Ep 9. The Return Of The King

In The Boondocks season 1 episode 9, titled "The Return of the King," Martin Luther King Jr. wakes up from a coma after 32 years. He is confused as to where he is and what has happened during his absence. Upon learning about the progress made by the civil rights movement, he feels disheartened that his dream of equality has been reduced to materialistic desires and misogyny.

He team ups with Granddad who he believes understands his visions and together they embark on a journey of preaching nonviolence and equality while trying to educate the youth about the true essence of the movement.

King finds himself struggling to understand the hip hop culture and the language used. This leads to several humorous moments as he tries to navigate life in the 21st century. He is baffled by the fact that Homer Simpson is more popular than him and that songs about getting money have replaced those about freedom and change.

While King is trying to acclimate, he is also met with hostility and challenges. He becomes disillusioned when he realizes some neighborhoods in America have become more segregated than before. He experiences racism firsthand when two police officers harass him and Granddad for no reason. This prompts him to give a rousing speech at a rally, calling for peaceful protests and reminds everyone of the struggles that their forefathers went through.

King’s speech draws a huge crowd and inspires many people to continue the fight for equality. Granddad realizes that King’s visions of the world are still relevant today and the values passed on to the younger generation need to include more than just material gains.

As King prepares to leave, he tells Riley, one of the children, to never stop fighting for what is right. He admonishes him for being influenced by the wrong values and tells him that he represents the future and needs to be the change he wishes to see in the world.

The episode ends with King watching a rap video by Thugnificent, who he has previously criticized for being a negative influence, and admits that he likes the beat and believes that music and art can be used effectively to spread positive messages.

"The Return of the King" is an insightful and humorous look at the life and legacy of one of America's most iconic figures. The episode uses humor to address serious issues such as racism, materialism, and the relevance of King's message today. The Boondocks season 1 episode 9 is an excellent commentary on the state of modern society and the role of pop culture in shaping young minds. It serves as a reminder that despite the progress made in the fight for equality, the struggle is far from over.