A Tribute to the Awkward Black Girls

It seems everyone can't get enough of Awkward Black Girl. (If you're reading this with a question mark etched across your face, get awkward and get with it!) The hit web series chronicles the everyday adventures of "J," the "awkward black girl," which is a personality type rarely seen on television, especially among women of color. Since the show's online debut in February, it has amassed more than 240,000 views on YouTube and created a solid group of fans who have even donated money to keep the show alive. Show supporters raised more than $56,000 in roughly a month! (Source: Kansas City Star)

Media heads are starting to take notice as well, as online news articles have been popping up left and right highlighting the show's success, which creator Issa Rae attributes to social media. Celebs are catching on too! Fellow funny girl Gabrielle Union tweeted a special shout out to the unexpected smash series, calling the show "genius." With the way things are going, it may not be long before "AWB" is popping up in your TV guide.

That said, I thought I'd pay tribute to AWB's predecessors. Here's a list of the awkward black girls who paved the way.

1. "Freddie" (A Different World)

Played by Cree Summer

Freddie was technically more of a free spirit than she was awkward; however, she was a nice break from the norm. Actually, A Different World is one of the few shows that had various depictions of black people. The show's focus on life at an HBCU created opportunities to show the diversity within the black community.

2. "Synclaire" (Living Single)

Played by Kim Coles

Synclaire was Khadijah's (Queen Latifah) good-natured cousin, Overton's leading lady, and an aspiring actress. She was often regarded as absent-minded and gullible, but she was no fool. She possessed a child-like innocence and strong sense of self that enabled her to avoid the relationship pitfalls faced by her friends.

3. "Myra" (Family Matters)

Played by Michelle Thomas

It's hard to imagine that any woman could love Steve Urkel, especially pre-Stefon; but Myra was the equally quirky, yet way more attractive beauty who was able to distract Steve's attention from Laura Winslow-for a while at least. She and Steve shared a bond that however annoying, was nothing less than authentic. She loved him for him, and we loved her for that.

4. "Joan" (Girlfriends)

Played by Tracee Ellis Ross

Sure. Joan was a successful lawyer and everyone's favorite Girlfriend, but she was not without her awkward and corny moments. We can't overlook her strange obsession with holidays, over-use of legal terms in casual conversation, and inventive ways to run men off. She was the corporate world's awkward black girl, who received a pass for balancing and often suppressing her inner-AWB.

FOUR? JUST FOUR?! Wow, That's pretty sad. Well...did I leave anyone off?

Who on television would you consider an awkward black girl?

Blog Request: Khloe & Lamar "Sometimes I feel like a fatherless child"

It never occurred to me to do blog requests, until I actually got a request (LOL). But I absolutely love the idea and would be more than happy to blog on any topic you would like to see talked about. So feel free to leave a request comment or email me!

And sorry for the lack of posts lately. It's about that time in the school year where the work load starts picking up and the first thing to go is my blog. Sorry :-(

Anyway, I got a request to talk about last night's premiere episode of Khloe & Lamar on E!

I have to admit that I watch all the Kardashian shows....yes its true.

It's my guilty pleasure! Aside from all the hunger for media attention that is the essence of the Kardashian family, they're alright with me. (LOL)

I for one could have neverimagined that a sex tape would result in an entire empire for not just Kim, but her entire family! It might be fair to say that her star power has surpassed that of her R&B crooner turned reality TV celebrity co-star Ray-J. ( -__- )

And though I certainly have my criticisms of the first family of reality TV and how they acquired their fame, I will reserve judgment for now.

So back to last night's premiere.

I initially was sort of irritated at the thought of yet another spin off show. I mean honestly, the Kardashians are on our small screens consistently year round. Did we not JUST close out Kourtney and Kim Take New York last week? Kardashian saturation was not putting me in a good head space.

But, I tuned in despite my better judgment, and was pleasantly surprised.

Let's face it. When you first got wind of a wedding for Khloe and Lamar you just new things would not go down unless a camera crew was there to witness. The whole situation was a quick recipe for reality TV gold. But their marriage, though only a year, has outlasted many of our expectations. But we can't say we didn't see this show coming.

My thing is, I'm a Laker fan. And anything that would potentially distract Lamar from the game was just simply not going to fly. But so far, it doesn't seem like its affected his game. Also, Khloe & Lamar is one of the few shoes to get actual NBA access to shoot footage. I wonder if LaLa will have such luck...hmm?

