Random TV Season Review - Bel-Air (Season 1)

 

Back in the 90s, Will Smith graced the small screen with being the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air which, itself being a sitcom, was his starting point into acting. It was a fictional account of events that made Will Smith what he is, but in a humorous way as he adjusts to life in Bel-Air with his wealthy aunt, uncle and their children. Now in his 50s and with a family of his own, Will Smith is now a huge star appearing on both the small and big screen while still doing the occasional rap here and there (as he was a rapper before going into acting). With so many people being quite fond of him and the show, a reboot or reimagining was inevitable, which is what this show is. A reimagining of the original sitcom, but played as a drama over comedy, and also based on a fan film by Morgan Spellman (who alongside Smith is one of the people behind the making of this show). Some of you outside the UK may wonder how we got Peacock, which is the streaming service that Universal use. Well here in the UK we have a thing called Sky and Now TV which Universal is a major shareholder of following Disney's purchase of Fox's film and television assets. So Peacock has basically integrated in those TV services. But enough talk, let's see if this reimagining is worthy of being the best thing it can be:

Much like the sitcom, a young Will Smith (played this time by Jabari Banks) resides in Philadelphia with his mum Viola (played by April Parker Jones) and hangs out with his best friend Tray Melbert (played by SteVonte). But when Will gets caught in the middle of a gun fight and lands in jail, his uncle Phil (played by Adrian Holmes) who is running for the DA office in Bel-Air, uses his connections to get him out with the arrangement being that he would start living with him and his family in Bel-Air (at least on a temporary basis at first). While most people there warmly welcome him to Bel-Air, some people are not so happy of him being there, and so he must adjust to this new life while keeping on good terms with his family. Leading into a few serious but relatable issues and so forth.

I will say about this series that it's not as funny as the original show. In fact much of it can feel quite depressing. But it's not all bad. All the actors are great choices for the characters that they play, and I liked the reimagined reason for Smith's move to Bel-Air which tackles the very serious subject of gun violence and racism. I also like how his rivalry with Carlton (played this time by Olly Sholotan) has more stakes going for it and feels less friendly than it was in the original sitcom. Plus, I also find the way the show tackles the latest trends to be tiring at first, but you eventually pick up what's going on. Guess the last thing I will say that I like is the new meaning for being the so-called Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. That and a lot of other things too. It will probably never be as great as the sitcom was, but it does well to stand out in its tone, visuals and how it tackles quite serious issues which also include how people will rate you online. So yeah it's fresh and new and does well to stand out. Let's hope the next season is even better. 8/10