The family of “Black-ish” has a full cast of characters who have found a way to endear us to them. The kids — Andre Jr., Zoey, Jack and Diane — are all likable. The parents — Andre and Rainbow — are like many parents, trying to keep up with what their kids are into, which means they’re often easy to laugh at. And then there is Pops, brilliantly played by the acting veteran of the show, Laurence Fishburne (he is also one of the executive producers).
For the unfamiliar, Pops is what many would call a race-man. He came up during the height of the Civil Rights era, and though he never outright expresses a hatred toward white people, he is obviously pro-black. But, he is like many old men of any race, fed up with people in general, including his own son. This was evidenced in the pilot episode, when Pops walks in to take a seat at the kitchen table. Andre, his son, greets him with a simple hello and Pops in response throws his hands up. “Can I just get some coffee in me before you start with all that mess?”
Since then, Pop’s has gone on to be the charming family curmudgeon, one in whom his grumpiness is the primary joke. We would tell him to cheer up, or even lighten up, but honestly, we’d probably laugh a lot less. Here are three moments Pops is making us laugh, even when he doesn’t mean to do so.
Pops would like real fried chicken
Though they’re gathered to celebrate Andre’s promotion, Pops makes it clear he’s come for the chicken, and he’s disappointed in it.
Pops as Morgan Freeman
No, it’s not an impression. Here, Morgan Freeman is a verb used to help impart wisdom on his grandchildren. Allow Pops to explain.
Pops and Andre agree on the nod
In a rare moment of solidarity between father and son, Pops echoes Andre’s point on the importance of how to properly greet a fellow black person.