Ep 7. Welcome to the Barbershop

The Neighborhood season 1 episode 7, titled 'Welcome to the Barbershop', revolves around Dave's new obsession with finding the best barbershop in town. Dave, played by Max Greenfield, seems to be on a quest to find the perfect haircut, but his search may have deeper roots than just wanting a stylish look. Dave is on a mission to connect with his new neighbors, and what better way to do so than by visiting their local barbershop and engaging in small talk?

As he sets out on his mission, Dave comes across a few challenges, especially when it comes to finding a barbershop that caters to his specific needs. He is thrown off by the idea of a barbershop being a male-dominated space and struggles to find one that is welcoming to all. However, after a few failed attempts, he finally stumbles upon a barbershop that is inclusive and diverse.

The scene is set at the barbershop with Dave being inquisitive about conversations happening around him. He gets introduced to a cultural phenomenon called 'Line-ups'. This is where your hairline is shaved in a perfect straight line showcasing the barbers' skills and the patrons become the flamboyant displays of the barbers' art. As a result, Dave becomes the canvas of a Latino barber and gets his line-up. His confidence is boosted and from that, he's able to become part of the conversation and joke around which helps him to bond with his fellow patrons.

While in the barbershop, Dave engages in discussions about marriage, football, and fatherhood, and although these topics may seem trivial, they play a critical role in helping him connect with his new community. The episode also delves into the impact of stereotypes and prejudice in our modern society. Calvin, played by Cedric the Entertainer, shares how his son, who is also the barber at the shop, had reservations about working with Dave because of his Caucasian background. However, after getting to know Dave and learning more about him, Calvin's son realizes that Dave is not the stereotypical white guy he had in mind, and the two eventually bond.

The episode also highlights the role that barbershops play in the African-American community. They are not just places to get a haircut but often serve as a hub for discussing social and cultural issues. The barbershop is a safe space where customers can express themselves freely and be heard. This is exemplified by Malcolm, played by Sheaun McKinney, who is a regular at the shop. He expresses his frustrations about the police and how he feels like he is always being singled out. The conversation then transitions to how to be more authentic in the work environment and change the perspective of how people view you.

The barbershop setting also provides an opportunity for the show to comment on the different ways people handle conflicts. Dave, who has a tendency to avoid confrontations, learns from his new friends at the barbershop that sometimes conflict is necessary. Malcolm, on the other hand, learns that avoiding conflict can lead to more significant issues down the line.

Ultimately, 'Welcome to the Barbershop' is about connecting. Connecting with a new community, understanding their culture and how it operates, and finding common ground through small but meaningful interactions. The episode serves as a lesson to viewers that getting out of one's comfort zone and building relationships with people who are different from us is essential. The barbershop is the perfect metaphor for this idea, representing a space of shared experiences, community, and a sense of belonging.