Anyway, last night's show I'm ashamed to say had me on the brink of tears. I know, I know I'm shaking my head right along with you. But if you didn't watch...don't judge, thanks!

The episode featured a hot button issue in our community, fatherless children.

Lamar's father Joe Odom, who is a former heroin addict popped up on Khloe and Kourtney at a book signing. This was the first time they had met. After getting acquainted and making small talk, Joe preceded to ask Khloe if it's alright if he and his new wife get a couple of tickets to the Laker game. Khloe agreed to make it happen. Things were all fine and well until Khloe mentioned the little family reunion to Lamar who was none too pleased.

Lamar expressed to Khloe that he and his father had a difficult and complicated relationship that was beyond her comprehension, and suggested that she just leave it alone. However, Khloe having lost her own father, didn't see why Lamar was being so cold and why he wouldn't even allow his Dad to come to a game. Lamar said Joe knew the terms of his and Lamar's relationship, which did not include game attendance. He felt Joe should have never popped up on Khloe. Unsatisfied with Lamar's reasoning for isolating his father, Khloe continues to push the issue; at which point Lamar makes a random phone call to Joe to show Khloe his true nature.

This is where things got misty. After what seemed to be a few minutes on the phone, Joe Odom started asking Lamar for money, tickets, shoes, etc. Lamar had already been fully supporting Joe with rent money and a monthly allowance, yet his father consistently sought out more material things from his rags to riches son. I was so hurt for Lamar. He regarded the phone call as though it was typical conversation, which was very saddening. It was as if he had become completely numb to his father soliciting money from him. Yet, you could still see he was very hurt that his father only maintained a relationship for what he could get out of it. The two had lost so many years of their relationship due to Joe's postwar drug addiction. And now that both are seemingly in a better space in their lives (Lamar's pro-ball career and Joe's sober life) Joe was more focused on using Lamar than loving him.

It's no secret that post Vietnam, soldiers were not properly taken care of to make sure they were mentally sound to return to a normal life, and many turned to drugs and alcohol to cope, resulting in a range of negative consequences for them and their families. Many ended up abandoning their responsibilities. Lamar's story is all too familiar to so many families. Lamar acknowledged his father's difficult life, but said that he was not looking for him to be a father, but to just act like he was a father. Acting like a decent human being would have sufficed. I don't want to judge Joe, because I honestly can't imagine all he has been through, but there has got to be a better way to go about having a relationship with Lamar. But does he even REALLY want a relationship?

This issue is something that can arise with many young men today growing up without a father. If you don't take the opportunity to be one when you had it, can you ever really reestablish that relationship?

Your thoughts?

Are We Being Too Rough on "The Game"

Not everyone was pleased when the hit sitcom "The Game" returned to cable television with record-setting ratings. Sure, I expected that. There's always a critic. But, its been 8 weeks since the show's return and feedback has been steadily less than flattering.

I initially voiced by concerns with the new, more dramatic format of the show in a past post, but eventually came to terms with new changes. However, negative whispers about Kelly's new attitude, a soap-operaesque plot, and the Brit-brat swap have been festering consistently since season 4's debut and its truly beginning to worry me. This coupled with so-so ratings and the fact that the show has not yet been confirmed for a 5th season has me wondering are we in danger of losing the show again?

I've thought seriously about some of the complaints that I've heard, and it all seems quite trivial in the larger scheme of things. We are in a television era where Jersey Shore ranks as the highest weekly rated show for cable TV and yet, we take issue with The Game? Someone help me see the light, please! This baffles me.

I wouldn't be surprised if the shade thrown at The Game's new season is provided by those who hopped on the bandwagon. At any rate, the actors on the show are aware of the mixed feelings of "fans" who have reached out via Twitter, and the cast has urged them to direct their comments toward the powers that be at BET.

I partly feel as though social media's involvement in the show's return is beginning to backfire. Roughly two years ago, Game fans on Facebook and Twitter united to lead an ambitious campaign for The Game's return. And obviously it worked. However, I think there was a price to pay. It seems as though viewers have become to invested in their presumed "power." Because they were responsible for the comeback, they feel a sense of entitlement to the shows content. Sure every fan has right to their opinion, but we can't expect for it to be adopted as law.

