2009 Black History Month: Favorite Black TV Characters (#17)

By: Luke Florence

My Favorite Black TV Characters

#17 - February 12th - Alfonso Ribeiro as "Carlton Banks" - "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"

That picture sums everything up. No matter what follows, that picture tops it all. It explains everything I love about Carlton Banks, who was on one of the best sitcoms of all-time.

Has there even been another character who has evolved during a show's run more than Carlton Banks? He started as a rich, snobby kid. One who held on to his political beliefs, scoffed at other people's opinions and was the definition of a "preppy." But somewhere during the six years Fresh Prince aired, Carlton morphed into a fun-loving guy with a much better wardrobe. How did this happen? Well, life happened. It was obvious that Carlton lived a sheltered life until Will came along. That evolution is something we all go through at some point, even if we don't have a cool cousin come and live at our house.

The Will-Carlton relationship cannot be understated. They started the show as complete opposites, and while they kept part of their own personality throughout, by the time the sitcom had run its' course, it was clear they had worn off on each other.

Will and Carlton chased girls with each other, went to school with each other, and poked fun at each other. Even though they could not have been more different, a first-timer watching the show would have swore they were brothers. Which, in some weird way, they semi-became along the way.

One of the best on-going jokes was Will poking fun at Carlton's height ... or lack thereof.

Another on-going subplot was Carlton's obsession with Tom Jones. Not gonna lie, Carlton has some moves. His dancing became such a staple on Fresh Prince that they reserved a spot for it during the show's final episode.

Fresh Prince was a show that I grew up with, a show that I can still watch today and laugh at, which is the true test of how good a sitcom is. In comparison, I've NEVER laughed at a Terry Perry produced show. I do appreciate Perry's efforts however, because they make me appreciate the comedic genius of Fresh Prince, a show that will make me laugh, until the end.

That will wrap it up for me tonight. This is the part of the column where I am contractually obligated to point out Barnes' blog (over on my sidebar), where he is keeping an eye out on my selections. It's a good read, definitely worth your time.

Hint for #16: This character can cook food and carry a tune.

Until tomorrow, "read it, roll it, hole it."