Jacqueline Mazarella

Chris' mother insists he take his younger siblings out trick-or-treating, which jeopardizes his own plans.

When Chris gets a failing grade on his report card, he resorts to desperate measures to hide it from his parents.

Rochelle and Julius must tell Chris there will be no Christmas gifts so they can afford to replace the water heater.

Chris, a first-time high school student, looks forward to attending a school with some diversity; Rochelle helps Tonya get a job at Vanessa's beauty salon, but the customers don't appreciate Tonya's brutally honest comments.

After Rochelle's father (Jimmie Walker) dies unexpectedly, Julius and the kids grow increasingly concerned that Rochelle acts as though nothing is wrong.

Chris tries to get himself expelled when Julius and Rochelle refuse to let him change schools to avoid his daily beatings.