Season 1 Talk

[dusang]

The exact moment I fell in love with the show was when it looked like it was going a horribly predictable route of Andre making a fool of himself by walking over for a promotion someone else got, but instead we got "I'm in charge of black stuff?" A wonderful twist on the gag that really gives me hope that these writers know what they're doing.

Oh thank you! I have a serious mental condition where I cannot watch fictional people make fools of themselves and I literally turned the show off as Andre was moving to the other side of the boardroom table in fear of the Zoolander reveal (accepting the award given to someone else -- I can't tell you how many times I've seen that film and have NEVER been able to watch that sequence in its entirety... I have problems).

Now that I know what happens I'll try watching again.

Oop... I had to pause for an awkward breather after the "urban pitch" video.

Edited October 7, 2014 by dusang

[ElectricBoogaloo]

I like the narration. It makes me remember Bernie Mac.

The narration reminded me of Bernie Mac too because it's the father figure doing the voiceover. I saw someone mentioned the Wonder Years but that didn't come to mind for me because that was adult Kevin remembering adolescent Kevin.

 

I don't think the mother's driving her kids to school means she works part time. She's a doctor and likely has a flexible schedule since she's been in practice for some time and if I recall correctly is a specialist.

I didn't think she worked part time either. If she works at a hospital or clinic that's open 7 days a week, it's possible that her days off are not Saturday/Sunday. And it's also possible in those situations that they are staffed more than just 8am-5pm so her shifts could start after the kids are at school. If she has her own practice, she could have a split schedule with the other doctors in the office. There are so many possibilities due to the different ways that doctor's schedules can work that it didn't occur to me to think that she was working part time just because she dropped her kids off at school. My dad worked full time and he dropped me off when I was in high school.

 

I think it's likely that the twins have been offered their own rooms but want to stay together as best friends and co-conspirators.

My friend's niece and nephew are twins and they share a room because they want to be together. It may change when they're older but they're about the same age as Jack and Diane.

 

I was laughing and cringing at all of Junior's stream of consciousness sex babbling. Between Helen Mirren and the tater tot lady, I understood Dre's slump to the floor.

 

What I like about Dre and Rainbow's relationship so far is that it's realistic. They disagree but without being cruel to each other. They also aren't doing the other parental tv cliche where they are constantly making out and grossing out their kids. They seem like normal parents who have a good relationship and know each other very well but aren't perfect. I loved when he told her she could come over to his side of the bed and she just got out her book.

[Inquisitionist]

This show is being written by The Daily Show's Larry Wilmore so I am all in no matter what.

 

I don't see his name anywhere in the show's credits on IMDB or the show listed anywhere in Wilmore's credits.  Apparently, he was supposed to executive produce the show, but had to drop out when he picked up Colbert's slot.

[Athena]

I don't see his name anywhere in the show's credits on IMDB or the show listed anywhere in Wilmore's credits.  Apparently, he was supposed to executive produce the show, but had to drop out when he picked up Colbert's slot.

 

Larry Wilmore came onto the show just as the pilot was greenlit and before Fishburne. He was probably involved with the development of the pilot. In this Vulture piece, he is credited as a co-creator with Kenya Barris. I think he may still retain Executive Producer title and perhaps residuals for being involved from the beginning. I'll have to check the credits next time. IMDB is not the most accurate because it's user edited. 

[jumper sage]

I'm in! 

[honybr]

I enjoyed this episode.  Everyone has mentioned all the great lines, but I love the chemistry.  I also quite enjoy that they remind me of a more modern version of the Cosby's because of the family bond so it's great to have that on the year of the 30th anniversary of the Cosby Show.  I'm glad so many people are enjoying it because I'm always nervous that shows with POC in the lead have a super short time frame to prove themselves.

 

My favorite part was when they showed how they wore their towels and her's said "grew up in a naked house".  That is so me and my husband that we looked at each other and cracked up. 

[SimoneS]

OMG, I thought this episode was hysterical, the best yet. There were so many great lines. The Shire helmet, the nod, the butt face, sounds culty, Biggie black, urinal protocol, urinal decorum... LOL!

 

I am still laughing over Dre's inappropriate bus stop pick up lines to find Junior some black friends. Poor Junior, getting wiped out on the basketball court and getting a crotch in his face.

