In demand writer Tracy Oliver brings back Camille (Meagan Good), Quinn (Grace Byers), Angie (Shoniqua Shandai), and Tye (Jerrie Johnson the lovely ladies of Prime Video's engaging series "Harlem," for a final season. When we last left the foursome, they were in a doctor's office, where it was revealed that one of the four was expecting.
While I won't reveal who is pregnant, I can assure viewers that the reveal sets the stage for a bittersweet final season that follows these beautiful ebony queens' core four women on the precipice of change like never before. Whether motherhood, singlehood, sisterhood, complicated career journeys, or even more complicated families, our stylish and ambitious best girlfriends strive to finally choose themselves above all else.
Out of respect for the show's fans, I won't and keep my review as spoiler-free as possible. However, I will divulge tiny tidbits about each woman's arc. Camille is at a crossroads after her breakup with Ian (Tyler Lepley) and decides to leave her teaching position. Unlike in previous seasons, Camille tones down her quirkiness and successfully navigates her paths.
While Megan Good has always been one for physical comedy, I appreciated her arc this season as it was more dramatic and it allowed her to come full circle. The writers set a clear goal for Camille, and it was a joy to watch her get to the finish line.
Quinn finds a new beau in Seth (Kofi Siriboe), a charismatic MLB player. The two have great chemistry, and watching their relationship blossom was great. I also enjoyed seeing Quinn find her place in the business world. However, I was disappointed that we didn't get more with her mother playing the always enjoyable Jasmine Guy.
The life of the party Angie (Shoniqua Shandai) has finally found the right man in Michael (Luke Forbes) and success as she's set for a lead role in "Girls Trip," the musical. Shoniqua still delivers sexual confidence and eludes a radiant light whenever it is on screen. What I loved about her arc this season was that we heard more songs and revealed some of her flaws.
Finally, we have Tye, who is flourishing in business and, despite her celibacy vow, has found happiness with Eva (Gail Bean). While watching the romance with Eva was cute, I found Tye's storyline the weakest as it wraps up a bit too quickly for my tastes. Tye has an Eureka moment involving her past and sexuality (you'll know it when the moment happens), and I wish the writers had explored that more.
While I'm a fan of the show, there is one character I never cared for, and that's Ian (Tyler Lepley). The writers do give him a new love interest in the form of the lovely Portia (Logan Browning). The arc between the two is typical of childhood friends reuniting and trying the love thing. However, even when he's not with Camille, he's still a tool this season. I must admit, though, that he did win me over when his arc comes full circle.
My only real gripe with the final season of "Harlem" is that this is the last time I get to see these ladies on screen. Thankfully, they all get their earned happy endings.
Final Grade : A-
"Harlem Season 3" arrives on Prime Video tomorrow