‘Down in the Valley’ Recap: ‘Diamonds of Memphis’ & ‘Saints and Sinners’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Nicco Annan, Cherry, and Georgia Peach in Episode 101 of ‘Down in the Valley’ – ‘Diamonds of Memphis’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Down in the Valley’.
​
The South is one of the most fascinating regions of the United States of America. In large part, because of its sordid past. Since it was one of the driving forces behind slavery in America and of course, at one point it split from the union to become the Confederate States of America. A short-lived nation that went to Civil War with the United States, and lost, and was reintegrated back into the union. Yet what makes the South so fascinating goes beyond its role in the war. Because the post-war South grew into a region mired in tradition and great food and culture. Not to mention, religion became a large part of the South’s makeup, as though it was THE place to live if one was eager to really dedicate their lives to the Lord Almighty.

But what’s truly impressive, is that those elements remain in 2024. Making it seem as though the South is part of America that is frozen in time, where life is indeed simpler and slower. But is it? Because we are in the midst of great change in America, where the old guard and the new guard are battling to maintain old ideals while the nation demands new paths that are better suited for the times. Leaving one to wonder if the South is indeed this perfect slice of Americana or if change has found its way into it, and well… it just so happens that a new documentary series on STARZ is exploring that very concept and the series premiere of Down in the Valley informs us… that the South is not the same world of Mint Julips, Jambalaya and worship that we’ve always believed it to be.

For instance, while so many see it and declare it as a religious bastion, one steeped in purity and moral values… where sexuality is as outlined in the Bible, the series premiere of this show… informs us otherwise. For ‘Diamonds of Memphis’ and ‘Saints and Sinners’ deeply explore how modern sexuality, has found its way into the South. In large part, because… one cannot escape change, and the interconnected nature of the United States has allowed for what some would want to keep out, to take root and offer people paths that are in fact, the anthesis of the South’s moral foundation, and that’s not a bad thing. Because to be mired in tradition means that some people get left behind and are left powerless. But in these two episodes we learn, change, especially when it comes to how sexuality is perceived, is giving agency and life to so many, as is the case for the ladies at the ‘Diamonds of Memphis’ Gentlemen’s Club.

---

ShaRonda Parker and Nicco Annan in Episode 102 of ‘Down in the Valley’ – ‘Saints and Sinners’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Because this club, one that we learn through host Nicco Annan is going through its Grand Re-Re-Re-Opening post Covid, isn’t filled with what we would expect. For there are no broken-down women, desperate just to have a handout, as strip clubs are often portrayed in popular media and even in some documentaries, present here. No, these ladies, see an opportunity. Where they can be pioneers and champions of a surging industry in this part of the world. A place where eyes look away and religioso roots are ignored, so fantasy can be fulfilled and that means a lot for these ladies. Because that means they can drive this club to success and find agency and financial freedom in doing so, giving rise to a fascinating story that explores how there is some loosening of tradition and stigma in this deeply conservative corner of the world because there is a demand to have more than those puritan values. But more so what made this story so compelling, was learning about the empowering nature of sexual fantasy and how it is allowing for women to find a path forward that is fulfilling, for sex work is work and deserves no shade.
​
Not to mention, ‘Saints and Sinners’ showcased how there are so many demanding a better understanding of their sexuality in this region of America. Because they know there can be more to sex and there is more to learn about their bodies, which is knowledge they’ve been denied. Since this episode explored how tradition has removed such facts from lives in the name or morality and God. Which is precisely why ShaRonda Parker made a point to change that. Through offering sex workshops in her town, and she even opened a sex shop to help people come to understand how sin and personal pleasure are not one in the same, and it was fascinating to learn how tradition and religion have locked away so much in this area but how the people are demanding that change, and for proof… look no further than the people that ShaRonda has inspired to embrace their sexuality and embrace pleasure. Plus, they now understand that real sin, involves something far darker than having an orgasm or having a fantasy come to life with one’s partner. Which has given ShaRonda an empowering and successful path as well.

Because despite taking heat from some, ShaRonda’s business thrived for many years. Because of that demand, and while it is evolving… it’s still around, her lessons are still in demand. All of which allowed for us to understand that the South is not what we have always believed it to be. It is a region in flux now. One that is working to figure out how to blend what makes it amazing, with the sweeping changes that are coming to America and how those tales of change, matter deeply. Because the struggles, desires and lives seen here, are happening all across the United States of America right now. Which makes this a poignant and powerful opening chapter to a revolutionary documentary series. One that has more to showcase as well, for there are more details from the delta for Nicco Annan to reveal in the electric and fascinating manner that he does here, and it will be fascinating to see what lessons about life in the South will be sent our way as our journey through the valley continues along in the weeks to come. Until next time.

To learn more about the creation of this series, check out our interview with Host Nicco Annan and Showrunner Shoshana Guy. Watch ‘Down the Valley’ on STARZ.

---