Making The Grade: Scandal

We continue our "Making The Grade" series with a fan favorite that exploded television sets around the world: Scandal which airs after Grey's Anatomy on ABC Thursday Nights.

Kerry Washington is Olivia Pope

The mid-season replacement only aired a few episodes but they were enough to send viewers into a television frenzy.  There hasn't been as much buzz and delivery for a television show since, The Cosby Show, Dallas--also making a summer comeback--or Dynasty.

It is for this reason we are giving this series an bonafide earned  





Plus-Plus!

The Game Season 5 Ep. 20 The ReCap: "Move Trick, Get Out the Way"

In Episode 20, "Move Trick, Get Out the Way", the episode right before the season finale, it's Press Time!  Derwin, Malik and other Sabers are entertaining the Press right before the big Championship Game.  Jason is also present as the "Pitts Stop" representative but this time instead of being interviewed, he's on the other side of the microphone. Jason is displaying his usual sarcasm; he needles Derwin about his outfit and the fact that Derwin uses 3-ply opposed to one or two.  After Derwin gets enough of his charm and wit, Jason moves on to Malik who is fielding questions from a reporter Jason names Kojak. The problem is that "Kojak" is asking Malik everything about anything other than the game of football like who is the Vice President.  Malik can't answer the question and Jason shoves Kojak along but not before he confirms Malik's ignorance.

Melanie & Derwin, is this the end?

Single Ladies, Season 2 Premiere Recap

Single Ladies, Mondays at 9 p.m. on VH1

Keisha and April arrive at an event. Here's where we get the introductions. Raquel (Denise Vasi) is a long-time-no-see girlfriend of Keisha's from Inglewood, who is engaged to a cardiologist. She introduces him to Keisha and April, but it isn't long before he excuses himself.

Through some quick exchanges we learn that she is actually the free-spirited artsy type,or at least she used to be.   Raquel is marrying a rich doctor at the urging of her mother, who doesn't hesitate to belittle Keisha's single status and former life as a video girl.

Melanie's Twist Out Style

We've been with the ladies of The Game through almost every hair style imaginable.  There was Melanie's wrap, the short cut she wore when she was "dancing and emphasizing", Tasha's layered weave, the bob, the Charlie's Angel redux, and now finally-the twist-out.  

Making The Grade: The Talk

About a year ago, we introduced a new series to you called Making The Grade.  This series within For The Love Of The Game is designed to shine light on new shows we like or at least we believe should be granted a chance.  With "The Game" fast approaching the season finale, room is being made for Girls interested in Television and Film Diversity to branch out and discuss some other favorites.

The Talk, featuring Julie Chen, Sharon Osbourne, Aisha Tyler, Sara Gilbert and--yes saving the best for last--Sheryl Underwood is a fun, sometimes serious talk show success. Everyday, The Talk touches on obscure and common hot topics, pull in interesting guests and do a good job of "talking" about the things we want to hear and talk about.  They use social media well, often holding twitter parties for after show conversation.  If you live on the East Coast, during the live show, they read real time tweets and Facebook comments.  It is for this reason we give the show an

Season 5, Episode 20: Cold Swine Sucks..And So Does Falling In Love

Some temptations are just too hard to resist. While Pookie is in the shower singing his phone rings. Tasha can't resist the urge to see who it is. And you know what they say, when you go looking for something you'll find it. Which leaves Tasha wondering who is 'Sheeda.

If You Love The Game, This Is For You

The last two seasons of The Game have seen it's share of wins and losses: record-breaking success, changes in story-line, and the introduction of new characters.  Some have expressed that the changes in the recent seasons have resulted in their disappointment in the overall direction of the show.  It seems that backlash against The Game has reached an all-time high.

We have to be honest, since the show moved to BET, we have felt the sting of negative remarks.  At this point we feel that we've been silent for far too long.  So today we are going to make our official statement:

Breaking News! Tia Mowry To Leave The Game

Tia Mowry has announced that she will not return to The Game for the sixth season.  After last night's episode she tweeted the news to her fans, stating that she would be focusing on other projects.

The Game Recap Season 5 Episode 19: "Let Them Eat (Cup) Cake"

Those who play hard to get, get played hard.  Forget the Sunbeams, this week Tasha is holding court amongst another group of women - The Cupcakes. The Cupcakes are an abstinence support group, ready to help Tasha hold on to her "cupcake" it's like "the cookie" but...yeah.  So, after listening to Tasha's lost loves: Rick Fox, the coach, Beau, and that unfortunate gigolo incident, they vow to support her 12 step chastity program. There's only one problem:  Tasha.  Forget Steve Harvey's  90 day rule, it's been two weeks and Tasha is having a hard time keeping her "cupcake" from Pookie.

