I binge-watched the three seasons and the reduction in quality of each season is jarring. I notice this show has a way of just dropping story lines. End of 1st season, what happened to the investigation of crooked cop's death? The pursuit of Otis and flipping Brandon at the end of season 2 went nowhere. Of course, I know what happened there, but that whole story line was dropped. The two detectives were never even seen in season 3. No explanation for Kevin's Mom's new girlfriend. No explanation for Brandon's death. After Miss Ethel was beat, she was on the verge of being evicted. Finally, she was, but I think the writers had forgot all about it and then remembered to work it in.
I have to say, I couldn't stand Ronnie. Him going to jail was the best thing, but then he got out. As much as I disliked him, killing him off like that was just dumb. He could have ridden off into the sunset and that would have been it. But, oh no, YEARS later, random shooter is going to make him pay for Coogie's death. If anything, he should have been shot when he got out of jail. That woman that spit in Ronnie's face didn't wait until years later to do it.
Otis had some good moments, but his character had some cringe inducing moments too. He told Reg, "When you see me on the street, you don't know me." But, then he's traveling to Reg's house to chastise him, in OPEN DAYLIGHT, with a chaffeur and nice car. Also, having his gang members delivering his pizzas. Plus, his restaurant managers are openly acting like thugs. So much for keeping a low profile. A blind man could see he was dirty.
The one thing that had me screaming at the TV was Keisha's first escape attempt. That was straight horror movie stupidity. Of course, she couldn't escape because the show had to drag out that STUPID story line even longer. How did the guy get Keisha in the first place? Ronnie sees her sitting at the bus stop, barely anytime passes, and she's gone. Since she was wearing the track suit during her abduction, it would have made more sense if it was the coach back for revenge. Yet, it was some random guy that we never saw before. Glad she finally escaped, but even the way that was handled was beyond stupid. Redemption arc #100 for Ronnie to the rescue. And, of course, she winds up pregnant and decides to keep it. Funny how no one even mentions putting the baby up for adoption. Abortion or keeping it aren't the only options.
Finally, the kids were the best part of the show. The kids were consistent in their characterization. Jake was irritating. Papa was the voice of reason and wise beyond his years. And, Kevin was the glue that held them together. Kevin and Keisha played well as siblings, especially since they're real brother and sister. Not true, but they look so much alike and had the same mannerisms, that it's hard not to believe they're not related.
Season 3 was an obvious drop in quality for the show. I may come back for season 4, but if it continues to follow its downward trend in quality, I won't last long.