BET's The Game: Valid Criticism or BET Hateration?

True enough, for many, BET had become the bailiwick of the Black Community.  What started out as a promise of light, quickly eroded to an indefensible display of the worst of us.  Years of limited original programming and a program line-up consisting mostly of music videos yielded an unparalleled distrust for the network.  Daily, the über-elite, middle class and downtrodden alike dallied in the verbal assault.; Many boldly denounced the pictorial framing of our lives being etched by BET as the greatest television atrocity since Steppin and Fetchit emblazoned the screen.

Despite the years of debacles, recently, a concerted effort has been made by BET to finally turn the corner.  Black Girl Rocks, BET Honors, The Summits and BET Awards are just some of the shows poised to show BET’s commitment to a new normal.  The Monique Show - BET’s entrée into Late Night - is a place no African American has existed on any other network since, The Arsenio Hall Show.  Ed Gordon has returned with his cutting edge commentary and a number of new original programs have come to fruition, with more in the works.  Perhaps the most ballyhooed of BET’s recent programming accomplishments is the hugely anticipated return of “The Game.”

Without consideration of the show’s popularity with viewers and fans, “The Game” was reshuffled to a “no-win” ratings slot and subsequently discarded like years old trash by its previous network, The CW.  But were we surprised?  Probably not, the CW’s predecessor  UPN/WB, had previously discarded all of our favorites: Half and Half, Girlfriends, to name a few, without remorse.  Only one network was willing to hear our voices, BET.  BET picked up our favorite show; brought back the same writers, producers, main character actors and staff and yet it seems a strong sub-set of our community is still positioned and ready to complain. 

Sure the set is different, some of the characters and characterizations have changed; but they had to.  It is still a good show; working a completely different format; forging ahead to gain new ground and progress.  Are there hiccups?  Absoulutely!  But let’s give credit where credit is due.  [We] did a great job to demand; BET did a greater job to respond.  No other network stepped up to the plate yet and [I] can’t help but believe that a subset of our community is content to raise their voices in protest [the why is not totally connecting for me -to substantiate their own dignity] by denouncing BET.  I also suspect that a large part of the criticism lodged against the show, consists at least, of a generous portion of unresolved BET Hateration.

I encourage those who are quick to engage in such BET bashing, to put aside the years of disdain and allow the network to turn the corner.  At a minimum, we should grant BET the same consideration our years of silence and mere acceptance has bestowed upon the major networks.  After all, no one likes to be held hostage to past mistakes, when they’re forging a new path, nor should they be.  BET, one of our networks, deserves at least that same consideration.  Bring down the hate! 

New Series: Single Ladies

Since the new season started we've been wondering what is going on with Jason Pitts.  It's not just his bitter antics on the show, but the missing in action status of his love life.  At the end of season three he walked out of the courtroom with Camille.  Fast forward two years and Kelly has moved on (kind of) and Camille is nowhere to be found.

Actress Stacey Dash, who played Jason Pitts love interest in season 3 has snagged a lead role on the new show, Single Ladies which will air on VH-1.  The show will debut in May with a two hour premiere.  Originally filmed as a movie, VH-1 decided to pick it up for weekly episode.  LisaRaye McCoy and Charity Shea will also star in the series, which is executive produced by Queen Latifah.

As for Kelly, actress Brittany Daniel, has confirmed that she will have a recurring character this season.  So for those of you who were hoping for a reunion-it's not going to happen, at least not in season 4.  This may also explain why we won't see much of Kelly and Jason's daughter, Brit Brat.

Check out the trailer for Single Ladies below.  Will you be tuning in this spring?

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These Are My Confessions

So last night Melanie had to come clean and tell Derwin that little D.J. really is his.  I was hoping he wasn't, but I digress. In that last scene, you could almost feel the weight lift off her shoulders when Derwin told her he was still there.  Although, I thought she didn't look too happy about his "go to church every Sunday" mandate.

That episode just got me to thinking about how difficult it is to confess and admit you "messed up."  I don't know if it's the pain you've caused someone else or the consequences you fear most.  Secretly I'll admit I was glad Derwin wasn't messing up for a change.  And was it just me or did Malik finally make some sense after three seasons?

Oh well, it wasn't too long ago that someone else had our attention with some confessions of his own.  Remember when Usher had every station on lock with his Confessions Part 1 and 2?

Where You'd Least Expect It

Guess who I ran into in Nairobi Kenya? You guessed it. That's Mr. and Mrs. Derwin Davis before they tied the knot.  There were plenty of large billboards advertising products.  But I was surprised to see this one since it's advertising our favorite show!  It's amazing the reach that our culture has around the globe.

