‘Bel-Air’ Showrunners Unpack Will’s Dad’s Secret, Carlton’s Anxiety Disorder and Hilary and Jazz’s Chemistry

variety.com:

Selome Hailu SPOILER ALERT: Do not read if you have not seen “Where To?,” Season 1 Episode 10 of “Bel-Air.”“Bel-Air” Season 1 finale “Where To?” reinterprets the most famous episode of one of the most famous sitcoms of all time.

Its showrunners Rasheed Newson and T.J. Brady’s take on “Papa’s Got a Brand New Excuse,” the Season 4 episode of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” where Will (Will Smith) finally meets the father who abandoned him as a toddler, who then disappears as quickly as he came.In this version, Lou (Marlon Wayans, in a surprise guest appearance) didn’t abandon Will (Jabari Banks) by choice.

He instead spent 13 years in prison — which, for better or for worse, was kept a secret from Will his entire life. Geoffrey, (Jimmy Akingbola) whose version of the “Fresh Prince” character for “Bel-Air” is not a butler, but rather a house manager who acts as something like an in-home Olivia Pope, digs up a file on Lou which he secretly gives to Will, prompting his dismissal when Phil (Adrian Holmes) finds out.

Lou then comes to Bel Air to meet Will for the first time. The reunion is tense at first, but Will and Lou warm up to each other — until Lou insults Vy, prompting a physical altercation.