Just a programming note: The Most Awesome Thing will be in the second recap this week.
The show begins with a title card informing us that this episode will deal with race relations in a frank manner. Unlike every other episode, where they talk about it jokingly? I guess that means that someone uses the n-word. The last time I remember that title card appearing was before the episode in the New Orleans season with the racist tour guide. Anyway, instead of a "Previously On" segment, we get Robin talking to her friend and describing her new roommates. She says that Randy is "an Ashton Kutcher type," which I totally don't see. Brad is from Chicago. That's about all Robin has to say about Brad, which cracks me up. Cameran is "cute as a button." Jamie is Korean. Frankie is Robin's roommate. Robin says that there's "a brother in the house," but that she's not sure how to pronounce his name. Join the club. Robin concludes that so far everyone is really cool. Except for that time Frankie totally puked on herself in bed. But other than that, everyone is awesome.
The male roommates (plus Robin, who is kind of dude-ish except for those giant boobs) are in the hot tub. Brad drunkenly asks Jacquese how to pronounce his name, and Jacquese says that his friends call him "Ja." Brad and Jacquese kind of talk over each other, and Robin thinks she hears Jacquese say that he lives in the ghetto. She seems surprised to hear that, and says that he doesn't look like he's from the ghetto. Randy and Brad wisely clam up. Jacquese asks what someone from the ghetto looks like. If Robin were smart, she'd change the subject quickly, because there is no way she is going to come out of this conversation looking good. Jacquese says that he currently lives in Virginia, but that he grew up in Paterson, which is "one of the slums of New Jersey." Insert your own "New Jersey as slum" joke here. I cannot, or Sars will beat me up. Robin says that she's not saying someone from the ghetto can't be articulate, but then she contradicts herself and says that because Jacquese is articulate, she assumed he wasn't from the ghetto. Jacquese interviews that Robin watches too much TV. What? You mean the way non-white races are depicted on television isn't entirely accurate? You learn something new every day.
Jacquese hangs out in the hot tub alone for a while, and then calls his cousin, Calvin. Jacquese calls Robin "a Coyote Ugly girl," and says he thinks that the two of them will butt heads. We see a shot of Robin twirling a water bottle like Tom Cruise in Cocktail. Jacquese explains to his cousin what happened in the hot tub. Calvin agrees that it's wack. See, he talks like that, because he's from the ghetto, too!
Jacquese and Jamie go to the store. Jamie says she thinks that the people in the house are "kind of cliquish." Haven't they only been there for, like, two days? Jacquese agrees. Jacquese interviews that he doesn't have a clique, and that he's happy to hang out with anyone, but that only Frankie and Jamie seem to "show love" to him. Jamie says that Jacquese, Frankie, and herself are outside the clique, and that while she does try to get to know everyone else, they don't get to know her. Jacquese totally agrees. Jamie interviews that she and Jacquese are the only minorities in the group. Jamie thinks that might have something to do with the groups that have formed. But what about Frankie? Oh, that's right. She's "alternative." Jamie tells Jacquese that she wishes all seven of them would hang out. Wait, like, a week. I'm sure there will be two fights and eight shit-talking sessions, and that everyone will have a new best friend. Have they never been in a group living situation before?
In a confessional, Jacquese says that some of the roommate decide to go out somewhere nice. He was upstairs on the computer, and they knew he was up there. Jacquese asks Robin, Brad, and Randy what time they are leaving. Robin doesn't know. None of them seems to be about to leave. Jacquese complains that no one said anything to him about the group's plans. Robin thought he was sitting nearby when they discussed it earlier, but Jacquese just shakes his head and walks away. Cameran asks Jacquese why he's mad, and Jacquese says that he doesn't want to talk about it right now. Oh, way to be passive-aggressive. Go pout some more. Jacquese finally tells Cameran that he feels like they are purposely not including him. Cameran interviews that it didn't mean anything, and that he's too sensitive. Jacquese says that he doesn't feel like going anymore, and just as he planned, Cameran begs him to go. Man, I got over that passive-aggressive bullshit in about seventh grade. Grow up.
Cameran and Frankie come outside. Cameran tells Brad, Randy, and Robin that Jacquese is upset because he doesn't feel included, but that she wasn't supposed to say anything. What in the hell is Frankie wearing? I swear to God, she has on white lace leggings. Randy interviews that Jacquese is "introverted," and that's why he doesn't fit in. I wonder if Randy knows what "introverted" means. Jacquese interviews that he has to get to know his roommates, so he's going out with them.
The roommates go downtown. Brad interviews that downtown San Diego is fun. Thanks, Brad. The roommates go to a club and dance. Suddenly, Robin is outside talking to some blurfaced locals. Robin interviews that some local guy called her a bitch, and that she responded with "probably the most hurtful thing you can say to somebody of another color." Damn. You have to wonder what's up with her that it was the first word that sprang to mind when she wanted to insult the guy. Jacquese puts his arm around Robin and gets her to walk away. Actually, more like "stumble away," because she seems pretty drunk. Robin admits to Jacquese that she called the guy, as she puts it, "nigga." Jacquese says that's not cool. Robin tells him that he doesn't know her and her friends. Is she secretly black? Then I don't think she should say that, and I don't think she should be surprised that Jacquese is offended.
