Soul Food, Season 4 - Page 4

Steeltrap · #46 04-17-2003, 11:16 AM

I'm not a regular viewer, but this came across my inbox yesterday:

Soul Food’ still cooking up big drama, but not for
long

By Miki Turner
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

For the past three seasons, Showtime’s award-winning
drama “Soul Food” has been, as the lyrics to its
opening theme song proclaim, good for the soul.
It defied the notion that African-American dramas
can’t succeed on prime-time television. It furthered
the careers of truly gifted actors:
Nicole Ari Parker, Vanessa Williams, Malinda Williams,
Rockmond Dunbar, Darrin DeWitt Henson, Aaron Meeks and
Boris Kodjoe.
It provided its audience with universal,
well-written stories enhanced by the uncensored
permissiveness of cable television.
As the show — based on the 1997 film of the same
name and developed for television by Felicia D.
Henderson — enters its fourth season, the
story lines will become even more complex and topical.
Young Ahmad (Meeks) will catch his parents (Vanessa
Williams and Dunbar) in a compromising position on the
kitchen counter — and deal with the messy
psychological aftermath. One of the main characters
will battle alcoholism, and another will struggle
through the anguish of terminating an
unwanted pregnancy.
These types of story arcs play well on more
conventional network dramas with predominantly white
casts such as “ER”, “Judging Amy” and the recently
canceled “Providence”. But for some reason, they fall
flat when black folks are involved.
“I don’t think networks have offered enough black
dramas to see whether or not they will succeed,” says
“Seattle Times” television critic Kay McFadden.
“It’s impossible to draw conclusions as to why they
don’t make it because we have nothing to really base
it on.”
Most network executives will argue that these shows
are too limited in scope to appeal to mass audiences.
Some admit that they’re rarely given an
opportunity to build an audience because they can’t
meet the bottom line.
But “Soul Food” has twice won NAACP Image Awards and
is in production for its fifth and final season in
Toronto.
“It was given a chance up front,” says Malinda
Williams. “Most networks, already fearful of putting
black shows on the air, will only order a
limited number of episodes. Showtime ordered 20. That
gave people a chance to see it. The other thing is
that it has a universal theme, and people are
curious to peek into other cultures.”
Dunbar credits the chemistry of the cast, the
talented writing staff and Henderson.
“It was definitely having Felicia D. Henderson as
executive producer and not accepting anything except
the right answers to the questions,” he says.
“She’s a strong black woman. It was so nice to be a
part of this history and have a woman be the head of
it. And being that it was on Showtime really
gave it that open door, that opportunity to be
successful. We could be out there as much as we are in
real life and succeed like we do in real
life. This show reflects black America and America as
a whole.”
Dunbar’s right about his boss. Henderson — who also
serves as executive producer with Tracey E. and
Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Robert Teitel and George
Tillman Jr. — wouldn’t listen to the naysayers.
“I always anticipated the no’s and where they would
be coming from,” Henderson says. “I was ready. I
always assume I’m going to hear ‘no,’ so I can have 10
ways to attack that ‘no’ and then turn it into a
‘yes.’ Everyone involved was on a mission. When you
have that, as opposed to people just feeling like the
show was a job, it becomes this whole big powerful,
forceful family that refuses to take no as an answer.”
Sadly, however, Paramount has said no to extending
the show beyond the fifth season, which begins next
February. The reason? The bottom line, again. Although
the show has done well for Paramount domestically and
has increased Showtime’s subscriber base
significantly, Henderson says she was told it was too
hard a sell overseas.
Apparently, what’s good for the soul in Peoria
doesn’t digest well in Prague.
The decision has stirred strong emotions in some of
the cast.
“I hate to even think about it,” says Malinda
Williams, who plays Bird.
“This cast is like my second family, and although I
know we’ll still keep in touch, it’s hard because I’m
still going to miss them. It hurts also because
we still have a great following. People schedule
events around our show - parties . . .”
Adds NAACP Image Award winner Vanessa Williams: “I
think this is much deeper and darker than it outwardly
appears. In America, you can sell anything. Our
audience wasn’t all-black and not all-female. The
network will miss us when we’re gone. They will
realize our value.”
Five years on a cable network is a pretty good run
for any show. Henderson’s disappointment stems from
the fact she has more stories to tell and also because
“Soul Food” is her child.
“You can imagine that after watching four seasons of
people working really, really hard and still seeing
the audience respond enthusiastically, it feels like a
really abrupt ending,” she says.
“Everything has sort of a natural life span, and I
don’t feel like “Soul Food” is over,” Henderson says.
Of the show’s ending, Henderson expressed sadness,
“but I'm excited as well for the actors who are also
excited. For most of them it’s the highest
profile they’ve ever had. I’m excited for the
Hollywood community.
“They’ll get a shot at them now.”
Unless the powers that be at Paramount discover that
the show really is good for the soul.

