"The Game" Returns to BET

 

I became a fan of this show during my sophomore year of college. Why? My life--at the time--looked like it was going to turn out like Melanie and Derwin's story (hopefully minus the drama). I was pre-med, dating an NFL hopeful who kept hinting at impending marriage proposals, and watching this show I imagined that when he made it big our lives would turn out like Melanie and Derwin. My roommate used to say it was almost as if the show was giving me a glimpse into my "future".

Well, first of all I'm not going to med. school. Second, I broke up with Mr. NFL. Third, my poor football player's dreams got destroyed by a leg injury. Lets just say life did not imitate art. I grew up, my plans changed.

But, I still watched The Game. I thought it was an interesting combination of sitcom and drama. I was so very annoyed when the show became a victim of the CW Network's attempt to move its lineup more towards "drama" (specifically teen drama). Although the cast members started a campaign to have the show become more "dramatic" to fit in with the CW's new direction, it got canceled May 2009. Somebody asked on Twitter yesterday why the show got canceled if it was so popular in the first place. The answer, there are numerous examples of TV shows getting canned because of executive decisions--despite the shows having a strong fan base. I will say that the CW's new direction definitely works for them. Gossip Girl? 90210? Vampire Diaries? They're doing well.

So, yesterday, The Game returned to almost 8 million viewers (according to initial estimates, it might actually be higher). I don't think BET has ever had that high of a ratings on a weeknight.

How did the show do? As a fan my answer is, "meh".

First of all, the drama outweighed the comedy. Remember, this "drama" direction is what would have happened to the show anyway if it had stayed on the CW. Unlike many other people who watched the show, I understand why the first episode could not be all out hilarious. There was a lot to deal with after a 2 year hiatus and there was no way to make fun of some of the things that were brought up.

But...tying up loose ends aside, I think the show is going to have to dial back the drama a bit from now on. If you haven't watched the premiere episode but are planning to, I won't spoil anything by revealing too much.

If you like the show and are willing to cut them some slack for trying to get audiences "caught up", then the premiere was not bad. There are a few new cast members, notably Meagan Good (who, I believe, is not a very good actress) and Terrence of 106 & Park (he needs more practice). Also, Sheree Whitfield from Real Housewives of Atlanta had a cameo appearance out of nowhere.


The jury is still out on whether or not the return is as good (or better) than the original. If I had to grade it, I would give it a 75% rating. There is definitely room for improvement, but considering the horrors I was imagining after hearing that BET now had a hold of the show, it wasn't that bad and we should all hope it keeps improving. Although, I don't think it matters because there really isn't anything else on BET's lineup that will compete or have ratings as high.