Category: Television

*Apparently this post’s title was a sign. Only a few hours after I published it, I learned about Nicole Beharie’s latest role.

Over the weekend I read this article. Well, not all of it. I skimmed my way over to the section about Sleepy Hollow.

Take a look:

Fox has Sleepy Hollow, which recently ended its third season with a shocking finale that saw one of its leads die. While nowhere near the ratings highs of the first season, Sleepy Hollow has a following, logs solid DVR gains, and, because of the famous underlying property, the series makes money for Fox internationally, so getting to four seasons would be financially beneficial for the company.

While Sleepy Hollow is on the bubble, there had been positive signs, and I hear the studio has been doing contingent staffing moves to be prepared in case the series is renewed.

 

That blurb may contain industry gossip, but it warmed the cockles of my slowly-aging heart. As much as I love Abbie Mills, showbusiness is still a business. The decisions made at Sleepy Hollow affect its studio’s bottom line. It hurts me to think that that’s the only reason someone at Fox might be reconsidering their actions.

Ultimately, though, I’m content with the idea of things being rearranged. Sometimes a business has to change its staff in order to improve.

In my opinion, a staffer’s ability “get” a show should be taken just as seriously as their professional qualifications–if not more. Their decisions can end up affecting TPTB’s end product, for better or for worse.

Also, as a fan, it’s hard not to notice something about Sleepy Hollow‘s actors.

That video is one of many. From what I’ve seen, the SH cast adores each other.

It’s easier said than done. But I find it hard not to wish TPTB could capture the same level of synergy behind the scenes. Hell, forget synergy. They just need people who have respect for the program’s vision.

*This post has been slightly edited to clarify my thoughts.

Log line: Innocence is lost when children are forced to face the harsh realities of the world.

My first impression? I love the kids on Underground. I can’t wait to see what’s revealed as this episode shows us more of their talent.

Also, I wanted to talk for a minute about the characters as a whole. I really love the fact that none of them seem to embody the tropes that you’d normally associate with a period slave drama. Whether it’s Rosalee’s ingenuity or Noah’s determination, the protagonists make me proud. (Don’t even get me started on Pearly Mae! I still miss her.)

Underground marks the first time I’ve seen slaves not merely depicted as slaves. Instead, they’re just what folks who work on the show have called them: Enslaved  human beings. I’m inspired by their passion. They remain strong and ambitious in their pursuit of freedom.

And then there are Underground‘s villains. From his first scene the last episode, I couldn’t help but give Tom Macon a double take. Usually slave masters are shown as being one-note, evil people. This makes sense; I can’t imagine showing someone who owns human beings in a positive light.  But in episode 6, I was taken aback. “Is it me,” I wondered,”or is this man the most insecure person I’ve ever seen?”

I look forward to watching Mr. Macon unravel. Or die.* Whichever comes first.

*I’ve kept my eye on the cast’s social media accounts. The man who plays Tom (Reed Diamond) is used to being killed off.

As I listened to the Black Girl Nerds podcast yesterday, I felt inspired to say something more about Sleepy Hollow‘s latest episode. I agree with the point made at around the 35-minute mark. I firmly believe that there’s a lot that is not being said by people behind the scenes of this show.

One of the reasons I wrote about writers at the beginning of my last post is because I was thinking of something I once read that was casually said by someone on Sleepy Hollow‘s staff. I’m convinced that there’s more to what happened over the show’s lifespan than what’s been shared with the public.

Which brings me to another point connected to what the BGN ladies were saying. When I feel disrespected as a consumer,  or in this case, a fan of something…I prefer honesty over defensiveness. Every. Single. Time.

For more truth-telling, check out this episode of Afterbuzz TV. 

If you’ve been with me for a while, you know that last year I wrote this post. Looking back, I think it’s obvious  that I didn’t deeply consider the impact of watching The Cosby Show. However, in light (or perhaps “in spite“) of  what we all know, I felt a strong push to say something.  I was determined not to let one man’s actions ruin the legacy of a show that was a treasured part of my childhood.

