‘Extended Family’ Recap: ‘The Consequences of Status’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

EXTENDED FAMILY -- "The Consequences of Status" Episode 106 -- Pictured: (l-r) Donald Faison as Trey, Abigail Spencer as Julia, Finn Sweeny as Jimmy Jr., Sofia Capanna as Grace, Jon Cryer as Jim, Rico E. Anderson as Officer Franks -- (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Extended Family’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Sometimes when people become part of a blended family, quite the change awaits one of the new family members. In that, they are now going to be a parent. Because their significant other has kids with their former partner and that can be quite the adjustment. For now, that new family member has to figure out how to connect with those children and find ways to be a reliable stepparent that can raise them right and be a good role model in the eyes of their stepchildren. For that is the expectation and responsibility when they say yes to this situation and this particular reality is top of mind today, because it was the focus of the next episode of Extended Family on NBC.

For ‘The Consequences of Status’ saw Trey deal with that very conundrum. A reality that came forth after quite the unique encounter with the police. For when Trey, the kids, and Jim were headed home from a Dua Lipa concert, Jim was pulled over for speeding. But any trouble Jim was going to face was nullified by Trey’s status. For Officer Schramm was in fact, a big Celtics fan and with a wave of a pen, in the form of an autograph on a ball that Schramm had in his car, the ticket was forgotten, and life went on, with quite the twist. In that, Grace and Jimmy Jr. were in awe of the fact that Trey was able to flash a smile, and get out of trouble, and that troubled Jim deeply.

Because he was concerned that his kids were now of the belief that all they had to do in this life, was lean into status to get what they wanted and would never face accountability. And that bothered him, because he wanted his kids to really understand the value of accountability and all the lessons it can provide, and of course… the power of hard work and reward. But rather than press the matter harder, a little talk from Jim’s dad informed him, that this isn’t something one can fight against or teach. It takes a formative moment for that new parent to come to understand how kids view them, and how they learn from their actions. Which thankfully, did happen to Trey at a basketball game. Since Jimmy and Grace full-on tried to make use of privilege to get what they wanted.

Which in turn humbled Trey and helped him to realize all of those points and that in turn, taught him what kind of role-model he needed to be for these kids, and reminded him of his roots and his journey to what he enjoyed in life now… to offer up the very lessons that Jim wanted his kids to learn, in the most unique manner possible. Since he had to go to extreme lengths and littering to get his own ticket. But he did get one at last and showed his kids what was important and that… made for one incredible episode. For so many incredible reasons. Such as the fact, that this exploration of parenthood is one that is unprecedented in nature. Because we don’t think much about the folks that come into a relationship, having never been a parent before, and become a parent.

For they don’t have the supreme bond as a biological parent, and they are missing the skills that their partner has. Putting them behind the curve and forcing them to work, and it was great to see that here. Since once again, it allowed for some real-life parallels to come into play. Since this is something happening often in our world now, and folks in Trey’s shoes could use a little guidance. Not to mention… the other lesson here is equally as powerful. Because kids do see how we conduct ourselves and who we are in this world, and that is why it is important to be our best, so they can be their best, and this show deserves a round of applause for pointing all of this out, and for having a progressive discussion about it all, in a medium where we can learn so much and truly, this just leaves us eager for more. So, we can see what other amazing lessons about modern family life await us, courtesy of this brilliant series. Until next time.

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