Furthermore, people have to get used to change. Hello! Things change. They just do. In this case the show can't win for losing. If they hadn't changed a thing, I'm sure some would have said the new season ran dry. Now that they've stirred the pot, people don't like the recipe. Sigh...

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with voicing opinions. In fact, most shows encourage social media heads to "watch and discuss." The key thing here being to watch.

Anyway, I say all this to say. Discontentment cannot cause us to disengage. What a shame that would be after all of this right? Bottom line is there are about two handfuls of reality Tv shows we should probably be petitioning against right now....and we're not. Why?

Why are we being so rough on The Game?

"They should've burned it" TV One's Cathy Hughes on Precious and other things

While visiting one of my fav blogs Necole Bitchie, I ran across an interview with TV One's Cathy Hughes from Miss Drama TV.

The station's front woman spoke very candidly and honestly about her thoughts on positive vs. negative portrayals of black women.

I'll let you watch the video before I say my peace.

Check it out here:


Ok, hopefully you watched it.

Now...

Half the time I was nodding my head in concurrence with Mrs. Hughes and shaking it in disagreement the other half. I too was displeased with the fact that the highest honor given to any entertainer (Academy Award) was awarded to Monique and Halle for two of the most negative portrayals of black women we've seen. I might not have felt this way when Hattie McDaniel received her award because, at that time, it was one of the only roles available for black women. But times have truly changed, and despite the difficulty I do believe black women have more options. I agree that we should be telling more positive tales of black women, a la the story of Michelle Obama. (Seriously, where's the script on that?) And while it's great to see black women being recognized for their achievements, its unfortunate to have one of the highest achievements stained with the black ink blot of knowledge that your role is one that perpetuates negative and villanous stereotypes of women you claim to represent.

The ironic thing about Mrs. Hughes' comments though, was that she failed to see how Tyler Perry has also fallen victim to this pattern of betrayal and how her own network is neither exempt nor blameless. More recently, many have come out to declare their disdain for Tyler Perry's works (*ahem* Spike Lee) and amid the criticism, he still remains thee top selling creator of black films. But while his films introduce topics of spirituality and moral consciousness rarely visible in today's media, they are also inter-laden with characteristics of stereotypical black life. His alter-ego portrayal of Madea is the epitome of a modern day mash-up of the historically derogative "Mammy" and "Sapphire". Yet, Hughes suggests that his ability to deliver a positive message through humor offsets the depiction of the "Angry black woman."

Do you agree?

Furthermore, Hughes expresses her feelings on BET's role as being #1 in black entertainment saying that she felt BET missed a lot of opportunities to showcase new talent, which she says is to her benefit as TV One is able to learn from the mistakes BET is making, thus delivering better programming and more positive portrayals of African-Americans, particularly black women. Again, Mrs. Hughes I disagree...in part. Has anyone seen "Love that Girl?" I know I have ranted on this show once before, and don't want to get into that again but it honestly is one of the most disappointing shows I've seen in a long time. The stereotypes extend beyond black women to homosexuals and I fail to see the point of it all.

Anyway...

I have been watching BET since I was young and since Bob Johnson's exit stage left, I have seen improvement in the network's quality of programming. Granted, they still have far to go, but they have eliminated disparaging shows like "UnCut" and have successfully introduced a positive spin on reality television with shows like "The Family Crews." Again, there were errors along the way. (I think we were all mad at Frankie and Neffe, but some see the positive in any situation.) At any rate, the network has indeed showcased new talent by joining the race to revive the black sitcom.

I don't want to come off like I'm taking sides because I definitely am not getting a check from BET nor TV One. But rather, I want to highlight the senselessness in the competitive spirit that often resurrects itself between two black entities at the top of their game. This "crab in a barrel" nature is what I believe is tripping us up. I am NOT accusing Mrs. Hughes of this, but her comments did leave me feeling this way. If ABC, CBS, and NBC can coexist for over 50 years than I have to believe the same is possible for BET and TV One. Has it not been established that our competition is not each other? The threat is the alternative powers that be that are trying to choke off our voices entirely or worse, speak for us.

Both networks have done a GREAT job of providing alternate programming geared toward African-Americans. TV One's "Unsung" is truly in a class of its own and BET has scored a major hit with the "The Game." Moreover, that both of these networks have women as the HBICs is esteeming in itself. (B stands for Boss, don't get it twisted) Debra Lee and Cathy Hughes are remarkable women for fearlessly taking on such as task. I hope both networks can continue to excel.

