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Desperate Housewives Africa
EbonyLife TV (DStv channel 165)
Thursday, 9pm
2/5
Rume Bello is the quintessential suburban mother and housewife. But it’s clear that things aren’t as perfect and blissful as they seem when Rume suddenly commits suicide.
After finding a mysterious blackmail note in Rume’s clothing at her wake, fellow suburban housewives Tari Gambadia, Ese De Souza, Kiki Obi, Funke Lawal and Rhetta Moore make a series of shocking discoveries. And so the drama on Hibiscus Lane unfolds.
If this sounds familiar, it’s probably because it is.
Desperate Housewives Africa is the worst. In trying to duplicate the popularity of the hit US series, the African version becomes a watered-down copycat.
More than 10 years ago across the pond, five suburban women became the heart of a major television drama.
And when it ended, the hour-long series made history by being the most watched TV series finale in 2012.
On this side of the continent, Desperate Housewives Africa enters the fray too late in the day.
While it can be said that the Nollywood acting is surprisingly good and the production itself is well done, the series brings nothing new to the TV table, except a diluted version of American culture.
The creators never really wanted to change anything. Their modus operandi seems to have been to copy their American counterparts in a cut and paste manner.
The truth is, the original drama has big shoes to fill. Desperate Housewives Africa is little more than a bad retake, smothered with African accents and Nollywood mannerisms. It’s like watching a bootlegged recap of the original series.
However, what can be appreciated about Desperate Housewives Africa is the witty script. The episodes so far have shown a number of dramatic and comedic moments that deserve appreciation.
In the end, if a combination of Nollywood flair and American drama is right up your alley, then this is the show for you. But if you’re looking for original content, you will have to look elsewhere.
I will not be tuning in again.
