When I first saw the preview for For Better or Worse, the new sitcom based on the characters Angela (Tasha Smith) and Marcus (Michael Jai White) from Tyler Perry’s popular Why Did I Get Married movies, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. While I thought the couple was good for some comic relief in the films, focusing an entire sitcom around a couple whose sole purpose in the movies was to bicker seemed to be a stretch. But I like Tasha Smith and it’s the relatively rare opportunity to see a black married couple on television so I decided to tune in.
In the first episode Tasha, a successful salon owner, is irate after Marcus’ young daughter from a previous relationship disrespects Tasha by calling her a name to Tasha and Marcus’ son. After finding out that the daughter’s disrespectful behavior was prompted by Marcus’ daughter’s mother Keisha, an angry Tasha confronts Keisha, the two get into a fist fight, and make up 30 seconds later. Meanwhile, Marcus finds out that Keisha is now dating a friend and colleague.
As I watched the first episode, and then the second, one nagging little thing was continuously on my mind.
WHERE IS THE LAUGH TRACK?! Excuse me if I seem nit-picky, but the laugh track is something I never notice until it’s obviously gone. I think that Perry’s nixing the laugh track and the three-camera set-up is his way of giving the show a more modern feel (think “The Game” instead of “House of Payne”) but the absence of laughter made the jokes feel awkward. Instead of having that modern feel of a show like The Office, I felt like I was watching a comedic stage play with no audience. Bring that track back Tyler Perry. ASAP.
Aside from the awkward silences, the show was mediocre. The premise it started with was a complex one. I was interested to see how dealing with the respect issue in a blended family would play out in a half -hour sitcom. But it seemed to go nowhere from there and turned in to standard TP fare even down to the inclusion of a loud fat woman who seemed to appear out of nowhere with the sole purpose of being rude and chubby.
I could think of one million ways for a show to have ended rather than having two grown women fighting out over a man and then laughing about it in the next scene. (Really? We’re giggling and chit chatting after you just choked me out and threw me across a table?) I’m all for conflict and drama in a story line that actually moves the plot along, but adding in a Real Housewives type of fight was unnecessary.
On the other hand, the show does have some potential. While I maintain that Marcus and Angela can’t carry an entire show on their own, they did introduce some supporting characters, colleagues of Marcus’ and a friend of Angela’s that may bring some balance to the show. And if the writers can let more true-to-life interactions between the characters take place instead of relying on over-the-top dramatics, they can possibly show some interesting dynamics between all of the members in the couple’s blended family.
My final verdict: For Better or for Worse could be a good show, but right now it’s not. I’m not ready to tune out, just yet, but it’s going to need some tweaking to keep my attention for much longer. I’m beyond the point of trying to call a sitcom good just because it shows black couples on television, and right now I’m not sure that For Better or For Worse does much more than that.
Did you catch the premiere episode? What did you think?
Loretta Webb says
I MISS THE LAUGH TRACK TOO!! I GUESS IT WILL GROW ON ME – I’LL WATCH A FEW MORE EPISODES ONLY BECAUSE I LOVE TYLER AND ANGELA. WE’LL JUST WAIT AND SEE. I’M WISHING FOR THE BEST.
Val Bass says
You expressed my sentiments EXACTLY!
KnoCliff says
I try openmindedly to get through a while TP movie or tv show, but I just can’t do it.
Charma H says
I tried to give it a chance with the first 2 episodes, but the absence of that laugh track & good writing made it very difficult. It seemed like Tyler Perry just threw all of this together because he knew his fan base would watch because he did it, but I don’t know if I’ll keep watching. Angela & Marcus made me laugh at times during the movies, but I agree with you, I don’t think they can carry a show by themselves. Hopefully, Tyler Perry proves me wrong because I really didn’t want him to make me cringe so much during an episode.
Ann says
I second that. It is as if he threw us a BONE and said there, go EAT! I have fallen asleep twice trying to watch it.
