Tramell Tillman’s take on the finale, racism at Lumon, and Milchick’s radicalization

This Vulture interview with Tramell Tillman had some pretty interesting tidbits on how he views key points through the season: - He doesn’t say Milchick is radicalized yet, but makes it seem like it’s a possibility. He is straightforward in saying that Lumon is kind of racist, in case there was still doubt of all of the micro aggressions throughout the season

• That being said, he purposely played his reaction to the paintings to be a bit open to interpretation to leave room for conversations and for viewers to insert their own perspectives and experiences (which he clearly accomplished based on all the threads in this sub after the episode)

• He confirms that the Kier statue is operated by Ben Stiller and the voice of Kier is done by Marc Geller; it’s Marc’s face as Kier. Though doesn’t speak to who was doing the voice in the universe of the show

• He wasn’t too keen on dancing again but his personal experience going to HBCUs made him excited about the opportunity to be a drum major (which he absolutely crushed. If you’re unfamiliar with what that is he shoutouts the band of his Alma mater –Sonic Boom of the South – one the best bands in the world, def worth checking out)

• He confirms that Milchick chose to do the band as a way to assert his blackness – this was particularly interesting to me because I saw some posts saying that Lumon wouldn’t have made Cobel or Ms Huang do it or that making him do it was shucking and jiving, so it’s nice to know it was him asserting agency.

• I think given that, seeing them turn on him after Helly’s speech will lead to a more interesting reaction on his end. Potentially making him more likely to flip? It might be wishful thinking still. I’m hoping for his backstory next season, he really knocked this season out the park!