[TV Review] Scandal Re-cap and Mid-Season Premiere

“Hi Livvie, I know you must be angry with me, but I just wanted to hear your voice.  Don’t worry sweetheart, I’ll see you real soon.”

Those would be the last words we would hear from Scandal’s fall mid-season finale. The ABC drama following Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) as a DC-based fixer known for her dictum, "it's handled," took us on a whirlwind of ride, leaving us with three ridiculous cliffhangers to think about going into 2014. We see everything from vice president Sally Langston murdering her philandering closeted husband, to Quinn ready and willing to slay Eli, and finally Olivia realizing “mother dearest” is not the angel she thought. 

But the wait is over. Twelve weeks later we can now finally say, “Gladiators, It’s Scandal Thursday!!” Finally, Olivia Pope & Associates are making their way back into our lives via the television screen. It has been so long.

Now, it has been quite awhile since the last episode aired, December 12^th to be exact. So just in case you do not feel like logging into ABC.com, Hulu, or Netflix and watching last year’s episodes here is a quick recap to get you ready for tonight:

a)     The Last Word: Probably the most disturbing event that would take place during the fall season was the epic fight between Sally and Daniel Douglas over his rendezvous with James, resulting in the infamous line from Sally,
 “I cannot wait until you meet your maker. I cannot wait until you are judged for your lies,” and a letter opener in Daniel’s back leading to his unfortunate demise.

b)     Not Everyone is Your Friend: Quinn must deal with the regret of letting Charlie into her life as she suffers daily, mentally and physically (pulling out the chip in her tooth with a paper towel dispenser). Just when she thinks she can make her way back into Olivia Pope & Associates, she is met by Huck who informs her: “You’re not a Gladiator anymore.” After hearing those shell-shocking words, Quinn runs back to the Devil to try and figure out how she will get herself out of this dark, sinking pit. But on a brighter note, at least Eli lived to see another day.

c)     Don’t Mess With Daddy Pope: In what might be seen as a dysfunctional heart-to-heart, Fitz, who is holding Eli hostage, proceeds to tell his mistress’ father all the naughty and nasty things he has done to his little girl. “The things I could tell you about the way she tastes…” BUT, in the words of Daddy Pope who would so eloquently put Fitz into his place, “You love that she is a door marked exit… Don’t use the person I made to make yourself into a man. You are a boy!” [drops mic]

d)     An Angel Dressed in the Devil's Clothes: Meanwhile, while Fitz and Eli are showing off egos, Olivia has other family drama that she must tend to dealing with her mother who has now been identified as a terrorist. “She fooled you like she fooled me, didn’t she?” Maya is beginning to shows her true colors as both Eli and Olivia have been duped by a woman they each loved dearly at one point in time.

e)     The Revealing Phone Message: Let’s not forget the woman in David Rosen’s office with the tape of Sally’s phone call to Cyrus after killing Daniel. That will not end well for anyone.

f)       A New Sheriff in Town: Let’s just say Jake has taken over the ranks of B613, and his dismissal of Eli is quite epic, “If you’d like a job here at Wonderland, you can take our aptitude test.”

Needless to say, after these first ten episodes we are still in limbo as to what is going on in the life of Harrison, despite having the various breadcrumbs sprinkled throughout the episodes.

All in all, the mid-season finale would pose as many questions as it attempted to answer. Here are just a few questions that would surface, and we hope will be resolved:

1)     What kind of B613 leader will Jake be?

2)     Will David team up with Olivia Pope & Associates for his investigation of Daniel Douglas’ murder?

3)     What does the future hold for the show’s unlikely couple, Quinn and Charlie?

4)     Will we delve deeper into Maya’s dark past and how will affect the already fragile relationship between her and Olivia?

Tonight’s episode is titled, “Ride, Sally, Ride.” In these 60 minutes viewers will see how the White House deals with a mind-blowing announcement from Sally Langston, while Olivia finds herself taking on a challenging new role. Even more exciting, we might even get to see Mellie step into the role as a “fixer.” Although the winter Olympics have officially ended, the Scandal games are just beginning. We have waited long enough Gladiators, it is time to suit up!

Django Unchained: A Story Worth Revisiting!!

Prior to watching this film I was very much on the fence as to whether or not I was going to see it. However, once I saw it there was no question, this was a movie to see. Despite all the controversy and the overwhelmingly one-sided critics Quentin Tarantino's tenth directed film Django Unchained is right on the money. It might be one of his best yet. This is a film that has many roles to captivate, cultivate, amaze, shock, and everything in between.

