BLACK-ISH: MOTHER NATURE (TV)
Summary
One in this comedy series about an affluent black family and their attempts to maintain their cultural identity.
In this episode, the Johnsons notice that Rainbow has been "a little off" in her behavior since Devante's birth, and while the other kids vow to aid her by making themselves useful around the house, Dre opts for "straight-up lying" about Bow's condition. Pops and Ruby offer unhelpful suggestions, though Dre's co-workers wonder if Bow has come down with the "baby blues," and they recommend that Dre peruse women's magazines to understand her feelings. Jack attempts to "baby-proof" the house as Junior takes over nurturing duties, and Dre gently coaxes Rainbow into take a magazine quiz on post-partum depression, which she "passes" with flying colors. Rainbow argues that, as a doctor, she would know if she had a mood disorder, but Dre persuades her to consult another physician, Dr. Drexler, who assures her that experiencing anxiety, sadness and a lack of connection with one's new baby is not at all uncommon or shameful.
As Diane writes thank-you notes in her usual ruthless style, Ruby is annoyed to learn that Rainbow is now taking medication for her "made-up disease," and Pops grows frustrated with Jack's overly cautious baby-proofing methods. Rainbow finally loses her temper with Ruby upon finding out that she gave Devante formula and, declaring that she is making her difficult situation worse with her judgmental comments, informs her that she must move out. Ruby is stunned when her son sides with his wife, and Dre attempts to reassure the worried kids. He confides in Pops, worried that Rainbow will never be "herself" again, and Pops uncharacteristically praises his son's efforts to make things better. Ruby returns and apologizes to Rainbow, reminding her that she is a good mother for seeking help for her problem, and Rainbow takes up journaling as she assures Dre that Ruby can move back in – eventually. The kids are relieved when Rainbow shows signs of improvement, and she explains that post-partum depression is merely an unfortunate part of life that can be overcome. Elsewhere, the Johnsons' friends are dismayed by Diane's all-too-blunt letters. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: ABC
- DATE: November 30, 1999 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:21:34
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: 131019
- GENRE: Comedy
- SUBJECT HEADING: African-American Collection - Comedy; Comedy; Families; Women's Collection - Comedy; Mental health
- SERIES RUN: ABC - TV series, 2014-2022
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Kenya Barris … Executive Producer, Created by
- Corey Nickerson … Executive Producer, Writer
- Anthony Anderson … Executive Producer
- Helen Sugland … Executive Producer
- Laurence Fishburne … Executive Producer
- E. Brian Dobbins … Executive Producer
- Jonathan Groff … Executive Producer
- Stacy Traub … Executive Producer
- Courtney Lilly … Co-Executive Producer
- Gail Lerner … Co-Executive Producer
- Lindsey Shockley … Co-Executive Producer
- Peter Saji … Co-Executive Producer
- Jenifer Rice-Genzuk Henry … Co-Executive Producer
- Laura Gutin Peterson … Co-Executive Producer
- Sam Laybourne … Co-Executive Producer
- Christian Lander … Supervising Producer
- Michael Petok … Producer
- Tom Ragazzo … Co-Producer
- Jamie Pedroza … Co-Producer
- Heidi G. McGowen … Co-Producer
- Yamara Taylor … Co-Producer
- Owen Smith … Co-Producer
- Ken Whittingham … Director
- Transcenders … Music by
- Anthony Anderson … Cast, Andre 'Dre' Johnson
- Tracee Ellis Ross … Cast, Rainbow Johnson
- Marcus Scribner … Cast, Andre Johnson, Jr.
- Miles Brown … Cast, Jack Johnson
- Marsai Martin … Cast, Diane Johnson
- Peter Mackenzie … Cast, Mr. Stevens
- Deon Cole … Cast, Charlie Telphy
- Jenifer Lewis … Cast, Ruby
- Laurence Fishburne … Cast, Pops
- Yara Shahadi … Cast, Zoey Johnson
- Jeff Meacham … Cast, Josh
- Nelson Franklin … Cast, Connor Stevens
- Kristen O'Meara … Cast, Dr. Emily Drexler
- August Gross … Cast, Baby Devante
- Berlin Gross … Cast, Baby Devante