If there was ever a venerable children’s franchise that refused to die, Power Rangers may just be the one. What started in 1993 has now spawned a two decade long authorization of fun television programming, movies, video games, and countless action figures – and I have been with them every single step of the way. It’s been several months since I’ve penned an editorial for CliqueClack, but having Power Rangers back on my flat screen has rather reinvigorated me.

That’s right, ladies and gentlemen … I’m back.

Power Rangers Dino Charge premiered on Nickelodeon on Saturday afternoon though if you’re a fan like me, chances are you probably watched the premiere episode one week early on Nick.com. At any rate, the first installment really set the tone for Dino Charge and based upon what was shown, fans and casual viewers are in for a ride. Instead of the typical totalitarian villain bent on conquering the planet, Power Rangers Dino Charge concerns Sledge, a vile intergalactic bounty hunter on the hunt for the Energems. Who could blame him? All powerful gems with endless energies aren’t exactly available on EBay or Amazon.com. However, there to oppose him are the Power Rangers, who in this series harness the dynamisms and strengths of the ancient dinosaurs.

As has become the norm of the Power Rangers series, the sole mission of our favorite spandex clad heroes is to keep the planet safe and they are armed with an incredible arsenal to help them do so. This season features the usual line up of five rangers – just like previous seasons – but instead of three young men and two young women, there is only one young lady this time. That’s actually pretty interesting considering that’s how it usually is in the Japanese program that the show is adapted from.

However, that’s not the only significant change. Anyone that reads my editorials knows that I’m a big supporter of diversity on television. And by big, I mean colossal. This is why it pleases me to see a team of ethnically diverse superheroes this season. We have Brennan Mejia, a talented and athletically fit Mexican actor portraying Tyler, the Red Ranger and leader of the team. We also have Yoshua Sudarso, a gifted Idonesian actor portraying Koda, the Blue Ranger – the one Ranger that I always used to be on the playground as a child. But perhaps most notable is the fact that fans of the series have now been treated to an African-American Pink Ranger, the first time this has ever happened in Power Rangers history.

Consider my mind blown.

As Shelby, the Pink Ranger, Camille Hyde brings a certain warmth to the role. Now, I know some enthusiasts probably don’t want to make such a big deal about diversity in a program that’s typically aimed towards children. However, the fact of the matter is that it is now 2015. The world is colorful. I commend the brains behind Dino Charge for choosing a cast of capable young actors that children will not only be able to look up to, but see themselves in. I personally feel that there is something to be said of the fact that the first episode predominately featured both the Red Ranger and Pink Ranger in leading roles. In fact, they were the only two Rangers given the chance to change – ahem, morph – into their superhero counterparts to take down a monster wreaking havoc. I have but one word for this – Awesome!

Perchance the same thing can be said about the writing of the show as well. I noticed a massive improvement in the script over the last season of the series, Megaforce. When watching Megaforce, I often found myself confused and unnerved by numerous plot holes and unanswered questions. However, Dino Charge seems to have a solid plot. The pilot episode did a hell of a job setting up the season and establishing the mythology for the show. It was a full ten minutes before the main cast members were even introduced – and the Green Ranger, one of the core members of the team, didn’t even make an appearance in the episode. That’s a bold move by Power Ranger standards. Heck, that’s a bold move by television standards period.

My only real complaint is that I feel Nickelodeon should have just aired the second episode after the first. I think a one hour premiere would have been more effective. However, if suspense is what they were looking to create then they have certainly done well. Make no doubt about it, I will definitely be tuning in next Saturday.

After all, if history is any indication, these Rangers are here to stay.

Hey, there! Keep up with writer Jaylen Christie by following him on Twitter @thesuperflynerd! Tweet him! He’ll tweet you back!

Scintillating is the word when it comes to Lifetime’s Devious Maids. Now in its sophomore season, the entertaining soapy sudser about resilient and resourceful Latina maids working for the rich and snobbish A-list of Beverly Hills is arguably one of the network’s most talked about shows – and for that matter, perhaps one of its most ethnically diverse. Don’t believe me? Just tune in for yourself. Go ahead. Try it!

Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you that I am a firm advocate for more, um, color on the airwaves. What can I say? I’m an equal opportunity television junkie. With that being said, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Devious Maids is one of my favorite programs. Not only is the writing spot on and the mystery intriguing, but the talented cast boasts some of the most ethnically diverse faces on television today. This season introduced a brand new family of characters to this mix – the Millers, a super wealthy yet super dysfunctional African-American household with a crap ton of issues.

Needless to say, I was definitely intrigued.

If you haven’t been watching this season of Devious Maids, then you need to jump on board. The Millers have proven their staying power and have enough interest to keep viewers glued to the screen. For those who watch religiously, you know what I’m talking about. For those who haven’t been tuning in, shame on you. Let me bring you up to speed…

The head of this new household is Kenneth Miller, a wealthy gentleman who has suffered a stroke and is now bound to a wheelchair. His wife is Didi. She’s half his age … and did I mention she’s a former stripper? Priceless! Didi clashes regularly with Lucinda, Kenneth’s daughter whose own daughter was taken away from her when Kenneth forced her to give her up for adoption. Then there’s Reggie, Kenneth’s nephew who also happens to be a lawyer and a certified gold digger. It was recently revealed that Reggie is playing all of them by manipulating poor Kenneth into unwillingly handing over to him the family fortune, kicking Lucinda out of the house and instigating a divorce between Kenneth and Didi. Fortunately, as the last episode revealed, their resident maid – the lovable and religious Rosie Falta, played wonderfully by the capable Dania Ramirez, is on to him.

Sounds interesting, right? While there may be some people of color out there who will claim that this is stereotypical, I would encourage those same individuals to examine the show’s other principle storylines with its Caucasian characters and their own dysfunctional families. For starters, there’s Evelyn Powell (my favorite character) who is cheating on her husband with his bodyguard. Genevieve Delatour (the hilarious Susan Lucci) recently tried to set her maid Zoila up with a male prostitute. Spence Westmore (Grant Show) has a borderline psychotic nephew who just tried to poison him with a cleaning solution. Oh, and Opal Sinclaire (Joanna P. Adler) is a murderer.

See? Drama for everyone!

The Millers are compelling in that the writers have been able to cook up something for each of them to do in every episode this season. That’s a real testament to the creative team behind this program … who also happened to be the minds behind another hit soap that ran on ABC for eight straight seasons. Anyone ever heard of Desperate Housewives?

Back in its heyday, that program was a powerhouse for ABC and introduced its own African-American family during its uneven second season. Despite being headed by four time Emmy Award winner Alfre Woodard, that storyline was universally panned by critics. I think it’s safe to say that the creative team behind Devious Maids, including Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry and former Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria, have learned from that disaster.

So, will the Millers be back next season? I certainly hope so. The cast is certainly talented enough. Tiffany Hines has been a real joy to watch as Didi, and Kimberly Hebert Gregory has successfully managed to make viewers laugh and shed a few tears as Lucinda. Both actresses have good chemistry with one another and with Ramirez who has shared scenes with them both. My only complaint is that the Millers have been somewhat isolated from the other households. I’d love to see them interact with Evelyn or Genevieve. Perchance that can be rectified next season. A fellow can dream, right?

According to Variety, the show drew three million viewers for the finale of its first season last year which was a 50 percent increase from its debut episode. It seems to be the perfect summer show. If Devious Maids get picked up for season three, maybe we’ll be seeing more of the Millers. Who knows? Maybe we’ll get Japanese characters or perhaps a family from India? I’m all for it!

After all, everyone can be a little devious, right?

Keep up with writer Jaylen Christie by following him on Twitter @thesuperflynerd!

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Growing up, I distinctly remember the Lifetime network made-for-TV movies being appointment television for my mother. I can vividly recall her watching each film intently, glued to the screen — and God help anyone who’d dare interrupt her. It’s funny because I felt the exact same way as I viewed The Gabby Douglas Story, an inspirational biographical film brought to us by the Lifetime Network.

Originally debuting on Lifetime back in February, The Gabby Douglas Story is now on DVD, and I couldn’t be happier. As someone who writes about minorities in television and film and yearns for more, um, colorful fare on the airwaves, I believe this film is just what the doctor ordered. By now, we should all know just who Gabrielle Douglas is, but for those of you living under a rock, I’ll bring you up to speed free of charge. Douglas, a real girl wonder, turned heads in 2012 when at the age of 16 she became the first African-American gymnast in Olympic history to become the individual all-around champion. Additionally, Douglas also became the first American gymnast – period – to win gold medals in both the individual all-around and team competitions.

