Last season left us hanging as Toni's (Jill Marie Jones) marriage to Todd (Jason Pace) was in jeopardy and she announced she was pregnant, and Joan (Tracee Ellis Ross) and William (Reginald C. Hayes) had finally realized their true feelings for one another, only to run from each other again. Maya (Golden Brooks) was struggling with book editors trying to change her book's vibe and Lynn had just discovered her birth father's identity. This season continues on with all of those storylines and more.
Todd isn't in the picture much and Toni struggles with her pregnancy, finally deciding that she is ready to be on her own again, without Todd. But a pregnant Toni is a funny thing to see. As selfish as ever, even something as benign as a baby shower can turn into a major event when Toni's in control. Then there's Lynn (Persia White), who finally confronts her birth father, Kenneth Miles (Demond Wilson, Sanford & Son), a butcher. Ken's wife isn't too crazy about vegan Lynn coming into Ken's life, but Ken's son, Matthew, is thrilled. He loves his avant garde new sister and eventually finds his way to her apartment as he pursues a music career. While that doesn't work out, Lynn ends up getting a singing gig with a band led by Finn (Tricky), a womanizing singer who catches Lynn's eye. Sadly, Finn can't commit to just one woman and ends up breaking Lynn's heart over and over.
Maya has her problems as William fires her for being such a terrible assistant, but not before she makes a huge impression on Reverend Al Sharpton, both with her pitiful skills as an assistant and her really interesting book. When he mentions her book on his show, she suddenly becomes the "it" girl and garners huge success. But even this success isn't enough to draw Darnell (Khalil Kain) back to her as he announces that he is marrying his new girlfriend, Lena. When Darnell confesses his love for Maya in a drunken stupor following his wild bachelor party, Maya realizes she must stop the impending wedding, especially since Jabari (Tanner Scott Richards) is dead-set on his parents getting back together. Sparks definitely fly when Darnell comes to terms with his feeling for Maya... on the altar getting married to Lena!
The most pivotal storylines have to do with Joan and William. Joan realizes that what she wants to do is to open a restaurant, and she does, with William's help as a financial backer. Joan and William eventually get together romantically, but are unable to seal the deal. It seems they love each other dearly, but just aren't cut out to be lovers and decide to stay best friends. Joan's tapas eatery, The J Spot, finally opens and is a pretty big success. But she struggles with keeping the place hot, and keeping things from getting awkward with William.
The season finale sees much change as surprises abound with Maya and Darnell, Joan and William, Toni and Todd, and Lynn and Finn. Stay tuned for next season as makeups and breakups alter things in a big way for the Girlfriends.
