The season four premiere of Fresh Off the Boat delivers the best episode in the series to date. In fact, I would even go as far as calling this a masterpiece episode for the show. I don’t know if it can be topped.
Let’s begin with what is typically the weakest part of the show, which is usually Evan, Emery and the Grandmother. This episode gave them less screen time, but still gave them memorable moments so that they didn’t completely feel wasted. What made it better was that two of the scenes were some of the funniest scenes in the episode. The first one being the screaming between the Grandmother and Jessica after she found out she would be on Wheel of Fortune, and the second one being the evil birdhouse that Emery and Louis somehow built. That joke came out of nowhere and that’s why it was so funny. Evan also had his smoke joke with him falling in love with the books he originally thought were beneath him. This was a great use of characters that don’t typically shine.
Louis had a smaller part this time around, but that’s fine because he was spending time with his kid, which shows that he’s a loving parent. Not to mention the new management is going to lead the family and the show in a new direction, so he’ll most likely have more focus in episodes to come.
Jessica and Honey, of course, were the standouts of the episode. Jessica’s face when she was screaming made that scene twice as funny as it should’ve been. Honey also added her slight humor with her facial expressions as she tried to keep it together this entire episode. Naturally, the two of them had a touching moment on live TV and rekindled their friendship. The live audience was a perfect touch. Shout out to when Jessica was talking badly about Honey, even though she was right in the kitchen trying to have dinner with Marvin. Anytime the two of them do something it’s always interesting.
This episode had some big people in it. Michael Bolton was still around trying to beat Kenny Rogers at the restaurant business. It’s surprising how jealous Bolton is of him. The episode also had Pat Sajak and Vanna White from Wheel of Fortune. Nothing like seeing famous people fight over yogurt. The last line between the two was touching as well.
Eddie had an interesting couple of days. Nicole came out to him. This is a big move for the show because it helps audience members connect with her struggle, but also this takes place during a time where it was less acceptable to be a lesbian. It’ll be interesting to see how the family members and show handles this going forward. The best part about that moment was when he got back in the car. It showed that he didn’t care if she was different from the person he thought she was, and he even had questions for her. Eddie is a great friend, except when it comes to his other friends. For some reason they won’t make up with each other, but then again they’re teenagers, so it makes sense. Nicole said that Eddie might have a fresh start and that would be good for his character, especially since he’s going through puberty. Things are going to change and that’s fine. Of course, I don’t think his old friends will disappear from his life. I’d also like to give him a shout out for being faithful. He’s in a relationship and he stuck to it. Nice job, Eddie.
Once again this episode was the best episode of the series so far. It might be my top recommended episode unless it can somehow be topped. If that does happen, then I think I’ll need a higher score than a ten out of ten.
Fresh Off the Boat airs Tuesdays at 8:30/7:30c on ABC.
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