the blacklog

Walter and Dwayne recap their basketball recruiting trip to everyone in a cold Gilbert Hall lobby that included arrests, fights, and jail. Rod & Ryan dig into this episode including Dwayne's Whitley obsession, Walter's past due jaywalking tickets, and Julian not being that bad of a dude. They also digress about Tony Burton in Rocky and a wild story about crabs...the kind you eat.

This is the second half Rod & Ryan's celebration of two years of the blacklog by looking back at Michael Jackson's greatest videos. Part 2 looks at MJ post-Thriller. They analyze how huge Michael Jackson was worldwide, the BAD video, Black & White, and his AI video post-death. They also digress about Wesley Snipes, a club in the projects of New Orleans, and Isotoner gloves.

Rod & Ryan celebrate two years of the blacklog by taking a look back at Michael Jackson's greatest videos. Part 1 includes a deep dive into his videos including Beat It, Billie Jean, and Thriller. They discuss real gang members on the Beat It set, the cinematography of Billie Jean, and the stupid route MJ and Ola Ray took in Thriller. Of course, they digress about Rod's artistry, Ryan's best Christmas ever (again), and pronouncing words.

Whitley just wants to be friends with Dwayne and goes as far to set him up on a date. Jaleesa is insulted by Walter's chauvinism and bets him that she can teach anyone (in this case, Freddie) how to play poker enough to beat him and his choice of partner. Rod & Ryan dive into Whitley choosing a too-fine of a woman for Dwayne and Jaleesa taking Walter to the cleaners in Poker. They also digress about swamp donkeys, high school breakfasts, and adult snow days.

Whitley meets Julian and joins him in the protest against apartheid. However, she later finds out that they are boycotting the company that funds Kim's scholarship. Rod & Ryan dive deep into Julian joining the show, Whitley dating above her weight, and Freddie getting into other folk's pockets. They also digress about Clubber Lang and Gotham City.

Claire Huxtable comes back to Hillman to give back to her alma mater by helping students prepare for job interviews. In the meantime, Freddie's archeological project brings brings her places she didn't expect to be. Rod & Ryan discuss Claire looking fine, Freddie destroying property, and Whitley not knowing what she would do post-graduation. They also digress about Tuskegee's dress code and cheap advertisements of their own show.

The blacklog takes a detour from "A Different World" to address the movie E.T. (since "Disclosure Day" is out, might as well). The title of this pod is exactly what it is about. Rod & Ryan not only go through the movie but also state the number of reasons they just did not like this movie like everyone else did. They dig into Elliott being a rotten son, Drew Barrymore being a rising star, and E.T. not being as cute as he was portrayed to be. They also digress about the importance of New Orleans to Louisiana.

Dwayne writes a poem about his first "love"...math, but Whitley thinks it's about her. And Freddie is trying to juggle two men at the same time. Rod & Ryan dig into more of Dwayne's hating and girls who want to get with their professors. They also digress about the Looney Tunes vs Disney and service dogs.

Dwayne's childhood friend visits and tries to convince him not only to leave Hillman but to also stay away from Ron. Mr. Gaines and Col. Taylor attend an army reunion, and Col. Taylor sees and old girlfriend. Rod & Ryan dig into the PWI vs HBCU debate, being a sellout, and seeing that old flame from back in the day. They also digress about possums playing dead and "Trading Places".

Rod & Ryan take a break from "A Different World" to give you their joint top ten list of Muppets. Regardless if they came from Sesame Street or the Muppet Show, these characters brought joy to generations of kids, but this episode is all about Rod and Ryan. They also digress about Mr. Snuffleupagus' eyelashes and a song that only Ryan seems to know about.

Rod & Ryan jump on for a bonus podcast because it's too hot! They dive into the fact that their generation...Gen X did not deal with this type of heat, walking to the car in this heat, and protecting your property from this heat!

Dean Hughes invites Whitley and Freddie to her home to help with a freshman tea. Whitley uses this as a chance to get on the Dean's good side for an ambassadorship that she wants, and Freddie is just being Freddie. Ron also takes in a new roommate without telling Dwayne. Rod & Ryan discuss Whitley's hate for Freddie, Ron's choices as a roommate, and Dean Hughes' food plans. They also digress about comic books and stealing drawers.

It's Christmas time, but Whitley is acting like the Grinch. Then (in 80s sitcom style) she is visited by the ghosts of Christmas. Even though it's summertime, Rod & Ryan dig into the tradition of the "three ghosts'" episodes, Col. Taylor's grading system, and Mr. Gaines' flying. They also digress about ET, odd holiday trips, and their best Christmas.

