1991

S1.E1 ∙ Pilot

Sat, Aug 24, 1991

In this pilot episode of the sole prime-time scripted U.S. series since the 1950s to present a full season live, the menfolk of the Emerson family of East Baltimore separately plan their birthday gifts for Roc's wife Eleanor, whom they all adore. The thrifty Roc is proud to have furnished their home with salvage from his job on a sanitation truck, so he has her gift at hand, but his boom or bust brother Joey is flat broke, staying over on their couch until his trumpet-playing lip heals up. Their father Andrew always honors Eleanor with the same present. Hard-working Eleanor would love a surprise for a change. Can the Emersons make this a birthday she'll never forget ?

8.1 /10

S1.E2 ∙ Son of Another Gun

Sat, Aug 31, 1991

Roc's brotherly blood boils when rambling, gambling Joey misuses Roc's loan, by playing the ponies. A loan shark and his huge enforcer show up, but Roc pays them off to save Joey a beating. Their father drives a further wedge between the brothers when he reveals that their late mother had an affair, so he always wondered if one of the men is not an Emer-son. Despite their differences Joey and Roc have always loved each other. Do they want blood tests ?

7.5 /10

S1.E3 ∙ Let's Tryst Again

Sat, Sep 07, 1991

Roc and Eleanor at last have time for romance, but Roc has a problem. Eleanor: Ella Joyce. Andrew: Carl Gordon. Joey: Rocky Carroll.

6.9 /10

S1.E4 ∙ For He's Not a Jolly Good Fellow

Sat, Sep 14, 1991

Forced to retire, a co-worker (Al Fann) thinks nobody cares, so Roc (Charles S. Dutton) throws him a party---but nobody cares.

7.3 /10

S1.E5 ∙ Musician, Heal Thyself

Sat, Sep 21, 1991

Trumpeter Joey's on the verge of being kicked out on the curb, due to his gambling losses and mooching off the other Emersons. The sympathy Joey's earned during his recuperation from a split embouchure is wearing thin. Roc goes through the Baltimore Sun want ads with him, but Joey judges the few jobs he's qualified for, as beneath him. Father Andrew recalls how when he was scuffling as a young buck, any kind of job afforded him some dignity. So, Roc offers to get his Joey a job with him, as a Charm City garbage man, but taunts Joey that he wouldn't last a week. Imaginative Joey's eyes light up like a slot machine - because he seldom loses a bet to his workaday older brother.

6.9 /10

S1.E6 ∙ Hearts and Diamonds

Sat, Oct 05, 1991

Roc's temper simmers when his wife Eleanor receives flowers from an older man, an ex-patient of hers, recovering from a major heart attack. Nurse Eleanor explains that such a response from a patient is a normal part of a healthy recovery, on leaving a hospital, to thank the staff who saved his life. But when the patient sends her a huge diamond, Roc boils with jealousy. Next the wealthy man shows up at the Emersons' front door, in an elegant suit, looking exactly like Samuel L. Jackson, and in Roc's eyes, way too healthy.

6.2 /10

S1.E7 ∙ How to Succeed at Garbage

Sat, Oct 12, 1991

Remaining "one of the guys" is tough when Roc (Charles S. Dutton) is promoted, and tougher when he has to fire one of the guys.

7.5 /10

S1.E8 ∙ Can't Help Loving That Man

Sat, Oct 19, 1991

Andrew's youngest brother (Richard Roundtree) drops one bombshell after another on the family, each increasingly upsetting to Andrew (Carl Gordon).

8.4 /10

S1.E9 ∙ He's Gotta Have It

Sat, Oct 26, 1991

Joey (Rocky Carroll) and Eleanor's co-worker almost hit each other before hitting it off, but they're a couple with only one thing in common---or two, if you count fighting.

7.7 /10

S1.E10 ∙ Requiem for a Garbage Man

Sat, Nov 02, 1991

Joey (Rocky Carroll) and Eleanor's co-worker almost hit each other before hitting it off, but they're a couple with only one thing in common---or two, if you count fighting.

7 /10

S1.E11 ∙ A Home, a Loan

Sat, Nov 09, 1991

After an argument over cramped living quarters, Roc takes Joey's idea of buying a bigger house at a foreclosure auction. Eleanor has a change of heart after an emotional discussion with the former owner.

7 /10

S1.E12 ∙ Rock-A-Bye Baby: Part 1

Sat, Nov 23, 1991

Roc and Eleanor decide to have a baby, but after trying with no results, there may be a problem. Part 1 of two.

7.7 /10

S1.E13 ∙ Rock-A-Bye Baby: Part 2

Sat, Nov 30, 1991

7.5 /10

S1.E14 ∙ Daddy's Girl

Sat, Dec 14, 1991

After Joey strikes out with a woman at a bar, he is taken back when she falls for his father. Marriage plans fall apart when she decides to get back together with her previous boyfriend, an even older gentleman.

7.9 /10

S1.E15 ∙ What's Up, Roc?

Sat, Jan 04, 1992

A wedding brings Roc face to face with Eleanor's family, who think Roc's a doc, thanks to his mother-in-law.

7.6 /10

S1.E16 ∙ No Notes Is Good Notes

Sat, Jan 11, 1992

Reverend Hill suggests that Joey Emerson, an unemployed musician, give trumpet lessons to some of the congregation's children. During the "lessons," Joey makes telephone calls, bets on horse races and gives his students no musical guidance at all. Then Roc promises Reverend Hill that Joey and his students will play in the church's next musical recital.

8 /10

S1.E17 ∙ The Stan Who Came to Dinner

Sat, Jan 18, 1992

Roc's boss Stan had a brief sexual encounter with a woman at a sanitation convention. Now Stan's wife Connie has thrown him out of the house. Roc gives Stan some honest advice and invites him home for dinner. But over the next few weeks, Stan asks Roc for too much emotional support and imposes on the Emersons for a place to sleep.

7.4 /10

S1.E18 ∙ The Hand That Rocs the Cradle

Sat, Feb 08, 1992

Joey, Andrew and Roc offer a meal to a pregnant homeless woman, Linda, who suddenly goes into labor in the middle of their kitchen. The baby is stillborn. Linda's husband, Donald, comforts his wife and promises to find work and shelter. Roc is so moved my their courage that he vows to show more concern for people who are less fortunate.

8.3 /10

S1.E19 ∙ Roc Strikes Out

Sat, Feb 15, 1992

On strike, Roc joins Eleanor working at the hospital, but working for her has him coming apart.

7.3 /10

S1.E20 ∙ A Piece of the Roc

Sat, Feb 22, 1992

Roc is ready to train the new trainee until he figures out that it is a women. After the first day of work Angela starts to "focus in on Roc". Roc insisted he is not attracted to her. Will Roc keep his hands away from Angela?

8.6 /10