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Joe’s blind patriotism, as with most of his beliefs, has exceptions. However, being that he has an eternal struggle with Jerrod, he can’t lose one single battle to his boy.
Thank You For Your Service: Jerrod, Bobby, Joe
Despite not taking Cynthia out in 6 months, Joe makes it his duty to bring donuts to a local recruitment office weekly. This is his way of showing his patriotism. However, Jerrod doesn’t share the same passion and sentiment. This especially becomes true when he learns a guy from his and Bobby’s past, Kevin (Grantham Coleman), is part of the army.
This man, who used to bully Bobby and is a deadbeat dad, Jerrod refuses to thank for his service. Something which becomes a bit of a problem. For even Cynthia, who has seen Kevin’s baby momma Stacy just a day ago is blindly pro-armed forces. To the point that even with Stacy seemingly destitute, she believes that is the sacrifice she and that baby need to be willing to make.
Commentary
The first half of this episode was ridiculous and, to me, didn’t really dig all that deep. But really, when Joe is defending something, it seems rare that we get the rich conversations that make this show noteworthy. For while Bobby, Jerrod, and even Cynthia are willing to learn something, Joe is stubborn.
After all, Joe is a throwback to those non-politically correct dads from the 60s and 70s. You know, the Redd Foxx, Archie Bunker, and George Jefferson types. The ones who think they know everything, are always right, but make exceptions for their ignorance and showboating. Something which bites Joe in the behind.
That Damn Dog: Cynthia, Joe, Jerrod
To prove his patriotism, Joe offers to do anything for Kevin. Someone who comes to the Carmichael house to apologize to Bobby and try to smooth things over with Jerrod. A person who will not move on from the fact that Kevin is a deadbeat dad. However, when it comes to Joe, he still supports the troops. So, with him offering to do anything comes a request: Watch Kevin’s Golden Sheppard Lincoln for 6 months.
Now, Cynthia doesn’t like dogs and there has never been a dog in the Carmichael household. But there is this thing called pride that Joe can’t let go. So, to fight off being called a hypocrite, he takes in the dog. Someone, or would it be something, who watches as he and Cynthia have sex. Who, surprisingly, is allowed to sit on the furniture. But, you know, a point must be proven and with Kevin gone, there is nothing that can be done.
Commentary
So, is this dog going to become a permanent member of the cast? I ask because there is a certain amount of inconsistency with this show. Not in terms of things like Joe being a supporter of Donald Trump, but storylines which matter. You know, like Bobby being a super for his building, post-grad life for Maxine, and what in the world Jerrod does to make money.
But, as noted in the Season 1 & 2 review, this show isn’t really about storylines. Those things mentioned, among many others superfans can point out, were made just for that episode. So let’s see if Lincoln survives another episode or if he becomes the dog everyone forgot.
I Just Want To Make You Proud: Bobby, Jerod, Joe
Due to Joe’s patriotism and how he fawns over Kevin, Bobby considers joining the armed forces. Something which, as soon as Nekeisha says it, Joe is over to the recruiting office. For while Joe supports the military, he doesn’t want his son in it. After all, as much as he may have voted for Trump, he knows the man crazy. On top of that, he knows Trump is bound to start a gaggle of wars. Wars that he wants his son nowhere near.
But that leaves for Bobby the question of, how can he make Joe proud of him? Of which, Joe asks why does he even care? He even points out Jerrod, who has done well for himself. He never listened to Joe and never gave a damn about his approval or making him proud. Which doesn’t necessarily calm down Bobby’s need for approval but does seem to talk him out of joining the army.
Commentary
With how much time was dedicated to the dog, I guess Bobby was used to help bring things back. Though I gotta admit, as much as it seemed like that was supposed to be a heartfelt moment, this isn’t that kind of show. These aren’t those type of actors. For while it has been long established that Jerrod is doing way better than Bobby, it hasn’t necessarily been a key focus. Bobby has been placated and while there have been comments, only Jerrod has ever really challenged him. Yet, like so many storylines, it was one of those one-time things which, with no real and consistent follow-up, makes this would be sweet moment fall flat.
But, hey, who knows? Maybe some storylines only get picked up on once a season? Something I may not have noticed since I watched 2 seasons back to back.
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