Best TV Couple #13: Vivian Smith and Philip Banks

Philip Banks (the late James Avery) and Vivian Smith-Banks were rich with wealth and down-to-earth parents to their children, Hilary, Carlton, and Ashley. 

No need to apologize if only one Vivian Smith-Banks exists in your memories. The big switcheroo never happened. Things ended on the note of Janet Hubert's brilliant turn as Vivian the apple of Philip Banks' eye on NBC's hit sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

Phil and Viv always turned up at the mansion.

Vivian kept Phil on his toes-- literally! After all, they did become engaged on Soul Train. A former dancer turned PhD holding professor, she was confident, brazen, stylish, classy, sophisticated, and kind. A civil rights activist Philip, an uptight, astute, intelligent lawyer turned judge, always let a stern guard down at the turn of Vivian's persuasive sweet talk.

They were two peas in a pod, having this syncroncity that made perfect sense. As they raised their three different children together alongside their nephew, their strengths as parents shown through. The warm, loving protectiveness of these two was exceptional in television because although wealthy and busy with a black Butler, they made time for their children-- listening to problems, delivering advice, consoling them. Most importantly, Vivian and Philip didn't allow their schedules to get in the way of their love. They just clicked.

Vivian always knew the way to Philip's heart.

The Fresh Prince of Bel Air's fourth season began with a new Vivian. In an age of no Google, it was natural to assume that Hubert had died or had found another acting gig. As it turned out, Hubert had been fired. Stories blamed it on pregnancy. Many swirling rumors, however, named colorism the true foe. If Hubert's impending motherhood were the case why had the show introduced a new character? Furthermore, why not politely write out Viv as opposed to finding a lighter skinned actress to come into the role? To add further fuel to the fire, at most reunions of the show, Hubert is always left out.

New Vivian, no longer a strong, intelligent dark skinned black woman, became a light skinned docile shell, lacking humor and depth of her predecessor. The fiery, tit for tat chemistry with Phil disappeared. And the children walked all over her as though she were a pathetic excuse for a doormat.

Thus, only the first three seasons matter to most fans.

Back in those funny, essential days, Hubert's Vivian with Philip was a remarkable romance to watch, especially to someone close to her complexion. She was the beauty to emulate. And Philip couldn't resist her wit and charm.