With exams about to start, Kim is hit with the news that her dad was shot on duty. Whitley, Dwayne, and Freddie help drive Kim to Ohio to be with her family. There is a lot of focus on faith in God and whether or not prayers are answered. Rod & Ryan dive into Whitley being an idiot to Freddie, faith, and road trips. They also digress about bike rides and Ryan gives his first "non-shoutout".

It's homecoming at Hillman! Kim dips on homecoming to go to Freaknic, even though her Pops told her not to go. Dwayne and Ron try to hook up with some girls but end up with cold showers. Rod & Ryan dig into HBCU homecomings, Dwayne's lowkey hate on Ron, and Whitley's embarrassing moment. They also digress about the Michigan-Ohio St game and Michael Jackson lyrics.

Walter asks Jaleesa to marry him after winning a vacation to Hawaii. The wedding is in two weeks, and in the meantime, Dwayne is trying to tell Whitley how he feels about her. Rod & Ryan dig deep into the Walter's proposal because he's cheap and Dwayne's rebound to Whitley since the Denise debacle. They also digress about open bars at weddings and closeup profile pics.

Ron is digging a classmate who turns out to have a child, and he is suddenly trying to figure out how to move forward because he really likes her. Dwayne's good friend from the crib, Heavy D, helps out by performing at Hillman for a benefit concert. Rod & Ryan dive into Ron's strong feelings for this young lady, Heavy D's guest appearance, and Whitley's continuous shade. They also digress about getting kicked out of clubs and the medicine, Triaminic. RIP Rob Base.

Dwayne is hyped to because he is going to see Denise in Brooklyn to tell her how he feels, and Whitley is dreading having to attend her dad's wedding. Rod & Ryan jump into Dwayne's impending disappointment, Whitley's continuous shade, and how Dwayne may be a hater. They also digress about being old, and six eggs in one hand.

Whitley volunteers at a youth center where she teaches ballet. She befriends this one kid and is totally befuddled when he steals her wallet. Rod & Ryan touch on several issues including Whitley's judgement of the kids and the kid really trying to convince adults that can collection bought a new bike. They also digress about high medical costs, the "Tuck Rule", and Ryan's true thoughts on the episode.

Now that Walter is dorm director of a co-ed dorm, his double standards for the male residents finally comes to a head when a girl is caught staying overnight in a male's room. On top of that, he pulls rank over his girlfriend Jaleesa while still expects to have a good anniversary with her. Rod & Ryan dig into Jaleesa letting Walter handle her, Walter's lack of awareness, and appliances in dorm rooms. They also digress about different ways to say "peeing" and classic dorm names.

Whitley is doing everything she can to avoid taking math, but she can't graduate without this class. Dwayne and Ron argue over money and whether or not they need an AC unit. Finally, Kim and Freddie are nosy about what Jaleesa and Walter do behind closed doors. Rod & Ryan dig into this episode about Walter getting calls from the math department, Ron's need for a lot of toilet paper, and Kim still being Wilona Woods. They also of course digress about Whitney Houston, toilet paper, and the Jacksons vs the Wayans.

Rod & Ryan return to where they started...A Different World. They are now on season 3, and the first episode is "Strangers on a Plane". Whitley and Dwayne happed to be on the same plane back to Hillman after summer break. They have an eventful ride, and Whitley seems to be turned on by "new Dwayne". Also, Gilbert Hall is now co-ed. Rod & Ryan dive into this episode, the first day of school, and Kim acting like Wilona Woods.

RE-AIR: Remember those love songs that sounded so good when you heard them that you never thought about the fact that the lyrics were about cheating??? Rod & Ryan dive into their choices for best cheating songs of all time, and they (of course) digress. And yes, they will miss on some, so forgive them.

This film by Robert Townsend follows an aspiring actor who is trying to get the star role as a criminal that has him showing the stereotypical side of African Americans. It shows us lots of Hollywood's stereotypes of African-Americans. Rod & Ryan dive face first into this movie discussing black stereotypes, "black bits", and the string of comedy sequences throughout the film. They also digress about Laurence Fishburne, Patrice Rushen, their dad, and Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo.

Thelma gets a scholarship to a boarding school where a student shows the school's true colors and Michael brings a bully home only to see James hand out some corporal punishment. Rod & Ryan dive into these episodes and discuss how Esther Rolle and John Amos probably felt when they saw these scripts. They also talk child beatings, quotas, and how these episodes turned quickly. Finally, Rod & Ryan digress about The Price is Right, Adolph Caesar, and Jason Whitlock.

