Ep 6. He's Leaving Home

Bernard Black, the foul-tempered and misanthropic owner of Black Books, has never been particularly attached to his friends or family. Nevertheless, when he learns that his father is coming to stay with him, Bernard is thrown into a panic. His father, whom he hasn't seen in over a decade, is a man of fierce opinions, with no regard for Bernard's disinterest in his own family history.

Meanwhile, Manny Bianco, Bernard's long-suffering assistant, is grappling with a crisis of his own. When Manny's parents call him up to tell him that they're moving back to Italy, Manny is struck by a wave of guilt. He realizes that he's never told his parents just how much he values their love and support, and that he's going to miss them terribly when they're gone.

As the two men prepare for their respective trials, they're forced to confront the ways in which they've been taking their loved ones for granted. Bernard is forced to reckon with his own icy emotional detachment, while Manny must learn to express his feelings in a way that feels true to him.

The episode, titled "He's Leaving Home," is a bittersweet meditation on the importance of family ties. While it's often deeply uncomfortable to confront our own emotions head-on, the show suggests that there's no better way to grow and mature than by taking a long, hard look at what we've been avoiding.

As always, Black Books' signature blend of physical comedy and wry, absurdist humor keeps the episode from ever feeling too maudlin. Whether it's Bernard's befuddled attempts to connect with his father or Manny's extreme reactions to his own guilt, the show is always honing in on the absurdity of the human experience.

Overall, "He's Leaving Home" is a standout episode of the first season, offering a moving and hilarious look at what happens when we're forced to confront the things we'd much rather ignore. Fans of Black Books will find plenty to love here, as the show continues to shine in its exploration of the mundane quirks and foibles of human nature.