Something tells me that Paco’s alcohol-free tequila is not alcohol-free.
That’s because Marlon Wayans’ portrayal of Marlon Wayne on his new sitcom, Marlon, is as crazy, outlandish and extra as ever.
Marlon is very close with his ex-wife Ashley (Essence Atkins), going so far as to build a fort with their children Marley (Notlim Taylor) and Zachery (Amir O’Neill) in the middle of Ashley’s living room. He’s at her house more now than when they were married, according to Ashley’s friend Yvette (Bresha Webb), a young woman who dresses for the street corner while claiming she is in a celibate relationship – with God. However, although Marlon “wants to have his cake and eat it too,” he goes berserk when he meets the man Ashley is dating.
This is when the real fun begins. The show addresses some generalized stereotypes, never moreso evident than when Marlon goes nuts in the restaurant where Ashley and her date are having dinner, acting “ghetto,” as he calls it, while the other patrons record him with their cell phones.
His physical comedy is at its best, showing off how he defines the word “Wayans” in “Wayans family.” I’ve always loved all the Wayans, especially when the Wayans brothers had The Wayans Bros. on The WB. I’ve also seen Marlon and Shawn do standup, and they’re hilarious. This show has a touch of that, while addressing some more serious issues such as co-parenting, letting go of the past and learning how to move on.
There are some surprisingly tender and vulnerable moments between Marlon and Ashley, which make you believe they could have been an actual couple. But then the conversation turns to how black people tend to spell their children’s names and “white-girl butt” and all things Wayans return.
Based on Marlon’s history as a crazy comedic actor, I’m willing to see how this sitcom develops. There is a lot of room for funny interpretations of relationships, family dynamics and society in general.
Rating: 7 out of 10
MARLON AIRS WEDNESDAYS AT 9 ON NBC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJbsxybmswA
