Mona's Family Failed Her | Half & Half TV Show Review

Half & Half 2002 | Half & Half TV Show REVIEW + RECAP
Half & Half is an American television sitcom that aired on UPN from 2002 until 2006. It stars Essence Atkins as Dee Dee Thorne and Rachel True as Mona Thorne. In this video, I am providing commentary on how I believe Mona's family contributed to her insecurities and her strained relationship with her younger sister, Dee Dee.
🎬 Half & Half cast mentioned in this video:
- Mona Thorne: Rachel True
- Dee Dee Thorne: Essence Atkins
- Charles Thorne: Obba Babatundé
- Phyllis Thorne: Telma Hopkins
- Big Dee Dee Thorne: Valarie Pettiford
- Spencer: Chico Benymon
- Young Mona: Penny Bae Bridges
- Young Dee Dee: Gabby Soleil
- Ruth Thorne: Diahann Carroll
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[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

What are your thoughts on how Mona was treated by her family? I would also like to add that I'm in no way saying that Phyllis was a bad mother because I do believe she just wanted to protect Mona, but some of her tactics were kinda toxic, no?

[@rosacentifollia]

Absolutely, and big Deedee was a narcissist and propably an alcoholic. 😂 Love that messy show.❤

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

@@rosacentifollia Oh you know Big Dee Dee loved a drink honey. 😂

[@rosacentifollia]

​@@AllThingsGirlWorldAnd mommys lil helpers 😂💊🍸

[@domdom2215]

@@rosacentifollianot probably she was 😂😂

[@TooFeisty]

Your thoughts on Phyllis makes perfect sense. Her past issues with Charles would be compounded with her criticism of unbalanced treatment of Mona and Dee Dee. Because of this she was so quickly labeled bitter despite being right a lot of the times. A different approach would’ve been better. She also just stopped bringing Mona around causing further separation for Mona as opposed to calmly sitting down and explaining what was happening and how it made Mona feel.

[@Krissy8319]

Looking at this now in my 40s, they stayed playing mona in her face! Dee Dee was spoiled and entitled and it was annoying AF!

[@regularity2556]

Yes, i couldnt stand her. I hated the whole cast except Mona

[@TheHeatInColorPodcast]

Essence as DeeDee not even funny.

[@jazzynicole2106]

She really was.. I didn’t like her either. I was glad when Mona threw her out when she made the “you’re only his half sister” comment

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

I agree that Dee Dee still carried a bit of that spoiled and entitled attitude, but just like I blame the adults for the way Mona turned out, I have to say the same about Dee Dee. I think it would be unfair to Dee Dee for me to blame everyone for Mona's misfortune because we all feel bad for her but hold Dee Dee responsible for being raised as an entitled brat. Whew, these characters were all a piece of work. 😂

[@candacequalls3599]

Very ! I think that's why Essence Atkins annoys me lol

[@churchsbiscuits]

Sis was treated like a middle child and there was only two of them. 😩

[@JustNishaa]

Mona and Phyllis needed therapy!

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Yes! Phyllis was in the wrong seat.

[@KeeKeeSoto]

And Phyllis is a therapist in the show 😂😅

[@mzladyla]

The whole family needed therapy😂😂😂

[@domdom2215]

And Phyllis was a therapist 😂😂😂😂

[@datheoryof]

Nobody needs therapy. Therapy is a weak minded person's way of baby stepping into admitting to the reality they're already living. Wasting time & money because you can't be honest with yourself. So you hire someone to pacify your toxicity & weakness. I can't stand the idea of it. 😑

[@domdom2215]

I blame Charles 100% for being the dad he was because if you watch season 3 episode 1 Phylis’s in a flashback said she wasn’t about to keep putting Mona through the heartbreak (he got deedee a horse and didn’t give or get her one) and that he had to come to her to get her and see her and he never did. Yes phyllis was toxic but she loved her Mona down and was always on her side no matter what.

[@GEMof72]

Exactly. 10 years was ridiculous.

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

For sure. As looney as Phyllis was, I really believe she just wanted to protect Mona. You can tell Mona really loved her mother.

[@1talldaddy]

@@AllThingsGirlWorld yeah when Phyllis saw how hurt Mona was about the pony, she wanted to make sure Mona never experience that kind of pain again.

[@domdom2215]

@@AllThingsGirlWorld she really did that’s all she wanted to do. As wild as some of her ways were she always wanted her to have a relationship with her father

[@domdom2215]

@@1talldaddy exactly ! And she dropped mona off to him every weekend and he never came to get her or nothing

[@ebonydixoncollins1169]

Big Dee Dee was faux rich. She was a low level actress until she married Charles. But she had the nerve to look down her nose at Phyllis

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

You’re definitely not wrong. 😂 She did look down on Phyllis, but in a weird way I also think she wished she could have the closeness with her daughter that Phyllis had with Mona, even as dysfunctional as it was.

