Full disclosure: I never watched a single episode of Braxton Family Values last season. It's not that I didn't care; it's just that I didn't care. But I decided that to make up for my terrible decision, I'd not only watch every episode this season, I'd recap them. Oh what joy I've brought to my spirit. I'm so excited. And I just can't hide it.
I'm a Pointer Sister and didn't know it.
So here's all I knew about The Braxtons before I watched this first episode:
Toni Braxton.
That's it. Fan of her music but that was in the early 90s when Cross Colours and Karl Kani were actual clothing tastes. My guitar gently weeps for fashion. But now that this show airs, I know SO much more than I ever cared to know. And I was entertained beyond belief. So here are some observations about the show.
1. The story-telling is great. It's like watching a soap opera. I didn't see a single episode from last season and know everything that happened. Arguments, Tamar, lacefronts, group album and solo music. Oh and daddy and mommy drama. Jesus be a 30 second recap.
2. Tamar is too much. But she's quite the draw because why else would anybody watch a reality show without palpable ridiculousness. And that is one ridiculous woman. Now, I mean that in a respectful way because we all know somebody like her. Her ways may leave much to be desired and she's selfish as all hell, but her heart doesn't seem like its in the wrong place. She's just self-centric. Speaking of...
3. It's easy to understand why Tamar would draw a lot of attention after the first season; she's primed for television. Reality television anyway. She's like Real World's Coral. You're always better with her around because she's a ratings bonanza. Though I can definitely see her letting it go to her head, taking her into full diva mode. Which is on display in this episode.
4. I've got a thing for Trina. I'm not sure why. But I love her. Her husband on the other hand, not so much. Granted I don't know much about him, but he annoyed me to no end. Dude had a serious point though; you've got drama in your own marriage and you are bringing in your sister-in-law, her ex-husband (!!) AND their kids to live with you? And he was never consulted? Where dey do dat at?? Plus, are they chipping in? It's like a gang of unemployed people living in the house hoping for the best. #occupytrinashouse
5. Thank God they have an on-call therapist in Dr. Sherry Blake. It seems like everybody on this show needs some therapy. A lot of it too.
6. Poor Tracie. She just wants to get this album done because she missed her chance before. It has to be difficult when you have no control over the project and everybody else is not only doing their own thing, but not really all that focused on making that Braxtons album happen. I feel for her in that regard, but the music industry is a beast. Loch Ness style.
7. I really need to understand Towanda and Andre's situation. They're separated but living together...for the kids. IN SOMEBODY ELSE'S HOUSE? Nuh uh. He's freeloading. But how in the hell is she (Towanda) okay with that? I'm so lost on that one. I really am. I need more context. More back story. More violence or something. They need to take that drama elsewhere while they figure it out.
8. I know Toni filed for bankruptcy, but she makes it look good. She's moved into a banging home that's only temporary while she tries to decide what she really wants to do. Da hell? I thought folks filing for bankruptcy were struggling. She's looking quite alright.
9. I love Evelyn. Telling your daughter that you'll (rightfully so) slap the piss out of her is right on time. But her whole family created Tamar. She's the baby and has to get her attention somewhere. So she creates drama and she's too old to fix it now. Like the great Eli Porter said, "you did that."
10. Can't wait 'til this Thursday as they do more of what they did last Thursday. Yay!
So here's all I knew about The Braxtons before I watched this first episode:
Toni Braxton.
That's it. Fan of her music but that was in the early 90s when Cross Colours and Karl Kani were actual clothing tastes. My guitar gently weeps for fashion. But now that this show airs, I know SO much more than I ever cared to know. And I was entertained beyond belief. So here are some observations about the show.
1. The story-telling is great. It's like watching a soap opera. I didn't see a single episode from last season and know everything that happened. Arguments, Tamar, lacefronts, group album and solo music. Oh and daddy and mommy drama. Jesus be a 30 second recap.
2. Tamar is too much. But she's quite the draw because why else would anybody watch a reality show without palpable ridiculousness. And that is one ridiculous woman. Now, I mean that in a respectful way because we all know somebody like her. Her ways may leave much to be desired and she's selfish as all hell, but her heart doesn't seem like its in the wrong place. She's just self-centric. Speaking of...
3. It's easy to understand why Tamar would draw a lot of attention after the first season; she's primed for television. Reality television anyway. She's like Real World's Coral. You're always better with her around because she's a ratings bonanza. Though I can definitely see her letting it go to her head, taking her into full diva mode. Which is on display in this episode.
