Hulu’s The Other Black Girl (Season 1) brings us an intense mystery thriller based on Zakiya Dalila Harris’s novel. The series follows Nella Rogers, an editorial assistant at renowned Wagner Books and the only Black woman working for the company. However, when another Black woman named Hazel-May McCall gets hired, things spiral weirdly as Nella begins to find the truth about Wagner’s disturbing history. Inspired by Harris’ personal experiences as an editor, the series aims to address various forms of racism in the corporate world across all industries.
In this article, we breakdown everything that takes place in The Other Black Girl (Season 1), written by Rashida Jones along with Zakiya Dalila Harris. The article contains spoilers; hence, read at your discretion.
The Other Black Girl (Season 1), Episode 1 “They Say I’m Different” Recap:
The series begins by immersing us in the horrific world where Kendra Rae Phillips, the sole black editor at the prestigious Wagner Books in Manhattan, may have succumbed to the overbearing nature of working in a place that constantly reminds her of her minority status. The show then introduces us to the main lead, Nella Rogers, who is on a train editing Colin Franklin’s new manuscript, ‘Needles and Pins,’ marking it as problematic. Nella works at the prestigious publishing house Wagner Books as an assistant to famous book editor – Vera Parini, who keeps Nella on her toes with a never-ending list of day-to-day tasks. Being the only single black woman in the entire company, Nella often feels the pressure to push herself in the hopes of advancing to a better position.
An instance shows us when Sophie, a white colleague, asks Nella to read her article about ‘Being Black in a White Workplace.’ Sophie expects Nella to provide instant feedback on how well she captures the experience of being a black woman. While working on her deadline, Nella experiences a strange moment when her computer shuts off by itself. When the screen comes back on, she finds herself looking at CCTV footage of herself working in her cubicle. Feeling unsettled, she looks around, and when she turns her attention back to the screen, she sees a blurry shadow of someone gazing back at her. Alarmed, her colleague notices her ashen face and suggests her not let the workplace consume her. Nella continues with her day, and after taking her lunch break, as she heads back to the floor, she gets the eerie feeling that someone has been following her.
Who is Hazel-May McCall?
At the office, she learns that Maisy has hired a new assistant, Hazel-May McCall, who happens to be another black woman in the company. Maisy loops Nella in, showing Hazel around and helping her learn the troops of the company so she can get fast-tracked with the responsibilities she will be accountable for. Nella and Hazel quickly become friends after discovering their shared admiration for their favorite author, Kendra Rae Phillips, who held a significant role at Wagner Books as an editor. The following day, Vera informs Nella that she will put in a good word for her promotion. She then inquires about Nella’s thoughts on the new manuscript she has been tasked with. However, when Nella expresses concerns about the problematic and potentially upsetting aspects of the book for black readers, Vera suggests that Nella should hold back her opinions and only offer positive feedback to Colin, given his significance to Wagner Books’ financial success.
Why does Vera get upset with Nella?
Later, during the office party honoring Colin’s upcoming book, Hazel brings attention to Nella’s true thoughts about the manuscript. Initially hesitant, Nella is encouraged by Hazel to speak honestly. She informs Colin that the book contains problematic and dangerous character. Subtly offended, Colin then turns to Hazel for her opinion, who falsely claims she read and loved the book, ultimately undermining Nella. This move earns Hazel the opportunity to discuss her position and potential future projects with Richard, the editor-in-chief, and secures Colin’s future deals. Vera is visibly displeased with Nella’s actions and schedules a meeting with her for the next day, possibly regarding her demotion. The episode ends with Nella finding a warning note in her coat that reads, “Leave Wagner Now.” As she enters the elevator, she panics upon seeing the same blurry figure of a woman looking back at her, seemingly reaching out to her.
The Other Black Girl (Season 1) Episode 2 “After the Storm” Recap:
Nella wakes up in a state of panic, having just experienced a weird dream in which she was running aimlessly through the office corridors. In the dream, Nella is confused and claustrophobic as she sees the animated pictures of the Wagner Books’ editors displayed on the Wall of Fame warning her to ‘Leave Wagner Now.’