Django Unchained is movie that is your typical American spaghetti western film, entertaining, funny, and even educational. It was obvious that Tarantino and his team clearly did their research with this film, as the viewer is presented with the subject of slavery right smack in your face (check out the actual/authentic masks that the slave had to wear). Not only do we see a clearly painted picture of the institution of slavery, but the film addressed specifically slave trading, code-switching, prostitution, and mandingo fighting. Even though the film is filled with violence and gore (at moments enough to make you cringe) one has to realize the context of the film...and let's not forget the fact that it is Tarantino's style...IJS.

This is not simply a story about a former slave who is trying to rescue his long lost wife and seek revenge towards her slave master, this is a game of winner take all, literally. Sometimes you have to go for the gold, "by any means necessary". And just in Tarantino style the writing is over the top brutal, genius and hilarious. A movie clearly written on his own terms. His style of dialogue and perfect scenery is a true trademark of a fine filmmaker. Grant it I will admit there are moment where the film comes off botchy and stagnant, but not enough to ruin the film. Interestingly the film has a running time of 165 minutes, however it actually moves quite swiftly.
 

Thankfully with this film Tarantino and the casting director offer a great balance of actors. Each character in this film contributed a great deal to the success of this film. Obviously each actor really had to step outside of who they are as an individual in order to play their respective roles. The acting is actually quite stellar. They truly make you believe them from the talk, walk, and dress!! He pulled out the big guns with this one. I even got chills watching them it was just so real. (Also the fact that the main part of the movie took place not to far from where my family is from, Greenville, MS.)

Playing the lead role of Django Freeman, Oscar winner Jamie Foxx delivers on all levels playing this former slave. Clearly playing a character like Django for Foxx is not easy, it is actually very evident and fitting. It actually makes the role seem more real. His discomfort adds to the authenticity. With this character Foxx walks a very thin line between sadistic and empathetic. It takes a special character to play this role and I think Foxx embodies it well (maybe it was a good thing Will Smith turned it down, not sure I would be convinced seeing him play Django). And then here come the high rollers. Now you gotta love a character who is a former German dentist turned bounty hunter, Dr. King Schulz (Christoph Waltz). This is definitely a standout role for him, nailing every nuance of his complex, obsessive character. Opposite of character personality is Calvin Candie (aka Monsieur Candie, played by Leonardo DiCaprio) who is ruthless plantation owner and slave master. In this role DiCaprio is delightfully vicious and strangely comfortable in his role...kinda of scary. Both Schulz and Candie are quite impressive and add the perfect touch to what the film needed.

Now what would a film be without an uppity negro slave, and Samuel L. Jackson fills the role perfectly. Jackson's role in this film is brilliant, think of him as an extreme Uncle Ruckus character. Here he plays the quintessential "Uncle Tom".  Jackson truly nailed this role. I have never had such a love hate relationship for a character like Stephen since Denzel Washington in Training Day. It is as though in a weird and twisted way, he appeared to be enjoying playing the role, almost borderline parody-like. And then there is the dame. Although her role is the driving force of the main character Django, Broomhilda (played by Kerry Washington) what we get to see of her acting wise is rather limited. She is actually rather riveting maybe even dreamlike. Through Washington's character we get to see the dynamics of the house and field slave and those who are there simply for pleasure sake. You feel her pain, her passion, and her love and devotion for Django.

As you will see there are several big names, but many of the characters in this film are not veterans. And that is ok sometimes the veterans do not need to outnumber the rookies. In this case with many of the actors having limited roles it makes the viewer really appreciate and pay attention to each interaction. Little words can be just as significant as several words. And for all my folks who have seen the original Django (1966) film, you will be pleased to see a cameo appearance from the main man himself, Franco Nero.

Overall with a great script and a close to perfect cast, the only thing left to be mesmerized and entertained with is the cinematography and the musical score. The scenery is absolutely amazing and scarily beautiful. I can only imagine what it felt like to walk on the plantations in the steps of former slaves and slave masters. The spirit of the ancestors I'm sure loomed over on a daily basis. The score and soundtrack is just as stunning. As a whole is quite classic using such songs as Sergio Leone's "Once Upon a Time in the West" and "La Corsa", and Ennio Morricone's "Sister Sara's Theme". And the icing on the cake, it's nothing like watching a fighting scene and hearing Tupac and Rick Ross...oh how fitting!! When you hear you will know exactly what I am talking about, trust me.