While Tasha is leaning on her new friends, Derwin is hanging with the fellas. Melanie has left him a voice mail about her interview at Johns Hopkins and how much she loves Derwin and wants to hear his voice. Derwin is trying to act hard, deleting Melanie's voice mail and refusing her incoming call. Supposedly he is "where he wants to be" and he adds that unconvincing depth to his voice that is supposed to convince us. Malik and Tee Tee aren't convinced that Derwin is ready to move on and neither are we. 

Back at the suite, Tasha comes home to find Pookie has made dinner, set the mood, and is wearing her favorite cologne. Trying to hold on to her cupcake, she complains that the dark room and the smell of his cologne are the perfect environment for mold. Enough to give her allergies and asthma. She fakes a stomach ache and opts for a movie. Pookie finds Love Jones, but Tasha has a preference for To Wong Foo. 

 All cuddled up on the sofa, Tonya almost caves, but decides to stick to the upset stomach story and leaves the room. She calls the Cupcakes to tell them her "cupcake" is in danger.  They come to her rescue and remove her triggers: toys, alcohol, and low-pressure shower head. That's when Pookie shows up unexpectedly.  After discovering the purpose of the "cupcake" club, he uses a little reverse psychology to attend the meeting. 

After staying out until 3 a.m. drinking one beer, Derwin is discovered by Malik on the football field.  He's been running plays and getting ready for the championship.  He gives Malik some lines about wanting to win and getting ready for the playoffs.  It's only after practice that he admits that he hasn't been home since Melanie left.  Awww!

When Pookie speaks, women listen.  At least that's what happened at the cupcake meeting.  It was just like in Jerry Maguire.  After hearing all of their sob stories, Pookie stood up and dished some advice to the ladies.  One by one he addresses the insecurities, low self-esteem, and daddy issues of each of them until he gets to Tasha.  That's when he gives her the quick version of Pookie's Guide to Love, Relationships, and What Tasha Mack Really Wants. 

He explains that she always goes for men that she could never have a relationship with, because that's safe.  He then tells the room full of women that he isn't safe because Tasha knows that what they have just might work.  It was a, "you complete me" moment.  Go head, Pookie! 

Finally, Derwin admits to Malik how much he loves and misses Melanie. It isn't long before he dials her number, apologizes for not taking her calls, and asks if it's OK to cook the meals labeled for Friday on Monday (yes, she labeled his meals).  But the good news is, that for a moment we got a glimpse of the corny Derwin we all grew to love. Then he asks her about D.C. and exactly what she had in mind.  

Could it be?  Could Derwin really consider supporting Melanie's dreams?  Has Tasha finally found the one?  We've got two more episodes left in this season to find out. 

What did you think of tonight's episode?

Basketball Wives Backlash

I've always said the marketplace will decide and the marketplace is pissed off and making their voices heard.  Here on our blog alone we've heard from scores of women and men who think Basketball Wives' violence and decadent behavior is abhorrent and worth boycotting. 

I still don't advocate a boycott; watch the show or don't.  If enough choose to forgo the show, the ratings will drop and the network will respond.  If people continue to watch, well you know the outcome. 

However, another celebrity has joined the bandwagon of at least admonishing the women of Basketball Wives for their immature and barbaric behavior.  It's not a fan or a non-fan but it is a cast mate and self-professed friend of Tammi Roman that's firing the missileand shaking her head.

In a pointing open letter to Tami Roman, Royce Reed, original cast member, chastises not only friend Tammi for her outrageous and unnecessary behavior but also Tami's "friends", cast mate Evelyn Lozada and Producer Shaunie O'Neal for not only idly standing by while the senseless drama ensued but promoting the drama before it reached the boiling point.  Royce goes on to say if these women were your true friends they would have spoken to you about it and at least attempted to stop it.  Why don't you read it for yourself.

Royce Reed original BBW cast member
photo and letter courtesy of 24hourhiphop.com

OPEN LETTER TO TAMI ROMAN (from Royce Reed)): "I was honestly just hoping Kesha didn’t say her skin hurt. Tami seemed as though she was trying to find something to get upset about and she chose a cough. From the way the girls were seated in the car, to laughing and making faces behind Kesha’s back if you take a screen capture from that scene and mine from the van in Spain, it’s almost identical.
...
I’m not sure what happened to Tami, but this isn’t the woman I’ve gotten to know. To see these women gang up on someone who has done nothing to them is embarrassing. I say ganging up because NO ONE did anything to stop it. If you don’t say anything you then become part of the problem. Who cares if Kesha was scared to get in the ocean with sharks and stingrays, I don’t believe I saw any of your asses in a swimsuit jumping in the water either. How are you going to call someone else scary when at least they put on the attire instead of saying “Oh Hell NO” in confessionals?????