Does Nella get fired?
The following day, Nella snaps at her boyfriend, Owen, as she is nervous about potentially getting fired due to her exchange with Colin. At work, Nella is taken aback to find everyone gathered for breakfast hosted by Hazel, her attempt to know her new colleagues. When Hazel approaches Nella, she snaps at her for throwing her under the bus and not standing up for her when she needs support. Vera then summons Nella and urges her to make amends with Colin, as her attitude could jeopardize her position at Wagner Books. Nella suggests hiring a sensitivity reader for Colin’s new book, but Vera dismisses the idea and instructs her to apologize to Colin.
Later, at Malaika’s homecoming party, Nella confides in her and Owen about receiving an unsigned threat note regarding leaving Wagner. While Malaika suggests quitting the job for safety and speculates that her conflict with Colin might have led to the note, Nella decides not to let it undermine her two years of hard work. She heads back to the office and starts ticking off her deadlines one after another. While working late in the office, Nella senses another presence and finds the archive room door ajar. Curious and alone, she enters and stumbles upon an extensive collection of articles and newspaper cutouts about her favorite author, Diana Gordon. Immersed in the newfound treasure trove, Nella spends the night in the archive room, working on some fresh ideas.
Do Nella and Hazel patch up?
The next day, a very excited Nella hints to Vera that they should consider the re-release of “Burning Heart” by Diana Gordon, with a special note by Kendra Rae Phillips, the original editor. Vera dismisses the idea once more, saying that Kendra has been off the grid for the last 35 years. She then takes Nella to the design room to show Colin’s latest book covers and tells her to contemplate her career choices. Later in the restroom, while Nella tries to regain her composure, Hazel approaches to make amends. The two reconcile, with Hazel promising to support Nella and respect her feelings. Next, we see Nella muster her courage and finally apologize to Colin, even though it goes against her beliefs and is a difficult step for her to take.
What does Hazel do for Nella at Colin’s book launch meeting?
Nella then takes out the threat note from her bag and tears it apart. However, as she does, she has a vision of a woman warning her about her actions. This frightens Nella, prompting her to take out the torn pieces from the trash and then place the note back inside her locker. She then slides an Insta DM to her favorite podcaster, Jesse Watson, proposing a book collaboration. Meanwhile, during Colin’s book launch meeting, Vera suggests the idea of hiring a sensitivity reader. Hazel, in front of everyone, points out that it was originally Nella’s idea, urging Vera to acknowledge it. The support from Hazel makes Nella feel seen and heard. On her way home, while reading her comfort book, “Burning Heart,” Nella discovers a note inside addressed to Kenny, expressing regret about how things turned out, signed by Diana. Upon returning home, Owen comforts Nella about her strange day. The episode ends with the camera panning out to the streets, revealing Hazel keeping an eye on Nella’s apartment.
The Other Black Girl (Season 1) Episode 3 “I Know a Place” Recap:
The story takes us back to 1976 in Newark, where we discover that Kendra and Diana were best friends. Kendra then decides to move to Boston, and a year later, Diana comes to stay with Kendra. It becomes evident that Kendra is struggling to settle into the city, especially in the midst of white people. A year later, Diana meets Kendra at her workplace, where she is introduced to Richard, and the three of them have lunch to discuss Diana’s upcoming writing project. It’s clear that Kendra feels intimidated in front of Richard due to their power dynamics at work, but Diana, a headstrong woman, continuously uplifts her friend’s spirits to bring out the best in her.
In the present time, Nella finds a manuscript at her doorstep delivered by Hazel. At work, Hazel suggests leaving early to attend a sort of MoMa party. While getting changed, Nella notices Hazel’s forehead bleeding, but Hazel quickly changes the subject. Soon, both girls crash the party, with Hazel pretending to know important figures in the publishing industry, leading her to meet some people. On the other hand, Nella meets Lena Jordan, a podcast producer for Jesse Watson. Excited to meet her, she mentions wanting to collaborate with Wagner Books for Jesse’s book. However, Lena informs her that Wagner is not the right place since they haven’t been the same since Kendra (the only black editor) left the company.
