FALL TV: The Game Wins Big

This season premiere, unlike many others on broadcast television was well worth the wait.

As Melanie Barnett, the show's lead actress Tia Mowry has come a long way since her Sister Sister days, and gives a stunning performance in the first 5 minutes as she returns the engagement ring, ends her relationship, threatens to beat down the adultery-enabling Drew Sadora and cuts Derwin down to size for all his friends, fans, and followers to see. The only disappointing part of the opening, was that Melanie didn't get the chance to give Drew a well deserved left hook.

She did however, voice something many black women wonder when they've become a victim of infidelity---how could another black woman do this to me? And a sister to boot? I'm glad this point of view, however brief, was aired. Because far too often, women excuse these willing ...ahem... 'accomplices' and put all the blame on the man. Melanie said it loud and clear for all to hear--- he can't cheat by himself, so why'd you have to help him, and hurt me?

The shoulder of the blame does reside on Derwin, who in his weak attempt to scrape some of his face off the sidewalk, lashes out at Melanie for 'not being there' when in actuality he was the one missing in action. Melanie, as she states, was home. Studying. Living. Being in a relationship.

But Derwin, a boy thrown into manhood with too many shiny toys and fast cars, couldn't handle it and succumbed to the pressure. He admits this when Mel finally faces him to retrieve her belongings---Trey Wiggs and personal bodyguard in tow. But her stone-faced glare says "I don't care" and who can blame her?

She's hurt, ashamed, feels betrayed not only by her man, but also by her sunbeam sisterhood. Right now, while she is incapable of all sympathy for anyone, she is not weak. Not by a long shot.

With all this drama packed into 30 minutes, the writers of The Game manage to squeeze in some truthful comedy with Tasha Mack and Kelly Pitts discussing the difficulties of being a black woman, and Malik Wright coming out on his love for big, voluptuous women.

There are as many laughs as there are tears in this powerful new episode. Fans shouldn't be surprised if this show gets pushed up in the CW's starting line up. Now among the classics like A Different World and Fresh Prince of Bel Air, in my book the The Game has paid its dues and deserves a better primetime slot.