[@daniellej7914]

From little Dee said she never worked a day in her life

[@portiafrederick1265]

I agree that they failed her. I was upset that no one truely accepted accountability for their actions towards her. When she spoke out, she was always seen negatively. I believe an episode was needed to give Mona a chance to get justification

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

I agree! They were not accountable at all. Isn't it crazy how everyone can taint YOU with all of THEIR horrible character flaws and personality traits, but somehow, you're the one who ends up in therapy? Ridiculous.

[@portiafrederick1265]

@@AllThingsGirlWorld It is ridiculous. Loved your video by the way. Well reviewed and hit every issue on the head.

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you!

[@rosacentifollia]

​@@AllThingsGirlWorldthats actually very realistic.

[@ajjean2720]

Like the pony episode. All Mona wanted to know is why Dee Dee got that privilege and she didn’t. Especially since it was the dad that paid for it. They have the same dad. And they were all purposely hiding that information because they knew what they did was messed up. But the show paints it as Mona holding a grudge instead of her being rightfully upset about a pattern she points out always happens. Even the grandmother points out how unfair they treated Mona compared to Dee Dee. But still no one owes up to how unfairly they treat Mona compared to Dee Dee. My girl Mona deserved so much due the BS they put her through 😫

[@amandarayforever]

I hated how they mocked Mona's hair. As an African kid, that's all i wanted 😢😢 lol even when i stsrted wearing weaves, they would be like Mona's hair

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

I agree because I thought Mona’s hair was absolutely beautiful. 😍

[@GEMof72]

Exactly

[@bgcrp2005]

Mona hair texture is literally favored

[@renee1309]

​@@bgcrp2005definitely agree that by today's standards, Mona's hair would be the natural hair preference. But...in mid 2000s, especially in comparison to Dee Dee, it was joked as "untamed" and "hippy." They definitely did not have tight, coily hair rep on most black sitcoms of that time, so Mona was considered semi-radical in that aspect (even though her texture was quite loose). But yeah, if they did this show today, I don't think Mona would pass as the "non-preference."

[@rogueryder3285]

Thank you. You'd think back women of our culture would know better and be more mindful. I grew up with hair like Mona's and people never criticized until my teen years

[@brandonf7420]

Can I add that Grandmother Thorne was the only logical adult in the situation? She was the one person that leveled the playing field between Mona and Dee Dee. The Thanksgiving episode is one of my favorites b/c we finally see Mona come out on top.

[@TaWandaJoyner]

Yes, that episode (❤ Diahann Carroll) and the one where "Chester" AKA Spencer 😂 finds his father, played by Lou Gossett, Jr., who was dating Phyllis.🦋

[@rachelmartin5187]

Lets be homest people, the only person who had Mona's back was Spencer. Sure, he could be a little ditzy, but he's the only one who didn't judge or abandon her.

[@thati_monaheng]

Now THIS is a show that needs a reboot. I will never get over that cliff hanger

[@WilliamsPinch]

They shouldn’t have been allowed to play in Mona’s face. She looked EXACTLY like Mel B and really represented an IT girl. Kelis ran bc Mona walked lol

[@urdestinydaughterofyah9739]

❤❤❤❤

[@tias.6675]

Lol I really did think she was Mel B in the craft, but I was young 😂

[@alexiajackson6445]

Aesthetically they were similar but Kelis came out in '99, half & half came out in '02

[@ciarabarnes591]

​@alexiajackson6445 Rachel True was acting in the 90s. Her most recognized role being the movie "the craft".

[@CrazyLexxxiCool]

​@ciarabarnes591 the craft came out in 96....Kelis came out in 99

[@n8298906]

I grew up watching this show as a boy and as a man now I can say Charle didn't put the energy or effort necessary to have a unique bond with Mona. It was treated as if Mona had to interact with the Dee's when going to spend time with her dad as if they come in a set (Which makes her being upset about Dee living in the apartment in episode one makes sense). Charles and Big Dee never truly integrated Mona into their new family, and the only way Big Dee can get away with treating Mona that way is because Charles is neglectable about how HE treats Mona (He doesn't even notice how he plays a hand in alienating his own daughter so how can you expect him to notices his wife mistreating her). Lastly, the lack of positive memories referenced between Mona and Charles shows how little he spent individualized time with Mona, and the few times they did they were never a positive experience for Mona, because of this they have such a strain that scenes between Charles and Phyllis his bitter ex-wife feel more familial than scenes with Mona.

[@kekebsmith2726]

Mona was gorgeous to me. I liked it her style she was natural. She was the big puffy hair her style. I thought Mona was amazing She really all she was was the one that was my favorite character.

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

I agree! That's why I didn't understand the insults about her appearance.