So now the spotlight is on you. What do you think about Mrs. Hughes' comments? Monique and Halle's Oscars? Tyler Perry? And BET vs. TV One?

For Valentines Day: All Time Fav TV Couples

In the spirit of love, I decided to post my all time favorite TV couples! Whether you've got a love connection of your own this Valentine's Day or you're flying solo (again) you can at least find solace in the love of these dynamic duos.

1. Lucy and Desi (I Love Lucy)
I was a big 'I Love Lucy' fan. Not only were they the funniest pair on television, they were also one of the first onscreen interracial couples. Although their relationship seemed more like one between parent and child than husband and wife due to Lucy's antics getting her in trouble, you couldn't deny the love between these two. Onscreen they slept in separate beds, but the arrival of "Little Ricky" during the second season suggested there were other arrangements at home. (wink)

2. The Huxtables (The Cosby Show)
There was no better example of black love than Mr. and Mrs. Clair Huxtable during their TV era. Both at top positions in their fields, Cliff and Claire's respect for each other as equals and parental partners made them arguably the most beloved couple on TV. They were the perfect balance for one another, always in harmony. Well, accept when a visibly upset Mrs. Huxtable would burst into a Spanish rant. But even while speaking another language, you knew Cliff completely understood the nature of the conversation.

3. Martin and Gina (Martin)
Martin and Gina's romance was sizzling! They always knew how to keep things fresh and interesting. It must have been tough maintaining their relationship within a larger circle of friends, but they sure made it look easy. You've gotta love a couple that can make fun of each other and know its all love at the end of the day. Who can forget Gina's visit to the dentist where she returned looking like she just got it in with Mike Tyson and lost, right before Martin's award at his high school reunion. He may not have wanted her there, but Gina showed up to support her man with her famous line, "You Go Boy!"

4. Florida and James (Good Times)
Raising a family in a Chicago housing project may not sound like fun to you and I, but the Evans household was full of good times. Despite raising 3 kids under financial hardship, Florida and James always found a way to survive. Their love was resilient and indestructible, which is why we truly felt Mrs. Evans' pain when she lost her husband in a fatal car accident in Jackson, Mississippi. "DAMN, DAMN, DAMN!"






5. George and Weezie (The Jeffersons)
It takes a patient woman to love George Jefferson. He was quite chauvinistic and arrogant, but only one woman could see through his facade. None other than Weezie Jefferson. We first fell in love with the couple as the Bunkers' neighbors on CBS' All in the Family, but it wasn't long before the Jeffersons moved on up to their very own deluxe apartment in the sky. For 11 seasons fans enjoyed wise-cracking George and lovable Weezie on the hit sitcom that still today stands as the longest-running sitcom featuring a predominantly black cast in the history of American television.






6. Laura and Steve (Family Matters)
Steve was probably the most obnoxious human being on television, but you couldn't help but admire his unconditional love for Laura Winslow. So what it took him YEARS to win her heart. After 8 seasons and a beautiful distraction (Myra), the final season finally brought these two together. Laura who received two proposals, had found love on a two-way street and was forced to choose between Steve Urkel and his more attractive, less-annoying alter-ego Stefan Urquelle. In the end, she followed her heart and she and Steve eventually became engaged. I still would've picked Stefan, but hey...spilled milk right?


7. Corey and Topanga (Boy Meets World)
Raise your hand if you wanted their relationship? ...ME TOO! It was a love at first sight that went the distance...literally. Cory and Topanga survived high school, college and Topanga's move to Philadelphia. And though the young couple struggled through their first year of marriage due to financial hardship they always managed to find their love. They were so fun to watch and really made us TGIF!









8. Vince and Jess (Friday Night Lights)
I understand you may not be familiar with these two, because honestly, I've just gotten hip to this show myself. But it has very quickly become one of my favorite shows! Sadly, it ended its 5 year run last Wednesday just as things were getting good :-(. But don't fret, you can catch up this spring when the last season airs on NBC. Jess and Vince, though teenagers, have one of the strongest relationships I've seen portrayed by characters their age. These two had an ambiguous history that led to a promising future. Of-course with a few bumps along the road. Vince was a prison-bound knuckle head when Jess reentered his life. He wanted her back, but she was in another relationship. But as fate would have it, a traumatic loss would land Vince in Jess's comforting arms and B-O-O-M...fireworks! Jess stood by Vince through the loss of his best friend, his mother's drug habit, and his incarcerated father's dramatic return. Their shared passion for football and love for one another made them one of the steamiest duos on the small screen. If you think you have them figured out, you don't know the half! Be sure to check them out!

