Last Dance: Episode 8

It has been a busy week for me, with all the creative projects I am undergoing. However, I still find balance in making sure my health comes first. Writing is a nice escape from those everyday routines. Today, I will be talking about episode 8 of "The Last Dance". The topic I feel that reflected this episode is the discussion of masculinity and freedom.

Now, after Jordan joined baseball, they backtracked into how Michael Jordan's perseverance and personality could be overlooked as aggressive. His teammates spoke about his resilience to not have a day wasted in training. By this, I mean people who would show up and not work hard. He had high expectations for everyone, not just himself. Therefore, he would be tough on his own teammates. A hard critic. Did this make him hated? Maybe. But, did he earn respect? Absolutely. 

However, I believe this kind of conversation holds a strong tie to masculinity. Because of Michael Jordan being known by the whole planet, someone had to play that role. He couldn't be the good guy or the bad guy. He had to be THE guy. The person to do everything. Taking care of his teammates before himself. When Michael leaves baseball to come back to basketball, it was towards the end of the season. His first game back, he realized how much things have quickened, how inconsistent he's gotten, and how he had to go back to basics again.

Once the season ended, he jumped right back into action. Training and getting ready for next season. During "Space Jam" film production, the director made sure to have a court and weight room facility for Michael to train at after filming.

The season is back. Michael is ready and so are his teammates. They fight back and earned their way to the championship. Not only is this day special to Michael, but it is also father's day. A difficult time for him as his father is gone. We see Michael win the championship and a special moment occurs. In the lockerroom, there on the floor he is. Holding the game ball and in full tears. Full breakdown. This made me sad and happy as Michael has been holding in so much just to get to this point. Now, he's finally released all these hidden emotions into reality. He won the championship for not only his legacy but for his father.