In this episode, Terry attempts to get closer to Nick by engaging with modern technology.
See, if it were back in the '80s, they could just pass an antique skull back and forth, switch bodies and end up with all the empathy in the world for each other, like in Vice Versa. That they don't do exactly that is yet another sign of the times.
The episode starts with Terry creeping up on Nick, who's hanging out with some car buddies.

Their virtually incoherent conversation about whatever kind of bike Nick is sitting on is made impenetrable by Terry who intimates that Travis Barker was racing (he wasn't) and says something about such a bike having a distributor cap (it doesn't). He stalks off and everyone's like, "Whatever, gramps."
Back at home, Terry tells Linda that he no longer feels like he's connecting with Nick.
"I've tried to be cool, but I don't know what I'm talking about," says Linda. Haha, what an amazing thing to admit. She says she's given up trying, but Terry hasn't. Comedy and Tragedy have married, bleached their hair and tanned extensively, it would seem.
Terry's next plan of attack for bonding with Nick involves the computer. The potential for warmth and bonding over circuitry is overwhelming.
"What's this instant messaging stuff?" Terry wonders to Nick. Nick shows him. Linda enters the room and says, "Hey Linda, I think I'm gonna get Nick to teach me how to do the computer." Whatever the lesson, let's hope it's a gentle doing.
As Nick shows his parents the ins and outs of IMing and l33t, Linda takes issue with the concept of "LOL," thinking it's stupid that you have to inform the person you're chatting with that you're laughing. Until we get microchips implanted in our brains, it's all we've got, lady. The whole scene feels very remedial 2000's. It's like what a special-ed history lesson will look like in 50 years. That settles it: the Hogans are trailblazers.
Nick pulls close another computer so that he can chat with Terry.
Terry seriously types with one finger. By the time he's done expressing a single emotion, it'll be time to prepare that 2057 lesson plan. At some point Linda says, "I'm out, I'm lost." Linda is refreshingly aware of her limitations.
The next way Terry attempts to bond with Nick is via music.
He asks the clerk about new hip-hop. He wonders if the Biggie and 2Pac rivalry is still going on. Well, he is blonde. The clerk throws out some names that must sound ridiculous to the unaware ear: Young Jeezy, Rich Boy and Young Buck. Terry goes with Jeezy and listens to "I Luv It" in the car.
Over and over and over. We see him start the song no fewer than three times, as he pushes himself to learn the chorus:
"We count 100s on the table,
20's on the floor
Fresh outta work and on the way with some more
And I love it (yeah!), and I love it
I got gangstas in the crowd,
bad bitches at my show
Yeah its parked outside, and its sittin on fo's
And I love it (yeah!), and I love it"
Of course, learning words is one thing, understanding them is another. With his new computer skills, Terry should get to know Urban Dictionary. Anyway, the effect of this is like watching someone who can't speak English, learn it through pop music. Or, like, when English speakers listened to Menudo.
At home, Terry catches Brooke in the living room watching The Hills. Oooh, sister station love. They should have a sleepover. Terry, figuring whatever Brooke is into must be cool, IMs Nick to join them.
He actually asks, "How do I space?" OK, he just went from being out of touch with the 21st century to being out of touch with the 19th century. Welcome to the new, wild world of the typewriter, Terry! Nick joins them, but he's not big on The Hills. He's more of a Wild 'N Out type of guy. Refined! Before Nick bounces, Terry gets to show off his newfound hip-hop knowledge by tossing out some of "I Luv It." He goes on to refer to Jeezy as "Young Cheesy" and "Young Jay-Z." One step forward, two steps back.
Then, Terry attempts to connect with Nick over skeet shooting because nothing facilitates communication like a huge pair of earmuffs to block out the gun sounds. Nick declines, as he is busy, and so Terry must take Brooke. Girls can shoot guns?
Apparently, they can, as long as they stand weird and wear heels. Brooke eventually excels at shooting. She says she feels like Rambo. Terry calls her a "bimbo." The Hogans are reaching levels of warmth unlike any they've previously hit. Amazing.
Still hell bent on connecting with Nick, Terry arranges for the family to spent a day go-cart racing. Nick reluctantly agrees with a caveat: he'll drive himself because he's got things to do after. Always on the go, that Nick. Ah, the life of a racer.
Fun seems to be had. After, Linda tells Nick to give his dad a hug and thank him. Nick yells a halfhearted thank you to his family across the parking lot. Baby steps.
Finally, Terry resolves to connect with Nick in the most base way possible: by taking up Nick's true love, drift racing.
Terry takes some lessons and eventually shows off his drift knowledge to Nick.
For once, Nick is clearly taken aback.
He asks Terry what's up with the new hobby. Nakedly and touchingly, Terry says, "I figured if I could figure out what you guys are doing, I could fit in better." Awwww! And then, in response Nick says, "I'm always gonna love you." Double awwww! That's at least as touching as anything I've ever seen on The Simpsons, and all it took was a giant engine and some skid marks.
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