[@TheHeatInColorPodcast]

First time I saw her was in HalfBaked. Yessss. Then, this show.

[@GEMof72]

The father was weak & Big Dee Dee was shady to Mona for no reason. I hated how Mona was left out. I think she was jealous of Phylis for being strong & having a real job. Phylis was a bit toxic but she was a good mom. The grandmas had it right. Mona’s apartment was so cool.

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Yes. I think Big Dee Dee felt the only leverage she had over Phyllis was materialism and being Charles' current wife, so that is what the bulk of her insults were centered around, but she lowkey admired the closeness of Phyllis and Mona's relationship.

[@therealmarlonbellamy]

I have never watched this show. Rachel True was the go to token black girl in the 90s & her career should have been bigger. Telma Hopkins is a legend & has starred on multiple sitcom & Essence Atkins has starred on a lot of sitcoms as well.

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

You should watch it! They did an amazing job casting this show as well. The women could really pass for mother and daughter.

[@therealmarlonbellamy]

@@AllThingsGirlWorld I will get around to watching it one day. The cast do resemble each other.

[@jenbunny1984]

I remember Rachel from The Craft!! She also had a cameo in Harlem ( the flower shop lady), hope she brought back more in season 2.

[@skai1727]

It’s not right calling her token.

[@liveesunflower]

I hated how Mona was treated! But I will say Charles is the worst. He was okay with his daughter struggling and he obviously had a favorite daughter

[@cjwilliamsvi]

Charles had his perfect family. Him, Big Dee Dee and Dee Dee. Mona was always treated as an afterthought because she was.

[@bjbob3920]

Yes little deedee was spoiled but she had character growth throughout the series. She was aware of how privileged she was compared to her sister. The fact that she moved in the same building as Mona to connect with her big half sister.

[@marvinwhittaker]

Mona was more independent, Lil DeeDee was pampered and spoiled.

[@anikadiamond007]

This dynamic always interests me. Dee Dee always seemed to have lived a very charmed life and Mona got the short end of the stick. I relate to this well.

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

I agree. It's sad how two people can view the same person (or people) through different lenses. I have definitely been there.

[@davialee3932]

This show was so triggering for me. So many men treat the child they have with their new partner better than the child they have with their next. And the new wives often don’t care!

[@DymondCrystal]

They definitely failed her!! I always think about that episode where they talked about the pony and the dad didn’t even say why he ain’t get her one or nothing. But it’s also realistic because that happens fr

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Exactly. He just had that silly look on his face because he knew he was wrong.

[@domdom2215]

Exactly and Phyllis said if you wanna see Mona you have to come to her and he literally didn’t so he was soo wronf

[@jeminajoycoetzee3404]

Lover the moms shots at each other, they don’t get the credit they deserve for being reading legends

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Girl yes and they were quick too. 😂

[@shannoncarter1864]

Unpopular opinion, while some of these characters didn't take responsibility for their actions, lets be real we all can relate to some of these characters. Tons of us have things in our lives that are not perfect

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Of course. While there are people in the comments who are admitting that they can relate to Mona in some ways, ultimately we know that this is just a show are we are simply trading opinions on the show’s characters/ plot.

[@TheeAirrDesign]

Yeah I agree on Mona’s feeling towards Deddie but she did shade Mona A LOT!… like a pout her being single, her hair, her style. I mean sure it wasn’t her taste or rather… not many peoples but I would be a little it rated by Deddie too. Eventually the shade becomes irritating so naaaaw Deddie wasn’t all that good of a sister like that.

[@llbabygirl1528]

I could see it being a underlying colorism issue as well

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

That is a very interesting perspective and sadly a reality for a lot of people. With all that Mona had to deal with, I couldn't imagine colorism on top of that. 💔

[@llbabygirl1528]

Yep maybe that was the elephant in the room on the show

[@rosacentifollia]

Definitely texturism, maybe both, she was ridiculed for her curly natural hair. Mona was mixed with white grandma.

[@anikadiamond007]

🙄Mona was lighter skinned to. Not everything is colorism.

[@llbabygirl1528]

@@anikadiamond007 but she was darker than Dee Dee. Dee Dee was way more lighter than Mona. Mona was brown skinned. Dee Dee was light skinned. Two different complexions

[@rosacentifollia]

I think so too. Plus, her mom was bitter and toxic. My fav character was lil Deedee, also Adam and Deedee's mean coleague.😅 Big Deedee is an amazing actress. 😊

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Yes, Big Dee Dee nailed that role. I don't think they could've found anybody as theatrical as her. Also, if you love Lil' Dee Dee, you will definitely love my next video! 😊

[@rosacentifollia]

​@@AllThingsGirlWorldLooking forward to it!😊Subscribed. I miss the classy black shows of the 90s.😊

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Thank you! I do too, for sure. 😩

[@reinaallen1445]

To me which I think no one ever talks about was the colorism. Dee Dee was in Jack and Jill , upper crust lighter . Mona was darker, big puffy hair, works harder just to slightly move up ( the next floor and job). So it’s still very realistic til this day , unfortunately. The grandma was the reset from the older generation that learned from their generational mistakes and trying to correct the future generations into falling into the same traps.

