By George Lee Jr
I was nervous….
Up UNTIL I saw that Debbie Allen was involved… who after all transformed the original series from its tepid first season into a sitcom that became a worthy element of what was NBC’s Must Watch TV from the late 80s to the early 90s as it then held the number 2 spot (after The Cosby Show) for years in the country.
My relief upon viewing confirmed the enduring talent within the vision of Ms. Allen.
While not exactly a reboot nor a reimagining, A Different World serves as a worthy sequel to the original series that many could argue moved the needle up on HBCU attendance as it inspired many within an entire generation to apply to many of its storied institutions.
The sequel did a phenomenal job in continuing the execution of dialogue in race relations, love and loss, heartache, betrayal, friendship as well as “edutaining” (bell hooks anyone?)…. this is what the original did so well. The balance in educating and entertaining is a lost art that I’m happy to see continuing with this series.
Writing for me will always be the foundation of what makes for an enduring and dynamic story as this nails it for me.
Characters from the original series are written in seamlessly without seeming forced as they are intermingled with the younger generation. The acting is solid from the Vets as well as the Newbies as more than capable writing creates a great foundation with a myriad of compelling storylines.
The transition from the multi camera (the original series) to the single camera format as well as the exclusion of a live audience from the original series works.
Despite my initial fears, I am here for this series as I am already anticipating the announcement of the second season.