Rubie says
Marcus and Angela were my least fav couple in the movie. I get so tired of her being LOUD and over the top more often than not *rolleyes*
The laugh track is def. needed and the writing could be better.I also I am not saying the couples have to be poor or what have you but how many young people live in a condo thats pd for and drive a Bently thats pd for. Atlanta has the fake image that everybody is balling if you will and that is so not the case.I didn’t love or hate the show I will watch a few more eps to see if it improved.
JJ says
Rubie, apparently Tyler is damned if he does or doesn’t. If he has over the top blue collar folks, people say it doesn’t represent them. If he has well off bougie types, it doesn’t rep them. NEWSFLASH: It’s a TV show! It doesn’t have to look like your life! Most people don’t like to watch television to see their lives reflected, they watch as a form of escape from their lives. That being said, this show is crap. I don’t like much of anything that Tyler Perry does so I actually thought it HAD to be better than I expected since my expecations were so low. So not true. I detest laugh tracks and I was begging for one while watching this because it was that awkward. The writing, direction, and acting? All deplorable. The scene with the two women in the salon doing all the “shshshs You tell her” in tonight’s episode? Remedial stage acting. But, Tyler’s fans will watch Madea pooping if it has his name on it. I don’t understand the need for so many in the black community to applaud things just because they’re done by black people. We are past that , people. It’s not an accomplishment just to have black people on tv. We can do better.
Whonew says
I agree with the article. I was very upset that two grown women were physically fighting and then sitting on the floor out of breathe hair and make-up in place. It was very unrealistic. Also yes the comic relief is a bit over the top with the one lady from the salon. I wasn’t feeling it although I will probably give it a few more chances before I throw in the towel.
Sharniceevans says
I was very disapointed! it was HORRIBLE!!!! It was too much like a stage play, and who wants to see a stage play every week, with that God awful stage play music. Pretty much everything the writer just said; I am nit picky!
Nandrea says
I try to watch anything produced by Tyler Perry at least once before I make my decision not to watch it again.. I understand that the actors will overact their lines and that is his stamp for his movies, plays and sitcoms. Unfortunately it doesn’t work well on TV. How can you have shows on a station where the motto is “Very Funny” and neither one of them are?
Ablake48 says
I totally agree and also feel that calling women “hoes” and “B’s” wasn’t necessary and I will tune out if this is a running thread of the show.
Anonymous says
OMG, I’m watching this show for the first time and your review hit the nail on the head. First, where is the laugh track?? The silence is really awkward. Also, it does seem like one of his plays-made-for-TV. It’s boring.
This is the problem I have with TP. His stuff seems thrown together and his craft is more quantity than quality. The characters are flat and the story lines are really elementary.
Richee619 says
WAY 2 MUCH USELESS DIALOG.. ACTORS NOT BELIEVABLE AND DEFINATELY NEED A LAUGH TRACK….CAN’T FIGURE IF ITS SUPPOSED TO BE A COMEDY OR NITE SOAP..WITHOUT THE LAUGH TRACK I CAN NOT WATCH ANOTHER EPISODE BECAUSE IT MAKES THE ACTING SEEM SO FAKE….
Adam says
This show is an embarrassment to black actors. In 2011… the day and age of reality TV that clearly displays no positivity whatsoever, we definitely don’t need more sitcoms adding to the negative stereotypes that there are no healthy black relationships. Additionally, the majority of TP’s movies and television shows have an underlying Christian message, which is clearly lacking in this sitcom, so I must ask Tyler Perry a personal question…what happened to your Christian values…they are obviously absent in this show.
Dollan21 says
My thoughts exactly! As I was watching I kept thinking, is it me or is it really really….quiet! It was very awkward. I stopped watching House of Payne years ago and I don’t know if I will be able to stick with this one either.
Medlinemd says
I absolutely adore Tyler Perry’s work but I was a little disappointed with the premiere of For Better or Worse when I heard the first punchline without any laughter I thought to myself how could they make such a mistake maybe it was a live taping. Then I heard a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th joke with no laugh track then I started feeling the disappointment. I would rate the show 50% out of 100%. I believe if it contained a live audience or a laugh track I would be able to rate it 100%. I understand Tyler is trying to be innovative and different but this is going to really hurt the show. I hope he changes that aspect of the show because it can be a phenomenal show instead of a good show. Besides that everything else is excellent. I finished watching the 3rd and 4th episode and I agonized over every punchline when I don’t hear the laugh track but that’s just my little ole’ opinion.
