The Game: A comeback or bust?

          "The Game" made a roaring comeback at its new home at BET Networks last night to much anticipation. Having been on hiatus from it's departure from The CW, its debut had 7.7 million viewers as every social networking site was ablaze with commentary. Originally set up as a spin off of "Girlfriends", the cast includes Tia Mowry, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Pooch Hall, Hosea Chanchez, Brittany Daniel, and Coby Bell. But why are we so fascinated and taken by this show?
          Trying to find black faces in the sea of major networks today seems to be a daunting task. Among the highest rated shows such as The Mentalist, Modern Family, and Glee, little to no minority representation is headlined. Tuning into TBS where the shows of the popular Tyler Perry showcases nontraditional family dynamics which seems to feature tomfoolery as its main theme. Serious topics such as relationships, health, and wellness do make their appearances but are quickly overshadowed by asinine stunts or corny punch lines. However, "The Game" for the most part tends to avoid this folly by focusing on relationship dynamics between the recently married, the dating, and even between mother and son all under the umbrella of life in professional football. The dialogue is seemingly solid while story lines remain relatable to not only a urban demographic but a general audience as well. I have to admit that I was skeptical of the show's return.
           I did not follow the show and from the few times that I did watch, it didn't seem to draw me in enough to want to tune in regularly. Sure it's not the pits but it sure did start just as corny as the rest. The laugh track, trite character exchanges, and typical plot foils made the show all the more unappealing. I wrote it off as another show that was trying to come off profound and comedic but failed just as the others from the past decade. I think what makes it special now, is that it didn't stay there. Tuning into this premiere episode, it looks like "The Game" is on the right track.  As the show progressed, so did it's maturity while going above the norm of black programming today. If they continue on this path, it can quickly become a quality show that the mature black audience has been so desperate to see.