[@dahliaherrod4301]

I really loved how this show operated in shades of gray. None of the main cast walked away smelling like roses but you can also appreciate why they made certain decisions or developed certain feelings about people. Just good character development

[@urdestinydaughterofyah9739]

This is sad as hell when u break it down 😢😅

[@DeannaJacksonDJsDelectables]

Mona was my favorite character in this show.

[@darlinvargas6551]

It broke me when Mona said to Deedee, “it’s the Deedee way always” in the episode where big Deedee goes into labor. Mona was nothing but helpful with the labor and Deedee threw a tantrum because she got scared. Mona just accepted that Deedee would take the credit even tho she didn’t do anything.

[@mahoganydiva6992]

I watched this show because in real life I was Mona. Trust me I use to root for her because she deserved a break.

[@dominiqueguma6729]

I started watching this show and realized I had the same family dynamic growing up, I had hoped it would secretly heal something in me but mostly reaffirms it lol. Men in these situations usually take a step back and the leading lady(big dee dee) runs the show. If only step parents, mothers in particular took a little more care into their role stepping into a new family instead of being delusional and pushing them away. I think it may be their way of coping feeling like their roles are in jeopardy if the other family is still in the picture.

[@JBee369]

This show bothered me. I can relate to Mona. And the actress is one of the most beautiful of women but people sort on her and say she sounds like a man

[@candacequalls3599]

Charles was a horrible dad to Mona!

[@empressmagic5041]

I’ve rewatched the show myself about a year ago. And honestly I seen a lot of myself in Mona. A mother with no boundaries, wanted to be myself and yet dealing with the insecurities of a younger sibling. It took a very long time for me to become who I am and sometimes it kinda still hurts. But I won’t let that stop me in my journey.

[@JhomasE]

This is a VERY good and relatable video. Your arguments are wonderful and on point! I can relate to this as I am definitely a male version of Mona Thorne. A lot of what she has been through applies to me. Nice job.

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you! Sending you all of the positive and healing energy. 🥹✨

[@thaconqueror777]

Honestly I was more attracted to Mona tbh. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@TooFeisty]

This was a great video and a perfect breakdown

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you! ✨

[@mahailiabrown3972]

In all honesty, the family didn't fail her, however, it was more of the dad that failed her like you left the mom, didn't leave your daughter, and for you to not even spend time going to any type of recital that she had for her to not even know your associates your colleagues. Know what you do for me. Around, going to these parties is on him because that's her dad. However, I am going to say, because she didn't have no one really on her corner other than her mom, sometimes, and her friend Spencer. Even though he tried to hit it at times I wish I hit it to its Mona. She's lovely, she's beautiful and smart. And this is a cutie too. You know, without those 2, she probably wouldn't be the person. She is in all honesty. Without the family treating her the way she was treated, she would not be so hard and so striving the way she wanted to strive commend her for doing such a good job in her life, and I know, it's just a show. But I understand Mona's life so well honestly.

[@LoveisKiing]

Rachel True is absolutely stunning

[@JuniorMarzy]

I like the whole cast. And Dee Dee definitely tried her best as a sister for Mona. Her mom and dad is the cause of all Mona issues not her sister. Now her step mom didn’t help the issues. But Charles and the mom weren’t mature parents in the situation.

[@richiemackintyre5094]

There were certain instances in the show that hinted why the dad made a difference in Mina and Deedee. He praised Mona over Deedee all the time. He told Mona she was self sufficient and works hard for what she wants. She reminds him of him. He knows he doesn't have to baby Mona and she wouldn't take it.

[@mlovetwo6789]

The year is 2024 and I still want Mona and Spencer together

[@hairbytrea]

They did Mona so wrong. Smh Dee Dee was only trying to bond with her while Charles, Big Dee Dee and Phyllis were being extremely childish and inconsiderate

[@bedshaped85]

I, too, discovered Half & Half nesrly 2 decades after the initial run on UPN during the pandemic when they put it on Netflix for the first time. I fell in love with all the actor's performances, and of course, both moms stole the show w/ the constant barbs they trade back and forth. This show came from one of the creators of Will & Grace and I can sense that comedic beat throughout the show. Most notably, it's biting sarcasm. I mostly agree with your asessment of Mona being treated very crudely by almost everyone around her. Didnt love that so much after like season 2. By season 4, i felt like they were trying to evolve Mona's 'loser' characterization... i.e. giving her a steady boyfriend and later a love triangle, which sadly never got resolved because the show was unexpectedly canceled after that season's cliffhanger.

