She The People's cast as Antoinette Dunkerson, a mother who becomes the first Black woman to attain the office of lieutenant governor of Mississippi. Breaking ground often comes with its push-back, and Antoinette quickly finds the governor's office to be an unwelcoming environment, with her white male co-workers expressing various forms of discomfort and displeasure with her role.
She The People season 1, part 2, will be out soon, with another set of eight episodes being released in August. For now, part 1 ended on a notable cliffhanger, with Governor Harper being rushed out of his office due to a health emergency following a climactic scene that saw Antoinette tearing into him for his behavior. This arrived just after a press conference where their divided opinions regarding the ongoing pipeline deal confused the media, with Harper constantly attempting to undermine Antoinette's chances to speak her mind.
What Happened To Governor Harper?
Harper's Fate Is Left Ambiguous
She The People season 1, part 1 ended on a cliffhanger, and we won't know for sure what happened to Governor Harper until part 2 drops in August. One of the final lines of dialogue in the season sees Antoinette jokingly being asked if she killed the governor, to which she replies, "I didn't mean to." Of course, we saw the scene and know she didn't intentionally do anything wrong, but the stress of being spoken back to seems to have resulted in Governor Harper having a heart attack.
Governor Harper's fate is unclear. He could have died on the spot, given the numerous health problems he was shown to have throughout the season, or he could have been rushed to a hospital and gotten treated, either dying later or living to remain the show's primary antagonist. If he were to die, it could make him a martyr with ers in and out of the office, taking up arms against Antoinette, accusing her of being responsible. This makes it all the more important that Jed was a witness.
Antoinette's Governor Chances Explained
She'll Be Acting Governor In Harper's Absence
Whether Governor Harper dies or is hospitalized, Antoinette will become the acting governor of Mississippi, allowing her time to operate with more power, if only for a time. A reelection may be called, using Harper as a martyr to cast Antoinette out of office, which could end up being successful, given the percentage of her voter base who won't accept her holding the title of governor.
Harper told Antoinette that the role of Lieutenant Governor doesn't come with much power, and that all she'd be doing is waiting around for him to die.
It's important to recall that, earlier in season 1, Harper told Antoinette that the role of Lieutenant Governor doesn't come with much power, and that all she'd be doing is waiting around for him to die. Foreshadowing doesn't get much clearer than that, and the show seems to be putting Antoinette in a position to actually make a change. The pipeline deal is the ongoing issue that's captured the attention of her voter base, and Antoinette will have as great an opportunity as any to demonstrate her strength as a leader.
Is The Pipeline Deal Happening?
Not While Antoinette Is Around
Even with Harper out of the way, the pipeline project has taken on a life of its own, and it will now be up to Antoinette to shut it down. The project will decimate lower-income neighborhoods and pose potential risks to the environment. Antoinette knows this, but the challenge will be helping her voter base understand what they stand to lose while her opponents attempt to ruthlessly tear her down. She's already found a way to halt the project, but season 1, part 2, will see her facing it head-on.
The trouble will be maintaining her office while also doing the right thing, as the deal would be lucrative for her.
Ultimately, the press conference revealed that the state of the pipeline project was in the hands of the governor's office. With Harper in power, he would have seen the deal through. Now that Antoinette has taken his chair, it will be up to her to manage, and we know what decision she's going to make. The trouble will be maintaining her office while also doing the right thing, as the deal would be lucrative for her.
How Antoinette's Personal Life Ties To Her Career
Antoinette & Michael's Relationship Could Become A Problem
Aside from just the conflict in the governor's office, She The People explores Antoinette's personal life, with the conflicts surrounding her and her family. The season 1, part 1 finale had a whole scene regarding Lola wanting to express herself as a young adult, especially after seeing the video of Antoinette in revealing attire. Antoinette is also developing feelings for Michael, her head of security, though they've chosen to avoid fully facing their mutual attraction while they maintain a professional relationship.
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Alongside being a prolific writer, director, and producer, Tyler Perry is also a great actor, appearing in a variety of movies and TV shows.
If Antoinette were to be caught dating a member of her staff, it could be catastrophic to her position in the public eye. While Governor Harper surely wouldn't think twice about pursuing a romantic interest in his office, Antoinette's position is more vulnerable, and it would be easier to target her with something like this. She and Michael will likely hook up before the show is done, but if it's done while she's governor, it could have drastic consequences.
The Real Meaning Of She The People Season 1 Part 1's Ending Explained
She The People Breaks Down Barriers
She The People is a sitcom, but while it primarily plays for laughs, Tyler Perry has also inserted some meaning into the show. Antoinette's character serves as a representation of both women and people of color, demonstrating the hardships they face in work environments, particularly when in positions of authority. The show demonstrates examples of systemic racism, prejudices, and sexism in the world of Mississippi politics, and beneath the humor, there's a surreal layer of reality. These situations are real and much more common than many would think.
However, while Antoinette's enemies try to paint her in a horrible light, she succeeds through dignity and intelligence. Though it was a back-handed insult, even Harper acknowledged that she's incredibly articulate. While his greatest weapon is fear and a long-term choke-hold over the population and the office staff, her weapon is her sophistication. Tyler Perry has created a Black lead for She The People who breaks down stereotypes, both in the show and as a character.
She the People
- Release Date
- May 22, 2025
- Network
- Netflix
Cast
Terri J. VaughnAntoinette Dunkerson-
Jade NovahShamika Latavia Latoya Farrah Dunkerson
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