‘The Chi’ Season 4 Episode 8 ‘Love Jones’
Columnist Bianca Gregg is here to provide all the details on tonight’s episode of Showtime’s “The Chi.” As we follow our favorite characters from the beginning and get introduced to a few new faces, BALDWIN brings you our signature commentary and predictions each Sunday.
Tonight’s episode of ‘The Chi’ focused on some of the various couples on the show. Emmitt and Tiffany, Keisha and Christian, Poppa and Maisha as well as out favorite love triangle.
Kevin/Jake/Jemma
Although Kevin has shown rapid interest in Lynae, we learn quickly that he has not made peace with the heartache of losing Jemma to Jake. Kevin finds himself asking his sister if she had to choose between he and Jake, who would she pick. He also asks Emmitt and Poppa who would win in a fight between himself and Jake. After the conversation with Poppa and Emmitt, Kevin finds Jemma and says he really does not want to let her go. Although Jemma admits that Kevin was her first love, she has moved on. Kevin invites her to the party Poppa is throwing in celebration of Maisha and she never confirms if she will come or not.
At the party, Jemma shows up but with Jake. Kevin decides to attempt to make Jemma jealous by dancing with another girl and it works. Jake finally owns up to what he did to Kevin and the pair reconcile their friendship. Kevin tells Jake to not hurt Jemma and he promises he won’t. Maisha confronts Jemma and tells her she is wrong for allowing Jake and Kevin to fight over her. Jemma ultimately admits to Kevin that she was jealous of him dancing with the other girl and Kevin admits he is jealous of her relationship with Jake. Kevin wishes her nothing but happiness but reminds Jemma that if she and Jake break up, don’t come running back to him.
Poppa and Maisha
Poppa wants to win Maisha back with a grand gesture. He goes to check on her after her photo shoot goes viral. Maisha is dealing with negative comments after becoming more popular and Poppa would like to be there to support her. Poppa reminds her that this is all part of becoming great and that other people can’t deal with it. Although she appreciates Poppa’s words, she reminds him that she still needs time alone. He respects that but decides to plan a party to celebrate her. Kevin goes over to check in on Maisha and invites her to the party Poppa is throwing. Maisha offers up some comfort to Kevin while he still deals with the reality of Jemma and Jake.
Maisha shows up to her party and Poppa insisted that she be the first one to enter the building. The pair dance until Poppa notices Kevin sitting off to the side. While checking in on his friend, another guy slides in to dance with Maisha. Poppa attempts to stop their fun and Maisha reminds him that they are not together anymore. In the end, Poppa promises to always be there for Maisha and to allow her to take the time she needs.
Emmitt and Tiffany
Turns out one of Emmitt’s favorite movies is ‘Love Jones.’ While watching the movie he attempts to make contact with Tiffany who is out with Dante. She tells Emmitt she is drunk and will not be home until the morning. Emmitt demands she come home but Dante interrupts and tells him she will be home in the morning. Emmitt hangs up. When Tiffany comes home the next morning, Emmitt has an entire breakfast spread made for her. He makes her eggs how she likes it and her coffee. Reminding Keisha that even if she is sleeping with another man, he knows all of the little things that she likes. Later that day, Emmitt opens up to Trig about his open marriage. He admits that the man Tiffany is sleeping with has money and he does not feel he can compete. Trig reminds him that he knows Tiffany best and has the power to win her over with his heart.
Emmitt shows up to the apartment dressed as ‘Darius Lovehall,’ He acts out a scene from ‘Love Jones’ and Tiffany realizes that she is ‘Nina.’ Emmitt asks her on a date for the following night. They hit the town dressed as Darius and Nina. They go to a comedy show where the comedian’s jokes hit a little close to home for Emmitt. After the club, the pair go dancing in the park and Tiffany appears to be at her happiest. Emmitt takes her to the place where they first met. He presents a ring upgrade to Tiffany along with the proposal that they close their marriage. Tiffany does not want to close the marriage because she is enjoying not dealing with Emmitt’s cheating and her personal “variety” in men. Emmitt promises he will never cheat on her again but for Tiffany it is too late. Emmitt decides that if Tiffany wants to continue with an open marriage they will have to get a divorce.
Keisha and Christian
Possibly my favorite interactions tonight were between these two. Christian decides to ask Keisha if they can spend more time together aside from their 15 minute breaks at work and Keisha accepts. One of Christian’s old friends from middle school comes into their job. After Keisha watches the interaction between the two, she asks Christian who she was and if they ever dated. Christian tells her they did but as kids. When Keisha attempts to apologize for asking, Christian assures her it is okay considering he knows she has trouble trusting people now. Later that night, Keisha calls Christian just for friendly conversation after looking at his social media pages. Christian asks Keisha on a date and she accepts it.
Christian picks Keisha up on his motor bike and although she is hesitant at first to get on, he assures Keisha that she can trust him. From there they go to a record store and Christian has Keisha listen to a song he feels reminds him of her. The pair hit a poetry showcase afterwards. One of the poets talks about the many burdens of Black women. Our desire to please everyone around us while drowning in stress. It becomes a bit much for Keisha and she runs outside. Christian goes after her and asks Keisha if it is okay for him to hug her, she smiles and says yes. They end up at Christian’s place where they listen to some music and dance the night away. Keisha finds a vintage camera and takes some pictures of Christian. Christian takes Keisha home in the soaking rain. When they arrive to the front door, Keisha thanks him for a great night and the two share a passionate kiss.
Takeaways:
I love when ‘The Chi’ gives us episodes like this. The various displays of love were beautiful.
Keisha and Christian hit me in my heart every single time. His patience, his nurturing ways and kindness are so perfect for Keisha. He literally cares for her and she truly deserves this type of love.
Kevin needs to be single. Just wait on the right one Kevin.
