When I read the description of the latest NBC show, I instantly thought of the the African Proverb- It Takes a Village to Raise a Child. While the origin is unclear, I think most accredit the meaning to an entire community of different people positively contributing to the lives of children.
“The Village” on NBC speaks to that part of you that longs for a community that supports, uplifts and shares. From the outside, this Brooklyn apartment building resembles every other building but inside it is so much more. “The people who reside here have built a bonded family of friends and neighbors. Ben (Haynes), a police officer with a heart of gold; Sarah’s a nurse and single mom raising a creative teen; Gabe’s a young law student who got a much older and unexpected roommate; Ava must secure the future of her young, U.S.-born son when ICE comes knocking; Nick’s a veteran who’s returned from war; and the heart and soul of the building, Ron and Patricia, have captivating tales all their own. These are the hopeful, heartwarming and challenging stories of life that prove family is everything — even if it’s the one you make with the people around you.”
Haynes, a Chicago native reflects on the importance of his role on the show. The current political climate of our country is often negatively affected by the interaction between minority communities and the police. Everyday they are told to live by the “blue code” but in fact it's hard when all you see are the fallen brown faces. Hayne sought assistance from his friends in law enforcement because he felt it was his duty to represent them properly.
As the co-writer and co-producer of Blueprint, he is no stranger to these types of roles. This Chicago based film shares a different perspective as “A young black man searches for his identity in the aftermath of a fatal shooting in South Side, Chicago. Tackling the issue of racial injustice and what it takes to overcome grief under difficult circumstances.” I like to think that Ben portrays the police officer that we know can exist in both worlds. He cares and wants to make change. Each episode shows another layer of his character and this belief.
“The Village” tackles issues that are relevant and thought provoking. People should tune in as it offers outcomes that are important to humanity and why it's ok to get to know those who are different. The characters show how events of your past play a large role on your decision making. It will definitely pull on your heart strings. Presenting these issues are tough because our country is so divided and wounded. Haynes in fact believes that it is possible to have this type of community.
Jerod Haynes can be found, on Instagram at: @jerodjhaynes and on Twitter at: @MrJerodHaynes. “The Village” airs on NBC, Tuesdays at 10/9c; visit https://www.nbc.com/the-village for more details.
The Village
Executive Producer/Writer: Mike Daniels (“Shades of Blue,” “Sons of Anarchy”)
Executive Producer: Jessica Rhoades (“The Affair,” “Cold Case Files”)
Executive Producer/Director: Minkie Spiro (“Downton Abbey”)
Cast: Moran Atias, Dominic Chianese, Warren Christie, Frankie Faison, Jerod Haynes, Daren Kagasoff, Michaela McManus, Lorraine Toussaint and Grace Van Dien.
