Recap / Everybody Hates Chris S 3 E 1 Everybody Hates The Guidance Counselor

• An Aesop: You shouldn't go to college just out of obligation, like the fear of disappointing your parents. It's also okay to take time off after graduation to figure out exactly what you want to do. Also, assume all tests matter, as if they didn't, you wouldn't get them.
• Continuity Nod: Rochelle puts an end to Chris receiving “hand-me-ups” from Drew in this episode.
• Epic Fail: Chris really believed the test that was literally described as determining the curriculum he would be given just wouldn't matter at all. Naturally, he bombs it, which deeply concerns Ms. Morello and Mr. Abbott.
• Hysterical Woman: Rochelle completely overreacts to Julius' comment to Chris; "Well, whatever you do, make sure you like it. Because once you have a family, it's what you're gonna be doing for the rest of your life." She instantly assumes that Julius is miserable and hates his life, when he showed no prior evidence and was just trying to give Chris genuine advice. She spends most of the episode giving Julius the cold shoulder until the very end.
• Idiot Ball: Chris acts a bit dumber than usual in this episode, which doesn't help his case at all. Most of it is deliberate Rule of Funny though.
• It Will Never Catch On: Mr. Abbott asks Greg what he'd want to do once he gets out of college, as his spectacular test results gives him endless possibility. Greg suggests franchising a coffee store, which Mr. Abbott finds ridiculous. While cafés were well-established by 1985, he could be ridiculing the idea of Starbucks, which only started to get its footing a year or so after. He similarly ridicules the idea of a store that sells nothing but staples (possibly alluding to the franchise, Staples) and a store that sells everything for 99 cents. By 1985, the only 99 cent store in America was located in Los Angeles.
• Jerk with a Heart of Gold: Mr. Abbott is extremely direct to the point of being rude, but he is genuinely trying to help Chris as those test results reflect poorly on him and could jeopardize his future.
• Right Behind Me: Chris starts mocking the idea of being a guidance counselor as a mindless, easy job where an equally misguided person can talk down to misguided students. Mr. Abbott is right behind him for most of his rant, while Greg faintly tries to warn him.
• Self-Deprecation: This show is no stranger to it but this episode stands out for having Chris Rock literally speak face-to-face with his immature teenaged self.
• Special Guest: As much of one as Chris Rock can be, considering that this is literally a show about him.
• Too Dumb to Live: Chris hears that the GEPA will not count towards his grade and decides not to take it seriously. He flunks it, predictably, and has to see his guidance counselor as his performance will harm his college acceptance chances (Foregone Conclusion notwithstanding) and have him put in remedial classes.
• Tough Love: Mr. Abbott is clearly trying to help Chris, but isn't sugarcoating anything.