INSIDE BET'S "THE GAME" SEASON 6

BET aired the 100th episode of its comedy-drama scripted series The Game. Created by Mara Brock Akil and produced by Kelsey Grammer, The Game follows a promiscuous star quarterback of a mythical NFL team, Malik Wright (Hosea Chanchez), and his controlling mo-manager Tasha Wright (Wendy Raquel Robinson).

Their supporting cast of characters have changed numerous times over the course of 5 seasons. But last season’s unexpected terminations were the unkindest cuts of all.
Gone are the mythical team’s star wide receiver, Derwin Davis (Pooch Hall) and his devoted, though annoying, doctor wife Melanie Davis (Tia Mowry-Hardrict). Hall’s final appearance on last night’s show made a lasting impression. He acted his ass off; showing raw emotion, pain, anger, rage and defeat after learning he was traded for a corny, younger version of himself.

The newcomers to the show, Lauren London and Jay Ellis (as Hall’s replacement), lacked the acting skills and the comedic timing of Hall and Mowry-Hardrict. Ellis’ character as a male whore football jock and Ciara’s cameo, as his first post-draft sexual conquest, provided comedy relief, but not much in the way of substance.

Ciara’s character fit the typical stereotype of every groupie who has memorized a team’s schedule and carried copies of the team’s hotel itinerary in their designer handbags.

Ciara’s performance was lackluster, boring and distracting. It became painfully obvious that Ciara couldn’t act as soon as she opened her mouth. Even in scenes where she wasn’t required to speak, her movements were exaggerated and clumsy, such as when she slithered down a hotel hallway and descended down a flight of stairs like a moose in a dress.

And this is where I have to pause and give R&B singer Brandy her props. There’s no doubt about it; the girl can act. Everyone else (except for Robinson) paled in comparison to Brandy. Her confidence shined through in her scenes. Brandy and Hall were the show’s only saving graces.