The premiere episode of "Government Cheese" kicks off amidst the solemn walls of Chino State Prison in 1967. The scene focuses on Hampton, an inmate who has just been liberated from the solitary confines of isolation and welcomed back into the general population. A well-liked figure among his peers, Hampton finds solace and encouragement from his roommate, Rudy, who urges him to embrace faith as a beacon to reconnect with his beloved family.
Obeying this advice, Hampton seeks guidance from Gus, the prison's de facto priest. Gus reinforces the message that an unwavering faith in God is what He desires from His people. Hampton's journey into spirituality is cemented by a surreal tale involving a bullying inmate named Willy B and a chain of events culminating in Willy B's tragic demise by a metal spoon. This narrative serves as a profound testament, convincing Hampton to surrender to the process and align himself with God's will.
Fast forward two years, and Hampton stands on the cusp of freedom. With less than 24 hours left in his sentence, he has undergone a remarkable transformation. Now, a new man with his sights set on revolutionary inventions for Rocket Corp., Hampton harbors aspirations beyond the prison walls.
Recall the intricate web of events surrounding Willy B's story? In this episode, we witness a similar cascade of occurrences that ignite a massive prison riot. Pipes burst due to sabotage, Hampton accidentally stabs Rudy in the chaos, and his bible, a testament to his newfound faith, becomes soaked through.
Despite these tumultuous events, including the accidental stabbing, Hampton's release remains unaffected. He returns home to a chilly reception from his partner, Astoria. Their home is plagued with broken appliances, while their son Harrison, a weed-smoking teenager, harbors a deep resentment towards him. Their other son, Einstein, though slightly more receptive, remains lost in his own world.
This revised version aims to breathe life into the narrative, enhancing its expressiveness and drawing readers deeper into the vivid world of "Government Cheese."
Hampton convenes a family gathering to unveil his self-sharpening drill, the culmination of his tireless efforts and ingenuity. Though his kin remain skeptical, the following day brings a pivotal appointment with Manny Brinks, a prestigious engineer at Rocketcorp. Success in this endeavor could propel Hampton into a six-figure salary—if everything pans out, that is!
Astoria, fresh out of school, harbors dreams that transcend their quaint, tranquil town. Einstein shares a similar ambition, aiming to shatter world records in pole vaulting. Meanwhile, Hampton finds himself confined to the garage, where he dives into refining his drill. In a corner toolbox, he conceals a small brown envelope, its contents a mystery yet to be unveiled, but surely destined for revelation.
As Hampton ventures out for his crucial meeting, Bootsy tags along unexpectedly, suggesting a ride together. The valley now lies under the iron grip of the Prevost Brothers, the very men who orchestrated the scapegoat's downfall during the riots. Hampton, indebted to them for $2,000, attempts to negotiate a two-week repayment plan. Their ambiguous response leaves him uneasy. Bootsy proposes a quick "smash and grab" job to alleviate the pressure, but Hampton, resolved to take the high road, declines.
Regrettably, the meeting with Manny fails to ignite any sparks. Manny, contrary to Hampton's expectations, is revealed to be a mere janitor, not the high-flying executive he had envisioned. Consequently, Hampton's presentation falls flat, compounded by the mishap of a hippie protester swiping his bike outside.
Returning home, Hampton's spirits dwindle, until a sign emerges. A frog, agile and undeterred, leaps over the makeshift pole-vaulting setup in his yard. This fortuitous sight inspires Hampton, convincing him that it's Manny who needs to make a leap of faith.
They contemplated embarking on a business venture as individual entrepreneurs, confident in their decision to secure a loan from the bank. This notion was primarily conceived as a means to repay the Brothers, considering their minimal operational expenses. Although Hampton resorted to deceit regarding the purpose of the funds, he reluctantly concurred to their collaboration. Upon their return home, the brothers' demeanor hinted at ominous tidings for Hampton. They collectively concurred that two weeks was an excessively lengthy period to wait... and the screen gradually fades to darkness, leaving their fate hanging in the balance.
