The Sicilian Clan (1970)

Shadow and Bones is based on the book trilogy of the same name by author Leigh Bardugo, an Israeli-American author. The series was noted for presumably changing protagonist Alina Starkov's race to half Shu - paralleling actress Jessie Mei Li who is half Chinese half Caucasian. In the books, she was just depicted as a “pale girl”. Showrunner Eric Heisserer and author Bardugo explained the reason for this supposed change “as an intentional way to highlight Alina's outsider status, without having to over-explain things with dialogue. He figured that racism would be universally recognized, and more visual.” Wow, way to use the race card for storyline context and minimizing exposition. Just kidding. I’m not complaining. In fact, I’m pretty thrilled with the decision. I’m also relieved with the creator’s clear reasoning and articulation. The fact that Alina was played by a half Chinese girl was emotionally powerful for me – and I would guess for many Chinese Americans and Asian Americans - given all the anti-Chinese sentiment that has been so prevalent in the American subconscious and attitude, especially throughout the last year’s global pandemic and rhetoric.