Critics have been saying BET’s new scripted series is basically an update of the Cosby Show. The comparisons are seemingly obvious if you consider that they have 1) married parents who are both professionals in their own right, 2) a gang of cute kids, and 3) they have Malcolm-Jamal Warner. There you go.
I have to watch myself as I write this review, since I’ve been jonesing for this show (any depiction of a good, strong black marriage, really) all year. I can’t let the hype get to me. I will be fair.
That being said, the pilot was pretty standard. We had the introduction of characters and a twist that most readers didn’t realize was coming (Theo…um, “Alex” is the stepdad to two of the kids). And then we see how kids change the dynamic of a marriage “”Every time the parents tried to get comfy and sexy, here comes those kids! This is real life, folks.
They also examined what happens when the wife feels like she’s “same ol’, same ol'” and wonders if her husband is still attracted to her. In the first episode, Carla, a successful therapist, treats a patient with sexual addiction (Robin Givens) and feels a bit threatened when the aforementioned patient is in fact a parent of one of her daughter’s classmates.
She later tries an over-the-top seduction bit (think naughty schoolgirl), which falls flat.
“Are you wearing heels to bed?” Alex asks, with a gleam in his eye. And then two seconds later…”Ow, I think I’m bleeding!”
The first 15 minutes of the episode, admittedly, were kind of dry. Which is expected. It’s a pilot. But at the end, they seemed to warm up and display the chemistry that the casting directors probably saw. We got to see two black folks, loving on each other and being 100% real with them.
“I wanna be sexy for you, Alex,” Carla said after the mishap with the heels.
“You don’t have to jump through hoops to be sexy for me,” Alex replied. Say it with me now: Awwww!
All in all, I thought the pilot episode was solid. I’d give it a B+.
What did you think about Reed Between The Lines?
I liked it a lot. I agree I think the last 15 mins really picked up. Normally the first episodes of a series are terrible and these weren’t bad at all so I’m excited to see where it goes.
I agree…I go back and look at the pilots for some of my favorite shows and they were just…eh. But I think Reed Between The Lines was solid. Very excited for new episodes!
I agree it was a tad bit dry at first but that is to be expected. I also think people are going alittle to far with the whole Cosby remix thing. The Cosby show was the first of it’s kind so I don’t ever expect anything to live up to what that show brought to the table.
That being said I to am glad to see a positive black marriage being displayed on tv. I am admittedly alittle disappointed that Theo is the step-dad instead of the bio dad but then again that is a way of life in most families. As I said in the chat if we ever want to get back some great family comedies we really need to stay tuned and give this show a chance 🙂
I don’t know if I’m disappointed that Theo is the stepdad, but it does provide more possible storylines, and he is the bio dad to the one little girl (his Princess). From the previews, I didn’t think the two had much chemistry, but it turned around quickly for me. I can actually look at them and think, “Yeah, that’s a married couple.” Go Tracee and Malcolm!
Definitely a tad bit dry during the first episode, but the second episode was an improvement. I’m willing to give anything a shot if it strives to provide a positive image of black families.
The second episode was definitely an improvement…I was very pleased!
I love the show. We need more shows that depict strong black marriage. This is what our children need to see.
I wish it wasn’t on so late, but I guess maybe the ratings would suffer if it was on at 8 (not sure what other programming is on other channels on a Tuesday night)? I was thinking, I would let my kids (4 and 3) watch this. Wouldn’t have to scramble for the remote when they walked in the room. LOL
Any sitcom with a black married couple that each have professional jobs is going to draw that “The Cosby Show” comparison. I thought it was cool although it was a bit flat at times. But it is the type of show that “we” say we need to see on tv. I hope it works and we support it
I think some of the Cosby comparisons are legit. The kids were giving me some serious Shaundra/Vanessa/Ruby vibes, Carla was styled like a updated Clair(e) Huxtable, etc. HOWEVER! I think the show stands on its own, and I’m looking forward to new episodes…
@ tara … the show is scheduled to re-air on sundays at 8 as well. not sure how late your kids stay up but i agree this was definitely family friendly.@facebook-1085850001:disqus
i too enjoyed the show and love anytime i get to see a positive black married couple on tv. my hubby and i watched together and definitely plan to make this a series record on the DVR 🙂
Oh, good to know! They need to publicize that better! (Or maybe I just need to pay attention…lol)
@ tara … the show is scheduled to re-air on sundays at 8 as well. not sure how late your kids stay up but i agree this was definitely family friendly.@facebook-1085850001:disqus
i too enjoyed the show and love anytime i get to see a positive black married couple on tv. my hubby and i watched together and definitely plan to make this a series record on the DVR 🙂
The first word that comes to mind is “cute”. It was a cute show. I think I can add this show to my list of shows to watch for the season. I think it will get better with age!
