Now that I have a moment...
I loved yesterday's episode. The show just continues to get deeper and deeper. What stood out for me was that they really focused on the third generation for a good amount of the episode...for better or worse. But while they were focusing on them, they kept to the main plot of the Duprees vs Bill/Hayley. But what I liked also is while it IS the main plot, little subplots are slowly (but already) popping up. Ladies and gentlemen...our B and C plots!!!! And being done correctly. Their own separate stories but yet somehow (or not) connected to the main plot.
Like we already know that Chelesa and Kat are working on a line that will cut Dani off from Episode 1 , but it's been background. However, I liked how it was used this episode to explore the relationship between Chelesa and Naomi. And it was used beautifully to flesh out Dani's character at the same time. The fact the scenes were beautifully parallel to the Dani vs Bill scenes (and those cuts between scenes were FLAWLESS) was chef's kiss. And the scene later at the family meeting where Kat and Dani picked on Chelesa about the pastrami. Just layers upon layers going on. And that's the kind of writing that I like.
And speaking of layers...YAAASSSSSSSSSS to Dani vs Bill. It's one thing to hear about Bill and seeing him in scenes with other people. But you really got a sense of their relationship watching them go at it. And they were really and truly superb with each other. It was like watching a tennis match. And Karla and Timon were matching each other beat for beat. I might have my issues with Karla's acting at time, but she WAS...ON...FIRE in those scenes. And all I could keep thinking was...if Hayley wasn't there...I felt like they would have done it on the desk...regardless of what Bill was saying...after all there was a reason he didn't let Dani touch him. That would be like lighting a match. I couldn't help but think about Vee's prediction and I agree. I feel they will totally do the hate sex/fall back in love down the line. Six months to a year tops. That was some real chemistry and I'm sure MVJ will capitalize on that. I for sure would love to see more. Timon made Karla up her game. And they were both just giving layers and nuances. I want to go back and rewatch just to catch every glance, every sign of body language, every inflection...something Karla was really giving in those scenes. I could go on so I will shut up. lol.
I love the gossiping with the 'have nots.' And oops. That could read as Leslie fishing for info and setting up her ruse as well as giving us the tea. I admit I was not expecting to see Ash's mom again so soon.
I wondered if the sound that Martin was hearing as he was dreaming is the sound that will be how he will remember what he did. I think Mike has already relaxed into the role as Smitty. Brandon just needs to catch up as Martin. And once there was some tension for them to play with, they gave a little bit of a spark.
Did I heard above right and one of the two guys...Parker and McBride...was Vanessa's husband? And look at her with that fine guy. I hollered when Dani stormed in there like the diva she is and interrupted. She is such a force of nature.
Now that Family meeting. I loved everything about it. I loved that we got a new piece of information about Naomi with her at the piano. I think out of all the third generation Duprees...love scene aside...I just don't feel I know enough about her vs Chelesa, Martin, and even Kat...who got a little bit of fleshing out with her scenes with Andre (who I'm now am wondering is a secret son to Ted off their interaction). It was a character beat that I really loved and intune her to Anita which I liked. I reeeeallly loved the brief showdown of Anita vs Dani. So brief, but it showed soooo much about the two of them. And I will take any moment where TT is FIERCE AF. And it also returned Dani to an unfavorable light with her picking on Chelesa, trying to take over the meeting at the very start that led to the showdown, and her defiance at the news. Dani is just going to keep being a complex diva and I'm here for it.
I definitely without question loved how Vernon/Anita worked as a team to spin the blackmail during the family meeting. #couplegoals They could have said we being blackmailed, but noooo they were a united front and wanted to put Bill on notice officially. Very much in keeping with the first episode when everyone wanted to talk sense to Dani, but was united against Hayley at the end. I was at awe at the layers that Tamara and Clifton were giving as they spin their story for the family. And then when Dani stormed off, the scene with Vernon...yes. Flawless. He told her the truth without telling her the truth and she got in line with the rest of the family. They played that so well.
And lastly....THEY GOT THEIR ASS A SHEILA CARTER YA'LL!!! lol With freshly pressed french hair. lmao. I was not expecting that, but I loved how diva she was in that coda with that hair, that smirk, that music. Love, love, love.
What's else? What's else? I see my tv tried to be funny just now, but it better quit cuz I will be coming back between work today.
Great episode. Oh...and I love that bar set.