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

I agree! You can definitely see the shift in Mona's luck later in the series. It's almost like her and Dee Dee switched places in that sense. I'm glad we got to see her character evolve before they ended the show. ✨

[@bribhoney]

Thank you! A video and a community who save Mona and her family as is! Mona always got the short end of the stick.

[@lexuscoleman4488]

I love how you broke this down I love this show the mothers were funny but i felt bad for Mona she always got the short in the stick I don’t remember how this show ended but some ppl said Mona finally came out on top . I love this show all of the characters served a purpose and was so funny great review ❤❤❤

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@02loud]

This is my show ❤❤ To this day I can binge watch. The family definitely failed Mona, but I won't lie all the character flaws is what got me hooked lol. I always thought they made Phyllis a psychiatrist ironically because she needed one 😂 Her verbal sparring with big D was the best. I always looked forward to their mothers day duets too loll.

[@KyleArias-m1p]

This was a lovely video I enjoyed watching but season 1 episode 10 is the actual episode when the grandmother comes to Thanksgiving

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Thank you! 😊 Yes, I said Season 1 Episode 10 when I spoke about Ruth Thorne, but there was also another Thanksgiving episode that I spoke about first which was Season 3 Episode 9.

[@mscurvy]

I’m watching it currently and I see how Mona was failed by her parents and her stepmom. That birthday episode when she asked why can’t you call me by my name and she said I can call you odd plate at thanksgiving was a super low blow in response to being called step mother. Looking back at these sitcoms is crazy on how dysfunctional they are and we laugh at them.

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

I say it all the time. It's like, we watch a lot of these sitcoms and movies when we're young, but once you get older and gain a new perspective, it's like "wait... hold up."

[@KeeKeeSoto]

Literally just watched this episode last night and I felt so bad for Mona.

[@domdom2215]

And I hated when she said that because Charles and Phylis were married how she the odd plate when she was first

[@GEMof72]

@@domdom2215Exactly

[@Tbot2020]

Man talk about peak black sitcom era! I don't know if this is fair to say but black sitcoms of today have bad a difficult time matching the caliber of the ones from UPN and the WB. The CW and Fox made a few good ones but not enough to keep them on the air long term. The only one that made it over 6 years was Girlfriends, which got 8 seasons and would have gotten a ninth if not for the writers strike in 2008.

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

I agree with you. There is definitely something missing. One of the "newer" shows that I do miss though is The Carmichael Show. To me, that show was as close to the caliber of old shows that we're going to get. But like you said, they don't stay on air long enough.

[@jenbunny1984]

I concur!!

[@angelacooper8973]

And what about their lil brother he is gonna probably be Charles favorite

[@MrRickymoore]

It would be amazing if there was a reboot but a drama version just like Bel-Air

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Who do you think should play the “new” Dee Dee and Mona? 👀

[@MrRickymoore]

@@AllThingsGirlWorld I think Essence Atkins & Rachel True should play the mothers tbh a fresh new face actor would be nice

[@taylordowning2533]

I think a drama reboot would be awesome. Sierra Capri from On Our Block would be a good Mona or even Yara Shahidi. Marsai Martin or Skai Jackson would be a good Dee Dee.

[@mewa5798]

This is how my daughter feel

[@urdestinydaughterofyah9739]

I see so much colorism favoritism in this show

[@dionneking8]

Poor Mona

[@MsEriKaT]

This was a great video! I watched (I had previously only seen a handful of episodes) this show in 2020 during the pandemic. No, I didn't like Spencer, lol. I'm glad he didn't get Mona.

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

@@MsEriKaT Thank you so much! ✨ And why didn’t you like Spencer? 😂

[@MsEriKaT]

@@AllThingsGirlWorld Spencer was not cute and was corny as hell hahahahaha

[@SandraMurekatete]

I wish I could like this a million gazzilion billion times

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Thank you so much! 😊✨

[@diamondbolton2944]

Was it the scion fea or the paid braces

[@tebampamonyane9818]

hi i love your videos. can you please do a character analysis on each one of them? hope you see this

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Hi! Thank you so much! And I sure will! ❤️

[@tebampamonyane9818]

@@AllThingsGirlWorld OMG Thank you so much i can’t wait for them !

[@harlempixie338]

I could not stand big DeeDee. 😩

[@innerpeacemeditationandrel7709]

1- it's a fictional TV show, and 2- that was the whole premise of the show. The show didn't try to hide or justify her mistreatment - that was her point. There would be no show otherwise. By the end of the show, it was less about that. Loved loved loved this show.

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Of course. We are just having a conversation and trading opinions about the show’s characters/ plot.

