the blacklog

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.

Michael gets a low score on an IQ test and tries to tell everyone that he walked out on the test because the test was unfair to black folk. Rod & Ryan dig into this episode, complain about Michael's gift, and digress often, ranging from Rod's plumber friend to Ryan getting jumped in high school.

Thelma has a new boyfriend in episode 6, and he's a lot older than anyone could have imagined. Rod & Ryan dive into why this dirty, old man is trying to marry a 17 year old girl. They also digress as usual and talk about how they would have reacted if it were their daughter.

Episode 5 has Michael writing an essay about the man he most admires. This leads to discussions not only about every man (including James) but also Florida. Rod & Ryan are all over the place including how JJ and Thelma are graduating high school in the same year.

Rod & Ryan dig into episode 4 from season 2. Michael is selected to be bussed to a more affluent school in a mostly white neighborhood. He is not happy about it, and the family is trying to convince otherwise. Florida is also scared that Michael may face violence from people who are against him being there. And of course, Rod & Ryan will digress as they always do.

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 yes, they will miss on some, so forgive them.

Rod & Ryan finish up the two episode arc of Good Times where JJs 18th birthday ends up as a nightmare for the Evans when JJ lands in jail. They dive into policing and profiling black folk. They go through their categories and of course, digress. Clips are on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook.

Rod & Ryan dive into the episode titled, "JJ Becomes A Man" (even though they say "JJ Gets Arrested" at the end). It's JJ's 18th birthday, and he's excited about gifts that he's expecting, but James gets an unexpected surprise about his credit at a store.

Rod & Ryan start season 2 of Good Times with episode 1, "Florida Flips". Florida is stressed out and taking out her frustration on anyone in her way.

Rod & Ryan dive into the cult classic "Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon" starring Vanity and Taimak. They explore whether or not this movie is actually good or are we as black people just holding onto it because of nostalgia.

Rod & Ryan look back on season 2 of A Different World. They recap everything from how important Debbie Allen was to this season to what if they decided on different storylines. And of course, they digress.

Rod & Ryan dive into the season finale of season 2. Dwayne and Ron move off campus into a "luxury" apartment and Whitley can't decide whether to work or have fun during the summer. Finally, Walter and Jaleesa take a break from one another.

It's getting close to the end of season 2 of A Different World. Rod & Ryan dive into Dwayne's bid for student council president while getting advice from none other than the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Rod & Ryan discuss the celebrated film by the Hudlin Brothers...House Party (the original). This movie stars hip hop legends Kid n' Play, not to mention a host of stars including Robin Harris (RIP), Tisha Campbell, Martin Lawrence, and AJ Johnson. Basically, parents go out of town so Play throws a house party. There's a lot more to it than that so check out this episode.

Rod & Ryan dive into episode 20, where Freddie is planning to date a baseball player that Dwayne warns against. This was one of the first shows to tackle the subject of "Date Rape".

Rod & Ryan delve into episode 19, where Whitley suddenly needs a job after wrecking Mr. Gaines car. Also, Ron deals with an AWFUL haircut!

Rod & Ryan dive into this episode w/Kim's crazy @$$ schedule that is keeping her from maintaining her grades, and Mr. Gaines gets kicked out his house.

Rod & Ryan jump back into A Different World after having a quick movie break. Episode 17 has Jaleesa's ex-husband coming to town to win her back. As you can guess, Walter isn't too happy.

Rod & Ryan deep dive into Spike Lee's first film, "She's Gotta Have It" as only they can do. This story follows Nola Darling who is sexually confident and stays true to herself no matter what.

Rod & Ryan continue w/season 2 of A Different World. Episode 16 has Dwayne and Ron trying to join a fraternity and their different points of view on pledging.