Episode Summary

EDIT
9.1
out of 10
EPISODE RATING: Superb
490 votes
  • Your Rating: 10
    "Perfect"
  • Your Rating: 9.5
    "Superb"
  • Your Rating: 9
    "Superb"
  • Your Rating: 8.5
    "Great"
  • Your Rating: 8
    "Great"
  • Your Rating: 7.5
    "Good"
  • Your Rating: 7
    "Good"
  • Your Rating: 6.5
    "Fair"
  • Your Rating: 6
    "Fair"
  • Your Rating: 5.5
    "Mediocre"
  • Your Rating: 5
    "Mediocre"
  • Your Rating: 4.5
    "Poor"
  • Your Rating: 4
    "Poor"
  • Your Rating: 3.5
    "Bad"
  • Your Rating: 3
    "Bad"
  • Your Rating: 2.5
    "Terrible"
  • Your Rating: 2
    "Terrible"
  • Your Rating: 1.5
    "Abysmal"
  • Your Rating: 1
    "Abysmal"
Rate Now!
Earl decides to teach English as a second language to cross "Made fun of people with accents" off his karma list. While Ralph, an old friend, is released from prison, Earl tries to convince him in the ways of karma. However, Ralph ends up kidnapping Randy trying to get his hands on Earl's lotto winnings.moreless
  • Earl makes up for laughing at people with funny accents by teaching English classes to foreigners, while one of his old friends gets out of Prison only to go back to his stealing ways.moreless

    9.0
    "Superb"
    Earl loved to make fun of people with funny accents and because of Karma, he wants to pay back all the people he made fun of. Scandinavian, Hispanic or Asian, he laughed at them all. What does he decide to do? Teach English to foreigners.

    While Earl and Randy are getting something to eat, one of Earl's old friends, Ralph shows up. Turns out he just finished up 18 months in prison. Now that he's out, he's eager to start stealing again. Randy and Earl tag along a bit, but Earl realizes he can't do this anymore. After Ralph steals stuff from a store, takes a bridal dress and throws all his beer cans in the apartment complex's pool, Earl decides he has to tell Ralph about the List and his changed ways. So he takes all of Ralph's stolen stuff and cleans up the pool.

    While cleaning the pool, Joy shows up and tells Earl he can't teach English anymore. She explains that one of Earl's students has a nail business next door to Joy's nail business. The only reason people go to Joy is because she speaks English so she doesn't want Earl's students to learn. Just then Ralph walks in and hears them talking about the List. Ralph questions Earl and he has to explain everything. Ralph doesn't really pay attention until Earl mentions the $100,000 he won. Ralph decides to give Karma a chance and he cleans up.

    Soon after, Ralph gets a job and an apartment room next door to Randy and Earl. He starts working at a Lamp Store. Earl is proud of Ralph until he sees that he's been stealing lamps from the store. He decides not to be friends with Ralph anymore because he still steals. Randy starts to hangout with Ralph more then Earl and tells him that it's his List and he has nothing to do with it. Meanwhile, Earl teaches his class that "1 Block right then 2 Blocks left" is how to get to his house. Back at Joy's trailer where she has her nail business, she is teaching Earl's student to speak English. Too bad she is really teaching her to say disgusting things so she loses all her customers. When Earl is back at his room he get's a phone call from Ralph telling him that while Randy and him were stealing from a house, Randy got stuck in a chimney. Earl goes to help them out, but it was just a trick to get Earl to leave.

    Ralph hits Randy over the head with a lamp after he comes out of the bathroom and ties him up. When Randy comes to, he finds himself in Earl's room with Ralph ripping the place apart. He wants Randy to tell him where Earl puts his money. Randy doesn't tell Ralph until he drags him in the shower and sprays hot water on his "goods". Randy tells him that the money is in a safe box at the bank and Earl has the only key. Just then, Earl decides to head back to his room because he can't find Randy in any chimneys. He walks in his room, sees Randy tied up and gets smashed in the head by a lamp, courtesy of Ralph. When Earl regains consciousness, Randy explains that Ralph took his key and his heading to the bank to steal his money.

    Randy apologizes to Earl for hanging out with Ralph even after he stole things and that Karma is punishing him for it. He tells Earl to call out to Karma and see if it helps them. Earl thinks it's silly but does it anyway. After calling out several times, his door opens and his English class walks in. They said there was no class so they went "1 block right then 2 blocks left" and came to Earl's house. Earl quickly calls the police who are waiting for Ralph when he shows up at the bank. He manages to run away from them. Earl takes his class out to eat for saving him and Randy. Another check off the List. Just then Ralph walks in and gives Earl his key back. He apologizes for what he did and Earl rightfully forgives him.moreless
  • Karma to the rescue.

