Episode 3 begins off with a robust look by James Baldwin, who addresses racial injustice in Harlem, which instantly makes Bumpy Johnson defensive, but additionally units the tone for deeper themes on this episode. Bumpy continues his try and reclaim Harlem, however is blindsided when Miss Willa informs him that the buildings he thought have been secured was offered to Marshall Grant, a person with grudges and private historical past. What begins as a enterprise setback turns into a private reckoning as Bumpy learns Marshall as soon as cherished his late sister, blaming him blaming him for her downfall.
In the meantime, Frank Lucas is fearlessly working to maneuver the stolen product and place himself as a critical participant by aligning with the Italians. His desperation exhibits, and Bumpy doesn’t hesitate to remind him of the lethal penalties for betrayal. Within the Gigante camp, Stella continues to be struggling to seek out her place in her father’s world, confiding in her good friend Delia in regards to the fixed energy struggles she faces each day.
At house, tensions rise as Mayme, Elise, and Margaret confront harsh truths in regards to the training system. Margaret’s trainer silences her for studying aloud about slavery and Black historical past, an act that ends in her and different college students being bodily and emotionally abused. Mayme and Elise confront the principal, who refuses to take accountability. Nevertheless, this results in a really daring second the place they return with the Black Panthers and a bunch of involved dad and mom, demanding justice and an finish to this abuse. A robust turning level on this episode is Elise’s resolution to formally be a part of the Panthers.
“The Straw Man” – GODFATHER OF HARLEM, Pictured: Demi Singleton as Margaret Johnson, Ilfenesh Hadera as Mayme Johnson, Antoinette Crowe-Legacy as Elise Johnson. Photograph: Scott McDermott/MGM+ © 2025 MGMPlus Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. MGM+ is a trademark of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Lion Corp. Godfather of Harlem © 2019-2025 ABC Signature Studios, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The episode doesn’t draw back from exploring blurred strains between energy and progress. Bumpy rejects a proposal to associate with Straub and Companions, selecting to double down on his imaginative and prescient for the way forward for Harlem as a substitute. With a whole lot of strategic persuasion, he lastly will get Marshall to see that company pursuits aren’t for the individuals, profitable again the property for fairly a symbolic value: two rolls of pennies.
Combating for the Individuals balances gritty avenue politics with heartfelt group moments and reminds us that actual energy comes from standing up for revenue and goal. With so many characters making daring strikes, Elise becoming a member of the Panthers, Bumpy pushing again towards gentrification, and Frank making an attempt to kind harmful new alliances, this episode units the stage for main confrontations forward.
