The latest episode of Lovecraft Country, “I Am,” gave fans an explosion of Afrofuturism, women’s empowerment and excitement. Fans especially responded to the interdimensional being Beyond C’est, who gave fans nods to cultural icons, popular characters and even Queen Bey herself.

Shannon Houston, writer for the series, tweeted that Beyond C’est’s dress referenced Brazilian star Elza Soares, also known as the Queen of Samba.

Beyond C’est’s dress in this scene was inspired by a gown worn by Afro-Brazilian “Queen of Samba,” Elza Soares
???????????????? https://t.co/hJjPluOMb6 pic.twitter.com/fEiWq806aZ

— Hippolyta’s Babymama (@shannonmhouston) September 28, 2020

Fans were also quick to note that Beyond C’est’s name sounds eerily similar to Beyonce.

and i love that her name was Beyond C’est #LoveCraftCountry pic.twitter.com/hyRAtCsU3Z

— cats are evil (@dwaynefighter) September 28, 2020

Never watched Lovecraft Country but I am GAGGED at the brilliance of the name “Beyond C’est”

— Syd (@VoodooNegress) September 28, 2020

Wow, so the black lady alien with the afro’s name was Beyond C’est which is a reference to Beyoncé ???? #LovecraftCountry

— ✨ Ashley Marie ✨ (@AshaBee09) September 28, 2020

wait. her name is beyond c’est, like Beyoncé, but also c’est like French for “to be”?

lmao they were having fun this episode https://t.co/U4U4RhVYgL

— © ???? (@CashAndJewels) September 28, 2020

And I just found out that the lady in the white room’s name was “Beyond C’est” as in Beyoncé and now I have to stan even harder pic.twitter.com/wbAltLr4uS

— Lemmesageinpeace ???? (@dani82904) September 28, 2020

Fans also likened Beyond C’est to Garnet, one of the main characters of Steven Universe, voiced by singer/actress Estelle.

a non-spoiler recap of this week’s #LovecraftCountry (1×07 – I Am.): pic.twitter.com/GDwYzAY2bk

— Kate ????????????️‍???? (@k8ser) September 28, 2020

I was thinking more about the “I Am.” episode of #LoveCraftCountrY this morning. I connected to Hippolyta’s realized truth on shrinking, then discovering the power of “I AM.” Also, the Seraphina/Beyond C’est character was giving Garnet (from Steven Universe tease) pic.twitter.com/9bbdSKKTBd

— ⓂⓒⒸⓞⓨ①⑨⓪⑥ (@McCoy1906) September 28, 2020

Overall, fans, especially Black women, were excited about seeing Black women showcased in their full glory.

This #LovecraftCountry said everything I already feel about the politics of black womanhood, righteous anger, staying inquisitive and the expansive nature of our truest selves. Also writers naming this being Beyond C’est sparked joy in my heart! #hypolita #onelovecraft pic.twitter.com/QBr7QLoRMU

— Citrine In The Spirit (@DomiElise) September 28, 2020

Last night’s #LovecraftCountry was giving full breadth of Black women’s anger, Black men’s accountability for not adhering our expansion, and God-tier afro-futurism for Black women. Then wrapped it in love. I am. pic.twitter.com/pURpUa8iWi

— Latasha’s ABUNDANCE ✨✨ (@JustLatasha404) September 28, 2020

Last night’s #LovecraftCountry was giving full breadth of Black women’s anger, Black men’s accountability for not adhering our expansion, and God-tier afro-futurism for Black women. Then wrapped it in love. I am. pic.twitter.com/pURpUa8iWi

— Latasha’s ABUNDANCE ✨✨ (@JustLatasha404) September 28, 2020

Not lost on me that this week’s episode gave us a look at a truly free Black woman. Able to name herself and claim her rightful space. After a week like this, this was therapy! #LoveCraftCountry #lovecrafthbo pic.twitter.com/fMIpQwNYxo

— Rachel C. Hampton (@RaeHampton) September 28, 2020

When Beyond C’est (the talk black woman w/large Afro) said her name was “I Am”. ohhhhhhhhh that is a lesson, a statement there!! Like what if we as Black Women knew WE are created in the image of I AM [God] chileeeeee @MishaGreen @LovecraftHBO #LovecraftCounty pic.twitter.com/HYnmIScUR3

— Purple Reign Wellness (@PurpleReignWell) September 28, 2020

Fan reaction lines up with what Aunjanue Ellis told Shadow And Act about the episode. “Hippolyta, up until this point, she’s been presented as this woman who’s a wonderful, supportive wife, loving aunt and mother, so she’s felt trapped in these roles that she plays in her house and in her community,” Ellis said. “I think Hippolyta is one of those women who’s was one of these pillars of the block. She’s making cakes…and pies for the block party, people come to her for support and solace, a laugh…but she’s an astronomer in repressive 1950s America. So she wants to break out of that trap and Episode Seven we see her search…for her husband, but really what she’s in search of is herself.”

READ MORE:

‘Lovecraft Country’: Aunjanue Ellis Teases Hippolyta’s Self-Discovery, Breaks Down America’s Cyclical Relationship With Racism

Photo credit: HBO

Beyond C'est

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