Ep 18. Watts Side Story
- TV-PG
- January 26, 1973
- 25 min
-
7.6 (94)
Sanford and Son Season 2 Episode 18, titled "Watts Side Story," is a classic episode of the beloved 70s sitcom. The show follows the lives of Fred Sanford and his son Lamont, who run a junkyard business in Watts, a predominantly African American neighborhood in Los Angeles.
The episode opens with Fred and Lamont sitting in their living room, watching the news on television. They learn that a group of young African American activists plan to march through Watts to protest police brutality and racism. Fred is initially dismissive of the protesters, but soon gets caught up in the excitement and decides to join them.
The rest of the episode follows Fred, Lamont, and their friend Julio as they march through Watts, encountering various obstacles and challenges along the way. They are harassed by a group of white teenagers, who throw rocks and insults at them, and are confronted by a group of older African Americans who believe the protesters have no business disrupting the neighborhood's peace.
Throughout their journey, Fred and Lamont find themselves in the middle of a tense and complex debate about racial justice and the best way to achieve it. They encounter people who share their passion for change, as well as those who are skeptical or outright hostile to their cause.
As they make their way through the neighborhood, Fred and Lamont also become impressed by the younger generation of activists, who are articulate and passionate about their cause. They come to appreciate the energy and urgency of the protests and feel inspired to join in the fight for racial justice.
"Watts Side Story" is a standout episode of Sanford and Son, offering a window into the political and social debates of the 1970s. It is an engaging and thought-provoking episode that delves into issues of race, policing, and activism in a way that is both authentic and relevant to our own time. Fans of the show will love this classic installment, and newcomers to the series will find it an excellent introduction to the world of Sanford and Son.
