Episode Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Episode Director: Salim Akil
 
Full cast and crew: Tia Mowry, Coby Bell, Hosea Chanchez, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Pooch Hall, Brittany Daniel
 
The season opener of CW’s The Game shows much promise. Well-worn over-the-top “bling set” comedic antics seem to have been replaced with life-stage challenging dramatic stories that demand and deliver entertainment for and about grown-folks. To their credit the creators have been teasing us with this style of story-telling for some time as you are certain to recall from episodes of seasons past. Though intermittent, those noticeably poignant character dilemmas and exchanges exuded an unmistakable “life imitates art” resonance. As for ushering this season with a starry big bang… sweet! 
 
What a treat to witness this assemblage of artisans engage and regale with power, insight, discipline and versatility. And yet I fear calling this incarnation of The Game “smart” may go too far as some believe “smart” and “entertaining” are mutually exclusive. However they would be dead wrong in light of such an auspicious debut.
 
Reservedly I wonder whether the season of episodes will suffer the ebbs and flows of quality from week to week. I mean, nobody promised they would all be “gems.” But once you give us such an outstanding beginning returning to previous lows will be most unfortunate.
 
Dare I say it? You can learn a thing or two on how to process feelings, behavior and the endurance of the human spirit by watching The Game.