Rod & Ryan dive into the deep end of hip hop's greatest stories. Hip hop is an art like no other, and while we know a lot of songs where the artist talks about themselves and rags on others, there's also the storytelling aspect. They give their list of songs under Emeritus, GOAT, and honorable mention. From Slick Rick to Ice Cube to Scarface and everyone in between. They also digress and DISCLAIMER: Rod & Ryan forgot more than they remembered because there are A LOT OF SONGS OUT THERE.

This week's pod has Rod & Ryan diving into two episodes. The first one has the one and only appearance of his girl, Henrietta. She is invited for dinner, only for the Evans to find out that she is pregnant (but not by JJ). It really is probably the first show to tackle teen pregnancy. The next episode has JJ deciding to join the Army after James is fired and JJ loses his gig. Rod & Ryan discuss Henrietta's dilemma, James' old school way of thinking with pregnancy, and JJ actually being in the Army. They also digress about Avengers Endgame, Welcome to Derry, and the Fresh Prince.

Ernie Harris is James' childhood friend from Mississippi, who shows up out of nowhere, is invited by the Evans to stay at their home. Ernie's apparently a successful businessman, but after a visit from two thugs looking for Ernie, James finds out that he makes his money from gambling. Rod & Ryan dive into the whether anyone else would accept the invite to sleep overnight at the Evans and what would happen in real life if James tried coming at those hoodlums the way he did. They also digress about Ashford & Simpson, and you meet their dad.

(Re-air) Rod & Ryan rant about two episodes from the first season of Good Times..."Getting Up the Rent" & "Black Jesus". They dive into the Evans not having a bank account, Florida praying for the first time, JJ "finding" things, and Jesus' blackness. They also digress...especially about their dad.

The 1992 film, Juice, followed four high school boys growing up in Harlem who hang tight. They decide to rob a store one night, and when everything goes wrong, they find themselves against one member of the crew. Rod & Ryan delve into the complexity of these characters, how 90s this movie was, and the greatness of this soundtrack. They also digress about video games, fasting, and bonnets.

Rappers Kid & Play star as themselves in this early 90s film. Play is having big house party while his folks are out of town, and Kid is trying to sneak out after getting punished for fighting at school. Rod & Ryan do a deep dive into all things related to this movie, including whether this had the best dance scene ever and the future stars in this movie. They also digress about the best party ever and that commercial..."I gotta great new album in the mail today!"

Rod & Ryan take a break from Good Times to deep dive into the hits from the group, Force MDs. They discuss their best songs from "Tender Love" to "Love is a House". They also jump into how the Force MDs seemed to mess up all their relationships (if you go by their songs). The crew points out how this group had the perfect songs to sing to the ladies in the audience. And of course, they digress about topics ranging from Mr. T to Kurtis Blow.

The Evans family is concerned that they may be eating dog food when their neighbor brings the main dish to dinner. Rod & Ryan deep dive into the classic scenes from this episode, and of course they digress...from stories about their dad to how Gerdy suddenly had ground round for the meatloaf but not herself.

JJs new, rich girlfriend (Clarissa) from the South Shore invites him to a debutante ball, and JJ is super excited. However, Clarissa's parents are not excited about JJ as her choice. And of course, this causes a stir with the Evans. Rod & Ryan dive into this episode with their thoughts on classism, James' warranted anger, and JJs outfit. They also digress about black women in Playboy and racism possibly being over.

Jack Brown is an out-of-work journalist who takes a job as a janitor at U.S. Bates' (a millionaire from Louisiana) department store. When the tycoon's little brat son, Eric, comes for his annual visit, he goes to the store, sees Jack, and wants him as his "toy". Bates convinces (with A LOT OF MONEY) to stay for the week with Eric. Jack finds out a lot in one week about Eric's unhappiness and the Bates' family. Rod & Ryan dive deep into this 1982 film with regards to racism and dignity. They also digress all over the place from Jeffery Osborne to Footloose in Beaumont, TX.

When the Evans realize that James' handyman skills are top notch, they try to get a loan for a "Fix-it" shop. When the bank rejects them for the loan, James sets up shop in his own home. But when the building superintendent, Bookman, finds out, he blackmails James into fixing his things for free or else he will kick the Evans out of their apartment. Rod & Ryan dive into Bookman's introduction to Good Times and why the Evans thought the bank would give them money. They also digress about Stevie Wonder, West Coast Rap, and the black birthday anthem.

