Bel-Air Review: The Strength to Smile (Season 1 Episode 6)

Six episodes in, Bel-Air finally delivers its best episode of the season. The potential has been there all along, so it’s about time that it begins to live up.

On Bel-Air Season 1 Episode 6, “The Strength to Smile,” the Banks family works hard on the fundraising event in Lisa’s mother Gayle’s honor, but inevitably tension surfaces during the event. 

“The Strength to Smile” is an emotional episode for nearly every character.

Will is dealing with the aftermath of his fight with Tray. Hilary is under a ton of pressure. Ashley is dealing with her first heartbreak. 

Phil is dealing with betrayal. Vivian and Lisa are dealing with resurfaced grief. Carlton is dealing with his anxiety and insecurity. 

Each character is dealing with their own internal noise and struggle on “The Strength to Smile,” and yet what really sets the episode apart is the way they’re all there for one another. Vivian and Will step up to help Lisa. Hilary comforts Ashley in a time of need. 

Heck — Will even comforts notoriously difficult-to-get-along-with Carlton!

Will Smith: Geoffrey’s got his whole 007 thing going on.

The deep emotional complexity of each character on Bel-Air finally begins to pay off for the show’s benefit on “The Strength to Smile.” The acting has been strong throughout the entire run of episodes, but “The Strength to Smile” finally gives the characters a story worthy of their profound dramatic capabilities.

In particular, Jabari Banks shines on “The Strength to Smile.” His ability to switch from Will’s joyful swagger to his complex, emotional side is truly powerful. It’s easy to see that Banks is a star on the rise — not to mention the perfect choice to play Will. 

Bel-Air also seems to soar when it drops the crutch of using The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air stories. “The Strength to Smile” uses the fewest borrowed elements from the source material so far, which works in the show’s favor. The fundraiser story works on several different levels, which really allows the characters a chance to shine.

There’s hope for Bel-Air yet, and this early success is a credit to the extremely talented cast. The more chances they have to shine, the better the show will be. 

A few stray thoughts:

• As insufferable as Carlton has been throughout the series so far, Olly Sholotan is doing a fantastic job. Will confronting and then comforting Carlton is a powerful scene.
• Michael Ealy is a really great sleazy gallery owner, and Phil being on to his game makes it that much better. Can’t wait to watch that story unfold. 
• Fred and Angela’s love story is cringeworthy, but Vivian unraveling at Angela breathes life into the episode. Cassandra Freeman gives a phenomenal performance. 
• Jimmy Akingbola plays Geoffrey like this really cool secret agent. It’s smart to move away from the “butler” in the original series, but this Geoffrey is AWESOME.

What did you think of this episode of Bel-Air? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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