That’s right, folks. This chick is bad.

But bad in the good way! Good is the same word that can be used to describe the film which I honestly found very entertaining. Here at the offices of CliqueClack, I’m probably known as the writer who’s overly opinionated and possibly hard to please … and that’s fine. However, in all sincerity, this film was really fun to watch and is undoubtedly perfect for family viewing which is great in this day and age.

What I truly liked about the film, aside from the encouraging story itself, was the brilliant casting choices in Regina King, S. Epatha Merkerson and Imani Hakim as Douglas herself. I’ve been a fan of King’s since I saw Ray back in 2005, and I think we all know that Merkerson can do no wrong. However, I was particularly impressed with Hakim’s performance as the title character. It was in college that I discovered this young actress on Everybody Hates Chris which was being syndicated on BET. As Douglas, Hakim showcases strength, perseverance and makes the Olympic champion somewhat relatable. That’s pretty good in my opinion.

I’m not ashamed to admit that I found myself talking to the screen a few times. What can I say? I was captivated. The movie comes from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and is presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. Its audio is done by the lovely folks at Dolby Digital, and its subtitles come in English, English SDH, and French. That’s pretty typical. What I would have enjoyed is the inclusion of some behind-the-scenes features. The DVD is sorely lacking a commentary, bloopers or featurettes with cast interviews. That’s a bit of a letdown, but I suppose the quality of the film makes up for it. The director cleverly interjects real footage of Douglas herself performing several amazing gymnastic feats … and there’s a nice cameo from the Olympian at the beginning as well. That has to count for something.

Take my advice and pick this DVD up. It’s good for watching with your family, especially young girls with big dreams. A lack of bonus features may keep it from winning the gold – but silver’s never been bad in my book.

Follow me on Twitter @thesuperflynerd!

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It was not a very big release week for TV on DVD, but there were still a handful of notable titles. The first season of Lifetime’s hit Devious Maids makes its DVD debut just in time for you to catch up on the soon to premiere second season, the first season of BBC America’s recent Atlantis also makes its home video bow, and the final season of Canadian import Flashpoint comes to a close on DVD. Reality TV fans can spend 10 Days with Survivorman, and kids of all ages can enjoy two more seasons of the animated Beetlejuice series. These titles and more were released on March 18. Check our shopper’s guide for more highlights and click on a link to make a purchase or to get more information.

It has often been said that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Some people tend to debate this. However, if you ask me, I think it’s factual. This age old adage was proven true when just last weekend The Best Man Holiday, a sequel 13 years in the making, opened with a nice and dandy 30.1 million dollars. This may not come as a shocker to some people. After all, openings in the 30 million dollar range are pretty typical nowadays. However, how many films can you name with an all African-American cast that have opened with these numbers?

Ladies and gentlemen, let’s talk. I don’t know about you, but The Best Man Holiday was a must see event for me, and apparently, for other individuals as well – namely African-American movie goers. According to reports on Entertainment Weekly, on its first day in theaters, the film was successful in beating Thor: The Dark World which is rather impressive. Would you like to know something else impressive? Thor, being a justifiable blockbuster — which I enjoyed by the way — is playing in over 8,000 theaters. The Best Man Holiday came close to beating it … and is only playing in 2,024 theaters. What can I say? Black folks like a good movie!

It definitely didn’t hurt that the film makes use of the talents of Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Morris Chestnut and Nia Long — actors and actresses that may be household names in Black homes, but indifferent names in the homes of others. Sure, there’s Terrence Howard, but he may just be the only cast member to have achieved mainstream status. Now, before I go jumping to conclusions regarding the film’s audience, let me first say that I could very well be wrong. Perhaps it isn’t just African-Americans that are flocking to the cinemas. Perchance these kinds of movies appeal to a wider audience. There has definitely been an upsurge in the release of movies with casts of color. In addition to The Best Man Holiday, this year saw the release of Peeples, Baggage Claim, The Butler, 12 Years a Slave, 42, and Tyler Perry’s Temptation, and before the new year arrives, two additional movies with Black leads will be released – Black Nativity starring Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson, and Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas.

