Together as a Family: Fresh Off The Boat "Family Van"/"Commencement" Series Finale

The one-hour series finale leaves the Huangs with a lovely bow to end the series. Here's a recap!

In the first half-hour, the episode "Family Van" deals with the Huangs saying goodbye to their family van after it breaks down trying to go to Disney World. While Louis tries to save his van, Jessica gives it up after learning nothing can be done to save it. Louis goes on memory lane while Jessica tries to blow it off until when they go car shopping, she steals the van that looks like theirs. Jessica tells Louis that her grieving process was to bury it, but after Louis kept pushing her and pushing her, they came to miss the van.

Meanwhile, after finding a measured map in the van, Eddie, Emery, and Evan go on a road trip to their home in D.C. to find their time capsule. While Eddie looks forward to having an adventure with his brothers, Emery and Evan aren't as seeing Eddie dealing with an upset stomach from gas station hot dogs. But as soon as Emery and Evan found their time capsule, they realized that Eddie wanted to spend enough time before leaving for college.

The second half-hour, the episode "Commencement,t" deals with when Eddie tells Jessica and Louis that he scored 1500 on his SATs, and that gets Jessica to turn a 360 as she's pleased about her accomplishments with Eddie.

Jessica was so happy that she took Eddie off of housework and even did the dishes. They spend the day buying clothes and such and soon get an interview with Harvard. However, after the interview with Andy Ritcher, they learn that Eddie might not get in because of Jessica's helicopter parenting.
But Eddie tells Jessica that he doesn't want to go to Harvard, as he wants to go to Culinary school and work at Cattlemen. Even though it took her a while to come to terms, she was on board with Eddit.

Meanwhile, Emery and Evan come to different terms with Evan's memoir and using stories from Emery and even helping the birth of Honey's first baby. Emery gets back at Evan by running for his seat on the neighborhood council. Evan sees the probable and apologies to Emery and Honey about the memoir.

Jumping to 2008, and while we see that Louis and Jessica are at Harvard for graduation, we don't quite know whose graduation it was until we learn that Evan graduated with high honors and gave his commencement speech. We see Jessica, Louis, Eddie, Emery, and Grandma celebrating Evan's graduation.

"Family Van" and "Commencement" are excellent episodes and place a nice bow to end the series. While it might not have been the most incredible series finale of all time, it was an accurate fitting to see these characters where they ended up happy and together as a family. Was this better than the Season 5 finale? Yeah, it was. The writing was so good, and the cast gave such excellent and memorable performances, like Constance Wu, who I hope gets an Emmy nomination. Overall, I provide these episodes with a 9/10. I give the season a 9.5/10.

You can catch episodes of Fresh Off The Boat on ABC.com. Hulu and Google Play. 

Spinoff and Advice: Fresh Off the Boat "The Magic Motor Inn"/"Mommy and Me"

"The Magic Motor Inn" 

When Evan is worried about the spelling bee, Eddie tries to get him help from a three-time champion  Simryn, a former classmate. While Eddie takes Evan to get her help; he has Trent looking out for his SAT scores just in case Jessica gets a hold of them. But soon Eddie learns that he scores high and Evan learns that while Eddie might not have studied just as hard as he, even Simryn didn't either as they are both naturals.

Eddie tells Evan that his natural is studying hard than the rest of the people and that got the encouragement to be in the spelling bee. Which I think probably won.

Meanwhile, Emery must find a job or he won't be having anything new or to eat. While Louis gave him the benefit of the doubt; Jessica made sure Emery got a job and a job he has got as a shirtless model at the mall. While Jessica tries to hide it from Louis; he finally learned pretty fast about Emery's new job.

"The Magic Motor Inn" was a very good episode from start to finish. This is the episode that has a backdoor pilot for a potential spinoff that I'm very much interested in watching and hopefully ABC will go for it. Megan Suri was very good and funny along with making Mandy Moore references. All in all, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

"Mommy and Me"

When Honey asks Jessica for advice about kids clinging to their mothers; what Jessica didn't know was that her advice was going to hit her right back. Just as Jessica was recording the audiobook of her novel, Evan comes home in tears as his girlfriend had broken up with him. This turns Evan into cloning to Jessica in the creepiest way.

After trying and trying, finally, grandma played a recording of Jessica talking about how clinging he has been with her and that pretty much snapped that with Evan.

Meanwhile, Louis, Eddie, and Emery are burger hopping trying out burgers that is until Emery decides that he's going vegan. After doing to a vegan burger shop, Eddie and Louis decide to go on without Emery to a burger joint with Trent. While hurting Emery's feelings, Louis and Eddie come up with a new burger at the Cattleman's of a vegan burger that Emery enjoys.

"Mommy and Me" was a very funny episode. I've always enjoyed an episode story with Jessica and Evan and this one was no expectation. I'd very much enjoyed this and even the Louis and the boys dealing with eating vegan burgers. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

Family and Work: Fresh Off The Boat "Jessica Town"/"A Seat at the Table"

"Jessica Town"

For the final season of Fresh Off the Boat, their final Christmas episode will be marked as perfect. Just like Jessica's Christmas.

