By: CJ Guion/Staff Writer
Each year various television shows are pulled from the airways and never see the light of day again, due to lackluster ratings and poorly written scripts. Two years ago one show that faced the same predicament was a sitcom by the name of “The Game.”
This fictional sitcom follows the lives of three African American professional football players of the San Diego Sabers and the women, or “Sunbeams” in their lives. It was abruptly ended by the CW Network on May 20, 2009. Shortly after, many fans showcased their disapproval through the use of petitions and fan groups on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. This was followed by rumors that BET was interested in reviving the show, which was airing in syndication on the network. After months of speculation it almost seemed like this was an impossible dream that would never come true. However, that dream is now a reality, and 7.7 million televisions nationwide were tuned in after the show made its return. In many locations around the world many fans held viewing parties in anticipation of the return.
The show picked up two years later from the time that it ended and things are no longer peaceful in the city of San Diego. Many of the characters, which the world came to love, were transformed in some cases into totally different people. What was once a happy loving comedy show seemed to transform into an hour long black version of a soap opera. The big changes that came from the two year hiatus received mixed reviews from fans around the world. Some fans liked the new risqué, late night version of the show, which featured one of the characters smoking and another involved in a compromising situation in the restroom, while others want to see the show return to its former family oriented format.
Main star Derwin Davis (Marion “Pooch” Hall), the former rookie player of the San Diego Sabers, has become the franchise player and face of Nike after being hindered by injuries and romance issues in the previous season. Co-star Melanie B. Davis (Tia Mowry Hardict) is no longer in medical school, is happily married but jealous of her new stepson. Tasha Mack (Wendy Raquel Robinson) is managing the “one man ball catching economic stimulus package” Davis, no longer dating Rick Fox, and has moved onto mountain lion status by dating a much younger Dante (Terrence J of 106 & Park). Malik Wright (Hosea Chanchez) is having an affair with the owner of the San Diego Saber’s wife (Meagan Good) , facing a downward spiral after being demoted to second string and is no longer under the thumb of his mother Tasha. Veteran football team captain Jason Pitts (Coby Bell) is treading on thin ice and is very close to being fired from the team due to his old age. Kelly Pitts (Brittany Daniel) the ex-wife of Jason is now the star of a reality show and enjoying the luxuries of spousal support after being forced into a frugal lifestyle of knockoffs by her ex.
Only time will tell the direction in which the writers and directors are taking this show. One thing that can be said is that “The Game” made history on Tuesday night returning from the dead and scoring big ratings securing a spot as the #2 show in BET history and the most watched show on network and cable television of 18-34 year olds that night. According to the New York Times, it was the most watched sitcom in the history of cable television. Only few television shows have had the privilege of coming back after cancellation. The executives at the CW may be seeking to fire their President in the coming months if the trend continues due to the matter that the show they cancelled garnered 4 million more viewers than the highest rated show (Vampire Diaries – 3.7 million viewers) on the network.
Photo Courtesy of: BET
