The Big Show Show - The Big Brain (S1E3)
JJ struggles to recognize that she's smart; Mandy runs for president; the Big Show fights his fear of mascots; Cassy bonds with Lola -- maybe too much.
| Runtime (min) | 27 |
|---|---|
| TMDB Rating | 10.0 (5 votes) |
| Air Date | 2020-04-06 |
| Genres | Comedy, Kids, Family |
| TV Rating | TV-G |
| Network(s) | Netflix |
Storyline
In this episode, JJ grapples with self-doubt about her intelligence despite clear evidence of her academic abilities. She struggles to see herself as smart, leading to moments where her family must help her recognize her own strengths and capabilities. Meanwhile, her sister Mandy decides to run for student body president, throwing herself into the campaign with characteristic enthusiasm and determination.
The Big Show faces a personal challenge when he must confront his longstanding fear of mascots, a phobia that creates comedic situations given his larger-than-life wrestling persona. At the same time, Cassy develops a close friendship with Lola, but the bond becomes so intense that it begins to raise concerns about boundaries and the appropriate level of attachment between the two girls.
What kids learn
Children watching this episode can learn important lessons about recognizing their own abilities and not letting self-doubt undermine their confidence. JJ's struggle to see herself as intelligent demonstrates how young people sometimes fail to appreciate their own strengths, even when others can clearly see them. The episode encourages kids to acknowledge their accomplishments and develop a healthier self-image based on actual evidence rather than negative self-talk.
Mandy's decision to run for president models taking initiative and pursuing leadership opportunities, showing children that stepping up to represent their peers is a valuable form of participation in their school community. The Big Show's confrontation with his fear of mascots teaches that everyone has fears, regardless of how strong or confident they appear on the outside, and that facing those fears is part of personal growth.
The storyline involving Cassy and Lola's friendship offers lessons about healthy relationship boundaries. Children learn that while close friendships are wonderful, it's important to maintain balance and ensure that connections don't become overly dependent or exclusionary of other relationships.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How does the episode address JJ's struggle with recognizing her intelligence? | The episode tackles JJ's self-doubt by showing her family members helping her see evidence of her academic strengths. Rather than simply telling her she's smart, the story demonstrates how external validation and self-reflection can help young people overcome negative self-perceptions. It's a gentle reminder that intelligence comes in many forms and that recognizing one's own abilities is an important developmental step. |
| What does Mandy's campaign storyline teach about student leadership? | Mandy's run for student body president shows children that leadership opportunities are available to those willing to step forward and work for them. The storyline demonstrates the effort and commitment required in campaigns while modeling civic participation at a school level. It encourages kids to consider how they might contribute to their communities through leadership roles rather than remaining passive participants. |
| Is the Big Show's fear of mascots played for laughs or treated seriously? | The episode uses the Big Show's mascot phobia for comedic effect, creating humor from the contrast between his intimidating wrestling persona and this seemingly silly fear. However, the storyline also validates that fears don't have to be rational to feel real, and that confronting them requires courage regardless of one's size or strength. It's lighthearted but ultimately respectful of the emotional reality of phobias. |
| What concerns arise from Cassy bonding too much with Lola? | The episode explores how friendships can sometimes become too intense or exclusive, potentially creating unhealthy dependency or crowding out other important relationships. When Cassy and Lola's bond becomes excessive, it raises questions about appropriate boundaries and balance in friendships. This provides an opportunity to discuss with children how to maintain close friendships while still preserving individual identity and connections with family and other friends. |
| Are there any inappropriate elements parents should know about? | This episode maintains the family-friendly tone consistent with the series, focusing on relatable challenges like self-esteem, school activities, personal fears, and friendship dynamics. The humor is gentle and age-appropriate, with the Big Show's mascot phobia providing physical comedy rather than anything crude or mean-spirited. The content is suitable for the show's target audience of families with elementary and middle-school-aged children. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | The Big Show's teenage daughter from a previous relationship comes to live with him, his wife, Cassy, and their two younger daughters in Florida. |
| 1 | 2 | The Big Show's real estate career gets off to a bad start; Mandy moves in with Lola. |
| 1 | 3 | JJ struggles to recognize that she's smart; Mandy runs for president; the Big Show fights his fear of mascots; Cassy bonds with Lola -- maybe too much. |
| 1 | 4 | The Big Show and Lola compete in the kitchen; Cassy embroiders the truth at an open house; Mandy learns that not all politicians play dirty. |
| 1 | 5 | While Cassy struggles to adjust to life with no job, Lola seeks to keep her father from spending too much time with her new boyfriend. |
| 1 | 6 | While the Big Show takes Cassy on a wrestling cruise for their anniversary, Lola, Mandy and JJ throw a wild house party in their absence. |
| 1 | 7 | Lola's best friend from Minnesota comes for a visit; Mandy and Taylor engage in a debate in front of the school; the Big Show gets back in the ring. |
| 1 | 8 | Mandy and JJ hide a dog from their parents; Lola practices for her driving test; Cassy hires an assistant; the Big Show wrestles with a decision. |
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