Ep 5. The Heat is On

The Heat is On is the fifth episode of the first season of Carl Weber's The Family Business. This episode follows the ongoing drama of the Duncan family, who run a successful car dealership in New York City that doubles as a cover for their illegal drug trafficking business. The episode opens with eldest son Orlando (played by Javicia Leslie) still reeling from the news that his father LC (played by Ernie Hudson) murdered their uncle Louie in the previous episode. Orlando is torn between loyalty to his family and fear for his own safety, especially after his cousin Harris (played by Sean Ringgold) warns him that the rest of the family might see him as a liability now that he knows their darkest secret.

Meanwhile, LC also has to navigate the aftermath of his actions, as Louie's old gang is now gunning for the Duncans in retaliation. LC's lawyer advises him to lay low and let the police handle things, but LC is a proud man and decides to take matters into his own hands. This puts him at odds with his wife, who fears for his safety, and his daughter Paris (played by Jasmine Kaur), who thinks he's being too reckless and putting the whole family in danger.

The Heat is On also introduces a new character: Chippy (played by Affion Crockett), a flashy drug dealer from Queens who wants to partner up with the Duncans. Though Orlando is initially skeptical of Chippy's motives, LC sees an opportunity to expand their business and gives Chippy a shot. However, things quickly get complicated when Chippy's volatile temper causes him to clash with Junior (played by Seth Gilliam), the middle Duncan son who's in charge of the day-to-day operations at the dealership.

As tensions rise within the family and outside threats loom, The Heat is On delivers plenty of action and suspense. The episode also delves deeper into the psychological and emotional dynamics of the Duncan family, exploring the different ways each member copes with the stress and danger of their lifestyle. Whether it's Paris seeking comfort in her boyfriend's arms or LC hashing out his doubts with his longtime confidant, viewers get a glimpse of the characters' inner lives beyond their criminal activities.

Overall, The Heat is On is a compelling installment of Carl Weber's The Family Business that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats while also deepening our understanding of the show's complex characters and their relationships.