 

Diane is so adorable. The little actress is wonderful.

 

Charlie is the worse, so inappropriate with no boundaries. He cracked the hell out of me.

 

Zoey is so beautiful. 

[Iamsweetdee]

This was fun. The Nod is so true.

[BoogieBurns]

The casting of these kids is so perfect. Junior is so awkward. Zoe is too cool. Jack is sweet and such a good dancer. Diane is a bit snobby, but in the best way possible because she is just too smart for her own good. I like how the twins wear uniforms to school. 

 

"I'm cool. Plus I'm black, which is cool. So I'm cool twice." Zoe says it better, but I definitely felt the same way in high school. 

 

This episode just made me laugh more than anything has in a long time. The nod is real. My dad and grandpa take the nod as seriously as Dre and his dad.

[Neeners]

Missed the pilot episode, but caught the last two.  This is definitely my favorite new comedy so far.  The casting is fantastic - especially the kids.  The little girl has awesome comedic timing.  I'm hooked!

[Writing Wrongs]

The Nod is so true.

 

Isn't it, though? Whenever I'm out with my friend, he always nods and says hi to guys walking by and I always ask, "Do you know them?" and he's like "No." Maybe that's why people think all black people know each other. LOL

 

I feel bad for Junior that his dad is so obsessed about color. He should be happy that his son is color blind and has friends who are. When I was growing up I mainly had white friends, but I never thought about color.

Edited October 9, 2014 by Writing Wrongs

[WildFlower87]

Hilarious episode. Great cast. This show gets better with every episode. Definitely, the best new Fall comedy so far.

[omgsowicked]

I liked how Andre came around to the idea that The Nod is a little different for his son... in his son's case, The Nod is for fellow dorks. Haha.

 

The youngest daughter is so cute and I was very impressed with her acting. And I cracked up at the, "Dinner's at 7." "OK, be there by 8:00. 8:30. 10:00 the latest" part but otherwise, the new coworker was too much for me.

[ElectricBoogaloo]

"My hobbit shire!"

[bentley]

I'm not a laugh out loud person when I'm home watching TV but that whole basketball sequence had me in stitches, from Junior telegraphing his throws to the crotch in the face. That kid was cast perfectly. I'd love to see some outtakes from the show because I know they have to be cracking each other up when they're filming.

[twoods]

Love this show. The crotch face was awesome- Andre is such a great character and still love how he doesn't pay attention to race and is a big dork.

Still confused at Rainbow's profession- is she a surgeon or an anesthesiologist? No matter- she's such a cool mom.

Edited October 9, 2014 by twoods

[ElectricBoogaloo]

That new coworker is like my worst nightmare - no boundaries and no clue that he is making other people uncomfortable!

[Mozelle]

I think that this episode was the funniest of the three. It had some great lines and some funny moments.

Diane's boredom at Rainbow's job until she saw all the emergencies in the ER was hilarious. As was Rainbow wearing the wrist corsage that Charlie brought for her.

Oh, and Charlie's complete lack of boundaries! He likes to live dangerously, I see. People get pissed if you step on their shoes and here this man is--with bare feet!--in Dre's sneakers.

Lastly, Bow is never going to know what's going on with Zoe.

OK, lastly for real: Jack dancing and "No Flexx Zone" playing in the background had me dying because just a few weeks ago, Tracee Ellis Ross posted this video to YouTube:

She tweeted last night that the song choice in last night's episode was purely coincidental.

[bentley]

Loved the little throwaway joke in the scene where Dre and Junior are going through his yearbook looking for black students. When Junior told him the one boy was Sri Lankan, Dre replies "Not even a real place". And I loved the hesitation and then taking a pass on the African student, a callback to the first episode.

[Mrs OldManBalls]

This was fun. The Nod is so true.

And starting today, it's going to be everywhere!

 

(My son was shocked that I was familiar with, and know how to do the nod) 

[topanga]

Loved the entire episode: the nod, Andre Sr.'s search for black friends for Jr., the representatives of the Jack and Jill-like group, the little actress playing Diane (I must learn her name), the weird co-worker, every scene with Laurence Fishbourne, and Andre Sr. talking to the boys at the bus stop. Zoe is the stereotypical shallow and self-centered teenaged girl, but she's beautiful, and the actress manages to give her some semblance of humanity. So she doesn't annoy me much.

