Ep 10. The Hero

Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids is an animated television series that revolves around the lives of a group of African-American kids living in a ghetto named North Philadelphia. The show is the brainchild of the famous comedian Bill Cosby, who also provides the voice of the titular character Fat Albert. The show uses humor and relatable situations to impart life lessons and positive moral values to its young audience.

In season 1 episode 10 of Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, titled The Hero, the main characters find themselves confronted with the issue of hero worship and the importance of understanding that one's worth is based on their own actions and not on blind admiration for someone who may not be deserving of praise.

The episode starts with the kids gathered around the TV, watching a news report about a famous athlete named Cal who has come to North Philly to open a new recreation center. The kids are enamored by Cal's athletic prowess, good looks, and charismatic personality, and they eagerly gather at the center to catch a glimpse of their hero.

As they wait for Cal to arrive, a group of older kids come by and start causing trouble. The Cosby Kids try to defuse the situation, but the older kids are too strong and aggressive, and soon they are beating up some of the younger kids. In the midst of the chaos, Cal arrives, and the older kids immediately recognize him and start fawning over him.

Cal, on his part, is annoyed by the troublemakers and attempts to put an end to the situation. However, his approach is misguided, and he ends up getting into a fight with one of the older kids. The situation worsens, and the police arrive, dispersing the crowd and forcing everyone to go home.

Back at the junkyard where the kids hang out, they discuss what happened and lament how their hero Cal turned out to be a hot-headed and violent person. Fat Albert tries to put things in perspective, reminding his friends that hero worship can be a dangerous thing if not based on the right qualities.

To make his point, Fat Albert relates a story about a man named Joe Louis, a famous African-American boxer who was revered for his athletic abilities and his gentle and humble demeanor. Fat Albert tells how Joe Louis's kindness and sportsmanship inspired him to be a better person, and he challenges his friends to find their own heroes based not only on their skills or talents but on their character and values.

The episode concludes with the kids working together to clean up the junkyard and pledging to be better versions of themselves, inspired by the lessons they learned from Joe Louis and from their own experiences with hero worship.

Overall, The Hero is a powerful episode that teaches kids about the importance of critical thinking, self-evaluation, and the dangers of blind admiration. It highlights the need for positive role models who embody not only great skills but also strong moral values, and it encourages kids to be mindful of the kinds of people they choose to look up to. With its engaging storyline, humor, and relatable characters, Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids continue to be a cherished memory for generations of viewers.