Bel-Air: Season 3 Episode 2 - Review/ Recap (Written)

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Storyline Recap

Everyone Is So Messy – Jackie, Viv, Shareef, Will, Erika, Phil, Jazz, Ashley, Hillary, Cruz

It’s the beginning of the summer, and from what it seems, when senior year starts, many will have many stories to tell. For Will, though things aren’t official with Lisa, thanks to Aunt Viv, Jackie is back in the picture. But, it isn’t just seeing her around Aunt Viv’s job, nope – Aunt Viv gets Jackie a job at the country club as a yoga instructor. The type of thing you know will make Will’s eyes wander.

That isn’t the only messy moment for Aunt Viv. Her assistant Cruz comes in the clutch when Phil expects Vivian to help cater his company’s party. She knows of a man named Shareef who sells tacos nearby, and he is a very flirty man. Now, I wouldn’t say Aunt Viv reciprocates, but she is flattered and doesn’t create a boundary.

It doesn’t end there. Erika and Phil still work closely together, and when she asks if he told Vivian about the kiss, he says no and makes it seem like that is a secret he is taking to his grave. This makes things awkward when Erika and Vivian talk throughout the episode, and Vivian picks up the vibe. But, not to be outdone, Ashley seems more than willing to put Hillary in the odd situation of being in Jazz’s presence, and on a recent trip to his record shop, they learn the shop is delinquent on taxes.

That isn’t when the messiness happens, though. At Phil’s party, the two continue to bicker, and when alone, things get to the point of them kissing passionately. This leaves both surprised and unsure of what’s next.

You Got To Work Till The Dream Comes True – Will, Quentin, Carlton, Connor, Paul, Zaire, Mr. Briggs, Phil

It’s Uncle Phil’s idea that, with Will dropping basketball and Carlton needing routine, they should work at the Country Club. Neither like the idea, but especially Carlton, for whether it is Connor or his dad Paul, comments are made. They aren’t alone in getting on Will and Carlton’s nerves. Zaire, who seems to be the team lead, also gets on them due to fraternizing, but when Will opens up about his background and gives Zaire space to do the same, they come to an understanding.

Now, whether Mr. Briggs, the manager of the country club, is as understanding? That will be hard to say. But, at the very least, while talking to people at the country club or Phil’s party, they come up with their business plan for Quentin and decide on making themselves the brand, based on their individual stories, as a means to uplift the culture.

There is a reason You aren’t supposed to date – Amira, Spencer, Carlton

Despite Aunt Viv’s advice, Carlton wants him some of Amira bad and goes as far as to go to her NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meeting to see her. She doesn’t appreciate this, but at the very least, Carlton is going to meetings, and one of the leads, Spencer, seems like he could be a sponsor in the future. That is if Amira, who goes from wanting boundaries to wanting to kiss, doesn’t throw Carlton or herself off track.

We All Have Our Secrets – Geoffrey, Frederick

Frederick seems to have ulterior motives regarding reconnecting with his dad. It isn’t clear if he is trying to snitch, is an opp, or what. Will overhears something, but not enough to make an accusation. But with Geoffrey revealing his past, from being a top boy to second in command of a gang, if Frederick plans to turn on his father, he has the confession he needs.

Collected Quote(s)

We want to let the ladder down to lift the culture up. – Carlton

New Character Descriptions

Darin Toonder As Mr. Briggs

Mr. Briggs is the manager of the country club.

The actor is also known for their role in “Average Joe: Season 1/ Episode 5.”

Artemis Snow As Paul Sinclair

Paul Sinclair is the stepfather of Connor and works at Google.

Azie Tesfai As Cruz

Cruz is Vivian’s assistant at the Neeman Foundation.

The actor is also known for their role in “She Dreams At Sunrise.”

Joshua Adeyeye As Shareef

Shareef owns a taco truck that sells African food as the filling and he also is quite the flirt.

B.J. Minor As Spencer

Spencer leads the local NA meetings that Amira and Carlton attend.

The actor is also known for their role in “Mike: Season 1/ Episode 1.”

Bentley Green As Zaire

Zaire is the team lead of the pit pigs, who handle cleaning golf carts. He tells Will he lives in Inglewood and goes to school in Brentwood. Also, one of his teachers got him a job at the country club.

Review

Highlights

Amira and Carlton’s Relationship and Depicting NA Meetings

Outside of “Single Drunk Female” and the short-lived “Recovery Road,” there aren’t too many series that explore young people’s pursuit of sobriety, and unfortunately, the two mentioned have been cancelled. So, with that in mind, and the fact that finding a show featuring Black people going through rehab is a challenge, so enters “Bel-Air,” and Carlton, once again, is set up to deliver a notable performance and likely have the best storyline of the season.

Now, if they add in not only him being a recovering addict but struggling with dating and featuring the type of community going to NA creates, “Bel-Air” may have another feather to add to its cap.

On The Fence

How Messy Things Are About To Get

If there is one thing “Bel-Air” loves, it is relationship drama. As noted in the season premiere, the teasing of cheating, break ups, and love triangles is something the show loves – even if they are married, like Uncle Phil and Aunt Viv, or engaged, like Hillary. Now, can this create some fun moments? Be it fun for the eyes or funny due to circumstances? Maybe.

However, while a featured and consistent part of the show, that doesn’t mean it is the strong suit of “Bel-Air.”

Carlton and Will’s Business Plan

On the positive end, Carton and Will seeking to make themselves the product could open up Hillary getting more than stuck between LaMarcus and Jazz. However, for Will, I do wonder what this could do for him? He’s usually second in terms of notable storylines, and while we are happy to see Jackie back from all characters across the board, I need more for them than a relationship being the hook.

Frederick

Him potentially working against his father doesn’t sit right with me. Yes, getting to know Geoffrey’s background as a top boy and more is excellent. However, again, the way Geoffrey is being developed feels way too much tell, and it will make you so badly desire for them to show. Alas, this show doesn’t really have flashbacks, so seeing Geoffrey as a youth is unlikely.