This is one 100% skewering Tyler Perry but that doesn’t mean the R.Kelly angle isn’t a significant undercurrent when it comes to the manipulation and exploitation of children.
But instead of pedophilia it was TALENT that Kirkwood Chocolate wanted to exploit from Lottie. Lottie had natural stage presence, which is extremely rare for most child actors, its why many of the best are used and then discarded as they grow older; because rarely does childhood charm translate into adult success. Notice how chocolate’s offer was “six seasons of a kids show. She’ll be financially secure UNTIL she turns 20”. If Lottie is roughly 7 years old at this point, then she’d be 13 when the series ended. Putting her into the “Teen Nick/Disney” category. At that point Chocolate could reexamine her career and potential and either move her into the teen star ranks or drop her and be able to say he gave her a start. He’s running a machine. One that sacrifices art for cold, brutal efficiency and maximizes EVERYTHING thats good about a performer for low brow, low tier product.
The commentary regarding this episode of satire is that exploitation takes many faces, not just the ones we recognize outright (like sex scandals). Actors, writers, and directors are oftentimes so desperate for an opportunity that they’ll allow themselves to be worked into the ground for something thats ultimately not worth their talent. Everyone was so happy to be contributing to black art that they never actually stood back and EXAMINED the art they were making. The young woman on set was directing TWO pilot episodes and Starring in a third, all on the SAME day! Thats ludicrous. But she put her heart and soul into it because she was desperate not to “waste” her chance. Chocolate didn’t have to be utilizing his power over in a forced sexual way to be exploiting her. He simply had to dangle the carrot that was “being put on” and watch the horses gallop off to the races.
This was a really deep episode. One of my favorites
"Ill set her up with a 6 season kids shoe that'll leave her financially stable until shes 20"
Wonder if they shot this at Tyler Perry Studios.
