‘Wayne Brady: The Family Remix’ Recap – ‘Keep Ya Head Up’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Wayne Brady in ‘Wayne Brady: The Family Remix’. (Photo Courtesy of Matt Sayles/Freeform/Disney.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Wayne Brady: The Family Remix’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one particular question that each and every one of us will ask when the moment arrives for us to deal with the serious stuff weighing upon our soul… it would have to be… how do, we do it? Because there is no instruction manual for life, and sadly… we don’t discuss trauma, and grief, and the many things that put us in a tough spot and hold us back in life, enough. So, we simply haven’t a clue what to do. Which is why we turn to the advice of valued friends, and people who’ve healed. Or a medical professional or believe it or not… celebrities. Mainly because they are sometimes the only positive force we have in our life and those who have gone through the wringer and come out okay, are indeed an inspiration and a guide.

Which is why this week’s episode of Wayne Brady: The Family Remix on Freeform is of note. Because ‘Keep Ya Head Up’ saw Wayne… start the healing process and he informed anyone out there asking that question right now… that it starts with confronting that which brings us hurt. Because we need to see it, recognize it and feel it. So, we can in fact, conquer it and embrace joy and well, this story also informed us, that’s no easy task. Because while Wayne said he was ready to go to Orlando and bury his past and confront his pain, he did everything to stave that off. By working with Maile on her project, running errands and performing because that gave him peace and distraction, and well… that is relatable because we all do that. Because facing the big stuff, is hard and scary.

But eventually, we must do it. We have no choice in fact. Because to do otherwise, brings about more stagnation and suffering… so… Wayne did the seemingly impossible and flew out to Orlando with Mandie. Wherein he ramped himself up for the day ahead by taking the time to talk with family. To reminisce positively, because that can help mitigate the nerves. But also, to speak more truth and help people understand who he is and why it is so important for him to speak that truth. But one can only stave off the inevitable for so long and after that lovely and fun dinner, the moment arrived. Wherein he and Mandie stepped into his mother’s old home and where we all wondered, what would become of Wayne emotionally in that moment. Since that’s a hard task, and a lot of memories were waiting for him in that house.

However, Wayne handled the matter like an outright champion. Sure, there were tears, sure there was sorrow… but there was strength to be found in the walls of his childhood home as well. Since he was able to reminisce about his youth, and how that became the formative place for the Wayne Brady we and his family know today. Because what’s funny about facing our fears, is that it isn’t quite as terrifying as we build it up to be. Because confrontation is what we need. For it brings catharsis and closure, and well… focus. Focus on tomorrow because a weight is lifted and that’s exactly what Wayne found here. For once he walked out of that house and got back to Los Angeles, he was focused and ready… to speak his truth.

All of which made for a beautiful and inspiring episode. One that showcased to all of us, what needs to happen to move forward, how it won’t be as terrifying as we are led to believe and often believe because we know of the pain the past brings us in silence. And of course, anyone in need of that lesson, found it through Wayne and that’s amazing. Because it made this episode useful, and Wayne deserves applause for showcasing this powerful moment. Plus, we’d be remiss to not point out that this episode did a great job of breaking up the heavy here by having us spend time with Maile. Since she housesat for Wayne and let us into her life with her friends. But truly, the highlight, was Wayne’s journey here, and it was incredible, and now that Wayne has some peace, he can enter the next chapter of healing and we… get the honor of seeing it play out. Until next time.

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