The Royal Family Episode Rating Graph

Atlanta mailman Al Royal and wife Victoria are anticipating peaceful retirement years, until marital problems bring an extended visit from their daughter and her three children, including 15-year-old Curtis who borrows Grandpa's truck in this opener.

Thanks to, or in spite of, Al's history tutelage (at the bowling alley), Curtis scores an A on a test, but not without having something up his sleeve.

Her knuckleball success against Curtis and a friend inspires Kim to try out for varsity baseball, starting a rhubarb with Al about a woman's place in a man's game.

The budding relationship between Elizabeth and a doctor trills Al, but Victoria notices there's something missing, and something missing between her and Al as well.

Victoria turns the house into a preschool, but the flu makes her hand over the reins to Al for ""a day of fun and accomplishment.""

The passing of Al Royal is marked by warm goodbyes from friends and family, including sister-in-law Ruth, whose arrival at a time of need may be as much for her own need as for Victoria's.

Victoria sees a match with Elizabeth and the new church deacon, but the deacon makes a play for Ruth, who doesn't like his game plan.

Ruth regrets being cool towards Willis, while Curtis is anything but cool after being gifted with a discount version of an expensive jacket.

Ruth takes off after Victoria takes her to task for being a poor influence on Kim and Curtis.

Curtis gets a swelled head after being chosen to appear with Dr. Dre and Ed Lover of Yo! MTV raps.

Curtis finds his part-time job taxing timewise when he has to work extra hours to cover the taxman's share, previously earmarked for other expenses.