Sorry for the delay in the not so popular 'Grading the Gavels' feature but I'm hoping it will get better now that we are moving towards the black judges.With that said, Number 7 in Grading the Gavels is 'Divorce Court.'
The format of the show has been off and on since since 1957.
Now, I know what you're saying...
That isn't Judge Mablean Ephriam.
I swear every family has an aunt who reminds you of Judge Mablean. I could just picture her now saying 'Come here baby, give mama some sugar.'
It is now hosted by Judge Lynn Toler who used to host a different court show, 'Power of Attorney.'
As for Judge Mablean, who hosted the show for nearly seven years, the story is reportedly the two sides were unable to reach an agreement in terms of dollars. You might have also seen her on VH1's 'Celebrity Fit Club' as well.
Back to the show, Toler unfortunately is no Judge Mablean. Not that I don't like Judge Toler because I do - it's just a different style.
Below are a few clips from the show in case you haven't seen it yet.
Besides from being a judge, Toler is also an author. BV's Ken Gibbs interviewed Toler about her book 'My Mother's Rules. You can find the interview here.
No. 11: 'Cristina's Court'
No. 10: 'Judge Maria Lopez'
No. 9: 'Judge Alex'
No. 8: 'Texas Justice'
Comments: (28)
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By: Lisa on 4/08/2007 7:40AM
It was difficult in the beginning adjusting to Lyn Toler because I was so used to the keep it real kind of Judge Ephraim. However, as I began to watch many of her episodes I have grown fond of her. She is very intelligent and I really appreciate her style.
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By: vernon on 4/08/2007 2:02PM
Judge Toler gives very good advice. If you don't belong together she will tell you.
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By: LISA on 4/08/2007 8:30PM
Judge Toler is a better judge than judge mablean, futhermore her advice is always on point. If she was not a judge is would be a great therapist.
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By: Cee Wilson on 4/09/2007 2:15AM
I truely miss judge Mableline , the show is much differnet because Judge Lynn is so... serious, Maybeline was also when it comes to business, but she had a natural gift to keep people watching and making people laugh.!!!, What is she doning now???
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By: wanda l on 4/09/2007 9:56PM
Judge Toler is a breath of fresh air. Her style is at once motherly and the letter of the law. She is what we need today! Kudos Lynn!
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By: Mya on 4/09/2007 9:55PM
I like Toler much better, more professional and not as ghetto as Mabelene was towards the end, whose ego was too big for that show.
Now if they could get rid of that baliff and get a young cute stud on there too, lol!
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By: MIKE P on 4/09/2007 9:54PM
JUDGE TOLER IS OK,BUT I MISS JUDGE MABLEAN THE WAY SHE LET YOU HANG YOURSELF AND THEN GIVE HER RULING
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By: Timothy on 4/09/2007 9:53PM
I think Judge Toler makes the show much much better. She is intelligent, reasonable, witty and knows the law. She offers great advice and really tries to help the couples. I had a hard time watching Mabelean as she seemed to only want to hear the juicy, irrelevant gossip. Kudos to Judge Toler! A Black woman we can truly admire!!
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By: Samantha on 4/09/2007 9:54PM
I love the new judge. I think the show should have ranked higher, especially compared to some of these other judges and shows.
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By: Samantha on 4/18/2007 11:11AM
I love the new judge. I think the show should have ranked higher, especially compared to some of these other judges and shows.
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