Bel-Air has returned for its fourth and final season, and it’s not afraid to sit in an uncomfortable intersection of privilege, trauma and the complicated realities of Black excellence. Every member of the Banks’ extended family is facing circumstances that have altered the course of their lives, and each is navigating next steps in their own way.
Note, spoilers below on the season’s first three episodes.
Will’s Trauma Erupts
Shaken by his kidnapping that could have ended far worse if Geoffrey hadn’t intervened, Will rightfully can’t get that scene of being pinned in the back of that car out of his mind. Trapped by the helplessness he felt, watching Geoffrey get beaten as he ran, as instructed, left him racked with guilt. His solution? Identify the car, pinpoint its location and literally destroy his torment. It was impulsive, and he and Carlton are paying the price for their actions by attending a youth diversion program and staying on their best behavior. But, privilege did come into play: we know that many young Black men who are less financially fortunate — and less connected — could have spent time inside a jail cell, even when they weren’t the ones who started the violence.
Hilary: Standing In Strength But Dying Inside
Hilary was supposed to be stepping into her happily-ever-after with LaMarcus Alton. Instead, we learn that he didn’t survive his latest collapse. This should have been her moment for private grief; instead, she had to take on the role of spokesperson and stand strong to alleviate other people’s pain as she spoke at memorial after memorial. It proved to be too much as she broke down at one, saying LaMarcus didn’t deserve to die, and she didn’t deserve him. No, she’s not okay. And that is okay. So she made a choice – an escape. She heads to Costa Rica, where LaMarcus always wanted to build a home, for space and to have the peace to process.
“Many times, grief is not something you expect. Everyone has to transition, but the timing can still catch you off guard,” says Dr. LaKeita Carter, Licensed Psychologist and CEO of the Institute for HEALing, LLC. She pointed out that grieving publicly is another layer because people naturally hold you to their expectations of grief. Coupled with the guilt of “what ifs” and public scrutiny “can create perfect storm for anxiety, depression, social anxiety and isolation, and more.”
All too often, Black woman are expected to stand in pain and take the weight of the world on their shoulders. But in this case, Hilary is finally getting a chance to mourn, on her own terms.The decision to leave town to truly creates space from the expectation that you cry on cue or never look happy again, the Dr. Carter explains.
Vivian: Motherhood, Aging and Revisited Beginnings
As almost empty-nesters, Vivian and Philip were ready for their next chapter. But life sometimes has other plans. Their surprise pregnancy has brought joy to the family, but also raised a question of whether they are both too old to take on a newborn. It’s a powerful exploration of whether Vivian is allowed to want this child and question the toll it will take on her body and their future. It’s a balance many Black women face: having ambition, making sacrifices and being able to reinvent themselves later in life.
Yes, every member of the family is going through their own ordeals. But as they came together (Hilary sent her wishes) to celebrate Thanksgiving, they put their focus where it really matters: on family, fun games and joy. And that’s all we can ask for.
Bel-Air’s final five episodes air Monday, December 1 and Monday, December 8, streaming on Peacock.