Ep 1. Gap Year

In Black-ish season 5 episode 1, titled "Gap Year," the Johnson family is back with a bang and ready to tackle the new school year. The episode mainly features the youngest Johnson child, Jack (Miles Brown), who after his high school graduation announces that he wants to take a gap year before going to college.

This decision by Jack doesn't go down well with his parents, especially his mother, Rainbow (Tracee Ellis Ross), who feels like her son is intentionally trying to sabotage his future. She isn't the only one who feels this way as Jack's father, Dre (Anthony Anderson), is initially against the idea because he believes that his son isn't mature enough to handle such an experience.

Nonetheless, as the couple continues to dwell on the idea, they begin to see the advantages of a gap year, and their minds change. They believe that such an opportunity can help their son grow and mature in ways he couldn't do in a traditional educational setting.

As much as Gap Year is a Jack-centered episode, the other Johnson children, Zoey (Yara Shahidi) and Diane (Marsai Martin), don't get left out. Zoey is seen adjusting to college life as she starts her freshman year. She is learning how to balance her social and academic life while enjoying newfound independence.

On the other hand, Diane is on a mission to prove to her siblings, and everybody else, that she is the smartest Johnson. She argues even with her parents over minor issues. Her antics leave everybody else in the family rolling their eyes, but they all can't seem to contain their laughter.

The episode also takes the Johnson family to Paris, France, where they take a much-needed family vacation. Here we see much more of the characters, Dre and Bow, learning new things about themselves and their past. This includes how they conduct themselves in conflict.

The Johnson family confronts several issues that families confront in everyday life. The show does an excellent job showing how families can work through these problems, and how taking an extended break, like a gap year, can lead to self-discovery and individual growth. Throughout all the comedy and chaos, the show remains true to its mission of promoting African-American culture in a way that makes it relatable to all families.

Black-ish remains an iconic sitcom that tackles societal issues. It portrays African-American families in a positive light, a factor that has helped it gain a legion of fans from all walks of life. The showrunners have done an impressive job of creating relatable characters whose experiences strike a chord with both its African-American and non-African-American viewers.

It's admirable how the show constantly addresses topics like politics, race, and family values in ways that don't come across as preachy or judgmental. This talent is evident in this particular episode as it subtly tackles the idea of gap years, leaving viewers with a sense of wonder at how much impact a year of learning and growth can have on a person and their future.

In conclusion, Gap Year is an excellent episode that is worth the watch. It perfectly encapsulates what Black-ish is all about; tackling real-world issues through humor and relatable characters. The show has maintained its reputation as one of the most thought-provoking and comedic sitcoms of our time. It's a show that continues to promote the African-American culture and triumphs, ultimately bringing people from all backgrounds together through laughter and reflection.