Rlcooper1966 says
The fat chik is louder than Angie, which seems to defeat the purpose of the show. I loved Angie (and Marcus) in the movie but give us what we were expecting, DRAMA!!!!
Nubian Princess says
The first episode wasn’t that impressive to me. Angela seemed very toned down compared to her movie version. Yeah, wasn’t really impressed.
lily says
THE WOMAN THAT WORKS IN THE SALON NEEDS TO GO.HER CHARACTER IS LOUD AND ABRASIVE.HER CHARACTER IS DEFINATELY NOT NEEDED.I LIKE TYLER PERRY,BUT I REALLY DO NOT KNOW HOW MUCH LONGER THAT I CAN WATCH THIS BORING SHOW.
Mochapoohbear says
Watched one episode will not watch again! Disappointed!!
Poohhorn says
I concur this is full of crap I bet the writer are white, And FYI why does all TP shows make us look like we cant get along and ALL the brothers cheat and all the SISTAS are loud and disrepectful and non trusting.. Come on Tyler you got your money and you are now friends with Oprah , Lets not for get what got your here will sustain you and keep you there.
Maybe it not a good Idea to have caucasian writers speaking for african amerian, I’m just saying
Mary leal says
This is seriously the worst show I have seen in a while. Poor writing, nothing funny and mundane subject matters. Make it stop!!
Thekinghustlin says
this show sucks!
Awarding1 says
I myself missed the comedy part of the show!!! Most of tyler perry sitcoms were funny and kept you interested in wanting to know what was going to happen next
TT says
A laugh track would be idiotic because the show is NOT FUNNY! TP doesn’t need a laugh track the show needs new writers and a new premise based on comedy. The show is a melodramatic soap opera not a sitcom. I’m not going to laugh because I hear canned laughter. Start over Tyler, this doesn’t work at all. Give Tasha Smith her own sitcom with a new premise.
Mrs. Tremaine Aldon Neverson says
I missed the first episode of the show, but tonight show, omg, it was like waiting to exhale, cause in the episode, Angela grabbed Marcus clothes and placed it in this red wagon and put the clothes in her car and went to Marcus job and put most of it in his car and had that gasoline and poured it on the car and clothes and took that cigarette out and smoked it for a sec and lit that bad boy up, but the crazy part was she blew her horn so that Marcus could see what she had done. I think after them two episodes that I saw I will def tune back in. Hopes this show will be a success just wished that House Of Payne and Meet The Browns would have. Also, wondering if Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, Sharon Leal, Tyler Perry, or The Rock would be guest stars on the sitcom as their characters from the movie too???
Guccigrl2 says
I agree need the laugh track idk why he didn’t add it, it takes away from the show makin it a little dull. They have the right characters angela & marcus I think he could’ve added a better cast.
N M says
This is the worst tyler perry show ever!!! Nothing is funny on this show which is why there is no reason for a laugh track. Everything is completely over the top! The addition of the vulgar cursing, that they proceeded 2 bleep out anyway is ridiculously stupid. I tried to give tyler perrys shows a chance, but this is absolutely horrible. Also the script is so repetitive. I’m sure angie said marcus’ name 100 in one episode. I never write reviews but I felt complelled because this was so awful! Angie is waaay 2 over the top. The whole show is over the top!!