    9.1
    "Superb"
    This one was surely a funny installment. Enjoyment of watching Earl try to teach non-english speaking peoples was great. Sort of like in the movie Stripes. In this episode we are well entertained just by the hilarious things the students say from watching TV. Earl's old stealing buddy is released from prison. Earl doesn't want to tell him he's gone straight. It is a great laugh when Earl gets him a job selling laps after telling him all about how karma works. Earl comes over to his place later to find him hanging out with Randy and his room is FULL of lamps. "I tried this karma thing all morning. It just doesnt' work for me"moreless
  • Another great ep.

    9.6
    "Superb"
    Earl makes up for laughing at people with funny accents by teaching English classes to foreigners, I love things that Earl teaches them to say like where he lives and others and in the end KArma pull threw when Earl was in troblem and the people he made fun of before came and helped him.
  • Nicely done.

    7.8
    "Good"
    Earl as teacher is something that should make any Educationists jump off a cliff, but it makes a decent comedy.

    The plus in this episode was Giovanni Ribisi...I love his work and he played the part with perfection.

    Overall, a splendid episode, and in the end Earl's students came to his aid.
  • Fine example and well written again!

    7.2
    "Good"
    The show is a fine example and well-written of how
    It will be a huge hit as it finds its audience to
    Match with great writing and acting! Earl teaches english
    As a second language to make up for his lack of
    Being a jerk to people who have foreign languages as I
    Cracked myself up and nearly lost it! Very funny show!
WRITE A REVIEW

Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

See All

FILTER BY TYPE

  • TRIVIA (4)

    ADD TRIVIA
    • A running gag in the show is when one of Earl's English students says "My name is Earl", which they picked up after he introduced himself to the class. This alludes to the name of the show as well as point out people Earl has been teaching English to from different episode.

    • When Randy leaves the bathroom, look at his hair. You can see the fake mullet attached to his hair to protect his head when it gets hit.

    • List Trivia: Introduced and crossed off in this episode #27 Made fun of people with accents.

    • Featured Music: "Amos Moses" by Jerry Reed (Ralph enters the Crab Shack, Ralph chased by the police) "Bad Company" by Bad Company "Rock Candy" by Montrose "Flirtin' With Disaster" by Molly Hatchet "One Love" by Bob Marley

  • QUOTES (28)

    ADD QUOTES
    • Ralph: You know in the joint the guards pay me 12 cents an hour to do their taxes for them? Man those guys are going to be screwed!

    • Earl: All right, guys. Let's try some basic directions. To get to the library, you need to take a left at the light. Ok? Indian storekeeper: My - name - is - Earl. Earl: These people were not gonna find the library.

    • (Joy is teaching Kim Lee english) Joy: Okay, so when you're doin' somebody's nails, you say, "I do good job." Kim: I do good job. Joy: Okay, now, "I give you big infection." Kim: I give you big infection. Joy: (clapping in approval) That is so good. (Kim claps along) Uh-huh.

    • Earl: What happened? Randy: Ralph, set us up. He took your safe deposit key and your drivers license and he's on his way down to the bank to steal your lottery money. Earl: They're not gonna give him my money, he doesn't look anything like me. (flashback to Ralph in a wig and moustache) Randy: He did before he left.

    • Randy: You hit me in the head with a lamp. Ralph: Oh yeah! I'm sorry about that man, I really am. Money does bad things to people. There ain't no excuse for it, but people are just weak, don't you think? Randy: I guess, yeah.

    • (phone rings) Earl: Hello. Ralph: Earl, it's Ralph, we got a big problem. Randy and I were trying to break into a house and he got stuck in the chimney. We went in Santa style, took a shot.

    • Catalina: Why aren't you playing with your friends? Earl: Cause that dolly is stolen property. I can't be part of that. Catalina: Why's Randy out there. Earl: Cause, Randy, doens't have a list. Randy's, a big boy whose allowed to make his own decisions in life and if that decision is to choose a fast ride in the parking lot on a stolen hand dolly, over his own brother, then that's his pergovative. I mean pervocative...what's the word? Catalina: I learnt English a year ago.

    • Joy: This idiot hasn't told you about his stupid list yet? Earl: Shut up! Joy: Yeah, he's a real goody two shoes now. He's gone straight and the rest of us have to pay for it. Ralph: (laughs) Gone straight. Earl, what she talking about? Earl: Look, I was gonna tell you I just didn't.... Ralph: Wait, wait, wait. Is that where my sister's wedding dress has gone? Did you take it back? Earl: I'm sorry I had to. I don't steal anymore Ralph. Ralph: (with a shocked look on his face) I don't even know what to say. (he walks away) Joy: Is his sister getting married? Is she? Cause if she didn't ask me to be a bridesmaid I swear to God, I will march down to that club chubby and wrap her neck around that pole.

    • Joy: Oh, hey Ralph. How was prison? Ralph: I'd say about a five.

    • Joy: (to client) Now, did you want me to paint the zodiac signs on your nails? I mean there's twelve, but, I can paint the extra two on your big toes.

