She’s running the show and she’s heard the questions

MARA Brock Akil wants to make one thing perfectly clear: She did not do a victory lap around her Paramount Studios office when her “Girlfriends” helped knock off David E. Kelley’s “Girls Club.”

Akil, the creator of UPN’s “Girlfriends,” about four African American women, was more than a little concerned when the highly touted Fox drama, created by one of the most successful producers in television, was scheduled against “Girlfriends” on Mondays at 9 p.m.

When the critically blasted and low-rated “Girls Club” was yanked last month after only two episodes, Akil couldn’t help being a bit thrilled -- particularly since “Girlfriends” is having the highest ratings of its three-year run. “It’s exciting to beat David Kelley,” Brock said. “But it’s not really all about that. I feel really triumphant this season because I had that show and other obstacles against me. There were questions about whether a young African American woman could run a show by herself. I’m hearing this when there are these white guys making million-dollar deals, and their shows are not making it. Mine is.”

At 32, Akil is the youngest female creator-executive producer in television. Among all show creators, only Greg Berlanti, who created the new WB drama “Everwood,” is younger, at 30. (Interestingly, “Everwood” is also scheduled at 9 p.m. Mondays against “Girlfriends.”) She is the youngest African American to run a network show.

“Girlfriends,” which stars Tracee Ellis Ross, Golden Brooks, Persia White and Jill Marie Jones, is UPN’s second-most popular comedy behind “One on One” and has been called a black “Sex and the City.” The show is from Grammnet Productions, the production company of “Frasier” star Kelsey Grammer.

After two seasons of working in tandem with two other producers, Akil has taken full charge of “Girlfriends,” and the direction and tone of the series are hers. She wants to develop the series with more complex story arcs. The single characters will be involved with more serious relationships, and topics such as AIDS and birth mothers will be addressed.

The direct approach

With more control of her show, Akil isn’t as concerned this season with perceptions based mostly on her youth and looks. With her striking features, Halle Berry-style haircut, off-the-shoulder sweater and tight blue jeans, she might be initially mistaken for a glamorous actress making a guest appearance rather than the boss.

But her appearance is a distinct counterpoint to her no-nonsense professionalism that leaves no doubt who is running the show.

Said Akil: “I am aware of how people have responded to me just based on my looks, my age, my gender. I make sure people don’t mistake my kindness for weakness. I’m not afraid to be direct.”

Grammer said, “I’m impressed by the fact that she’s soft-spoken and yet forceful. She has a clear vision but is able to collaborate. This third season she seems really at ease, and the cast seems comfortable. I’m really thrilled with the series and its growth.”

Akil said of her relationship with the “Girlfriends” cast: “Sometimes they may not want to go to the places I want to go. But there is trust. I had to get over my defensiveness. In dealing with the cast, I was so busy protecting the show that I didn’t listen as much as I should have.”

She keeps Grammer aware of plots and story directions, but she does not regularly consult him. “However, it always gives me comfort to know that he’s there.”

Grammer said with a chuckle, “Mara comes to me when she needs a power call. But otherwise, she’s doing it without my help. I’m very secure with how she’s running the show.”

Akil has a few ideas for other series she wants to pursue down the line. But she is consumed with “Girlfriends” and its growing viewership.

“We’re still growing, and we have no advertising budget like these other networks do,” Akil said. “It’s word of mouth. This comedy has a life far beyond five seasons. I feel like we’ve made a difference.”