Like Louis with Halloween, Christmas is Jessica's holiday and as she tries to make this holiday season perfect; Louis tries to help her out because he wants to spend time with her this season by ice skating. Of course, Jessica sees that Louis is doing things wrong to her with the Christmas cards and the gingerbread house. That is until she realizes and tries to make it up with Louis by going ice skating but Louis ends up with two broken arms and Jessica getting her perfect gift: a couple ice skating for her Jessica Town.

Meanwhile, Evan and Eddie accidentally broke Honey's gift for Marvin, a navy nutcracker. In order to find a replacement, Emery works as a mall elf and it's not even pleasant. As Evan tries to get the nutcracker at the mall, he steals it instead. But by the time Honey comes back to wrap the gift; grandma hands the nutcracker to her as she bought it to help the boys in return for their gift cards.

"Jessica Town" was probably one of my favorite episodes of the season and could be the best holiday episode of the tv season. While Eddie, Evan, and Emery's story were very good and hilarious; Jessica and Louis' story was so heartwarming and funny as it brought so much Christmas spirit. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

"A Seat at the Table" 

As Jessica gets to be a Dean at a college; she learns that they didn't hire her for her ideas but for being diverse. Trying to figure out whether to quit or not; Louis's advice was to play the long game and so she did. After an incident, Jessica took to press conferences and not only promise to fix the diverse issues but also fooled the president of the college too.

Meanwhile, Evan sees that Emery and Eddie don't hang out during school and wished that they could do that before Eddie graduates. After Eddie tries to hang out with Emery and his drama club, things took a dip but Evan tries to fix it but Eddie and Emery gave what Evan wanted during his math club.

"A Seat at the Table" was a very funny episode: mainly with the character mispronouncing wong phrases. I thought the cast gave a good performance in this episode. Plus Mr. Buns! Overall, I give this episode an 8,5/10.

Helping and Answering: Fresh Off The Boat "TMI: Too Much Integrity"/""Lou Wants to Be a Millionaire"

"TMI: Too Much integrity" 

Louis tries to start a new way to start a new business consulting. But soon finds away by using Honey's mommy blog called TMI (True Mommy Insights). Honey sees that Louis is taking the fun out of her new blog when he pushes her and the website too far after getting sponsors. Louis apologies to Honey after he took off the post from her blog and posted the original post.

Meanwhile, Jessica is jealous to see her boys having more fun at the new neighborhood piazza that's in their circle drive neighborhood and tries to stop it by using a fun wheel. She tries to ruin the piazza for the boys by taking over the park; which got the boys upset. Both apologies and played boccie ball.


"TMI: Too Much Integrity" was a fun and good episode. It wasn't the best overall episode this season but it was entertaining. Overall, I give this episode a 7.5/10.

"Lou Wants to Be a Millionaire" 

As Lou goes on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, trying to win a million dollars; while filming he and Eddie argue over the idea of adding Asian fusion to the restraint menu. Meanwhile, Emery and Jessica are locked out of the studio but he uses acting to get back but Jessica doesn't follow him as she believes it's dumb.

After a while, Emery comes back for Jessica and talks about him loving acting and wants her support. After she accepts, as they go in Lou gets one question that uses the phone a friend to Eddie and tells him that his idea was a good one. As for the answer, Lou got it wrong.

Evan awaits for Lou's phone call from millionaire but gets distracted from Marvin's accident phone switch and Grandma's phone call to the all science question hotline.

"Lou Wants to Be a Millionaire" was a very good episode. I've very much enjoyed it from start to finish. While Eddie and Lou's story was good the Jessica and Emery's story was the better out of this episode. Seeing Jessica, who's not a fan of acting, finally accepting her son as he wants to be an actor. I hope that producer calls back soon for Emery. Overall, I give this episode an 8/10.

You can catch Fresh Off the Boat Fridays at 8:30/7:30c on ABC.

A Path to Growing: Fresh Off The Boat "Chestnut Gardens"/"Practicum?!"

"Chestnut Gardens" 

The Chestnut is back! Matthew Chestnut returns and it makes Jessica, Eddie, and Trent all suspicious on his return. Jessica sees that Chestnut has taken Louis away from his passion idea of starting a garden and sets up a plan with Eddie and Trent to get Chestnut out of Cattlemen. After Louis learned what had happened and tells Jessica he was disappointed in her; she learned that Louis did start that garden but handed it off to Jenny. Jessica tells Louis that she's happy and that his career move is a business consultant.

Meanwhile, Honey asked Emery and Evan to babysit Marvin while he's on his boat. Emery thinks that Marvin is just old school when it comes to being disrespectful to women. But after teaching Marvin the ropes on how to be a gentleman in the 90s but it turns out the trash-talking comes from Honey herself. But it does give Emery asking about his perspective on women but Evan gives a pep talk that helped him.

"Chestnut Gardens" was a good episode. Bring back Matthew Chestnut and having a conflict wit Jessica, Eddie and Trent with Louis was very good and had very good character development for both Louis and Jessica. At first, I thought the Evan/Emery/Marvin story was going to be a snooze but the ending had a very surprising and heartfelt moment. Overall, I give this episode an 8/10.