What's one of the most unlikely things you've come across in your travels?

The Game Weekly

 

With the new season kicking off just last week, the web was abuzz with recaps, reviews and the history making 7.7 million viewers.  But there was more news about The Game and the people who make it happen on set (both in front of and behind the camera).


TerrenceJ talks to What The Flick about working with Cher on Burlesque, here...

The NYLA Report gives us a glimpse of what it's like to be on the set with fashion stylist and assistant costume designer, Janelle Nicole. Click, here...

Pooch Hall and Hosea Chanchez are Color Struck in a red hot photo shoot for the February issue of The Source magazine. Watch as Hosea and Pooch dish on what it means to be in love. More photos and a video below...

Terrance J holds his own! But can Dante?

We got wind that Dante played by TerranceJ of 106&Park fame, would be Tasha's new love interest and that because of this situation, Tasha Mack would officially take residence in Cougar Town.  On occasion I've seen TerranceJ on his show; he has great appeal.  However, I admit while I've viewed him as being an attractive, talented YOUNG man; a true babyface; I wasn't sure if he could pull the role off.  But after viewing the debut episode I had to say, I was impressed.  I thought Terrance handled his role well, with poise, sex appeal and maturity.  I believed him and got why Tasha got him.  Now can he check Tasha Mack like Rick Fox had to several times?  I don't know about that; I don't know that many could but Dante certainly convinced me that he's definitely giving Tasha Mack something she can feel.  Good for her & him! Tell Girl TD, how would you handle the title role of Cougar?

Really, Mrs. Davis?

So last week I mentioned that due to The Game's new slot time, Mrs. Derwin Davis would now be replacing The Good Wife - at least on my Tivo (sorry, Julianna).  Well after Tuesday's premiere, I'm not so sure that Melanie is "good".  

Before the hour was over, Mrs. Davis gave us drama like never before:  insecurities, resentment, debated her step-son's paternity via muppets, an impromptu paternity test, kept a secret and betrayed her husband's trust.  Wow!  She's his wife, but "good"?  Mmmhhh.  I don't know.

Mrs. Derwin Davis acted more like Girl Melanie! What was your take on Melanie? 

Call IT A Comeback! Season Premiere REcap

With the highly anticipated, successful re-launch of our favorite show, The Game, BET did not disappoint, they left us Talking!  Two years later, Derwin is at the top of his game, with the Mrs. Dr. Melanie Barnett Davis at his side and his pride and joy, DJ at his knee.  Tasha Mack is the main reason for Derwin's success; having taken him under her wing and cultivated him into the superstar he is, not unlike what she did for her son.  However, if you remember correctly,  Tasha was fired by her son Malik "El Debarge" Wright who currently, is not on track for a comeback like his namesake but in a downward spiral and running dangerous game.  Tasha now resides in Cougar Town as she wields her "Golden Girl" sex appeal on a new, young and virile Beau, Dante.  Kelly and Jason are no longer a couple and Kelly is good girl turned bad, real bad from her dated "Duran Duran..." hairstyle, punkrocklike clothing style and halloweenish make-up all in rebellion of her "doing the jerk" ex-husband Jason.  The plot was great, the story moved and we also got to see a glimpse of a new T.T., asserting himself from under Malik's thumb. We are looking forward to what the writers have in store for this unpredictable character.

Overall, the show was great; jaw dropping from the door.  A bridge was created to get us from the past to the present and beyond.  We saw growth, a change in circumstances and situations and were introduced to some intriguing new players on and off the field: Megan Good, Michael Beach and Terrence J of BET's 106 & Park fame. 

But the real bonus; what left our lip scraping the floor?  Melanie swabbed D.J.'s mouth for a DNA test without the consent, desire or permission of D.J.'s parents.  And as many of us suspected, "Derwin you are not the father!"  Melanie revealed her findings to a disheveled and broken Derwin.  The range of emotion Pooch Hall showed at finding out this information was unparalleled.  However the kicker came at the very end: the first result was a mistake.  D.J. is Derwin's, Melanie found out and neglected to reveal this information to Derwin.  This scene left us Talking!  Well Done to the writers, actors and network, you did what you came to do....you left us talking!

The Big Payback - 7.7 Million Viewers

If you were one of the 7.7 million viewers that watched The Game last night, you know we are in for a roller coaster ride this season.  BET smashed viewership records on top of the fact that bringing back a show from the cancellation files is unheard of.  They say that the best revenge is to do well-and that is just what they did.  Something tells me the executives over at The CW are not in a celebratory mood today.

