobia In Netflix’s “The Politician”
WRITTEN BY
Lynn Nichols
17 | VINDICATOR
Thinking critically about modern satire
“
The Politician” season two premiered on
a love interest for Payton, which already sets up a
streaming video this summer. For those
twisty, soap-opera plot at the outset of the show.
who have not yet seen the series, the Netflix
But when River commits suicide in the first episode,
original created by Ryan Murphy stars Ben
his bereaved girlfriend Astrid Sloan (Lucy Boynton)
Platt as Payton Hobart, a young man from a rich family
decides to run in his place, kicking off a cutthroat
whose life ambition is to become the president of the
presidential race. Ultimately, Payton wins the election,
United States. The series includes deeply emotional
but his short-lived term comes at great personal cost
moments, but its general tone can be described as
to him and everyone in his life.
a satire, lampooning teenage melodrama and the
Still, Payton survives into his emerging adulthood,
self-absorbed wealthy. It has also been praised for
and season two tells the story of his next election for
diverse representation of LGBTQ+ people and people
a seat in the New York State Senate. He jumps into
of color in the main and supporting cast. The first
the Democratic primary to challenge Dede Standish
season follows Payton in his senior year of high
(Judith Light), a seemingly unshakeable incumbent.
school as he runs for student body president. His
Early in the race, a member of Payton’s campaign
opponent, River Barkley (David Corenswet), is also
staff uncovers a secret in the senator’s personal life:
