In this episode, we delve into the portrayals of the Black Panther Party in the TV miniseries The Big Cigar and the 1995 film Panther. We critically examine the depiction of the party's politics, the representation of co-founder Huey P. Newton, and the broader narrative of revolution, and whether or not revolution on screen is viable.

Media Discussed:

The Big Cigar: This biographical drama thriller miniseries, developed by Jim Hecht, is based on the 2012 Playboy article by Joshuah Bearman. It follows Black Panther Party co-founder Huey P. Newton as he escapes an FBI manhunt to Cuba with the help of Hollywood producer Bert Schneider.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0t0QL7ba1U⁠

Panther (1995): Directed by Mario Van Peebles, this film offers a dramatized account of the Black Panther Party's origins and activities. It spans the years 1966 to 1968, highlighting the party's rise and the challenges it faced.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0LKF0cNNSY

Relevant Books:

Seize the Time: The Story of the Black Panther Party and Huey P. Newton by Bobby Seale

Revolutionary Suicide by Huey P. Newton