Ep 14. The Name Game

The episode "The Name Game" of Black-ish season 3 revolves around the Johnson family as they struggle to come up with a name for their upcoming baby. Dre, the father, is excited about the arrival of his new baby but feels pressured to come up with a perfect name that will represent his family's culture and values.

The episode begins with Dre and his wife, Bow, discussing their preferences for naming their baby. Dre wants to stick with traditional African American names, while Bow prefers modern names that align with her own personal tastes. However, they quickly realize that they have different ideas about what constitutes a "black" name, which leads to a humorous and thought-provoking conversation about race, identity, and culture.

The rest of the episode focuses on the challenges that the Johnson family faces in finding the perfect name for their baby. They ask their friends and family for suggestions, and each person has their own unique perspective on what makes a good name. Dre's mother, Ruby, insists that the name must have meaning and be rooted in tradition, while Bow's father, Pops, suggests that they go with something trendy and popular.

As they continue to debate and brainstorm, the family begins to realize that the name they choose will not only reflect their own values but also influence how their child is perceived by others. They worry about the stereotypes and prejudices that may come with certain names and consider how their child's name will be perceived by others in different contexts, including job interviews, school applications, and social gatherings.

Throughout the episode, the Johnson family's discussions about naming their baby highlight the complex issues around race, identity, and culture that many families face. The conversations are nuanced and thoughtful, highlighting the importance of choosing a name that not only sounds good but also reflects the values and aspirations of the parents. The episode also features humor and heartwarming moments that make it an enjoyable and relatable watch for viewers of all backgrounds.

Overall, "The Name Game" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode of Black-ish season 3 that explores the complexities of choosing a name for a child, particularly in a society that places so much emphasis on race and identity. The Johnson family's journey to find the perfect name is relatable, entertaining, and ultimately inspiring, as they come to understand that the most important thing is to choose a name that reflects their love and commitment to each other.