For Sassy C~E~O
After being canceled for two years, "The Game" returned Jan. 11 with the premiere of its fourth season. The show was dropped by The CW in 2009 and was picked up early last year by BET.
I was a HUGE fan of the game as I found the show to be entertaining with the perfect combination of drama and humor. However, I must admit I have been dissapointed with the first few episodes of season four. I do however see the potential of things getting better (keeping my fingers crossed). My favorite couple of past seasons is Melanie Barnett and Derwin Davis. I rooted for their love to persevere and followed them through the ups and downs of their relationship. However, this season it appears as if they are making Melanie vendictive, manipulative, and maybe even a little money hungry. I understand jealousy and feel as though it should be addressed, but don’t let it destroy my sweet little Melanie. I still love Derwin’s character. After having some questions regarding the true paternity of his son, he showed heartfelt emotion and even forgave Melanie who wrestled with the decision to tell him the truth about getting bad DNA results and that his son was really his. He also emerged as a superstar player, getting numerous endorsement deals, including Nike, and becoming the new face of the Sabers organization, yet he remains humble. GO DERWIN!!
Another couple who brought fun dynamics to the show is Jason and Kelly. The show focused on Jason’s frugal ways and Kelly’s attempt to gain a sense of self. After dealing with some serious topics such as steroid use, finance issues, and distrust, the couple finally divorced. I am still feeling Jason’s character this season, he is too funny. I’m not sure about Kelly’s new role as a reality TV star yet, I need to see more.
Malik Wright, can you say TRAIN WRECK. I have always liked Malik’s character; a little cocky with a touch of arrogance and a hint of decency. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that he is fine. I HATE the new direction that Malik’s character is going in. He was always cocky and arrogant, but it is now being overshadowed by obnoxious and uncompassionate behavior. He has turned into a real a**hole with an alcohol problem that is spiraling out of control. I miss the old Malik who use to have a sense of loyalty and respect towards his best-friend, who dated a woman who did not fit the public’s idea of beauty despite being teased about it, and who drew the line when Melanie tried to sleep with him by offering her some good advice and sending her home to work on her relationship with Derwin.
Another great character with a lot of spunk and attitude is Tasha Mac, a hard-working, dedicated, and driven business woman who tells it like it is. But for some strange reason, the writers decided to tag her with even more “ghetto” stereotypes. Don’t get me wrong, I am not judging my Black and Mild smoking sisters, but Tasha went from smoke-free to puffing on a mild…what the f@*k. And what about her much younger man Terrance? Ok, no comment on that, I am 40 something now so I don’t want to have to eat my words.
My final thoughts on THE GAME are that it has lots of potential because fans of the show have already fallen in love with the characters. However, if the writers change the characters too much and they lose a sense of authenticity, I can see a cancellation in the shows near future. I don’t think the show went off of the air because it was a bad show and that is why viewers wrote letters and protested to get the show back on. With that being said, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. If they keep the characters intact and create exciting new story lines that fit those characters, the show should have much success.
THE CAST OF THE GAME
Melanie Barnett-Davis (Tia Mowry) - In season one, Melanie is a medical student who gave up the chance to attend John Hopkins School of Medicine to move to San Diego with her boyfriend Derwin Davis. In the season three finale, Melanie finally marries Derwin during a private ceremony and she eventually finishes medical school, but puts off doing her residency program to be a football wife.
Derwin Davis (Pooch Hall) - Derwin Davis is a wide-reciever for the San Diego Sabers and husband of Melanie Barnett. In the season two finale, he finds out his ex-girlfriend Janay is pregnant with his baby. In the season three finale, Derwin's son is born and he finally marries Melanie in a private ceremony.
Jason Pitts (Coby Bell) - Jason Pitts was the San Diego Sabers team captain and superstar wide receiver. He was married to Kelly Pitts, whom he divorced in season 3. Jason and Kelly have one child, Brittany Pitts. Jason officially cut from the Sabers so he becomes a correspondent on Benched, a sports news television series hosted by former NBA basketball player Chris Webber in season 4.
Kelly Pitts (Brittany Daniel) - Kelly Pitts is the ex-wife of Jason Pitts, mother of Brittany Pitts, and former President of the Sunbeams. Kelly and Jason divorced at the end of season three. At the start of season 4, it is revealed that Kelly is now a reality star, with her own show centered around the ex-wives of professional athletes.
Malik Wright (Hosea Chanchez)- Malik Wright is the San Diego Sabers superstar quarterback and the son of Tasha Mack. He considers himself a playboy and is quite cocky about it. He fired his mom, who was his manager, in season 2. In season 4, Malik is still a cocky, spoiled playboy who is sleeping with the wife of the Sabers' new owner (guest star Meagan Good). Malik gets arrested for assaulting a cop, sleeps with his best-friend’s girl, and has begun to drink heavily.
Latasha "Tasha" Mack (Wendy Raquel Robinson) - Tasha Mack is the mother of Malik Wright and starts off as his manager. Malik eventually fires Tasha. She starts her own management company, but dissolves it to join Irv Smiff Management (ISM). In season three, she falls in love with former NBA basketball player Rick Fox, who also works for ISM. Tasha gets fired from ISM, and dumps Rick, assuming that he knew all about Irv Smith's plans to fire her. Season 4 starts with Tasha as Derwin's agent. She is also dating a much younger man named Donté (played by 106 & Park co-host Terrence J).
