Ep 3. Let Your Hair Down
- TVPG
- October 8, 2019
- 21 min
-
7.7 (145)
In Mixed-ish season 1 episode 3, titled "Let Your Hair Down," Rainbow Johnson and her siblings are faced with a dilemma when their parents refuse to allow them to get relaxers for their hair. Rainbow, still adjusting to life in the suburbs, struggles to fit in with her peers who have straight hair. In an effort to conform to the beauty standards of her classmates, she attempts to straighten her hair herself, with disastrous results.
Meanwhile, Bow's father Paul faces his own challenges at work when his boss asks him to play golf with a potential client. While Paul is a skilled golfer, he is hesitant to participate due to his fear of being seen as "too black" for the predominantly white golf club. Eventually, with encouragement from his wife Alicia, Paul decides to confront his fears and go through with the game.
Back at home, Bow's mother Alicia has her own struggles to contend with as she attempts to balance her role as a mother with her desire to pursue her career as a lawyer. When a client requests a meeting during the same time as Bow's school performance, Alicia must make a difficult choice between family and career.
Overall, "Let Your Hair Down" offers a thoughtful exploration of the challenges faced by the Johnson family as they navigate the complexities of life in a predominantly white community. Through their struggles, the show raises important questions about identity, beauty standards, and the impact of systemic racism on both personal and professional aspirations. With its mix of humor and heart, the episode is a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by many families in America today.