    • Ralph: (with the wedding dress on) I think I'm gonna let my sister use this dress. I bet some guys would pay a lot of money for a lap dance from a bride.

    • Ralph: (to the Indian storekeeper) Nothing for me Tonto. Earl: Sorry bout that he's been in prison, he doesn't know your supposed to say Native American.

    • Young Earl: Whatcha doing Ralph? Young Ralph: Hey Earl, hi Randy. I was just thinking about how much I wanted a gumball, but my mom won't give me a nickel till I clean my room. Young Earl: Watch this. (hits the gumball machine with a bat) I call that a street pinata. Young Ralph: Nice. I'll get us some sodas. (Ralph walks to a soda machine and starts hitting it)

    • Earl: Look, don't tell Ralph about me turning my life around with my list and everything, okay. Randy: Why not? Earl: Cause, I don't know how his gonna react. I mean, I was the one who taught him to steal. I'm kinda his wax on wax off paint then fence guy.

    • Randy: Uh, let's not do that. Ralph: I don't want to. I really don't. You're a good friend of mine. I don't want to burn your testicles.

    • Darnell: Here's the food. Earl: Thanks, Crabman. Darnell: Hey, I've been thinking about coming up with another phrase for when I drop off the food. Earl: I have no opinion on that. Darnell: Yeah, it's tricky. Randy: I like 'Here's the food," 'cause that's what's happening.

    • Joy: (To a cop about Kim Lee) Look, I don't know if what she's talking is a real language, but if it is, it's a lie.

    • Earl: Randy was not stuck in a chimney, which is good, because it means he learned his lesson from the last two times.

    • Earl: I had a classroom full of non-Americans eager to not understand a word I said.

    • Earl: Who wants to tell me how to get to where Earl lives? How about, Nescobar A-lop-lop? Nescobar: Erections lasting more than 4 hours, while rare, require immediate medical attention. Earl: Having them watch TV as homework wasn't working out. And then I think he cursed me in his native language. Nescobar: Seacrest out.

    • Joy: Look, Earl, you can't teach her to talk I got kids to feed. Earl: These are good people Joy. I mean they have the right to learn whatever they want. Joy: No they don't! There is nothing in the Bible that says people have a right to learn stuff. I have read it.

    • Randy: Look Earl, it's Karma's army. Made up of people from all the lands of all the worlds.

    • Joy: Hey ass wipe. I don't know what the hell is on your touched by an angel list that's making you teach people English, but you need to stop. Earl: Excuse me? Joy: You got a Chinese girl in your class named Kim Lee? Earl: She's not Chinese, she's Vietnamese. Joy: Honey, I dont care if she's Vietnamese, Chinese or Chuck E. Cheese, she don't need to be learning no English.

    • Ralph: Karma, huh? Earl: [pointing to his forearm, where there is a yin-yang symbol tatooed] Yup. Like that tattoo on your arm. Ralph: I thought that was two tadpoles doin' it.

    • Earl: Does the manager know you wash off the plastic cups and put 'em back in the rooms? Catalina: It was his idea. He told me not to waste my time trying to be so clean now that AAA took away our half-a-star.

    • (Earl and Randy are tied up by Ralph) Randy: Hey, maybe if you call karma it'll come and save us. Call it. Earl: Randy, it doesn't work like that. It's karma, not Lassie.

    • (Earl hugs Ralph after he gets out of prison.) Earl: Man, 18 months, I missed you buddy. Ralph: Yeah, uh, me too man. Feels good to hug a man and know it doesn't have to go anywhere.

    • Earl: So here I am,...teachin'. The last time i stood in front of a room full of foreigners, I was robbin' the DMV.

  • NOTES (2)

    ADD NOTES
  • ALLUSIONS (4)

    ADD ALLUSIONS
    • "....is on your Touched By an Angel list..." Touched By an Angel was a tv show that ran from 1994-2003 and featured two angels sent to earth to help people with their problems

    • "Seacrest Out" is the catchphrase of Ryan Seacrest, host of "On Air With Ryan Seacrest", "American Idol" and other variety shows

    • Randy asks Earl to call Karma and Earl replied that it was Karma not Lassie. Lassie is the most well-known "rescue" dog of all time, with appearances in highly popular books, movies, and several long-lived variations of a TV show. She would regularly rescue someone by demonstrating high intelligence for a dog and being preternaturally good at communicating dangers and situations to humans.

    • Earl: I was the one who taught him how to steal. I'm like his "wax on, wax off" guy. Mr. Miyagi. Mr. Miyagi was a character in the film The Karate Kid made famous by the actor Pat Morita. In the film Mr. Miyagi taught martial arts to teenager Daniel LaRusso (played by Ralph Macchio) and showed him there was more to it than fighting. Part of Daniel's training was doing Mr. Miyagi's household chores like waxing the car, painting the fence, and sanding the floor, of which the first instruction was quoted by Earl.

More
Less