Let me first start off by saying that I am and have always been a fan and supporter of both of you. I've laughed along with different audiences to Madea. I've cried and had aha moments while watching the Oprah show. I am an avid watcher of many of the programs on the OWN network. BUT....and I say this with sincere honesty...the two shows that you have partnered on are not good at all!!! You may be saying to yourself, well 1.8 million people disagree. Let me be clear, I am one of the 1.8 and I watch in order to support you both and the network. I understand that the continued success of OWN has to be felt beyond ratings. I had high expectations for "The Haves and the Have Nots". "Love Thy Neighbor" disappointed me within the first 3 minutes and I turned the channel. I think that you both may want to look in the mirror and really ask yourself if you believe that what you've given to the network is good. One of the problems that I've seen is that you are green lighting and creating works without looking at what other networks are putting on the air. When I look at the programs you've partnered on, I say to myself this is being created and green-lit by two people who have not sat down and watched today's television since probably the 70's and 80's. Yeah, you may have seen an episode or two of Scandal or Grey's Anatomy. But have you watched series television episode after episode, season after season? Have you looked at what competitive networks are showing their audiences? Have you taken a moment to ask OWN viewers exactly what shows they like and what they like about them? The problem with The "Haves and the Have Nots" is mired in a one dimensional viewpoint on life. The dialog is sub par at best and the background music often takes away from the impending drama. And that's just touching the edge of what's wrong with that show. In addition, the actors who I believe have excelled and shined in other roles are bringing about performances that come across as forced and unbelievable. The only explanation I can conceive of is the directing. Mr. Perry, I believe you are very talented and creative individual. I respect your progress, your work ethic and your contributions to the arts and sciences as a whole. With that being said, I don't think it would be a bad idea to delegate some of your responsibilities to other talented individuals in the television realm. I really want your programs to succeed but I fear that by allowing....for lack of a better word...your ego to be on display front and center, you are hindering what could ultimately be a long term successful platform for your shows. I suggest that you both spend a weekend watching other television programs on other networks. Shows that utilized a team to create winning shows that have and had lifelong viewers. Shows that have become a sentimental footprint in the memories of television viewers. I will watch "The Haves and the Have Nots", because like I said earlier I want to support. I also, hold onto the hope that it will get better in time. It's no "Dallas", it's no "Revenge", and no it's not "Scandal". However, it is the latest offering from two individuals I admire. I hope that you will step back, take a breath and truly come up with a way to make it better. Us OWN supporters and television viewers at large deserve that.
Sincerely,
Tamieka A. Blair