Ep 6. Everybody Hates Bed-Stuy
- TVPG
- November 5, 2007
- 20 min
-
7.3 (175)
It is the third season of the American sitcom Everybody Hates Chris. The show revolves around the life experiences of a young African American boy named Chris Rock and his dysfunctional family in the 1980s. The third episode of the third season is named "Everybody Hates Bed-Stuy".
The episode starts with Chris getting lost in the neighboring Bed-Stuy (Bedford–Stuyvesant) neighborhood. He was trying to find a friend's house, but due to the identical looking buildings and confusing street maps, he got lost. While trying to figure out his way back home, he encounters several issues which make his journey more difficult. He faces a group of aggressive neighborhood kids who demand money, a man who tries to steal his bike, and a store owner who accuses him of shoplifting.
Meanwhile, Chris' family is also dealing with their own problems. His mother is preparing for her driving test, and his father has taken the responsibility of cooking for the family. However, he struggles with cooking and ends up serving burnt and tasteless food to his family. The family also receives a letter introducing an IRS audit for their income tax returns, which causes them to stress about finances.
As the night progresses, Chris continues to struggle to find his way home. He eventually runs into a kind stranger who helps him navigate the neighborhood and offers him dinner. The stranger, who is from the Caribbean, tells Chris about his life experiences and how he lost everything due to a natural calamity. This conversation motivates Chris to appreciate what he has and return to his family.
The episode concludes with Chris finally reuniting with his family, who have been worried sick about him. His mother passes her driving test, and they all celebrate by going out for dinner. Chris tells his parents about his experiences in Bed-Stuy and the kindness of the stranger who helped him, which makes them appreciate and worry about him even more.
In summary, "Everybody Hates Bed-Stuy" is an episode that focuses on Chris' struggles in navigating an unfamiliar neighborhood while highlighting the difficulties faced by the African American community in 1980s Brooklyn. It also showcases the challenges faced by Chris' family in their daily lives, which are relatable to many families. The episode promotes the value of kindness, empathy, and appreciating what one has.