At the time I wrote that I’d still watch The Cosby Show because it’s what I believed. I felt that I could without any qualms whatsoever. However, now, after giving the issue more thought, I know that that’s not entirely correct.

Since childhood, I’ve known there was a difference between a performer and his or her character. To this day I get irritated when I find out about people giving actors a hard time over the folks that they portray. I’ve even heard people who don’t understand acting make comments about horrible characters, in the vein of,”Can you imagine the type of person you’d have to be in order to play that scum?”

Enter Cliff Huxtable. I can’t help but think about how much everyone loved him. And then the allegations* began. Surely, this is is one of those cases when an actor’s behaviour has coloured his character–and not at all for the better.

I still know that Bill Cosby wasn’t The Cosby Show’s only star. I enjoyed the writing. The entire cast was—and is—clearly, talented.

That’s why when I saw this, all I could do is sigh.

I’m thankful for Goldie Taylor, who wrote the cover story, and I applaud Ebony’s editors. The magazine’s cover is painfully accurate. The allegations* against Bill Cosby have indeed shattered an illusion. The vision of the beautiful family that he led, as illustrated through The Cosby Show, has been forever marred.

I may smile as I reminisce over certain episodes. Yet if I had the chance today to see a Cosby Show rerun, I believe that whenever Mr. Cosby appeared, a chorus of “How could you?”s would fill my mind. My heart would be heavy.

As it should be.

*My use of the word “allegations” is not intended to insult Cosby’s victims. I use the term only as a technicality, since he hasn’t yet been charged with anything.

Photo Credit: Ebony magazine

The Cosby Show, I mean.

I heard that over on the Q web site they’re going to eliminate Jian’s interviews. My first reaction was to enter into a mild panic: “Man, what’s next? Cosby Show DVDs?” I don’t say that to insult the scores of women who have come forward. Rather, to speak the truth about a childhood memory. For you see, for me, watching that show was not all about him.

The other day I saw this article with a link to a page that explained how people could watch episodes of The Cosby Show…Sans Cosby, I suppose? I know that a lot of fans are facing an odd predicament. They want to enjoy their beloved sitcom without the spectre of the alleged horrors that the program’s namesake has perpetrated. I haven’t followed the link, but I gather that some people have taken the time to scrub Mr. Cosby’s image from the show’s visuals. The reason I never followed through with learning how I could watch The Cosby Show without looking at one of its stars is simple: I’m simply not interested.

Now when I say that, I don’t mean to insult his victims. I abhor the idea of rape. I know that these days when some people hear Mr. Cosby’s name, they cringe–or worse. But when I think of The Cosby Show, Bill Cosby isn’t the first person that pops into my head.

I can’t escape the idea that Mr. Cosby was a part of an ensemble cast. In my mind, to disregard the show solely because of him is to insult the talented souls who worked both in front of and behind the camera.

I get a smile on my face when I read the words “Gordon Gatrell“. And who can forget about the elder Huxtables’ anniversary?

http://youtu.be/z8nV81QWd4M

Among the characters in that scene were Rudy, Denise, Vanessa, Theo, Sondra, and Clair Huxtable. Clair Huxtable–a woman who has inspired at least one t-shirt. The only woman who could possibly have replaced my mother if I needed a spare. These are characters that I loved. Just look at this clip from “Off to See The Wretched”.

Phylicia Rashad and Tempestt Bledsoe were amazing.

And yes. I know that Bill Cosby was in that scene. I know that Cliff Huxtable was there. Yet again, I assert that The Cosby Show was not a one-man gig.

Back to those DVDs. NBC has already decided to scrap a pending pilot. Mr. Cosby has cancelled various tour dates. I understand that some venues have offered refunds for folks who no longer want to see his shows. But I’m still not comfortable with the idea of doing away entirely with The Cosby Show. It was one of my favorite programs and a critical part of my childhood. If a decision is ever made to abolish it, I’d be truly heartbroken.