Reasonable Doubt

This show is terrific, let's first say that. The plot, the character development from the first episode, the intrigue, the style, the dialogue... everything is so professionally done, so interesting. But... can we PLEASE stop constantly ragging on white people and calling them every name in the book for absolutely zero reason? It's not ok; it wouldn't be ok if the races were reversed, and it's not ok this way. I mean, it's all the way to the point of, the only mention of a white woman is the one who lied about being sexually assaulted and is discredited without a second thought, but a black woman who claims to be sexually assaulted (also by a rich black man) gets upset that she isn't immediately believed by opposing counsel? Come on. It's fine when it's done in a way that fits in with the storyline, but the characters are talking badly about white people and calling them names without any provocation whatsoever. I still recommend this show, but I really hope all this "f whitey" stuff takes a back seat unless it's relevant to the story.

So many formulas are being tapped into for this glossy but vapid series. Most obvious is the famous Kerry Washington vehicle "Scandal." The sexy business clothes, the amoral behavior. Throw in "Real Housewives" of say- Baldwin Hills, or is this "Sex in the City" of Black Angels? The cast is a talented ensemble that deserves better. The main character, a female lawyer, never does any research, or preparation, but finds time for sexual dalliances the nights before big days in court. And the men in her life are kind of limp. Heck, the estranged husband even hires a bodyguard with whom she cuckolds him. Black women deserve real professional depictions.

Somehow, the writers and creators of Reasonable Doubt have convinced themselves that the language, behavior, and cultural norms depicted are authentic and unapologetically Black. Um, no.

As an African-American professional in my early 50s, (Same age group as Morris Chestnut), an HBCU graduate, and a product of a middle-class childhood community that was 90% African-American, I don't know a single person who goes around using the N-word or listens to music with lyrics that use the same. We're the Anita Baker generation who love Alicia Keys, John Legend, and jazz.

This show has great plot points and a compelling storyline, but every time the main characters open their mouths and utter that word, their intelligence, awareness, and enlightened personas are discredited and thrown into the garbage. The recycle and repurpose rationalization of the N-word is a ridiculous justification and holds no water.

By contrast, Morris Chestnut's character is great and the epitome of poise, class, sex appeal, and everything the main character and her spouse should portray.

Emayatzi Corinealdi is a phenomenal actress who deserves better material. To the creators, depicting these characters in this light is short-sighted and overshadows your theme, general narrative, and character arcs while showing a level of ignorance not befitting your target audience, which I assume are young Black professionals and not the street gang crowd. Please, do better.

So the acting could be better but I'm struggling to understand how some of the reviews are saying that the show is trying too hard to meet the Black experience. First, the outfits are not that far removed from what my black self has seen in my black office. While I personally do not use the "n" word, and I get and agree that it can be offensive, many of my Black friends and associates do use the word frequently amongst themselves. And unfortunately, the references to White people are pretty consistent with my experience. And the comments about Jax being unlikeable are not surprising because many black women in leadership are often characterized as unlikeable. Strong leadership skills in a woman, especially a Black woman, tends to be criticized harshly. But a man that moves like Jax is often considered the best leader EVER. Some of the sex scenes were a bit much but that's what sells these days. I'm looking forward to the show getting better each season.

So disappointing. Gorgeous,talented cast. Clearly aimed at black viewers. But first, clothes worn to the office are hilariously inappropriate. Great looks, but one can only chuckle at seeing them in the office. Background music with frequent use of N word seems far too contrived. Then the continued use of N word in conversations is actually offensive. If meant to seem real, I must object. My friends of color do not converse in that manner. Trying to get a rise out of the audience? Well, you've done that. And it has turned us off. I anticipate watching another episode and then deciding re continue or not.