Black-ish
Tuesday, 9 p.m., ABC
On this week’s episode of the ABC sitcom “Black-ish,” habitually scheming matriarch Ruby (played by Jenifer Lewis) gets swindled by a scam artist targeting senior citizens. For Lewis, the setup actually hit close to home.
“Having been scammed myself, my message is pay the f – – k attention,” Lewis, 60, told The Post, referring to a 2015 incident in which she dated an LA Fitness employee who, while living and working under an alias, allegedly bilked her out of about $50,000. (In January, Lewis sued the gym for not properly vetting the worker and won a $13,000 settlement in July.)
“There’s no shame in my game, honey,” she says, adding she hopes her experience can help others deal with similar trauma. “My whole thing is about helping people.” She isn’t done talking about it, either. Her book “The Mother of Black Hollywood: A Memoir” (Amistad, out Nov. 14) will tackle the scamming incident (and much more) head-on. Lewis recently spoke with The Post by phone from her home in LA, where she was on a hiatus from filming.
‘Having been scammed myself, my message is pay the f–k attention.’
In this episode, Ruby’s son, Dre (Anthony Anderson), becomes concerned that she is less sharp than normal. How did the plot come about?
I think a couple of the writers’ parents were scammed. One of the messages is not only that people who are aging start to worry, but their children start to worry about them. The writers have really brought together the concern and the love and the fear.
Why was it important for Ruby to face this situation?
Ruby has a weak moment. Because Ruby was a scammer herself, it’s just karma. She was a scammer in her youth, so that’s why she’s a hot mess now. Of course, the whole thing is [that] mama’s getting old — and Ruby can’t stand that.
Were you surprised by what happened to you?
At the time I was receiving an honorary doctorate degree, getting a lifetime achievement award, and “Black-ish” was a big hit. I just wasn’t paying attention. I come from poverty and know how to watch my back. If this can happen to me — ME — I mean, I’m street, you know? Well, I was street. [Laughs] But I’m educated, talented and a whole person. So it can happen to anybody.
What’s your advice for others in trouble?
Whenever anything happens, good or bad — even good things can be overwhelming — you have to feel it, no matter how painful or joyful it is. The feeling is what’s important. Of course it hurts. Then you keep it moving, honey — and in my case, you take care of it as much as possible.
The show tackles an intense subject. Is it difficult to joke about something so serious?
Oh, absolutely. That is the genius of the writing. They have a way of attacking these modern-day issues. The show is pushing boundaries, and is educational and yet comical. That’s a fine line. That’s the magic of “Black-ish.”
How much have you enjoyed playing Ruby?
Oh, my God. You talk about the cherry on top of my career. I love playing her; I really do. And I’m being honest now: You know how long I’ve worked in television. Whenever I get a “Black-ish” script, I sit down first — I really do — because I’m gonna laugh so hard.
— Eric Hegedüs
And here’s what else to watch this week:
Tracey Ullman’s Show
Friday, 11 p.m., HBO
Season premiere. Among the irrepressible Ullman’s impressions are Maggie Smith, Dame Judi Dench, who relies on her “national treasure” status to get her out of a tight spot and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
The Deuce
Sunday, 9 p.m., HBO
Candy (Maggie Gyllenhaal) tries to persuade adult-film director Harvey (David Krumholtz) that she has more to offer than her performance skills. Mobster Rudy (Michael Rispoli) enlists Frankie (James Franco) and Big Mike (Mustafa Shakir) to protect his interests in the peep show.
The Watcher in the Woods
Saturday, 8 p.m., Lifetime
Movie premiere. When Jan Carstairs (Tallulah Evans) and her family move into Aylwood manor for the summer, Mrs. Aylwood (Anjelica Huston, below) is transfixed by the girl’s striking resemblance to her own daughter, Karen, who vanished in the English countryside 20 years ago. There are other strange occurrences.
Ten Days in the Valley
Sunday, 10 p.m., ABC
A breakthrough in the missing-child investigation sends Detective Bird (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, below) and Jane (Kyra Sedgwick) to the studio to question the production team on her hit show. Meanwhile, Jane’s ex, Pete (Kick Gurry), goes on the attack.
White Famous
Sunday, 10 p.m., Showtime
Series premiere. Floyd Mooney (Jay Pharoah), a black comedian whose career is on the rise, must adjust to becoming “white famous.” In the opener, Floyd’s racially charged encounter with a powerful film producer goes viral, presenting Floyd with an opportunity.
Great Performances: She Loves Me
Friday, 9 p.m., PBS
Laura Benanti and Zachary Levi reprise their roles in a film of the Broadway musical about a romance between feuding clerks.
Poldark
Sunday, 9 p.m., PBS
Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson, below left) and Ross (Aidan Turner, below right) welcome an addition. A failed harvest incites food riots. The governess Morwenna (Ellise Chappell) has an unwanted suitor in Reverend Whitworth (Christian Brassington).