"Practicum?!" 

When Evan starts wearing a necklace, Jessica starts to worry about him and investigates by using her shadow teacher at Evan's school. There she meets Evan's new friend Geoff and starts embarrassing Evan with remarks about things including his boom booms with applesauce. Evan tries to get his mother out of his school and when Jessica sees how he's been acting, she turns to Emery and learns that Evan just needs his space as he's growing. As she confronts Evan at Geoff's party, they both apologized.

Allen Iverson is coming to Orlando and Eddie wants a signed jersey from him, but Jessica and Louis won't let him skip school. That is until Louis learns that Eddie is writing a paper on his hero for a scholarship that happens to be about Iverson. A jealous Louis picks up Eddie from school to take him to see Iverson but tries too hard when he fakes a car problem that turned into an actual car problem. Soon Eddie learns the truth and forgives Louis, who finally took him to get that jersey signed and even get banned from all NBA games.

"Practicum?!" was a very good episode from start to finish. While I've been loving the dynamic between Eddie and Jessica; the character and relationship growth between Jessica and Evan through the last couple of seasons has been amazing;y well-written. The Eddie and Louis story was just hilarious at times and even the pop culture references in this episode couldn't be denied on how funny it still was. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.


You can catch Fresh Off The Boat Fridays at 8;30/7:30c on ABC.

The Meet and Treat: Fresh Off The Boat "S'mothered"/Hal-Lou-Ween"

"S'Mothered" 

After many, many excuses used, Eddie's girlfriend finally meets with Jessica and just when Eddie's fear of them meeting each other couldn't get him going; until he didn't see that they would become best friends. For the next couple of days, Tina and Jessica would be at each other's side and talk about what they liked and didn't like about Eddie. It got so out of control for Eddie that he made Jessica thought that Tina didn't like Amy Grant. But Eddie realizes that he was wrong for hiding Tina from his mother and it looks like their relationship couldn't be anymore stronger.

Meanwhile, Louis tries to figure out what he's capable of doing for his career. After thinking he could be a great barber or a tour guide, a motivational speaker could be the ticket. After failing to do so, Emery gets Louis back on his feet and even learned that he had motivated someone to start a business about people visiting other people and seeing their photos and etc that would be something called MySpace.

"S'Mothered" was a very good episode from beginning to finish from Jessica and Tina's meeting to even Eddie going nuts about the two being best friends. The Louis story was very good and yet delivered a better shocking ending with the MySpace scene. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

"Hal-Lou-Ween"

BEST HALLOWEEN EVER!!!!

Louis plans to give the best Halloween to Jessica by making the house turn into a haunted house; but just after she says no, things turn around when she sees a student dressed up as her character from her novel.  That really got Jessica going and even dressed up and went trick and treating with Louis. But as she adds up all the clues to where the book club would be at the school, she learns that Louis put all of this together to get her to enjoy Halloween.

Evan and Emery try to get Eddie to do one last Halloween with each other before going to college and just when they try to dress up as one of them; it turns into not so funny for Evan. Eddie and Emery apologize and try to dress up as The Three Amigos, but Eddie doesn't quite fit the costume.

"Hal-Lou-Ween" might be my favorite Halloween episode of the series. It was so cleverly written perfectly for character development with Jessica and Louis. Finally, Jessica enjoys Halloween! The brother's story was so good and nailed the ending pretty well as they do the Three Amigos salute. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.


You can catch Fresh Off The Boat Fridays at 8:30/7:30c on ABC.

Y2K Fresh Off The Boat "College"/"Grandma's Boys"

"College"

With Y2K coming the best way to not worry is studying for college exams with Jessica, right? Here's a recap!

As Eddie gives his idea of what Y2K would be (like The Matrix); Jessica has plans for Eddie to study for the college exam while she too studies as well. As they study, Eddie tells Jessica that he wants to have a fun time at college, but she has other plans for him like going to Harvard or Yale. But when Louis tells Jessica of an idea to take the family to California and show Eddie UCLA; that had got her to agree.

But when Eddie and Louis try to show Jessica that it's fun, things take a turn and as she learns that UCLA is a tough college to get into and that made her get Eddie to learn what it takes to be a student at UCLA. But Eddie bailed the tour and just when they meet the Dean of the College Eddie decides to not want to go at all. Soon Jessica tells Eddie about her time at college and how the nickname "Messy Jessy" was born. After their talk, Eddie agrees to keep an open mind and dropped a balloon full of shaving cream on Louis.

Meanwhile, Evan, Emery, and Grandma play with the Y2K scare and goes out to do whatever; from signing up for credit cards UCLA and using them on spending on expensive stuff. While grandma was having a time of her life with a Danny DeVito double, Evan and Emery, learn that sometimes it's just not fun without the other and decide that they would rather spend Y2K with each other than what they just did. 

