… is Jill Scott’s amazing figure. Is she gorgeous or what? I can’t stop marveling over how great she looks in those beautiful print dresses, a crown of thick natural hair floating above her multicolored scarves. It makes me realize how rare it is to see a full-figured black women represented with such dignity on the screen these days. In “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency,” Scott’s Detective Precious Ramotswe moves with grace, ease, and self-confidence. She’s not taking care of anybody’s babies, or inspiring white people to believe in their dreams.
In other words, she’s not her. Or her. Or him.
Maybe this is what Stanley Crouch had in mind when he wrote that Scott’s character “embodies Bessie Smith’s proud claim of being a big fat mama with the meat just a-shaking off her bones.” But I don’t think Crouch quite gets it. Mma Ramotswe doesn’t strike me as a blueswoman, though she can be as forthright, perceptive and as sensual as one. As a plus-size woman myself, I’m just delighted to watch “No. 1 Ladies” and know that there isn’t a role in this series that Tyler Perry is qualified to play.
I also genuinely like the show. The mysteries are admittedly formulaic and just suspenseful enough for fans of “Monk” or “Murder, She Wrote,” while the cast of characters – especially Anika Noni Rose – are as quirky and sweet as the cops on “The Closer.” More serious, politically-charged TV shows like “The Wire” and “Homicide” are among my favorites – but I’m also glad to see black characters starring in other roles too.
After being inspired by the blog, This So Called Post-Post Racial Life, I hope to discuss”No. 1 Ladies” here on a regular basis. If you are also following the show or if you’ve read the books, please do drop a comment letting us know what you think. Did you catch this week’s episode? Have you read any reviews? Are you as in love with Precious Ramotswe as I am?
Posted by rikyrah on April 7, 2009 at 10:08 PM
I love her too. I simply do. She’s glowing, and it just springs forth from her how happy she is just being herself.
Posted by Claudia on April 7, 2009 at 10:11 PM
Yes! Exactly, just being herself. Thanks for stopping by, rikyrah!
Posted by “Something Else”: The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency « This So-Called Post-Post-Racial Life on April 8, 2009 at 12:01 AM
[...] of The Bottom of Heaven comments on the lovely Jill Scott’s portrayal of a lovely fully-figured woman: Maybe this is what [...]
Posted by Zetta Elliott on April 8, 2009 at 9:23 AM
Alas, I don’t have HBO but my sister raved about these books years ago. Best line in this post: “As a plus-size woman myself, I’m just delighted to watch “No. 1 Ladies” and know that there isn’t a role in this series that Tyler Perry is qualified to play.” AMEN! I really thought he might stop once Michelle Obama took center stage, but no…Jill’s “golden,” no doubt about it…did you see the post about the show on Diary of an Anxious Black Woman? An interesting discussion on American actors trying/failing/not trying to speak with accents…
Posted by Rich on April 8, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Have either you or Frieda read the books by any chance?
Posted by Claudia on April 8, 2009 at 12:44 PM
@Zetta: I did see that post on Anxious Black Woman – she makes a good point, although I’ve read several other reviews that claim the accents are pretty good.
@Rich: Frieda is reading the first one now; I’ll give her a nudge so that she can join in the discussion.
Posted by Frieda on April 10, 2009 at 12:25 AM
I’m currently reading No. 1 Ladies now (first book in the series) and I really like it! What’s great is Precious Ramotswe’s narration throughout the story. The author does a good job of weaving in the history of Botswana and the various gender issues that come with the opening of a detective agency run by a woman. So far, I’m enjoying it!
Posted by Crafty green poet on April 12, 2009 at 10:13 AM
she’s great, totally! I love the books and the tv show.
Posted by Claudia on April 12, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Hi crafty green poet, thanks for stopping by! I hope to get into the books myself soon…
Posted by Professor Tracey on May 28, 2009 at 12:07 AM
Great post! Sums up my feelings about the show!
Posted by Claudia on May 28, 2009 at 1:03 PM
Hey Prof T! I appreciate your comment! I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t been able to get over to your blog, but I know you’re doing great things. And I see you’re into Battlestar Galactica now, too! :)
Posted by Janine on July 10, 2009 at 11:38 PM
I love Precious, have read several of the books in the series. Almost worth getting HBO to see the series, if it’s holding fairly true to the books.