Mr Speaker

"Hey you, you with the teeth. Come here... That's better. Do you know me? Of course you do. That's because I'm famous."

Mr. T's Be somebody, or be somebody's fool takes the viewer on an emotional, philosophical and educational rollercoaster ride through space and time. It's solid variety-show-in-the-hood, featuring New Edition and vocal arrangements by Ice T. One can only assume it was made to fulfill some community service obligations.

Through song, verse and even soliloquy, Mr T lends his collected wisdom on a myriad of topics of top concern to the youth of the 80's. Much is still highly relevant today. Here's a summary, so you can refer to it daily.

Chapter 1: Shyness
A bratty little girls lets us know "You don't have to be shy. Everybody deserves to be heard. So speak up for yourself."

Chapter 2: Roots
You can't know where you're going if you don't know where you're from.

"...And these gold chains I wear, they symbolise the fact that my ancestors were bought over here as slaves. See. We have different roots."

"That's what I'm saying... just like all these trees here. They got many different kinds. But they all live together in harmony. So can we."

Chapter 3: Frustration
This is a real think piece. It takes place throughout the entire program and involves Mr T trying to play a cello. I'm unsure of the message.

Chapter 4: Anger
"Just close your eyes, and imagine positive images. So that you can make your anger work for you, instead of against you."

"Anger.... Use it, but don't lose it"

Chapter 5: Stylin'
"Hey- everybody gotta wear clothes. And if you don't, you get arrested. Clothes express your personality, so express yourself, and not someone else."

Truer words may never have been spoken. To back up the words is a striking fashion display. Some highlights follow:

"Xena and Xena from San Bonadina."

"Jeff, whos the hippest cat in town. No doubt when Jeffs around. Stay cool Jeff"

"Athena combines the very best from East and West. With more than a dash of American style know-how.

Wheather she's fixing her bike, or preppin' for the prom, she's a living United Nation."

Kelly. "All dressed up with no place to go. 'No sweat' says kelly. 'I'll just run around the block a few times.' And she probably wont be running alone.

Manny. "All the breaks been going well for Manny. He's wearing the b-boy look. Need for breakin', and boy do that look tough."

Chapter 6: Peer Pressure
An instrumental number outlining the dangers of wearing neon, or having frizzy hair, or walking on a jetty.

Chapter 7: Recouping
"Oh hi there. I'm Doctor T. Have you ever been embarrassed, ashamed, or exposed? The next time you find yourself in an absoludicrous situation, don't go hide your head in the sand. Recoup instead. Recouping. 1 out of 1 Doctor Ts recommend it.

Chapter 8: Creating
Apparently "creating" means "breakdancing". Fair enough really.

Chapter 9: Treat your mother right

Girl: 12? You couln't be more than 5.
Boy: You're so fat they have to jack you up to take off your shoes.

Girl: Yeah? Well you're so skinny your eye's are in single file.
Boy: Well you're so ugly your ears stick out to get away from your face.

Girl: Well your mum is so...
Mr T: Whoa, wait a minute, wait a minute. Don't bring anyone's mother in to this. She ain't here. If it wasn't for your mother, you wouldn't be here. So remember when you put down one mother, you puttin' down mothers all over the world.

Chapter 10: Workout
Mr. T was well aware of the obesity crisis that was set to explode throughout the hamburger eating world. And the best way to get kids in shape is to dress up as an army guy with an A-team hat.

Chapter 11: I am somebody (Rappin')
Kids:
"Rapping is like street poetry"
"Even if you don't know it everybodys got a rap."
"But we don't all work on it."

Mr.T. "Rapping is a way of saying 'knock knock"
Kids: "Who's there"
Mr.T. "It's me. Open the door and listen to what I got to say."

Chapter 12: Friendship
"Where I come from a true friend is someone that when you get bit by a snake in the big toe, they'll be there to suck the poison out. Now that's a real true friend."
"Sometimes a true friend is hard to find"

Chapter 13: Mr.T's tale
Something about gangs. I couldn't listen to it. I'm sure someone died in it.

Chapter 14: Daydreaming
"If you can see it; You can be it."

In Conclusion
Well, that's it. I wanna thank you for hanging out with Mr T. I'll see you again very soon. I'll be ready whenever you push that rewind button.