The and Bel-Air.
The idea of a Fresh Prince reboot was difficult to imagine, since The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air included serious moments, but overall, was not viewed as a dramatic show. Fresh Prince’s season 4, episode 24, “Papa’s Got A Brand New Excuse,” on the other hand, showed the audience a different side to Will’s character. Will was often portrayed as funny, goofy, and charismatic, yet in this episode he steals the scene with authentic emotions. Although the serious Bel-Air reboot is not an inspiration from this episode, elements of it can be identified in the reboot.
“Papa’s Got A Brand New Excuse” Set Fresh Prince Apart From Other Sitcoms
The Episode That Set Fresh Prince Apart
sitcoms from the 1990s notable for Black representation, including The Cosby Show and Family Matters mainly depict two-parent household families.
Although Will lived in a two-parent household, he was not raised in one.
“Papa’s Got A Brand New Excuse” also explored a deeper layer to Will’s character in this heartbreaking episode. Will is perceived as a charismatic, funny person, which explains his use of humor and charisma as a coping method. This coping method is used to avoid the disappointment and sadness he feels because his father was never present to raise him and build a father-son relationship. From the beginning, Uncle Phil raises Will as one of his own children, and after Lou's departs once again, Will realizes Uncle Phil will always be the closest thing he ever had to a father.
Bel-Air Has Added Its Own Twist To The Will’s Dad Storyline
Will's Tearful Plea: A Pivotal Moment in Fresh Prince
Bel-Air created a dramatic reinterpretation of the comedy sitcom, taking small, intricate details from Fresh Prince’s episodes, allowing additional space and growth for other storylines to expand. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air addressed Lou’s absence occasionally, but Bel-Air approached Lou’s introduction a little differently from the original series. The reboot revealed Lou didn’t abandon his family, but served time in prison, concealing his incarceration from Will because Lou did not want his son to see him behind bars. The inclusion of Lou’s backstory adds another layer to the series, but with a darker twist that suited the show's tone.
Bel-Air Season 3’s DK Metcalf Cameo Continues An Iconic Tradition From Will Smith's Original Fresh Prince Show
Seattle Seahawks superstar DK Metcalf made a cameo in the Bel-Air season 3 finale, representing a larger Will Smith and Fresh Prince trend.
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air and Bel-Air also explores Will's dad wanting to reconnect with his son in hopes of repairing a possible father-son relationship. The reboot included twists related to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, although Will establishing a connection with his dad was less than likely after his true colors continued to impact Will. After he shames Will for chasing opportunities outside of basketball, he realizes the only father figure looking out for him is Uncle Phil. Season 3’s plot shifted once Will decided to quit basketball, exploring other interests outside of sports with guidance from Uncle Phil.
Will Crying About His Dad Was One Of The Most Powerful Moments In Fresh Prince
The Raw Emotion of Will's Confession
Will’s performance in “Papa’s Got A Brand New Excuse” is by far one of the most unforgettable moments in the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's run. His comedic deliveries were top-tier, but he stepped out of his comfort zone, reacting emotionally after Lou leaves him once again. Will playfully avoids his feelings, until his anger and sadness surface, making it easy to empathize with his character.
The scene is heartbreaking as the audience sadly watches Will face the reality of losing his absentee father a second time.
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air explored opportunities of emotional depth for Will's character, which led to his groundbreaking performance. The scene is heartbreaking as the audience sadly watches Will face the reality of losing his absentee father a second time. There's a sense of authenticity as he realizes at an older age that he will never need or want him in his life, and he’s better off without him. The emotions Will delivered in the final scene, uttering the words, “How come he don’t want me, man?”, as he’s embraced in a hug, reassures him of Uncle Phil’s permanent role of a father figure in his life.