Forget the color orange. Clearly 2013 is the new black!

But is this a rarity? Try as I might, I simply cannot remember the last time there was an abundance of films with leads that look just like me. I’m not saying that I’m offended. I’m merely making an observation. When it comes to the team of fantastic writers here at CliqueClack, I’m probably one of the ones known for starting a damn debate. And that’s fine. Nevertheless, I’ll be good and keep my mouth shut for this editorial. However, I do feel that there should be more films depicting more people of color — Blacks, Asians, Hispanics, you name it.

In my opinion there have been positive strides on television. Lifetime’s wonderfully wicked Devious Maids featuring five talented Latina actresses — including the gorgeous and very talented Roselyn Sanchez — was appointment television for me, and Mindy Kaling is doing fantastic on her Fox sitcom. The same can be said about Dani Pudi on NBC’s Community, Kerry Washington on ABC’s Scandal, Sofia Vergara on ABC’s Modern Family and Reshma Shetty on USA’s Royal Pains.  I just think we need more movies with colorful casts — but I’ll certainly settle for quality over quantity. I mean, let’s keep it real – A Madea Christmas isn’t going to be Oscar worthy … or worth the price of admission either for that matter. However, if there’s one thing you can count on it’s that Black folks will support it.

Could this be because we’re under-served in cinemas? Some theorists in Hollywood have argued that point. I’ll leave that up for debate. However, the fact of the matter is we like movies and typically tend to support the ones that we’re in since they tend to be few and far between. I own over 500 Blu Rays and DVD. I’m frequently at my local AMC. For the season of Lent, my pastor challenged me to give up going to the movies. Needless to say, I failed … horrendously. What I’m trying to say is that we will pay money to see a movie. This was undoubtedly proven with The Best Man Holiday which not only received an “A+” from CinemaScore, but featured an audience that was 87 percent African-American during its opening weekend. Universal Pictures has taken notice.

It was recently announced that Universal has ordered a third installment of The Best Man series and the cast is expected to return. When that movie is released, I would like to see it accompanied by a slew of other motion pictures featuring casts from a variety of different ethnic groups. Isn’t variety the spice of life? In my opinion, it is and I would like to see more of it on the silver screen. Besides, The Best Man Holiday has now given more colorful audiences a foot in the door.

Perchance we can kick it down with the other foot.

Hey, you! Enjoy what you read? Follow the author, Jaylen Christie, on Twitter @thesuperflynerd! 

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It seems to be an accepted fact among my colleagues and friends that I’m not particularly fond of scorching temperatures – which is rather interesting considering that summer is one of my all-time favorite seasons. You see, I am a big fan of summer television. In fact, I honestly believe it’s the best form of broadcast programming. While there may be some individuals who don’t particularly share my sentiment, I stand by my unadulterated belief. Simply put, summer TV is damn awesome.

Don’t believe me? Take a gander at your local listings.

I’ve always found diversity to be the spice of life. To that end, I’ve become hooked on several dissimilar, yet remarkably entertaining, shows this summer. The USA Network has become known for offering television programs that are light and fluffy. I’m a big fan of Royal Pains which is one of the shows that I’ve been watching on the network. In fact, it’s become a part of my Wednesday night staple along with the hilarious Baby Daddy on ABC Family, and the always funny The Soul Man on TV Land. On Saturday mornings, my television is locked on Cartoon Network for Beware the Batman, and my Sunday evenings are spent watching Devious Maids on Lifetime.

You see? There really is something for everyone.

Perchance the same can be said about the regular television season – you know, the one that commonly starts in late September and ends in May. Last season, I had trouble finding a new show to watch during the fall and spring. I gave Arrow a shot but that fizzled like a can of Mountain Dew. I even tried Scandal, but it just didn’t do anything for me. While there was honestly a broad selection for me to choose from, I couldn’t find a program that I could enjoy. This certainly isn’t the case for the summer though.

One of the things that I find so amazingly appealing about summer shows is that they have a shorter concentrated season generally consisting of about 13 to 14 episodes as opposed to the standard 24. Television shows that have more episodes usually have to stretch plots out which can become dull, tedious and rather protracted. Does Lost ring a bell? However, by having a shorter season, I find that the pace is sharper and the story flows a bit smoother without having to add in unnecessary filler storylines.

