‘Wayne Brady: The Family Remix’ Recap – ‘Run This Town’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

WAYNE BRADY: THE FAMILY REMIX – Freeform’s “Wayne Brady: The Family Remix” stars Wayne Brady, Maile Brady, Mandie Taketa, and Jason Fordham. (Disney/Matt Sayles)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Wayne Brady: The Family Remix’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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More often than not, reality television shows that harbor a goal or an endgame for their cast, quickly end when those goals are achieved or that endgame is reached, and rightfully so. For the story has reached it end, there’s nothing left to tell, and that’s so commonplace in film and television that we don’t think twice about it. But perhaps we should. Because in real life, when we reach an endgame or complete a goal… there is more to the story. For now, there are new chapters on the horizon, and reflection and meaning regarding what we’ve just experienced, and it is important to acknowledge that and explore what that looks like.

Which is why the next episode of Wayne Brady: The Family Remix on Freeform, is such an important piece of television. Because ‘Run This Town’ could have been a quick wrap-up episode. After all, Wayne had spoken his truth, and the initial response on the internet was extremely positive. So that would have been that on any other show. Because he did the thing. So, the end. But thankfully, this chapter just kept looking at what comes next. Such as how, Wayne being a proud and out, Pansexual, also involved thinking about what dating was going to look like going forward. Because now… he had to think upon what his perfect partner would look like and start to learn about what his partner might want and whether or not that aligned with his needs.

Making it clear that a new chapter in Wayne’s dating life was on the horizon, and Wayne learned that there was more work to be done in finding acceptance for his truth. For he still had to sit down and talk with his mother about this. Because it wasn’t a subject broached before, and that was tough. Because that’s no easy task, especially when a parent comes from a different generation that doesn’t quite understand modern concepts. But thankfully they found common ground. Plus, this episode also informed us… that life goes on when we hit those goals, and we must adapt accordingly. As evidenced by how Maile had to figure out how to handle the fact that Tina was going to be around as the family blended. All of which spoke to how quickly we must shift when those big goals are completed in our lives.

However, this finale also informed us… that we cannot forget to celebrate what we achieve and revel in it. Because it took hard work to get there, and Wayne made sure to do that. By performing at a GLAAD event, and he made sure to sing the piece that helped him to understand his truth and that led to powerful moments for certain. Wherein Wayne really was at peace and finding joy in life once again, and he felt more closer to his family than ever. Because they went with him on this journey and helped him to understand his real emotional needs. Which made his reflection on stage all the more powerful, and all the more lovely. Because that was the end of that leg of the journey, and now… it truly is onto the next one for Wayne and his family.

As to whether or not we see that play out further on television, we do not know. For as of press time, this series remains in limbo when it comes to a second season order, and we here at NTG, hope it gets another year. Because truly, this has been quite the refreshing experience. One filled with real truth and real moments. Plus, it would be lovely to see how Wayne grows as a person and a performer with real peace in his heart in a second season. But while we wait to hear the (hopefully good) news, we can celebrate one lovely season finale. One that genuinely explored what comes after the biggest moments in our lives, and how they do transform us, and that just made for amazing television plain and simple, the kind that hopefully inspires others to speak their truth and embrace who they are… since that is clearly a big key to finding happiness in this life.

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