Column:

Still 'trapped'

By Tanner Boyd

Published Aug. 24, 2007

I, like many other people around the world, anxiously awaited the summer of 2007 and its possible resolution to one of entertainment's most mesmerizing story lines. No, I am not talking about the "Harry Potter" series; I am talking about the prolific chapters 13-22 of R. Kelly's "Trapped in the Closet."

Yes, "Trapped in the Closet."

It is the groundbreaking 2005 sensation that tells the story of betrayed lovers, crooked cops, homosexuals and America's new weapon of choice: the Beretta. In addition to its DVD release, the latest chapters are available on the Independent Film Channel's Web site. You know, because when I think of R. Kelly, I think of the Independent Film Channel.

I know many of you are saying, "But I can't remember what all happened in chapters one through 12." Fear not, because R. Kelly asks us to "reminisce about all the shit that went down," in a video featured on the Web site before the new installment. I would attempt to explain the plot in full, but I think R. Kelly's recap really helps set the mood.

Chapter 13 opens with our protagonist Sylvester (Kelly) and Twan (Sylvester's brother-in-law who was recently released from prison, shot and is said by Sylvester to be "crazier than a fish with titties") running an unknown errand. From here on out, R. Kelly does what he does best: weave a plot with characters as complex and interesting as they are necessary.

Character wise, this has to be R. Kelly's tour de force. While he not only vocally controls the plethora of players in this hip-hopera, he also physically represents new figures in the latest chapters. Such characters include Randolph, the elderly husband of nosy neighbor, Rosie. His incredible range is shown in the character of the stuttering pimp, Lucious, a sinner who is supposedly trying to get back on the straight and narrow.

A strong supporting cast helps put "Trapped in the Closet" in the same category as the ensemble from the Academy Award-winning "Crash." The character of Twan is given more depth and flesh, and much is revealed about his troubled past. Other minor characters are beautifully brought into the forefront so that R. Kelly can help us realize how the repercussions of one man's infidelity and time spent in a closet can influence the entire world.

Needless to say, fans of the beloved series will be shocked at the surprising twists and turns. Some loose ends will be tied, but I am positive that discussion boards around the world will be buzzing with viewer theories about the characters' fates.

Although debate will certainly flow about which chapter serves as R. Kelly's "Empire Strikes Back," it is not hard to say the public will be demanding spin-offs, sequels and prequels. Truly, Kelly has solidified himself as the world's most masterful storyteller, a Homer for the 21st century. One thing that is certain, though, is that while other heroes of the past, such as Odysseus and Beowulf fade after time, R. Kelly's Sylvester will be trapped in the closet of our minds forever.