Pilots are a tough call since it’s all about establishing, but this one I can say is one of the weaker episodes of the season. What it lacks in plot however is made up by some strong performances, especially by Terry Crews (Julius) and by Tichina Arnold (Rochelle). The main actor of the show, Tyler James Williams, hadn’t quite perfected the character of Chris yet. He did however get the look and surprise the character feels when he’s always in a crisis.
"Everybody Hates Keisha" – Original Air Date: September 29, 2005
Four stars
Chris has a crush on Keisha, the girl next door. Her mother, Shelia, also becomes the accidental recipient of Julius’ familiarity with the female backside while in his bathroom. Meanwhile, Greg sticks with Chris to avoid the bullies from attacking him.
Terry Crews is especially good dealing with his frustrating attraction towards Shelia. (The scene where Shelia comes by to get Keisha’s coat is especially hilarious).
"Everybody Hates Basketball" – Original Air Date: October 6, 2005
Three stars
Chris gets signed on to the basketball team after a coach for the school sees him dunk a paperball into a wastebasket. Meanwhile, his relationship with Greg suffers and costs him a test grade. Meanwhile, Julius rents out the upstairs room of their apartment to Tate, a man he meets on the street who pays his rent in advance.
Clarence Williams III gave a good performance as Tate, but his sly sinister face gave me the signals too early that he was going to be a crook. Chris's basketball story suffered from that same obviousness, but had a cool ending when the teacher reversed his make-up quiz grade back to an F.
"Everybody Hates Sausage" – Original Air Date – October 10, 2005
Two stars
The attacks from Joey Caruso resume after word gets around about Chris' first encounter (and fight) with him. After attempting to take a swing at Caruso during lunch, the principal throws Chris in detention for 3 days. Meanwhile, Rochelle attempts to get Tanya to eat one meal with sausage in it (which she dislikes.
The gag about Tanya not eating sausage, and how far Rochelle would go to get her to eat it, got on my nerves a bit. Making your kids stay up all night to make them eat food isn’t going to make them eat it. I feel the detention story was much stronger than the one about sausage. It does provide a nice showcase of the actress playing Chris’ sister.
Article comments
1 - Mark
I love this show