I was a little disappointed with the show. Tracee Ross (Carla) is so talented and so self-assured. And as a psychologist it was disturbing that she was so insecure in her marriage and immature regarding the sandwich guy. Her office space and receptionist were not professional. The set up at the elevator was a cheap prop and didn’t give me the feel that it was an actual office space. And Alex’s job seemed minimal. The only reference was grading papers. Carla’s wardrobe was not as sharp/sexy/edgy as “Girlfriends”. The kids seemed to have a disconnect with each other. I just didn’t think it flowed well.
If you look at most pilots of TV shows, they don’t have “nice” sets until later (when they feel like the show is well-received and will be around for a while). I’m hoping this is the case, even though I didn’t mind the background so much. Carla’s wardrobe wasn’t as edgy as Girlfriends because…it’s not Girlfriends. LOL. She could have been a little sexier, but I think she looked pretty cool for a mom on TV. Usually we look pretty, but never too sexy.
I don’t know how they’re going to introduce more of Alex’s job since he’s an online professor. I mean, I guess he has an office…?
It’s is so funny that you both referenced “Girlfriends” because as far as comparisons go, that was the first show to come to my mind, not Cosby Show. To me, Tracee’s character seemed like an extension of Joan-as in Joan’s life once she finally got married and had a family.
is “Reed between the lines” supposed to have a direct connection to “Girlfriends”? 1 show is about a group of single, Black California girls and the other about a professional, Black married couple with children/a blended family… The only common element that I see between these 2 shows is Tracee Ellis Ross. Personally, I enjoyed it. In spite of the 2 lead characters being well-established actors in their own rights, their on-screen relationship and chemistry was believable and even funny @ times. I just HATE those pre-programmed & awkwardly timed laugh tracks (& it’s not just on this show) #UGH!!! Other than that, I will definitely add this series to my season’s “must watch” shows.
I was a little disappointed with the show. Tracee Ross (Carla) is so talented and so self-assured. And as a psychologist it was disturbing that she was so insecure in her marriage and immature regarding the sandwich guy. Her office space and receptionist were not professional. The set up at the elevator was a cheap prop and didn’t give me the feel that it was an actual office space. And Alex’s job seemed minimal. The only reference was grading papers. Carla’s wardrobe was not as sharp/sexy/edgy as “Girlfriends”. The kids seemed to have a disconnect with each other. I just didn’t think it flowed well.
I loved it!!! I’m just glad to have s sitcom back!!! Yeah, its like the Cosby show, so??? I like its a complete family unit, the parents are educated too, hell I’m trying to have the cosby family image in 5 years with my educated man, I will have my Phd (ironically in psychology too, lol). I can’t wait to see what issues they come up with, and how it will be resolved in 30min, lol.
Hubby and I enjoyed the show and will watch it on Tuesday nights and the encore on Sundays at 8:00. Congrats BET, you are definitely doing better programming for those of us who want stressfree and enjoyable entertainment back in our lives!
I thought the show was great and definitely a step in the right direction for programming that is relevant to that segment of African Americans. I’m not a Dr. and neither is my wife but I have been missing seeing a show that I could relate to for some time now. The first episode did start off slow but by the end of the first show, I knew that I would be looking forward to the next episode. Good Job BET, now lets support it!
I liked it, it was a little slow at first. I talked to my 8 year old about it this morning who has being anxiously waiting to see it but was in bed when it came on (she will watch on Sunday). All in all I will continue to watch.
I liked it, it was a little slow at first. I talked to my 8 year old about it this morning who has being anxiously waiting to see it but was in bed when it came on (she will watch on Sunday). All in all I will continue to watch.
I liked it, it was a little slow at first. I talked to my 8 year old about it this morning who has being anxiously waiting to see it but was in bed when it came on (she will watch on Sunday). All in all I will continue to watch.
I hate to be a downer to all the positive comments. But I didn’t think the show was good. (AS I EXPECTED) But I did try and give it a chance. I didn’t think that Carla and Alex had a believeable connection. The show was a drag with (very little) audience laughter. Maybe it will get better as the show goes on….
“believable” typo…
My 13 year old daughter & I watched both episodes together! I was a little disappointed about the two older kids not being Malcolm’s biological, but maybe that’s part of the upcoming storyline! I will continue to support and continue to thank God that I don’t have to scramble for the remote on certain scenes!!!! YAY!!! Keep up the good work BET!!
Several people have mentioned disappointment in the blended family element. But I for one applaud it. It makes the show realistic. Stepfamilies in some form are now the dominant form of households in America (my own included). We have seen the Brady Bunch and Step by Step. I look forward to seeing how the dynamics in a Black household are portrayed.
