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Slum King episode one is out and it has been a rollercoaster of emotions that has left us captivated and longing for more! Right from the opening scene, the series had us hooked and anticipating each character’s next moves. Following the first episode, join us as we dissect the top five themes that stood out and piqued our interest.
Young Love
Let’s start with something lighthearted like young love. Although this only lasted for about two minutes, it was great to see young Edafe with his ‘BFF’ as they said their farewell before her journey to the UK. He warned her off UK boys and she got them matching BFF bracelets, fondly admonishing him not to lose it. According to his sister, Edafe had harboured a crush on her since he was in primary one.
Ironic tragedy
It was a black birthday indeed, as Slum King delivers a harsh lesson on ‘life happens’, and it comes with the good, the bad and the ugly. What was supposed to be a family celebration quickly took a turn for the absolute worst when supposed armed robbers barged into their home and proceeded to kill his entire family. The cruel irony was not lost on anyone, as Edafe’s father had just said a prayer for their family’s enduring legacy moments before the unimaginable unfolded.
Regret
There comes a time when you realise that you have messed up. Unfortunately, you don’t always have the chance to make up for it. Edafe was living this painful reality when his negligence led to the intruders gaining free and easy access to their home. He had been earlier cautioned to lock the door on his way back in but had forgotten to do so. To think that his family’s life was turned upside down because he forgot to lock the door as he had been instructed to earlier.
Trauma
Just think about it, can anybody be normal after experiencing the death of their entire family and almost dying themselves? Edafe was so traumatised by the incident that he did not talk for months. Topping it off, he started seeing the ghosts of his dead family members (which from the flash forward we see will continue to hunt him for years). Despite the darkness, the audience couldn’t help but celebrate when Edafe cracked a smile at the thought of playing football. Equally touching was his heartfelt ‘Grandma… thank you,’ highlighting the importance of having a supportive presence during such trying times.
Revenge
The theme of revenge definitely simmered beneath the surface as Edafe transitioned from a state of shock and fear to an unwavering desire for retribution. Who else noticed the slight but distinct transition on Edafe’s face right after his entire family had been shot and he was next, from “I’m in shock and scared as my entire family just died” like a deer caught in headlights, to “I will kill you and your entire generation, just wait and see.”
The episode also hints at revenge plots involving Monday the preacher who is a ‘man of God’ in public and turns into a wife-beater behind closed doors. Some may argue that he got what was coming to him in the last scene where his daughter used ọmọ odó (pistol used for pounding yam) to hit him across his head. The episode ends with him passed out and the family panicking over what to do next.
Episode 1 of ‘Slum King’ shows just how deep and engaging its storytelling can be. With its intriguing themes, this series is sure to captivate viewers through the rest of its 9 episodes.
Catch Slum King every Sunday at 8 p.m. on DStv channel 151 and GOtv channel 12, exclusively on Africa Magic Showcase.
The post 5 Important Themes Explored in ‘Slum King’ Episode 1 appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.