9.Rochelle and Julius (Everybody Hates Chris)
These two can go down in history as one of the funniest couples on television. Raising 3 children in Brooklyn, NY in the 80s sure made for some great laughs in the Rock household. When Julius wasn't counting pennies and Rochelle wasn't knocking her children into their next lifetime, they were perfecting their roles as solid parents to a young future comedian, Chris Rock and his younger siblings. Their tough love for their children enabled them to remain a strong family unit that was able to escape poverty in a crime and drug-infested neighborhood. I hate that the show was canceled.


10. Derwin and Melanie (The Game)
Now you knew this list would not be complete without the most talked about couple on TV. Ding-dong and MedSkoo! We have seen these two through some serious highs and lows and have been along for the whole roller-coaster ride. And what a ride it has been. Despite infidelity, injuries, a turkey baster, and baby mama drama Derwin and Melanie just can't seem to let each other go. Relationships don't get any more real than theirs. We thought we'd seen the last of the drama now that Derwin put a ring on it, but we should've known better. We know who we're dealing with and the new season is serving up all the drama we know and love them for. We ain't seen nothing yet!


Ok, what do you think of my list? Who did I miss? Any surprises? Snubs?

Leave your thoughts!!!

Black TV: Single Ladies Trailer

Photo Credit: studentfilmmakers.com

A while back rumors were circulating that Lisa Raye, Stacey Dash, and Lauren London were doing a television series that would fill the void of the UPN hit "Girlfriends."

Well turns out, its actually a movie called "Single Ladies" executive produced by Queen Latifah. (I see you Queen!) She's also executive producing the new BET series Let's Stay Together.

Anyway, Single Ladies is supposed to be a cross between Girlfriends and Sex In the City (we'll see about that) and it seems Lauren London has been replaced by a blonde I don't recognize (No dis).

Perhaps, they're piloting the movie to see what the response will be before green-lighting a series. (Smart)

For your viewing pleasure, here's the trailer.


What do you think? Will you watch?

Via Clutch Magazine: New Series ‘Milk + Honey’ Stars Debbie Allen, Lance Gross, and Idris Elba

Photo Credit: clutchmagonline.com

Since I'm a fan of all things Lance Gross, I felt it only befitting that I post about a new online series Milk & Honey that he's co-starring in. Oh yea, and its executive produced by Idris Elba. Need I say more?

On a serious note, I just LOVE that black television is back and that we are getting more shows to choose from.

From Clutch Mag:

The series follows four African-American women as they traverse spiritual, professional and romantic journeys in the City of Angels. The show stars legendary actress Debbie Allen, as well as Lance Gross, Bryce Wilson, Faune Chambers, and newcomer Asha Kamali.

“Milk + Honey” is being Executive produced by Idris Elba and the production company Brown Paper Dolls, which is comprised of three dynamic Black women—Dana Gills, Asha Kamali May, and Jeanette McDuffie.

According to Dana Gills, one of the series’ creators, “Milk + Honey” is a labor of love.

“Milk + Honey is a passion project. Working on it for over 3 years, [it was] created because we wanted to showcase positive and diverse images of women of color—[which you] don’t see many on the big or little screen.”

According to Clutch Mag, the show will only be available on the web, but the series creators are hoping it gets picked up and aired on TV soon.

In the mean time watch the trailer...

milk + honey series trailer from brown paper dolls on Vimeo.
For more information visit milkandhoneyseries.com.

Let's Stay Together...I sure hope so.

Photo Credit: poptower.com

BET's night of premiere's included the much anticipated season 4 premiere of The Game and new original series, Let's Stay Together.

Let's stay together managed to hold on to 4.4 million viewers left over from The Game's premiere.

That's pretty good for BET's first real scripted series.

I love the concept for Let's Stay Together, which is a show about the lives of two young couples and a single woman as they go through the different stages of relationships.

The show features some very talented actors Bert Belasco, Nadine Ellis, Joyful Drake, RonReaco Lee, and Erica Hubbard.

You may remember Joyful from Hair Show and PhatGirlz, Erica from Lincoln Heights, and RonReaco from Sister Sister.

