This Fool (Hulu Original Series) Overview

This Fool now streaming on Hulu is the must-watch comedy that asks to be taken seriously through its raw rendition of life in South Central Los Angeles. This series is a reminder that brown is beautiful and the experiences of la Raza are filled with profound universal truth. Initiating with the logo and credits brought forth by Chaz Bojórquez, the Chicano graffiti artist who visually sets the tone for the show with his Cholo-style calligraphy. In addition, This Fool is sprinkled with an eclectic soundtrack dominated by oldies, adding an extra interpretive layer. Most importantly, this show’s authentic depiction of the Cholo subculture demonstrates it is an identity set forth through language, hardship, and work ethic. 

The premise of the series revolves around protagonist and co-creator Chris Estrada who portrays Julio, “the punk-ass bitch.” Julio is a Latino role model who wears band tees with his pompadour while working as a mentor for reformed gang members. The non-profit organization he assists is called Hugs Not Thugs ran by Minister Payne (interpreted by Michael Imperioli), a parody of the gang rehabilitation center Homeboy Industries led by father Greg Boyle which offers “tattoo removal, mental health services, case management, educational services, and workplace development.” Julio brings in his cousin Luis (depicted by Frankie Quiñones) who has just been released from prison only to discover he has unresolved dependency issues of his own.

    Julio lives with his mom in a matriarchal household and offers his cousin Luis a place to stay until he gets back on his feet. One of the conditions Luis must follow is to participate in Hugs Not Thugs with Julio as his case manager. The dynamic between this duo is undeniably hilarious yet heartfelt. Both individuals are in search of autonomy and self-reliance. Nevertheless, Julio tries to assert his dominance over Luis by “checking him.” In episode 1 “A Storm Is Coming,” Luis is reluctant to make cupcakes with the rest of the group to bring funds for the organization. Julio refuses to praise his cousin’s hard work, marking an unspoken vendetta for a childhood of bullying at the hands of Luis. Also, Julio constantly feels the need to draw a distinction between himself and Luis without acknowledging the parallels in their lives. 

    For instance, Julio brags about his professional success and dental insurance completely unaware of the economic hardship Hugs Not Thugs is experiencing. Moreover, Julio cannot fully let go of the toxic fixation with his ex, Maggie (portrayed by Michelle Ortiz). They both use each other to evade loneliness and fill the existential void in their lives. Maggie takes Julio’s car and goes on a date on his birthday with another guy named Julio. Eventually Maggie tries to rekindle the relationship, offering Julio a place to stay but he makes up excuses as a result of his fear of commitment. Ironically, Julio facilitates group therapy sessions at Hugs Not Thugs without ever attending therapy for his ongoing personal problems.   

    Meanwhile, Luis never quite felt Julio had his back nor his best interest in mind. In episode 2 “Putazos,” Luis almost reverts to his violent ways when an old rival challenges him to a fight. Julio tries to redirect Luis onto a higher path but his cousin does not want to hear about it. Instead, Luis is determined to reconnect with old friends who are down for a fight. However, some of his friends are reformed, physically unable to fight, or have died since he last spoke to them. This moment is an eye opening experience for Luis, helping him realize times changed while he was in jail. For example, his pick up lines are outdated and he references films that are no longer trending. On the surface Luis seems happy, cracking jokes out of everything. However, his comedy serves as a mask for the painful complexity in his very being. He has unresolved issues with his parents and has suffered institutional violence while imprisoned.  

    Overall, the show successfully illustrates the role of family and the importance of community. This dignified rendition of the Latinx experience in America highlights some of the obstacles the working class often faces in a metropolis. Some of those issues are unequal distribution of wealth, the modern day prison system, mental health, and a personal sense of identity for diasporic communities. This Fool is both an empowering mirror and portal to understanding Chicanismo in the ever changing City of Angels.