This certainly seems to be working for Devious Maids which has been having one hell of a season on Lifetime. One of the show’s main storylines involves a murder mystery that has been playing out over the course of its 13 episode season. The writers have found a way to cleverly craft the story without having it drag. I think that’s worthy of note. However, sometimes a shorter season can leave one yearning for more.

Such is the case for TV Land’s The Soul Man which is wrapping up its 10 episode second season on August 28. The sitcom, starring Cedric the Entertainer and Niecy Nash, hasn’t earned a third season pick up just yet which is one of the reasons I wanted a longer second season. I’m bummed that it’s ending so soon, and it’s causing me to wonder just what I will replace it with. The fact of the matter is that summer TV lasts only during the, well, summer. Fall TV is on the horizon, and while I am looking forward to the premiere of Almost Human on FOX, I just feel that the fall isn’t the same.

There’s a certain quality to summer programming, an amusing charm. It’s kind of like cotton candy – not much to it, but fun to eat. Summer TV is entertaining. It’s a good way to kick back after a hard day and unwind with a few laughs. Perhaps that’s what I enjoy about it the most – the fact that it’s simple, concise and downright amusing.

Now, that’s what I call hot.

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The San Diego Comic-Con has hosted some highly popular TV show reunions in the past. Last year we had Firefly for their 10th anniversary. This year we saw The X-Files for their 20th. They both went over really well with fans, filling up one of the biggest rooms at the ‘con. I wouldn’t be surprised if some die-hard fans of either show had traveled to San Diego for the sole purpose of seeing these panels.

The question now, of course, is what show — or shows — could be filling up a hall or ballroom at next year’s SDCC to celebrate a landmark anniversary? As it turns out, there are quite a few big ones that’d fit in quite well.

Let’s start with those shows celebrating a ten-year anniversary. The two biggest ones by far: Lost and Battlestar Galactica. It’s already been rumored that Lost might have something planned for next year. I brought the subject up with Ronald D. Moore at this year’s press room for Helix, and he seems almost insistent that there be some recognition of the event (skip to 8:12 in the below video).

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhFYHmFZubc

But those aren’t the only two shows celebrating ten years. Another biggie is Deadwood. It didn’t last very long in the air — and, hell, Firefly lasted shorter — but it had one hell of a cult following. If Deadwood was to have a reunion at Comic-Con, I have no doubt it’d go over big.

A few other shows celebrating a ten-year anniversary that might be a fit for SDCC, but probably wouldn’t fill a large ballroom: The 4400, Entourage, Ghost Hunters, House, and Rescue Me. However, I know I’d fucking love to see a House reunion. Entourage could pull it off, if they’d get that damned movie ready and use it as a launching point for it. Ghost Hunters is still on the air, so I’m not sure a “reunion” makes sense. Rescue Me … now that could be interesting, but something about it doesn’t jive with being at Comic-Con.

There are yet other shows celebrating ten years in 2014, and while some are pretty damn big shows, I’m not convinced they’re a fit for Comic-Con. Namely: Desperate Housewives, Boston Legal, CSI: NY, Dog the Bounty Hunter, The L Word, and Project Runway.

Let’s not forget shows celebrating 20 years. There are a few BIG ones: My So Called Life, M.A.N.T.I.S., and Friends. I think My So Called Life could fit in extremely well, especially if Showtime would finally bring Homeland to SDCC and give reason for Claire Danes to be there for a dual-purpose. Friends is sorta up there with Desperate Housewives: big show, but is it fit for that crowd? M.A.N.T.I.S. fits the crowd perfectly, but did it have a big enough following?

Now let’s end with shows celebrating 25 years. There are a couple of huge shows here as well: Quantum Leap, Seinfeld, and The Simpsons. Now, Quantum Leap would be freakin’ awesome to have at SDCC! Someone needs to make that happen. Seinfeld … could definitely work; I’m just not sure it wouldn’t stick out as a “why the hell is THAT show here?” thing. The Simpsons is still on the air, so a reunion, again, doesn’t make sense, although I’d be surprised if we don’t see some sorta celebration marking the occasion. A few other shows marking 25 years, though likely won’t make a peep next year: Doogie Howser, M.D., Life Goes On, MTV Unplugged, Rescue 911, and Saved By The Bell.