The first episode seemed a little corny, but it has a lot of potential to be a great show.

I love that the show is making the monogamous relationship something to be desired again. If there's anything black families need nowadays its to stay together.

I'm excited to see where the show takes us.

Hopefully the ratings for this show as well as the The Game will stay consistent. We've already showed that we want the return of the black sitcom, but we've gotta watch to prove it.

I sure hope we can keep it together.

The Game Serves Up a Record Breaking Premiere

Photo Credit: costmag.com

The most anticipated night in television took place last night with the return of "The Game." 7.7 million viewers tuned in to watch Ding-Dong, Med School and the whole gang reconvene for a drama-filled season 4 premiere, and they did NOT disappoint.

However, there was a lot of mixed feedback on my Twitter and Facebook feeds about the show being over-the-top. Maybe so, but they had a lot of hype to live up to and could not take the chance of being underwhelming after a two-year wait. And with all the pressure to perform, I definitely think they rose to the occasion.

I had to watch the show on my DVR several times just to soak it all in. The overall production has definitely stepped up their "game." From the set design, to the writing, music and wardrobe, the show has turned it all the way up. And the storyline is juicier than ever. I LOVE IT! And despite what qualms people have with BET, I have noticed the steps they are trying to make in the right direction...kudos.

But back to the show.

The last time we saw the gang Kelly and Jason had just finalized their divorce. Fast forward two years and the former Kelly Pitts is still enjoying her new found freedom and independence and finally living high off of Jason's dime. She's even filming a reality show to establish her own identity called Ex-Ballers Wives, much to Jason's chagrin. Hmm where have I seen that before? (LOL) Jason's not doing so good though. He and Kelly are bickering non-stop and his standing with the Sabers is on the rocks as well. It seems that as the divorce settled, so did the reality that losing his marriage would subsequently cost him his family and his career. I don't know about you, but I'm still pulling for these two. It ain't over til I say its over! (TEHE).

The biggest change in the Pitts family would have to be the casting change of their daughter Britney. Lots of people expressed their disapproval for the new "Brit-Brat." I, too, like the old Britney but come on folks. There are a lot of legalities that go into having children on TV. Its two years later and no parents in their right mind would up jump the boogie to Atlanta for their daughter to only play a recurring role. I'm sure we will get used to this older pop-tart Britney in no time.

Thankfully, Tasha Mack is still Tasha Mack, serving up all the quick-witted punch lines that we know and love her for. But there's no Rick Fox this time around :-(. She's got a new boo, Dante played by Terrence J. He did his thing despite however uncomfortable it was viewing his pre-pubescent body making out with a grown woman, but I guess it's a part of the dynamic. It's no easy task keeping up with firecracker Ms. Mack but Terrence J certainly held his own. Only time will tell how long this relationship will last.

With Terrence J came a host of other cameos including Meagan Good, Sheree Whitfield and Chris Webber. The guest appearances were slightly excessive, but its understandable. I mean it is the premiere people! And with so many fans of the show I'm sure people were busting down BET doors to get one of the coveted spots.

Meagan Good did a nice job playing the role of the Saber owner's wife that Malik is smashing. It suited her so well. Now don't sit there and judge me like you thought this role was a stretch. What can I say...its what she's "good" at (LOL). Seriously though, I would LOVE to see her express her range some more by playing something other than the jump off or girlfriend. I'd like to believe she's selling herself short and has more to offer, but I just need to see it.

Sheree, however, was as random as cameos came. I know they are filming in the ATL, but we're still supposed to believe the Sabers are in San Diego and Sheree was just an unnecessary reminder that we were in Atlanta. And was that Rick Ross barely understandable at the top of the staircase of Malik's house? Anywho...

I thought Chris Webber did a GREAT job as the sports announcer interviewing Jason Pitts. If he doesn't have a job sportscasting someone should snatch him up. But there was a teenie pet-peeve that was introduced in this scene that remained obvious, at least to me, throughout the entire remainder of the show....THAT DARN LAUGHING TRACK.

Was it me or was it too low? It's like they wanted to laugh, but not really. There were a lot of hilarious punch lines that fell through the cracks because of the unenthusiastic laugh track. I really hope they fix that, because it made some of the jokes awkward. The laugh track lets the live audiences and viewers at home know that this is your cue to laugh. I didn't realize how necessary it was until now. But I digress.

