Ep 7. Friends Without Benefits

The show Black-ish is a comedy series that focuses on the Johnson family, an upper-middle-class African American family living in Los Angeles, California. The show tackles a wide range of topics related to American society, including race, class, politics, and family dynamics.

Season 5 Episode 7, titled "Friends Without Benefits," follows the Johnson family as they navigate the complicated social rules of teenage friendships, crushes, and relationships. The episode begins with the youngest member of the Johnson family, Jack, coming home from school and excitedly telling his parents, Dre and Bow, about his new friend, Diane.

Diane, who is also Jack's twin sister, is known for being fiercely independent and not very interested in forming close relationships with her peers. However, Jack has managed to break through Diane's tough exterior and now considers her his best friend.

The rest of the episode revolves around the Johnson family's attempts to understand and navigate the complicated dynamics of teenage friendships. When Jack invites Diane over to the Johnsons' house to work on a school project, Bow and Dre are surprised to see that Diane has brought along a boy from school.

This boy, named Chet, is clearly interested in Diane and is hovering around her constantly. However, Diane is more interested in her school project and doesn't seem to notice Chet's attention. Dre, Bow, and the rest of the family watch Diane and Chet's interactions with a mix of amusement and concern.

As the episode progresses, Bow and Dre try to understand Diane's desire to remain independent and not get entangled in romantic relationships. At the same time, they also try to figure out how to help Jack navigate his own crushes and friendships.

One of the show's strengths is its ability to tackle complex social issues in a humorous and approachable way. "Friends Without Benefits" is no exception, as the episode manages to explore the intricacies of teenage friendships and relationships while still being entertaining and enjoyable to watch.

Throughout the episode, the Johnson family's various quirks and idiosyncrasies are on full display, adding a sense of humor and levity to the sometimes tense situations they find themselves in. Whether it's Dre's attempts to be cool and hip with his children or Bow's overprotective nature, the Johnson family's interactions always provide plenty of laughs.

In addition to its humor, "Friends Without Benefits" also touches on important themes related to teenage relationships and social dynamics. The episode highlights the pressure that teenagers face to fit in and be accepted by their peers, as well as the difficulties of figuring out one's own feelings and desires in the midst of all that social pressure.

Ultimately, "Friends Without Benefits" is a funny and heartwarming episode of Black-ish that offers a thoughtful exploration of the complexities of teenage friendships and relationships. With its relatable themes and endearing characters, the show continues to be a standout in the world of American sitcoms.