So, fans of the above-mentioned shows: get ready for SDCC 2014!

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Good television shows can be so hard to find. While that may not be a documented Nielsen statistic exactly, it’s certainly my unadulterated opinion. It’s common knowledge among my friends and colleagues that I’ve been on the search for a good TV show to watch ever since Desperate Housewives went off the air in 2012. I’ve tried several programs and, well, they all left something to be desired. Luckily for me, a new summer drama has come to the rescue – and it’s from the minds behind Desperate Housewives no less.

Anyone with access to the internet may be privy to the fact that the show has generated a bit of negative buzz regarding its portrayal of Latinas as maids. However, as someone who works in public relations, I know the value of attention – whether it’s good or bad. But, you see, the thing about Devious Maids is that it’s honestly pretty good. Perchance this is why the show has seen a pretty steady increase in viewership, gaining more and more with each passing episode. Entertainment Weekly recently reported that Maids garnered a four percent increase from its premiere in June, and is now shy of three million viewers – which is solid for a cable network. And why wouldn’t it continue to gain viewership?

As a man of color, who also happens to write a column on ethnic diversity, I find it absolutely refreshing to see five capable and talented Latina actresses in lead roles. To be honest, isn’t it about time? I’m not remotely offended by having these wonderful women of color playing maids. After all, being a maid doesn’t define their characters. On the contrary, these women are portrayed as being smarter than their spoiled and pampered employers. Reyes’ character Zoila, one of my favorites, is frequently paired up with Susan Lucci’s wonderfully hilarious Genevieve. Zoila serves as the voice of reason for Genevieve, a woman who has never had a job and who has been married six – count em, six – times just to have a husband pay for the mortgage of her luxurious mansion. Now, what does that tell you? Mmmmhmph.

And entertain it does.

Seven episodes in, I have a few favorite moments so far. I liked seeing Carmen (played wonderfully by Sanchez) doing the salsa at a party to impress the music mogul whom she hoped to sign with. I also enjoyed Rosie (portrayed marvelously by Ramirez) walking in on her employer cheating on her husband and then asking what kind of coffee she wanted. And I’m really enjoying Marisol (played beautifully by Ortiz) snooping around to find out who the hell killed Flora. Oh, and any scene with either Lucci or Rebecca Wisocky is pure genius. Wisocky can do more with a facial expression than some actresses can do in a lifetime.

So, is the show a carbon copy of Desperate Housewives? Well, yes…and no. But I guess, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. The show is something of a real valentine to people who miss Housewives. I think it’s filling the void rather nicely. Hopefully, Lifetime renews the program for a second season. I believe they have a real hit on their hands, and I’m finding great pleasure in seeing these amazing Latinas have their (long overdue) moment in the spotlight. It’s a shame really that it’s taken so long to have a show like this. But let’s focus on the positive. At least it’s here now.

Having to wait any longer would have been downright devious.

Enjoy the article? Follow Jaylen Christie on Twitter @thesuperflynerd!

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Whew, the past two weeks have been rather busy for me, but rest assured, I’m back with a new installment of Clacking in Color in addition to some good news! During those two eventful weeks, I discovered a new television show, one to fill the void left by Desperate Housewives — ABC’s hit primetime drama Scandal! Now, I bet I know what you’re thinking: Really, Jaylen? That show is now in its second season! Well, pipe down. I know that. However, I had a little preconceived hostility before hopping on board.

You see, the reason why I never was so gung-ho about giving Scandal a try was because I kind of saw it as the reason why one of my favorite TV shows was canceled. It’s no secret that Shonda Rhimes is a powerhouse screenwriter and producer. As an African-American writer, I respect her drive. She’s a strong sistah’. However, it can be pretty tough work balancing three different TV shows — Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice and Scandal … at least that’s my opinion. Now, I may be wrong, but the way I saw it was that Scandal had a little something to do with Private Practice ending.

