Ep 7. The Taming of the Dads

After exploring different aspects of Chinese culture in previous episodes, Fresh Off the Boat takes a step back to center itself around the Huang family dynamic. "The Taming of the Dads" is a classic sitcom trope that pits the two fathers against each other in a battle of wills as they try to one-up each other with their parenting skills.

Louis and Marvin have always been comedic gold together, with Marvin's outlandish, masculine persona clashing with Louis' laid-back, quirky demeanor. In this episode, they become even more competitive as they each try to claim the title of the best parent. Marvin shows off his tough love to Eddie, while Louis tries to outdo him with his coddling of Emery. Both fathers take their parenting strategies to the extreme, causing their respective son to resent them.

Meanwhile, Jessica struggles with feeling left out after Honey and Grandma bond over a shared love of ballroom dancing. Jessica, not wanting to be overshadowed, starts to worry that she's not as successful or interesting as her friends. This plotline provides a refreshing change of pace from the usual Huang family hijinks and allows for some heartwarming moments between the two best friends.

As always, the show maintains its commitment to highlighting themes of cultural identity and assimilation. Eddie struggles with feeling like he's not "black enough" since he doesn't know how to do the dab, while Louis and Marvin bond over their shared immigrant experience. Even with the comedic moments, Fresh Off the Boat never shies away from the struggles of growing up with a dual identity.

Overall, "The Taming of the Dads" is a solid episode of Fresh Off the Boat that balances humor and heart. It's not the most groundbreaking of episodes, but it does a great job of showcasing the strengths of the show's ensemble cast. It's a relatable and entertaining addition to the third season.