MORE Girlfriends SPOILERS

Richard T. Jones


Malik Yoba

I just came across more detailed information concerning the one-hour season finale of Girlfriends (May 7 @ 9pm).

I initially reported last week that Joan was going to get a marriage proposal, and I assumed it would be from her new beau Aaron. Well...turns out I may have jumped the gun.

Here's the breakdown of the finale:

In the first half hour Joan unexpectedly proposes to Aaron, but when he stumbles on his response, Joan decides the relationship is over and walks away. Meanwhile Maya and Darnell find their dream house, but when Darnell gets a chance to buy the garage, he must decide which purchase to make.

Later, in the second half hour, Joan runs into her old boyfriend Brock, who tells her he made a mistake by letting her go and announces his intention to marry her now. Joan agrees to go away with Brock for a weekend in Catalina, but Maya and Lynn decide it's time to intervene.

Drama!

Brock coming back totally makes up for Toni not returning for the season finale. I always thought that Joan and Brock were perfect for each other - except for the fact that he didn't want kids. But even after they broke up, Joan later ran into Brock at the park with his little niece and it was so precious. Perhaps he's come around and is willing to do whatever it takes to have Joan back in his life.

And be sure to tune in tonight for brand-new episodes of both Girlfriends & The Game.

Lynn and her new boyfriend, Pastor Eldon (guest star Kadeem Hardison), come to (another) crossroads. Joan strong-arms Aaron into buying a house sight unseen, which leads to their first big fight when it turns out to be a real dump! And Maya and Darnell resort to unconventional ways to sell their house.

Over on The Game, Derwin is unexpectedly forced to take Melanie to Drew Sidora's video release party, and panics abut how she will react his his on-screen smooch (not to mention the one off-screen too!). Tasha still has trouble finding new clients while Jason struggles with daddy duty.

See you back here tomorrow to discuss! M'kay?!?

And the winner is....

Asia!

Last night, Pussycat Dolls creator Robin Antin crowned Asia, the 18-year-old single mom from Mt. Vernon, NY (and a Knick City Dancer) as the 7th and newest member of the platinum-selling, and award-winning, girl group.

I am still shocked. My money had been on Melissa R. from the very beginning.

Sure, like Ron Fair said, she was young and had a little "deer in headlights" look about her, but she was the total package - she could sing and dance.

While Chelsea is a great singer,

her lack of dancing skills was apparent and I just don't think she would have fit in with PCD.

Well congrats to Asia, but what I want to know is if she will still be crying and complaining about being away from her daughter while she's on tour with PCD? Stay tuned....

HBO Presents: The Trials of Darryl Hunt

In 1984, Deborah Sykes, a young white newspaper reporter, was assaulted, raped, sodomized and stabbed to death just blocks from where she worked in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Though no physical evidence implicated him, Darryl Hunt, a 19-year-old black man, was ultimately convicted of the crime and sentenced to life in prison. Ten years later, DNA testing proved that Hunt did not rape Sykes, and cast serious doubts on his involvement in her murder, but he spent another decade behind bars for a crime he did not commit.

The eye-opening HBO documentary The Trials of Darryl Hunt, tells his riveting story – and the story of those who fought to clear his name – when it debuts this Thursday, April 26 at 8:00 p.m. exclusively on HBO.

More than a decade in the making, Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg’s documentary examines a community and criminal justice system subject to racial bias and tainted by fear. Told from the point of view of the principal subjects – Mark Rabil, the unyielding defense attorney, and Hunt, the wrongly convicted man – the film challenges the assumption that all Americans have access to unbiased justice.

For more information, visit the film's website.

Girlfriends & The Game 4.23.07

Last night’s new episodes of Girlfriends and The Game were solid. We’re in the final stretch of the season now. Only 3 new episodes left before the one-hour season finale of Girlfriends on May 7, followed by the one-hour season finale of The Game on May 14. Stay tuned for the CW Upfronts on May 17 to find out if these shows, and other CW favorites, will be back next season. I don’t really have much to say about the shows last night, so here’s my attempt at brevity.

First up, Girlfriends:

• Where is Richard T. Jones? I think we need to put an APB on him. And are we to believe that Joan will get her long-awaited marriage proposal based on a non-existent relationship? Have we even seen Aaron since the Valentine’s Day episode? I definitely understand the chocolate deliciousness of Richard T. Jones, but if he was so unavailable this season, perhaps Mara Brock Akil should have picked another actor.

• I see the Lynn is back to her Kato Kaelin lifestyle, but at least she had the funniest lines last night.

