"Everybody Still Hates Chris," "The Six Triple Eight," and "Living Single": Brief and Not-So-Brief Opinions: Part 11

Living Single, Everybody Still Hates Chris (Comedy Central), and The Six Triple Eight (Netflix).

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The 'brief and not-so-brief opinions' articles are my outlet to rant about or appreciate movies, shows and their elements. I will express my thoughts while watching and after or only after watching, it depends. I will not be rating. These are not spoiler-free for the most part, and no research will be made for or about them (unless it's out of curiosity or accidental, which would be mentioned). They are in no particular order of recent watching as well. However, the opinions are based on the order in which the movie or series is viewed (for the most part). This wouldn't be as structured or detailed, and there would be no set number of picks per article. It would be just as things go. It is intended to be casual. So think…conversations about movie plots, characters, topics, or something like that.

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The Six Triple Eight (2024)

A mission is finally given to the 6888th battalion, but their intense regular and additional training appear pointless as they are given the seemingly basic mission of sorting and delivering mail within a set time frame, without knowing the extent of it. This task no one wanted to do and failed at is dumped on the all-black female battalion with intent for them to fail but they persevere against racism, sexism, antics, and hoards of mail. The Six Triple Eight is a scripted portrayal of a true story from World War II, utilizing written and spoken memories as the second format to share history, following a 2019 documentary of the same name.

While several aspects of the movie weren't my favourite, I knew I wanted to watch it based on the inspiring score from the trailer and Kerry Washington's acting, which did not disappoint me. Kerry Washington plays Major Charity Adams and effectively balances her character. She is intense when needed to push her soldiers to be twice as good and stand in their well-deserved worth, but she is also understanding of Lena's struggle and comforts her when needed. She remains electric when she's not having a good time or being informal with her friend and second-in-command, Captain Campbell. I liked their friendship and appreciated their support for one another. The ladies proved their competence by solving the impossible as they delivered mail to soldiers on the battlefield and their families at home, gaining respect and lifting morale.

Everybody Still Hates Chris (2024)

Everybody Still Hates Chris is a reboot of the 4-season 2005–2009 sitcom, Everybody Hates Chris. This series of 10 episodes picks up where its predecessor left off, with Chris' GED, and the results lead to an emotional and animated shift forward. Still following Chris Rock's life as the narrator, several changes occur after Chris fails the GED and has to retake 10th grade with his younger brother, Drew. His growth is evident in the moments of maturity he shares and learns from as he gains experiences. The series includes the parents from the original cast as voice actors and several original recurring characters from the prequel series. Still utilizing comedy, although with a bit more flexibility in an animated world, the navigation of his life as a black boy in 1980s Brooklyn is evident. 

Scenes such as his vulnerability after failing the GED, Rochelle teaching him ways to protect and care for himself in society, Julius trying to take care of Tanya while she's sick, Drew learning that strength doesn't only come from fighting, and more, portray the show's depth. The animation seems to draw inspiration from the live-action series' characters and adopts a softer style. The series is a great revival, with new elements and popular callbacks to the original that make it seem as if no time has passed. It is definitely one of the better recent black animated series, despite the continued reminder of an often painful reality, which reminds Chris and the audience that Everybody Still Hates Chris.

Living Single (1993–1998)

This sitcom centered on black adults at a time when family sitcoms were more popular and showcased an understanding of the era, which still holds up regarding it's topics about the workplace, society, and relationships. It is the predecessor of several black shows focused on adulthood and friendships such as Insecure, Harlem, Run the World, and more. It's heartwarming, realistic, and a good representation to all adults Living Single. Khadijah, her cousin Synclaire, her university friend Maxine, and her childhood friend Regine comprise the female members of the friend group. Kyle and his childhood friend Overton are their neighbours and the male counterparts of the group. These six friends and neighbours are stuck like glue as they navigate aspects of life within their brownstones in Brooklyn, New York.

I appreciated the development of their characters and friendships, and I was pleased with how things turned out for most of them. However, the changes in the last season remain noteworthy. The last season swaps Kyle out for Tripp in the friend group and he replaces Regine in the women's unit. This change was not smooth, despite their efforts, and would be unnerving to anyone watching. However, Tripp or Ira's inclusion wasn't bad. I felt he may not have been necessary, but he brought a new edge to the show. Even though I didn't appreciate the change due to the cast disruption, he was a new roommate who got along with the others. I was glad about Kyle's return at the end and the cast reunion, despite the strange and rushed feel of it all. Regardless, this show is a splendid depiction of neighbours and their friend who thinks she lives there.

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