CrimsonTide4 · #47 04-17-2003, 11:40 AM

GOOD ARTICLE. Thanks STEELTRAP. Boooooooooooooooooo on PARAMOUNT for making next season the last.

**goes into her corner and CRIES like a BABY!!!***

Kisha · #48 04-17-2003, 11:45 AM

Terri, “I love…” She had me cracking up as a drunk. I was impressed she was able to say no to the teaching position. As stressed out as Terri was looking, I was a little disappointed none of her sisters noticed or commented.

The Super Chick Dream was too funny!

Keisha worked my nerves last night. Although, Keisha’s character was acting psycho, it is a terrible reality. Many of our young women are insecure. I too am glad Ahmad broke it off with Krazy Keisha.

Max and Kenny know they are too horny! I know they’re glad they had free reign over the entire house.

I love the way Lem’s character has developed. He’s trying so hard to stay on the right path.

I was extremely disappointed in Byrd. IMO, her reason for not wanting to have the baby was not really justified. Plus, she had no consideration for her husband’s opinion. She made a drastic decision rather quickly. I foresee their marriage being on the rocks. I think Lem handled the situation much better than I could. I hate when someone just completely disregard my feelings. I think it would be even worse if it was my husband. I think she’s going to fall in a deep depression. Her emotions are always in a disarray anyway. I think the abortion will make situations even worse.

I almost forgot to comment on Damon. Brotha man know he was looking to fiiine! I wanted to sop him up with a biscuit.

Another thought, I don’t think I could handle a family where my in laws knew ALL my business, even sometimes before I did. There needs to be some boundaries.

Oh yeah, one more thing. When Byrd left her son in the sand to go help the pregnant lady, I just knew little J was going to get kidnapped. Especially with CT4’s hint, “FAMILY + DRAMA.”

Kisha · #49 04-17-2003, 11:51 AM

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo !

Eclipse · #50 04-17-2003, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4

The abortion thing is a sticky issue for me. Bird had selfish motives for aborting the baby. I agree with you Gyrl7 -- you should have not told Lem or your sisters in the first place. Unexpected pregnancies happen all the time. Our women folk been birthing babies for centuries under some very tight circumstances, what made Bird so different? NADA DAYUM THING, IMO.

**still pissed**

I agree. I was not too worried about the entire abortion thing cause I just knew that they would have a cameo by Mama Jo and she would get little Miss Bird straight. I was truly expecting her to come back in the waiting room because she couldn't do it. Then I was like, o.k. Soul Food, you think you slick, you gonna have her tell Lem first. And I was expecting that. When Terri told Damon that she was going to have to take it easy for a few days I was like

I can't believe she did that!!

I wasn't so much pissed, but mad. Like it was a REAL baby or something.

CrimsonTide4 · #51 04-17-2003, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Eclipse
I agree. I was not too worried about the entire abortion thing cause I just knew that they would have a cameo by Mama Jo and she would get little Miss Bird straight. I was truly expecting her to come back in the waiting room because she couldn't do it. Then I was like, o.k. Soul Food, you think you slick, you gonna have her tell Lem first. And I was expecting that. When Terri told Damon that she was going to have to take it easy for a few days I was like I can't believe she did that!!

I wasn't so much pissed, but mad. Like it was a REAL baby or something.

IMO it is a real baby. . . but I get your meaning. Yeah last week I kept saying naw she didn't do it. Not Baby Sis, not Big Bird

but alas she did.

FeeFee · #52 04-17-2003, 12:22 PM

Say it ain't so, say it ain't so!!!

Paramount kicks rocks and deserves a big time pimp slap!!!

Gyrl7 · #53 04-17-2003, 03:20 PM

Ummm does anyone have any matches or gasoline I can borrow until the first........I have a small fire I need to start..

Mz. Sports Luva · #54 04-17-2003, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4

The abortion thing is a sticky issue for me. Bird had selfish motives for aborting the baby. I agree with you Gyrl7 -- you should have not told Lem or your sisters in the first place. Unexpected pregnancies happen all the time. Our women folk been birthing babies for centuries under some very tight circumstances, what made Bird so different? NADA DAYUM THING, IMO.
**still pissed**

I agree!

EVERYTHING'S going good for Bird & Lem. It just makes no sense to me. Lem shoulda shook the crap outta her for even thinking about an abortion. I agree CT4, I think the writers messed up big-time w/this one.

Since this is the last season, what woulda been so bad about Bird & Lem having another kid.

Eclipse, I thought mama Jo was gonna show up too.

sphinxpoet · #55 04-17-2003, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mz. Sports Luva
I agree!

