Ep 1. Bring It On

The Proud Family season 1 episode 1 is titled "Bring It On" and it follows the life of Penny Proud, the protagonist, as she navigates her way through the challenges of junior high school and family life. The episode starts with Penny and her best friends Dijonay and LaCienega eagerly gearing up for the first day of school. Penny is excited to see her crush, Michael, but their reunion is short-lived as he quickly ditches her to impress his new friends.

Penny's disappointment escalates when she is told that her favorite cheerleading squad, the Dancing Dimes, is in need of a new member. Despite her lack of experience, Penny is determined to join the squad and prove herself. Her enthusiasm is short-lived as she realizes that the squad’s captain, Zoe, is a mean girl who doesn't want her on the team. Zoe makes fun of Penny's dance moves and dismisses her chances of ever being a good cheerleader. Nonetheless, Penny perseveres and convinces the squad to give her a chance to prove herself.

Meanwhile, Penny's parents face a daunting task of their own: they must come up with an ingenious way to get their son, BeBe, to finally take his hair out of the braids he has worn since birth. The attempts that Oscar and Trudy Proud try include threatening BeBe with a car-washing job if he does not take out his braids, as well as playing a trick on him by replacing his hair extensions with fake ones. Eventually, BeBe decides to take out his braids but reveal a new problematic hair-do which prompts the parents to come up with another solution.

Back at school, Dijonay, LaCienega, and Penny are rehearsing for the squad's tryouts. Penny struggles with the choreography, but her friends are there for support. Unfortunately for Penny, despite her efforts, Zoe and her cronies are not impressed and reject her from the team. Penny is hurt, but she decides not to let Zoe’s cruelty affect her dreams. She turns to her family for support, and they advise her not to give up but to keep trying.

Penny takes her parents' advice and decides to start her own cheerleading squad with her friends. They organize a tryout and recruit a diverse group of girls who are also interested in cheering. Penny becomes the captain, and together, they come up with a unique dance routine that showcases their individual strengths. Penny’s new squad has a lot of heart, but they lack the finishing touch that a professional coach could provide. Penny decides to ask the Dancing Dimes' former coach, Ms. Hightower for help.

Ms. Hightower is initially hesitant to help Penny, but once she sees how hard Penny and her friends have worked, she agrees to coach their team. Penny's squad performs their routine at the school's pep rally, and it is a hit. Despite the initial hostility from Zoe, the Dancing Dimes captain, Penny's encouragement and positive attitude inspire even the previously cruel Zoe to help her squad make a cheerleading pyramid.

In conclusion, The Proud Family season 1 episode 1 "Bring It On" sets the tone for the rest of the show as Penny confronts the challenges of growing up while navigating school and family life. The episode also emphasizes the importance of self-belief and the value of friendship and family support. Overall, it's a great start to a fun and entertaining animated series.