How Forest Whitaker ignited a discourse on toxic Black excellence in ‘Emperor of Ocean Park’
How far would you go for what you believe in?
It’s this dilemma that drives the new MGM+ thriller, “Emperor of Ocean Park,” led by Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker.
The ten-episode series centers around the death of Whitaker's character, Judge Oliver Garland, a prominent legal professional and one-time Supreme Court nominee. His untimely death unravels a potential conspiracy surrounding the circumstances of his demise with his three children — Addison, Mariah and Talcott (“Tal”) — left picking up the pieces.
The show is equal parts murder mystery and social commentary. It tackles issues of race, politics, conspiracy, morality and legacy, offering a unexpected take on the genre through intriguing plots and complicated characters.
In an interview with TODAY.com, Forest Whitaker sheds light on the focal points of the series. “It’s always been [a show] that dealt with family ... it was a thriller before that dealt with race and equality, Black excellence in politics ... the TV series deals with all those areas,” he says.
What is 'Emperor of Ocean Park' about?
Adapted from Stephen L. Carter’s best-selling novel, “Emperor of Ocean Park” centers on a Black political family dealing with the repercussions of patriarch Oliver Garland’s death and the mystery surrounding the circumstances.
Written in 2002, Carter’s novel is one book in his three-part “Elm Harbor” series. Spending 11 weeks atop the New York Times bestseller list, “Emperor of Ocean Park” centers Judge Garland's son Talcott Garland, a tenured law professor who is in charge of uncovering the mystery surrounding his father’s death.
Carter initially began drafting the novel in the mid-90s, eventually completing the first draft after four years.
22 years later, Carter’s book was adapted for a 10-part miniseries for MGM+. All 10 episodes were written by Sherman Payne, a screenwriter notable for his work on Showtime’s “Shameless” and the CW’s supernatural drama “Legacies.”
“Emperor of Ocean Park” is currently airing on MGM+ with new episodes every Sunday.
How 'Emperor of Ocean Park' turns the murder mystery genre on its head
“Emperor of Ocean Park,” which began airing on MGM+ July 14, is a complex drama that attempts to subvert the conventions of the murder mystery genre through its display of unorthodox characters and thrilling action.
Patriarch Judge Oliver Garland, whose death upends his family’s life, is a polarizing character. The portrayal of a wealthy Black conservative whose shady dealings negatively impact his career is a side of Blackness that is not often displayed on television.
“I think he’s complicated. I mean, first of all, being a Black Republican," Whitaker says about the complexity of Garland. "I think, it is a phenomenon that seems to be more prevalent now than it ever was before.”
There is also a clear duality in his character and how he juggles both professional and personal life. On one side, there's the no-nonsense conservative judge and on the other side, there's a strict, at times overbearing, father of three children. In regard to his character's paternal side, Whitaker says that it takes a “sort of caliber of excellence” to raise children that way.
He also notes that as a Black man attempting to rise politically, his character “had to become a hardened shell in order to be able to make his way through such a high position as a U.S. Court of Appeals judge.”
The nuances in how Judge Garland navigates his career have lasting effects that hang over his children’s lives, especially his law professor son Talcott, who is entrusted with carrying out the judge’s “final arrangements” once he dies. The battle that Talcott has to endure, both mentally and physically, nearly unwinds him as the series progresses.
How Forest Whitaker's parenting style is different from his character's
Whitaker’s portrayal of Oliver Garland as a father showcases a stern and emotionally unavailable man. But when it comes to his own parenting style, Whitaker says his approach is very different.
“I want my children to be kind, and empathetic, and to not be afraid. And to work towards a dream and to have something to believe in,” the actor tells TODAY.com about raising his four kids, son Ocean, and daughters Autumn, Sonnet and True.
Whitaker's eldest children, Ocean, 34, Autumn, 33, Sonnet, 27, have varied lives across the entertainment industry. Whitaker’s son Ocean is finishing his master’s degree, with the actor explaining that “he’s going to teach cinema and direct documentaries.” The Oscar winner’s daughters Autumn and Sonnet have entered the music industry and wear several hats as singers, musicians and songwriters.
But when it comes to his youngest daughter, True, 26, Whitaker confirms she was the one who followed in his footsteps and pursued acting.
When True first expressed aspirations to follow him into the industry, Whitaker admits he was hesitant. “She’s been talking to me about acting since she was a kid almost. And I wouldn’t allow it,” he tells TODAY.com. “I just didn’t want it to happen. And I told her that she needs to finish college first.”
Speaking on True’s role in in his MGM+ series “Godfather of Harlem,” Whitaker says, “the producers saw something in her and wrote this really complex character, and she did a great job doing that. Really excellent.”
True’s next project will be a pilot written by “Bodies Bodies Bodies” and “Bottoms” star Rachel Sennott. “She just was cast in a TV series for HBO. I was really proud of her to become a regular on a TV show,” Whitaker says. “It’s a statement on her work, she has her own process of acting. And it’s been working really well for her.”
Taking a moment to look back on his illustrious career over the years, Whitaker offers sage advice to young actors attempting to break into the industry. He tells them to be “fiscally responsible” and understand the grind it takes to reach accomplish one's goals.
“Continue to follow your dreams," he says. "It’s really about work. About working hard. And it’s about the time and the hours that you put into it. You put the hours and the work into it, and then the character will arise. If you don’t, it won’t.”
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