"College" was such a good and funny episode. The story between Jessica and Eddie had to have been another favorite of mine as they keep learning that they are just alike. The Y2K was funny for the first half of the episode but pretty much died off after. But that Matrix scenes with Eddie, Louis and Jessica were outstanding and hilarious. Overall, I give this episode an 8/10.

"Grandma's Boy"

After Marvin's retirement party, Jenny wants a retirement party too. She announces it at Marvin's party and gives Louis a list of what she wants for gifts. That is until Louis just gives her a party and no gits at all. Soon, Louis gets his brother Gene, who happens to have found peace, to help with their mother's issue; but instead creates more problems when Gene gets Jenny that hot tub she wanted. Louis realizes that he too has to let it go and apologies to Gene and thanks to him for the help while in the hot tub.

Meanwhile, Evan believes that he had told Marvin about a secret story while he was under laughing gas. That sparked fear with Emery and Eddie and the three tries to come up with leverage on Marvin; but when they meet with him they talk it over and after learning about a couple of secrets the four agree to keep each other's secret to themselves.

"Grandma's Boy" felt like an average episode that had some good laughs but didn't really sell like the previous two episodes. Ken Jeong was really good and the Gene and Louis story was as good too. But it was the secret story that really fell flat and even the title of the episode as well. This could have been called Mama's Boy or something. I figured this episode was going to be about one of the boys and Jenny but it turns out it's not. Overall, I give this episode a 7/10.

You can catch Fresh Off The Boat Fridays at 8:30/7:30c on ABC

Fresh Off The Boat Canceled After Six Seasons

It looks like the end is near for the ABC comedy series.

ABC announced Friday that Fresh Off the Boat will end after the sixth season, according to Vulture. 

The show will end in early 2020 with episode 14 and 15 will serve as a two-part series finale. New episodes currently air Fridays at 8:30/7:30c.

The series is loosely inspired by Fresh Of The Boat, the autobiography of chef Eddie Huang, the series stars Randall Park as Louis, Constance Wu as Jessica, Hudson Yang as Eddie, Forrest Wheeler as Emery, Ian Chen as Evan, Lucille Soong as Jeeny, Chelsey Crisp as Honey and Ray Wise as Mavin.

The show took so heat back in May when Wu tweeted her less favorable reaction to the show's renewal for a sixth season. But there will be a spinoff featuring an Indian family whose daughter goes to school with Eddie. The series will be written by FOTB writer-producer Rachna Fruchbom, the episode that will have them introduced to the family hasn't been filmed yet.

While I had a feeling about this might happen; I was all on board that the show should have ended after Season Five. The season finale really served as a nice closure to the series as we see the family as we were introduced in the pilot. Also, I think that after Wu's tweet that ABC set up the show to fail while putting it at 8:30 timeslot while the previous show that had that timeslot also got canceled.

You can catch Fresh Off The Boat tonight at 8:30/7:30c on ABC.

Life Changes: Fresh Off The Boat "Help Unwanted" Season Premiere

It's that time when a boy becomes a man, will Evan get "the talk" from Louis and Eddie or not? Plus Jessica and Honey's friendship is put to the test when it comes to helping each other. Here's a recap of the season premiere of Fresh Off the Boat.

When watching the 1999 Women's World Cup USA beating China, Evan reacts to Brandi Chastain as she took off her jersey in celebration and runs to his room. The next morning after Louis shows the newspaper of the World Cup game with Chastain on the front page, Evan starts running back to his room. Eddie tells Louis that Evan has got the tinkle for Chastain; which has Louis ready to give the talk.

As Louis prepares to give 'the talk" to Evan, Eddie thinks that he should rethink his approach. As Louis acts cool with props, one looks at Evan and he ran back to Eddie for help. Just as Eddie was about to do it, he ran back too.  The two try to figure out a way even gets Louis' mother involved as well. But in the end, Evan already knew about "the tinkle" when he researched it in the library.

Meanwhile, when Jessica helps Honey how to get her oldest baby to eat; she returns the favor by helping Emery to choose an elective at school: drama. That pretty much upset Jessica and the two battled to help each other from Jessica given Honey's child legos to Honey given Jessica's mother-in-law a blow horn. It all stopped when they ripped Emery's arm sleeves for his play; but after hearing from Louis, Jessica confronts Honey and ask for help.

"Help Unwanted" was a very good and solid season premiere. The writing was solid with good character development; even humorist moments from Eddie and Louis discussing how to give 'the talk" to Evan. And not to mention Jessica and Honey battling it out with their helping for one another was so good. I couldn't stop laughing when Honey brought Marvin to Jessica's house and had him play his trumpet to wake both her and Eddie up.  And given the fact that I wasn't expecting another season after the season five finale, this was literally icing on the cake. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Fresh Off the Boat Fridays at 8:30/7:30c on ABC.

Fresh Off The Boat "Help Unwanted?" Season Six Premiere Preview

Fresh Off The Boat is back! Here's a preview of the season six premiere!

"Help Unwanted?"

In the season six premiere, after Brandi Chastain scores the World Cup-winning goal against China and rips off her jersey to celebrate, Evan gets his first case of "the tingles," and now Louis and Eddie must team up to give him the talk. Meanwhile, Jessica and Honey are learning what it means to be best friends, and we learn a whole lot more about Marvin's family.

