The Carmichael Show (Recap) | Grandma Francis

An elderly couple sitting closely, holding hands and smiling warmly at each other.

via Everywhere I Look

Grandma Francis is looking to die. But before she goes out, she pushes everyone to realize how she shaped their father and them.

Your Grandma Never Liked Your Mother: Joe, Grandma Francis

Colorism is real and being that Grandma Francis (Marla Gibbs) grew up in the times of Jim Crow, she was scared. After all, who knows when the clock would dial back and how far it would go. So while she may not have had anything personally against Cynthia, she didnโ€™t want her for her son. She is dark as hell!

But, with time, she seemingly got over it and now she loves her two snicker, licorice looking grand kids.

Commentary

I think I now understand why Cynthia doesnโ€™t like Maxine. It may not be because she is smart, talks too much, or anything like that. Her issues with Maxine may very well stem from her dealings with Grandma Francis. Think about it. While the abuse Joe and Francis went through definitely framed their minds, letโ€™s not pretend she donโ€™t got a slick mouth. So who knows what the hell she may have said to Cynthia upon meeting her. Never mind the comments she may have made to and about Bobby and Jerrod that they donโ€™t remember.

So, with that in mind, with bi-racial and light skinned Maxine in her life, hence the hate. Leading me to be a bit surprised that Cynthia wasnโ€™t part of this episode. Also, it makes me mad that we may not revisit this topic since now Cynthiaโ€™s hate makes sense. It isnโ€™t your generic, โ€œThe mom always hates the sonโ€™s girlfriend like the dad hates his daughterโ€™s boyfriendโ€ trope. You can see there is definitely more to this.

Though, it makes me wonder, being that Nekeisha isnโ€™t dark, nor light, how did Cynthia handle her at first? Especially with her dating Bobby, Cynthiaโ€™s favorite. If not just the one she worries about the most.

Iโ€™d Rather Die Knowing Who I Am: Grandma Francis, Joe, Jerrod, Bobby

Grandma Francis has decided to kill herself. With that, naturally, Joe is not supportive at all. After all, he has watched his momma go through so much. So for her to end her life like this? How can he support that? Granted, she does have Alzheimerโ€™s, but he doesnโ€™t care. That is his momma. The woman who protected and saved him from his daddy. A woman who raised him, took care of him mentally, physically and spiritually, and he just canโ€™t let that go.

Like most dutiful sons, heโ€™d rather her live as she does, or with him, and gather all the moments he can. However, as seen, people in the Carmichael family arenโ€™t easily swayed. Once they made up their mind, their thoughts start churning any and all kind of reasons to support the idea. So, whether he wants to be by her side or not, Grandma Francis is ending her life.

Something Jerrod helps Joe deal with and perhaps accept. Leading to a sort of rare emotional moment for the show and between these two. The ones who usually are debating wave a white flag as they prepare to say goodbye. To help Joe mourn. All the while Bobby cracks inappropriate jokes.

To read the rest of the recap, “Grandma Francis,” click HERE!!!

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