Last night we got the characters we loved, high drama and new looks all the way around.  They've upped the fashion, the hair and the makeup.  I like the direction, but I"m hoping they mellow a bit as the season progresses.  Midway last night's episode Melanie went from wavy weave to long and straight and it was a good move.  The initial style was a little over the top.

Kelly on the other hand had a refreshing change with a short 'do.  If you tuned in with the rest of us, you'll notice Kelly has a whole lot more edge and it was reflective in the styling.  Hair yes.  Makeup....mmmhhh.  Janay on the other hand was rocking a pompadour with a ponytail.  Interesting combination, but I think it works best on a runway, not mundane baby mama activities.  I'd like to see where they go from here with her style since it's obvious she'll be around.  

Meagan Good joined the cast and the short, soft styling works well on her.  Last, but not least is Tasha Mack.  I was surprised to see Tasha with the long weave again.  After all, during the last season Kelly and Melanie told her that her hair was tired which resulted in the bob cut she wore to Melanie's wedding.  I really liked that look for her.

Well, I'm confident that there will be plenty more fashion, drama and comedy to come.  Case in point, this video below.  Watch what happens when Tasha and Kelly meet face to face one more time.  

What did you think of last night's show?  Did it live up to your expectations?

BET Videos

Game On! It's here and History Made 1-11-11!

It's finally here.  The audience has grown up!  The Fans have demanded!  Our voices have been heard!  The Game has a new home and history has been made!  We, the fans should not take this moment lightly.  Monique said it well and we paraphrase that all too often shows that feature African American actors with Universal themes have been tossed aside once the network's ratings have soared and the suits have filled their ratings quotas.  Then, many of these same quality shows have been unceremoniously ushered out of the door without so much as a real farewell episode.  Well that happened once too often and the fans finally spoke out.  We jammed inboxes of networks, flooded phones lines stuffed mailboxes about the outrage of a quality show having been cancelled. 

Mara Brok Akil of Akil Productions asked that the audience grow up and demand quality programming.  We listened to you Mrs. Akil and thank you for the lesson.  When we like something we have to support it with our viewership, our dollars, our voices, our pens!  And now our moment is here!  BET and the entire staff of The Game promises not to dissapoint with great story lines; new and old guests and more drama and funny than our bones can handle.  Thank You BET.  You haven't disappointed us and we the fans will not dissapoint you!  Eat Your Heart Out other networks....The Game is back, it's on like Rae Dawn Chong and we're going Long!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Fans!
The Game Season 4 BET at 10pm est check local listings for channels

Pre-Game Highlights!

We've been waiting and debating for oh so long, just starvin' like Marvin for The Game to come on.  Finally! The day we have been waiting for has arrived.  The new season of The Game kicks off with a one hour episode on BET tonight at 10 p.m.  The cast has been making the rounds to promote the show.  Just yesterday they appeared on both The Monique Show and The Wendy Williams Show.  Their excitement about the return of The Game was effervescent.  Each cast member made it clear how much they appreciated the fans and writers for bringing the show back.

On The Mo'Nique Show they talked about their experiences on set as well as up close and personal with the fans.  Something tells me that Pooch Hall is going to regret naming the gym where he works out, but I digress.  Mo'Nique engaged the cast in some game show trivia to test out how well they knew each other. Sabers vs. Sunbeams.  Since Brittany Daniels (Kelly) couldn't make it, it was three against one-Sabers. Turns out both Tia Mowry and Brittany Daniels are twins.  Coby Bell has two sets of twins and Wendy Raquel Robinson is the daughter of a twin.  Interesting!  Loads of fun.  Hosea's failure to answer within 3 seconds ended the game in a tie.  That was fun!

Now the "interview" on Wendy Williams, if you can call it that, started out well but ended up being a major fumble.  That's code for fail.  Wendy began her introduction explaining how much the fans were responsible for the return of the show.  She also mentioned that she had seen the premiere episode already.  Then she gave spoiler after spoiler after spoiler.  Don't you just hate when someone tells you what is going to happen!  The cast smiled and played it off (their acting game is tight), and remained gracious.

I was a bit peeved at Wendy.  But perhaps their was a method to her "spilling-the-beans" madness.  As much as I love The Game, I'm aware that there's an entire population that has no clue that it exist.  I also believe that at least a fair fraction of that population not only knows Wendy but loves and watches her.  By spilling a few "juicy" (and I mean it was good) details, they might just tune in.  I mean just how many vampire shows can one watch.  Seriously?  I'm going to reluctantly give her the benefit of the doubt on this one.