Highly disappointed with this show. I was really looking forward to seeing it. I had set my dvr to record the series, but quickly canceled and erased the 2 episodes that I that I saw last night. Malcolm and Tracee are great actors but this awful.
Give it one more episode, at least! Two if you can.
Nah Erica I hate to be the downer. We have Nene on Atlanta Housewives and all the single ladies on Basketball Knives. Now there is a show that depicts a black family epoused in a healthy marriage. However slow the show may have been, I see the two most important props (1) healthy marriage and (2) a family that appears to be blended in harmony. And the comparison to the Cosby’s – as if Claire and Cliff can be the only professional portrayed.
Wow, I’m just elated that BET has decided to join the movement of letting the world know that healthy black marriages exist to include a man who stepped up to father children who were biologically were not his, to include a strong professional who has some insecurities, and to also show that sister rise to become a doctor despite being a single mother, or even to include some characters who represent the legacy of a show (Cosby) that revealed to a nation that healthy black families do exist.
Was I like this is the greatest show since whatever – No; but I was damned happy that the buffoonery of Nene and her basketball cohorts showed up no where on this show.
https://ruleyourwife316.com/2011/10/12/marriage-family-legacy/
i watched it because of all the hype – black marriage, positive imagery, etc…
i didnt like it and cant be bothered to watch again.
if you believe everything on tv, you would think strong black marriages are a new thing…its not.
I think it is great to have a positive depicted “Black Married Couple” on television. It’s ashame that in a time where our President of the United States is an African American that other major networks did not pick the show up or even develop a show similar…
Q: How can people live in 2011 where there are no prominent African American television programming on the three major networks?
With that said, I look forward to new epispdes fo the show…………
Great JOB!!!! Bet for taking on a show that depicts the majority of “Black Love” in the US.
Tara, I do plan on watching again and believe the script can and will get better. Was just bothered by the insecurity of a married black woman because of another beautiful black woman. I realize its not girlfriends with regard to her swagger and style, but she represents a professional woman and has a classic look and I didn’t think that was depicted in the episode. And as an online professor, he’s doesn’t have an office or a university he’s attached too but he has physical papers to grade? I hope the writing gets better.
Tara, I do plan on watching again and believe the script can and will get better. Was just bothered by the insecurity of a married black woman because of another beautiful black woman. I realize its not girlfriends with regard to her swagger and style, but she represents a professional woman and has a classic look and I didn’t think that was depicted in the episode. And as an online professor, he’s doesn’t have an office or a university he’s attached too but he has physical papers to grade? I hope the writing gets better.
I’ll take an updated Cosby show any day
I think you have great actors, but the show needs to be a little more real . Look at my wife an kids it was an excellent show because they kept it realistic. They need more comedy, more personality with the characters.
I am trying my best to stay with the show because it does project a professional loving black family” that we all desire to see portrayed on television. The first two episodes were dull and dry. Not funny at all. I felt that the characters, Carla and Alex showed no connection. The children are terrible with their jokes, especially the young lady that plays the oldest child. I tried watching again tonight, and I felt the same way. While I do understand that this is the beginning of the sitcom, maybe they need to change writers. I am all for showing us as black people in a positive light, but sometimes I think the writers go overboard with it. I will try and watch again, but if it doesn’t get any better, I think I will just leave it alone. BET, does not have a lot of good sitcoms on their station. The only one that I like is the Game, and the other new shows they just didnt have the chemistry. When you go back and look at the Cosby show, which was the best ever, the family had chemistry, they meshed together, and it was as if they were the actually real family instead of actors. … and no, I am not saying that REED BETWEEN THE LINES” should be like the Cosby show, but at least get actors that make us, as the audience viewers believe for that 30 minutes, that this family is believeable.
Yes, it is starting off a little slow. But let’s try to give it a chance. I didn’t like The Game it’s first season on the CW and stopped watching it. I didn’t get into it until I happened upon one of those BET marathons and it showed that as time went on, the chemistry between the characters got better. Hopefully, Reed BTW the Lines will do the same.
I really do enjoy watching this show …its like a mix of my wife n kids n cosby show . I really hope that we don’t lose our black shows. We really need to support our show . Not many black show on television these days .
I agree with the majority on this the sitcom is ok, however where’s the chemistry? To me they could’ve found a more believable couple. I love Malcolm Jamal Warner he isn’t the problem, I feel they could’ve paired him with someone that seemed more his equal they seemed like complete opposites. It does seem like its a spin off of the cosby show, and the kids aren’t really realistic either. I will try to give it a chance b/c we do need more black realistic shows on television, but in order to keep them on the air the writers need to step there game up if not its gonna be a loss cause just like let’s stay toghether.