[@innerpeacemeditationandrel7709]

That's true. And it was a good video. It's interesting how our views change as we grow older and watch through new lenses.

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Thank you! That’s for sure.

[@spicypeppy]

The fact that i have a half older sister but i feel i relate to Mona more...i couldn't stand Dee Dee entitled attitude thinking she's helping when she's not... Mona kinda reminds me of myself at times & i didn't see anything wrong with the way she dressed or carry her hair. Her Afro shows she's a proud black woman unlike DeeDee on the other hand.... I Know what's it's like being the center of attention for no reason when you didn't asked for it(butt Joke).

[@JACKIENT]

Thank youuu

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

😊✨

[@makiziwesteele]

Mona was whiny and needy with low self-esteem. Always seeking validation from men. Sure, DeeDee was privileged but Phyllis is partly responsible for her relationship or lack thereof with her father due to being the miserable, bitter ex-wife. Phyllis' resentment towards Charles helped to warp Mona's mind against her dad and sister. Mona lacked boundaries, especially with her mother; always barging into her home and love life. Mona CHOSE to dress drab and cared very little about fashion and should not resent Dee Dee for loving fashion and having style.

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

I agree with most of what you said, but I’m not sure if I agree that Mona lacked boundaries. It seems to me like everybody kept crossing HER boundaries. 🥴

[@GEMof72]

Mona’s style was not drab. She was bohemian.

[@katrinaafrocubanajimenez8165]

there was nothing wrong with mona’s style

[@makiziwesteele]

@@katrinaafrocubanajimenez8165 I said what I said

[@lydiamumina]

I was watching old reruns of this show last year but i got to a point where I couldn't stand how Mona was always the butt of the joke and DeeDee could do no wrong

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

You are absolutely right. Every single person close to Mona had something to say about the way she dressed, wore her hair, and made a few references to her weight. As much as I love Dee Dee and Spencer, they were in on that too!

[@losgreensborogboro5804]

Going toward the last season they did start to have didi mess up more, but still Mona really had it ruff smh

[@jamilbenjamin220]

Everybody dogged out Mona, that's why on her birthday she didn't even want to be bothered with anyone. Who wants to celebrate their special day with family and so-called friends who are always talking smack about her and praising her sister

[@itsjay472]

Honestly I blame Charles. He and Phyllis got into an argument about him wanting to pursue a business while they were struggling when Mona was a newborn. He was the one who left and never returned. I can understand Phyllis’s anger towards Charles. However, I do believe that she and Mona should’ve gotten the help they needed. There should’ve been more accountability from The parents. They ruined both girls in a sense.

[@ajjean2720]

I have a weird hate-love relationship with this show. Like on one hand, I like the idea of the two sisters getting along after everything. But I feel like just when we’re about to get to the real issues that the family has with each other and be held accountable for what went wrong in the first place, they pull away to the point I just end up feeling unsatisfied with the resolution. Edit- also little Dee Dee also had a boundary issue just like Mona’s mother and never respected Mona’s “no” It also confused me how both had a rich dad but it always seems like Dee Dee had a rich dad and Mona had a weekend dad. Dee Dee never had to work because her dad gave her anything she asked but Mona never felt comfortable asking her dad for anything. Again, hate- love relationship with this show. I could talk about it for hours but the show isn’t that popular to be honest 😭

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Yes, yes, and yes. Thats why I said under another comment that I don’t think people respected Mona’s boundaries. I felt like everybody was trying to “FIX” her while ignoring their part in why the girl had so many issues to begin with!

[@GEMof72]

Agreed

[@renee1309]

Agreed. That relationship is common unfortunately (dad gives one family the world, and disregards the other). Most of the resentment from both sides stemmed from the father.

[@kennyroberson6216]

​@@AllThingsGirlWorld Agree with everything you said in your analysis of the show The only thing I don't disagree with is that it wasn't that popular it was well-known in the black community

[@JuniorMarzy]

That’s the mom and dad fauly

[@ADyani6]

I loved Mona’s character. I also appreciate that they highlighted Mona having a white grandmother. She’s biracial in real life and love that she doesn’t fit the stereotypical look of biracial people.

[@angelaholmes8888]

Yes mona deserved better her father truly wasn't there for her and even though her mother did love her she left her with trust issues in her life she was wrong to lie to mona none of them ever took accountability for it's sad the show got cancelled i was surprised since the ratings were good love diane Carroll as the grandmother

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Mona definitely deserved better! And I loved Diahann Carroll as the grandmother also. I wish we could've saw more of her on the show.

[@tiaraw872]

I wished they made Mona more assertive with her boundaries when it came to her mom. That lady is a mess & it’s crazy how she was shocked when Mona said that all her bad talk about her father & marriage made her scared to get married or date smh

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Yea, Mona was very delicate with Phyllis. I think it was because she didn't want to hurt her feelings.

