The Pynk Lives To See Another Day
Like the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Much like The Pynk that was on the verge of closing their doors after one last night, the season finale of “P Valley” aired on Sunday and it was explosive. I know we should have been writing recaps for the entire season so I’m hoping this article will make up for it because I have few things to get off my chest. If you haven’t watched the finale yet or even started the show, I suggest you avoid this post at all costs to avoid spoilers.
Like I stated before, it’s the Pynk’s last night before the club is set to be auctioned off. The stage has been set for all of our main characters and the drama is thick. Autumn’s boyfriend/boss/husband has made his way into the Paradise Room, and he is pissed. Judging from the conversation, he was more of an abusive employer than a significant other. It’s also come to light that she might have a worked at another strip club in Houston. Truthfully, her story line still confuses me. This shadowy man kept referencing the Delta brothers or some organization he’s a part of. I don’t know, but I’ve been bored with her character since episode 4. Whoever this man is, he was willing to kill Mercedes and Autumn to get all that money she’s been stashing away.
The biggest let down of the night was Keyshawn. She quickly became my favorite this season after she stepped from behind Mercedes’ shadow and into her own spotlight. Not only is she smarter than people give her credit for, she helped craft Lil Murda’s image to gave him a platform. She truly shined in their performance and managed to impress the record executive. Sis was on her way to making a nice chunk of change for her last night until her hillbilly boyfriend had to ruin everything. Its easy to sit back and wonder why a beautiful woman like Keyshawn would let a dirty white boy treat her that way, but domestic violence doesn’t see color. While It was beautiful seeing Diamond willing to step in and save her, the end result of her protecting her boyfriend didn’t surprise me. Maybe she didn't want that blood on Diamond’s hands. Who knows, but I pray she’s able to see the light next season.
To say that I was disappointed in Lil Murda is in understatement. The storyline of his budding romance with Uncle Clifford was something I wasn’t expecting, but really appreciated. Lamarcus was genuine in his intentions and managed to get Uncle Clifford out of his shell. While their romance was beautiful to witness, we have to remind ourselves that this is Mississippi and their love is something that is not accepted. Just when it seemed that Clifford was warming up to the idea, Lamarcus ruins it by flexing in front of the record executive. Just like a negro to get a little shine and act brand new when it really matters. I applauded Clifford for not accepting this behavior and showing Lamarcus the door. Maybe this will bring him down to earth a bit and help him realize that a 360 deal would have a been terrible decision.
By the end of the night, Diamond has aired out the entire club in the name of Keyshawn and he’s not the only one with a gun. I can’t lie, seeing him clear out that bathroom to handle Keyshawn’s boyfriend did something to me. While I don’t condone violence, I have a thing for men who are willing to do anything to protect a woman. Too bad it ended horribly for everyone. Thankfully Mercedes made it out alive, but it only made her run back to her thieving momma for forgiveness. I hate to see Mercedes like this. She legit had a exit strategy only for her momma to steal everything. She has been offered a way out by one of her favorite clients, but it comes with a cost. I’m hoping our good sis bosses up next season.
The final scenes consist of the Uncle Clifford and his ladies headed to the auction house dressed for a funeral. While it seems that there is no hope in sight to save “The Pynk,” a woman in white steps up and begins to bid against the city for the property. The woman turns out to be Autumn. She saves “The Pynk” by spending a whopping 250K with clear intention that her and Uncle Clifford are now partners in the business. While I’m thankful that Autumn was able to swoop in and save the day, I don’t know if I like this arrangement of her being business partners with Cliff. I don’t know, I just don’t like her character. Maybe Season 2 will change my mind. In the last scene, we see Mercedes make her back to the club distraught and it’s clear that Autumn, Clifford, and Mercedes have some work to do. Here’s hoping “The Pynk” gets a major renovation for Season 2 because they need it.
Overall, I love the show. I love how elements of the South are displayed all through the season from the music to strip club culture. Pairing Lil Murda’s performance with Keyshawn’s pole work was an excellent idea and also showed how some songs aren’t considered a hit unless it pops in the strip clubs. Ask Ying Yang twins how they got famous. While I didn't appreciate the Southern accents from some of the actors (Autumn to be exact), I’m willing to let it slide because the story telling was good. My questions for next season are if Diamond and Keyshawn return to the club, will they still be cool? Is the Delta dude a part of some bigger mob? Is there hope for Uncle Clifford and Lamarcus to make up? I need all these questions answered ASAP and thanks to COVID, it’s going to be a while before we get Season 2. Guess I could watch the new season of Power: Ghost. NAH.
