An American Saga: With the Wu-Tang is a drama television series developed by RZA and Alex Tse for Hulu that debuted on September 4, 2019. The series tells the fantasy story of the ‘making’ of the Wu-Tang Clan. A second season of the series premiered on September 8, 2021, after it was renewed in January 2020.
About The Show
It is nearing the end of ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga,’ and with only eight episodes still to go, the journey of the clan members has definitely taken some hairpin bends in this original series. Hulu tells the tale of two Wu-Tang team members striving to become celebrities in the hip-hop world. Our members have so far shown us how they turned their backs on drugs and crime to pursue careers in rap.
The team is seen for the first time on stage in episode 8, titled ‘Saturday Nite,’ as they attempt to secure a record deal. RZA and Alex Tse created the television series Wu-Tang: An American Saga in addition to Brian Grazer, Merrin Dungey, and Method Man.
Plot
After nailing their performance at a club, the members are still trying to deal with releasing their first project in Episode 9. RZA (Ashton Sanders) suggests releasing an album, but the label’s boss wants a single. Bobby Diggs asks for a sword with a price of $100K, and the boss gives it to him.
It took a few members of the clan to come to a decision about where the songs should be placed. In an earlier episode, the squad and a radio host had performed their song ‘Protect Ya Neck’ on the radio. A new friendship develops between them.
As long as RZA and his group sold records, the radio guys were free to do anything creative. Wu-Tang is also willing to talk to other labels, as the two labels are attempting to get Wu-Tang on their roster.
Script
According to the writers, a similar balance is being attempted in this episode between the hustle of clan members and their tragedies. Their inner demons aren’t the only thing they are battling. They are also trying to get signed to a record label. The song ‘CREAM,’ which is also the title of Episode 9, inspires Raekwon to create a new verse. The verse is recorded in the studio.
Additionally, the makers shed light on how record label deals work. While artists are focused on their songs, record label executives are focused on marketing, advertising, and selling their records. An executive at a record label tells RZA that they want their bands to have a street sound, but not to the street. RZA, Divine, and Power ask Michael Jordan if branding is more lucrative than basketball.
Meanwhile, another record label boss sees the group perform the song ‘CREAM’ in an extra scene and is thoroughly impressed. In essence, the episode involves the clan learning about recording and recording a new song. After getting a nod from label bosses, the clan celebrates at the hotel. However, the deal hasn’t been finalized yet.
Acting
In the latest episode, the members fail to pack a punch on emotion, but we enjoyed watching how they grapple with and grasp new aspects of the music business. There is a lack of logic in the placement of intense scenes, which is in contrast to previous episodes. Most screen time is allocated to Ashley Sanders, who plays Bobby Diggs, aka RZA. Marcus Callender plays Power, while Julian Elijah Martinez portrays Divine.