Now the great news is, our Twitter timeline indicates that there are plenty more surprises to be seen on the premiere episode.  So don't get all disappointed or decide to wash your hair and watch it later  because you will miss the moment we've been waiting for.  This is TV history.  It's like I always say, one talk show host can't stop this show.  It's Game Day! Go Sabers!

The Game Is...Sexier Than Ever!

Mara Brock Akil, creator of The Game and the cast sit down with Ebony magazine to discuss the return of our favorite TV show to the airwaves.  Akil promises that the new episodes on BET will maintain the same tone that made us fall in love with it in the first place.  Cast mates, Wendy Raquel Robinson (Tasha Mack) and Hosea Chanchez (Malik) echo her confidence in the new season.  Robinson says, "I think the quality has not been compromised, I actually think it's better. It's edgier, I think it's fresher."

We can't wait to see it.  The new season begins tomorrow with an hour long premier that airs at 10 p.m. on BET.  The February issue of Ebony magazine is on stands now.  Hot!!

Before I Let Go

Why did they have to do Tasha Mack like that?  That head scarf is killing me.  It's not like we all don't own one.  Still, Tasha is too fly for this look.  Even in the middle of the night, trying to see who got caught by the fake Po-po (her words not mine).  Besides, didn't the writer's get the memo?  We've got silk pillow cases now.  We don't need that scarf!  It's so mid-90's.

Okay the truth is, that scarf is a hard habit to break. After all it's quick and easy.  The trade off is having to develop a new morning routine: pinning/wrapping your hair before your shower or while you put on your makeup as opposed to sleeping with your hair wrapped too tight, in a look that's well...less than flattering.  I'm sorry, we invest too much in lingerie and hair care to sport this look even while we sleep.

I will give the writers and costume designers props for keeping it real on this one.  The look on Kelly's face is hilarious.  That's just how I looked while I watched.  But now that I think about it, Tasha was sans scarf when she was with Rick.  So maybe they did get the memo.

So have you let go yet?  Or do you still wrap it, pin it and tie it down?

For more real talk on the fate of the head scarf, click here.

The Game Cast Covers Jet Magazine

Only three days left before the premiere!  Anticipation is at an all time high.  So I was more than thrilled to get a call from one of my Sunbeams that the cast of The Game is on the cover of the upcoming Jet magazine.  Talk about a good look!  This is it.  Though I am a bit curious as to why Kelly and Jason aren't pictured?

The issue hits stands on Monday, January 10.  If you need your Game fix in the meantime, BET is airing episodes up until the premiere on 1-11-11.  But don't forget, Girl TD always has some "The Game" news, tidbits and conversation.

Seeing this cover, has got me hoping to see the cast grace the covers of some more magazines.  Maybe a fashion spread. Vogue? GQ?  Hey, a fan can dream can't she?! What magazine do you want the cast to cover next?

Thanks to gossiponthis.com for the photo.

When 'I Apologize' Never Comes

Tasha Mack is very lucky.  Albeit twenty plus years later, Punk A** Chauncey finally delivered the three words Tasha needed to hear most; I am sorry.  Not only did she get the apology, she got the acknowledgement that Punk A** “…may have handled things poorly…”  Again she’s lucky; for these three words freed her from a world of pain, misery, bitterness and an inability to truly love again. 

But, what happens when you never get the golden keys to your sanity?  What happens when you don’t get the acknowledgement of being wronged or the opportunity to offer absolution--or not?  And better yet, what happens when you see him/her living the life you imagined with another like Tami Anderson of Basketball Wives Season 2 revealed.  How do you handle the pain of the only apology heard is the one by Anita Baker on the radio?

The first thing you do is acknowledge your pain and hurt about the wrong doing and being wronged.  You recognize your part in the dilemma and ask of God, the Universe and your inner spirit, what am I to learn from this?  You then shift your way of thinking about the situation by being grateful for it, both good and bad and consistently remind yourself of the lessons you’ve learned so you don’t have to repeat them.  You choose regularly to be whole and complete despite being wronged and refuse to allow another to maintain their power and control over you through your anger.  You forgive him/her, and yourself.  Most will say it is easier said than done, that’s why your recovery is like working a muscle; it is habit.  Now I agree with Girl Denise, forgiving doesn’t mean re-kindling, it means releasing. Forgiving means you get yourself to the point you don’t need the apology but you are gracious and grateful if it ever comes.  Finally, if he/she is living the “good” life with another; avoid jealousy.  Tami Anderson, shown above, demonstrated real heart and maturity when she met with the current Mrs. Anderson to help facilitate mending familial relationships for her childeren. 

