Four Tweaks BET Should Make ASAP To “Reed Between The Lines”

Marriage

by Tara Pringle Jefferson | on October 27th, 2011 | 22 comments

Whenever a new show debuts, I always make it a point to give it three episodes before forming any real opinions. It takes time for the writers and cast and crew to get a sense of the direction of the show and how audiences receive it. I allow that cushion because I’ve missed out on a lot of good shows because the pilot was just eh. (Although “Undercovers,” the ill-fated Boris Kodjoe vehicle, was a show that was dead on arrival. Who would’ve thunk?)

I’ve watched six episodes of “Reed Between The Lines” at this point (I think BET’s decision to air back-to-back episodes was a solid move). While I think the show is pretty good, there’s a few tweaks from classic TV shows that could take RBTL from “alright” to something that can honestly compete (ratings-wise) with some of the more popular shows that lack much of the substance.

Adjust The Volume and The Timing On The Akward Laugh Track

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 4

When BET brought “The Game” back from cancellation earlier this year, I was left feeling lukewarm after the original episode. My main issue? It was so quiet. Like if a crew member sneezed in the background, we’d be able to hear it. I have the same issue with RBTL. It seems like I’m watching several people interact with each other on a sound stage. I almost want to hold my breath to make sure I can hear everything. And the laugh track (while some consider it outdated, I think it works until the writing gets better) needs to be a bit louder — having a weak laugh track is worse than having no laugh track at all.

But even with my nitpicking, I’d take Reed Between the Lines over any of that other reality-TV crap any day. It’s refreshing to see black love represented loud and proud.

About the author

Tara Pringle Jefferson is managing editor of BlackAndMarriedWithKids.com. She’s also the author of Make It Happen: The Young Mommy Guide To Creating The Career You Crave. Follow her on Twitter or check out her blog for her insights on what it means to be a mom, wife, student, writer, and about three other labels she’s too tired to remember.

Anonymous

I’ve been missing the show actually, but I suspect I’ll catch every episode on a rainy Saturday in the near future… if BET will chill on Coming 2 America and The Five Heartbeats.. we’ll see.

Tara, you’re absolutely correct about the ‘can’t win for losing’ trap that BET finds itself in all too often. I think Will + Jada’s show “All of Us” did an OK job of showing how families can operate nontraditionally. I’m hoping for good things from RBTL and look to catch more episodes soon.

Do you think the BET Hip Hop awards show has the SAME audience as this show? I know why they wer packaged, but I just wonder if it was the best thing to do.

Oh, I HATE laugh tracks… someone email Tyler Perry and let him know I said that.

http://theyoungmommylife.com Tara Pringle Jefferson

I totally forgot it premiered with the Hip Hop Awards…def don’t think it’s the same audience, but BET attracts a bunch of different folks with its programming so….

http://twitter.com/photosforu Nathan Simmons

You make some great points here! While I love a positive happy couple in love, it would be nice to see them deal with conflict and stay in love. How about a flash back episode to see how they met and how the two older kids first responded (like most blended families, I would hope, but it would be nice to see)
And, the two ladies in the office can use good back stories without having to worry about whether they will get their own series or not. Let’s hear more about the blind man she met on Skype

http://theyoungmommylife.com Tara Pringle Jefferson

@Nathan – Yeah, I didn’t want to rush the writers too much, but I’d love a flashback episode (kind of like how they used to do on the Fresh Prince). They seem very well blended at this point. I liked the scene where they were all talking about how much baby girl was spoiled and they mentioned how Carla, as a single mom, wasn’t able to do as much with the kids. That convo was interesting and I’d love for them to explore it more.

Ann

I picked up something on the timeline. Remember in the “Hair” episode when Alex was going over the different hair styles he has seen Carla wear over the years? That means he had been around over 9 years. Or did I miss something? I love the show and I do agree that something was missing. Tara hit the nail on the head.

http://theyoungmommylife.com Tara Pringle Jefferson

Oh, I do remember that conversation now. He’s been in the picture for a minute now. I’m trying to do the math on how old the twins were when he and Carla got married…five or so?

