SYNOPSIS:

In September of 1863, a series of events bring together three displaced young men, who risk everything to search for a new beginning. After hearing that Lincoln signed The Emancipation Proclamation, Nigerian born Tanimola (Tanner), escapes from his North Carolina plantation. Kana ti, a Cherokee whose family avoided the 1839 Indian relocation, buries his last relative and turns West to find his people. Eli Logan, the last man in his Georgia family, deserts the Confederate Army after The Battle of Chickamauga. The three men’s paths cross one night in Tennessee. Dealing with distrust and hatred of “the other,” they realize that they may be safer together on their journey. Each one holds a vision of their goal: Tanner settling in a Black community in Kansas, Kana Ti in Eastern Oklahoma with other Cherokees and Eli making it to Yellowstone. In their journey, they encounter many seemingly insurmountable obstacles: crossing the Mississippi River, engaging soldiers from both armies, dodging slave catchers, as well as native and animal attacks. Each challenging encounter forces the trio to the brink, creating tension between disbanding and working together. The outcomes reinforce the brotherhood. Pilot - Them’s Fightin’ Words

The pilot episode quickly immerses the characters together in an improbable meetup in Tennessee. Distrust of whites, leads Tanner and Kana Ti to hold Eli hostage until they understand his motives. Each character tells their back story to show how they arrived and where they are going. Loss is a similar theme for each man, as well as a quest to find a home. Eli uses a “trump card” of his map to join the journey and demonstrate value to overcome the hate his fellow travelers have for him. Early days of the three men’s journey, showing their distrust and animosity toward one another. Several fights occur between Eli and the men. They are all trying to demonstrate strength over the other, with exhausting arguments and battles taking place. The episode culminates with the group spotting a small band of Confederate soldiers.

WAYWARD SOULS