catcher freeman

October 8, 2007 – ? …Or Die Trying Tom, Sarah and Usher Thank You for Not Snitching Stinkmeaner Strikes Back The Story of Thugnificent Attack of the Killer Kung-Fu Wolf Bitch Shinin' Ballin' Invasion of the Katrinians Home Alone The S-Word The Story of Catcher Freeman The Story of Gangstalicious Part 2 The Hunger Strike † The Uncle Ruckus Reality Show † † Canada-only ? Season 1

"The Story of Catcher Freeman" is the twelfth episode of the second season of the Adult Swim animated television series The Boondocks and the twenty seventh episode overall. It first aired on January 28, 2008.

Plot

The story begins in the Freeman home, when Robert regales the boys with the story of their heroic ancestor, Catcher Freeman. Later, Ruckus drops by and tells his own version of the story. Finally, Huey does some web research and uncovers yet another story.

All of the stories follow the same basic plotline -- Catcher Freeman was a slave, yet a mythical figure in the antebellum South, nearby a cotton plantation where a Confederate Colonel, Colonel George Lynchwater a.k.a. "Massa Colonel", owns many slaves. The slaves include Tobias, the house slave and cringing lackey to Lynchwater, and Thelma, one of the cooks. Tobias is in love with Thelma, but Thelma does not (initially) return the feelings. Thelma escapes the plantation one night, but after an encounter with Catcher, returns to plan a revolt. The slaves secretly organize the revolt, in which Catcher Freeman (in all versions) plays a pivotal role. The Colonel (and in two versions) Tobias are both killed, and Thelma escapes North and marries Catcher.

However, the three versions have key differences in characterizations (not the least of which is Catcher himself), motives and how the events unfolded.

Robert's version shows Catcher Freeman as an escaped slave turned dashing highwayman-like character, almost superheroic in his combat skills. While he kills several white men, he does so only in defense of other slaves. After rescuing Thelma during her escape, he inspires her to find her own bravery, and return to lead the other slaves to freedom. He pledges to return to spearhead the assault. Before leaving, he gives her a revolver, solemnly telling her that she will know when the time is right to use it. The next day, the revolt begins, yet the Colonel, informed of the revolt by Tobias, lays in wait with several soldiers. Catcher and his band appear and turn the tide, leading to a climactic swordfight between Catcher and his nemesis on the steps of the Plantation. Catcher wins and beheads his foe, and victory seems complete until Tobias, distraught over the death of his master, levels a flintlock at Catcher. Catcher stands bravely, ready to be martyred.