Women Are Gamechangers

I like the show but yes some depth can be added. It’s so nice to finaly see some positive black families on tv again like the 80s and 90s. But I would like stronger character plots. I think we can handle that. lol. ~As always love http://www.womenaregamechangers.com.
http://twitter.com/slimjackson Slimuel L. Jackson

The awkward laugh track and the flat jokes were the first things I noticed about the show. You could tell where the set up and punchline/joke were supposed to be and the audience wouldn’t respond…or we’d get that weak laugh track that made it clear how unfunny the joke was. Writing help is definitely needed. And whoever is overseeing that team might need a refresher…because someone is okaying what’s going into the final scripts. At least that’s how I think it works.

Good read!
http://www.facebook.com/jaimejamison Jaime Jamison

I know they won’t, but it would be awesome if they taped in front of a live studio audience.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_TAK72COCWU4R5M5PMMIYGDQCSY Daisy

This show is WACK hey have 0 chemistry as a couple, the writing is dry and I don’t understand why ALL the kids aren’t theirs since this was supposed to be the new must see black tv sitcom. I come from a blended family but I felt they were going for Cosby 2.0 and they failed IMO. The best thing about the show is Tracee Ellis Ross clothes. I watched the first 4 eps and tuned out this week.

I am ready for Lets Stay Together I think BET got that show right.

I also watch reality tv #judgeme it is my guilty pleasure I can’t wait for the Braxtons and RHOA to start back next week.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_TAK72COCWU4R5M5PMMIYGDQCSY Daisy

Oh and I think it comes on to late to be “the new must see black family tv show”

I heard Star Jones book is being turned into a TV show I hope its good and I saw where Soul Food may be coming back to TV I loved that show.
smbizlover

I was so excited about this show. The let down was very hard. I hope they take your suggestions!! I am glad that you gave it six views. I couldn’t make it past two!! So disappointed!!
Tender_xxxs

I was very excited about the show and I always give black shows a chance ( I usually record the series) but this is a disappointment so far. I do agree about the laugh track. And the chemistry for couple seems fake and kids are too dramatic and over the top. Seems as if they are trying to hard. Im going to watch a few more shows but it doesn’t look good. It sad to say but I have to be honest.
Misssweettea

I agree. I really want to like this show, but something is missing. It’s not as bad as the other show BET created or love that girl on tv one. However, it could be better. I don’t like the kids at all. I would have rather seen them as a couple married the living together w no kids because the show seems corny with them. Kind of like ” my wife n kids”, ” are we there yet”. I don’t likewriters for this show or the game (which BET ruined). But I do like the actors/actresses and hope the show gets better.
Misssweettea

@daisy I watch reality too so don’t feel bad lol. Also I hope they bring.soul food and.star jones book to tv.
http://www.facebook.com/OneWomanShow.Hollywood Tiffany B Poppins

I’d have to say I agree. I often have to recap scenes during commercial breaks, just to be sure, I know what’s going on.

http://theyoungmommylife.com Tara Pringle Jefferson

I was sitting down to write this review after watching the first of the two episodes and I realized I didn’t even remember what the storyline was about! It JUST went off and I couldn’t remember. Not a good sign.

http://20andengaged.com Briana Myricks

I asked hubby what he thought and he agreed with everything you said (I missed it because it debuted on my birthday). BET’s laugh track sucks. I noticed it on The Game and it makes it hard. I definitely think they should bring in some new writers for all BET shows.
Jazin17

I keep tuning in…. this is what we as Black Folks said we wanted… so I am not going to throw it away just yet. It seems as if its getting better. I have noticed the second episode is always better than the first. It seems like the Dad is the bio father of the third child but not the twins…. so hes been around for awhile but it would be nice to see flash backs. I did like the episode with Leon and Lela Rachon.. but it might be because I love Leon
Joe

The boys sounds he’s desparately trying to be, and sound like, Theo Huxtable !!
Trisha

I agree that the jokes do fall flat and while watching I wasn’t entertained. I don’t see the show lasting, but who knows.
Pingback: The Game Is Back: Can Melanie And Derwin Just Be Happy? | Black and Married With Kids.com - A Positive Image of Marriage and Family