Like many of responders I found the lack of chemistry a big turn off. The kids especially. I also think the office scenes are ridiculous. The secretary/friend/sandwich guy have no purpose. The clients and their issues are silly. If comparing to Cosby they rarely had shows with Cliff and Clair at work b/c he said fans liked them better at home. Also, I’m glad Malcolm is actually working (what’s with all the sitcom stay at home dads!!) but I find it unrealistic.
A lot of people seem to like this show for how it portrays an African American family in a positive light, and for how it has a lot of teachable family lessons that many seem to relate or gravitate too. The show succeeds in that, without a doubt. However, a show can’t rest solely on its ability to teach family values and at being positive. There also needs to be great storylines, character development, and natural chemistry between the actors, which is NOT the case for this show. The obvious problem is that Tracee and Malcom are hardly believable as husband and wife, the way the show has to enforce their sexual chemistry is so forced and over the top. They aren’t even believable as parents, they have NO chemistry with the child actors, and as a whole, I don’t think the kids on the show have any chemistry with Malcom and Tracee. It makes the show as a whole so forced that it’s almost cringe-worthy. Then there’s something I find kind of annoying how there is a little too much focus on Tracee and her “therapy sessions.” It’s not only distracting but it further seems to distance the actors from each other when the focus seems to be too much on Tracee and her clients. They try to make it funny, but it’s boring. They try to instill family values/issues in each episode, but it kind of falls flat and feels rather preachy. This show just screams for better writers and for more character development and a more natural interaction with the actors. It’s a shame, this show has so much potential, but they try too hard to fall in the shadow of Cosby Show, but fail to give the humor and entertainment value.
Also, after watching another episode lastnight, I think this show needs more focus, a LOT more focus. Its called a
comedy, but its NOT funny. Its trying to be a family sitcom, but many
of the plot lines seem to mostly revolve around Tracee and her job or
Tracee and Malcom trying to get it on. When an episode is focused on the
children, its just painful, they have NO chemistry with each other and
they just arent realistic as characters. The show overall just REALLY
needs better writers, better chemistry between the actors, more comedy,
better storylines, and more focus, if they dont improve on that, this
show will fail. Sorry, but just because this show is about a “positive
African American sitcom family†doesnt mean we should act like its the
greatest thing since the Cosby Show. It is not. This show is lacking in
so many ways, and it really needs to improve, otherwise, well lose
probably the only current black sitcom that has potential to be
something good.
I struggls to stay with the show after the first two episodes. The only reason I kept watching was to support Malcohm and Tracee and the positive black image (in case Neilsen was counting). I must admit that the last two episodes I watched were much better. I’m not a big fan of the constant kissing and grabbing. I don’t believe that constitutes a healthy marriage, unless you’re still on your honeymoon. Couples who have been married for some time know that it’s all about the talking and kissing is reserved for a) arriving home, b) leaving and c) late night foreplay.
Good situation comedies are born of conflict. We don’t ned to see so much of Tracee’s job, we need to see more of her secretary (she’s funny) and let’s have some interaction between Malcohm and his online students. Siblings don’t always get along , even when they like each other (let’s see some conflict). When dowe see the ex-husband/biological dad? If you’re going to throw that twist at us then you’ve gotta build on it. Give Malcohm some friends for God’s sake. He’s a grown man and all he does is housework. Let’s see him out at the game with his boys, at the gym, at the bar, at a work related conference, something!
I will watch it. I love Malcolm Jamal Warner.
Here it is, the season is almost over. I have been trying to get to see this show, and always something would come up. Tonight I got an opportunity to see it. While I think, this is a great show, because it’s a show of black people …. a black family… living together and working things out as a blended family. Overall, I think it needs to be spiced up a bit. These folks are a bit too relaxed and chummy with the real father and the step-father. In real life things don’t work out this way. I would like to see a bit more emotion, especially, how they allowed the real father to just drop in, and they appear comfortable with making accomodations for him. Making accomodations was a bit too sududed. Black folks are supposed to voice their opinions, regarding things like this. They should get a little hot and bothered. I don’t mean that they should have discussed it in front of the kids, but I would liked that would have been some interaction between Theo, and the real father. Even in Crosby, there would have been more discussion.
I too expected this to be a Cosby copy, and it a sense maybe it is. But after watching it, I have come to really enjoy it and it is the only TV show I record! The show deals with so many issues I dealt with in my marriage. It’s refreshing to see a show that is not stereotypical, shows a respectful family, and serves as an example of what a Black family CAN BE! And quite honestly, it shows what a lot of Black families ARE!! I hope it continues…….I will continue to watch it.
I definitely like the show, as a former “Cosby Show” watcher, we welcome a television show that allows us to leave the room and not worry about our daugther viewing something not appropriate for her. It is about time someone put a tv show on that encourages something other that black folks disrespecting each other. Keep up the good work! When will the new season begin?