4. I've got a thing for Trina. I'm not sure why. But I love her. Her husband on the other hand, not so much. Granted I don't know much about him, but he annoyed me to no end. Dude had a serious point though; you've got drama in your own marriage and you are bringing in your sister-in-law, her ex-husband (!!) AND their kids to live with you? And he was never consulted? Where dey do dat at?? Plus, are they chipping in? It's like a gang of unemployed people living in the house hoping for the best. #occupytrinashouse
5. Thank God they have an on-call therapist in Dr. Sherry Blake. It seems like everybody on this show needs some therapy. A lot of it too.
6. Poor Tracie. She just wants to get this album done because she missed her chance before. It has to be difficult when you have no control over the project and everybody else is not only doing their own thing, but not really all that focused on making that Braxtons album happen. I feel for her in that regard, but the music industry is a beast. Loch Ness style.
7. I really need to understand Towanda and Andre's situation. They're separated but living together...for the kids. IN SOMEBODY ELSE'S HOUSE? Nuh uh. He's freeloading. But how in the hell is she (Towanda) okay with that? I'm so lost on that one. I really am. I need more context. More back story. More violence or something. They need to take that drama elsewhere while they figure it out.
8. I know Toni filed for bankruptcy, but she makes it look good. She's moved into a banging home that's only temporary while she tries to decide what she really wants to do. Da hell? I thought folks filing for bankruptcy were struggling. She's looking quite alright.
9. I love Evelyn. Telling your daughter that you'll (rightfully so) slap the piss out of her is right on time. But her whole family created Tamar. She's the baby and has to get her attention somewhere. So she creates drama and she's too old to fix it now. Like the great Eli Porter said, "you did that."
10. Can't wait 'til this Thursday as they do more of what they did last Thursday. Yay!
I agree with you Panama. I never watched the first season until there was a marathon last week and caught up on Everaythang!. Tamar is too much, and needs a reality check. I'm 23 and if I ever walked out on my mom while she talked to me, I wouldn't survive for too long. So yeah, let her know Evelyn.
I don't understand the relationship between Trina and her husband. If I found out my husband cheated for more than half our marriage, deuces homeboy. I don't see what they are trying to fix.
Towanda and Andre are just free loading not paying no bills and just laid up in her sisters house. Not a good look hun.
But I definitely love the crazy, keep it coming.
We all can agree Tamar is "new money" and "too much!" She is to old to be acting the way she does even though her family has let it go on since she was younger.
I like Trina, but she just blew up at Gabe for no reason. Dude had every right to talk to her about kicking Towanda and her husband out.
I feel sorry for Traci, it's not looking to good for her, but I hope she can get it together.
Toni, Toni, Toni! She's been very unforunate in her career but I hope she can get it back on track. I respect her even more after watching the show, considering the level of fame she has obtained she doesn't act like a "DIVA" aka Tamar!
Mrs. E. is cool with me, just wish she would have check Tamar infront of everybody instead of doing it alone. Truth be told its going to take all of them to bring her down to reality not just her alone.
We all can agree Tamar is "new money" and "too much!" She is to old to be acting the way she does even though her family has let it go on since she was younger.
I like Trina, but she just blew up at Gabe for no reason. Dude had every right to talk to her about kicking Towanda and her husband out.
I feel sorry for Traci, it's not looking to good for her, but I hope she can get it together.
Toni, Toni, Toni! She's been very unforunate in her career but I hope she can get it back on track. I respect her even more after watching the show, considering the level of fame she has obtained she doesn't act like a "DIVA" aka Tamar!
Mrs. E. is cool with me, just wish she would have check Tamar infront of everybody instead of doing it alone. Truth be told its going to take all of them to bring her down to reality not just her alone.
Towanda needs to take her free loading ass and get her own place. i'm sure she's getting checks from the show so if she can't buy a house at least rent one. She's just bouncing her kids from house to house looking hopeless and silly and dragging her other leach behind her. Two adults with no stability....sad.
Trina luv ya, but you are a little hard on Gabe this season. I'm thinking maybe you're the one with side partner this time around.
Tamar....wow Tamar is Tamar!!!! If Vince can handle it than that is all that matters. Maybe you need to take his advice and humble yourself a little bit more, your head is toooooo BIG.com
Toni you went running back to LA after a man...smdh hope it works this time around. However like Oprah said when a person shows you who he is believe them and i think he showed you a long time ago. Whats wrong can't find someone new or you just don't want to. Stick witht he same man leaves you stuck with the same problems!!!
Poooooor Poor Traci...girl you speak for yourself:-(