One of the Evans' neighbors has asked JJ to paint a picture of her as a birthday gift to her husband. There's only one catch...it would be a picture of her in the nude! Florida is totally against it (James, not so much), but they come to a compromise. Rod & Ryan dive into this episode about Florida's anxiety, James' lowkey excitement to see the Wiggler, and JJ's quest to be an artist. They also digress about their dad and other things.

Merry New Year! The blacklog starts off 2026 with a deep dive into Eddie Murphy's career. They specifically each give their choices for Eddie's top 5 movies and their reasons. They also trip out on his top scenes, his overall career, and his SNL days. They digress (of course), and YES, you will not agree with all of them

The blacklog will be back next week with a new episode, but first take a look back at those love songs that sounded so good when you heard them BUT you never really thought about the fact that the lyrics were about cheating??? Rod & Ryan dive into their choices for best cheating songs of all time, and they (of course) digress. And yes, you will not agree with all of them.

Rod & Ryan dig into the classic, "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Charlie Brown continues to be such a sad sap that even Linus is critical of him. Lucy continues to be Lucy and chooses Charlie Brown as the director. He is taking his job a bit too serious and then screws up with getting a tree. They discuss all this while arguing about how much Charlie Brown messed up with the tree and they digress about LL Cool J.

Rod & Ryan dive into the trinity of Christmas specials...Frosty the Snowman, The Grinch that Stole Christmas, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. They argue about how Ryan hates the Grinch, discuss cartoon deaths, and wonder how Rudolph's dad and Santa could be so janky. Happy Holidays!

Florida's "happy" niece comes to visit for the Christmas holidays. She's so "happy" because she is an alcoholic, and Naomi has drunk up all the liquor in the house. And Thelma is trying to figure out how to break the news. Rod & Ryan jump into this episode with questions about the family's sinus issues, James' Christmas bonus, and Naomi's father's skills as a parent. And there is a lot of digression.

Merry New Year! The blacklog starts off 2026 with a deep dive into Eddie Murphy's career. They specifically each give their choices for Eddie's top 5 movies and their reasons. They also trip out on his top scenes, his overall career, and his SNL days. They digress (of course), and YES, you will not agree with all of them.

James turned in $27,000 of stolen money to the police, and the Evans are harassed by neighbors for turning it in. However, we find out that it was actually $29,000 because James kept $2,000, and of course, Florida ruins everything. Rod & Ryan jump into Florida's morals, James' anger, and JJs "friends". And of course, they digress...they digress a lot.

This is re-air from last year (2024) where Rod & Ryan dove into the Thanksgiving special from the Peanuts gang. Peppermint Patty invites herself and friends to Charlie Brown's house for Thanksgiving. Rod & Ryan dive into the audacity of Peppermint Patty, the ridiculous dinner that was served, and the racial tones all throughout the dinner. They also digress of course.

Rod & Ryan take a look back at the movie Soul Food. This 1997 movie focused on a family where the matriarch aka Big Mama, falls into a coma after her leg had to be amputated due to diabetes. This family that was close, especially when they ate Sunday dinner every week, suddenly makes a free fall. Rod & Ryan discuss the janky members in the family, the food that can eventually kill them, and of course, they digress.

JJ returns home from the hospital after getting shot by Mad Dog. JJ acts as if he is dying even though he has a flesh wound. James is thankful for his son jumping in front of the bullet but enraged at Mad Dog for shooting his son. He wants to beat down Mad Dog and goes to court to wait for it. However, James changes his mind after seeing an interaction between Mad Dog and his mother. Rod & Ryan dive into this episode and talk everything from Mad Dog showing that he was still a child to how this episode was very sobering.

JJ is forced to join the Satan's Knights street gang. He has been ducking this gang a while before having to come face to face with the leader, Mad Dog. Rod & Ryan dive into this episode and discuss the HOF quotes in this show, Esther Rolle not getting an Emmy nod, and Mad Dog. They also digress, of course.

It's that classic Charlie Brown episode where Linus annually bypasses trick-or-treating and a party to sit in a pumpkin patch to wait on "The Great Pumpkin". Rod & Ryan discuss this classic show from Linus' obsession to adults being cruel to Charlie Brown. They also digress about different things including child boxing.

A blind encyclopedia salesman (who was previously the kids' junior high principal) charms the Evans into buying encyclopedias that focus on black history. However, they find out quickly that they can lose everything if they miss one payment. Rod & Ryan jump into this episode and discuss how Mr. Encyclopedia was running game until he overplayed his hand. They also digress about being that "old man on the lawn shaking his fist" because they don't know anyone new to entertainment.