Bel-Air: Is Carlton redeemable?

It’s not just the tone that Bel-Air has switched up, it’s the characters and their dispositions as well. On these lines, if I had to ask you which character you disliked the most, I’m sure I’d hear the name Carlton from a mile away.

Is Carlton really that horrible a person? And is there any chance he’ll change his ways, and even become a better, more likeable version of himself?

Bel-Air sets up Carlton to be a despicable character but episode 7 reveals how his upbringing, friends and the BSU play a part in shaping his snobbish behavior. If he receives help, he may be able to redeem himself.

It’s safe to say that Bel-Air’s Carlton is a different shade of the Carlton we see in Fresh Prince but arguably, I think the show has put in a lot of depth and layers to the former. Here’s how:

Understanding Carlton’s Complex Character

Carlton is a really easy character to hate or despite. He seems like a person with a lot of means and opportunities, but instead of using this, he ends up only showing his not-so-great sides.

Despite attacking Conner (disguised as a lacrosse tactic in practice) and coming across as even more unlikable, episode 7 gives us a chance to understand Carlton with more empathy.

The first instance is at the party (in this same episode) where Lisa discloses to Will how Carlton has been struggling as one of the school’s few Black students.

All the things that were supposed to make him successful—his wealth, his father’s power and influence, and his upbringing, have ostracized him.

This is proved in Will’s conversation with BSU (Black Student Union) member Aisha who in plain words says that Carlton isn’t Black enough because he is rich and has “white people” interests like playing lacrosse (as opposed to basketball) and liking fast cars.

It’s no wonder why Carlton never went back to the BSU because they themselves did not offer him any solidarity.

His home of no comfort either. His father has not been exactly forthcoming with him in recent years, and seeing the rest of his family excel in what they do just sends Carlton into overdrive. Cue the Xanax.

Now, with Will’s arrival, his potential, and how everyone is taken up by him, Carlton’s jealousy and insecurities know no bounds. Will also has had more of the hood experience, which lets him integrate with his community more than Carlton.

The only person Carlton could talk to freely about these emotions is Lisa… who now is swept away by Will.

He finally breaks and takes out his frustration on Conner.

Conner is no saint and a beating was long coming. But all this while, we’ve not only seen Carlton put up with Conner’s racist, homophobic microaggressions but also overlook/participate in it.

Remember that locker scene and Conner singing that particular song?

I really think if Carlton makes some genuine friends (perhaps, John) and builds a good emotional support system, he could do a 180.

We’re left to see if this will prove to be a turning point in his behavior or if Will and Lisa’s secret relationship will send him further across the edge.

About Bel-Air

Bel-Air is an American drama television series developed by Morgan Cooper, Malcolm Spellman, TJ Brady, and Rasheed Newson. It is a reimagined version of the 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air . In March 2023, it was renewed for a third season.

The series stars Jabari Banks as Will Smith, with Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Coco Jones, Olly Sholotan, Jimmy Akingbola, Akira Akbar, Jordan L Jones, and Simone Joy Jones.

The story follows Will Smith’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. It dives deep into racial tension, culture shock, and black excellence.