The Chi returned for Season 7 with some significant shakeups in the cast.
While the show has had a constant stream of queer characters dropping in and out, Nina (Tyla Abercrumbie) was the only consistent one throughout the years.
Following her decision to leave Chicago with her new girlfriend, the show lost some representation.
However, The Chi Season 7 Episode 2, “The Fall Out,” introduces another queer character — a version never before seen on the show.
The cold open features a conversation between Emmett (Jacob Latimore) and his newly-discovered brother Damien (Brett Gray) at a barbershop, and the former notices something.
Damien has his nails painted black, and when Emmett inquires, Damien says he just likes them.
Now, very few cishet men paint their nails, and not in Southside Chicago.
Their ensuing conversation reveals that Damien may be queer when he’s accused of the crime of to liking girls and he says he does but wants to keep an open mind.
Damien: I think it might be an energy thing for me
Emmett is sweet about it and tries to understand where Damien is coming from.
And he better, because with how many children he has running around, one of them is bound to be a shade of queer and the earlier he deals with it the better.
What Damien’s Arc Means for ‘The Chi’
It is a refreshing arc to explore in the hit series, which has tackled many societal issues.
Exploring the existence of a non-traditional queer character is a way to keep the show fresh and relevant in the ever-evolving world, especially regarding the queer community.
Many men have feelings and desires that are different from what they’ve been made to understand about masculinity, and sometimes it can be hard to live fully authentic lives.
Also, The Chi could use something different from the lesbian drama that has dominated the narrative.
Damien and Bakari Strike Up a Friendship
Meanwhile, an unforeseen friendship is born from the nails.
If you ask me, these nails are an advantage through and through; he should have painted them sooner.
There was never a bigger ally than Bakari (Ahmad Ferguson), given that his sister is gay, but it’s hard to tell when some guy questions you about your nails, so their first interaction gets off to a rocky start.
Damien: I like ’em [nails].
Bakari: Good for you. Now let me get a two-piece cheddar biscuit.
They bond over weed, of all things, and soon start hanging out.
There was never a quicker bromance than when Emmett and Brandon (Jason Mitchell) met.
Bakari and Damien’s friendship is mutually beneficial since they seem to be on the same level vibes-wise.
Many characters try to live daily, but they think about things beyond what the Southside has afforded them.
Bakari: If I wrote a book, would you read it?
Damien: I’d read a book about your life.
Might there be something more?
It’s too early to tell, but given that this is TV, they might have romantic energy, and I’m here for it.
I guess we shall see.
The Chi Season 7, Fridays on Paramount+ with Showtime.