The second installment of "Government Cheese" kicks off with an intimate glimpse into the life of the Prevost Brothers, who hailing from the quaint yet challenging streets of Quebec, Canada, spent their formative years grappling with poverty. Their mother, once stern but gradually transforming into an icier figure with each new addition to the family, ultimately deserted them after giving birth to her seventh son—another boy, when all she had yearned for was a daughter. Left to fend for themselves, the siblings were raised solely by their father, a man far from warm and hardly equipped with the educational background needed to nurture seven spirited boys.
Patrice, Nicholi, Claude, Felix, Jacques, Darius, and the youngest, Jean-guy, formed an unbreakable bond amidst the ridicule and hardships of school. United by their shared disdain for those outside their close-knit circle, the seven brothers I vow to work together, not only to escape the shackles of poverty, but also stumbled unwittingly into a life of crime, their trajectories converging in the bustling San Fernando Valley.
Among them, Jean-guy, the baby of the family, emerges as both the scapegoat and the ambitious dreamer vying for the reins of the family's destiny. It was Jean-guy who had made his presence known in the previous episode, storming into a garage with a proposition too bold to ignore. Recall the narrative of disparate elements coalescing into a coherent whole? Jean-guy's role in this intricate puzzle became evident during his incarceration alongside Hampton, where he orchestrated a prison riot and brazenly offered to clear his brothers' debts—all in exchange for possession of Hampton's groundbreaking invention. Craving legitimacy for their endeavors, Jean-guy's persistence nearly swayed Hampton, despite the inventor's burgeoning debts and reluctance to part with his creation. Jean-guy's persuasive prowess also secured a two-week window for negotiation and uncovered the existence of Rudy, yet the deal remains unsigned for now.
Back in the familiar confines of their home, Hampton is resolute in mending fences with his family. His efforts span from organizing family dinners and fixing broken appliances (the fridge now hums back to life) to finding ways to connect with his children. Einstein has found his niche as a lifeguard, while Harrison remains a study in silence. Meanwhile, Astoria, now working as a receptionist at Evan Rush Designs, harbors a secret affair that threatens to further complicate the family dynamics.
Meanwhile, Bootsy hatches a devious plan to pilfer from a sacred temple, armed with his ingenious, self-sufficient drill, envisioning a seamless and elegant escape. Tempted yet uncertain, Hampton finds himself torn between this scheme and his own path, ultimately steering back towards Rocketcorp. Leveraging Manny's inside scoop, they adeptly maneuver Bit Magician into the esteemed ranks of Rocketcorp's approved vendors. This strategic toehold marks a promising commencement, and with renewed urgency, Hampton dashes off to meet with his parole officer, Todd.
In their exit interview, Hampton learns of his impending mandatory road maintenance duty, and the grim reality dawns upon him: he possesses but a mere $50.22. Recognizing Hampton's plight, Todd extends a lifeline, suggesting a humble yet crucial task—deboning fish. Completing this chore with diligence, Hampton springs into action, racing to the bank to secure a crucial business loan. However, the assistant presents an unforeseen stipulation: collateral in the form of their house, which happens to be registered under Astoria's name. Though Hampton ponders deeply, his predicament is somewhat alleviated by an unexpected bounty—a plethora of free toasters, a corporate promotion bestowed upon them for conducting business. Seeking to capitalize, Hamptoncirculates these toasters among various banks, eventually pawning them off.
Concurrently, Harrison's rebellious outburst in class results in his expulsion, compelling Astoria to intervene and jeopardize her own employment. Both are less than thrilled at Hampton's return. Later that evening, Einstein confides in Hampton, unveiling a startling truth: Astoria is in a relationship with someone named Ronald, and they are currently enjoying an evening at a martini bar.
