Last night's premiere of The Four of Us by Tshedza Pictures (The River, The Republic, Legacy) promises to close the gap in entertainment after those shows ended.
The series opens to a backdrop of Paris - Busani Dlhomo (Sindi Dlathu) enjoys her afternoon holiday walk until she steps into a rollercoaster of emotions, drama, betrayal and complicated family dynamics when she receives that one phone call regarding a huge loss.
Urghhhh… some phone calls can inconvenience shem, no timing nje, alas I digress.
The siblings fighting for their birthright and inheritance after the patriarch passes on is the baseline of the story.
Papa’s favourite is betrayed and eldest son gets what he doesn’t deserve. The tragedy of being born the eldest girl.
The actors on this show are the best of the best from Mzansi. Here are my first impressions and thoughts:
Dumisani Dhlomo's family... (from top to bottom) Bulingile, Banzi, Bobbi and Busani. Mama Masechaba on the right.
Busani is the beloved eldest daughter who seems to know how to put everyone in their place and no one ever challenges her.
She might be the responsible one but her anger neh…. yoh yoh… I can’t wait for the reincarnation of Lindiwe Dlamini in this new character.
The betrayal by the one person she trusted and loved deeply will surely require some Lindiwe Dlamini-esque taking care of.
That Axe she threw after hitting her father’s image on that mega TV screen...
Bobbi Dhlomo (S’dumo Mtshali) is the entitled, overlooked son who lives under his older sister's shadow and wants to claim - by any means - the honour of being the eldest boy.
He seems like a reckless one though, anything he inherits he will surely squander. He might be his mother’s favourite child but we will wait and see how this unfolds.
Masechaba "Gogozi" Dhlomo (Sibongile Nojila) is a typical Motswana woman who is quiet, traditional and loving.
The drama happening around her from her children, extended family and her late husband, Dumisani, as she quietly holds herself to herself, tjerrrrr… that softness Mme Masechaba tlheng! Being demure during this time mara!!
Banzi Dhlomo (Thembinkosi Mthembu) has all the characteristics of a middle child who is not seen because his parents are too busy battling for their favourite child.
He is the peacekeeper, quietly watching from the sidelines, embodying his mother’s demure state in everything.
I suspect he is the LGBTQI+ character but we will watch on and see. I got some After 9 vibes from him.
Bulingile Dhlomo (Kealeboga Masango) is the baby princess in the family; addicted to something.
At this juncture it is alcohol, but I sense a deeper pain in her character. She is dealing with some form of pain or trauma. She uses escapism to deal with whatever it is.
Papi
Papi Dhlomo (Dumisani Dlamini) is the late Dumisani’s brother who lives on the edge of the law.
His own family is obviously divided in 2 but he is too focused on the outside world to give guidance.
His animosity with his brother seems to have split them apart for over 15 years.
His daughter Basi (Nthabiseng Kgosana) dotes on daddy and does everything with him - legal or illegal, she is right there by his side.
Vera
The mother, Vera (Rami Chuene) referring to them as Sematla le motimpana (idiot and sidekick) left me rolling on the floor in laughter.
Their son, Kopano (Scelo Buthelezi) seems like mama’s boy - very introverted and not interested in his father’s shenanigans.
I honestly can’t wait to see this story unfold. From the TVSA teaser blog, you can tell that there is so much to look forward to.
It airs Mondays to Fridays on e.tv and episodes stream on Netflix the following day.