Who knew getting to the main stage of a music festival would be so cutthroat? The ladies of Take 3, Noah Brooks, and Lil Dini all fought for their share of the spotlight on this week’s STAR. Rhythm & Bells was supposed to be Carlotta’s passion project to bring Gravity Records to the forefront while cementing her place in the music business. Now, it’s become a game of fighting for a spot on the main stage set list. If we know anything about STAR’s drama, not everyone will get their chance.
Noah already had his spot guaranteed from the get-go. He’s THE Noah Brooks and all eyes are currently on him to achieve his next big chart-topping success. What I loved about “Karma” was that the characters openly discussed the state of their charting songs in comparison to the plot. For example, we’re on the seventh episode of the third season right now, but Take 3’s song “Madonna” (which premiered during the season 3 premiere) is still on heavy rotation. It’s their latest charting success. STAR introduces many songs from the different groups and artists, but realistically they’re not all singles. This discussion helped to put everything into perspective regarding their careers.
While Take 3 was heating up the charts, Noah hadn’t achieved the same success in a while since signing on at the club. Look, I’m not one to agree with Maurice often, but he did have a point. Noah needed to get back out there and give his fans a reason to be excited about his performance at Rhythm & Bells. You need the perfect balance of creative freedom and working the business. It didn’t seem like he wanted to put in the hard work to play the game.
Even when he was faced with Lil Dini taking up his spotlight, his priorities were out of whack. Someone hungrier will always be around the corner to fight for the dream if he didn’t want it. Take 3 was even playing that game to outshine Noah’s own exclusive. We could be seeing Noah’s eventual fall from grace in the music business.
Though, he’s lucky that he was able to outsmart the blackmailer. Her scheme was messy and poorly planned. How did she not hide the evidence?! It’s like she wanted to get caught. When it came to the gun confrontation, I had a bad feeling about Megan. STAR could be setting us up for Megan dying in the crossfire and Maurice holding this against Noah. The group came to terms about their love triangle, but this death could drive a huge wedge between them.
Speaking of the set list drama, how was Take 3 not one of Gravity Media’s biggest artists? If “Madonna” was still currently burning up the charts and “Yellow Tape” shook up the social media world, Take 3’s notoriety would place them ahead than lesser artists like Lil Dini. Star, Alex, and Simone shouldn’t have had to argue in meeting rooms or lie during a live stream just to prove their star power. The fact they were held back was probably because of petty drama against Carlotta and sexism. Star, Simone, and Alex were some of the biggest artists at the record level.
Plus, since all three women were working on their solo careers post-Take 3’s farewell album, Gravity Records would want to give them time on the main stage. Something about this plot didn’t seem right from a business standpoint. The women were being slighted specifically to further this storyline when, in reality, they would be pushed further to bank off their social presence.
Star and Jax finally getting together was a long time coming. This pair has gone back and forth the last few weeks due to Star’s inability to let anyone in. Star had a classic case of self-sabotage. She kept pushing him away for the fear of being alone, except she was making sure she would be alone. Now, the couple can work on their trust issues and take the time to really cement their future.
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Alex and Derek, on the other hand, were a disaster. Why didn’t he just tell her the truth? He wouldn’t have put her life in danger if he had only given her a heads-up that he was looking into Ruby’s attacker. Instead, his mind games destroyed their relationship. This clichéd plot frustrated me because he had plenty of opportunities to work things out and approach the situation in a safe way, but he only made things worse. Alex already suspected him of cheating and his vague excuses chipped away at everything. But, I wouldn’t be surprised if they got back together soon.
On a side note, Detective Maria Montero died too easily, especially for someone who was a trained agent. The attacker had her in a chokehold and she didn’t fight back against him. Her death came across as rushed and unbelievable.
The biggest character growth during “Karma” had to be Cassie. She broke free from the clutches of Xander to kick him to the curb and truly go legit. Hallelujah! Star and Miss Ruby were right on the money about Cassie’s attitude toward her man–she loved him with all her heart, but he was toxic for her. Every time he opened his mouth, he made the situation worse for her, especially between the money and the drugs. And after the physical abuse came to light, that moment opened all their eyes. Cassie should’ve left him long ago!
Xander was never going to marry her and he would have only dragged her down. With her going to the cops, Cassie’s character development will be heading into the second phase. She’s no snitch, but she’ll protect herself first and foremost. What will this mean for her safety? Will Xander try to get rid of her to keep her quiet? Cassie is in a dangerous predicament.
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Last Musical Notes:
- “All I Need” had the classic smooth and soulful vibe that Brandy carried back in her early days. This is Brandy in her element and we’re truly blessed.
- “Live It Up” brought plenty of old school style with Take 3’s modern rhythm. The song samples from Nina Simone–this additional backing fills out the beat. It’s a shame that the song is quite short.
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