Alright, Scandal lovers, put your weapons down and go with me on this. I always felt as though Private Practice was the bald-headed stepchild of the three programs that Rhimes created, and I believe that the more that she invested into Scandal, the less attention she gave to Private Practice. If anyone remembers correctly, Private Practice, a sunny spin-off of Grey’s Anatomy, used to air right after Grey’s went off. Once Scandal arrived on the scene, the show was booted to Tuesdays to make way for the new program. That ain’t right, folks. It ain’t right at all.

While I’m happy to know that Scandal is gaining a loyal fan following — something that makes me smile knowing that Kerry Washington, a beautiful and talented African-American woman is the lead — it still doesn’t erase the fact that it could have been the reason why one of my favorite shows is no longer with us. Ladies and gentlemen, I loved Private Practice. As a matter of fact, the very first Clacking in Color was about Audra McDonald, one of the show’s actresses. Scandal is the culprit here … and that, my friends, is the reason why I refused to give it a try. However, now I’ve seen the light … and I’m starting to go a little blind.

I’m not going to sit here and say that Scandal is the best thing on television right now, but I am enjoying it … even if the characters talk too damn fast. My question is why in the world it took so long to get on the air. I recently wrote about how the current TV season boasts a few more racially diverse faces, but I do believe that Scandal is the only primetime drama to feature a Black woman as the lead. What gives?

If Facebook and Twitter is any indication, viewers can’t seem to get enough of the program. I can’t tell you how many times I see statuses and updates about the show which means that a lot of people are watching. Perhaps it also means that we’ll soon see more minorities featured as the leads in their own respective shows. One can only hope.

When the series finale of Private Practice aired last month, I was pretty upset. However, all good things come to an end, right? I’ll admit that I was kind of worried about finding a new TV show to follow, but it helps to know that Scandal is on the air. I’ll admit that it hasn’t hooked me like Desperate Housewives did, but I am willing to give it a try. Surprisingly, in an ironic twist of fate, it is kind of filling the void left by Private Practice. Hmph.

Hmph. Now ain’t that scandalous!

Do you enjoy reading Clacking in Color? Jaylen sure as hell hopes so. Keep up with his opinions and ponderings by following him on Twitter @thesuperflynerd!

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You know, one of the things that I enjoy about watching television is discovering hidden gems — actors and actresses that possess immense talent but, for some bizarre reason, aren’t the stars of their own programs. I think we’ve all seen these capable individuals pop up in sitcoms or dramas, and we wonder to ourselves who, what, when, and where the hell they came from. Well, this week’s Clacking in Color is about one of those enigmatic performers — Justina Machado.

I shrugged it off thinking to myself that I’d never see her again, that Machado was just one of those many struggling artists trying to climb out of the deep dark abyss of non-recognition. However, I was pleasantly surprised and equally pleased to see her pop up in Private Practice as Dr. Sam Bennett’s new main squeeze — a pity he dumped her in the final episode of the series though. Nevertheless, she did leave a lasting impression.

Perchance that’s a testament to her talent. Heck, I’d like to think so.

I distinctly remember the scene of Machado nearly kicking down Teri Hatcher’s door in Desperate Housewives in order to find her missing husband and, I quote, ring his neck like a chicken. Hell, I thought the lady was serious. Also, did anyone see Machado tell off KaDee Strickland’s Charlotte in Private Practice? Now, how awesome was that?

I don’t know how it is to be an actor or actress in Hollywood. I’m not sure I want to know. I imagine it must be challenging. In fact, I don’t even think that’s the proper word. Maybe traumatic is. However, it’s nice to know that Machado is making a name for herself. She’s clearly getting steady work and in this economy, that’s a good thing. It’s moments like these where I wish I was a successful screenwriter and show runner a la Shonda Rhimes. If I were, I’d cast Machado as a lead character in a drama. I think that would be cool. Yet I digress.

Maybe there’s some good to flying under the radar. After all, the gossip columnists aren’t all over you and you can also avoid negative attention. Who wouldn’t want that? I always said that if I made it to Hollywood, I’d want to be an actor and not a celebrity. There is a definite difference. That’s what Machado is — an actress and not a celebrity.

And there ain’t a damn thing wrong with that.

Do you enjoy reading Clacking in Color? Jaylen sure as hell hopes so. Keep up with his opinions and ponderings by following him on Twitter @thesuperflynerd!

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