Photos:

I'm sure excited for a new season of Fresh Off The Boat, even though I did think that the Season Five finale served up a good finale to the series. I just wonder how fans of the show will react to the new series after Constance Wu's rant, but that won't have any effect for me to stop watching the series. She thought that the series was gonna be canceled and had other projects inline, I totally understand that.


You can catch the season premiere of Fresh Off The Boat Friday, Sept.27th at 8:30/7:30c on ABC.

Fresh Off The Boat and Single Parents Renewed By ABC

On Friday, ABC announced that Fresh Off The Boat and Single Parents have been renewed.

Fresh Off The Boat will be renewed for a sixth season. Coming off a nicely wrapped up Season 5 that could have gone either way of being renewed or canceled. The Constance Wu and Randall Park lead stars portrayals parents of a rap-loving high schooler Eddie (Hudson Yang), with younger brother Emery (Forrest Wheeler) and Evan (Ian Chen). Along with Lucille Soong plays the wheelchair-bound grandma who always knows more than the rest of the family. 

Single Parents will be renewed for a second season. Coming off what I would call an amazing first season. The Taran Killam stars along with Leighton Meester, Brad Garrett, Kimrie Lewis, and Jake Choi. The series co-created by Elizabeth Meriwether and J.J. Philbin. 

I'm so thrilled for both shows getting renewed. I was hoping for FOTB to get renewed but the season finale really left me wondering if they would get a season six. As for Single Parents, it's one of the best new comedies of the year. The writing and the cast ensemble is outstanding.

"Chimichanga!" Fresh Off The Boat "No Apology Necessary" Season Finale

The season finale of Fresh Off The Boat just felt like when the show premiered. Here's a recap!

As Eddie is enjoying his cultural exchange program; it was cut short when he crashed the bus into a drive-thru Wendy's. As Jessica and Louis watched the news coverage; Eddie was brought back and was banned from the program that also includes both Emery and Evan.

After hearing Eddie's side of the story, Jessica takes his side and ungrounds him. Louis thinks that they should apologize; but Jessica doesn't think so but instead makes a deal with the program to take in a child, a little girl. Even though it seemed all fun and all, it turns into a nightmare for the family when the kid uses Louis' hairdryer and takes Eddie's room while Eddie stays with Even and Emery.
Evan gets to babysit Marie but when Honey and Marvin caught him make threats to the baby just to reason with her. But he tries to apologize to Marie in the way that he forgives her. 

Soon, Jessica and Louis see that the girl is on Taiwan news station; talking how bad it is living with the cheeseburger boy's family. That makes Jessia and Louis talk to the program and Eddie makes his apology, but the program wanted Jessica and Louis to do the same too. Louis, instead of his usual apology, doesn't and threatens. The girl is sent back and everything seems to be back to normal.
As the family drives home, Jessica tells Eddie that she's undoing her ungrounding on him. Than Louis puts on some tunes and the family starts singing to Sugar Ray, while Eddie puts on his own music and watches as he enjoys his music the family is enjoying theirs.

"No Apology Necessary" was a very nice ending to the season and a really fitting ending. If the network had placed the previous episode and this episode as a one-hour episode; it would be a real fitting series finale because it really felt like one. The episode really played out so well; even though I had high hopes for Eddie to be responsible this season, the screw up was a hilarious twist.

Not to mention the Louis and Jessica scenes about apologizing I couldn't get enough. There were moments in the episode that takes a direct montage to the pilot like the family driving listening to music. While there was some strong character development, the cast puts on a very good performance. If ABC announces that the show has been canceled today, tomorrow or around the May upfronts; as much as I would be sad for the show to end, I feel satisfied for the ending of the episode as it really felt like a series finale. Overall, I give this episode a 9.5/10.

You can catch Fresh Off The Boat Fridays 8/7c on ABC.

Missing His Presence: Fresh Off The Boat "Under The Taipei Sun" 100th Episode

In the 100th episode of the series, with Eddie on a living exchange in Taiwan; will the family miss him or not? Here's a recap!

As Eddie is ready to set on his exchange living in Taiwan; he doesn't take any advice seriously from Louis and Jessica. But as soon as Eddie gets there, things look amazing and fun for him; until he blows his money on gifts for the family and loses his stuff on the way back to his aunt's house.

Meanwhile,  Jessica, Louis, and the family are living an Eddie-free life; riding bikes through the park and singing from The Sound of Music to eating a big dinner and saving a lot for leftovers. But as time goes, the family starts to miss Eddie, but not Jessica. Louis and the boys try to get Jessica to admit that she misses Eddie with heartfelt cards and finally did it.

As Eddie tries to find a way back to his aunt's house; a gang threatens him until a nice guy comes in and help. That is until Eddie stood up and the gang left in fear of how big he is. Eddie helped the nice guy with deliveries; used his phone instead of calling his aunt, Eddie calls his parents on a long distance, and everyone is thrilled to hear one another.

