One of the reasons Kenny felt so alone at school before meeting Brett was the lack of gay people he encountered on a daily basis. He might’ve had Allison in his life, but Kenny needed a stronger gay support system to continue his process of self-actualization; he needed to feel like he was around people who understood him and who he could relate to on a level that he can’t with anyone else. Although Kenny has received a lot of support from his school since coming out, those positive intentions don’t compare to having someone else gay around school, to not feeling like you stand out in the crowd as much. For as much as Kenny has yearned for another gay peer, though, it turns out that the next gay member of the St. Barklay’s community is more of an authority figure.
On the next episode of The Real O’Neals, Kenny successfully convinces VP Murray to hire a gay teacher, which should be a win for the middle O’Neal. He not only affected positive social change at his religious high school, he was able to further build the (admittedly tiny) gay community in his life. Even if this new teacher isn’t his best friend and doesn’t form an immediate connection with him, just having a gay faculty member is a big win, a true sign of progress that should only mean positive things going forward. However, when the new teacher starts giving Jimmy a hard time, Kenny’s opinion of the hiring becomes much more cloudy; for as much good as having a gay faculty member can do, and as thrilled as he might be to have someone like him roaming the halls of St. Barklay’s, this will all be for nought if Jimmy is made to suffer as a result. Jimmy has been a dream brother to Kenny since he came out, so Kenny feels an obligation to stick up for him, but will he have to give up this new teacher as a result?
Elsewhere on The Real O’Neals, Pat’s overly courteous nature costing him a lottery ticket inspires him to stop being such a nice guy at the same time Eileen needs him to help with a dinner for the Bishop.
The Real O’Neals airs Tuesdays at 9:30 on ABC.
How will Kenny be able to help his brother without costing the new teacher his job? Why do you think the new teacher has it so in for Jimmy? Will Pat come to realize that his kindness is ultimately a positive attribute rather than a hindrance?
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THE REAL O'NEALS - "The Real Mr. Nice Guy" - When Kenny convinces VP Murray to hire a gay teacher (guest star Cheyenne Jackson), Kenny's loyalties are tested when the teacher starts to make Jimmy's life miserable. Meanwhile, when Pat's courteous nature robs him of a winning lottery ticket, he decides to stop being such a nice guy with Shannon's help, which doesn't bode well for Eileen, who needs Pat's help hosting a dinner for the Bishop, on ABC's "The Real O'Neals," airing on TUESDAY, March 7 (9:30-10:00 p.m. EST). (ABC/Ron Batzdorff)NOAH GALVIN