Jacquese tries to reason with Robin, but she's too drunk for that, and starts getting up in his grill a little bit. Robin interviews, "In the South, you hear people say it, and like, it's just a word, and I've even called my white friends that word." Seriously. How dumb is she? I have no words. Jacquese says he doesn't want that word used in his presence. Robin tries to use the whole "I said 'nigga,' not 'nigger'" defense, but why would she say "nigga" if she was pissed at the guy? Brad comes over and stands nearby. Robin asks why Jacquese and his friends can use it and she can't. Jacquese asks her to stop getting her hands up in his face, and Brad pulls her back a bit. Jacquese gets more upset and insists that he wouldn't want anyone to use the word in his presence. Robin says that she apologized, and that she's trying to connect with him. Jacquese says that they can't connect as adults when she's putting her hands in his face. Robin gets up in his face again, and Jacquese walks away and says that they'll talk about it some other time. Brad laughs and whispers something in Robin's ear. Jacquese says that he has feelings, and that he's ready to go home. Robin says that she didn't use it in a racial way, and Jacquese walks off down the street, alone.
Robin drunkenly slurs to Randy that she didn't mean any disrespect by what she said. I'll tell you what's disrespectful: Robin's pink tube top. It's scaring me. No one over a B-cup should wear a tube top. Actually, I'm not a fan of the tube top in general, but especially not for women with large breasts. Robin interviews that her temper took over, and that she said one of the worst things she could say, and offended one of her roommates. I love how in the moment, she's insisting that she didn't say it in a racial way, but after the fact, she admits that she said it in anger.
Jacquese gets into a cab alone and heads home. Jacquese interviews that he's never felt this bad before. Really? I mean, it does suck that Robin said that, but is it really the worst he's ever felt? Robin, Brad, Randy, and Cameran walk down the street. Cameran is wearing a stupid sideways trucker hat, and she must be killed. Robin says that she feels bad, and Randy assures her that it's all about intentions. Randy interviews that he knows Robin wouldn't hurt anyone. Randy tells Robin that she shouldn't be upset, because it will get resolved.
The roommates get into their SUV. Robin is lying across Randy's lap. Those two look awfully chummy. Robin says that there are six people in the house who aren't black, but that there are also six people who can't relate to Jacquese. What does that even mean? She's drunk. Brad says that he never would have used that word. Brad interviews that he's honestly offended. Brad tries to say that he doesn't see their problems with Jacquese as racial, but Robin says that Jacquese does see it that way, and that Brad doesn't know Robin's history. What history? She's in her early twenties. She has no history.
Jacquese goes home and calls his mom. He tells his mom what happened with Robin, and says that he feels overwhelmed and alone. Mom Jacquese says that Jacquese shouldn't get angry, because then he'll fall into the angry black man stereotype. She advises her son to teach tolerance to his roommates, and to educate them on why that word is so hurtful. I see where his mom is coming from, but it sucks that he has to be all, "Let me teach you about black culture." It seems like on this show, black people are either angry (Stephen, Coral, Nicole), players (Theo, Syrus, Teck), or educators (Malik). Why can't they just be drunk horny assholes like the other roommates?
The other roommates arrive home. Cameran starts looking for Jacquese immediately. Jacquese is still on the phone with his mom. Out on the deck, Robin seems to have sobered up a bit, and she tells Cameran that she's not happy with the hand she's been dealt. I'm guessing Robin is realizing how this is going to be portrayed on the show, and how she will be "the racist girl from San Diego" for the rest of her life. Guess she shouldn't have signed up for the show, then. Meanwhile, where in the hell are Frankie and Jamie, anyway? Randy says that they are under a lot of pressure. Robin starts doing that Christina Aguilera hand gesture thing again, and says that she didn't want to hurt anyone. Randy says that they don't know what Robin has been through, but that they don't know what Jacquese has been through, either. Robin says that she's dated black guys, and Brad yells that it doesn't matter. Brad interviews that there is no excuse to justify what Robin said. Why am I on Brad's side? I don't want to be on Brad's side anymore. Randy tells Robin not to get frustrated. Robin says that she can talk to and relate to her roommates, but that Jacquese has to call his mother because there aren't any black roommates for him to talk and relate to. Robin interviews that the roommates were consoling her, and that they should have been consoling Jacquese. Robin says that she would take it back in a heartbeat.
Jacquese is still talking to his mom, who says that his roommates don't mean to offend him. Jacquese interviews that his mom is calming him down and telling him the right things to do. Jacquese thanks his mom for listening, and hangs up.
