Ep 2. The Offer

Desmond's is a British sitcom that follows the life of a black British family, the Ambrose family, who own and run a barber shop in Peckham, South London. The show premiered in 1989 and ran for six seasons.

In season 1 episode 2, "The Offer," the Ambrose family must confront the possibility of losing their beloved barber shop when they receive an offer from a corporate company to buy them out. The offer is for a substantial amount of money, but the family must weigh their financial security against their attachment to their family business and community.

Desmond Ambrose, the patriarch of the family and owner of the shop, struggles with the decision. He built the barber shop from the ground up and has dedicated his life to it. His business partner, Augustus, sees the offer as an opportunity to retire and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Meanwhile, Desmond's wife, Shirley, takes a more pragmatic approach, urging Desmond to seriously consider the offer and thinking about the long-term financial stability of their family. Their daughter, Gloria, is excited about the prospect of the family finally having more money and being able to afford nicer things.

As the family grapples with their decision, they receive unexpected support from an unlikely source. They learn that their neighbor, a wealthy businessman, has been a secret admirer of their shop and its legacy for decades. He offers to lend them the money they need to keep their shop and community intact.

"The Offer" is a heartwarming episode that explores themes of family, community, and financial stability. It showcases the deep love and loyalty that the Ambrose family has for their business and community, and the lengths they are willing to go to preserve it. The episode also touches on issues of gentrification and the erasure of Black-owned businesses and neighborhoods, making it a timely and relevant topic for today's society.

Overall, "The Offer" is a standout episode of Desmond's that exemplifies the heart and soul of the show. It is a must-watch for fans of the series and anyone who appreciates heartfelt storytelling about family and community.