The episode begins with Chris explaining that ever since he was a child he loved cars and dreamt of the day when he could drive. Now a teenager, Chris asks his father Julius for a chance to get behind the wheel, an opportunity which Julius usually denies him. On this particular day, Julius is tired and remembers that he has to park on the opposite side of the street because of street cleaners. Chris offers to help him move the car and does so successfully. Julius is pleased that Chris was able to move the car and decides that he will give him that opportunity again in the future.

The next morning, Julius has a rare day off and plans to sleep all day. He asks Chris to move the car once again and hands him the keys. As Chris is getting ready to climb in the car a girl from school notices him. Being of the age where the opinion of girls is starting to matter to him, Chris pretends that he already drives and is leaving for school. When Chris decides to drive around the block in order to impress the girl, his troubles begin. Jerome, another teenager, notices Chris driving and asks him for a ride. During the ride, he explains to Chris how to look cool while driving. Chris is getting more nervous by the minute, as he is going to miss his bus to school and is increasing the odds of damaging the car or getting caught. He decides to drive to school and when he arrives, his best friend Greg is impressed by Chris’ new mode of transportation. Chris is terrified by the thought of an adult finding out about his situation and swears Greg to secrecy. Greg, of course, tells everyone, and soon people Chris doesn’t even know are excited about his ability to drive. By the end of the day, Chris has relaxed enough to let some of his female classmates sit in the car and listen to the radio. When one of them asks for a ride, Chris is unable to say no. Soon he and his friends are riding through the town and listening to music when all of a sudden the car engine sputters out. Not knowing anything about fixing cars, Chris has no idea where to turn. Greg tells him that the school janitor will fix the car and keep Chris’ secret for ten dollars.

Luckily, Chris is able to get the car home unscathed in time for supper. Chris considers the near-misses he had that day, and resolves never to disobey his father again.

Everybody Hates Chris is a funny, well-written series that can appeal to all family members. While most portrayals of teenagers on TV’s teen dramas depict them as obsessed with sex and drugs, the comedic Everybody Hates Chris is actually more realistic, and focuses on what teenagers are really interested in: being independent, getting their driver’s licenses and meeting girls (or guys). As long as Everybody Hates Chris continues to find the humor in the day-to-day experiences of families, it will continue to be a regular Best of the Week.

Best TV Show of the Week

The Parents Television Council - www.parentstv.org