Year of the Black, Older Brother?

Daniel LaRusso is to Mr. Miyagi as Eddie Winslow is to Theo Huxtable
Eddie Winslow is to LeBron James as Theo Huxtable is to Michael Jordan

Though 2005 is in it's infancy, I think we can definitely crown it "The Year of the Black, Older Brother?" Only two weeks old and two older, black brothers are dominating the primetime line-ups on CBS and NBC.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner played the black, older brother Theodore Aloysius 'Theo' Huxtable from the Bill Cosby classic, "The Cosby Show". Malcolm-Jamal has quietly made a primetime comeback in the Tony Kornheiser inspired CBS sitcom "Listen Up." We've been waiting as Malcolm-Jamal hung back throughout the 90's, stalking like a lion, waiting for the perfect time to pounce and complete his primetime return. He must have sensed that America was ready for "The Year of the Black, Older Brother" since he made his much anticipated resurrection in unison with his protege, Mr. Eddie Winslow.

Darius McCrary is better known as the black, older brother Edward James Arthur "Eddie" Winslow in the T.G.I.F. classic "Family Matters". Darius had been in biding his time since the untimely demise of Family Matters but has now landed on his feet. Darius is co-starring on the hit NBC show "Committed". Since Darius is a considerable acting talent (some would say a giant in the land of midgets), I am sure he had been spurning offers since Family Matters left the air in 1998. Darius had probably come to the conclusion that his comeback would be twice as sweet (and five times as savory!) if he could pursue it at the same time as his sensei, Theo Huxtable, was making his revival.

To make this year complete, ABC must develop a sitcom starring some token white guy and the true missing piece of the puzzle, the cherry on top of the sundae, the Ferdinand Magellan of the whole "black, older brother" genre, Todd Bridges, who paved the way for future "black, older brothers" with his portrayal of Willis Jackson on TV's "Diff'rent Strokes".

If Malcolm-Jamal and Darius have taught us anything, it's that we will watch whatever the networks put on, as long as they bring back the black, older brothers to co-star in them! Don't leave America hanging ABC. Spirits have risen to epic proportions throughout the year so far and a new show, starring Mr. Todd Bridges, could possibly erase racism throughout the world. Or, allow me to be entertained for a half hour a week. Thoroughly entertained. The ball is in your court gentlemen...