Trigger Warning with Killer Mike season 1 finale recap: Kill your Master

In the season 1 finale of Netflix series Trigger Warning with Killer Mike, Mike attempts to start a country, New Africa. Can everyone there get along?

Previously on Trigger Warning with Killer Mike, the rapper attempted to create a highly diverse political-musical supergroup. It received a murky reception at best, but Mike’s not one to give up on encouraging people to think differently. As “Kill your Master” begins, Mike mentions the tumultuous times we live in, which includes actual talk of secession from the United States.

He also notes how, in the 1970s, Nigerian Afro-beat jazz legend and activist Fela Kuti formed his own republic, the Kalakuta Republic, a commune which he declared independent from the Nigerian government. Unfortunately, the government didn’t like what he was doing, or the way he critiqued them in his songs, so they invaded and burned his commune, and fatally threw his mother out of a window. Of course, this only confirmed the worst critiques Fela had made and helped further establish his legend.

New Africa

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Killer Mike’s republic is called New Africa. In order to get ideas for establishing it, he speaks with the President and Chief of the Nuwaubian Nation of Moors, Chief Asaru. It’s clear that there’s work to do, Mike is told he should draft a declaration of independence, a constitution. and some clear designations of sovereignty. He also needs members and a plot of land. He settles for buying a farm in Atlanta. To help finance the project, Mike decides to use his flag much as Nascar does its drivers and cars: It has advertising space (one of the most memorable moments from Trigger Warning with Killer Mike so far).

Mike considers his citizens “refugees from the United States,” or people who just don’t fit in that well, and who don’t buy into America’s political divide. He gives Sir Maejor the position of Secretary of Defense. Rivka is designated at the Chief Immigration Officer. Though it’s not clear how open their borders are, the current citizens are given tea upon entry (at least it wasn’t purple Kool-Aid).

The idea is to build a new republic with diversity, where everyone is welcome. It’s not without its problems, though. One new citizen, Mario, refuses to pledge allegiance to the Democratic Republic of New Africa. He doesn’t believe in pledges, and he possibly doesn’t know what “The Book of Sleep” is (the book he’s expected to place his hand on as he solemnly recites the words). He likens it to a cult. Meanwhile, we meet other citizens. There’s Kadarian, Tra’shiek, Jason, AC, Legendary, and also some Juggalos named Odd Dodd and Jinzo.

Other issues and the election

Trigger Warning with Killer Mike shows other problems with starting a new country. They’ll need to plant crops, tend to animals, have homes (in this case they set up tents). So far their only export is Crip-a-Cola, but they may be able to expand into other avenues. It’s also revealed that Mike’s wife is on their million-dollar bill, and there’s a fancy painting of Mike in the main house. Meanwhile, during Sir Maejor’s military training, Mario the non-conformist doesn’t like uniform shirts. Surprisingly, though, Mario composes New Africa’s national anthem. Unfortunately, Killer Mike rejects it, causing some disunion. Because people begin arguing, Mike takes some time to contemplate the future, deciding upon holding free elections.

We briefly catch glimpses of their Presidential debate, including a question from Odd Dodd about Crips and Juggalos. Between Mike, a woman named Sita and Sir Maejor, Sita ultimately wins the election. Interestingly, Mike tells us he had rigged the election so she would win instead of him, regarding it as a better choice. Finally, Mike says that anyone in the world is invited to become a New African.

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Controversy rating: 1.2/10

Surprisingly, the season finale is by far the least potentially offensive episode so far. In fact, the reference to purple Kool-Aid in this recap is about as offensive as anything here. What’s the most offensive part? At one point, Mike says Chief Asaru’s hat looked like the fezzes worn by Shriners. He uses it as an opportunity to suggest white people stole the fez ( is wearing something necessarily stealing it?). Still, this episode is pretty light overall, though there are brief glimpses of softcore pornography.

What are your thoughts on Trigger Warning with Killer Mike? Let us know in the comments!

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