Haute Takes. (Photo courtesy of Revelence)
Welcome back to Haute Takes, where culture gets reviewed, refined and occasionally revoked. If it’s giving excellence, it’s Haute. If it’s giving NOT, we’re bothered.
This week, Reasonable Doubt has us questioning everybody, including the writers. Season 4, Episode 5, “Who Gon Stop Me?” brings the tension, the performances and the family drama. But one major storyline has us raising our eyebrows.
Let’s get into it.
Jax Stewart’s storyline has us concerned.
We understand that even the strongest people can struggle. But the decision to take Jax down the road of prescription pill addiction feels like a difficult turn for the character. And that public bathroom sink scene? Absolutely not. It was disturbing to watch.
The show is clearly trying to expose a side of Jax that she cannot control. Still, we need the writing to make this storyline feel earned. Right now, we’re not fully convinced by the direction.
Now, let’s talk fashion.
The styling this season? We’re loving it. The looks have been giving. But Eric Cropper, played by Tank, in that brown outfit? Baby, he looked like he was on his way to work for UPS. We had to pause for a second.
Not every look can be a winner, and we’re going to keep it honest.
Corey Cash needs a little more conviction.
Morris Chestnut brings the presence, but some of Corey’s dialogue needs more force. When a character makes a threat, we need to feel it. Give us more bass, more intensity and a delivery that makes us believe every word.
The potential is there. We just need the performance to hit harder in those moments.
On the other hand, the show continues to get its cultural references right. The late-1990s language and attitude bring a familiar flavor to the dialogue. And that energy? You don’t have to lie to kick it!
But Mama Lu? She understood the assignment.
Pauletta Washington gives us a standout performance as Mama Lu confronts Jax about her addiction. The emotion feels real, and her character’s concern carries weight. Mama Lu recognizes what is happening because she has seen addiction affect a family before.
Emayatzy Corinealdi also deserves her flowers. The performances help ground the episode’s emotional conflict, even when Jax’s storyline makes us uncomfortable.
And let’s be clear. Jax owes Mama Lu a genuine apology. “I’m sorry you felt that way” is not enough. You cannot hurt somebody, especially your mother, and act as though those words settle everything. In a Black household, that conversation is not over until accountability enters the room.
Ultimately, “Who Gon Stop Me?” earns a CERTIFIED HAUTE! The episode delivers tension, compelling performances and a difficult look at what happens when a person who always seems in control needs help.
We may not be sold on every writing choice, but the conversation it creates is worth having.
Now, we want to hear from you. Was Mama Lu right to step in, or did she overstep? And does Jax owe her a real apology?
I’m Porsha Monique, and this has been Haute Takes. Stay Haute!
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