Ep 19. The Leftovers

In the episode "The Leftovers" of the popular sitcom Black-ish's second season, Dre (portrayed by Anthony Anderson) is in a quandary after realizing that his family members are all now too busy with their own lives, causing him to feel like he's been left behind and forgotten about. Dre is forced to contemplate his situation after he cooks a delicious feast for his loved ones, only to see it go largely untouched due to their other commitments.

Feeling neglected, Dre embarks on a mission to make others feel the same way he does by creating "the left behind club," for individuals who believe they have been neglected by their loved ones. The club unexpectedly finds its first member in Charlie ( played by Deon Cole), who missed the grand feast Dre had prepared after being stranded on a flight that was delayed.

Determined to make up for his absence, Charlie goes above and beyond to show Dre that he's appreciated by taking him out on a night of partying.. Despite this, Dre soon realizes that he was selfish to have tried to force his own feelings onto his family members, who were merely busy with their own preparations for their futures.

Throughout the episode, we see a role reversal of sorts as Dre takes on a traditionally feminine role in the household, cooking and cleaning up after the family, showcasing the way that gender roles and expectations are changing in modern households. We also witness the humorous dynamic the show is known for, as Dre's attempts to create a "leftovers" club is met with mockery and scoffing by his family members.

Ultimately, the episode drives home the message that despite our busy lives, it's important to make time for those close to us and to never take them for granted. Though it can be tough to navigate in the fast-paced world we're living in, making an effort to show our loved ones that they're appreciated and valued can go a long way towards deepening our bonds with them.

Fans of the show will appreciate the funny, relatable look at contemporary family dynamics that Black-ish is known for, with its no-holds-barred exploration of the ups and downs of family life. The episode's heartwarming conclusion serves as a perfect reminder to viewers to cherish their loved ones while they can, as life has a tendency to move at lightning speed, and we never know when we might be left with nothing but "leftovers."