Mama Mack's baby boy is back living life in the fast lane, but it seems he may need to slow down. Due to an injury setback, he is no longer the Sabers' franchise player. And Lik-Lik is having a hard time coping with the change. He's also having difficulty getting used to his sidekick and everyone's favorite flunky Tee-Tee, who has retired as Malik's b...h boy and has a new gig as a businessman. (He owns a chicken truck)

Malik refuses to take Tee-Tee seriously and still treats him like a wing man. He even ignores Tee-Tee's advice to lay low about sleeping with the Saber owner's wife (Meagan Good). Malik adds to his disregard for Tee-Tee by also getting it in with Tee-Tee's girlfriend Allison. And let me just say Malik has gone TOO FAR. It's bad enough to be sleeping with the owner's wife, but doubling up with your best-friend's girl? Come on Malik! Why are you playin?! But this is why I love The Game...for keeping it real. The reality is a lot of famous athletes have Malik's same mentality, that "the rules don't apply." But of course, every dog has his day and I think Malik will soon reap the consequences of his selfish and reckless ways, and Lord have mercy on him when he does.


But if you thought that was drama, then you must not know Derwin and Melanie. Fast forward two years after the wedding from hell and the ill-timed birth of Derwin's son and the two are a married superstar couple adjusting to the lime-light and blended family life. Melanie has put medical school on hold to be a glamorous baller's wife and though I'm disappointed she sacrificed her career for his, the plot remains true to the lives of real athletes' wives who postpone their dreams to be supportive wives and mothers. And I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of Dr. Melanie Barnett-Davis.

Melanie's not the only one glammed up to keep up with new superstar Derwin Davis. Janay is back and loving the perks of being a baby mama and has amped up her game as well...and I love it! But it wouldn't be the Davis household without drama. Melanie is still not satisfied playing second fiddle to Derwin's son and is convinced Janay is just out to get what she has. She allows her doubts about Derwin Jr. (DJ) to get the best of her and against advice from Tasha, gets a paternity test for now two-year-old DJ. Well lucky for her, the results came back negative...YOU ARE NOT THE FATHER! Melanie tells Derwin little DJ isn't his, crushing him, but perhaps she shouldn't have spoken so quickly. It seems her hookup at the clinic made a mistake and Derwin is in fact the father of Derwin Jr. (BOOM) How is Melanie gonna fix this one?

Will she tell Derwin? Or will she be consumed by the thought of finally having Janay and DJ out of their lives forever?

Ooo wee! We shall soon find out!

Can't wait til next Tuesday

Will you be watching?

Love That Girl...wish I could.

Photo Credit: shavarross.com

With all "The Game" frenzy ensuing as the 4th season premiere approaches, I somehow managed to catch TV One's original series "Love That Girl." And I have to say I was not impressed. In fact, I was very disappointed.

I tuned into the pilot season last year and wasn't liking what I was seeing. I even though the show got canceled after poor ratings. But no, somehow it survived the pilot season and crept its way into the line-up of new shows in the new year.


Yes, I know there aren't many black sitcoms on the air, although they are starting to resurface, but I can't support a show that's just not good.

And the fact that Martin Lawrence is behind this just adds insult to injury.

Perhaps I should stop ranting and say what issues I have with the show. But let me start with what I do like. I have always been a fan of Tatyana Ali. I've followed her from Fresh Prince to her web-series Buppies and even supported her short-lived music career. But sadly, she is the only thing this show has going for itself.

Tatyana's brother on the show played by Alphonso McAuley (Fat Albert, Glory Road) is funny, but over-the-top. His jokes would go over much more smoothly if not coupled with his unnatural enthusiasm. It made you not want to give him the laugh because he worked too hard for it.

But the two homosexual cast members make McAuley look like Ben Stein, the guy from the Clear Eyes commercial. I'm so over the foo-foo, hyper-feminine stereotype of gay characters. They are obnoxious to say the least.

Oh, but the show has enough stereotypes to go around. "Amunique" is the quintessential rainbow haired, ghetto hoochie with no sense working as a secretary in a business office. And by working I mean spending all day on the phone.

The storylines are unique at best, but are overshadowed by over-the-top characters with eccentric stereotypes.

Unfortunately, I'll be deleting this show from my DVR. Martin should have done better smh.

Have You Ever Eaten Your Words?

