Ep 11. Bernie Mac Rope-a-Dope
- TVPG
- February 5, 2003
- 21 min
-
7.6 (48)
Bernie Mac Rope-a-Dope is the eleventh episode of the second season of The Bernie Mac Show. The episode starts with Bernie and his sister, Benita, having an argument about their mother's affection towards Benita. Bernie is upset that his mother favors Benita over him, and Benita tries to calm him down. The conversation ends with Bernie telling Benita that he will prove to their mother that he is the better sibling.
Later, the family is in the living room, watching a documentary about Muhammad Ali. Jordan, Bernie's nephew, comes up with the idea of having a boxing match to see who is the best in the family. Bernie agrees and sets up a ring in the yard, calling it the "Mac Dome."
Before the fight, Vanessa, Bernie's wife, tells him that he shouldn't fight Jordan because he is much younger and stronger. Bernie doesn't listen and insists on fighting. The match begins, and Jordan takes the lead in the first round, hitting Bernie with several punches. Bernie tries to fight back, but he quickly becomes tired and weak.
In the second round, Bernie starts using the "rope-a-dope" technique, a strategy invented by Muhammad Ali. He leans against the ropes and allows Jordan to punch him, while conserving his energy. Jordan keeps hitting Bernie, but he doesn't seem to be affected.
The final round starts, and Jordan is overconfident, thinking he has already won. Bernie sees an opportunity and knocks Jordan out with a single punch. The family cheers as Bernie is declared the winner.
After the match, Bernie is tired and bruised, but he feels satisfied with his victory. His mother comes to visit him and congratulates him on his win. Bernie tells her that he wanted to prove he was the best sibling, but now he realizes that it doesn't matter. He also tells her that he loves her, and they hug.
The episode ends with Bernie looking proud of himself and his family surrounding him. The camera pans out, showing the "Mac Dome" in the background.