Finding Your Voice

This was the theme of last night's episodes of Girlfriends and The Game. But, before we get to all of that, let me take a brief moment to talk about Studio 60.

Even thought I'm not blogging about it here, I am a faithful viewer of this show, which I still consider one of the most entertaining hours on TV right now. I'm so grateful to NBC for keeping it around for a full season. While last night's episode was good, I had some issues, namely Simon and Tom desperately trying to talk Harriet out of posing in lingerie for a magazine. Frankly, who cares? Those scenes were much too wordy with the dialogue and totally unnecessary. I'd have much rather the three of them actually be at the wrap party (rather than just talking about going there) as a way to contrast what was happening with Matt and Danny back at the studio. That's it. Other than that, it was all good. Can I tell you much I really, really like Danny and Jordan together? I'm keeping my fingers crossed for an office romance!

Now on to the Black shows. First up, Girlfriends. I'm finally feeling like this season is not lost after all. After last week, which was the best episode of the season so far, we followed up last night with another good one. As William observed to Lynn, she definitely "found her voice" by telling those "bossy heffers" - Joan and Maya - to mind their own business. Yes, it's obvious to everyone that Lynn is like a big rig truck meandering on the highway, full of product to deliver, but no destination in sight. She has a lot of potential to really succeed with her music, but she's just not motivated to get there just yet. And Joan and Maya yelling at her are certainly not going to help her get there any faster. Like she told them, "You need me to be the loser in this friendship so you can feel better about yourselves." There's some truth to that. Deep down, we all look at people not doing as well as us with some disdain, and a bit of superiority. As long as Lynn is "broken" that only serves to make Joan and Maya feel better about themselves, though we all know that their lives aren't perfect either. They'd rather focus on Lynn's shortcomings than turn an eye on their own issues. There's no single definition of success. I'm confident that Lynn is going to get it together soon.

Monica was really the star of the show last night. She put it all out there and showed such a great range. She allowed herself to look like a fool all in an effort to strengthen her relationship with her man. She's really shown a great deal of improvement from the old Monica just a few seasons ago. I've actually come to like her now - she's growing on me. I think that her and William are definitely meant for each other - they're both crazy in an offbeat and kooky way that complements one another. The Dirty Dancing rendition at the karaoke bar was one of the funniest and best acted moments in Girlfriend's history. I wish I had TiVo, so I could have rewound it and watched it over and over again.

Someone else found their voice last night - Melanie on The Game. But, before we get to all that, speak of the devil...Dionne's back! I had just asked about her in my recap last week and here she is, out of hiding, and all too happy to break the news to Derwin that she spotted Melanie having lunch at the taco stand with her rival, Trey. Oh Melanie...Melanie...Melanie. I was so angry at the beginning of the episode when Derwin was pissed at her for studying in the bed, but hey, I can be understanding about the light and the noise from the highlighter. But why did she have to put down her books to cuddle with him just so he could fall asleep? He was complaining about how tired he was and how much he needed to get to bed. Oh really! Well, if I recall, just a few episodes ago, Melanie was tired and really needed to get some sleep, and you refused to kick your friend Malik out the house. That's bogus. I hope she picked up her book and went into the living room to study after that, but I doubt it.

I love Trey...and he proved to be the perfect nemesis for Derwin. Well, for one, he seems really nice, confident and most important, appreciative of what Melanie has done for him. Have we ever even heard Derwin tell Melanie "thank you" for anything she's done for him? Derwin doesn't even realize how lucky he is to have Melanie. Trey's presence really opened her eyes to Derwin's inadequacies when she remarked, "Again, Melanie has to make all the sacrifices." Truer words have never been spoken on this show. Coming in a close second to Tasha and Kelly's showdown two weeks ago is the fight between Melanie and Derwin last night. So what if he fired Dionne? Sure, it was a gesture, but one he should have made months ago when Melanie told him that she didn't like her. Why now? Oh yeah, because another guy, with better credentials, is stepping to Melanie? I'm sure that no man wants to see his girlfriend out, having a good time with another guy, who may or may even not be interested in her. And I get it that you shouldn't really be fraternizing with your man's professional rivals. But still, Derwin made me angry. And then, at the end, when Melanie is pouring her heart out to him, and once again making a sacrifice by calling Dionne for help, he turns his back on her. Of course, we're supposed to feel like "poor Derwin." I'm not buying it. I'm anxious to see what happens next week. Do you think he'll still be mad or will they have made up? From my experience, most athletes are like that. Self-absorbent and selfish. It's usually the woman who makes the sacrifice. So in that respect, this show is right on the money. Maybe Derwin will tell her that he needs space and she has to get her own apartment! Sounds like someone might soon regret giving up Maryland and John's Hopkins for San Diego and the Sunbeams.