Ladies of TNT’s “Claws” Join Mary J. Blige in Celebrating the “Strength Of A Woman”Posted by Wilson Morales
June 11, 2017
Turner’s TNT and the cast of the new series Claws have teamed up with Grammy winner Mary J. Blige to appear in her new music video for “Strength of a Woman” the title track off the artist’s 13th studio album. Claws stars Niecy Nash, Carrie Preston, Jenn Lyon, Judy Reyes and Karrueche Tran are all featured in the video.
The release of “Strength of a Woman” comes during the buildup to the Claws premiere, taking place this Sunday, June 11, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) across TNT platforms. The premiere will be followed by an encore presentation on Twitter.
Niecy Nash, Carrie Preston, Harold Perrineau, Jenn Lyon, Judy Reyes, Karrueche Tran, Jason Antoon, Kevin Rankin, Jack Kesy and Dean Norris star in the hour-long dramedy.
“The inspiration for ‘Strength of a Woman’ came from my life. It came from some very heavy trials and hardships through my life that I had to come through,” said Mary J. Blige. “There are a lot of similar themes in the show Claws. They’re in some heavy, sticky, nasty situations but that is what survival is about.”
With its story focusing on five manicurists working at a Central Florida nail salon, Claws celebrates empowered women as they navigate the challenges of their professional and daily lives. Blige integrated members of the cast into her “Strength of a Woman” music video in order to show off an array of proud, hard-working women – a common thread woven throughout the R&B songstress’ album and resonating at the heart of its title song. “Strength of a Woman” is a reflection of Blige’s journey to overcoming emotional turmoil and, like Claws, honors women by exploring themes of self-worth and empowerment.
Claws is executive-produced by Rashida Jones, Will McCormack, Janine Sherman Barrois, who also serves as showrunner, and director Howard Deutch. Creator and co-executive producer Eliot Laurence wrote the pilot, which was directed by Nicole Kassell. Claws is produced by Jones and McCormack’s Le Train Train, in association with Warner Horizon Television and Turner’s Studio T.
At the center is salon owner Desna (played by Niecy Nash), who lives with and cares for her mentally ill twin brother, Dean (played by Harold Perrineau). Desna’s staff includes best friend Jennifer (Jenn Lyon), a tenuously sober ex-party girl raising two children from previous relationships; Quiet Ann (Judy Reyes), Desna’s enigmatic driver who also provides security for the salon; Polly (Carrie Preston), a mild-mannered preppy who recently served time in prison for identity theft; and Virginia (Karrueche Tran), who makes no effort to hide her boredom and impatience with her job.
Adding chaos to the Nail Artisan mix is Roller (Jack Kesy), a gangstered-out redneck who runs a barely legal pain clinic and uses Desna’s nail salon to launder their obscene profits; Bryce (Kevin Rankin), Jennifer’s husband who is also newly sober and trying to stay legit by working as an abundance coach; Dr. Ken Brickman (Jason Antoon), a bona fide doctor at a decidedly un-bona fide drug clinic; and Uncle Daddy (Dean Norris), a dangerous Dixie Mafia crime boss who is deeply Catholic and actively bisexual.
Trailer
Mary J. Blige – Strength Of A Woman
