Netflix's 'Raising Dion' is the story of Nicole, a strong African-American mother who is 'the ultimate parent,' says creator Dennis Liu
If you're wondering what to do this weekend, let me direct you to your Netflix library's latest addition - 'Raising Dion'. Narrating the story of an impressionable boy with superpowers, his single mother who wrongfully assumed she wouldn't have to keep an eye on him at all times now that he is no longer a toddler, his best friend who rocks her wheelchair like nobody's business and sees and understands things way better than most people, and his late father's best friend who just wants to help out any way he can, this Netflix show is going to be your favorite within the very first episode.
The story is inspired by the comic and short film created by Denni Liu, who credits Carol Barbee and other showrunners for having done a great job of preserving the DNA of the original universe while building an organic series from it.
The very essence of his project, he tells MEA WorldWide (MEAWW), is that 'Raising Dion' is "a story about an African-American single mother who will do anything to protect her son who happens to have superpowers, while she does not. Nicole (Alisha Wainwright) will do anything she can to protect him." He adds, "The story works best when you love Nicole and Dion (Ja'Siah Young)."
And you cannot help but fall in love with these two characters. While Dion is adorable in his journey to understand his own powers and how it impacts those around him, while also having a lot of fun with these new abilities, Nicole is strong and perseverant in her goal to protect her son. "I think she's the ultimate parent; at least that was the goal with the comic and project," says Liu adding how she is a main character in herself and not just some side character that a superhero relies on - like Martha Kent or Aunt May.
"She's also still juggling her own identity, and her past dreams and desires... It's her story. That's so powerful. I constantly have to remind people, that even though it's called 'Raising Dion', remember in the short film and in my comic book - it's her voice over. It's her point of view," he elaborates. This certainly resonates on the show, as well, seeing how her voice and opinion are an integral part of the narrative.
"I have been involved with the project since the beginning, and likely to when it finishes," he says, adding how he ensured there was a diverse representation in every aspect of the show. "I'm glad that we have a lot of diverse casting in our entire roster and side characters, including the crew (and even the assistants down to the last PA!). Furthermore, especially since the show will be watched by many kids."
This has allowed for the story to be told from the perspective of various minorities who have been underrepresented so far, like Esperanza (Sammi Haney), who is in a wheelchair throughout the series, but lives her best life, just like those around her. This is a character we have never really seen much of in media.
"I was inspired especially with Sammi Haney, who played Esperanza. She was so great and a quick study to how all of this works. She was amazing and courageous and strong," says Liu.
We highly recommend 'Raising Dion', which premiered on Friday, October 4, on Netflix.