‘Bel-Air’ Season 3 Review: Skip or Watch

In 2019, Morgan Cooper, a Kansas City native, created a fan film that reimagined the beloved classic comedy “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”The film quickly gained attention and sparked widespread anticipation for the release of a dramatic remake titled “Bel-Air.”As a result, Will Smith joined the project as an executive producer. The show’s first season was met with great success, receiving positive reviews for its portrayal of class tensions and for giving new takes on characters such as Hillary, who was now depicted as a culinary influencer, and Carlton, who was struggling with addiction. This success led to the renewal of the show for a second season, and now a third.

Bel-Air’s third season marks the start of summer for the Banks family, picking up after the dramatic season 2 finale where Carlton’s addiction was exposed and Will’s future seemed secure. Despite being set in a similar location and sharing names with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Bel-Air has successfully carved out its own unique identity and set of characters. The current season has already delivered three engaging, dynamic, and authentic episodes that explore the diverse struggles faced by people of color, regardless of their background or identity.

In the second season of Bel-Air, Carlton’s drug addiction is exposed after he mistreats his younger sister, Ashley. While Philip works to improve his business affairs, Erika’s arrival causes disruption. Will successfully resolves conflicts with Doc and the basketball team. The third season progresses these plotlines, presenting the characters with challenges that are both captivating and authentic to their personalities.

Does the Plot of Bel-Air and The Fresh Prince’s Story Match?

It is inevitable that viewers would make connections between the two shows due to their similar main characters and premise, both inspired by the well-known 1990s comedy. However, after three seasons, it is evident that these shows are distinct. Bel-Air is forging its own path, offering a poignant and introspective look into the struggles of its diverse characters as they strive to reach their full potential.

Despite their wealth and status, the Banks family is still dealing with personal challenges. While some view them as self-centered, charitable, and uninformed, others praise their accomplishments and admire their diligence. As Season 3 progresses, the show continues to explore the impact of their choices on the family.

As Will and Ashley continue to strive towards their future goals, Hilary, Carlton, Philip, and Vivian are facing difficult decisions that have placed them in a precarious situation. Despite the challenges, the show portrays heartwarming and authentic moments between a family that is determined to push forward and always has each other’s best interests at heart.

Bel-Air Season 3

Morgan Cooper’s original design for “The Fresh Prince”as a trailer gave the show a dramatic and melancholic makeover. However, the current version of the show has been modified to still address difficult topics such as addiction, estranged parents, and difficult relationships, while also incorporating moments of humor. Jabari Banks portrays the lead character, Will Smith, a street-smart teenager from West Philadelphia who navigates his new life in the luxurious neighborhood of Bel-Air.

Although he grew up abroad, Will is accepted among the wealthy and influential due to his athletic background.

Bel Air

Despite this, in order for a drama to reach its full potential, it must convey a sense that the new challenges presented are meaningful to the characters and in line with the storyline. While it may seem contradictory to critique the drama for its continuous use of dramatic elements, Bel-Air generally accomplishes this effectively. However, there are occasional instances where uncomfortable situations and ill-advised actions are introduced into the plot without contributing to character development or plot progression.

Despite some inconsistencies, the characters, their situations, and their choices are mostly logical. However, in Bel-Air season 3, the trend of unnecessarily complicating scenarios persists. For example, Hilary’s intelligence and self-awareness are significantly heightened in comparison to her 1990s version, yet the show still portrays her making impulsive and reckless decisions.

To truly elevate the storyline, Bel-Air would benefit from exploring the underlying reasons behind the characters’ decisions instead of simply sticking to a predictable trajectory. Nonetheless, the show remains worth watching as it elicits powerful emotional responses and prompts introspection. With seven episodes left, if Bel-Air can strike a balance between intense drama and lighter moments, this season’s summer setting could make it the most enjoyable one yet.

Bel Air Season 3: Screenplay and Direction

For the third season, co-showrunners Carla Banks-Waddles, T.J. Brady, and Rasheed Newson intend to mostly keep the various storylines in their current state, with no major alterations planned.

In this third season, the group faces various challenges. Will strives for success outside of basketball, while his cousin Carlton Banks (Olly Sholotan) navigates life after completing treatment for drug addiction. Meanwhile, Carlton’s sister Hillary (Coco Jones) tries to balance her romantic life and career as an influencer. The parents, Philip (Adrian Holmes) and Vivian (Cassandra Freeman), also work on resolving their issues, including addressing the topic of infidelity.

The issues emerge as the show has more than just a few characters to handle. Along with others, there is Jimmy Akingbola’s character, Geoffrey Thompson, a dependable consultant and problem-solver, whose storyline revolves around his estranged son’s visit and its ties to his previous involvement in British underworld.

Despite Will’s friend Jazz struggling with financial troubles while managing his record store, and the younger characters having multiple romantic partners, people still tend to initially overlook characters like Ashley, Will’s younger sister portrayed by Akira Akbar.

Despite the challenges of producing a show for a streaming service in the 2020s, the directing team, led by Keesha Sharp and John Scott, successfully maintains a polished and visually appealing look. While there is pressure to depict an affluent family, the production seamlessly achieves this without any visible flaws, unlike the demands of a multi-camera sitcom in the 1990s.

The Cast Performances of Bel-Air Season 3

Despite not all of its large cast being given substantial storylines to sink their teeth into, Bel-Air’s performers are all solid and capable.

I. Jabari Banks Stars as Will Smith

Despite the more dramatic plot, Banks has proven himself to be a captivating actor in his portrayal of the lead character. While he generally serves as a strong anchor for the show, there are instances where he struggles to convey more complex emotions. However, his likability as the character remains intact.

II. Olly Sholotan Plays Carlton Banks

Despite his reputation as a comical figure in the original series, Carlton is portrayed in a much more serious light in “Bel-Air”. Unlike his previous persona, known for his silly fashion sense and infamous dance, Carlton is now depicted as a driven and troubled individual, consumed by his ambitions and personal struggles. Sholotan’s impressive performance proves that he is more than capable of handling this complex character.

III. Jimmy Akingbola as Geoffrey Thompson

Similar to the character Carlton, the initial Geoffrey was mainly utilized as a means for clever and satirical remarks and wit. In “Bel-Air,”he is often portrayed investigating criminal behavior or exhibiting impressive physical prowess. Akingbola portrays a similar supporting role to the sitcom version, but his charming and endearing acting abilities make the most of his character.

IV. Other significant characters

The rest of the Banks family also plays a significant role in this season. Philip and Vivian, who are both highly capable of handling any drama, face challenges concerning their careers and marriage. As a result, they are given more attention than usual. While Hilary and Ashley’s storylines are mostly separate, they do have occasional interactions with each other.

It is undeniable that the third season presents numerous challenges. With the growth of the ensemble, it has become increasingly challenging to give each character a significant role in the narrative. In some episodes that follow, certain situations that were once portrayed as difficult and dramatic are quickly resolved, highlighting a weakness in certain storylines. However, when it truly counts, “Bel-Air”shines and takes control.

About Bel-Air

In March 2023, the third season of the American drama television series Bel-Air, developed by Morgan Cooper, Malcolm Spellman, TJ Brady, and Rasheed Newson as a reimagined version of the 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, was officially renewed.

The cast of the show features Jabari Banks as Will Smith, alongside Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Coco Jones, Olly Sholotan, Jimmy Akingbola, Akira Akbar, Jordan L Jones, and Simone Joy Jones.

Will Smith’s complex journey is chronicled in the story, from growing up on the streets of West Philadelphia to living in the luxurious mansions of Bel-Air. The story delves into themes of racial tension, culture shock, and the celebration of black excellence.