I’m in the midst of a much needed vacation this week! This gives me so much time to catch up on things that I’ve been missing, like my reading, writing/blogging, and of course—Reality TV. So, as I am perusing through channels yesterday I stumble across a marathon of VH1’s What Chili Wants. If you’ve never seen this reality show, allow me get you up to speed. NYC bred, former columnist/blogger now turned Matchmaker, Tionna Smalls works to find TLC group member and superstar, Chili, the man of her dreams in the reality TV show, What Chili Wants.
In reading reviews of this show on the internet, it appears that Chili is being typecast as this shallow, conceited woman on a mission with a “checklist.” As a matter of fact, in one episode, therapy was even recommended to get to the source of why Chili feels that she needs this checklist. Throughout the same episode, Smalls insists that something is clearly wrong with Chili simply because she is cautious about the men to which she gives her time. Each day, Smalls, with all of her drama and unprofessionalism, tries to find Chili a Mr. Right. But personally, I’m not in harmony with Smalls’ methods. Instantly, I noticed that it is not Chili’s list or even her unwillingness to try new things that is the problem, it’s clearly her matchmaker—Smalls.
Now, I am no matchmaker, but it only took a show or two for me to realize what the real disconnect was among Chili and the assumed ‘matches made in heaven’ by Smalls. The disconnect is that Smalls has absolutely no clue what she is doing! Time after time, Smalls continually brought in men that she felt would be exactly what Chili wanted: the chiseled body, elite status, pearly whites, and the clichéd “tall, dark, and handsome” man. In this instance, Smalls is following the vision of the show—What Chili Wants. Hell, isn’t that what we all want from time to time? But, the drama comes into play because after one date with each person, Chili confirms that she is NOT interested. Smalls then accuses Chili of not even knowing what she wants. But in reality (no pun intended), can you blame Chili for saying NO?
NOW, If I were Chili’s matchmaker, the show would move from, What Chili Wants to being called, What Chili Needs. Period! The ironic part of all of this is that Chili figured this out on her own! She didn’t even need Smalls!
In every episode, it struck me more and more that Chili was screaming for COMPATIBILITY. That’s all she wants and at the end of the day—that’s all that’s needed. So what the hell is matchmaker, Smalls, missing (besides of course, professionalism and maturity and a few additional grammar lessons)?
The moment that she was introduced to both men that she’s now fallen for, Bill and Farmer D, my radars went OFF. Of course she would be interested! There was something very peaceful about the energy of both men. Chili emits the same energy. It’s peaceful, mature, basic and abundant. She’s not looking for anything flashy, she wants something very simple, respectful, and long lasting. She’s seeking a family—not to be on the front cover of ever magazine because her man is so fine. She’s looking for someone very similar to her; someone who enjoys more meaningful things in life, has a deep substance, and believes in loyalty.
At the end of the day, Smalls has to get it together! I mean, even Chili questioned her credentials as a matchmaker. Chili confidentially asked Smalls why it took so long for her to be introduced to Bill (for example) especially when Smalls met him a while ago. Why in the world did Smalls bring all of the other pretty faces around her when it was everything else that she needed in a man? Who really know what Smalls is thinking sometimes? All I can say is that I’m looking forward to watching the season finally on Sunday night at 10:30pm EST on VH1. Are you with me?
I can’t be the only one who’s been having these thoughts! I invite you to share your comments/opinions with me below.
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