Ep 1. VIP

In the season 3 premiere of Black-ish, entitled "VIP," the Johnson family is back with their usual humorous antics and insightful commentary on relevant social issues. As the title suggests, this episode revolves around the Johnsons' quest to attain VIP status by any means necessary.

From the outset, it is clear that the Johnsons are determined to upgrade their social status. Dre (Anthony Anderson) and Bow (Tracee Ellis Ross) are planning their eighth anniversary party, and they are pulling out all the stops to make it a sophisticated affair. However, their attempts to create an exclusive guest list quickly leads to tension, as they debate the merits of inviting co-workers, neighbors, and other acquaintances.

As always, the show's writers do an excellent job of weaving in pertinent social commentary throughout the episode. For example, Dre expresses his frustration with his white colleagues' seeming indifference to recent cop shootings of unarmed black men. His co-workers' lack of concern mirrors the apathy that permeates much of mainstream society regarding the Black Lives Matter movement. The show's ability to balance humor with poignant commentary is one of its greatest strengths, and this episode is no exception.

Throughout the episode, the Johnsons employ various strategies to gain VIP status. This includes Dre's attempts to score tickets to an exclusive basketball game, along with Bow's efforts to schmooze with the elite moms at her children's school. These attempts prove to be both hilarious and futile, underscoring just how difficult it can be to break into the upper echelons of society.

One of the standout moments in the episode comes when Dre and Bow are invited to a swanky dinner party hosted by their wealthy neighbor. While the Johnsons are initially thrilled to receive the invitation, they soon discover that their hosts are less than hospitable. The neighbor's condescension toward the Johnsons underscores the class divide that still exists in America today, and it serves as a reminder that VIP status can be a double-edged sword.

As the episode progresses, the Johnsons are forced to reckon with the fact that perhaps their obsession with VIP status is misguided. They realize that true fulfillment comes not from being a part of the elite, but from cultivating genuine connections with the people in their lives. This is a valuable lesson that many of us could stand to learn in our social media-obsessed culture, where validation often comes in the form of likes, shares, and followers.

All in all, "VIP" is a strong season premiere that sets the stage for what promises to be another excellent season of Black-ish. The show continues to be a refreshing blend of humor and social commentary, and it is clear that the writers have not lost their touch. It will be interesting to see where the Johnsons end up this season, but one thing is for sure: Their journey is sure to be entertaining, enlightening, and full of heart.