Where is Kendra Rae Phillips?
Later, while searching for Hazel, Nella receives a call from an unknown caller, leaving her feeling uneasy. When introduced to someone, Nella is caught impersonating a Wagner editor and is taken aside to have a conversation. To Nella’s surprise, Richard wants to know about her big project as a first-time editor. She explains that Wagner Books should re-release “The Burning Heart,” with Kendra Rae Phillips writing a personal note for the book. Richard then reveals that, officially, Kendra’s bag and IDs were found in the subway, and no one knows her whereabouts. In reality, Kendra took her own life, and as much as “The Burning Heart” has been his biggest success, Kendra’s loss has been his biggest regret in life. He expresses interest in Nella’s idea and suggests pursuing it the next morning.
After the party, as the girls head out, Nella confides in Hazel about learning that Kendra is dead. Hazel comforts her by saying that a lonesome life can be challenging and that it’s good they have each other to lean on. The ending of Episode 3, “I Know a Place,” shows Richard following the cab that Nella and Hazel take as they head to a ramen restaurant.
The Other Black Girl (Season 1) Episode 4 “What About Your Friends” Recap:
The episode shows exciting events happening to Nella when Richard introduces her to her favorite author of all time, Diana Gordon. Richard has brought Diana back to Wagner to discuss potential subjects that might interest her. At the meeting with all the editors, when nobody could entice Diana with a topic that might interest her, Hazel pushes Nella to pitch her idea. Nella shares her dream idea about re-releasing the book “Burning Heart” as it is nearing its 35th anniversary, and Diana can provide a fresh perspective on her book. As much as Diana likes the originality of the idea, she shuts it down as it is too painful for her to revisit the past. Later, while moping in the restroom, Nella apologizes to Diana for bringing up the past, but the author tells her to move forward, as Nella has great potential. She then invites Nella to her place so they can discuss future projects.
In the following sequences, we see Nella visiting Diana at her house, where the two women talk about Diana’s achievements. This is when Nella pitches the idea that Diana should write a memoir as an honor to Kendra, who was once her best friend. Diana likes the idea and suggests pursuing it further with Richard, and maybe Nella can take up the editing role. In a brief moment when Diana is not around, Nella gets an eerie feeling of being called by Kendra, as if asking for help.
Why does Nella ask Malaika to leave the party?
After coming back home, Nella is super excited to meet Diana and shares her feelings with Hazel, who continues to hype her up. This is when we see that Malaika has suspicions about Hazel’s sudden niceness to Nella. When Malaika warns Nella about Hazel being a red flag, Nella dismisses her, stating that she is just being jealous and paranoid. The two best friends have a tiff, and Malaika leaves the party. However, after 36 hours of not talking, the two girls patch up, keeping their outside friendship separate from their disagreement.
Who is Eva?
At work, Nella pitches to Diana about onboarding Hazel alongside her to edit her memoir, and even though Diana is surprised, she eventually agrees. Nella then shares the news with Hazel, who feels grateful and astonished at the same time. Later, we see Hazel visiting the same salon where Malaika works, and while Malaika warns her not to mess with her, Hazel doesn’t hold back and suggests that Malaika should not come after her and that she should leave her alone. This scene shows a threat to Malaika, as Hazel appears to be someone more than she portrays herself to be. Episode 4 ends with a girl coming onto Nella on the train and leaving a note on her bag, warning that Hazel is actually Eva. The note mentions a time and an address, suggesting that Nella should follow the instructions.
The Other Black Girl (Season 1) Episode 5 “Don’t You Want Me” Recap:
Wagner Books is in danger as we see Vera becoming paranoid about someone leaking the sensitive copy of Colin’s upcoming book. The internet is flooded with discussions of their association with a white author accused of racism talking about Black lives in his book. With Vera now under scrutiny, she seeks help from Nella, who had consistently advised against Colin’s book. On the other hand, Hazel has called in sick for the day, leaving Nella to handle the crisis alone.
