As a fan of both the original Fresh Prince and the modern Bel-Air reboot, I must say it’s truly fascinating to witness the creative evolution of these beloved characters. The casting choices are brilliantly thought out, showcasing that wealth comes in all forms and isn’t confined to stereotypes. Vic Mensa, with his edgy persona and successful venture capitalist background, brings a unique coolness to the table that resonates with today’s audience.
[This story contains spoilers from Bel-Air season three, episode six, “Baggage.”]
In the third season of Bel-Air, summer’s here and school’s out for me too! Just like Will Smith (Jabari Banks) and Carlton Banks (Olly Sholotan), I find myself working at a country club, as Uncle Phil (Adrian Holmes) advises against our usual classroom chaos.
“Carla Banks Waddles, the showrunner, expresses her enthusiasm about summer in Bel Air, as it’s something they haven’t experienced before. They’ve always been confined to school environments and uniforms. The prospect of being outdoors opened up opportunities for new filming locations and a chance to delve into classic L.A. summer activities for kids, such as Juneteenth, fireworks, beaches, swimsuits, hot tubs, and swimming pools.”
In its new setting for the third season, now streaming on Peacock since Aug. 15, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reboot carries on the practice of featuring cast members from the original ’90s show. Most recently, Joseph Marcell, who played the original Geoffrey, made an appearance in “Baggage,” the sixth episode of this season’s drama. This follows Tatyana Ali and Daphne Maxwell Reid, who appeared in seasons one and two respectively. Karyn Parsons gave her approval to Coco Jones from a distance.
In the discussion below, Banks Waddles shares his account of transporting Marcell from London to the LA film set, as well as the daring risks the scriptwriters took in developing this season’s plotlines.
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What was the biggest challenge coming into season three?
We had numerous storylines to explore following the conclusion of season two. With nine main cast members, we were eager to delve deeply into the narratives based on where they stood at the end of season two. However, we were constrained by having just 10 episodes to wrap everything up. This led us to ponder which tales would be most compelling and how we could provide each character with a fulfilling beginning, middle, and end. Many viewers, I believe, are drawn in by particular characters. They have their favorites, cherished dynamics, and beloved relationships. The challenge was to tell all these stories within 10 episodes and ensure that they all left a lasting impact.
In the current season, we witness another phase of Carlton’s (Olly Sholotan) struggle with addiction, focusing on recovery. Some might say this storyline is handled more carefully than similar plots in other television series. How far ahead was this plotline planned when you initially chose to guide him along that path?
As a gamer immersed in the narrative, it was captivating to witness the reactions to that tale, particularly focusing on the mental health aspect. It was powerful to see a wealthy young Black boy grappling with struggles despite his privileged life, making us ponder how we could authentically portray this journey for our character. We didn’t want to rush it or trivialize it, but at the same time, we wanted to ensure there was balance – showing both the harsh realities and moments of joy. After all, many were eagerly waiting for Carlton to break free from his addiction and live life fully. So, in this new season, we’ve introduced a romantic interest for him, something we haven’t seen before on screen – a first kiss for our character. It’s an exciting addition that adds depth to the storyline while staying true to the journey of our protagonist.
It seems that infidelity could be a possibility for characters Aunt Viv (played by Cassandra Freeman) and Uncle Phil (portrayed by Adrian Holmes) in this new season. Did you have any reservations at all about questioning the viewers’ perception of them as a strong symbol of Black love?
The question you asked is insightful, as the finale of season two saw Uncle Phil sending a text accepting an invitation to dinner, aware that many viewers would be disheartened by potential discord in his marriage due to infidelity rumors. However, it’s crucial to maintain authenticity given their long-standing union of more than 20 years. This is not just about exploring the complexities of a troubled relationship but also upholding the significance of Uncle Phil and Aunt Viv as the core pillars of the show. If this foundation crumbles, the entire support system could collapse.
Vic Mensa guest stars this season. How did that come about?
In the new season of the show, Vic Mensa takes on the role of Quentin, a character who transitions from an MMA fighter to a venture capitalist and serves as a business advisor for Will and Carlton. Previously, we had characters like Doc, portrayed by Brooklyn McLin, in Will’s life last season. As we introduce a new character into their world this time around, it was essential for us to highlight the diversity of wealth. Vic Mensa is adorned with tattoos, flashing gold, diamonds, and other bling. In discussions within the writers’ room, there were comparisons drawn to Nas and his transformation from a rapper to a successful venture capitalist. By casting Vic Mensa as the boys’ mentor, we aimed to present a cooler, hipper image of wealth that can appear differently on various individuals.
As a gaming enthusiast, I’m always excited to see familiar faces in my favorite games. This time around, it’s none other than Joseph Marcell from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air! But how did this surprise guest appearance come about? That’s what I’m dying to know too!
We greatly appreciate it when our original cast members join us. They’ve been fantastic and cooperative whenever we’ve reached out, but we’re careful not to force someone into the story who doesn’t seem natural. The character you’ll see this season fits perfectly with the narrative we had planned. However, it was challenging to bring him on board because he’s 75 years old, a busy actor living in London, and his play schedule left little room for flexibility. Specifically, he was performing five days a week without an understudy, making it difficult for us to find even one day that he could travel to L.A., shoot here, and then return to London. Given his concern about not missing the play, where he has a significant role, our window of opportunity to get him here was small. I’m proud of how we managed to make it work.
Has any conversation taken place regarding your guest list, or is it possible for Will Smith to join us as a special guest on the program?
It’d be fantastic! In our previous discussions, we considered having him play Lou (the character Will’s father was portrayed by Marlon Wayans in season one). However, it seemed a bit overly symbolic, given that Will is played by Will Smith himself. In an ideal world for season four, I hope we can find another suitable role for him instead. I believe both the fans and the cast would enjoy seeing him return to the show. After all, who knows what might happen?
“As a huge fan, I have to admit that there was some initial skepticism about the modern take on Bel-Air. But what’s truly heartening now, three seasons in, is witnessing how warmly the show has been accepted by audiences. The journey of seeing this fresh interpretation find its place and resonate with viewers has been incredibly rewarding.”
Initially, there was apprehension among fans regarding any changes to the Banks family and their cherished IP. Many felt that it had reached a near-perfect conclusion, so the idea of reintroducing familiar faces in a new format sparked frustration. However, as time passed, people began to realize that this wasn’t just another version of the original – it was a completely different show. It isn’t a comedy, although it does have humorous moments. The shift in perception happened gradually, and I believe the most gratifying part has been witnessing fans embark on this journey with us.
New episodes Bel-Air release every Thursday on Peacock.
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2024-08-23 20:26