In a statement released to the "L.A. Times," Ross says she will not be returning to the show, which was picked up by BET for the fall. For the new season, her character, Carla Reed, will be separated from her husband, Alex, played by Jamal-Warner. The plot develops like this: Carla gets the opportunity to move to Los Angeles for a "dream job." Alex, doesn't believe the move is good for the kids, so he remains in their Atlanta home with the kids. Three new characters have been added to the show: Michole White, Tony Rock and Charlie Robinson.
We're not sure what exactly led to Ross' departure, whether it was financial or the inability to more effectively steer the show's dialogue (she and Jamal-Warner are producers). The series, which was heavily promoted, garnered a mere 1.2 million viewers when it premiered, and some weeks dropped well below that number. That alone would make a network cancel a show. In comparison, BET's other series, The Game, opened to 7.7 million viewers, settled to an average 2-3 million viewers. BET has received some acclaim for the show for its positive portrayal of a Black modern family and has decided to stick with the show. But we have to admit, a shapening of the script is well needed if they truly want to succeed (can they not hire Shonda Rhimes as a consultant?). The writing is neither sharp nor witty. In fact, it is rather flat and the lack of chemistry between the actors only enhances that.
And by selecting to have the couple separate, it just looks extremely flawed—especially when it is announced that she's not returning. So what do you think A-listers? Can this show survive without Tracee? Should it have returned at all?
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