 

BTW, when did Anthony Anderson get so cut? And lean! He used to be kind of a chubster. Which is okay. I always thought he was handsome.  

 

My favorite quote of the night:

 

"My wife and I are going through a messy divorce."

"You are?"

 

--The only thing that bothered me about this episode: this was the first time I felt that Andre Jr. didn't really know he was black. From a sociological standpoint, that is. I'll talk about it more in the Race/Social Issues thread.  

[Seelouis]

I love this show.  My favorite part  "Playing that back in my head, ma'am, you are doing the right thing" as the woman at the bus stop dials 911.  

Edited October 9, 2014 by Seelouis

[topanga]

 

 

This was fun. The Nod is so true.

And starting today, it's going to be everywhere!

 

That reminds me of "The Cosby Show" days, when I would go to school on Fridays and people would be standing around their lockers, rehashing last night's episode.

[Duke2801]

Still loving this show.  For some reason, the little interaction between Dre and Charlie in the office kitchen re: Charlie's soup ("Hard pass!") had me in stiches, because it's so true.  Sharing soup is gross.

 

Still confused at Rainbow's profession- is she a surgeon or an anesthesiologist? No matter- she's such a cool mom.

 

 

Me too!  I thought they said that she was a surgeon in the previous episodes. But, her explanation to Diane of what she does in the operating room did sound more like an anesthesiologist. 

[kia112]

I loved everything about that co-worker in the show.  Would hate it in real life, but was perfect for the show.  Trying to feed Dre soup?  Saying he would be over by 10:00 at the latest for a 7:00 dinner?  Coming to dinner with a half eaten burger in his hand?!

[Inquisitionist]

I'll have to check the credits next time.

 

I did see Wilmore's name as Exec Producer on my screen.  Love that guy!

[roseslg]

I asked my 14yr old brother if he knew what the nod was and he was a bit unaware.  He did say that people in his school have nodded at him.  He's only been in the U.S. for three months, so I see nodding in his future, it may just be with other nerds though.  I grew up in the Caribbean (as did he) where there really wasn't a need for the acknowledgement of another black folk, but moving to the U.S. made me a quick nodder.  I tried explaining to a friend why some other woman in m workplace didn't acknowledge me with the nod and he didn't understand. 

[Eolivet]

every scene with Laurence Fishbourne, and Andre Sr. talking to the boys at the bus stop. 

 

This was the first episode where I thought they used Lawrence Fishburne really well. The back and forth between him, Andre and Rainbow was excellent -- I hope we see more of it. They have great comic timing amongst the three of them -- they play well off each other.

 

Andre Sr. at the bus stop was hilarious, but after the bus stop was even funnier. Using the "he sounds like a child molester" was funny and standard sitcom fare, but the show elevated it when Andre actually complained (in a comedic way) how child molesters have ruined picking up kids to bring to your house. Not the exact quote, but it was just an awesome sequence. Biting and funny!

[teebax]

This was the first episode I felt the need to comment on because it resonated so strongly with me.

 

I remember as a kid walking through the mall with my mom and she'd say hello to every black person we saw. She didn't do the nod (my father did), but she actually said hello to every black person we passed. I asked her if she knew all those people, and she had to explain to me that we are supposed to say acknowledge each other, whether we know each other or not. The funny thing is that she and I were just discussing this recently because when we moved from the east coast to AZ, one of the first things we noticed was that the black folks here don't speak to each other. It may just be the area we live in, but we've both noticed it.

 

The other thing that resonated with me (and the show does this well in general) is parents worrying that their children aren't "black" enough. I remember many instances of my parents trying to inject a little more soul in me. Although I played sports and was popular, I was at my core a huge nerd who'd rather have my head in a book than be out with friends. I am the child of an engineer and an accountant, so I'm not sure why my being a nerd surprised my parents. Anyway, my parents' solution was church. I made most of my black friends through church. In fact, I was telling that to Anthony Anderson via my TV. "Take them to church!"

[topanga]

 

The other thing that resonated with me (and the show does this well in general) is parents worrying that their children aren't "black" enough. I remember many instances of my parents trying to inject a little more soul in me. Although I played sports and was popular, I was at my core a huge nerd who'd rather have my head in a book than be out with friends. I am the child of an engineer and an accountant, so I'm not sure why my being a nerd surprised my parents. Anyway, my parents' solution was church. I made most of my black friends through church. In fact, I was telling that to Anthony Anderson via my TV. "Take them to church!"

