What's Happening!! Season 1 Episode 6 The Burger Queen

What's Happening!! is a classic American sitcom that originally aired from August 5, 1976, to April 28, 1979. The show centers around the day-to-day adventures of teenager Roger "Raj" Thomas (played by Ernest Thomas) and his friends, Dwayne Clemens (played by Haywood Nelson) and Freddie "Rerun" Stubbs (played by Fred Berry), in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Watts.

Season 1 Episode 6 titled The Burger Queen offers another slice of life from the 1970s with its unique blend of humor, charm, and relatable situations. This approximately 25-minute episode helps to set the tone for the kind of heartwarming yet comical storytelling that made the series a much-loved fixture in its time.

In The Burger Queen, we find the characters exploring themes of ambition, work ethic, and the challenges that come with teenage employment. One of the central figures, Shirley Wilson (played by Shirley Hemphill), who is known for her sassy repartee and work at the local soda shop, Rob's Place, becomes particularly prominent in this episode as it touches on her workplace and life aspirations.

The story is set in motion when a local fast-food restaurant, known for its hamburgers, announces a competition to find the new face of their franchise: The Burger Queen. In search of a girl who embodies the spirit of the brand, the contest instantly generates buzz and excitement among the community, particularly the youthful ensemble we follow.

The episode delves into the notions of competition and self-confidence as one of the female characters decides to throw her hat into the ring, inspired by the promise of fame and the allure of a cash prize. Her involvement in the contest quickly becomes a focal point around which the community's aspirations and encouragement revolve, establishing the episode’s central narrative thrust.

As the story unfolds, viewers are treated to the series' trademark blend of humor and heart. Raj and his pals offer their support in their own unique, often humorous ways, highlighting the characters' camaraderie and loyalty to one another. Meanwhile, the competition brings out a host of colorful local characters, each with their own quirks and ambitions, adding to the episode's rich tapestry of community life.

The quest for the coveted title of The Burger Queen also addresses the issues of image and self-perception, particularly in the context of marketing and branding—a subtle nod to the undercurrents of consumer culture that were present in the 1970s. Through the interactions between characters, the episode manages to satire and critique the idea of commercial beauty standards without losing its comedic edge or the affectionate dynamics among the cast.

Moreover, the episode provides a snapshot of the time period, with period-specific fashion, lingo, and social conventions dotting the colorful landscape that What's Happening!! is known for. From afros and bell-bottoms to funk music and jive talk, this installment is a visual and auditory celebration of its era.

Key relationships are explored and tested as the protagonists navigate the trials of campaigning for their candidate and facing the competition. Alongside the humor, there are moments of reflection and maturation, as the characters grapple with the ideas of integrity, friendship, and the reality of expectations versus reality.

True to the show's form, The Burger Queen emphasizes familial bonds and community support. The contest becomes a catalyst for the characters to band together, creating situational comedy infused with lessons about individual value and collective effort. The Thomas family—Raj, his sister Dee (played by Danielle Spencer), and their mother Mabel (played by Mabel King)—and other recurring characters depict a vivid portrayal of the bonds within the black community and the strength it provides to its members, capturing the spirit that What's Happening!! continuously exudes.

While no true spoilers are given, it’s safe to say that The Burger Queen episode tackles its subject matter with the mix of levity and touching moments that fans of the series come to expect, ensuring that the pacing is such that both laughter and more serious considerations are well-balanced.

Ultimately, The Burger Queen is a vibrant episode that stands as an example of how What's Happening!! managed to blend comedy with social commentary and relatable, endearing characters to create a show that resonated with audiences not just in the moment but continues to be appreciated across generations.