Review: BET’s Reed Between The Lines

Friday, 18 November 2011 17:01 Written by  Songine' Clarke

If you have yet to check out BET’s new show, then you’re missing out. “Reed Between The Lines” is BET’s new family sitcom starring Tracee Ellis Ross as Dr. Carla Reed and Malcolm-Jamal Warner as Dr. Alex Reed. The show gives viewers a look at a blended family, following the day-to-day lives of Carla, Alex and their three kids: Kaci and Keenan from Carla’s previous marriage, and the couple’s youngest child, Alexis.

Seeing Malcolm-Jamal in the role of father likely brings back some memories of the show that made him famous, as does the emphasis on the parents careers (Carla is a psychologist and Alex is an English professor at NYU) and how they work together to deal with the issues of the children.

One issue that stirred quite a debate was when the oldest daughter Kaci, wanted to perm her natural hair to impress a boy. Carla talked to Kaci about how important it is to remain true to yourself, and not change for a boy. Valuable life lessons like this one are told in each episode, using the comedy in everyday life to get the message across.

I really like this show, and I think that it’s refreshing to see a scripted African American family show on television. We need the positive image of the African American family, an image that has been lacking since “The Cosby Show” went off the air. Like every new show, there are some great things about it and some room for improvement, but I think this show should –– and will –– be renewed next season.



"Reed Between The Lines" Airs Tuesdays at 10P/9C on BET. Find out more about the cast and see clips (scroll down to see a clip here!) of the show at www.bet.com/shows/reed-between-the-lines.html.

 

Songine' Clarke

Songine' Clarke

Songine’ Clarke is a journalism major at Columbia College Chicago. She is an aspiring fashion journalist/stylist.

She can be contacted at songine.clarke@loop.colum.edu
Follow her on Twitter: @SongieAlexis

Website: cfashionista.tumblr.com/

Related Video

A Clip from "Reed Between the Lines" Bet.com