Freedom says
I couldn’t believe how bad the writing was..and also a laugh track is needed ASAP….there is just no excitement or energy to the show…as much as i want it to succeed, I still prefer good entertainment…
Cindy says
Last nights show of For Better or Worst was Worst. I suddenly found myself looking at a recap of the movie “Waiting To Exhale”, where Angela takes the red wagon, and tries to kick Marcus out. I was disappointed I think Mr. Perry is trying to do to many things at one time. He is neither listening to his writers, or they are not following his vision. I will no longer watch this sitcom because it’s not capturing my attention. I will continue to wish him well in all of his endeavors, and will support those projects that inspire me.
cj says
I agree with you all. For better or worse is boring!!!! I’ve watched all the episodes except the first one and I was not impressed. The show is to much like a stage play and the scenes are to long especially the ones with the rude lady that works at the salon and the guy that cleans up at the TV station. I think the show has a chance if Tyler Perry stop wasting money on these shows and put together a postive show like Reed between the lines and maybe show Angela and Marcus with their child and trying to make it work instead of EVERY show harping on Marcus CHEATING.
cj
Donna_gaines says
I just watched the “car-burning” episode, and I’m really sad. Not only is this show NOT entertaining, it hurts to watch people (poorly) portraying individuals who represent every possible negative behavior and stereotype imaginable – irrespective of race! Perhaps Mr. Perry could use his considerable influence to uplift and inspire his “base”. I happen to be a fan, but not of this show! Here’s a thought . . add some really dramatic organ music and make it a Black soap opera!
Countess says
I concur with the previous. Need the laugh track. Less bickering and fighting, and more Cosby like; love and respect for self and each other. They act like teenagers. Angela is shown to be very unstable, delusional, and dangerous. They are not the models I would like to see on television. I love both of them, and honestly, if it were not them, I would not watch it anymore. Trying to hang in to see if they develop as a more positive couple.
Jennifer Mosley says
Just reminds me of any and every Real Housewives/Basketball Wives/Love and Hip Hop foolishness. Beautiful people, setting, and no substance.
Vona0607 says
I totally agree with laugher track………..I had high hopes for this show and it let me down….I honestly think tyler is slacking and needs to take a break and get his thoughts together because he is going to fall off making crap like this………
Ashleyschool1234 says
That is so true. I thought it was just me that felt like that, but the laugh track is definitely needed. I keep trying to watch it, but I get bored every time. This is nothing like the house of Payne. There is just an awkward silence every step of the way
Georgianne Miller says
Well, thank God TP doesn’t need any of you. This is one of the best shows he has done. It is close to what some people really go through, and ultimately carries a positive message. Everything isn’t meant to be a sitcom. There are NO black soap operas, until now! If you don’t like it; don’t watch. Laugh tracks are fake. This is REAL!
tpfan says
in total agreement,. this to me is not what I was expecting. I think it is HORRIBLE!! and their son looks like he could be the dad if he was taller.
JB888 says
The sets are beautiful and well decorated, everyone is dressed fashionably, but the show just falls flat. Do we really need a black mammy stereotype, loud, wrong and fat? The show has potential, but what it is missing is far more serious than a laugh track.
Minikimi3 says
I like shows, it was like the shows from the 80’s.
Bubbleicious228 says
This show is TERRIBLE!!!! The main story line is so unbelievable-Marcus being accused of an affair & producing a “love child” from it; He begging & pleading Angela to believe him, yet she does not and taking her stubbornness to an assinine degree. What man would put up with her & this behavior??! This is ABSOLUTELY AWFUL. I was outdone with first episode with the whole “hoe” thing-that was so ghetto, stereotypical & distasteful, but because it’s TP I’ve been trying to hold on. And the son is so mis-cast, he looks like a midget, not a child, and his acting SUCKS. TP this show needs to be more along lines of Reed Between The Lines. I’m embarrassed & thoroughly disappointed. Fix it TP or dump it, PLEASE!!!!
Gail French says
Wow! #thatsitandthatsall
Tabitha Henry says
I agree the absence of the laugh track is awkard, but the script is not funny (at all) inspite of the lame attempts. I think he was trying to go for a more soap opera feel, but went about it totally wrong. It could definately be a good show, but he would have to bring on some good writers to colaborate with. I still love you Tylyer and hope you come back better than ever.
Darnellcole_linda says
All of the actors were over dramatic except marcus and angela’s friend the pretty lady, they didn’t appear to be reading from a script. the heavy set young lady was absolutely not funny and over played her role. I see the potiential in the sitcom and the audience need something on marriages for better or worst in this day and time. you are still awesome tyler perry keep up the good work cus no one else is willing to step to the plate and show important messages that relates to real life by using there talent. i’d rather watch your shows and laugh than these wild and crazy reality shows, well some of them are kinda funny.
