'Being Mary Jane' Season 3, Episode 10: You Are Truly a Blessing
I was ready to let go of Being Mary Jane midway through its second season. The show was starting to feel so draining. While I found it interesting that Mary Jane Paul was not the kind of character you rooted for - which felt unique for television, and specifically, female characters on TV - she was a little unbearable and grating to watch. As a person, she was contemptuous and judgmental, which was interesting giving her stints as a side piece (but hey, been there myself) and becoming the sperm bank bandit. The stealing of the sperm thing is where I wondered if the show became too ridiculous for me to endure.
And then something shifted. Mary Jane became more complicated, or to be blunt, more human. She still wasn’t the nicest person, but she at least had more layers to her and started to show real growth on the screen. The end result was what I feel is its finest season that concluded tonight. One that tackled race, but also suicide and relationships in real, complex ways.
I am looking forward to what comes next on Being Mary Jane, but in the meantime, congratulations to all for what’s been its best season. Now, let’s talk it out.
What would you do if your ex’s mom abruptly showed up at your doorstep?
Me, myself, me, myself, personally, I would have begrudgingly answered the door out of respect for my elders like Mary Jane did. However, I would’ve definitely let Mama Ex Bae have it for pushing her weight around where it doesn’t belong. David is gorgeous, but he let her now deceased friend show what dat mouf do on top of all of the other drama he put her through. With his mom knowing all of this, why would she take a cab to her house to plead her son’s case? And why wouldn’t she just let him do that if he really was about winning her back?
Can you think of any date worse than one at a karaoke bar?
I surely cannot think of one, but you know, if you’re into that, enjoy yourself.
“You’re the second black woman I’ve ever dated that over analyzes every move she makes at work, or her entire life, for that matter.”
So, here is the problem with White Bae: He’s so stuck in his bubble that he cannot fathom life outside it. Interracial dating can be wonderful - again, look at Mariah Carey - but not when you’re dating a white man who makes these weird generalized statements about black womanhood. I mean, if you’re on your second black woman, you shouldn’t be saying things like that.
Thankfully, Mary Jane broke it down, but when she said “I don’t like to explain” things like her kitchen, and subsequently, why she’s so supposedly analytical, I did a slow cap. That is a real concern for many black people. You want to be able to enjoy your personal relationships, particularly when so much of the outside world misjudges you.
That said, Ryan Phillippe, if you’re reading this, I would still totally date you.
“I want black men. I want black love.”
She’s going to end up with an Asian man with a fade. I’m just kidding. But you know, that was powerful to hear.
Kara, what is wrong with you?
I love Kara. She’s been my favorite character since this show started. Even so, she is on the verge of losing her job for no other reason than her pride. She got the warning from her boss about Marisol going to HR and to fix it, and what does she do? Tell her she has cute shoes and that she’s sorry she’s a fiery Latino? Oh, sis. You want to be out of a job.
I don’t like the way Marisol moves, but I will say that when you’re excited to meet someone like Kara and she not only rejects you, but diminishes your work by claiming you slept your way to the top, sometimes you have to light that ass up. Good luck with those interviews, Kara.
“You slutty drunk bitch.”
Loretta Devine has done a phenomenal job playing Cece, but I am so glad to see Mary Jane finally call the po-po. Y’all know I hate her. Mary Jane should have done this a few episodes ago, though, better late than ever. Cece really thought she had hit the lotto once again only to find herself being pulled away in handcuffs. Mary Jane should have pointed and laughed at her.
NOT NICEY!
Once again, what makes Being Mary Jane such an important show is not only how it discusses race in America, but particularly how America treats Black women. I hate to see that happen to Nicey, but I’m incredibly curious to see how that unfolds in the next season.
Congratulations again to all for a great, great season.
P.S. Mary Jane, don’t you go back to David.