When Meryl landed the role of Ebony at the age of 14, the character itself was little more than a weak characterization of the antagonistic force that the Mallrats encountered. But somewhere in those early seasons Ebony evolved into a...
[+] Read Full Review

When Meryl landed the role of Ebony at the age of 14, the character itself was little more than a weak characterization of the antagonistic force that the Mallrats encountered. But somewhere in those early seasons Ebony evolved into a multi-layered person which Meryl played with such flair and skill that one wonders why she doesn't have her own show yet.

It is perhaps to Meryl's advantage that she landed the arguably most complex character of the whole ensemble cast of The Tribe. It allowed her to play a wide variety of emotions and storylines that one doesn't often see united in one single, consistent character. And she doesn't disappoint. From cold-hearted ruthlessness to hidden vulnerability, from utter self-confidence to deep-seated insecurity, Meryl acts these feelings in a natural, colorful manner that rings true for many viewers. Whether Ebony is lasciviously seducing somebody or shaking up the screen with a genuine moment of ingenuous playfulness, one comes away with the impression that she is a passionate, intense, and emotionally rich, albeit deeply flawed, individual.