[@rachelmartin5187]

I think she also felt bad, cause Phyllis worked her butt off raising her as a single mom; which Phylis brought up ALL the time.

[@CrixusHeart]

Don't be putting everything all on Phyllis. If Charles had been around more for Mona, he could have counteracted any negativity. That first episode (I think) where he "forgot" he promised Mona the upper apartment and gave it to DeeDee says it all.

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

I agree with you. Hence why I mentioned that BOTH of Mona's parents are the reasons for her insecurities. I also mentioned Charles buying Dee Dee a pony and not Mona, putting the tassels on Dee Dee's bike and not Mona, how he clearly favored Dee Dee, and his garbage Thanksgiving speech. I also mentioned that if Charles had set better standards in his family that Mona wouldn't be going through these things. I think we all agreed that Charles is trash. Also, hence why 'Mona's Family Failed Her' and not just Phyllis. 😉

[@nataliesasha8216]

Out of the older generation the only person that had a semblance of empathy towards Mona was big Dee Dee (although she had her moments too). Many situations she was actually on Mona’s side, I like when she got Charles and little Dee Dee all the way together for treating Mona like an after thought. Both Phyllis and Charles failed Mona and never really tried to fix it. Dee Dee tried, but she also was too pushy and lacked boundaries.

[@mojadah10]

The Mothers were the true stars! I loved them!!!

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Yes and they cut each other NO slack. I mean, my goodness. 😂

[@1talldaddy]

yeah especially during the mother's day episodes where the would sing.

[@WilliamsPinch]

Both of them are theatre actresses I believe and they were theatrical 😂

[@NikonieBrown]

I love this show! I like Mona and Dee Dee, but I like Mona more because I can relate to her. I appreciate how Dee Dee tried to make up for lost time even though she would mess up. Often. LOL. But it always bothered me how Charles was towards the girls, favoring Dee Dee. Dee Dee would talk about the trips she and her parents would take to Europe and all I could think about was how crazy it was that Charles would go on these trips and not take Mona too. Whew. I also didn't like how he'd only stop at Dee Dee's apartment and not Mona's.

[@LilacStar82]

Dee Dee did come annoying sometimes with that squeaky voice always interfering in Mona's personal life and giving her bad advice being petite with those big eyes. She was like a Chihuahua.

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Dee Dee could get a little hyper sometimes, but it was fitting for her character. 😂 I love Essence Atkins though. She's beautiful! ❤️

[@tebampamonyane9818]

🤣🤣🤣🤣😭

[@VooDooJuicy]

Mona gave too much grace.

[@chantellemodisane]

Charles was an enabler

[@therealkd3227]

I would say Phyllis was living vicariously through Mona maybe trying to get her to do better than she did? I don't know?

[@agluv7360]

Mona was gorgeous to me I watched this all the time when I was little and thought she was a real life my scene madison doll :) I hated that they had her character be the butt of the jokes.

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

I can totally see it now that you mentioned it. Mona would’ve been the perfect doll.

[@mawnee3000]

Dee Dee often bothered me! She was so self centered and pushy in her relationship with Mona

[@FrancescaA00]

I was so sad when it was canceled. I loved that show.

[@LeBronsUnicorn]

I loved Mona. I was always mad at the way they treated her. I wanted Mona and Spencer to work out so bad 😭

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

I did too, but I'm a little glad that they didn't for the sake of preserving their friendship.

[@CodyJoel]

I did watch this show back in the day and recently was watching re-runs…. Then I saw an episode with Kyle Barker and Maxine Shaw attorney at law with their daughter! I don’t know how I missed this episode but I was so excited.

[@tae_516]

I definitely didn't like how Mona was treated throughout this show. It's a classic because so many people can unfortunately relate to it. I will say this: That episode when Big Dee Dee checks Dee Dee on what she said to Mona about being their baby brother's "half sister", that's the one time in this entire show that Big Dee Dee stood up for Mona. It was shocking but good to see! 👏🏽👏🏽 And I loved how their Grandmother Diahann Carroll saw the differences and spoke on it. 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@MsTexas73]

I love Half & Half. Great show. Yes Mona was treated terribly by the parents especially. From the 1st episode we saw that she got the short end of the stick and that Dee Dee was the favored child. Mona was supposed to get the larger apartment upstairs in the first episode. Her father originally told her she could have it once the other tenants moved out.

[@femmefatale55]

Re-watching as an adult was quite illuminating, considering the permeation of overt bias and classism. There may have been some colorism, but the vibes were heavily screaming Boule/Jack&Jill vs. Conscious/Hotep crowds. The father’s overwhelming silence only served to emphasize his preference, especially when his vocal cords seemed to function solely for verbalizing disdain for his ex. Dissing a parent doesn’t exclude their child….Mona’s low self esteem is just as connected to this as little DeeDee’s higher self-esteem is to her mother’s pedestal. Undoubtedly, this show had many funny moments. It’s a shame opportunities to bridge racial unity were overlooked to water seeds of divisiveness.