I applaud Suzie and Kesha for appreciating what Tahiti had to offer and attempting to stay drama free. I find it amazing when alcohol is used as liquid courage and an excuse to turn into the HULK. Most times I drink, I get emotional, horny, and just want to dance…..:side-eye: lol. But if you know that drinks cause you to have a temper, why indulge just because everyone else is? The whole scene with Tami and Kesha I shook my head. At some point you have to look at yourself and say “Damn, that wasn’t a good look. I need to change the way I speak to people and handle things because I look crazy.” If you don’t see it, your “so-called” friends have and should tell you the same. Tami, if Evelyn and Shaunie found no problem with Kesha’s questions, it wasn’t up to you to find one. Tami, if you HEARD Kesha said all these things about you, why not call out the person who told you so you can get all three parties together.

I’m sure THAT PERSON was probably sitting at that table. I have an idea of two people who could’ve said it. One is known to talk a lot, and the other is a snake in the grass. If you’re going based off the footage that was shown, Kesha said “I seriously had to just NOT go off…and honestly, like, I could’ve came at Tami and said whatever I wanted to but there’s nothing I could’ve said that would’ve made her look worse than she was making herself look…Tami is like acting a fool” …She never said she wanted to, so why are you asking her to now??? The smirking on the side by Evelyn and Shaunie is a DAMN SHAME. Grown as women talking about a damn position! Grown ass women wanting to fight with no repercussions!I HEARD about what happened in Tahiti but seeing it now is an embarrassment and the sh!t is PISSING ME OFF!!!! GROWN ASS AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN feeding into the stereotype already placed on us…plus two!!!!!!!!"

I watched the episode of which Royce refers to.  I admit it was ugly,ugly, & more ugly.  It wasn't more ugly than throwing wine bottles across the room or jumping across a table but it was certainly the feather that caused the train to veer off track. 

I didn't want to admit it but this show has morphed into bullying at its best.  While this show isn't the first, the last or the only by any means; that fact does not ease the disease of the show, self-esteem, worthiness and most importantly society's desire for low level behavior. Again the marketplace will decide.  It is going to be interesting to see how we decide.

How do you feel about Royce coming out against her cast mate and friend Tammi Roman?  Do you think Tammi will receive this infomation as she claims she can or will the blowout at the reunion be catastrophic?  

Season 5 Episode 18 "Breakthrough, Breakdown? Breakthrough" The ReCap

Last week's episode left us with Melanie's reveal that she's not happy.  She's done with trying to live through Derwin's dream and the baby thing "... is over".  That means no more InVitro much to Derwin's relief because according to him, "...like Tasha said, that's rich white people's stuff..."  There's no more adoption or surrogacy action because none of it is filling the void left by her relinquishment of enrollment to Johns Hopkins. 

This week's Season 5 Episode 18, "Breakthrough, Breadown? Breakthrough" opens with Malik having fallen far from the wagon.  Tasha and TeeTee are standing over his"bolt everything down" snoring body.  In her new quest for love and life freedom Tasha kicks a downed Malik; her one remaining loose end.

The Saga Continues between Derwin and Melanie
Photo courtesy of BET.com/The Game
Follow this couple's history on www.BET.com/thegame

Melanie goes off on the Sunbeams.  She's tired of their wining about Skybox silverware and the only crustacean served is shrimp.  She quits the Sunbeams but not before she douses them with carrot tidbits to force them out of her house.

Season 5 Episode 17 The ReCap A Woman's Right...

The Game, Season 5 Episode 17 A Woman's Right To Choose Herself is all about the fact that a person has the right to change [her] mind.

Will Tasha Mack go through with plan to be a surrogate?
Photo courtesy of www.BET.com/thegame

This episode begins with Tasha and Pookie gazing at the stars in the bedroom while being serenaded by the late Great Phyllis Hyman.  Melanie interrupts the romantic evening, pours out Tasha's liquor and shoves several pills in her face.  "Derwin has agreed for you to have our baby...You're going from Wild Turkey to cold turkey ASAP!"  Melanie shoves Tasha's gigantic Hennessey bottle into her bag.  Dilemma, Tasha has a man now, his name is Pookie and his game is all Tasha all of the time.

Basketball Wives Ban...Hypocritical or Neccessary Call to Action?

We've interrupted our regularly scheduled programming for this special announcement....Wendy Williams, Star Jones  and non-celebrities call for a ban of Basketball Wives!

On The Wendy Williams Show, airdate 5/1/12 Fox, Wendy Williams asked if any of her audience members had watched the reality TV show Basketball Wives the previous night.  When few if any of her audience members applauded, Wendy spent a small majority of her Hot Topics segment asserting how the boycott she and others have called for is working. Firmly espousing her belief that the show is demeaning to not only Black women but women in general; Wendy furthered her comments by calling for Shaunie O'Neal--Producer, Basketball Wives, Football Wives [cancelled], Baseball Wives Franchises-- to walk away from the franchise, which Wendy proclaimed promotes the demeaning and barbaric behavior of women.

Shaunie O'Neal

Evelyn Lozada going after castmate Jennifer Williams