Malachi Kirby continues to deliver a moving and nuanced performance as Hezekiah Moscow in A Thousand Blows on Hulu. Kirby’s Jamaican heritage has influenced his portrayal of this character, and he hopes the audience can relate to the story’s portrayal of forgiveness and acceptance.

A Thousand Blows is set in 1880s East End London. The show follows rival groups who battle for money and power, both physically and through the political environment established within the lower classes. Season 2 picks up immediately where Season 1 left off, as Hezekiah Moscow struggles to move forward after tragedy and loss. We get to see Hezekiah’s past trauma as a child in Jamaica influence some major decisions he’s currently faced with, while also exploring his relationships with Mary and Sugar on a more complex level.

The Nerds of Color had the opportunity to speak with Malachi Kirby. From the influence of his Jamaican heritage to what audiences can expect in Season 2, we got an inside peek into how much his character’s growth is impacted throughout the series. You can watch our conversation here:

Season 2 of A Thousand Blows is available to stream now on Hulu.