GIRLFRIENDS: Is This Really 'The End'?

By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

Spoiler Alert!!!

On the May 7 episode of 'Girlfriends,' Joan (played by Tracee Ellis Ross) will get a long awaited marriage proposal on what is being billed as a special one-hour finale.

The production notes, obtained by The BV Newswire, didn't indicate specifically if the two-part show was a "series finale" or "season finale" -- just "finale."

Hmmmm.

In its groundbreaking 7th season, the Mara Brock Akil created vehicle has held its own on the new network, The CW.

Even without one of its main draws -- the character Toni Childs who was expertly played to the hilt by Jill Marie Jones -- 'Girlfriends' remains a ratings juggernaut. (The former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader didn't return to the show, reportedly after contract negotiations broke down.)

And sources hint that the powers that be want more of where that came from.

While Akil's new show, a supposed 'Girlfriends' spin-off 'The Game' -- starring Tamara Mowry, Wendy Racquel Robinson and newcomer Pooch Hall -- is showing signs of potential, it still needs an anchor to lead in from in order to have a successful second season.

After six years of fronting the Kelsey Grammar-produced show, Ellis Ross recently won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series. To the Black Glitterati, the coveted honor is equivalent to an Emmy Award, which most of the winners are never submitted as nominees for by their networks.

With increased media attention during the past year -- including television talk show appearances and magazine covers -- Ross (daughter of music icon Diana Ross) also landed roles in Tyler Perry's 'Daddy's Little Girls' and Queen Latifah's HBO drama 'Life Support.'

A CW spokesperson would not confirm whether or not 'Girlfriends' will return in the fall.

The official fall line up will be announced at the network's New York Upfront presentations May 17.