Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
Additionally, some images and text may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission or receive products if you make a purchase.
As Chelsea and Raven clash over parenting styles, we learn Tess has a crush on someone!
Your Way vs. My Way: Raven, Chelsea, Levi, Booker
Raven and Chelsea being different people has always worked for their friendship. If only because they complimented each other. However, when it comes to parenting, opposites don’t attract. For Chelsea, she is the type of parent who likes presenting options. The type when her child says “give me a minute” she does so.
Raven is not that type of parent. When she says to do something, you do it – no questions, rebuttals, or whining. But this doesn’t become a problem until Raven decides to overstep and parent Levi. Which makes Chelsea feel as if Raven is questioning her parenting. So, later on, when Booker is wondering what to do with a situation Tess is in, Chelsea sort of butts into Raven giving advice and this leads to damn near an argument.
Yet, it all ends well with them realizing they can learn from each other. Though, it is also recognized they are raising different kinds of children. Take that as you will.
Balancing Being a Friend vs. A Psychic: Tess, Levi, Booker
With Nia away, that means Tess has time to hang out with other people. Mainly Jordan (Philip Solomon), this boy she likes. Unfortunately for her, it seems Jordan doesn’t like her as she likes him. This is something Booker sees in a vision but being that Tess’ life doesn’t revolve around the Baxter family, much less Booker, she isn’t really trying to have him all up in her business. Especially in personal matters like this.
Which pushes Booker to seek advice from Raven, leading to Chelsea butting in. For there is this serious question of: With what I know, what should I do with it? Especially since, as seen thus far, it seems the future is pretty much set in stone. Now, naturally, Booker follows his mom’s advice of butting in and tries to prevent Jordan from hurting Tess, but he fails. However, he does do what he does best – be her friend and help her forget about Jordan not liking her in a romantic way.
Other Noteworthy Moments
Raven and Booker teasing the discovery they both are psychic
Question(s) Left Unanswered
- I wonder how Chelsea’s parents raised her? From That’s So Raven, I get why Raven parents as she does, but did we ever get to meet Chelsea’s parents?
Highlights
Parenting Differences
I want to say it is a cultural thing when it comes to the difference between Chelsea’s parenting style and Raven’s. Not to say all parents follow cultural lines but, when you hear, as a Black person, critiques of white parents, usually it is because of what Levi does and how Chelsea reacts. Be it talking back, not following directions, or coming out of pocket. And, let’s face it, Raven hasn’t been fond of how Chelsea has been raising Levi for a while. She even notes, in episode 3, after Levi gets smart with her, that she, Raven, is not his momma. Which I think comes in loud and clear because when Raven says something to Levi, notices he acts without question.
However, you have to also take note of Chelsea’s criticism of Raven’s parenting style. For while Levi may come out of pocket sometimes, he doesn’t fear her. Which, arguably, is what rules Nia and Booker when it comes to Raven. Punishment is what makes it so they fall in line and follow rules. It isn’t because they worry about disappointment or anything like that. Yet, considering what we have seen Nia and Booker do, much less go along with, it is like Raven says, they have different children which require different parenting styles. So imagine if things were swapped. How do you think the kids would turn out?
Booker Worrying About Tess and Not Getting Jealous She Liked Someone Else
Though I ship the idea of Tess and Booker, I’m fine with her liking other people. But what I really enjoyed seeing is Booker and Levi supporting the relationship and trying to make sure she doesn’t get hurt. As said dozens of times on this site, we need to see more platonic relationships between men and women, in this case, boys and girls. Especially on channels like Disney for, assuming it is true that kids are influenced by programs like this, they are teaching what it means to just be a friend. Perhaps like someone, enjoy their company, but not necessarily feel the need to push for a relationship.
Also, I liked that Jordan wasn’t a butt head about not liking Tess. Much less, making it seem that, just because he doesn’t like her bad, it doesn’t mean they can’t still be friends. Now, as for whether we may see the boy again? I doubt it. However, it is the representation that matters here.
TV Shows We’re Covering This Season
Images used for editorial and commentary purposes. All rights remain with their respective copyright holders.
