Bel-Air Review: Payback’s a B*tch (Season 1 Episode 7)

Bel-Air is extremely close to magic. The latest installment, however, falls just a bit short.

On Bel-Air Season 1 Episode 7, “Payback’s a B*tch,” Will and Carlton throw a party, Hilary has to stand up for herself, and interesting wrinkles are introduced to Vivian’s art career.

The focus of “Payback’s a B*tch” is primarily Will and Carlton’s story. Will and Lisa have secretly begun dating, so even though it’s a secret from their parents, they feel strongly that they have to tell Carlton. Predictably, this does not go as planned, and the time arrives before it is “right.” 

“Payback’s a B*tch” starts off extremely promising. The friction between Carlton and Will begins to diminish as some of Carlton’s lacrosse-playing friends turn on him. Carlton begins to feel like an outcast, which is something to which Will can relate. 

Frankly, Bel-Air is a better series when Will and Carlton are getting along. The friction between them can sometimes feel forced or manufactured. Will and Carlton relating well and getting along makes for a more compelling series, rather than drama between them that feels fake.

But unfortunately, due to their interest in the same girl, Carlton and Will are headed for so much friction they may as well be rubbing their socks on the carpet, or a balloon on their heads. 

A drama series, of course, is meant to have this kind of friction. But the fact that you can see it coming makes it feel forced or insincere.

The biggest positive in all of the Will and Carlton interaction, drama or no drama, is that Jabari Banks and Olly Sholotan are completely up to any challenge. They both have such vulnerability but can turn on a dime and deliver a snarky remark or a punchline.  Focusing on Will and Carlton in stories gives two of Bel-Air‘s best actors the most screen time, which is a great decision.

Sholotan’s performance is remarkable, as Bel-Air sticks Carlton in Will’s shoes. Carlton’s decision to be better and stand up to his friends marks a huge moment on “Payback’s a B*tch,” and one of the best scenes on the series thus far. 

Simone Joy Jones, who plays Lisa, also deserves some serious credit for her work on Bel-Air and “Payback’s a B*tch” in particular. Jones handles her material deftly and with a mature and level-headed quality. 

Bel-Air has a ton going for it, but “Payback’s a B*tch,” is just good. With some tweaks, it could be great.

A few stray thoughts:

• For fans of the original series, it’s a little weird to watch Hilary and Jazz like each other. Isn’t it?
• Reed is obviously a sleazy character, but Michael Ealy plays him so well. 
• Hopefully, instead of continually putting Will and Carlton at odds, the love and compassion they clearly have for each other will begin to take hold. 
• There isn’t a bad actor on Bel-Air. Not one. They’re all fabulous.

 

What did you think of this episode of Bel-Air? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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New episodes of Bel-Air stream Thursdays on Peacock.

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