While all the editors at Wagner Books come together to brainstorm how to mitigate this crisis and erase it from their history, Nella receives a ‘911’ text from Malaika. Upon calling her, she learns that Hazel (or possibly Eva) is engaged in a serious discussion with Richard at a restaurant, hinting to Nella that the woman who had been stalking her might have been right about Hazel. Although Malaika doesn’t support her friend’s contemplation of meeting this stalker, she does warn her about the situation at Wagner Books and the employees, particularly Hazel.
Why does Richard fire Vera?
At the meeting, Vera suggested that they should work on a public apology. This suggestion irks Nella, leading her to confront Vera, mentioning that she had been warned about this day. She also mentions they should sever all ties with Collin and issue an apology on behalf of Wagner Books. However, when Vera disagrees with the idea, fearing it could lead to financial losses for the company, Nella proceeds to share how Vera had consistently dismissed the idea of sensitivity reads for Colin’s books. This infuriates Vera, and she decides to fire Nella. However, just as Vera delivers her final word, Richard and Hazel enter the room and completely dismiss Vera’s decision. Instead, he points out that her ignored efforts toward sensitivity reading had led the company to this critical moment. He then fires Vera with immediate effect.
Richard then announces that Diana has agreed to work on her forthcoming memoir, with Nella as the assistant editor and Hazel as her helper. Additionally, Diana will also be working on an imprint focusing on celebrating diverse voices, with the re-release of her former book as its centerpiece. Later, we see a panic-stricken Colin barge in, asking for Vera. However, Richard is quick to deliver the news that Colin is no longer a Wagner author, leaving him in utter shock.
Who leaked the sensitive copy of Colin’s book?
While heading back home, Hazel follows Nella and tells her that she was the one who brought the whole issue around Colin’s book to Richard. She goes on to clarify that, as much as this leads to someone getting fired, it’s a smart move for Nella to get promoted as an assistant editor, which Vera had been avoiding. While talking to her, Nella sees a blurry reflection of Diana and Kendra in the puddle of water she’s been standing in instead of herself and Hazel, which confuses her even more about Hazel. She then visits the place mentioned in the note handed to her by the stalker. The ending of episode 5 shows Nella waiting inside a karaoke room while the stalker woman gets abducted by some women.
The Other Black Girl (Season 1) Episode 6 “Fake Smile” Recap:
The episode reveals a lot of details about these mysterious characters. Firstly, Malaika and Owen become suspicious of Hazel when she comes to meet Owen at school to warn him about Nella’s mental health. Secondly, Richard shows more interest in Nella, even asking her to bring her favorite podcaster, Jesse, on board. Diana remains more mysterious than ever (also having a weird relationship with Richard), leaning on Nella but maintaining a shield that makes it difficult to read her intentions. So far, everything seems to point to Nella.
When Nella receives an original manuscript of “Burning Heart,” she thanks Diana for sending it to her. Nella then suggests that the author should publish the original version of the book to add nuance for her audience to connect with, which makes Diana consider the idea. Meanwhile, Nella manages to arrange a meeting with Jesse and pitches her book idea to him. However, he politely declines the offer and instead offers her a spot on his podcast. He also warns her about leaving Wagner Books, as the company has always been on the gray side.
Who is Shani?
After doing their own research, Malaika and Owen warn Nella about Hazel’s suspicious behavior and the connection between the names Eva and Boston. Nella confronts Hazel. The mention of Eva freaks Hazel as she explains that the woman who has been stalking Nella is Shani, her former coworker. Hazel moved to the city to get away from her. She then hastily leaves the office, leaving Nella confused. The episode ends with Hazel returning home and, after securing her apartment, opening the door to a room where the stalker woman is locked inside.
