'Shaq Life' Episode 2 Review: How the NBA star is a doting, responsible father who's always there for his kids

'Shaq of All Trades' sees the legend spend quality time with his kids, giving them the freedom to be themselves and showering them with love and attention
PUBLISHED APR 10, 2020
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Spoilers for 'Shaq Life' Episode 2 'Shaq of All Trades'

At one point, it's not surprising when you think, "Isn't there anything Shaq can't do?". From being an NBA legend, a board member of Papa Johns and his stint as DJ Diesel, Shaq also makes sure he's a doting dad who's always there for his kids.

'Shaq of All Trades' sees the legend spend quality time with his kids, giving them the freedom to be themselves and showering them with love and attention. The final minutes move back to his Papa John's where he is seen interacting with the employees. 

The first few minutes sees him visit the graduation of his daughter, Taahirah O'Neal. Not just shown as a proud father, he also reiterates the importance of graduation and education.

Taahirah gets in some screentime with Shaq as the father-daughter duo discusses her future professional plans.  Also sharing some screentime are his sons, Shaqir and Shareef, who attended the NBA Awards and walked the Red Carpet with Shaq. 

The episode shows another side to the famed NBA player. While working on his DJ stint and Papa John's, Jackson's narration suggests Shaq's day just doesn't give him a moment's rest.

There's one heartening scene in the docuseries where he consoles his daughter, Mimi, after a bad day on the court and teaches the art of letting go. He describes her as "hard, but soft" as he teaches her to blow the grief away after the game. 

'Shaq of All Trades' sees the 48-year-old place paramount importance on his children and that makes this episode an enjoyable watch. For all the plans he has post-retirement, the one that sees him be a great dad tops the list.

One of the things Shaq understands is the need for giving his children freedom. One such instance is when he tells Shareef after the awards that he's 18 and he can hang out but advises him to be careful. 

And for those who love Samuel L Jackson, there's a small cameo there that is sure to bring in a huge smile. The second episode of 'Shaq Life' may not be as fun and jolly as the pilot, but it does shed light on Shaq's role as a father. 

Episodes 1 and 2 of 'Shaq Life' airs Thursday at 9 pm ET on TNT.

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