Ep 1. The Dinner Party

The Dinner Party is the opening episode of the American comedy-drama television series Sistas. The series, created by Tyler Perry, revolves around a group of four successful African American women whose lives intersect as they navigate love, career, friendship, and everything in between. The first season consists of 25 episodes and premiered on BET on October 23, 2019.

The episode starts with the main character, Andi (played by KJ Smith), in a state of panic because she forgot that she was hosting a dinner party for her boss, her best friend, and her three other friends. Andi is a successful lawyer and a devoted daughter, sister, and friend. She is also going through a tough breakup with her boyfriend, who cheated on her. She is determined to convince everyone that she is over him and that she is not a mess, despite the fact that she is running late and her house is a mess.

As the guests arrive, we get to meet the other three women: Karen (played by Ebony Obsidian), Sabrina (played by Novi Brown), and Dani (played by Mignon Von). Karen is a successful real estate agent and a mother of two. She is going through a divorce and is trying to keep it together for her kids. Sabrina is a fashion designer who is still looking for love. She is a bit of a wild card and tends to speak her mind. Dani is a former college athlete who is working at a bank. She is struggling to balance her ambition with her personal life.

As the night progresses, the women catch up on each other's lives, drink wine, dance, and have fun. We see their different personalities, sense of humor, and perspectives. They talk about everything from work to relationships to social issues. They also show their support for each other. For instance, Karen tells Andi to stop apologizing for being late and to enjoy her own party. Sabrina tells Dani that she is too hard on herself and that she should give herself credit for her achievements. Andi tells Sabrina to be open-minded and not to judge people based on their social status or career.

The dinner party, however, is not without its challenges. We see some tension between Andi and her boss, Gary (played by Anthony Dalton). Gary is a married man who has been flirting with Andi and has asked her out on several occasions. Andi has always rejected his advances, but she worries that he might try to pursue her again. She also doesn't want to disappoint him as he is an important client. The tension between them is palpable and creates some awkward moments during the party.

Another challenge comes from Dani's boyfriend, Preston (played by Michael King). Preston is a charming man with a criminal record. He tells the women that he has reformed and that he wants to start a new life. However, Karen, who is a bit skeptical, conducts a background check on him and finds out some disturbing facts. Dani, who is in love with Preston, is shattered by this news.

The episode ends with the women having a heart-to-heart conversation about love. They share their hopes, fears, and dreams about finding the right partner. They admit that they are flawed and that they have made mistakes in the past. They also support each other and promise to always be there for each other, no matter what. The episode closes with a life lesson from Andi, who says that sometimes, the people you think you can count on disappoint you, and the people you don't expect to be there for you surprise you.

Overall, The Dinner Party is a great start to the series. It sets the tone for the characters, the relationships, and the themes that are explored throughout the season. The episode is well-written, witty, and heartfelt. The performances by the cast are excellent, and the chemistry between them is believable. The episode deals with several issues that are relatable and timely, such as infidelity, divorce, trust, self-esteem, and identity. It also celebrates the beauty, strength, and resilience of black women.