The Other Black Girl (Season 1) Episode 7 “Caught in the Rapture” Recap:
During the meeting with Richard and other editors, Nella proposes that a percentage of Diana’s imprint proceeds should go to the charity that Hazel supports, as it would bring good press to Wagner Books. Later, Hazel invites Nella to her house for a party, and Malaika accompanies her friend to Hazel’s house. At the party, while Hazel and her friends keep Nella occupied, Malaika becomes suspicious of the playful event. She devises a plan with Nella in which she will keep everyone occupied with her famous “brow correcting skills” while Nella searches for information on Hazel.
Is Hazel a part of a cult group?
We then see Nella going around Hazel’s room and finding pictures of Black women, including her own picture labeled “before and after.” This disturbs Nella, and she makes up an excuse about an emergency, trying to leave the house with Malaika. When Owen doesn’t hear from Malaika after receiving an SOS text, he follows them to Hazel’s place and mentions that their dog has been admitted to the vet hospital, ultimately rescuing the girls from the situation. Hazel then introduces the “stalker girl,” aka Shani, to the rest of the girls, suggesting that she will be joining the group. The episode ends with Nella, Malaika, and Owen looking at the photos of all the Black women, considering the possibility that Hazel is part of what appears to be a cult for Black women.
The Other Black Girl (Season 1) Episode 8 “The End of Love” Recap:
Nella, Owen, and Malaika share their findings, and they dig deeper into uncovering the truth about Hazel. It turns out that Richard has been using Hazel to recruit Black women, and he’s trying to manipulate them, displaying a white savior complex. Nella realizes that she has been unknowingly restoring Wagner’s reputation for Richard, who is exploiting the idea of diversity to target vulnerable women throughout the city. Consequently, Nella pretends to be sick to avoid seeing Hazel at work. Subsequently, Nella meets with Jesse and devise a plan to collaborate and utilize his platform to expose the truth publicly. During their discussion, Shani, sitting nearby, eavesdrops on their conversation, possibly for further communication within her group.
Vera contacts Nella to apologize, and Malaika visits Vera in an attempt to uncover any dirt about Richard. She learns that Richard has been having an affair with Diana. Nella attends the imprint launch and tells Diana everything she knows, aiming to protect her from Richard’s manipulation and Hazel’s involvement in grooming people. However, at the party, Nella is surprised to learn that Jesse has signed his first book with Wagner Books. When she confronts him, Jesse insists that Nella has misunderstood Richard and Wagner’s true intentions. Richard introduces a new segment of Wagner Books called Ascend Books, focusing on young authors from the Black community. Nella is taken aback when she discovers that Diana has been involved in this act all along. When called on stage to speak, Nella confronts Richard, Diana, and Hazel, but her actions are perceived as irrational and crazy. The episode ends with Malaika calling Nella to warn her about everyone, but she is tragically run over by Shani’s car, and Nella is subsequently kidnapped.
The Other Black Girl (Season 1) Episode 9 “To Be Young, Gifted and Broke” Recap:
In 2019, we learn Hazel’s back story when she was known as Chantal. She came from a challenging background with her father dead and her mother paralyzed, forcing her to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. However, her life takes a turn when she meets her favorite author, Diana, who introduces her to a group of women who also have tough backgrounds. During this encounter, Hazel notices that Diana uses special hair grease on everyone, which seems to help these women manifest their life goals. A few years later, Chantal, now living a better life, gets a visit from Diana in Boston. Diana hands Chantal an envelope containing all the necessary documents, including a new identity under the name Eva, along with a recommendation letter for her dream job, which she was previously rejected from.
While working in her new office, Eva (aka Chantal) befriends Shani. One night, after gaining Shani’s trust, she pitches the idea of the miraculous hair grease to her, which has transformed Eva’s life. However, Shani becomes suspicious and dismisses her. Eva confides in Diana about her mistake with Shani, and the next day, Shani is fired from her job, even losing her apartment. It becomes clear that Diana is behind these consequences for those who cross her. After a confrontation with Diana, Eva (Chantal) strikes a deal where she can keep her new life if she successfully recruits Nella Rogers into the cult. The episode ends with Eva (Chantal) joining Wagner Books as Hazel and Richard providing her with information about Nella, setting the stage for what comes next.
