By now you have probably heard that The CW has renewed the Tracee Ellis Ross-Persia White-Golden Brooks sitcom about three (previously four) African-American women in California for an eighth season. Given that the May 7 season finale could have passed for a series finale, there would have been no outcry about this being a cliffhanger. Joan (Ross) got engaged, Maya's (Brooks) husband Darnell purchased a business and a house, and William (Reggie Hayes) got back together with Monica (Keesha Sharp).
So what else can be done for next season?
I can think of a few things, but I imagine some of them won't go down well.
1. Bring Back Toni Childs (Jill Marie Jones)
Toni Childs, played by the Jill Marie Jones, left a big void in the chemistry that made the show work. As crazy as she was towards the other girls, she made the show come alive. The least creator Mara Brock Akil and producer Kelsey Grammar can do is bring her back for a cameo during a sweeps week.
2. Fire Keesha Sharp
Monica Charles is a re-write of the Toni Childs character, but not as funny and kind of an evil witch. I also think as an actress that she's better in a smaller supporting role along the lines of her time on Everybody Hates Chris during its first season. I know I sound harsh in that suggestion, but I'm sure I'm not alone in that feeling.
3. Cancel The Game and Give Golden Brooks a Spin-off
In an interview with AOL Blackvoices, Golden Brooks (who plays Maya on the show) suggested that if the series was canceled that a spin-off would have been made around her character. I don't see that happening because of the fact they already have the lame duck The Game spin-off which is the wrong vehicle for Tia Mowry. I don't see it lasting past season two. Maybe then they can give Golden the respect she deserves.
4. Bring The "Real" William (Reggie Hayes) Back
He was always the most stable (at least in the beginning) and the one to knock some sense into the girls when they get out of line. These last few years he's become more irritatable and whiny than funny. I ask that the writers stop that and attempt to bring him back to his rightful place as the intellectual loser who can't get a woman.
5. Take Lynn Out
I love Persia White, but the character of Lynn is going nowhere. She almost had a boyfriend in Elden (Kadeem Harrison), but the writers probably thought that Dwayne Wayne (a character the actor played in the series A Different World) wouldn't fit with the likes of a PETA Goth-rocker. Still, that was the only positive change that seemed to work in the last couple of years. She's been a filmmaker, she's had a regular job, and she's even met her family.
Article comments
1 - Matthew Milam
It will be interesting to see comments from Girlfriends fans who probably heard the renewal news by now.
2 - Bizzy B
Never before have I read such a spot-on review of Girlfriends. If they correctly incorporated all of your suggestions, the show could easily last another 2 or 3 seasons.
3 - what the hell?
This post is horrible. ALL of your suggestions make no sense at all. You are NOT a true GF fan.