I wondered about that, too. Andre's family doesn't seem "anti-church," but they don't seem especially religious either. Maybe the show didn't want to step into the murky waters of religion. It's already being controversial by making race the central theme of this show.

 

I hope the show expands its focus to include discussions about other things, like gender--what does it mean for Rainbow to be work as a busy anesthesiologist but still be the primary caregiver for Andre and their four children? Plus a freeloading father-in-law who criticizes her baked fried chicken. And is there more to Zoe than just being cool and black? I'd like to see Andre and Rainbow spend time with Zoe to deal with teenaged girl issues: boys, peer pressure, boys. Could Zoe be a mean girl, perhaps?

[teebax]

 

I wondered about that, too. Andre's family doesn't seem "anti-church," but they don't seem especially religious either. Maybe the show didn't want to step into the murky waters of religion. It's already being controversial by making race the central theme of this show.

You may be right. I should have clarified in my post that I think my parents took us to church because that's just where black folks went to congregate. They weren't particularly religious, and nor am I. Maybe in a future episode they will address that, since the church often plays a big part in black families.

 

 

I hope the show expands its focus to include discussions about other things, like gender--what does it mean for Rainbow to be work as a busy anesthesiologist but still be the primary caregiver for Andre and their four children? Plus a freeloading father-in-law who criticizes her baked fried chicken. And is there more to Zoe than just being cool and black? I'd like to see Andre and Rainbow spend time with Zoe to deal with teenaged girl issues: boys, peer pressure, boys. Could Zoe be a mean girl, perhaps?

The show has done itself a favor by having plenty of stories it can tell. Like you, I'm interested to see what issues they tackle. There is enough diversity in age and experience with the characters that the possibilities should be endless.

[Mrs OldManBalls]

I am the child of an engineer and an accountant, so I'm not sure why my being a nerd surprised my parents. 

This is the best thing I've read all day : )

[Athena]

I think this is my new favourite show of the fall 2014 season. I haven't followed a good sitcom in years, and I'm glad to be doing so again. I looked forward to this episode and it was nice. It's just easy to like this family. Great casting.

[peeayebee]

Fantastic ep. Sooo funny.

 

I loved when Pops says to Junior, "Something wrong with your neck, boy?" His tone was just perfect.

 

All the stuff with 'the Nod' was great. I hope that Charlie is a recurring character. He's super annoying, but so funny. I can't remember the actor's name, but he used to be on Conan. 

 

"We're going thru a pretty nasty divorce right now," followed by Useless calling from upstairs, "You are?" was hilarious. I also loved Charlie saying, "All this stuff down here? It stopped working a long time ago. Now I know why they call it 'junk'." Oh, and Rainbow's forced laughing was great.

 

I was cracking up when the guy with the hatchet in his head was wheeled past Diane. I love that little girl. Even though her precociousness should bother me, it doesn't because she's a natural comedian.

 

Loved the basketball game, and, yes, Junior getting a crotch in the face was hilarious. When he told his father he was doing pilates, I thought Anthony Anderson was having a hard time keeping a straight face.

 

"400 years of non-consensual gardening" was a great line. I also liked when he said, "For Junior, Nerd is the new black."

[DearEvette]

I swear, I could listen to Jr. scream 'My Hobbit Shire!' over and over gain.  That kid is gold.

 

The 'nod' montage was funny, and of course the punchilne was the two black guys on the ski slopes, covered head-to-toe in outwear, complete with goggles and face masks, an yet still recognize they were black and did the nod.  Too funny.

 

Also, the 'picking up young kids' bit went the next level by the woman loudly dialing 9-1-1 on her phone, even though she had been out-of-shot in the earlier scene.  Great stuff!

 

I am loving what they are doing with little Diane. We caught a glimpse of her personality last week that hinted at being a little dark.   But now they've gone and made her a little burgeoning psychopath.  And I am liking the continued characterization of Rainbow is such an oblivious parent she clearly could not read between the lines of Diane's leading questions about being a Dr.

