Ep 2. The Rake, the Fake and the Gopher Snake

The Parent 'Hood is a family sitcom that aired from 1995-1999. In season 1 episode 2, titled "The Rake, the Fake and the Gopher Snake," Robert and Jerri Peterson struggle to keep up with the demands of both their jobs and their children. This is made all the more difficult by the fact that the Petersons' son Nicholas has a science project due, and their daughter Zaria wants to attend a concert.

As the episode unfolds, the Petersons navigate their busy lives. Robert works as a college professor, and spends much of his time grading papers and dealing with students. Jerri, on the other hand, is a lawyer who must prepare for a big case. With both parents working long hours, the children must fend for themselves. Nicholas enlists the help of his younger brother, Cece, to complete his science project while Zaria schemes to find a way to get to the concert.

Meanwhile, Robert faces another challenge when he discovers that his car has a flat tire. He goes to the garage to get it fixed, but ends up spending more time there than he anticipated. While waiting for his car to be repaired, he meets an older man named Mr. Wilcox. Mr. Wilcox tells Robert that he used to be an attorney, but now spends his days fixing cars. Robert is intrigued by Mr. Wilcox's story, and listens as the older man shares some of his wisdom.

Back at the Peterson household, Cece and Nicholas are hard at work on the science project. They decide to build a model of a solar system, but struggle to make it look realistic. Cece suggests using a rake to make the craters on one of the planets, which Nicholas thinks is a great idea. However, when Robert returns home and sees the makeshift crater maker, he is not impressed. He tells the boys that they need to come up with a more authentic way to make the craters, and suggests that they look up some information on the internet.

As the day wears on, Zaria becomes increasingly desperate to find a way to attend the concert. She tries to convince her parents to let her go, but they are too busy to even consider the idea. Undeterred, Zaria decides to take matters into her own hands. She sneaks out of the house and heads to the concert alone.

Towards the end of the episode, the Petersons begin to realize how much they rely on each other to manage their busy lives. Robert tells Jerri that he appreciates all the support she gives him, and Jerri reminds Robert that they are a team. Meanwhile, Zaria returns home safe and sound, having enjoyed the concert but realizing that she does need her family after all.

Overall, "The Rake, the Fake and the Gopher Snake" is a lighthearted episode that touches on themes of family, responsibility, and self-reliance. The Petersons face some challenges, but ultimately come together to support each other and get through the day.