Ep 2. The Talk

In Black-ish season 1 episode 2, titled "The Talk," Andre Johnson, played by Anthony Anderson, tries to give his son, Andre Jr., played by Marcus Scribner, "the talk" about race and police brutality. Dre struggles with finding the right words to explain the dynamics between race and law enforcement to his young, sheltered son.

Meanwhile, Bow, played by Tracee Ellis Ross, is having her own crisis of identity - as a mixed-race woman, she feels like she doesn't belong to either the black or white community. Bow's parents, who are wealthy and white, are coming to visit the family and she wants to impress them by showcasing her blackness.

The two storylines are woven together as Dre and Bow navigate the challenges of parenting in a racially charged world. They talk to their friends and family, seeking advice and guidance on how to approach the sensitive topic with their kids and how to reconcile their own cultural identities.

The episode also explores the history of police brutality against black people, referencing real-life cases of police violence against unarmed black men, including the shooting of Trayvon Martin. It touches on the fear and anger that black parents feel for their children's safety in a world that seems stacked against them.

The emotional climax of the episode comes when Dre and his father, Pops, played by Laurence Fishburne, have a heart-to-heart about their own experiences with racism and how they've tried to protect their families from it. The conversation is raw and honest, and Dre finally finds the words to convey the gravity of the situation to his son.

"The Talk" is a poignant and timely episode that deftly handles difficult subject matter with sensitivity and humor. It's a powerful reminder of the need for open dialogue and understanding between people of different races and backgrounds.