Hopefully people will not just believe the hype and truly make their own opinion about this film. To be honest, it is a perfect discussion starter regarding such issues as the use of the 'n-word' (if you really think about it the use of the 'n-word' in the film is actually more historically correct than in previous Tarantino films), double consciousness (wearing the mask, the veil), drapetomania, and the unique science of phrenology (measurement of the skull). And speaking as someone who is an African American woman there was no point in the film where I felt disrespected or made to look like a fool. I imagine the goal of this film is not to bring or keep Blacks down, but rather to re-introduce a myth/story of a classic narrative to make us aware of what DID happen over some 300+ years ago. Anytime when a film deals with such a controversial and touchy topic as slavery there is always this feeling that it is a conspiracy from "the man".

Slavery is a reality!! You can run from it, but there is no hiding the truth. Tarantino said it best in the 2007 The Daily Telegraph, "I wanted to do movies that deal with America's horrible past with slavery and stuff but do them like spaghetti westerns, not like big issues movies. I want to do them like they're genre films, but they deal with everything that America has never dealt with because it's ashamed of it, and other countries don't really deal with because they don't feel they have the right to."
   
Sometimes it really is just simply a movie. One thing that I will say is that Tarantino is one exceptional genius! Django Unchained is a point blank awesome and brilliant film! A definite must see folks! [Oh by the way the 'D' is silent :-) ]

Rating: 9.5 out of 10 stars

Two Things I Learned From Watching 'Scandal'

Let me just say that I have been bitten by the Shonda Rhimes ‘bug’ as she has captured my soul with her latest ABC television drama Scandal. It is a brilliant story that I think every person can relate to in some sort of fashion. But last night’s episode was the nail in the coffin (in a good way) for me. Now for those that do not watch the show whether male or female YOU ARE MISSING OUT!! And I will not disclose any details, but trust me it sucks you in and takes no prisoners.

I will give you just a brief synopsis so that you can at least have a mental picture of the show. Pictures this…

Olivia Pope (played by Kerry Washington) dedicates her life to protecting the nation’s “high-profile” elite public figures, and she does this by making sure their secrets never get out. Pope is a former White House Communications Director for the president (basically she was running things), but left to start her own crisis management firm, Olivia Pope and Associates. Leaving the White House and starting her own firm, she hopes to begin a new chapter of her life, however there are certain parts that she cannot leave behind.. in the past. Olivia Pope is a person with great intellect, numerous resources, power, charm and a definite sensitive, soft side.

Alrighty back to last night…I would come to realize that there are two things that I have learned from watching this show, Huck is Dexter 2.0 and Women truly run the world!!

If there is one person that you want on your side through thick and thin that would be Olivia’s tech guy Huck. Huck is that guy that when you see him, you step back and let him do his thing. (“My bad you got this…”) He is the type of guy that does not get in the way, however he does not necessarily need to be caged, just controlled from arms length. Not only is he tech-savy, a former CIA agent and Black Ops, but most importantly he is loyal and trustworthy. He does just what you need without even asking him to do it. You need someone to “disappear” quickly…Huck is your man. When you need to hack into a high-security system…Huck is that guy!! This man is a twisted genius who takes pride and pleasure in torturing people, even though he tries not to. If you have ever watched the show Dexter on Showtime then you already know the mental state of Huck. Just know he is a man that you do not ever want to cross, not even on accident. Even though it would seem that his behavior is predictable with each episode I am consistently shocked, amazed, blown away, and at times fearing for my own life. I would not doubt that there are multiple pictures of him in the DSM-V, I’m sure he is a classic textbook case. When it all boils down, when sh@$# hit the fan, Huck will ALWAYS be on my team, mental craziness and all!!

Now this next lesson that I would learn sits near and dear to me. James Brown once sang that “this is a man’s World, BUT it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl.” Well Mr. Brown you were right on the money!! Now we already know that Olivia Pope is running things in and out of the White House. But she is not alone…and once again last night’s episode made that crystal clear. I mean it was all in your face!! The killer and twist of it all are the other female players in this game!! Who would have thought that a Supreme Court Justice, the president’s wife, and the president’s mistress (who also happens to be the token black player as well) would all be on the same team!! Hmmmmmm…makes you wonder what’s really good?!! Now I could never quite seem to put my finger on the relationship between Olivia and Mellie, I but I get it now. Poor President Fitz can’t keep anything under control, whether its personal or political. I am beginning to wonder if this is all an act or id this for real, for real. See that’s why it is critical to watch each episode week after week, God forbid I miss one…let’s just say the train will be derailed. At first I was 100% Team Olivia, but now I see that Mellie got some skills and knows how to strategically stay under the radar. Now that I think about it I would not mind having her on my team…well at least for special situations that is…If you only thought women were just “ornamental objects” well last night changed up that whole scenario!! As much as I hate to use this Beyonce line …”Who runs the world…Girls do!!”

