Recap / Family Matters S 1 E 19 In A Jam

Tropes seen in this episode:

• Adults Are Useless: Interestingly, there are no adults in charge at Leroy's to tell Bull to stop harassing Urkel, much less ban him from the place. (Leroy doesn't even make an on-screen appearance!) Carl stops by only after the fight is over.
• Big Brother Instinct: Eddie discovers this for the first time ... and realizes for the first time that maybe his place in life is helping those who can't help themselves.
• The Bully: Aptly titled Bull.
• Bystander Syndrome: It is clear that Bull is more than capable of brutally killing Urkel, if not beating him beyond recognition and doing far worse in the process. Yet on the afternoon of their final confrontation, when Bull is making his final ultimatum and Urkel stands his ground, none of the other teenagers – including Rodney and Laura – step in to stop Bull ... this even knowing that they could witness someone, even if it's someone they don't particularly like, could be seriously injured if not killed. Only Eddie, who walks in almost too late, is willing to stand up to Bull.
• Extreme Doormat: Urkel is this at first, until he learns to stand up for himself, knowing it may (seriously) cost him a lot more than just a couple of dollars.
• Kiddie Kid: OK, Urkel is 12 years old, but his diminutive size (Jaleel White was likely less than 90 pounds soaking wet at this point), lack of coordination and fighting skills and no one willing to stick up for him that makes him a very easy target for Bull.
• Local Hangout: Leroy's, making its second appearance.
• Pick on Someone Your Own Size: Eddie is two years younger than Bull (whom Rodney speculates might be 16) but is able to match his size.
• You Wouldn't Hit a Guy with Glasses: Bull nearly does, cocking his fist and targeting Urkel's head and perhaps right between the eyes ... until Eddie shows up, just as Urkel is likely watching his life flash before his eyes.