Tune In Or Tune Out: ‘Zatima’ Season Two Is Drama-Filled, If Somewhat Contrived
Watching Tyler Perry’s latest series, Zatima, feels like listening to a friend vent about their drama-filled life. A spinoff of Perry’s Sistas, this romantic dramedy follows Fatima and Zac (both from, and still on Sistas) as their love is tested by past secrets, troublesome friends, and new temptations. Stars Crystal Renee Hayslett (Fatima), Devale Ellis (Zac), Nzinga Imani (Fatima’s best friend Angela), and Remington Hoffman (Zac’s business partner Bryce) share an easy-going chemistry that pulls the viewer in and makes them feel like a part of the group. These relationships do the heavy lifting for the show while the plot takes a back seat. The second season has an entertaining balance of lighthearted comedy and hot drama yet fails to truly dissect its characters or the issues it raises.
Meet Zac and Fatima
The playful moments and banter between characters is the highlight of Zatima. The dialogue is natural and conversations are charmingly casual, with friends simply checking in on each other or making plans for lunch. The little jokes Fatima and Angela share and the way Zac teases his buddies create an intimate atmosphere that pulls the viewer into these relationships. Each character feels unique and knowable without being exaggerated, and each actor brings a solid performance. The characters also feel more established and have more space to shine in the latest season. Angela shows more personality than just playing the role of supportive friend; her new vibrancy and cheekiness add a solid source of comedy. Zac also gets to reveal a goofier, frantic side as well as a deeper, pained side that wasn’t explored much in the first season.
As the series examines the highs and lows of each character, the tone flows smoothly between airy comedy and heavy drama. Playful sources of friction — a neighbor trying to sue Fatima for a fake injury or Fatima not being able to keep up with Zac’s sexual appetite — make for easy viewing and laid-back laughs. However, this season also explores Zac’s traumatic upbringing and strained relationship with his mother, leading to stress in his and Fatima’s relationship. The season gets tense fast and does not loosen up as much as the first season. There are, however, still tamer side plots, humorously theatrical moments in Zac and Fatima’s fights, and lively banter between friends.
Was it Tune In or Tune Out?
While season two is more intense than season one, many of the conflicts feel a bit contrived. In classic romantic dramedy fashion, there are several small misunderstandings that get blown up. More than once, the show employs the trope of one person tripping and falling into the arms of the person who has been flirting with them, only for their partner to catch the exact wrong moment, blow up, and not listen. Zac and Fatima also always happen to be in the same bar, unexpectedly at home, or at each other’s workplace at the worst possible moments. While the initial surprise can be satisfying, and the coincidence can be comical, these flukes and misunderstandings are often drawn out and depended upon as actual sources of tension which can make the conflict feel small and forced.
The same issues are drawn out throughout the season. For example, the neighbor character fakes an injury all season without any development of that plot. Seeing her stumble around and complain in such a blatantly false way is entertaining, but as Zac keeps playing into her ruse, it becomes more frustrating than anything. The primary storyline’s pacing is slightly better; however, with contrived misunderstandings as the plot’s major source of momentum, and with the side disputes playing out repeatedly in the same pattern, the season’s flow drags a bit.
The one solid plot driver is Zac’s relationship with his mom. Zac’s traumatic childhood and the sudden reappearance of his mother in his life provide a serious source of tension that opens the door to substantive issues. Deep-seated wounds to Zac’s self-esteem and sense of trust, as well as the independence and pride he uses as defense mechanisms, combine to create a complex, central character flaw that drives the narrative in an authentic way. Zac’s ex-girlfriend also comes back into his life as he visits his mother. This side love interest is a genuine conflict point; it raises the question of if Fatima, contrasted with Zac’s old girlfriend, can understand his troubled past. Zac’s mom’s reappearance thus organically spurs several layers of struggle and plot in a way that, unfortunately, isn’t seen elsewhere in the show. The subsequent path to recovery for Zac and his relationship with Fatima is set up to be lengthy and require real change on Zac’s part, adding real meat to the story.
Who will like it?
Zatima is an entertaining, soapy slice-of-life dramedy that plays up frivolous conflicts. It is easy to watch without being trashy, and it has comedy, drama, romance, and good chemistry between characters. If you want more than that, Zatima might not be for you. However, if you want to curl up on the couch with a glass of wine and watch something with a bit of shock value and a little fun, Zatima might be just the thing you need. Zatima can be streamed on BET+ with new episodes dropping on Thursdays.
