Ep 19. Jessica Place

Jessica Place is an episode from the popular American sitcom Fresh Off the Boat, which premiered on March 29, 2016. This show revolves around the following of an Asian-American family who moves from Washington, D.C. to Orlando, Florida, in the '90s. The family comprises Louis, the father; Jessica, the mother; and their three sons, Eddie, Emery, and Evan. The series is based on the memoir of the same name by Eddie Huang.

In this episode, Jessica has a new obsession for a television show, Melrose Place, which makes her forget about everything else around her. The show Melrose Place is a drama about a group of young adults who live in a Los Angeles apartment complex. Jessica starts identifying herself with the characters from the show and dedicates all her time to watching every episode. She becomes so engrossed in watching the show that she starts neglecting her usual duties at home, including preparing meals for the family.

As a result, Louis and the kids begin to feel neglected by Jessica. Eddie and Emery try to grab their mother's attention by learning how to cook, but they realize that their mother's obsession with the show is affecting the entire family's routines. When Jessica finally agrees to cook, she ends up burning the food due to being so engrossed in the show. In a desperate attempt to get Jessica's attention, Louis invites the cast of Melrose Place over for dinner to show Jessica that the characters she admires so much are just like normal people.

The episode highlights some common issues faced by families, such as how one person's obsession can cause chaos and neglect. It also showcases how television shows can affect someone's life, mostly when an individual becomes obsessed with their fictional characters. The show portrays a typical Asian-American family, their struggles in a new environment, and their attempts to adapt to their surroundings while still retaining their cultural identity.

The cast of Fresh Off the Boat features some excellent performances by Constance Wu as Jessica and Randall Park as Louis, who play the heads of the family, conveying their goals, challenges, and values. The show humorously tackles the cultural differences between a typical Chinese-American family adjusting to life in the United States.

The episode's title Jessica Place alludes to the show Melrose Place, which becomes Jessica's obsession to the point that she starts neglecting her family duties. The show Melrose Place was originally aired from 1992 to 1999 and was incredibly popular among viewers in the '90s. It is a great nostalgic treat for viewers who have grown up watching the show. The episode also has a cameo appearance by Josie Bissett, who played the role of Jane Mancini in the original Melrose Place series, adding to the overall nostalgia factor.

Overall, Jessica Place is a fun-filled episode that highlights how family members should support and understand each other's passions and interests. The episode showcases the importance of finding a balance between personal interests and family responsibilities. With some solid performances, great writing, and witty humor, the episode showcases some of the best elements of the Fresh Off the Boat series.