 

Kinda IRL related, but my husband (who is white) and I moved to a smaller town and the school district our kids go to is predominantly white.   When my oldest son enrolled in 9th grade we went to a high school orientation.  While there,  all the black couples (a whole three of them) all very enthusiastically said 'hello' to me.   My husband later asked 'Did you know them?'  I said 'Nope, never saw them before in my life.  But since there are only about 5 black kids in this whole school, we gotta acknowledge."  So now whenever we go to any school function, my husband avidly waits for my 'black friends who are only my black friends through solidarity' to greet me.  LOL.  So the Nod is real, y'all.

Edited October 9, 2014 by DearEvette

[topanga]

 

Loved the basketball game, and, yes, Junior getting a crotch in the face was hilarious. When he told his father he was doing pilates, I thought Anthony Anderson was having a hard time keeping a straight face.

 

"400 years of non-consensual gardening" was a great line. I also liked when he said, "For Junior, Nerd is the new black."

So far the show's writing is as great as its talented acting. Not many shows can brag about having both.

 

Kenya Barris, the show's creator, said that the writing staff includes a mixture of African American, Indian American, Caucasian, and female writers. I'd love to sit in on a writer's meeting to see who comes up with which lines on the show. Because I don't think that black people are the only people who can make funny observations about black people, or that white people only want to write about white people, etc.

[ChromaKelly]

The show really hit its stride with this one. Several places where I had to go back because I missed what was said because I was laughing so much. My husband I are white, and we have a black son. He's in Kindergarten right now, but I was half-seriously thinking we should record this show and save it for him. I can already see him going "My hobbit shire!" and not knowing The Nod.

[MyLisa]

I'm officially in love with Diane -- all the kids' personalities really came through this week but Diane especially won me over.  So many great lines but my favorite, even if spoiled by the promos, was still "Pilates!"

Edited October 9, 2014 by MyLisa

[AV8n]

Last night's episode was the best so far.  So many quotable lines!

 

Like the Cosby show, even though Black-ish is centered around a black family the topics are pretty much universal.  For example, the urinal separation (or lack thereof) is like an unwritten social contract that some guys just seem not to get. 

 

The Nod reminded me of many years ago when I went with a black friend to a club.  It didn't really sink in that I was in the minority until I came across the only other white guy in the place, who actually told me he was glad he wasn't the only one. 

[Mozelle]

Last night's episode was the best so far.  So many quotable lines!

 

Like the Cosby show, even though Black-ish is centered around a black family the topics are pretty much universal.  For example, the urinal separation (or lack thereof) is like an unwritten social contract that some guys just seem not to get. 

 

The Nod reminded me of many years ago when I went with a black friend to a club.  It didn't really sink in that I was in the minority until I came across the only other white guy in the place, who actually told me he was glad he wasn't the only one.

Hee! Just had a minor chuckle at that. While I didn't have the nod, about an hour ago another black woman said "Hi" as we passed each other, she on the way to parking lot and me on the way back to my office from the food truck.

Also the urinal bit reminded me of a story that a colleague shared with my office mates and me just yesterday afternoon. He said he was in the bathroom washing his hands. In walks this guy who makes his way to the stall that had the door actually off the hinges, propped up against the wall. My colleague said that the guy said, "Oh, just like in the barracks!", proceeded to hang his things on the hook of the detached door, and prep the toilet seat with tissues for a bowel movement. All of this while my colleague stood at the sink with the mirror putting all that activity on display.

[SimoneS]

 

"400 years of non-consensual gardening" was a great line. I also liked when he said, "For Junior, Nerd is the new black."

 

There were so many great lines that I had forgotten about these two. I am going to have to re-watch this episode.

[politichick]

I wondered about that, too. Andre's family doesn't seem "anti-church," but they don't seem especially religious either. Maybe the show didn't want to step into the murky waters of religion. It's already being controversial by making race the central theme of this show.

 

I hope the show expands its focus to include discussions about other things, like gender--what does it mean for Rainbow to be work as a busy anesthesiologist but still be the primary caregiver for Andre and their four children? Plus a freeloading father-in-law who criticizes her baked fried chicken. And is there more to Zoe than just being cool and black? I'd like to see Andre and Rainbow spend time with Zoe to deal with teenaged girl issues: boys, peer pressure, boys. Could Zoe be a mean girl, perhaps?

