“Leave your legacy…” – Ray Lewis

Debuting August 27, 1992, Martin has certainly left a legacy that can only be rivaled by an elite few television shows & may be the only “black” show to have a legacy to reach this plateau. Sure syndication, YouTube & DVD box sets can be attributed as a major factor in the lasting power of Martin but there’s a relatable charm to our favorite show that keeps us glued to TV One & MTV2 marathons whenever they air. Though I was a child when Martin debuted, it has meant more to my life than just entertainment. I was an overweight 7/8 year old with a heavy Creole accent & not a friend past family in sight, Martin gave me my “in” to acceptability. I would watch Martin on Thursday, imitate/recite the show the next day in school & be dead on with my impersonations. I was a made man in the playground from this point on (didn’t hurt that I lost my accent, baby fat & had a wicked jump shot) but Martin was essential. I’m forever grateful for the inspiration Martin gave me to open up my personality & helping me find my voice. – A.P.

*sits Henny down, places 2 fingers on the neck*… (If u caught that reference then “we here”)

Martin gave us a plethora of timeless gems from Jerome’s animated entrances, to Bruh Man’s breaking and entering. From going back and forth with Pam, to going a few rounds with the rat/puppy on an island..just to name a few. When Old Otis checked dude’s account at the ATM and told him he couldn’t afford to put cheese on a whopper, my soul cried tears from laughter. Even better, when he told Tommy he resembled “a broke ass Michael Jordan” & an ex Negro League pitcher. He even took time out of his birthday celebration to school Martin on how to get Gina back, then left him with a classic line..”it’s cheaper to keep her deh bwaah” as he eloquently put it. Otis is easily first ballot Hall Of Fame. – Res.

=The genius of the show came in the form of balance, a balance between over the top slapstick humor & real life scenarios. From a baby popping out of a lady to Martin & Gina breaking up. From Bushwick Bill & his crew dropping Tommy in the hallway to Martin losing his job & needing to seek understanding as my man @BoxdenFresh would say. The relationships were unique & scenarios were crazy but the connection was there because these were young adults that looked, talked & dressed like US. Having rappers on television shows is no big deal now but Biggie on Martin was a big deal, pun intended. As awful as season 5 was, seasons 1-4 were nothing short of hilarious classics. Season 1 was more or less an introduction to the characters with no real story or season arc but it was humorous. Season 2 was Martin getting frustrated with is job (Gina got frustrated as well but more for a ring, I didn’t like Gina too much lol) & looking for greener pastures in LA, then coming back only to lose his job again because Stan was a crook. Season 3 found Martin, getting his shit together, getting a new gig & marrying the woman who’s been down with him. Season 4 was an adjustment to the married life while still being Martin the individual. Season 5 didn’t happen in my eyes. Season 3 was my favorite because the arc just flowed perfectly & each episode was funny. Season 2 had the best individual episodes; Me, Simon & the SKYBOX!

How do I get to the yaaaaams?

Bruhman stealing the CD player. The fight party. The high school reunion. I love this show more than couscous. – A.P.

Off top, I’m a huge fan of great music, and I must say that Hustle Man should be mentioned with the greats for his kazoo on the saxophone performance. He also introduced the world to pigeons on a branch when they thought filet mignon was fine dining. Whether you needed a gold ring, chitterling loaf, or a rapping Chihuahua, he was your guy. His contributions to society shouldn’t go unnoticed. All in all, “Martin” was far ahead of its time. You have to appreciate how he gave us a great blend of reality and comedy without “trying”. These days so much comedy is forced it’s corny. - Res

Who could ever forget Martin dragging a stuffed Rottweiler then ordering the fake dog to “sit (dog falls over), lay”? Who can forget the characters going to their high school reunion with Martin seeking vengeance on Rico Fontaine, Pretty Ricky what they called him? Who can forget Martin refusing to “pay the 5”, not knowing that “the 5” in question was $5? Who can forget Hussleman as Martin’s wedding planner? “Baby boo boo, this here chitlen loaf, it goes down easy & don’t come up rough.” Who can forget what GTD stood for? Who can forget Bob from marketing trying to convince Randall Cunningham to wear MC Hammer pants or picking up the phone & telling Martin “she’s outta control, I’m outta control, this whole party is outta control….”? Who can forget Jerome singing to Pam Grier at The Playas Ball &essentially sexually harassing her for all to see? Who can forget Cole making bird noises & suggesting Martin open up a Rent Em Spoons? “we serve them soup for free….RENT EM SPOONS!” Who can forget Pam’s ass? (To end the debate, Pam looked/looks better than Gina, Gina was just light skinned with nice lips & some legs but looked like a tuna fish, Pam looked like MONEY before we got any).

Speaking of tuna, who can forget Ms. Gerri (who was bout that life) stepping on the last sandwich Martin had at the bus depot “Tuna? I don’t eat no damn tuna” The rivalry between Ms. Gerri & Martin was as real & on sight as it got & can only be compared to Lakers/Celtics or Ron Isley/R.Kelly. Who can forget Tommy Strawn (not Strong) pressing Martin & being told “ain’t go be no threatening with the physical…”. Who can forget Otis saying “Guess what they call me? They call me Ol’ Otis Supreme, I’m a rich woman’s lover & a poor woman’s dream, you better ask somebody!” Who can forget the lusty Reverend Leon Lonnie Love? Who can forget Dragon Fly Jones finally defeating his humble & obedient servant Kenji, just to have Ms. Gerri run up on him & take his coins? (Told you she was bout that life). Who can forget Martin? His show is & always will be unforgettable. Thank you for being legendary. – A.P.

I appreciate anybody who can pick up on a Martin reference during a casual conversation. Anybody who owns the collection and can tell u what episode is on which disk of whatever season? man listen. Just remember that ain’t no damn puppy and “get to those dumpsters”.

Thank You, Martin. Happy 20th. – Res.