I agree it is missing something--it does have a lot of potential.
I believe that it needs an elder character that exudes wisdom--perhaps a parent, grandmother/father, or as someone mentioned, a neighbor that is older and figures prominently as extended family. Anna Marie Horsford's talents are grossly misused. As a receptionist? Really? And Melissa De Sousa's character, while she is a great actress, seems totally unnecessary. As a viewer that is just coming in, I am not sure about Gabriela's purpose. Is she Carla's sister or something? Working out the relationships between the characters is something that should be emphasized so that new viewers can understand the tension and conflict between the characters and not feel lost. Are Ms. Helen and Gabriela co-workers? Also, that this is a blended family is something that should be obvious--and, at the same time, should not matter. (A fine line to tread). They are representative of a lot of blended families--we have not seen this type of family since The Brady Bunch (that overlooked this familial aspect after a few episodes) and True Colors.
I do appreciate that Malcolm's character, the father, is not relegated to "buffoonery" or "the extra child." I can list many family comedies (Family Matters) where this is the case (yes, the Cosby Show included). In most Black comedies, the one who corrects and chastises is always the no-nonsense mother. Here, in some cases, the roles are reversed (See episode 6 where Alex goes to Keenan's classroom to meet the teacher and Carla goes to meet her client). Very subversive making the father nurturing and understanding....the effect is played brilliantly by Jamal and Tracee. And Tracee plays out her playful side often. It is a perfect balance and a great television relationship.
Let's see a balance of Alex and Tracee's professions. Even the spotlight on the kids as they navigate their way though school and the addition of an extended family. The theme of the show should be interconnected. For instance, why was Carla so angry at Keenan for lying in episode 6? It had to do with her client's children that were conniving and trying to get power of attorney, right? Make the connection between what is going on within the episode and connect it, despite the different characters involved.
I guess, what I am "free writing" about is that the key to this shows success, to me, lies in making the show not like other programs that we have seen before--working against stereotypes and typical family representations. It needs a "special" character to round things out--not unlike Urrkel on family matters, but something fresh.
I'm going to keep watching to support shows like this that are few and far between on television today!
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kunfyooshun
12 years ago
I agree with a lot of what you said, daugurl. I've watched 1 1/2 episodes and, I can't figure out why Melissa de Soussa's there or why Anna Horseford is only used as a funny receptionist. 'The Cosby Show' is my all-time favorite show and, I can appreciate that they're trying to do by creating a new show featuring another positive, intelligent, functional, black family BUT, I think it needs:
1) Chemistry. Although Malcom and Tracee chat, kiss, etc. I still don't buy them as a couple. The natural settled in comfort that comes through with longstanding couples isn't showing up here. They don't feel like a loving team (Cliff & Claire) or, even best friends (The Buchmans on ' Mad About You'). They come off like what they are; coworkers on a show.
2) The kids have got to go. I'm sure that they're very nice people but, they're just not very good actors yet. I think another set would be a good idea.
3) A whole new set of writers. The kids lines are cheesy and, a lot of the punchlines fall flat.
Like I said, I can appreciate what they're trying to do. I'm rooting for this show. Hopefully, thier growing pains will have worked out by season 2.
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MotherMayI
12 years ago
I agree with both Daugur2001 and konfyooshun.
I believe that it needs an elder character that exudes wisdom
I said the same thing on another thread I started. I think this character should be Anna Marie Horsford. I was saying I thought she should have been the mother in law of one of them.
Anna Marie Horsford's talents are grossly misused. As a receptionist? Really? And Melissa De Sousa's character, while she is a great actress, seems totally unnecessary.
I totally agree. i said this too.
Also, that this is a blended family is something that should be obvious--and, at the same time, should not matter
Well there had to be a reason why the creators wanted a blended family as opposed to it just being a nuclear family. The family set up is a lot like "Are We There Yet" the series. But you don't hear the kids talk about their other dad. And they call Alex dad so it's almost like they should have just made them a nuclear family. If you are going to deal with the blended family then what is the nature of the relationship. Do they have a relationship with their dad and his family....and how long have Traci and Malcolm's character been married? How do they work things out with the kids' dad? Did he die? or did they break up? Not sure if they discussed this on the show yet.
I do appreciate that Malcolm's character, the father, is not relegated to "buffoonery" or "the extra child."
I agree but I do think he is too stiff and hence not funny. Even though Cliff Huxtable was like a third child when it came to stealing food and watching his health he was a primary disciplinarian and in my opinion he disciplined and took care of the kids more than Claire.
Let's see a balance of Alex and Tracee's professions. Even the spotlight on the kids as they navigate their way though school and the addition of an extended family. The theme of the show should be interconnected.
I agree.
It needs a "special" character to round things out--not unlike Urrkel on family matters, but something fresh.
I thought the same thing. I feel the break out person will probably be Anna Marie Horsford
"They told you you were stupid, ugly and doomed to fail............and you believed them"
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exoticsands1
12 years ago
Excellent point and to me, they should have just made it a nuclear family. To answer some of your questions though, the father is not dead and seems to be in their life. He lives in LA and is into music (perhaps a musician or manager of sorts - it's escaping me right now). They broke up. I believe he was too into his music career and he cheated if my memory serves me correctly. Basically, he really wasn't there for her and the kids. The Reeds have been married for 7 years. It should be interesting how the show develops in this area. So far, they have physically introduced the father into the show and he is getting married.
MotherMayI wrote,
Well there had to be a reason why the creators wanted a blended family as opposed to it just being a nuclear family. The family set up is a lot like "Are We There Yet" the series. But you don't hear the kids talk about their other dad. And they call Alex dad so it's almost like they should have just made them a nuclear family. If you are going to deal with the blended family then what is the nature of the relationship. Do they have a relationship with their dad and his family....and how long have Traci and Malcolm's character been married? How do they work things out with the kids' dad? Did he die? or did they break up? Not sure if they discussed this on the show yet.
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lavonware
12 years ago
And what is wrong with Anna Marie being the receptionist? Gabby does acupuncture in the office across the hall and seems to be Carla's BF. That was pretty much explained in the first episode. Ms. Helen is both Gabby and Carla's receptionist and she feels that what Gabby does is voodoo and not a real science. I just think Carla has a thing about lying in general. Her father cheated on her mother and lied for awhile and her exhusband did too so she can't stand lying. It seems like alot of these questions were asked in the first few episodes.
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daugur2001
12 years ago
Well, for starters it does not allow Ms. Helen to interact with the family, only with Carla. It severely limits Horstford's exposure/screen time.
A new show should not rely on what was established in the very first episode; the point is to gain an audience. Relationships such as these need to be repeated for in various episode not just the pilot epi., in my opinion.
Carla's reaction to the lying was well played by Ross, but the connection as to why was not clear to me initially--and this was the first episode that I watched because someone recommended it. For a new show to catch on, certain truths of the situation comedy have to be stated a few times within the first season.
One thing that I have noticed, the 2 settings (HOME and CARLA'S office) makes the program seem like 2 different shows sometimes.
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