Being Mary Jane

Let me start by saying that I hate that they keep casting Gabrielle Union in these cliché weak woman roles. She's a much better actress then that and to keep putting her in things where she's always having to be the beta and crushed by the far dumber male counterparts is just wrong! That is the main problem with this show, it could have been an amazing show if everyone acted like they weren't 13 and didn't make the kind of mistakes you expect to see in high school. Instead you have a show that was essentially made with teenage drama in mind for grown adults in their 30's-40s and it simply doesn't work. I've seen these actors in all kinds of different settings and they are really good so to see them in a show this poorly written is just soul crushing. 6/10 only because despite the writers attempts to make this mindless dribble good actors are still good actors.

I am constantly scouting for new shows and I just happened across this today. I had no idea the pilot had already come out so it was a welcome surprise. One word...Fantastic. For a pilot I found myself really engaged and at the end I wanted more, which is always a good sign for a new show, so fingers crossed the show will build up on its potential.

Gabrielle is perfect for this role, she really portrayed MJ's moments of vulnerability very well. Also the family dynamic always interests me and the way this is not your standard nuclear family makes the conflict more interesting. I like the show's focus on women and their challenges in society as well as the pressures from every aspect of their lives.

If it continues to deliver I will surely be checking in till season 2. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for something new and dare I say it refreshing.

You can stop watching after season 4. She show gets messy and repetitive. I was upset when I heard this show was ending until I watched season 5.

The best compliment I could give this show is the soundtrack. I found myself singing along and bobbing my head throughout the premier. Other than that, the show falls flat. This is a pity considering it is exciting to see the diversification of lead characters on television, whichever form that may come. The script is flat and uneventful. The plot development is slow and uninspiring. The acting is shockingly flat considering how much overacting is happening on the show.

I completely agree with one of the previous reviewers in saying that, if this was on any other network and not BET, it would have been cancelled after the pilot. This frustrates me because if we want to improve diversity on main stream television, we need to make sure we raise our expectations and standards. I wanted to like it because it increases the visibility of black females, but I cannot praise mediocrity. 4 Stars for the soundtrack and Gabrielle Union.

Love love love this! And so excited for the series to begin. Gabrielle Union was flawless, charming, funny, beautiful, sexy, and straight up real! Within the first 5 minutes I was hooked. I loved that it was easy to connect with her character because her life was depicted so raw, relatable, and humble. There wasn't too much dialogue with Mary. I was one with Mary Jane, her silence at times allowed you to feel her thoughts and emotion. It was produced perfectly. This show deserves the support and I'm disappointed in the low rating reviews so far, come on people?! This is Black TV and TV that anyone can enjoy! We need more of this but for right now more Mary Jane!