Well folks that’s the lesson for the day! Crazy is as crazy does, and women are a force to be reckoned with at all times!! These are the type of folks that you can never underestimate…let’s just say they are full of surprises…GOOD and BAD!!

Your New Thursday Night Fix...Scandal!!

 Just to switch it up a little bit...From time to time I will showcase a TV review/commentary so today you are in for a special treat. ABC has a new drama titled Scandal that has become my new Thursday night fix....Check out my thoughts right here:

"Gladiators in a suit"... And Shonda Rhimes definitely has her 'gladiator suit' on with this new show...

Creator Shonda Rhimes (Grey's Anatomy) has a new ABC new provocative drama. It is sure to grab your attention and have you glued to the television screen. Scandal is based on George W. Bush former administrative press aide, Judy Smith (who also serves as Co-Executive Producer), it takes us into the world of former president aide and attorney turned team leader Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington, ‘Night Catches Us’) and her crisis management team. 

Pope is now a turned professional 'fixer' who is skilled in making problems go away before the public world even knows they exist.  Regardless of your military rank, judicial and or controversial status, or if you are the President of the United States, Olivia gets the job done. In essence, she is a borderline living legend in her field. In the midst of it all, regardless of how many fires Olivia and her crew are able to put out, there is bound to be some personal damage control that will arise. Each week they race against the clock to resolve titillating new problems before they have an opportunity to become full-blown catastrophes. In addition to the client’s problems the team has to deal with their own personal dilemmas.

Rhimes does an admirable job of writing a very direct, “no holds barred” show that is complete with a modern and hip twist. Men and women alike can expect a very relatable show that is bound to keep them on the edge of their couch. In addition to a great storyline, the casting is quite on point. There is everything from the ‘retired’ womanizer (Henry Ian Cusick), to the computer wiz with a CIA past (Guillermo Diaz), the quick-witted firm’s investigator (Darby Stanchfield), a smooth and proficient litigator (Columbus Short), and of course you got to have the fresh-faced rookie (Katie Lowes). As a whole all of the actors fit their roles and they do so with great chemistry. Scandal is complete with engaging plot points, fast-paced dialogue, traditional soap opera elements, penetrating story lines intertwined with the latest political deception. It is quite evident in just the first two episodes the story is clearly established. Each episode not only provides a new ‘scandal’ to hide, but within in each story there is also another layer that is peeled back to reveal the “ultimate” scandal.

After watching the first two episodes, one might say that Rhimes just might have another big hit on her hands. And if ABC commits to it fully, there is no telling the amount of ratings that it will bring to the network. For those of you who are in the search for a fresh mid-spring Thursday night fix Scandal. 

Sneek Peek Pic of 'For Colored Girls' Cast

Well here ya go...the starring cast of Tyler Perry’s For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf adaptation. From left to right: Anika Noni Rose, Kerry Washington, Janet Jackson, Kimberly Elise, Phylicia Rashad, Loretta Divine, Tessa Thompson and Thandie Newton.*

Love It!!! In theaters Januray 14th, 2011...So can't wait!!

*Featured in the latest issue of  Essence magazine (September 2010)

BREAKING NEWS!! Tyler Perry's 'Madea's Big Happy Family' cast members announced!!

It has been exclusively reported that Bow Wow and Loretta Devine, who are set to appear together in the Warner Bros. comedy, Lottery Ticket, will team up again in Tyler Perry's next film, Tyler Perry's Madea's Big and Happy Family. 

And of course, Perry will reprise his signature role as Madea Simmons in the film, adapted from his new stage play 'Madea's Happy Family,' which is currently on tour in the U.S. Also added to the film is current 'It' guy and Old Spice commercial pitchman Isaiah Mustafa. Devine and Bow Wow will play mother and son, while Mustafa is cast as the brother-in-law.

Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family will be the eleventh title in the studio's hit Perry franchise. Lionsgate plans to release the film on April 22, 2011.

In other Tyler Perry news, 'Colored Girls,' which stars Janet Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg, Loretta Devine, Anika Noni Rose, Thandie Newton, Kimberly Elise, Kerry Washington, Phylicia Rashad, Macy Gray, Tessa Thompson, Michael Ealy, Hill Harper, Khalil Kain, Omari Hardwick, and Richard Lawson wrapped filming two weeks ago.