Ep 2. Rock, Paper, Scissors, Gun

After an eventful first season, the Johnson family is back for season 2 of Black-ish, and in episode 2, titled "Rock, Paper, Scissors, Gun," the show tackles the controversial topic of gun control.

The episode opens with Dre (Anthony Anderson) and Junior (Marcus Scribner) playing their own version of the classic game of rock, paper, scissors, where they add a gun to the mix. However, when Junior accidentally points a real gun at his father, Dre becomes increasingly concerned about the presence of firearms in their household.

Dre's concern is only amplified when he realizes that his wife Bow (Tracee Ellis Ross) also owns a gun for protection. This prompts a heated discussion between the two about the role of guns in their family, with Bow arguing that she needs it to feel safe and Dre worried about the danger it poses to their children.

Meanwhile, Dre's father Pops (Laurence Fishburne) is trying to sell his old gun, but is met with resistance from his family who don't want the weapon in their home.

As the family grapples with their differing views on the issue, they also have to deal with the wider context of gun violence in America. Junior gets into an argument with his white classmate who doesn't understand why he can't bring a toy gun to school, while Dre is forced to confront his own biases when he discovers that his neighbor is a gun owner.

Throughout the episode, the show manages to balance its trademark humor with a serious exploration of the complex issue of gun ownership. The discussion between Dre and Bow is particularly well-handled, as the show doesn't shy away from the difficult conversations that sometimes arise in relationships, while also highlighting the importance of compromise.

The episode also introduces a new character in the form of Dre's mother Ruby (Jenifer Lewis), who provides some hilarious comedic relief as she tries to sell Pops' gun herself.

Overall, "Rock, Paper, Scissors, Gun" is a thoughtful and engaging episode of Black-ish that manages to balance humor and social commentary in a way that only this show can. It is a must-watch for fans of the series and anyone interested in the ongoing debate around gun control in America.