'Shaq Life' Episode 8 Review: Shaq is a strict disciplinarian as he gets son Shaqir prepped for the big stage
Spoilers for 'Shaq Life' Episode 8 'Shaq's Shocking New Roommate'
If the previous episode was all about Shaq and Shareef, this one swaps the latter out for Shaqir O'Neal. From the docuseries, we have seen Shaqir as more of a teen prankster, something that Shaq himself admits.
The episode picks up from the final minutes of 'Shaq Daddy' where the young gun asks his father to take him to Atlanta as he wants to be the best basketball player there is. Wish Granted. But it's not going to come easy for Shaqir.
'Shaq's Shocking New Roommate' sees the NBA star divide his time between his MMA training and his son's basketball training. There is also a moment in the show where Shaq advises about the compliments on social media that shouldn't be taken straight to the head.
In this case, Shaqir is quite a star on Instagram, but his dad isn't having on it. To him, solid training, dedication, and discipline are bedrocks that made him a success, and now that's the blueprint he intends to pass train his son with.
The episode throws light on how an army-style treatment played an instrumental role in Shaq's development to be the successful man he is today. Over the course of the 20-minute episode, there's a look at how Shaqir still has a long way to go.
It also shows how Shaq takes a personal interest in making sure his son is physically and mentally ready to make it to the big leagues. On one side, it is also understandable how Shaqir has pressure coming in, considering his dad is a superstar and his brother is well on his way to making a career in basketball.
That said, he also has a mentor in Shaq — a strict disciplinarian, but also a man who loves and cares for his son. With the docuseries set to air it's finale next week, this is pretty much the last chapter we see of Shaq and his sons as Samuel L Jackson gives the viewers a sneak peek of what's to be expected — An MMA grapple, the Lalapalooza gig and some work at Papa John's.
But for now, it is safe to say, 'Shaq Life' has been a fun ride so far. Episodes 9 and 10 of 'Shaq Life' airs Thursday at 9 pm ET on TNT.
