Ep 1. Yes Means Yes

The Carmichael Show season 3 episode 1 titled "Yes Means Yes" continues the show's trend of tackling controversial and socially relevant topics in a comedic manner. The episode centers around Jerrod (played by Jerrod Carmichael), a comedian, who is hired to perform at a college campus. The topic of his performance is consent, a topic which is particularly significant in light of the recent debates around sexual assault on college campuses.

In the opening scene, Jerrod and his girlfriend Maxine (played by Tiffany Haddish) are discussing the upcoming performance, and Jerrod expresses his concerns that the audience won't like his jokes. He then proceeds to deliver a cringe-worthy stand-up routine to Maxine, who tells him that his jokes are insensitive and not funny. Jerrod brushes off her concerns, and insists that he knows how to make people laugh.

When Jerrod arrives at the college campus, he is surprised to find that the audience is not as receptive as he thought they would be. As he begins his routine, he is interrupted by a group of students who protest against his jokes. Maxine, who has accompanied Jerrod to the campus, joins in the protest, citing that Jerrod's humor trivializes a serious matter. This sparks a debate about the complexities of consent and its implications on college campuses.

The episode presents multiple perspectives on the issue of consent, as each character weighs in on the topic. Jerrod's parents, Joe (played by David Alan Grier) and Cynthia (played by Loretta Devine), have differing opinions on the matter, with Joe arguing that college students should behave responsibly, while Cynthia advocates for more awareness and education on the issue.

The debate also draws out personal anecdotes from the characters, as they recount their experiences with consent. Bobby (played by Lil Rel Howery), Jerrod's brother, shares a story about a girl who accused him of assault despite his belief that she had given consent. The episode also explores the concept of affirmative consent, with Maxine advocating the importance of asking for permission before engaging in any sexual activity.

Throughout the episode, Jerrod struggles with the realization that he has been insensitive towards a serious issue. He takes accountability for his jokes and acknowledges the power dynamics at play in a college environment. He concludes his routine by delivering a heartfelt message to the audience about the importance of respecting boundaries and obtaining affirmative consent.

The episode ultimately concludes with the characters reflecting on the complexities of consent and the importance of education and awareness on the issue. "Yes Means Yes" successfully tackles a serious and complex issue with humor and compassion, while providing a thought-provoking commentary on the topic of consent.