"Under The Taipei Sun" was another terrific episode for this milestone. This was such a well-written episode; even some spots from past moments in the show that really felt the episode special. But the dynamic was about Eddie and Jessica; being separated and realizing that they miss each other as a mother and son would be. There was such a strong character development between Eddie and Jessica and even Grandma, who has a Cheers tattoo of Norm. I would admit that the bike ride in the park was probably one of my favorite moments besides the phone call between Jessica, Louis and Eddie, and Jessica reading cards. Overall, I give this episode a 9.5/10.

You can catch Fresh Off The Boat Fridays at 8/7c on ABC.

Being Cool: Fresh Off The Boat "Nerd Watching"

Is Eddie cool enough to win over Evan's friends? And will Jessica stop Louis' mother from being on an online scam relationship? Here's a recap!

We all understand that both Eddie and Evan are different but when in this episode it was another great installment of brothers coming together and bonding. When Eddie has somehow become a mentor to Evan's friends during a mall outing. It becomes a problem to Evan and tells Eddie that he doesn't like it and gives him the birds while watching birds. But Evan apologies to Eddie and the two shared a really good moment; Eddie tells him that he'll be gone in a year to college and be back.

Meanwhile, Louis thinks that his mother is being scammed in an online relationship; but Jessica thinks it's nothing. After being convinced by Louis and Emery; Jessica becomes worried and tries to stop it. At one point just when things have stopped, Emery and Louis played to Jessica as Emery found his true calling...actor. Even though Jessica doesn't like the idea of being played; she also doesn't like the idea of Emery becoming an actor but I think she'll have to accept it.

"Nerd Watching" was not only funny; it hit me right in the feelings with Eddie and Evan storyline. It was so good and so well performed with such strong character growth. I couldn't get enough of them and the moments that won were Evan flipping Eddie the "birds" while bird watching; Evan singing "Waterfall" while showing his feelings about how bad he had done to Eddie, and Eddie and Evan talking. Also, Louis and Jessica's storyline was really a shocker for me; as I really thought that Grandma was really being scammed. The writing was so brilliant. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Fresh Off The Boat Fridays at 8/7c on ABC.

Lessons from Carrie: Fresh Off The Boat "Rancho Contento"/"Vice Mommy"

"Rancho Conteno" 

To set for retirement or not that is the question!

After celebrating a special anniversary, Louis gave Jessica a gift of retirement papers. Not liking the idea, Jessica turns down Louis' plan, but he won't give up. As Jessica signs up to take classes at a college, Louis shows her the place "Rancho Conteno" a place where retirees make something of themselves, but Jessica still turns it down. Louis finally understands the reason when Jessica tells him that the reason that she doesn't want to retire is that she hasn't accomplished and wants to make a legacy as principal. 

Meanwhile, Eddie tries to improve himself by writing in a journal. He asked Trent what his sister, Tina, is into and learns that she's a fan of Sex in the City. He learns to put his friends first and does that for the Dance, Dance Revolution. That wins him Tina's heart and when she asked him to hang out, he declined because of his plans with his friends but a raincheck was applied.

"Rancho Conteno" was another hilarious episode. There was plenty of character growth in this episode with Jessica, Louis, and Eddie, who might have had the best in this episode. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

"Vice Mommy" 

Vice Mommy" was a good episode but it had some moments that was lagging at times. Louis awards Eddie for his work, but Eddie isn't quite liking it and tries to give it to someone who deserves it. As Jessica is going to school, Even takes on the responsibility when she's gone but also tries to still have their mommy and son time, which doesn't turn out well for Evan.

I couldn't feel where Eddie storyline was going at times and but I did enjoy the ending the episode when Eddie confronts Tina about how he wants to ask her out so bad; which she says yes. The Evan storyline was very good and hit its mark with hilarious moments and memorable moments when Evan tells Jessica the truth after Grandma threw a party. Overall, I give this episode a 7.5/10.

You can catch Fresh Off the Boat Fridays at 8/7c on ABC.

Go! Go! Go for it!!: Fresh Off The Boat "Trentina"/"These Boots Are Made for Walkin'"

"Trentina"

Eddie finally learns that Trent's sister, Tina, is the one that wrote that note. As Eddie and Tina go out, Trent tells Eddie to end it; but when he does he ends it right where Tina tries to help him improve to be a better person. Eddie breaks up with Tina and gets a lot of heat from not only Trent but Louis as well. Eddie understands and tries to win back Tina but after trying his hot pancake, she's not ready for a relationship right now and tells him when he's ready for one, to ask again.

Meanwhile, Cattleman was awarded the Golden Prun Award but there's a so-called cruise that could close down the restaurant with all the seniors' citizens. But thanks to Eddie's help, they got the seniors to leave with the front of the menu being so small. 

Also, after Evan failed the fitness run test, he asked Jessica to help him train. But Jessica isn't what you would call fit to run and tries everything in the book to not go. That is until Evan sees that she's not going because of him losing his fencing match. But she proves to him and goes along. In the end, they finish last but at least they finish what they started.