Monica: “I had to do my hair myself.”
Lynn: “With what, a leaf blower?”

And in response to Maya’s attitude after her doctor’s appointment,
Lynn: “Did you get a prescription for your bitch?”

• I still can’t believe that Monica is that broke. Did William know that she was solely financially dependent on her parents and would thus be financially dependent on him after their marriage? If I were William, I would have clearly seen “golddigger” stamped on her forehead.

• And saving the best for last…I’m so happy for Maya and Darnell. They’re having a baby. Well, them and Joan! I admire Maya’s selflessness to give up her 40 acres and a mule in the ‘burbs to move back to the city. It does take a village to raise a child, and I’m sure little Shawnna…or Joan…will appreciate being near her god-family.

Moving on to The Game:

• Thank you Jason for reminding us about Derwin’s indiscretion with Drew Sidora. I was wondering when we’d get back to that, and just in time for the explosive season finale in a few weeks. Derwin was doing the classic “transfer of emotion” by putting his guilt on Melanie, but it’s always a little cute to see guys get jealous, or as Mel put it, “pee on trees.”

• Jason had me rolling last night. First with taking the Ziploc bags of popcorn to the movie theater (and only after Kelly agreed to pay) and then only agreeing to meet Derwin for coffee when Derwin said he'd pay.

• There was not enough Kelly last night, but I liked her exchange with Tasha about Black women’s anger. But rather than ask Tasha why Black women are so angry, she should have asked why Tasha is so angry (and for the record, not all Black women are angry!). Why does Tasha lash out all the time? I think Malik touched on it when he said that Tasha has been a mother and father to him so she’s had to be tough.

• Kenny’s friends were straight up weird. And I’m a firm believer in the saying – “Show me your friends and that will tell me who you are.” Those folks were out of line in their antics (those stereotypes were pretty heavy-handed, though) and Tasha really did try to be nice to them. Sure, Tasha has an attitude, but I don’t think Kenny should have asked her to change. I agree with Malik, either accept Tasha for who she is or move on. I do think Tasha needs to do a little soul-searching to figure out what is going on deep down inside, but she’s not a bad person at all. We’ve seen how sweet and protective she’s been over her son, Kelly and Melanie.

Cosby Kids Week

Tune in to Nick-at-Nite this week for a special marathon of The Cosby Show, hosted by the Huxtable children. Lisa Bonet kicks off the week with "Denise Monday," Keisha Knight Pulliam hosts "Rudy Tuesday," and "Vanessa Vednesday" is led by Tempestt Bledsoe. My former childhood crush Malcolm Jamal Warner will take us through "Theo Thursday" and oft-underused Sabrina Le Beauf will finish up the work week with "Sondra Friday."

I hope Nick airs my two favorite Cosby episodes: when the kids performed the song on the staircase for their grandparent's anniverary and Denise's attempt to knock-off Theo's designer shirt. Classic!

The marathon continues on through the weekend with episodes spotlighting the best dance episodes on Saturday and memorable guest stars on Sunday. Along the way, viewers will be treated to never-before-seen interviews with the former child actors as they discuss their time on the historic sitcom.

Get those TiVo's, DVR's and VCR's ready!

B.E.T. Blues

What is this mess? On Wednesday BET unveiled a development slate that boasts 16 new series, including projects from Will Smith (Cipha, an animated sci-fi series), Vin Diesel (Hannibal, an animated look at the ancient African king), D.L. Hughley (S.O.B., a hidden-camera reality series) and Orlando Jones (Bufu, an [again] animated sketch-comedy offering). (Nice to see BET drumming up so much on-camera work for black actors.) Also in the mix is the 26-year-old cabler's first original sitcom, Somebodies, based on the indie film of the same name.

BET = H.A.M. I told you guys weeks ago that Viacom planned to increase BET's budget to produce original programming and this is what they have to show for it. BET is always a day late and a dollar short. MTV did the whole animated thing years ago...as well as hidden-camera reality shows (Jackass and Punk'd anyone?). I know that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but does anyone over at BET have any creativity or independent thoughts?

My people...my people...SMH.

Girlfriends Spoilers!

If you want to be surprised about next Monday's episode of Girlfriends or the special one-hour season/series(?) finale on May 7, STOP READING NOW!

OK, you're still there, right?!?

On Monday's show, Maya announces that she's pregnant! Yeah!! I know she and Darnell had been talking about adding a new member to their family. But I'm sure we can expect some complications - is Maya really ready for another baby and how will this affect the family's finances given their brand-new home and Darnell's lack of job security? Stay tuned...

