Ep 11. Maxine's Dad

The Carmichael Show season 2 episode 11, titled "Maxine's Dad," is a comedic and thought-provoking installment in the series that follows the Carmichael family as they navigate topics ranging from politics to religion, and all the messy conversations in between. In this particular episode, Maxine (played by Amber Stevens West), the girlfriend of the family's middle son Jerrod (Jerrod Carmichael), invites her father to dinner with the Carmichaels. Maxine's dad, played by actor-comedian Adam Arkin, is a wealthy businessman and staunch conservative who clashes with Jerrod's liberal beliefs.

As the evening unfolds, tensions rise as Maxine's dad, a man who has been successful in business but struggles to connect emotionally with his daughter, reveals his true colors and openly expresses his disdain for many of the Carmichael family's values and viewpoints. The dinner conversation quickly turns into a heated political debate, with each member of the Carmichael family trying to defend their own beliefs while also attempting to understand where Maxine's dad is coming from.

Throughout the episode, the Carmichael family confronts issues such as wealth inequality, race relations, and the role of government in society. However, what makes this episode stand out is how it handles these heavy topics with humor and heart. The characters are all given room to express their perspectives and share their own experiences, and as a result, the viewer is able to see them as individuals rather than just caricatures of political ideologies.

One of the most interesting aspects of "Maxine's Dad" is how it explores the relationship between father and daughter. Maxine and her father have a strained relationship, and it becomes clear that much of this tension stems from their differing worldviews. As the night goes on and tempers flare, Maxine is forced to confront the reality of her relationship with her dad, and the rest of the Carmichael family is there to offer support and encouragement.

All in all, "Maxine's Dad" is a standout episode of The Carmichael Show that succeeds in being both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s an episode that challenges its viewers to engage with topics that are often divisive and emotionally charged, but it does so with empathy and humor. It may not have all the answers, but it is a testament to the show's ability to tackle complex issues with nuance and depth.