[@krimsonedit3272]

But I like the little pet names Big Dee Dee had for Mona.

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

I did too! 😊

[@adrianmikel]

For starters, love this video as Half & Half is my third favorite show along with living single and the Parkers and Mona was let down by everyone that suppose to love, protect and support her. Phylis killed me being a psychiatrist and didn’t realize what she done & how treated Mona so fourth ( because that whole my gift for your birthday is freezing your eggs is a mess) but hey even therapist need therapist to see what they done wrong. Charles did made some improvements with Mona through out the show but they only came in episodes with him being there and they solely focus on their relationship if we was a season regular always being there, it would’ve been better improvements because how are you still treating your oldest daughter like that she barley exist. Big Dee Dee I wasn’t no help but I understand her only in the sense of being so focused on your life and daughter you don’t think about her that much especially when she has the other parent in her life but she still didn’t make it any bigger. Dee and Spencer no words for them love them however Dee Dee need a wake up call multiple times.

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Yes! I agree with everything you mentioned. I used to struggle with Charles a little bit though because I understand that he's a business man who is very busy and may not always know what's going on, but it irritated me when he would act confused or surprised when there was family drama like it's not based on the precedent set by him or like this isn't something that Mona has been complaining about since she was a child. I just think he could've tried a little harder.

[@adrianmikel]

@@AllThingsGirlWorld but the best thing to come out of this Mona & Dee Dee actually having a sister relationship.

[@sinegugumpungose4778]

I still watch it but I sometimes get to a point of annoyance with Mona and Phyllis. I get it. She didn't grow up with the privilege being in in her face, but if she went to her dad and asked for help, would he have said no? There's a level of wanting to be victims forever

[@victoriabeckfinat225]

So true. TBH, it’s not the popular thing to focus on when it comes to H&H but, while I have always thought Charles should have tried harder regardless, Phyllis was a major cause of the breakdown of Mona and Charles relationship with one another. She was also the reason why Mona didn’t partake in her father’s wealth. Mona was always portrayed as busting Charles’ balls, yet at the same time it was always made out like Mona damn near grew up in poverty. A woman who put her child first and wasn’t afraid to stand up to her ex, would’ve asked that man for all the money necessary to raise that child in the same style he was raising his other child and - if he said no - took her ass down to the courthouse and forced his hand. Instead, she treated herself and Mona like a package deal and if she couldn’t be with Charles nor benefit from his new lifestyle then neither could Mona. Money-wise, the show never gave the impression that Charles would go out of his way to deny Mona money and material objects.

[@Daisy.Mohajane]

Soo true, that's what I thought.

[@sinegugumpungose4778]

@@victoriabeckfinat225 100%

[@dahliaherrod4301]

​@@victoriabeckfinat225you're right AND Phyllis shouldn't have to do that. Mona is Charles' daughter too. Why is he waiting on Phyllis to ask him to support his own child? C'mon now

[@rhoward]

FINALLY! Someone called it out!

[@KendallRicki]

Poor Mona? Lol. Mona was very much independent despite her circumstances, no need to feel sorry for her. However she could've had some wherewithall to talk to DeeDee about her ignorant father making her aware... although yes he had his foolishness, but we're not even not gonna argue that. Nonetheless I'm not understanding how just Mona is the ONLY "family dynamic" victim. As if DeeDee wasn't either to be raised and lead to the way she became. And yes I'm gonna be that possible unpopular opinion in the comments because let's be forreal on both sides lol...

[@KendallRicki]

BTW this is not a diss at all to OP video and their content, thank you for making this and providing a space to talk about it ✨. I'm coming for the oh woe is Mona comments that's all. ❤️❤️❤️

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

No offense taken. ❤️ This is all great dialogue. It's actually interesting to me that we can all watch the same shows and view them in different ways. Early on, I responded to a comment and mentioned in the video that I also blame the adults for the way Dee Dee turned out as well. We can't only blame everyone for the way Mona turned out because we feel bad for her, but then hold Dee Dee responsible for her upbringing. That wouldn't be fair.

[@KendallRicki]

@@AllThingsGirlWorld Yes exactly 💯❤️

[@evernechatman1590]

Well Mona did get all of the cute guys

[@ronmatthews5054]

I discovered this show the same way. Had it on in the background, and noticed Mona. I thought Mona was really pretty and that made me start watching the show.

[@_dahtruthTV]

Great video 🔥 💯

[@AllThingsGirlWorld]

Thank you!

[@OGFlowerArt]

It was the father who cause this