Mehcad Brooks rocks Necessary Roughness – Clacking in Color

I would just like to start this column by saying that cable On-Demand is a gift. God bless the individual that came up with it. With that being said, after recently discovering that I have the digital cable service offering hooked up to my flatscreen, I spent another fun weekend catching up on some television shows that I haven’t been able to watch regularly. Case in point — the USA network’s hit football oriented drama Necessary Roughness.

Talk about a real slam dunk! Wait, um, wrong sport. …

Here’s a show that I had every intention of watching during its regular season, but couldn’t due to time consuming events such as long hours on the day job, lawn mowing, and, well, life. Imagine my excitement when I learned that the USA Network had all 12 episodes available for free. You can also imagine my appreciation at seeing one of my favorite up-and-coming African-American actors on my television screen — Mehcad Brooks. I was a freshman in college when Brooks was cast as Matthew Applewhite on Desperate Housewives, and even though that particular role wasn’t as, um, fleshed out as some critics may have liked, Brooks went on to land gigs on such notable shows as True Blood and The Game — which was actually the subject of a recent Clacking in Color column. Now it seems he’s finally got a role that he can sink his teeth into.

Talk about a real home run! Wait, um, damn. …

As the over the top and overly stereotypical Terrence “T.K.” King, a football player with an ego as big as an elephant’s backside, Brooks has a chance to really shine. If you ask me, it’s about time. Now, despite the fact that Necessary Roughness revolves around the feisty Dr. Dani Santino, played brilliantly by beautiful Golden Globe nominee Callie Thorne, it’s no secret that the real scene stealer is Brooks. Let’s give credit where credit is due, folks — the brother has it going on, and the writers know this. To that end, let’s examine some of the things that he brings to the show.

1. Energy! In order to play a character as flamboyant as T.K., one needs a substantial amount of energy. I don’t know what kind of carbonated beverages Brooks keeps in his dressing room, but I’m sure that it’s something loaded with caffeine. In practically every episode of the first season, Brooks did something outlandish. The pilot episode immediately comes to mind when he knocked over Dr. Santino’s belongings in an effort to intimidate her.
2. Swag! Let’s face it — if you’re going to play a womanizing football player then you’re going to have to look the part. It certainly doesn’t hurt that Brooks’ abs seem to have a rather hypnotizing affect on most women. What caught my eye was the serious bling that his character seems to always sport. The diamond encrusted watches are a nice touch as are the name brand sneakers. I think I may be jealous.
3. Humor! As egotistical as T.K. is, Brooks somehow finds a way to make him likeable. Personally, I think it’s due to the fact that he infuses the character with a touch of humor. Remember when T.K. surprised Dr. Santino’s son in the hospital? Much to the chagrin of Dr. Santino, T.K. loudly made an entrance by knocking the balloons out of his face and plopping down on the patient’s bed completely ignoring the doctor, nurse and other visitors. Hilarious! Or how about the time he stole the girlfriend of a rival player only to have his own girlfriend stolen by said rival?

Talk about a real hole in one! Wait, crap, um. …

Anyway, if you ask me, those three things are a pretty lethal combination and may just be the right recipe for keeping fans coming back for more. Wait … wait a second. It wouldn’t be right to bestow all of the glory upon Brooks. Thorne is just as formidable as he is. There is a reason she is the star. Still, Brooks really is a joy to see on screen. It’s nice to know that the USA Network chose such a capable actor of color.

Having said that, is the character of T.K. a bit of a stereotype? Eh … well, I guess that depends on how you look at him. There have been some people that haven’t been so fond of the portrayal, but I don’t take that to heart. I don’t think the character is necessarily a stereotype of African-American athletes. I think he’s a stereotype of football players period … and a funny one at that. The second season of Necessary Roughness premieres tomorrow and I’ll be home with my TV on to support the brother. After all, Brooks deserves his props. I trust that he won’t fumble the ball.

Well, hot damn! I got it right this time!

Clacked by Jaylen Christie
on Jun 05, 2012 @ 11:00 EST5EDT