And then on what is being billed as a "special one-hour finale" (not specifically if it's a "series finale" or "season finale" - just "finale") Joan will get a long awaited marriage proposal from her boyfriend Aaron.

The CW has not confirmed whether or not Girlfriends will return in the fall. The official fall line up will be announced at the network's New York Upfront presentations on May 17.

The Game also returns with a new episode on Monday, following Girlfriends. Tasha loses her cool at a dinner party with her boyfriend Kenny's White friends and Melanie's study group session interfere with spending quality time with Derwin.

Real World Las Vegas Returns

MTV has given the green light to their first ever reunion series to bring the Real World cast back to Las Vegas and their former home in the Palms Casino Resort.

In my opinion, the 12th season of The Real World was by far the best, and my favorite. I can't wait to catch up on what has happened over the past 5 years to Alton, Irulan, Arissa, Brynn, Frank, Steven, and Trishelle. I've seen some of them on Real World/Road Rule Challenges, and I remember that Trishelle also appeared on The Surreal Life in 2004.

I wonder if Alton and Irulan are still together? Has anyone gotten married? Will the sparks still fly between Steven and Trishelle?

Production is scheduled to begin next week for three weeks and the six-episode series will air this summer between the current season in Denver and next season in Sydney.

I can't wait!!!!

Run's House 4.9.07

Diggy, Vanessa, Justine, Rev. Run, JoJo, Angela, and Russy Simmons

Last night was the third season premiere of Run's House, featuring Rev. Run (of Run-DMC fame), his wife Justine and their 5 children.

The episode focused primarily on the family's tragic loss of baby Victoria Anne Simmons, who died only an hour after her birth last September. Amazingly, Rev. Run allowed the cameras to roll and capture his family's grief.

At first, while waiting for their new arrival, 9-months-pregnant Justine had a craving for Buffalo wings from Hooter's, after Run vowed to go to the ends of the Earth to get her whatever it was she wanted to eat (which meant taking the risk that his religious collar would catch on fire the minute he stepped through the door). I LOL when Justine told him that he could get seafood, and Run remarked: "People don't go to Hooters to see food."

Early the next morning, Justine went into labor.

I saw a clip of the premiere during their appearance on Oprah last week, and I was tremendously impressed by the Simmons' strength. Rev. Run reiterated throughout the episode that he could not be consumed with sorrow over the loss of his daughter because he is so grateful and thankful to God for blessing him to have 5 healthy, living children. And he even agreed with Justine that perhaps they could consider adoption.

I was particularly touched when Rev. Run made a point to talk to each child individually to make sure they were O.K. and remind them to count their blessings. My favorite moment was when the entire family welcomed Justine home by forming a prayer circle around her bed and then everyone jumped on the bed to talk, laugh and share funny family anecdotes.

This is a beautiful and positive family! Their love for one another is remarkable.

Shake Up at CNN

I just heard that CNN's American Morning anchors, Soledad O'Brien and Miles O'Brien (no relation) have been given the ax! John Roberts, formerly of CBS, and Kiran Chetry, most recently of Fox News, will take over (date TBD).

I must admit that this came as a shock, but as with everything on TV, it comes down to the ratings, which have reportedly been sluggish for A.M. Sources say that both O'Briens will remain at CNN as correspondents.

I greatly admire Soledad for her dedication and outstanding reporting, particular during Hurricane Katrina. Plus she's a mommy with four young children, making her an inspirational example for all working moms.

Are there any other news junkies out there? Any fans of A.M. that will miss Soledad, too?

Tune in to Oprah today!

When last we saw Rev. Run (of Run-DMC fame) and the rest of the Simmons' clan on their hit MTV reality show, Run's House, the family was preparing for a new addition to the family. Mom Justine announced that she was pregnant with the baby she so desperately wanted and the entire family—23-year-old Vanessa, 19-year-old Angela, 17-year-old, Joseph (JoJo), 12-year-old Daniel (Diggy), and 10-year-old Russell (Russy)—couldn't wait to meet their new brother or sister. But tragedy struck this past September when baby Victoria Anne died just hours after her birth (her internal organs had developed outside her body). Rather than yell "Cut!," this dynamic family allowed cameras to roll during their darkest hours of grief. In anticipation of the third season of Run's House, which debuts on MTV next Monday, the Simmons' clan will be on Oprah today to talk about how they're turning to their faith to move beyond their pain and their plans for the future (adoption?)