"Trentina" was a very good episode. The Eddie and Tina storyline was so good and Isabel Oliver Marcus steals the episode as Tina. Strong character development and writing as well but the performances were amazing from the cast. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

"These Boots Are Made for Walkin"

Louis and Evan suspect that Emery has a secret. Could Eddie call Jessica's bluff when she believes that he can't do anything on his own? Here's a recap!

 

When Louis sees that Emery is wearing cowboy boots around the house, Even gets Louis to think that maybe he's not going to his practices. After checking with the coach, Louis learns that Emery has quit the team weeks ago. Louis and Even do a stakeout and sees that Emery has ditched volleyball for a cowboy bar, which Louis learns that Emery is just trying out things to figure out what he enjoys. So the two line-dancing their talk and come to understanding. 

 

Jessica has been tired of Eddie's slacking; even when he works on his vitreal video game he based on his family. Eddie gets so fed up with his mother's rules that when she refuses to let him go on a cultural exchange program in Taiwan. Eddie had it and decides to leave home and live in Horace's apartment; which isn't quite what Eddie expected it. But when Jessica confronts Eddie; she's totally surprised by how he takes good care of himself and after he comes back home she decides that Eddie is responsible enough to go to Taiwan.

"These Boots Are Made for Walkin" was just another amazing episode. I loved the storylines between Louis and Emery and Jessica and Eddie as they're learning from one another. The performances from the cast were amazing and Constance Wu and Forrest Wheeler really gave their best performances. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Fresh Off The Boat Fridays at 8/7c on ABC.

Love, Mulan, and Sopranos: Fresh Off the Boat "Cupid's Crossbow"/"Be a Man"

"Cupid's Crossbow"

It's Valentine's Day and while Louis pulls a special Valentine's Day special at the Cattleman's; Eddie gets a mysterious love note from someone. Here's a recap!

As Louis prepares for a Valentine's Day special at the Cattleman's restaurant, he tries to get Jessica in on the love holiday but passes to do taxes. But when Even needs the advice to ask a girl, instead of going to Jessica...he goes to Louis.  Louis helps Evan and pulls off a gutsy move by dressing up as a frog to get Evan to ask her if she would be his valentine. Her answer: yes! 

Meanwhile, while Eddie has no dates, he works and delivers to those that aren't cooking from Cattleman. As he drops off his receipts, he gets a note on one of the back that read that someone has a crush on him. Eddie tries to go door to door and even gets Honey to help, but after getting chased, almost sprayed and asked for $15 dollars back; it all leads to nothing: even though he did think that Honey wrote it, which she didn't. But the mysterious person happens to be Trent's sister. 

Also, to prove that Jessica knows about love and the valentines day holiday; she tries to show Evan and Louis but failed even with her so call a fake boyfriend. But she apologies to Evan about her acted but this time she really apologies. 

"Cupid's Crossbow" was a very good episode. Talk about a stunning move as Evan chooses his father over his mother for advice to ask a girl out. I so much enjoy watching Louis helping Evan coming up with ways to get him to ask his girlfriend on a date. Also, the Eddie and Honey storyline was good as well and the ending to who it was was pretty stunning at most. Overall, I give the episode an 8/10.

"Be A Man"

When Jessica realizes that Eddie might have influenced Evan to do "Eddie" things, it worries her to death about her perfect little boy. When Evan gets suspended for pulling a fart act; Jessica gets Eddie to apologies. But it all comes down to the real truth and that was that Evan tried his best to avoid facing a tough competitor in fencing. Eddie and Jessica tell Evan that it doesn't matter if he wins or loses, Jessica will still love him. In the end, he lost but celebrated by going to the arcade with Eddie. 

Meanwhile, Louis learns that Honey and Marvin has HBO and wants to watch The Sopranos. When Louis ask Marvin for help with a rat problem in his mother's room, Marvin asked to switch places so he can take care of the rat while Louis can watch The Sopranos with Honey. But after watching a few episodes, things start to overthink for Louis as Marvin and his mother have become very close. He sends Emery to spy on them and learn that they were all talking about good things about him. After apologizing, Louis gives Honey, Marvin, and his mother his one-person show, for which he should apologize for too.  

"Be a Man" was a very good episode. I love the Jessica, Eddie and Evan storyline as it was probably one of the best this season. Strong character development and good performances as well. I enjoyed the Louis storyline, but it was overshadowed by some of The Sopranos references; which had me thinking of rewatching the show. Overall, I give this episode an 8/10.

You can catch Fresh Off the Boat Fridays at 8/7c on ABC.

Family Shocker and Revelations: Fresh Off The Boat "Grand-Mahjong"

Could Jessica and Grandma Huang's relationship be fixed? Here's a recap!

When Elaine sees that Jessica and Grandma Huang aren't in a good relationship, she tries to help her build upon it. After learning the fundamentals, she uses it when playing a game with Grandma Huang; at first, it seemed that Jessica was going to lose it but regains and acts nice and shows her care. Even though Grandma Huang could see what was going on, she uses it to her advantage but Jessica could play it her game too and soon the two have a good understanding relationship.

