Hulu’s ‘Washington Black’ Completely Alters the Ending of the Book
Hulu’s *Washington Black* is based on Esi Edugyan’s 2018 novel of the same name and, as with many adaptations, it offers a fresh interpretation of the original story.
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Where Edugyan presents the tale in a linear fashion, the series, guided by Selwyn Seyfu Hinds and Kimberly Ann Harrison, embraces a flashback structure to intertwine the childhood of George Washington “Wash” Black (played by Eddie Karanja) with his adulthood (portrayed by Ernest Kingsley Jr.). The show introduces new characters such as William McGee (Edward Bluemel), which contributes to its unique narrative. One of the most significant changes from the book to the show is the altered conclusion, which diverges remarkably from the novel’s original ending.
**What happens at the end of Washington Black?**
In the book, Wash and his beloved Tanna (Iola Evans) journey to Morocco in search of Christopher “Titch” Wilde (Tom Ellis), the scientist with whom Wash escaped Barbados as a child. Believing Titch to have perished in the Arctic, Wash encounters him only to find that Titch has been alive, focused on his scientific pursuits. There, Wash confronts Titch about his past abandonment, but instead of remorse, Titch reflects on his own failures. Wash’s choice to walk into a sandstorm signifies a poignant ambiguity regarding his fate.
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The series maintains the confrontation between Wash and Titch, yet it diverges from the novel through a more hopeful conclusion. Rather than disappearing into the sandstorm, Wash completes his long-dreamed airship, which he and Tanna use to travel to his mother Big Kit’s (Shaunette Renée Wilson) homeland of Dahomey. There, he meets the Agojie warriors and uncovers his mother’s story before enslavement. Wash and Tanna build their life together, embrace their love, and embark on new adventures that include a heartfelt reunion for Tanna with her mother.
This ending presents a sense of optimism, contrasting with the book’s more ambiguous and melancholic closure. While the novel hints at despair, the series envisions a bright future for Wash and Tanna, allowing them to reconnect with their roots and reclaim their identities. Tanna, who has often been encouraged to suppress her ties to the Solomon Islands, and Wash, who learns of his mother’s true identity only after her passing, both find solace in their journeys.
This strikingly different conclusion reflects the series’ dedication to finding joy amid a historical backdrop often defined by adversity. In a conversation with a media outlet, Washington Black star and executive producer Sterling K. Brown remarked that this project aims to shift the narrative focus in stories about the Black experience, moving beyond trauma to explore themes of joy, hope, and love.
As Washington Black’s story unfolds, his dreams of freedom, love, and invention beautifully converge, culminating in a celebration of aspiration and resilience. *Washington Black* is now streaming on Hotnchill.