Photo Credit: theslimdiva.com

I was organizing the tags on my archived posts when I came across one about Tiny and Toya titled "Baby Mama Love"
Here were my thoughts...

"So has anyone seen the trailer to Tiny and Toya's new show? If you have please tell me wtf its about. I guess Toya is tryna put her name on the map and Tiny had to find something to do while T.I. is locked up but really? I guess I should blame BET for supporting this nonsense but I can't say i'm surprised. What's sadder, the fact that this is really a show or that I'm probably gonna be the first to watch? SMH."

Ouch! (LOL) Well, I was right about one thing...I was the first to watch. (SMH) But contrary to my expectations, the show was not the disaster I'd anticipated. In fact, i actually enjoyed it.

I can admit I prejudged the show and the women. The show was more about Tiny and Toya as individuals rather than them as extensions of their famous counterparts, but with all the debauchery that is female reality TV, I expected the worst...like a reality TV lovechild of Frankie and Neffe and Basketball Wives. Thankfully, such wasn't the case.

The women really seemed to be clear about their intention for the show as a means to set the record straight about their roles as "so and so's" baby mama. The record being, don't call them that. (Ya heard?!) The show even tackled issues in family life such as parents with issues of drug abuse (Toya's mother) and mental disease (Tiny's father). It wasn't the usual over-the-top show and tell of wealth mingled between dramatic cat fights *ahem* (Real Housewives of Atlanta). Anywho, it was...dare I say real?

With all the Amber Rose's and Kat Stacks' of the world on the hunt for the next gullible millionaire entertainer or athlete with a Napoleon complex exchanging money for validation from a beautiful woman, the show portrayed a more down to earth take on life as a trophy wife, exposing realities not so appealing to those looking for, in the words of Tasha Mack, the 3h's: homes, hedge funds and hummers.

Tiny struggled to help her mother cope with her father's Alzheimer's disease, while simultaneously holding down the home front while T.I. continued his stint in jail. (We'll have to address his latest return to the pen for a later post...I can't go there right now).

Toya tried to support her mother through rehab after years of drug abuse in their hometown of New Orleans, LA and re-establish herself as an individual after her high-profile relationship with Lil Wayne.

All the while the women SUPPORTED each other through their trials (imagine that) and raising their children. The show was about family and self-identity.

Ok, enough already right? All I'm trying to say is that I probably shouldn't have written them off so quickly.

Now, here's to hoping they don't do anything to cause me to retract this nice post. *fingers crossed*

Get Your Head In "The Game"

The countdown til Game Day has officially begun!!!! Like many, I am anxiously awaiting the popular sitcom "The Game's" return to television. I've been watching the re-runs as if I haven't seen them a million times already. This got me thinking. What exactly is the show's appeal? For me, its the layers that all of the characters portray. Many shows featuring an African-American cast depict characters perpetuating stereotypes. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of stereotypes interlaced throughout the characters in this show. For example, Tasha Mack is the slick talkin, neck-rollin, no non-sense, loud baby-mama, but to write her off as just that would be a huge mistake. She's also a millionaire single mother and a smart and successful business woman who turned her star athlete son into a franchise player and one of the richest athletes in the league. She's far from a statistic.

I would say that The Game's portrayal of life in the professional athlete world is, dare I say, MORE REAL than VH1 reality show Basketball Wives. The women are in no way overshadowed by their male athlete counterparts and reduced to making pitiful attempts to compensate like on Basketball Wives. They are working to form their own identities, and with tact.

The show's ability to balance challenges within the black community from different angles using humor is definitely a key part of its allure.

I love my reality tv shows as much as the next person, but I am soooo glad to see the SUCCESSFUL return of the black sitcom, and elated that BET made the smart decision to be apart of its revival.

If you haven't already, get your head in "The Game" before the new season starts 1-11-11. The network is running re-runs all weekend.

Here's a interview with Game stars Pooch Hall (Derwin) and Tia Mowry (Melanie).



More on black sitcoms to follow....

Baby Mama Love

So has anyone seen the trailer to Tiny and Toya's new show? If you have please tell me wtf its about. I guess Toya is tryna put her name on the map and Tiny had to find something to do while T.I. is locked up but really? I guess I should blame BET for supporting this nonsense but I can't say i'm surprised. What's sadder, the fact that this is really a show or that I'm probably gonna be the first to watch? SMH.