The Other Black Girl (Season 1) Episode 10 “Down with Disease” Recap:
Is Kendra Rae-Phillips really dead?
In the final episode, we gain insight into how Diana has been grooming these talented young Black women to join her cult and replicate her actions with other Black women. She believes she is saving them from challenging lives, but despite her good intentions of empowering Black lives and sharing their stories with the world, Diana should not be glorified for her actions. At this point in the series, Diana aims to recruit Nella into her cult and wants her to use the hair grease that would change Nella’s life for good. She explains that signing Jesse as the Ascend writer will benefit the cult, as his book is essentially written by the women, with his name merely featured to attract a larger audience. Naturally, Jesse is also manipulated by Diana. Just as Hazel, following Diana’s instructions, begins to apply the hair grease on Nella, Kendra Rae-Phillips intervenes. She confronts all the women and takes Nella away with her.
What happened between Kendra and Diana?
In 1988, during an interview on a talk show, Kendra lashed out at Diana for altering the ending of her book “Burning Heart” to attract a larger audience. She also reveals on the platform that she regrets working with Diana, who is easily influenced by a wealthy white man and had an affair with him for her own convenience. This disclosure creates a significant rift between the two women who were once inseparable in their lives. However, determined to achieve her goals, Diana meets with Kendra to apologize, and the women eventually reconcile, reminiscent of their old times. It’s during this reunion that Diana takes out the hair grease and starts braiding Kendra’s hair while assuring her that Richard will take care of everything. Kendra begins to feel a bit drowsy but ultimately agrees to Diana’s plans. This suggests that Diana might be using some form of manipulation, akin to “voodoo,” in the hair grease to make people blindly follow her, highlighting the manipulative tactics employed by narcissistic individuals. The following day, as Kendra packs her bags to leave, she takes the original copy of Diana’s book with her. She leaves a note for Richard, stating, “This is how things should not have been,” signifying her discontent with the situation.
What plans does Nella make to take down Diana and her troops?
After learning the truth about the past from Kendra, Nella meets Malaika and Owen at the hospital. Kendra proposes that Nella should say her goodbyes and move with her to Idaho to save her friend’s life. However, Malaika explains to Nella that it is crucial for her to prevent Jesse’s book from being published, as it could jeopardize more Black lives due to individuals like Diana and Richard. Meanwhile, we see Diana and Richard instructing Hazel to go after Nella before she disrupts more of their plans. The trio (Nella, Owen, and Malaika) then devises a plan in which Nella steals Sophie’s ID and gains access to the office to pilfer Jesse’s first draft of his book. However, Nella soon realizes that she is not alone in the office and eventually finds herself face to face with Hazel, who does her best to convince Nella to use the hair grease.
The Other Black Girl (Season 1) Episode 10 “Down with Disease” Ending Explained:
Does Nella join Diana’s cult?
In the Season 1 finale of “The Other Black Girl,” the overwhelming frustration of witnessing how white folks undermine Black people is evident. The episode reveals how Black people have turned against each other based on their survival needs. Hazel attempts to make Nella understand that joining the cult will enable her to positively influence many more lives than she could otherwise. She emphasizes that everyone, including Diana, came from nothing and survived in a world filled with hatred and discrimination. Diana is portrayed as guiding these individuals in the right direction to prevent white people from continuously oppressing them. Hazel leaves the hair grease for Nella, leaving her contemplating whether to use it.
The next day, during Richard’s speech introducing Jesse as the Ascend writer, Nella surprises everyone with her transformed appearance, radiating confidence and power. Diana and Hazel believe that Nella used the hair grease, interpreting her presence as an indication that she has joined their empowering group. Meanwhile, Jesse is abducted by Malaika and Kendra. The ending of “The Other Black Girl” Season 1, Episode 10, titled “Down with Disease,” reveals that Nella is actually pretending to be one of the new recruits in Diana’s cult. Once inside her new office (formerly Vera’s office), she makes a mysterious phone call, stating that she is ready to “burn things down,” leaving viewers at a cliffhanger and hinting at a Season 2 for the series.
