Soul Food: Season Three

There is something that is fantastic about upper tier cable programming. No, it is not soft core adult programming although many think it is. What is so great is the ability for the networks to engage in niche programming. On the regular broadcast networks they have to try to appeal to the broadest demographic as possible. Overall ratings usually decide whether a series stays on the air of faces cancellation. With cable networks like HBO and Showtime the criteria for success is somewhat different. Sure, ratings matter but without the requirement and subsequent pressure of sponsors high end cable networks are free to explore smaller markets for their shows. These series can range from the more adult themed ones like ‘The Sopranos’ and ‘Deadwood’ to quirky shows such as ‘Six Feet Under’ and ‘Dead Like Me’. The field is also opened up for series are concerned with a sub section of the general population. For the African-American community in this country there has not been a lot of programming with lead characters. There have been numerous black comedies and more than a few black characters in all genres of television programming but a dramatic series featuring African-Americans is all but unheard of. Showtime stepped up to the plate and filled the gap. They took an idea from George Tillman Jr., creator of the ‘Barbershop’ comedies and came up with ‘Soul Food’.

While this is a series that was employed African-America cast and crew it is most definitely not a black series. It is from the viewpoint of African-Americans but at its heart it is a human drama. The conflicts seen in this series are shared by people of all races here in America. How these situations affect the family here has some aspects specific to the black community but overall these are people. They may happen to be black but they are human beings just trying to face what the world dishes out on a daily basis. The series started after the death of the matriarch of the family dies. By the third season under consideration here the family has done their best to recover. There was the usual familiar redistribution of roles and life goes on. Being African-American is never forgotten here; it affects how the family sees and is seen in the world. What is special about this series is the way it refuses to use any of the stereotypes that many of the broadcast networks use when depicting people of color. The bottom line of this series is we are who we are largely based on the group we are born into. Still, we share more in common by being human.

As the season opens Damon Carter (Boris Kodjoe) is finishing up in the shower. He hears a female voice complementing him on his butt. He thinks it is Teri Joseph (Nicole Ari Parker) but it turns out to be Christine Hughes (Anais Granofsky). Since Christine is dead this does come as a bit of a surprise to Damon. Cut to a ceremony for ‘Parent Appreciation Day’ where the ‘Best teamwork’ award is being given out. The winners are Mr. and Mrs. Chadway. What most people don’t realize is Maxine (Vanessa Williams) and Kenny (Rockmond Dunbar) is struggling in their marriage and recently became separated. Kenny takes the microphone and gives credit to his wife. They are being civil mostly for the benefit of their son Ahmad (Aaron Meeks). Once outside Maxine is cold and distant to Kenny. The voice over by Ahmad shows he is not fooled at all. He states that instead of this award they should have received and Oscar for the best performance in a dysfunctional marriage. Like the film much of what is going on is filtered through the eyes of this young man. Of course the audience is privy to many events and situations that are unknown to him. As per tradition the whole family gathers together for Sunday dinner. Maxine is upset that Kenny is there but he tells her he was invited by Teri. Yes, the interwoven relationships here are complex. Besides all the family drama there are external influences at work here. Teri had recently left her position at an up scale law firm to pursue a better job offer. The offer came from Katherine Burke (Faye Dunaway), the managing partner of a rival firm. Teri decides that she would rather go back to her old firm instead. Okay, not every family has to worry about which high price law firm to work for but the conflict caused by having to decide to move on to an unknown position or stay where you are comfortable is something that many have had to face.

Some of the other topics faced by this family include topics that are heavily debated in the news. One example would be when Maxine is upset over an intruder in the house and decides to purchase a gun. This doesn’t sit well with Kenny who does not want his son around firearms. In another episode Ahmad witnesses a drug related shooting. These are problems that all too many Americans have to deal with no matter what color they are. Eventually Maxine and Kenny try to reconcile but it is difficult to put their baggage behind. They try to start over by dating but the road is rough for both of them. Meanwhile Teri and Damon are having troubles of their own. The man is seeing a ghost, so it is a fair assumption that he has doubts about his current relationship. Since they are both involved with Joseph sisters Damon and Kenny find some solace discussing their problems with each other. One of the problems between Damon and Teri has to do with some questionable business dealing he started. It does appear that every relationship here is complicated by someone else wanting someone they shouldn’t be with. In all the Joseph sisters and their extended family are in for a lot of drama.

Every aspect of this series is above the television average. The direction is incredible moving the numerous story lines forward without ignoring any of them. The acting is a joy to watch. This cast truly captures their characters and work extremely well together. This is a human drama but it tends towards the soap opera a little too much. The number of problems these people face and bring upon themselves is staggering. Showtime in association with Paramount Home Entertainment is now up to the third season DVD release. The discs are mastered in full screen video and Dolby Stereo surround sound. Both are excellent. There are no extras provided in this set. There is a notice on the box that warns that some episodes have been edited from there original versions. There is also a notice that some of the music has also been changed. No details were available as to the extent or nature of these changes. This is a worth while series that will pull you in.

Posted 01/18/08