Joan Clayton: Now Waters
Hey Peeps!!! It has been a whole month since our last chat session, and I know you're wondering, "where have I been?" Well, to answer your curiosity, focusing on creating and designing has been center stage. Speaking of stages, that's what this week's creative project dives into. Have you ever gotten wrapped up in a show, and I mean from the cast, the story-line, and everything in between, only for the show to get canceled without a proper ending? Yeah, same (lol)! I have a list, honestly, but that's a topic for another gab session. "Girlfriends" was one of those shows that I just couldn't let go of; in fact, I binge it on a regular basis. This last binge put me in creative mode. I still don't like how it ended, so I decided to craft my own ending, and I thought a blog would complement my vision perfectly.
Okay, someone get Kelsey Grammer and Mara Brock Akil on the line! Apparently, he’s on the line but not with me though (lol). While researching photos of old girlfriend episodes, I stumbled across a post that mentioned closure for the show. I think it's amazing and well-deserved for those of us who were left on the cliff, anticipating the next season. Keep in mind we’ve been hanging on for 18 years. I’m almost positive a few said "eff it" and just jumped right off into "who cares" land—not me, and if you’re reading this, neither have you.
I’ll be the first to say that a reboot isn’t something I had in mind, nor a rivalry, which is what the post kind of hinted at. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with a good reboot, however; for the amount of time we've waited, I feel a reboot can wait a while. Truly a reboot would've been great in 2012, heck 2018 even but in 2025 I believe the shows ending deserves a film. Now once the film is successfully created, then a reboot can follow.
There are so many questions that need to be answered. Granted, a rebooted series could answer everything we've been wondering, yet a movie could sum everything up within an hour and thirty minutes to two hours. I know it sounds as if I'm totally against rebooting, and normally I am, because in most cases, shows are better off as classics. Let me reassure you, though, that I'm totally here for a reboot, mainly because it would keep these actresses and actors employed, which I'd love for them. We've seen a series turned film turned series do exceptionally well; "Sex and the City" is a great example. If we're being honest, if you've watched both shows, you know that there are similarities between the two; the differences would be the location and race that set them apart. So, why not follow the same method in order to have a successful comeback?
To clarify, when I mention the same method, I don't mean the identical recipe; we all understand that's not feasible due to timing. Here's what I think they should do for the movie: they could address these questions: Did Joan and Aaron get married and start a family? Have Joan and Tony reconciled (I ask because it's clear that both Tracee and Jill will be involved in whatever happens)? And if so, how did they make amends? Also, will we get to see Tony's new life in NYC? Did Maya and Darnell expand their family? The same question applies to Monica and William. Lastly, Lynn. What ultimately happens to Lynn? Does her music career truly take off, and does she get a genuine experience of being a true artist? Will Lynn find her special someone? Start a family? All of these questions could be explored in a film coughs or two (lol).
Let's just say they could use some assistance with these questions, but don't worry—I’ve taken care of them myself (lol). Joan and Aaron get married, complete their dream home, and have three children. The J Spot continues to thrive, and Joan and William decide to open a new location in NYC. While getting JSII started, Joan and Toni encounter each other and have a verbal showdown, which ends with them reconciling. William and Monica had Willa a few years after Miles was born (yes, I named their children; stay focused). Now that Monica is part of the "Girlfriends," she and Toni occasionally clash, for reasons you can guess. There can only be one HBIC. Maya and Darnell expand their family, adding another sibling for Jabari and a grandchild. Jabari has a baby while in college and marries shortly before welcoming his second child. Darnell opens a garage in Florida with the pit crew he was once part of. Lastly, Lynn; she toured for several years until she met another artist she fell in love with. Everything appears to be going well until Joan visits JSII again and stumbles into Brock; it seems New York City is brimming with her favorite pastimes. When Aaron learns that Joan and Brock sometimes chat at JSII, he requests that she dedicate her time back home. This demand to prioritize her career back in Cali, leads to tension and distrust in their relationship. I believe this is an excellent point to end on a cliffhanger for a sequel.
Now, the exciting yet slightly challenging series—I wish I could really go into detail about how it could go; I mean, I could, but then this would no longer be a blog. We would have a novel because the series is honestly based on what takes place once the films are complete. What I can tell you is that the reboot has the ability to run for at least five seasons.
This series is not just a continuation; it is an expansion of the narrative universe that fans have come to love. It presents an opportunity to explore complex themes, character development, and intricate plot-lines that were perhaps only hinted at in the film. The reboot has the ability to run for at least five seasons, and this longevity allows for a rich tapestry of storytelling that can evolve over time. Each season could introduce new characters, subplots, and conflicts, all while maintaining the essence of what made the original film/show so captivating.
In this series, we could see the characters grappling with the consequences of their actions, navigating new relationships, and facing unforeseen challenges that arise in their post-film lives. Imagine the depth that could be added by exploring their personal growth, the impact of their past decisions, and how they reconcile their identities with the public persona they have cultivated. The potential for character arcs is vast, and each season could serve as a chapter in their ongoing journey.
What I oppose is the idea of a rivalry; the Tony vs. Joan situation was enough, and let's not forget how none of the women supported "Monica" for quite a while. The only rivalry that would make sense is Monica vs. Tony. That would be genuinely funny, but after a season or two of their mutual dislike, it would become dull. Actually, there's another option that might work. With five women on the show, I could see Joan and Monica teaming up against Maya and Tony, leaving Lynn to choose where her loyalty lies.
I enjoy a bit of television drama like anyone else, but a series can't thrive solely on a catty story-line. It might work for some shows, but not this one. A season or two of cattiness can be entertaining, but that's about it. This show's appeal lies in its portrayal of real community dynamics and behavior. While the drama kept us hooked, it was the characters' growth from their conflicts that truly kept us engaged.
Welp, we've reached a point of the blog where I send you guys off to enjoy your weekend. Until our next chat, stay blessed! =)
