Girlfriends & The Game 2.12.07

After last week's disappointments, last night's episodes were much better. First up, Girlfriends.

Joan makes me tired! She's acting like she's never had a man before. Why did she co-sign with Aaron's anti- Valentine's Day comments, when she knows full and well that she's a "freak for Valentine's Day"? And then she gets all passive-aggressive (typical Joan behavior) when Aaron doesn't intuitively discern that she wants him to shower her with Valentine's Day gift. Dumb move. But, Aaron definitely likes her because he came through like a champ, though the look on his face when Joan said: "I can't wait to see what you do for St. Patrick's Day" was PRICELESS!

Maya and Darnell continue to impress me. Unlike that other show that claims to be about the quiet desperation of the suburbs...cough...Desperate Housewives...Girlfriends is actually tackling the real issues. I like the manner in which the domestic violence arc is being handled. It's refreshing to see neighbors who don't turn a blind eye when they know something is wrong. We could all learn from Maya's example. I initially didn't get the sense that Alicia (played by the stunningly beautiful China Shavers) was being abused, but once she refused to try on the backless dress at the store, I knew something was up. I liked how Darnell stepped in (and up) at the end to confront Ray (good to see you again Cockroach...I mean...Carl Anthony Payne). I hope this isn't the end of their storyline and we continue to follow-up with this couple. It'd be very interesting to see what unfolds.

But get ready for next week's episode -William and Monica's wedding!

LOL moments from last night:
1. Joan and Aaron watching the Turkey Jerker 2000 infomercial.
2. Darnell and Maya fighting over the foot massage and him telling her to "hook up them arches!"

Is The Game a comedy...or a drama...or a dramedy. Yes, I think that's it. It's worth mentioning that both The Game and Girlfriends have broached typically, non-sitcom material this season, and I applaud them for it. Unfortunately, but to their benefit, they have to do both since space and opportunity for African-American shows is scarce, period.

But I digress.

I loved, loved, loved the way the opening scene was shot last night. It had a Studio 60/Friday Night Light's feel to it (Mara, are they increasing your budget over there at the CW?!?). My most favorite moments on The Game are when the entire cast is on-screen together. You can tell that all get along behind-the-scenes (no Grey's Anatomy drama jumping off there!).

Jason's miserly streak is getting tired and redundant. So, just because he didn't get selected to the Pro Bowl team, he's unscrewing lightbulbs from the refrigerator and making his family suffer without a vacation. He can be so selfish sometimes (no, make that all the time). And since when did not making the Pro Bowl equate with the end of a professional football career? He even admitted that he's been 6 years in a row. Bro...it's time to give someone else a chance!

I wonder where The Game is headed next. We've been through the regular season, the playoffs and now the Pro Bowl. Maybe we'll get to see more "off-the-field" antics. I'd really like them to introduce Derwon's family, and perhaps have a big family throwdown with Melanie's family! Yes, bring Tahj Mowry back ASAP!

LOL moments from last night:
1. Derwin's acceptance speech for Jason's Rookie of the Year Award: "To the woman who made this all possible...Dionne!"
2. Derwin telling Tasha and Kelly: "Melanie can't play right now, she's got homework."
3. Kelly, making vacation suggestion to Jason: "I'm sure Brittany would love to tour the wine country." (spoken like the alcoholic she is!)