Ep 1. The Runaway

Raj, Dwayne, and Rerun are three best friends living in the lively neighborhood of Watts in Los Angeles. In the first episode of the classic sitcom "What's Happening!!" titled "The Runaway," we are introduced to these charismatic characters and their colorful world.

The episode starts with a glimpse into the lives of our main characters. Raj is an intelligent and ambitious high school student who dreams of being a writer. Dwayne, his best friend, is a witty and mischievous guy with a passion for odd jobs and a love for food. Finally, Rerun, the third member of the trio, is a lovable, larger-than-life character with a heart as big as his appetite.

As school ends for the day, Raj excitedly informs Dwayne and Rerun that he has managed to secure a summer job at the local Pizza King. He can't contain his joy as he proudly imagines himself earning money and gaining some much-needed independence. However, his friends react with mixed emotions. Dwayne, ever the skeptic, warns Raj about the difficulties he might face, while Rerun, on the other hand, is simply envious of the free pizza Raj will enjoy.

Raj's first day on the job is eventful, to say the least. The Pizza King is run by a strict and no-nonsense manager named Mr. Sykes, who immediately puts Raj to work. Raj quickly realizes that working in a fast-food restaurant is harder than he anticipated, with demanding customers and a never-ending stream of orders. However, he is determined to prove himself and make the most of this opportunity.

Back in the neighborhood, Dwayne and Rerun spend their afternoon playing a friendly game of basketball at the local court. As they shoot hoops, they stumble upon a small, timid boy named Teddy, huddled in a corner. Concerned, they approach him and discover that he has run away from home. Teddy's story is heart-wrenching; he comes from a broken family and has been subjected to neglect and abuse, leading him to escape his unstable home environment.

Dwayne and Rerun, displaying their natural empathy and compassion, take Teddy under their wing and decide to help him. They bring the young boy to Raj's workplace, the Pizza King, seeking refuge and guidance from their friend. Raj is initially hesitant, not wanting to break any rules, but his caring nature ultimately wins out.

Meanwhile, back at home, Raj's mother, Mabel, grows increasingly worried about her son's whereabouts. She shares her concerns with Raj's little sister, Dee, who suggests asking their neighbor, Mrs. Thomas, for help. Together, they visit Mrs. Thomas, a nosy but well-meaning neighbor, who assures them that everything will be alright and that Raj is probably caught up in something mundane.

Back at the Pizza King, Raj, Dwayne, and Rerun do their best to make Teddy feel comfortable and safe. They share pizza and engage in light-hearted banter, hoping to distract the young boy from his troubles, even if just for a little while. However, their well-intentioned actions do not go unnoticed by Mr. Sykes, the strict manager, who confronts Raj about his friends' presence in the restaurant.

As the day comes to an end, Raj realizes that he must find a solution to Teddy's situation. Full of determination, he reaches out to his mother and explains the young boy's predicament. Despite her initial reservations, Mabel agrees to help, assuring Raj that they will find a solution together.

In the heartwarming conclusion of the episode, Raj, Dwayne, and Rerun, together with Mabel, come up with a plan to help Teddy find the support he needs. Through a combination of community resources, loving families, and devoted friends, they offer Teddy a glimmer of hope in his bleak world.

"The Runaway," the first episode of "What's Happening!!" season 1, showcases the genuine friendship and compassion of Raj, Dwayne, and Rerun. It explores the challenges they face in their everyday lives and their unwavering commitment to each other and their community.