EVERYTHING'S going good for Bird & Lem. It just makes no sense to me. Lem shoulda shook the crap outta her for even thinking about an abortion. I agree CT4, I think the writers messed up big-time w/this one.

Since this is the last season, what woulda been so bad about Bird & Lem having another kid.

Eclipse, I thought mama Jo was gonna show up too.

The episode was damn good in my opnion. It bought up the point about Parents Rights. In the end Lem had no choice in whether Bird kept the baby or not. WOW!

Go ahead Amhad show that girl the door she acting all crazy and stuff.

But back to Bird, she was already taking Birth Control but that is never 100% and at some levels it feels like to me it was all about what she wanted and the picture was painted for us to feel sorry for Bird! hmmm.........

CrimsonTide4 · #56 04-17-2003, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gyrl7
Ummm does anyone have any matches or gasoline I can borrow until the first........I have a small fire I need to start..

**picking up phone**

**dialing Smokey The Bear's number**

ME: Hello Smokey. Hi, when I was a kid you told me that only I can prevent a forest fire.

SMOKEY: Yes.

ME: Gyrl7 is about ta set if off.

FeeFee · #57 04-17-2003, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
**picking up phone**

**dialing Smokey The Bear's number**

ME: Hello Smokey. Hi, when I was a kid you told me that only I can prevent a forest fire.

SMOKEY: Yes.

ME: Gyrl7 is about ta set if off.

Girl, you iz crayzeeeeee!!!!!!!

Gyrl7 · #58 04-17-2003, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
**picking up phone**

**dialing Smokey The Bear's number**

ME: Hello Smokey. Hi, when I was a kid you told me that only I can prevent a forest fire.

SMOKEY: Yes.

ME: Gyrl7 is about ta set if off.

LMBO@CT4, I luv this girl.........LOL

Me: Heeeeyyyyy Smokie, um listen I have a special LUNCH order for you........

Smokie: Lunch???

Me: Yes Lunch......It's merely a proposition, if you could look the other way when I BURN THIS MOTHA UP! I need a few minutes to take care of some business with Paramount, and if you can look the other way I would...........

Smokie: What's in it for me???

Me: Everyone in agreeance to make the 5th season of Soul Food the last, cuz they are NOT taking my show off without a decent farewell party if you know what I mean. Like CT4 said, Gyrl is about to SET IT OFF!

Smokie: Hmmmm, Let me seeeeeee, Hibernation + Hunger = TURNIN MY HEAD, throwing sand in my eye. I aint SEE NUFFIN!

Me:

zetafg · #59 04-18-2003, 02:03 PM

You folks and the phone call to Smokey have me CTHUROFLMBAO!!!

Now to the issue at hand!

This episode was so .... so.... I just didn't have any words. My Honey and I alwayz talk about the show afterwards, and all I could do this time was shake my head.

Bird, I am SO disappointed in her. I strongly believe this will SERIOUSLY STRAIN their marriage. What happened to the vows they took about being one and consulting each other on big decisions? SHE decided they weren't going to have another baby, not the TWO of them. That was a decision for the two of them. If she didn't want to have anymore children, then they should have been using a condom along with the birth contol pills.

I also though Jeremiah was going to be kidnapped! Who the HELL turns their back on their baby in a park? I understand the need to help another sista out, that's fine, but YOUR CHILD comes first. That women clearly didn't have control of her boys (if they were all hers) and one of those boys should have helped her out.

I'm feeling that maybe Max & Kenny should be pregnant, since they always at with each other. But with Brooke still being breast feed and all (LOL) I don't know if they can handle it!!!

Do you all know why Kelly has "special needs"? Because HER BABY SISTER WON'T GROW THE HECK UP!!!!

Ahmad, koodoos for standing up to that Krazy girl. Her insecurity is going to jack up her future relationships if she doesn't get a grip on it now!

Ok folks, since no one has started one....I will.

Hello, my name is zetafg, and I'm collecting a donation on behalf of the "Let's get Teri Joseph an Engagement Ring" Foundation. Please send whatever amount you can spare to Idon'twannaaskmydadforthemoney@damonneedsaringfort eri.com

RedefinedDiva · #60 04-18-2003, 04:04 PM

OK, ladies. It is time to stage a PROTEST!! We MUST petition and FORCE Paramount to keep our Soul Food! WHO'S WITH ME?

1SavvyDiva, we need to stage a "Diva Duets" benefit concert in order to save the show. I will call Qwetta to see if she can do our hair. You holla at Ney-Ney to see if we can get in and get our nails done. CT4, ask Tank if he can make the fliers. Ms. Moonie can make our dresses. We need to put a show on!