Ep 4. Chapter IV

Dear White People season 3 episode 4, titled Chapter IV, delves deep into the complexities of relationships and the impact of social media on them. The episode opens with Joelle, who is feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as she prepares to go on a date with Reggie. The two had been flirting on the app Izia (a parody of Tinder), and she is looking forward to finally meeting him in person.

Meanwhile, Coco is busy planning her upcoming wedding with her fiancé, Milo. She is determined to have a social media-worthy wedding, complete with all the bells and whistles that come with it. However, her expensive tastes clash with Milo's modest budget, leading to tension between the two.

As the episode unfolds, we see how social media plays a prominent role in the lives of the characters. Reggie, for instance, is anxious about the date as he fears that Joelle might not like him in real life as much as she did on the app. He takes to social media to vent his anxiety, which only worsens his situation.

On the other hand, Coco, who is an influencer, is always glued to her phone, continuously scrolling through her feed for inspiration. She finds herself obsessing over a fellow influencer's wedding, which leads to her wanting to have a more lavish wedding than she can afford.

The episode also addresses the issue of racially charged social media posts. Lionel, still reeling from his experience moderating the campus radio chat, is tasked with covering a story about a viral video of two white girls singing a rap song that contains racial slurs. His editor believes that Lionel, as a black man, can provide valuable insight into the story. Lionel begrudgingly accepts the assignment, but things take a turn when he discovers that one of the girls in the video is his childhood friend.

In typical Dear White People fashion, the episode manages to tackle various social issues without feeling preachy or overwhelming. It presents a nuanced take on social media and relationships, highlighting the good and the bad that comes with our ever-increasing reliance on technology.

Overall, Chapter IV is an excellent addition to the third season of Dear White People, touching on topical issues with humor, heart, and a keen sense of perspective.