Ep 11. Very Superstitious

In Fresh Off the Boat season 1 episode 11, titled "Very Superstitious," the Huang family celebrates their first Chinese New Year in America. The episode starts with Louis Huang's plans to make the restaurant busy on Chinese New Year. Eddie Huang, the teenage son, is told by his mother, Jessica Huang, that he cannot sleep in his bed during the Chinese New Year's Eve. Instead, he should stay up late while participating in the traditional Chinese customs, which are believed to bring good luck and wealth to the family.

Meanwhile, Eddie's younger brothers Emery and Evan, are trying to find new luck charms to ensure their good fortune in the coming year. But Jessica insists that, according to Huang family superstitions, if you reveal your good luck charms to others, the good fortune vanishes. The episode follows hilarious series of events as Eddie decides to ignore his mother's superstitions and sleep in his bed on New Year's Eve.

The episode also features the Huang family's attempt to assimilate into American culture while also keeping the traditions alive. They attempt to decorate the family's business, Cattleman’s Ranch, with Chinese decorations. However, they soon learn that the customers start to see the decorations as a threat rather than as a genuine effort to embrace the culture. The family is also struggling with the tension between their desire to celebrate the Chinese New Year, and at the same time, adapt to the American way of life.

One of the highlights of this episode is when the Huang family takes a trip to Chinatown in Washington, DC, to buy items they need to perform their rituals. The contrast between the American and Chinese lifestyles is starkly portrayed as they travel from one part of the world to another. The trip, however, turns out to be a disastrous affair as they get lost, separated, and end up at a restaurant that serves dog meat.

Throughout the episode, the show presents the viewers with an authentic portrayal of Chinese traditions and superstitions through the eyes of the Huang family. The family's struggle to keep their traditions alive in a foreign country is heartwarming and relatable. By the end of the episode, we see the Huang family coming together to participate in their New Year rituals, showcasing their strong cultural identity while also embracing the changes around them.

Overall, Fresh Off the Boat season 1 episode 11, "Very Superstitious," delivers a heartfelt and engaging portrayal of a family's attempt to navigate two different worlds without losing their identity. The episode is well-written, brilliantly acted, and provides an insightful commentary on immigrant experiences and cultural clashes.