Ko_writer says
The missing laugh track is only one piece of many that explains why this show won’t work in it’s current form. Laugh track or not, the writing is so bad I don’t think having one would matter much. The storylines make no sense. Mr. Perry needs to get better writers. Secondly, he needs to revamp his cast. Other than Marcus and Angela’s roles, there is absolutely no chemistry between them and the other cast members. There interactions aren’t believable. For example, one scene, Angela was locked in her room emotionally drained and depressed. In walks her “best” friend to give her a pep talk and there was absolutely no chemisty between them. I could go on and on..but I hope Perry revamps this soon.
Felisa812 says
This show is not good, sorry Tyler. An entire show about a couple who argues all the time because the wife doesn’t trust the husband is lame. Why is that thought to be a positive, necessary image? Put a spin on the show and show them getting along, trusting each other and actually moving past the past.
I’m sorry not interesting nor funny.
Renate says
I liked the show but it dont come on any more
Fbrown22 says
u know, for so many years, african americans have had to watch white sitcoms and had nothing to choose from. so now we have someone to come along and give us not one not two but three shows on regular tv and we want to judge it because it doesnt fit our way of thinking. how selfish is this. but as the saying goes….we are our own worst enemy. i appreciate the differences…after all, all blacks are not the same…there are some that live in the gettos any some who live in mansions. embrace the difference and you may very well gain something from it. there lies positivity in everything if u are capable of looking beyond yourself. i love the show mr. perry and thanks for showing us a little versatility
JACQUELINE says
I LOVE IT!!!!! IT BRINGS MY BEST FRIEND AND I ON TWO WAY PLUS MY DAUGHTER AND NICECE(TEXAS) TOGETHER ON FRI BUT BRING THE LAUGH TRACK AND PLEASEEEZ GET RID OF THE RECEPTIOIST SHE IS TO LOUD AGGRAVETS YOU. YOU NEED THE GIRL FROM EVE SHOW I THINK HER NAME IS NATLIE YOU HAD HER IN THE MADEA FAMILY WITH BOWWOW. AND THE LITTLE DUDE IN THE MAIL ROOM HIS BEHIND WOULD BE FIRED THATS IT EVERYTHING ELSE IS SO REAL IN OUR DAILY LIFE DO NOT CANCEL THIS SHOW FLORIDA BEGGING
Risky says
I love all of Tyler Perry plays & movies & I was feeling the sitcom For better or worst, his things really hit home rather it’s ur home,a friends or relative home because ain’t nobody home picture perfect. I love you, Tyler. Keep up the good work
tony moore says
“ALL” these negative comments are a bunch of pure cow dung!! The show is deep and very well acted by marcus, angela and the introduction of their son! I invited one of my home boys over to watch it on my dvr recording and he was blown away by how real and intense the dialogue and the depth of feelings and or emotions displayed by angela and marcus. My homeboy has been married for about 15 years and really got connection with the characters. I’m single but I could tell that this was some real to life marriage issues. I truly hope tyler doesn’t succumb to the opinions of some narrow minded could be ‘haters’ as beening the opinion of all of us! I’ve been anxiously awaiting a new episode, I truly hope it’s not over!
Cat says
I think the show is fine. We have gotten so use to accepting silly shows so-much-so that we’ve forgotten real life situation. The show may have done nothing for you nevertheless there are some of us who see ourselves in it. The one good thing I like is….there are no gun shooting. I refuse to watch anymore black sterotype packing gun, I’m going to shoot you MF. If black americans quit downing each other everytime a black come on the scene and pay attention to who your enemy really is we might move an inch farther. This freaking crab mentality has torn our race apart. I love the Braxton Show yet when one of their sisters come on poping her neck, talking loud, and performing for whatever audience like that ghetto mentality, I get up leave the room or turn to another channel until I know my favorite other sisters are on. There is an on/off button on everyone T.V. If you don’t like something switch….