User Reviews

This is my eighth favorite episode of the show, this one is another that is focused on Carl. And on a side note Steve isn't in it, which I honestly don't mind because sometimes I like a break from the usual characters in the spotlight, but also show how the character in the spotlight isn't the only one that inhabits that world.

Here we see Carl's integrity and identity is truly put to the test. We see that the Winslow's are fans of this sitcom called "Buddy Goodrich" which is basically a "Father Knows Best" knock off. Carl of course isn't a fan and it's not hard to see why as we see a little clip, I can't help but wonder the same question as him "what is the big deal?"; same can be said for the "Twilight" franchise. We see Eddie buys into it a little too much and sadly even the rest of the family aren't immune except for Carl. Well like Carl there are some shows I like more than others.

Ron Glass who is known as Shepard from "Firefly" does a really good job at playing a bad guy you plain dislike, and the thing about him is there are some actors and guys like this that exist. Buddy is definitely no body's buddy except for himself, as we see he is a self-absorbed blowhole that is clearly on an egocentric high, it's so high he has developed this dangerous mentality that he's above the law and everyone else is beneath him.

Really like that confrontation scene between both Carl and Buddy. Carl we see was just being polite and was just asking Buddy kindly to move his car which was illegally parked. But of course, Buddy doesn't feel he needs to and then things just escalate to the point of dangerous. Really love what Carl does after that confrontation, I thought "yeah serves that jerk right". I honestly don't care whether a person is famous or not, fame doesn't equal diplomatic immunity.

You really feel bad for Carl as he's being labeled as the villain and Buddy a victim. Their basically premature accusations without getting down to the bottom of the truth, which isn't right, and the sad thing is things like that still happen.

What I like about this episode is the theme is about disillusionment, how certain images put on about concepts and even the persona of someone doesn't always reflect reality. The danger of giving into being starstruck. But also, most importantly what a father and a good person truly is.

Carl is the real thing because he deeply cares about his family and will do anything for them to keep them happy and intact. He's also a person with a strong sense of integrity, despite the lies spread about him and the pressure of turning the other way, he lets neither sway him, he stands by his actions because they were the right thing to do. Buddy is phony because he has no integrity and doesn't and wouldn't know what real love from family and friends is, the only love he knows is for himself.

Carl truly is the real deal.

Rating: 4 stars

Despite being part of the non-Urkel beginning of the series, this episode managed to place the show on a somewhat different level. The great Ron Glass as Buddy Goodrich. Glass was the most notable guest star on the show, up to this point in the series. He played the arrogant Goodrich to perfection. This character, as well as a genuinely interesting storyline, elevated the show above the underwhelming dynamic the series had, up to this point. The scenes between Glass and VelJohnson were very well done. Carl proves that he is a good father, as well as a good cop. A very enjoyable episode, despite the lack of a Steve-Laura theme.