TV Review: 'Bel-Air' Season 3

Jabari Banks as Will in Season 3 of ‘Bel-Air’. Photo: Greg Gein/Peacock.

Returning for its third season of Peacock on Thursday, August 15th with three episodes, ‘Bel-Air’ is set to answer the question “Can a show start life as a goof on the idea of a dramatic reinterpretation of a classic sitcom’s work? On its own terms” is a qualified “yes!”

This impressively staged series still somehow manages to turn the original idea of the comedy series ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ (yes, the show that gave Will Smith his start; the movie star among the current series producers) into a show. Loaded with melodrama and family interactions. And while there’s still the issue of balancing it all, it’s a watchable new idea.

Does ‘Bel-Air’ season 3 have new applications?

(L to R) Ollie Sholotan as Carlton, Jabari Banks as Will in Season 3 of ‘Bel-Air.’ Photo: Greg Gein/Peacock.

Originally created as a trailer by Morgan Cooper that gave the concept of ‘The Fresh Prince’ a moody, dramatic make-over, the show has been tweaked as such — though it certainly tackles some difficult topics (addiction, estranged parents, strained relationships). ), not only does “Bel-Air” lean toward the darker side of the story, but there’s also room for comedy, with Jabari Banks bringing charm and hilarity to lead Will Smith as he tries to make life work. Bel-Air’s glitzy atmosphere as a street kid from West Philadelphia.

He may have been born and raised elsewhere, but Will still found a way to make his way among the rich and powerful, bringing his sporting experience along for the ride.

‘Bel Air’ Season 3: Script and Direction

(L to R) Ollie Sholotan as Carlton, Cassandra Freeman as Vivian, Adrian Holmes as Philip in season 3 of ‘Bel-Air’. Photo: Greg Gein/Peacock.

Co-showrunners Carla Banks-Waddles, TJ Brady and Rasheed Newson aren’t looking to change much in this third season, essentially cooking up different storylines. Among them? Will’s efforts to become more successful on the basketball court, his cousin Carlton Banks’ (Oli Sholotan) experience after rehab for drug addiction, Carlton’s sister Hilary (Coco Jones) is an influencer, and Banks balances his love life with his career as a parent to the children Philip ( Adrian Holmes) and Vivian (Cassandra Freeman) are dealing with their own issues, which include the newly raised specter of infidelity in this third season.

The problems stem from the fact that they’re not the only characters to juggle on the show –– there’s also the likes of trusted advisor/fixer Geoffrey Thompson (played by Jimmy Akingbola) and his own plot about meeting his estranged son and how he’s in British gangland. relating to the past. Will’s friend Jazz and his financial problems with his record store and various important to the minor characters. This means the likes of younger Banks sibling Ashley (Akira Akbar), at least early on, are mostly ignored.

The directing team, including John Scott and Keesha Sharp, make things look good –– clearly the demands of a streaming service in the 2020s are very different from those of multi-cam 1990s sitcoms. While there’s a lot of pressure to portray the trappings of a wealthy family, they’re rarely seen (one egregious example is in an episode of the new season set in “Downtown L.A.,” which is clearly a studio backlot).

‘Bel-Air’ Season 3: Performance

(L to R) Ollie Sholotan as Carlton, Justin Cornwell LaMarcus, Cassandra Freeman as Vivian, Adrian Holmes as Philip, Coco Jones as Hilary, Akira Akbar as Ashley, Simone Joy Jones as Lisa, Jabari Banks as Will in Season 3 of Bel-Air’ . Photo: Travis Ellison/Peacock.

As we mentioned earlier, ‘Bel-Air’ has a large cast, and not all of them are given big enough storylines to get their teeth into, but they’re still solid performers.

Jabari Banks as Will Smith

Banks carries the lion’s share of the story and proves to be a charismatic performer who channels the likes of Smith in the role, even as she delivers more dramatic storylines. Some of the more complex emotions sometimes seem out of her range, but she’s generally a watchable anchor for the show.

Ollie Sholotan as Carlton Banks

Whereas in the original series Carlton was a funny figure known for his silly dress sense and an awkward dance named after him, ‘Bel-Air’s take is much more serious, driven by ambition and haunted by personal demons. Sholoton more than works with a believable brilliance in her character.

(L to R) Adrian Holmes as Phil, Jimmy Akingbola as Geoffrey in Season 3 of ‘Bel-Air’. Photo: Greg Gein/Peacock.

Jimmy Akingbola as Geoffrey Thompson

Like the Carlton character, the original Geoffrey was mostly a delivery service for witty, sarcastic humor and commentary. For ‘Bel-Air’, he can be found investigating criminal behavior or at his fingertips (when called upon). Like the sitcom version, Geoffrey is more of a supporting role, but Akingboler is such a charming performer that he makes the most of it.

Other notable characters

The rest of the Banks family all have their roles –– parents Philip and Vivian are brought more into the drama this season with worries about their careers and the stability of their marriage, and they’re both heavily tasked with Hilary and Ashley’s characters largely being quiet in their own stories, but their There are some funny moments.

‘Bel-Air’ Season 3: Final Thoughts

Jabari Banks as Will in Season 3 of ‘Bel-Air’. Photo: Travis Ellison/Peacock.

‘Bel-Air’ is that rare example of a high-concept idea turned into an impressive show that can stand on its own.

This third season certainly shows some growing pains –– as the ensemble expands, the struggle to give everyone a place in valuable narrative real estate becomes more real. And some storylines are wrapped up relatively quickly; Situations can seem difficult and dramatic in one moment, only to be quickly resolved a few episodes later. Still, Bel-Air rules where necessary.

‘Bel-Air’ Season 3 received 7 out of 10 stars.

“Live by your own rules.”

TV-MA3 seasons13th February, 2022

What is the story of ‘Bel-Air’ season 3?

In the third season of ‘Bel-Air,’ school is out for the summer, and Will (Jabari Banks) is showing Bel-Air his way. Being a part of the Banks family has given him a new perspective –– it’s not just about wealth; This means Will now has the option to lean into other things that excite him and the privilege to dream bigger. When Will makes an exciting pivot, he finds a partner in Carlton (Oli Sholotan), who desperately wants to put his life of addiction behind him and rebuild his damaged reputation. And while the dynamic duo has plenty of exciting wins, working together also reveals fundamental differences in their backgrounds and worldviews. Can such extremes make a partnership work?

Pressures at work and at home will also create challenges for Viv (Cassandra Freeman) and Phil (Adrian Holmes). How does a couple stay strong when their lives are at sea? Hilary’s (Coco Jones) romantic journey with LaMarcus (Justin Cornwell) will encounter some shocking obstacles, and Ashley’s (Akira Akbar) perspective on romance will begin to unravel as she comes of age the summer before she starts high school, and Geoffrey’s (Jimmy Akingbola) ) London’s past will hit a little closer to home.

Who is in the cast of ‘Bel-Air’ season 3?

‘Bel-Air’ stars Jabari Banks, Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Ollie Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Jimmy Akingbola, Jordan L Jones and Simone Joy Jones.