So I read a few times that BET’s The Game had over 7.7 million viewers tuned in to watch the premiere of scripted series. Apparently it was network’s biggest audience for a scripted series debut.
Following “The Game,” BET held on to 4.4 million viewers for the debut of their scripted show, “Let’s Stay Together”, which looks at the relationship challenges of five young, aspirational African-Americans and was produced by Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit Entertainment.
I for one am really pleased with the premiere’s development, plot wise. The series that made it’s official comeback is about pro football players and the women they love. The writers didn’t hesitate to dive head first into the drama, as Malik’s (Hosea Chanchez) first scene is him making out with the wife of the team’s new owner.
It’s 2 years later, Melanie (Tia Mowry Hardict) and Derwin (Pooch Hall) are married and Derwin is now the Kobe Bryant of football, with major endorsements such as Nike. Melanie is still uncertain if the child that Derwin has with his ex Janey is his, so she takes matters into her own hands to find out- by swabbing the baby for a paternity test.
Sports agent to Derwin and mother of Malik- Tasha Mack (Wendy Raquel Robinson) is having no-strings-attached sex with a younger man, Donte (Terrance from BET’s 106th & Park), and she quickly realizes that she wants more.
Then there’s Jason (Coby Bell) and Kelly (Brittany Daniel), who continue to feud following a turbulent divorce. Kelly is filming a reality show out of hurt and spite, and to continue to help tarnish Jason’s reputation.
Tee-Tee ( Barry Floyd), Malik’s ex-assistant and homeboy- has a business and a girlfriend this season. (When the episode started anyway). But by the time the credits rolled, she was in the hot tub with Malik and his lover. Lowdown even for Malik, he showed no remorse. In fact, he informed Tee- Tee, that he should have brought him home, instead of trusting his girlfriend to do so. (On Barry’s twitter- he said in real life he would have thrown a toaster in the hot tub, and came back acting all innocent! )
The show didnt disappoint. I was more than entertained. I think one of the great things about the game is its so relatable to a lot of people and situations we all know or have heard, whether we like to admit it or not.
And it doesn’t hurt that the characters are easy on the eyes of both men and women. I’m excited for next week! BET- Tuesday @10pm
Stay tuned…
I’d have to disagree just a little bit, although I will continue to watch and support “The Game” I just don’t think I like some of the twist in the characters that took place in the 1st episode. I was a bit surprised that Melanie would Swab DJ on her 1st time being left alone with him, after 2 years come on, I think all of that should have been hammered out when the baby was born. I think Kelly has LOST her mind, although I am very proud of her for standing her ground with Tasha Mack, last season she was so easily forgiving towards Tasha’s plots until my opinion about her was she was easliy run over. I wish they could have brought back the original “Brit Brat” but I understand Hollywood. As for Malik, I am just SHOCKED!!!
Eboni, maybe I should have prefaced with I love “other people’s” drama. Melanie swabbed DJ, for that reason alone, that she had not had any time with him so she couldn’t do it any other time. And you are ABSOLUTELY right Kelly — I heard she won’t be as regular as she has been.
I loved her standing up to Tasha as well, and Brit Brat was too grown up for me, in just 2 years.
Malik- that story is going to get deep (I hope!)…
I am really not liking the twist of the characters. They all seem messy as hell. Kelly went from being “soccer mom” to getting “Hollywood” & “HollyHOOD”! Tasha Mack went from Ms. Keeping it Real to a straight up PUNK, having nightmares about facing Kelly on the street1 What the heck?!? I was told these are the same writers but it doesnt seem like it – unless they truly feel we will only watch this on BET if they have drama overload. If that’s the case – it’s very insulting and I won’t contine to be a fan for long!
I can understand that!!! We don’t want nor need drama overload.
Now— i was wondering if they were using the same writers or not. Seems to be different. And Tasha was acting like a punk, huh?