'Tyler Perry's Assisted Living' Episode 1 Preview: Will grumpy grandpa Vinny replace Madea's iconic charm?
You have watched him take the stage and win our hearts with the sassy, snarky grandma Madea and while Tyler Perry will not be appearing or putting on any more of his savage caps on the screen, the soap opera maestro is about to present to us with what just might be the sitcom of the year, in a year frankly filled with very few laughs.
Arriving right in time to tickle your funny bone, 'Tyler Perry's Assisted Living' sounds every bit as hilarious as any Perry comedy could be. Especially since Madea just wrapped her final round for her audience and viewers in August, Perry's upcoming grumpy ground for a grandparent is the crazy old man Vinny (J. Anthony Brown) who is way in over his head with a new establishment he has acquired. The question remains, will Vinny be a suitable replacement for Madea?
The simple answer to that almost preposterous question is no. There can be no replacing Madea — in all her blessed, grand glory. Madea is a piece of art that should be left untouched by anybody but Perry himself. And to offer her suitable replacement on the small screen would also be a foolish attempt at dragging out her charm.
However, Vinny himself is all kinds of welcoming or the lack thereof. We meet Vinny through his grandson Jeremy (Na'im Lynn), who moves back to Georgia with his wife and kids after losing his job.
Grandpa Vinny has recently bought a tattered old home and plans on renovating it into a fully commercialized complex — a feat so unimaginable that Jeremy's teenage kids aren't the only ones rolling their eyes at it. But while a grumpy grandpa can get a little too much to deal with, his solid team of supporting characters rounding up the sitcom makes for a refreshing break.
Perhaps what audiences should look forward to the most are the husband-wife Mann couple — David and Tamela J Mann — who are reprising their longtime acclaimed roles of Mr Brown and his daughter Cora respectively. Originally characters from 'Tyler Perry's House of Pain' — a seventh season slash spin-off which just premiered on BET as well — Mr Brown and Cora are the highlight of the show as its comic relief.
Needy as ever, the duo plays investors desperate to invest in the grumpy grouch's new business venture for reasons unknown. Of course, Grandpa Vinny won't allow that, and thus begins the tug of war in the sitcom that we will have to wait out and watch unfold as the season progresses. The Manns were also a crucial part of Madea's journey, so if you're looking for that much-needed closure or just some sweet nausea, this is your chance.
Catch the grumpy Vinny and his needy, desperate investors, along with a very confused grandson on 'Tyler Perry's Assisted Living' premiering this September 2 at 10 PM on BET.