Once again, Thursday night TV gives us a snapshot of just how many Latinos are working in TV these days…and how little Latino culture has risen to the surface (so far). Check it out:
It all begins at 8P with Jessica Camacho and Jay Hernandez in The Last Resort on ABC. There are some strong performances in a Tom Clancy-esque story of politics, courage, and intrigue that might make it for a full season (though the jury’s still out).
At 9P there’s someone to watch on every network:
Sara Ramirez puts in another powerful performance on Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)
Michael Trevino sucks (so to speak) on Vampire Diaries (CW)
Oscar Nuñez is in the midst of a gay affair on The Office (NBC)
Juan Castano
Lea Michele and maybe even Naya Rivera spice up Glee on Fox. And we always forget to mention, Harry Shum Jr., who is Costa Rican born and raised.
Aubrey Plaza takes more of a central role than ever on Parks and Recreation on NBC at 9:30. Then at 10P, Juan Castano guest-starts on Elementary on CBS.
It’s great to see so many Latinos working…and it’s also important to note that almost none of them are leads; they’re extremely successful supporting characters and that most of them are not playing obviously Latino characters (Nuñez’ role and, to a lesser degree, Plaza’s, are exceptions). So great news on the one hand…and a little disappointing on the other. Here’s to more powerful Latino roles in drama and comedy.