 

 

I think that Dre tries to do his bit. In this past episode, he took the kids to school twice. Rainbow is the primary caretaker perhaps for the two younger kids. I also don't think Zoe is suffering from any teenage girl issues and I hope she's not a mean girl. Not everyone goes through angst. Thank God I didn't experience any of that at all. She probably takes after the mother in that way. It would be nice to learn more about her, though. 

 

And Rainbow could give two fucks what her father-in-law thought about the chicken. She probably laughed when she was baking it about how that wasn't what he was expecting.

 

Why do you think he's a freeloader? He's done his bit and now he's retired, spending his time golfing and enjoying his family.

 

Boy, the kid who plays Andre must have had the time of his life filming this show. Someone up thread said she was concerned last night that it doesn't seem like he knows he's black from a sociological standpoint. I think his father is trying to prepare him slowly and gently for some of the things he may experience in the future, like walking while black.

 

I was kind of iffy after the first episode, but this show just keeps getting better and there a million different issues/scenarios for them to mine. 

[HyeChaps]

On top of everything else, I love their house!

[peeayebee]

I like that in the pilot we see Dre's closet devoted to hats and sneakers, and so we understand his anger when Charlie comes out wearing a pair.

[topanga]

And Rainbow could give two fucks what her father-in-law thought about the chicken. She probably laughed when she was baking it about how that wasn't what he was expecting.

 

Why do you think he's a freeloader? He's done his bit and now he's retired, spending his time golfing and enjoying his family.

 

Maybe "freeloader" is the wrong word. He doesn't come around just to get money or take resources from the family. He's an integral part of their family life. I simply meant that he's another person that Rainbow has to cook for. Speaking as a person who gets tired of cooking every day, any extra mouth at my table becomes a freeloader. (Yeah, I have issues).

 

And you're right, poltichick. Rainbow doesn't seem to mind people's jabs at her. Except for her children. It bothered her when Diane didn't want to be a doctor, and I think she was disappointed (I have to re-watch) when Zoe told her friend, "She's always coming up to me and just talking."

[ElectricBoogaloo]

The hilarious thing about Andre passing on the (allegedly) Filipino boy in Junior's yearbook is that I went to high school with a very large Filipino population and they all did the Nod too (often accompanied by asking, "Sup?"). The Filipino Nod is a little jerkier and sharper while the black nod is smoother and slightly slower. All the girls (including the Filipinas) would harass the guys saying," Why don't you guys just say hi?"

Edited October 9, 2014 by ElectricBoogaloo

[JasmineFlower]

Best yet! I laughed so many times during this one, and some of the most inappropriate were my favorites but I probably laughed the hardest at "Are we talking raw, uncut Biggie Black? Or low-cal Drake Black?" LMAO!!! Perfect! I was in before, but I set the season pass now.

 

Also, loved the, okay 7, be there before 8, no later than 8:30...9, no later than 10. So, so perfect and goes great with "the nod".

Edited October 10, 2014 by JasmineFlower

[truthaboutluv]

Speaking of the credits, during last night's episode for the first time I paid attention to the credits and was certain I saw Jonathan Groff listed as a Consulting Producer. That was completely a random "wtf" to me, unless there's another Jonathan Groff in the business but I seriously doubt it because when people have similar names they tend to use a middle name or something to distinguish because one is already registered with the Guild.

Edited October 10, 2014 by truthaboutluv

[Rinaldo]

There is another Jonathan Groff, a producer. He was an executive producer of Happy Endings. Writers/producers and actors are in different guilds, so there is no rule about not having the same name. There are two Christopher Lloyds (one is a producer for Modern Family) and two Michael Warrens (one was on the staff of shows like Happy Days and Family Matters).

[DearEvette]

I re-watched with my husband and there were so many little throw away quotable funny lines they really get lost among the bigger funnier jokes.  One I caught on re-watch was when Rainbow gives a very skeptical Dre the pamphlet on The LeMeirt Social club he V.Os  "I am not one to keep an open mind or listen to people, but I was desperate."  Ha!

 

My husband loves Jr. the best but he commented especially on Diane this episode.  He said that she was giving him Wednesday Addams vibes.  I thought that was so apt.  That little girl had some great line delivery and her snark game is strong.