Sunday, April 5, 2009

Precious Jill

I rarely write reviews of any type, but I am and have always been a fan of Jill Scott. I have loved her music and songwriting from the beginning and was very impressed with her acting skills in Why Did I Get Married?

So when I saw that she was to star as Precious Romotswe, of The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, I was intrigued. I had heard of the series, but had never made any attempts to read any of the books.

Some have criticized the books and the HBO series as being too light-hearted and simplistic, but I for one have enjoyed the first two installments. Don't we have enough gritty realism in our own lives?

I used to watch Murder She Wrote with my grandmother and Monk with my sister. How real are they? Not very. It is nice to have an African woman featured as a detective - and most of her mysteries are not murders. I like that no one has to die. Sometimes people do, but not every time, and to me that is refreshing.

I like the humor. I like the way she uses common sense to solve the mysteries, but she is still naive about some things as well. I like that. To me, that is real. Even smart, capable people have gaps in their knowledge and experience that make them vulnerable. The lack of foresight that all of us have accounts for so many of our mistakes, but if we are able to think and act quickly, we mostly avert disaster.

I love the portrayal of Africans. We see different types of hair and dress and grooming, some traditional and some Western. I love Jill's wardrobe and the fact that her full-figure is celebrated and Precious is proud of it, but there is realism in the fact that some people criticize her for it. Some of the men call her 'fat and fabulous', while a jealous wife calls her a 'fat tart'. Isn't that just how life is?

After watching the first two episodes, I am definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.

5 comments:

Naturally Sophia said...

I have not watched it, but you know I am missing out! I missed you this weekend.

blackrussian said...

I wanted to come, but you know I'm trying to take my business to the next level. On Saturday I had an opportunuty to bid on a lake house in an exclusive gated community. $1.3 million. I'm trying to get that clientele! If I get the job, I will definitely post pics!

I know y'all had fun at the Hair Show, so I won't even ask. I'll have to visit your blog to check out the details.

9th Hr Poet said...

I hadn't heard of it either. I will have to search for it on the DVR and record. I am a Jill Scott fan as well. I hate I missed the meet up in Charlotte. My mom had surgery just prior so things have been hectic. Hopefully in the near term, I can attend one of those.

N'Drea ~ the Storyteller said...

Girl, I'm hooked! Jill Scott rocks!

Anonymous said...

I've not heard of it either...I'll have to check it out once released on DVD since I don't have HBO...