Review: Ava DuVernay’s ‘Cherish the Day’ Is Refreshingly Innovative

Gently James (Xosha Roquemore) and Evan Fisher (Alano Miller) star in ‘Cherish the Day’

We’re only three episodes into Cherish the Day, and the concept behind Ava DuVernay’s first anthology series is a breath of fresh air. 

Should the show be successful, each season will focus on a entirely new relationship and storyline. This season, we’re introduced to Gently James ( ‎Xosha Roquemore) and Evan Fisher (Alano Miller), who meet by chance during an altercation at the library. In the first episode, we’re given a brief overview of the contrasting lives that Gently and Evan have built for themselves. Gently works as a caregiver for the sweet, overlooked retired actress Miss Luma (Cecily Tyson), while Stanford graduate Evan is a software engineer for a top-rated tech company. 

A common criticism of the show thus far is that the chemistry between the two characters feels forced––and this has little to do with their socioeconomic backgrounds. There is simply not a natural connection, so I am constantly reminded of the fact that I’m watching two actors pretending to fall in love. Genuine chemistry between two characters makes one forget this, if only momentarily. Although Gently is absolutely radiant in scenes with Miss Luma, she often appears stiff and uncomfortable in the presence of Evan, while Evan’s body language seems to be rather neutral with Gently. As a result, there’s a mismatch between their verbal and non-verbal communication. 

Despite the unconvincing matchmaking, I’m thoroughly enjoying the innovation behind Cherish The Day. Each episode focuses on one significant day within the relationship throughout a five-year period, so it’s rather fast-paced. In the first, we watch how they meet. The next episode takes place a year later, and Gently becomes acquainted with Evan’s family (and all the drama that follows) in the most recent one. With four more chapters left, there’s still a possibility for the two to grow on me as a couple. But even if this is unsuccessful, all is certainly not lost––perhaps next season’s couple will manage to steal my heart. 

Watch “Cherish The Day” on OWN every Tuesday at 7:00 P.M EST.