Meanwhile, after making fun of Emery's weakness, Louis tries to fixes his relationship with him by using his neighbor's "good luck" wrestling technique. At that point, it became known that Emery finally could take down someone like his old man as he won the wrestling match by accidentally punching him in the face. Call it the Ali moment.  Even though it was a shocker, they were soon on good speaking terms.

"Grand-Mahjong" was a very good episode. It was very much one of the best episodes with not only the ensemble cast but also the guest stars too with Ming-Na Wen and Reggie Lee. Strong character development and writing that I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Fresh Off the Boat Fridays at 8/7c on ABC.

Growing Up Driver's Birthday: Fresh Off The Boat "You've Got a Girlfriend"/"Driver's Eddie 2: Orlando Drift"/"Legends of the Fortieth"

"You've Got a Girlfriend"

When Evan is given a note from a girl with a question if he likes her or not; but when Jessica learns about it, she does what she can do to stop her youngest child from growing up. Jessica tries to bring down Evan by fixing his grade from an A to an A-. But after talking with Louis, Jessica fixed it by setting up Evan with his girlfriend at the pottery shop.

Meanwhile, Eddie, Emery, and Honey decide to see a movie, they get worried about taking Louis with them because he has an act of making a lot of movie references in situations. When they go see "You've Got Mail," Louis didn't like it because it resembles him of what he was doing to the ma and pa shops. But when he tries to fix it, it just turned into a bad situation and soon realizes that he's not like Joe Fox and then starts to make the title of the movie in situations on television

"You've Got a Girlfriend" was a good episode. I very much enjoyed watching the story between Jessica and Evan as a mother is realizing that her youngest is growing up. It was a bit of a shock to see someone hating You've Got Mail as it's one of the best rom-com movies of all time. It played out well. The episode had good character development and writing. Overall, I give this episode an 8/10.

"Driver's Eddie 2: Orlando Drift"

When Eddie gets his driver's license, Jessica makes sure that driving is a privilege and not all for fun and games. With a lot of stuff to do, Jessica gives Eddie the opportunity to prove that he can do all of her daily chores and still have time for fun. Not having a lot of fun, Eddie decides to not follow and go with his friends to the concert but realizes that he's getting responsible and apologizes to Jessica.

Meanwhile, Louis tries to hang out with Marvin by taking him out to the chili con, but Marvin wasn't too excited to go and Honey comes along too. A disappointed Louis learns the real reason why Marvin isn't too thrill eating chili; he's got a health issue with digesting certain foods like beans and seeds. The two makes up and eats chili without beans.

"Driver's Eddie 2: Orlando Drift" was another good episode. It holds up pretty good with its good character development. The Jessica and Eddie and Louis and Marvin story plot were good and not bested one another. Overall, I give this episode an 8/10.

"Legends of the Fortieth" 

It's Louis's 40th birthday and all he wants is to have fun and a good time. But the boys don't want to have to do something that Louis was hoping for: camping. Instead, they get him to have a birthday party and that didn't sit well with Jessica as she had to find a gift that means something to Louis.

From going through Louis's party plan book to learning have to dance, the boys stop Louis's excitement. After Jessica learns about what had happened, they did the one thing that will help it all: watch Legends of the Fall. They got the perfect idea for Louis to give him the Legends of the Fall camping trip in the backyard. And boy, wasn't he excited.

:"Legends of the Fortieth" was one of my favorite episodes of the season. The story was so good and the performances from the ensemble cast were strong. I couldn't get enough of Louis's excitement for his birthday with Eddie, Emery, and Evan. And Jessica trying to figure out what to give and trying to find a way was just hilarious. Overall, I give this episode a 9.5/10.

You can catch Fresh Off The Boat Fridays at 8/7c on ABC.

Couple's Retreat: Fresh Off the Boat "Just the Two of Us"

The first new episode of the new year, Jessica and Louis take a trip that more of working instead of relaxing. Here's a recap!

When Jessica, Louis, and the kids try to win a radio contest, Louis got to be the 88th caller to win. But what they won was a choice between a trip or computer software. Jessica decides the trip that apparently is a couple's retreat to fix relationships.

While there Jessica and Louis meet with Guru Sheela, who uses exercises to help couples on their relationships. Instead of seeing exercises, Jessica sees it as a competition against the other couples but failed each exercise and later realizes that it's Louis'attitude. Soon Jessica comes to terms to agree to some of Louis' ideas in their marriage.

Meanwhile, Eddie isn't too pleased with the driving arrangements as grandma is his license passenger but don't like his style of music. But when he ease the music on her, she not only becomes a fan of Will Smith but knows what Eddie is up too and pulls a fast one by not riding with him to his little birthday party. The two saw eye to eye and comes to terms.

"Just The Two Of Us" was a nice and solid episode that had good moments. The Jessica and Louis retreat storyline was good, but it could easily be best by Eddie and grandma's storyline with the Will Smith references and using the phrase, "Just the two of us" when calling their time in the car. But it was Emery and Evan that pretty much stole the episode with their commentary.

Overall, I give this episode 8/10.

You can catch Fresh Off the Boat Fridays at 8/7c on ABC.