The Salt-N-Pepa Show

Once upon a time, Sandy Denton and Cheryl James paired up to become the dynamic duo Salt n Pepa. The year was 1986. They debuted with "The Show Stopper", which was a playful response to the wildly popular "The Show" by Doug E Fresh and Slick Rick. And they pushed down doors for female emcees. And they sold 27 million albums the world over. Thus history was made.

In 2002, the wind was snatched from the sails when Cheryl James, aka Salt called it quits. Sandy Denton, aka Pepa, received a tearful phone call where Salt broke off the business relationship and shattered a friendship. (Yep, a phone breakup.) Not an amicable split, but a one sided decision.

In 2007, we finally find out why. Salt was in a depression. And she was bulimic. And she found her way out through Jesus. Salt is afraid to go back to the pop star life. It's like Vanity turning away from Prince and that life style he leads. (Or once lead, Prince is a devout Jehovah's Witness now.)

Truth is stranger than fiction. I couldn't script this drama if I tried. Salt has become holier than though, pure as the undriven snow. Pepa is worldly, hedonistic, grown and sexy. A control freak vs. the uncontrollable. White vs. Black. Salt vs. Pepa.

After five years, they try to make amends. They've been separated, but communication is their bridge. Think VH1 "Behind the Music" in realtime. We get to see how well they know each other. Or don't know themselves. It appears Pepa knows Salt like the back of her hand.

The reality, Salt is a bit pretentious. She's a member of a prayer group. Sad that the prayer group looks like a hobby of the well to do. Her group is a bunch of pretty, well dressed women that appear to live favored lives. (If one is judging a book by the cover.) Judging by the neighborhood and status of the star, looks like birds of a feather.)

Regardless, Pepa bends to the will of Salt, as a show of goodwill. An attempt to mend bridges. They alter the words of their hit "Whatta Man" which actually turns out a nice rendition. Did I mention they perform it at Salt's church?

In only one episode, Pepa is revealed as an entertainer. Unlike Salt, Pepa is defined by the entertainment industry. She wants to go back desperately to that life. She likes being in front of the crowd, workin' it, feeling the love. Unfortunately, she's part of a package deal. It gives an understanding to her participating in "Surreal Life" aka the celebration of D-listers.

How is this different from most reality shows? Because it doesn't rely on humiliation. This is a show more in the vein of "Run's House" and "Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane." Actually, at the core, this show is about communication and friendship. It's about relationships, and making them work. And it involves two lead characters that are very likable. You'll find yourself rooting for them. I said it once, and I'll say it again,

"Salt n Pepa's here!

And I hope to see Spinderella during sweeps month.