Ep 20. Fight the Good Fight

It is very important to maintain a harmonious relationship with our family members. Despite the differences in opinion, it's imperative to communicate and understand each others’ perspectives to foster a strong bond. In Family Matters, season 2 episode 20, titled “Fight the Good Fight,” the value of family and working through challenges is highlighted.

The episode revolves around the Winslow family. The Winslows are a middle-class African American family living in Chicago. The head of the family is Carl Winslow, a police officer, and his wife, Harriet Winslow, a saleswoman at a department store. They have three children, Eddie, Laura, and Judy Winslow. The patriarch of the family and his wife strive to instill good values in their children, but as is the case with most families, there can be friction, especially when it comes to siblings.

The episode begins with Laura and Eddie bickering over trivial things, causing a rift in their relationship. The tension is palpable between the two siblings. Carl and Harriet attempt to resolve the issue by having them talk and work through their problems, but it doesn't seem to help. Eddie storms off, feeling misunderstood. Laura feels hurt by her brother's words but is determined not to let it affect her too much.

As the story unfolds, a sub-plot emerges. Carl is up for a promotion at work but discovers that someone else has been offered the position. He is upset and feels cheated since he has worked hard to earn the position. He tries to talk to his superior, but the response is not what he was expecting. Carl's disappointment and frustration are evident, and it is difficult for him to hide what he is feeling from his family.

The significance of the title is evident as we see the Winslow family trying to “fight the good fight.” They must overcome their differences and learn to work together to solve problems. With Carl upset about being passed over for the promotion and Eddie and Laura still not speaking, the family is at a loss as to how to resolve these issues. Throughout the episode, they learn the importance of communication and understanding each others' perspectives.

As the family struggles through their conflicts, Steve Urkel, the iconic character played by Jaleel White, makes an appearance. Steve is the eccentric and nerdy neighbor who has a crush on Laura. In this episode, he offers his help to Carl to track down a criminal, hoping to impress Laura. Despite his propensity to cause trouble and frustration, Steve's presence in the episode lightens the mood and provides comic relief.

The Winslow family ultimately figures out a way to work together and support each other through their conflicts. They learn that communication is vital and that working through their problems is the only way to resolve them. The episode ends with a heartwarming scene where the entire family is gathered together. Laura and Eddie reconcile their differences, and Carl and Harriet come to terms with the fact that they might never know who was offered the promotion before Carl.

In conclusion, Family Matters season 2 episode 20, “Fight the Good Fight,” emphasizes the importance of communication and working through conflicts. It is a lesson that we all can learn from and apply in our relationships with our family and loved ones. The characters’ struggles are relatable and showcase how misunderstandings and differences can cause friction in even the closest families. Through it all, the Winslow family remains united, proving that fighting the good fight is worth the effort.