Check out the "Punk A** Chauncey" episode during the full Season 3 marathon airing before the season premier of The Game on BET.  Check local listings for channels and times.

Girl Toni of Girl TD joins the cast...

Acclaimed Author Toni Staton Harris Joins the JT Live Show

  

Toni Staton Harris adds yet another medium to her resume; radio personality. As a critically acclaimed contemporary fiction author, motivational speaker and accomplished actress, Toni has traveled the world, reading, speaking and teaching.  Now she can be heard worldwide on The J.T. Live Show, every Monday between 8am–11am on GoodFellasRadio.net and www.jtliveshow.com

During her segment, Real Love for BET’s The Game w/Toni, she will dish real updates, real opinions, and real insight on BET’s popularized program, The Game.  That’s right the weekly half-hour sitcom is back, debuting on 1-11-11, and you can count on Toni for the 411.  So sit back relax and enjoy the ride with Toni Staton Harris and BET’s The Game.

I Apologize

Just a few weeks ago, Girl Toni asked me what was my favorite episode of The Game.  I couldn't narrow it down to just one (they're all good).  But it was this weekend while watching The Game marathon on BET, that I realized that I did have a favorite episode: The Third Legacy featuring Malik's dead-beat dad a.k.a Punk A_ _ Chauncey.  So once I revealed that tidbit, Girl Toni wouldn't let me off without an explanation (we go hard).  

It all boils down to this, his apology to Tasha Mack-the baby mama he left behind.  Albeit twenty years after the fact, that apology freed her in a way that money and success hadn't.  You know the saying, "time heals all wounds"?  Well, not all of them.  The look on Tasha's face when he apologized for turning such a beautiful young girl into a bitter, angry woman...Let's just say Tasha wasn't the only one that got a little misty-eyed.  

The truth is there are a lot of people that need to man-up (this applies to women, too) and apologize for the hurt their betrayal, abandonment, or whatever else caused.  Notice, I didn't say rekindle or rehash-just apologize.  He freed her spirit from decades of pain with just two words: I'm sorry.  Yeah, that's my favorite episode.  Good 'ol Chauncey. Queue Anita Baker! I apologize.  Believe me, I do.  I apologize...

What's your favorite episode? Why?

There's A New Wife In Town

I am so stoked about the return of The Game.  The ball may have dropped on New Year's Eve, but the only countdown I've been concerned with is 1-11-11!  With all the flurry of excitement, promos and commercials, I didn't think about the other shows I'd come to love in The Game's absence over the past two seasons.

Then it hit me like a stack of TV Guides.  If The Game airs at 10 p.m. on Tuesdays, that means I'll have to miss The Good Wife.  Gasp!  In the two years that have passed since the wedding episode, I've come to know and love Julianna Margulies and her philandering, two-timing, politician husband, and the colleague she yearns for. Not to mention that Michael Ealy joined the cast this past fall.

But here we stand, two shows, two wives, and only one Tivo.  Well, I've made a decision, The Game is where my heart is.  Sorry, Alicia Florrick.  Mrs. Derwin Davis is the new wife!

Besides The Game, what shows can't you live without?

Red-y To Go!

  

From the promos, commercials, and sneak-peeks this past weekend, it looks like all the ladies of The Game have gotten a makeover.  It looks like the show itself isn't the only thing making a comeback.  The ladies are rocking the classic red lip and it is gorgeous!

Red lipstick has been around since the beginning of makeup, but the last few years it's taken a backseat to bronzed earth tones and plums.  What I hear from a lot of women is that they avoid red because they can't find the right shade.  I've also been told it's for old women, it's for young women, it's not for black women and so on.

That's what I love about these "The Game" pictures and promos.  Here we have Melanie, Tasha and Kelly-women of varying skin tone and age, all wearing a shade of red that looks hot.  They are wearing it  and wearing it well.

So if you've ever wanted to go red but were just a tad intimidated by the choices, here's a few tips:

1. If you have olive skin or red hair, try a shade of red with a brown undertone.  Think brick, not fire engine.
2. Red's with a blue undertone work very well on pale or dark skin. This is more of a cherry-like hue.
3. Medium skin tones, work well with with reds that have an orange base. (jalapeno/fire-engine)
4. Don't hesitate to mix colors, or pair with a lip pencil and gloss to customize your look. 
5. Red lipstick requires commitment-touch it up throughout the day.
6. It's just lipstick, sample it at the makeup counter to get a good feel for what works before you buy.
7. If you're still not ready to go full glam with red lipstick, try a lip stain for a more subtle look. 

For more shades of red, check out JONESMAG.com for the Ten Top Red Lipsticks for Women of Color.