Jacquese goes on Yahoo! and does a search for a definition of "racism." He checks out some other websites. Cameran comes up and pulls Jacquese into her room to talk. Jacquese admits that he's feeling overwhelmed. Cameran interviews that, in her town, it's common to hear "the n-word," and that seeing Jacquese's reaction, she realizes that "it's not something to be taken lightly." She's just realizing that now? Cameran says that Robin is "ridiculously upset," and didn't mean to disrespect Jacquese. Cameran adds that Robin wants to talk to him. Jacquese says that they can pick a place, and all the roommates can talk. Even Frankie and Jamie, who might have drowned in the ocean for all we know?
Hey, Frankie's not dead. I guess she was just sleeping or something. All the roommates gather in the living room. Frankie finds Robin and tells her that she has to join them. Was Robin going to skip it? Jacquese says that they all agreed that they should talk about their problems. He says that he wanted to get past skin color and see each other as human beings, but that this issue is bigger than what happened with Robin. Jacquese says that this is the most attention he's seen since he got there. One of the women denies that this is about race. Robin starts bawling. Jacquese says he's just relating how he feels, and says that he has had experiences due to his race that the others don't share. He thinks that Jamie probably has similar experiences due to her Asian descent. I notice that Jamie doesn't hop up and offer any examples. Robin stands up and yells, "Were you raped by somebody that was white?" Huh? Is it wrong that I burst out laughing, just because it was such a non sequitur and also such a cliché? It didn't help that the music in this segment was totally inappropriate, in that it was kind of goofy, like, way to undercut a serious subject. Brad interviews that he feels bad for Robin. She sits back down and keeps crying. Everyone is just kind of like, "Whuh-huh? So if you were raped by a black man, that means you are allowed to hate all black people now?" Okay, maybe it was just me thinking that.
Robin is babbling incoherently about how Jacquese doesn't understand. He finally gives up on talking and pulls her into a hug. Aw, the language all races can understand. The language of gigantic knockers. Jacquese interviews that it hurts to hear that Robin was raped. The two of them walk outside to talk it over. Robin says that the guy at the bar reminded her of someone with whom she had a bad experience. Dude, she already said she was raped. Why is she all Miss Euphemism now? Jacquese says that he still doesn't want her to use the n-word in his presence. Robin says that the guy called her a bitch. Oh, so not the same thing. I get called a bitch at least once a day, usually by email. And those are just the ones from my husband! Kidding. Jacquese says that, as roommates, they have to respect each other's feelings. In a confessional, Jacquese says that he will forgive, but won't forget. Jacquese hugs Robin.
Jamie talks to Jacquese in the bathroom and says that he shouldn't feel alone, because she understands some of what he's going through. Jacquese says that he's never been in a situation where he has no control over what will happen. They hug. Man, Jacquese is getting a lot of action tonight.
Everyone goes to bed. Robin interviews that she's glad people forgive, but that she will never forget. Instead, she will try to learn from the situation.
The morning, Robin wakes up Jacquese. He slept in his clothes, for some reason. They go outside and shoot hoops together. Robin interviews that she wants to show Jacquese what she is really like through actions instead of words. Jacquese teases Robin about doing cheers, so she does another one for him. It's horrible.
The Clique (Cameran, Brad, Robin, and Randy) talk about how they have all bonded, and how they should go in the hot tub that night. Randy says something about how they are missing three people. Cut to Frankie, Jamie, and Jacquese discussing their outcast status. Frankie interviews that they aren't outcasts, but that they are on the outskirts. Brad comes out, and Jamie tells him that they feel like outcasts. Brad says that they all feel like that. Frankie and Jamie wish that they could all just hang out together, and Brad agrees. Brad interviews that the clique thing has to stop. Cameran joins the outcast group. Jamie says that she can't change her ethnicity. Jamie interviews that she has often felt uncomfortable about her ethnicity. Jacquese says that no one has taken the time to know any of them. Cameran cries and says that she feels bad for labeling people, and that she knows that saying it's the way that she was raised is a cop-out. Cameran admits to Jacquese that she has told black jokes and used the n-word. I really thought she was going to keep going: "I have attended lynchings. I have marched with the KKK. I have owned slaves. But that was in the past! I love black people now! Ew, no! Not like that. Get off me!" Anyway, Cameran admits that she knows it's not right, and says she feels bad for her past actions. In a confessional, Cameran says she thinks she will leave with a new way of treating people, and not judging people. Jacquese gives a speech about how they are all people, and all want the same things in life.
Robin and Randy are in the hot tub. The other roommates, outcast included, join them. Randy interviews that they are all starting to bond. Robin says that it started with an ugly incident, but that it turned into a beautiful thing. Jacquese interviews that he knows Robin better, and that he likes her now. Robin tells Jacquese that she knows she's going to get shit for what happened, but that she's actually glad it happened that way. They clasp hands.