A Man. And His Blog.

Season 3, Episode 18 (53)
Date of airing: Feb 28, 2012 (NBC)
Nielsen ratings information: 5.16 million viewers, 1.9/5 with A18-49 (Live+SD)

A satisfying season finale, which even works as a series finale – just in case. It would work better as a series finale without the continuation of the adoption storyline though, because the rest was perfectly suited for an ending of the show. I mean, everything ended in a happy end. It’s the perfect way to close a season and possibly the series, and keeping some doors open for the next season. Mark (Jason Ritter) popping the question, Amber (Mae Whitman) still working for Bob Little (Jonathan Tucker), the final scene with Victor (Xolo Mariduena) (despite it being unrealistic, more to that in just a sec)… those three little “twists” opened the door to the fourth season, and also stay true to an end of the show. I might say now that Jason Katims knows how to write a show. Compliment to that. (I think I have a new master; I shall learn from Jason Katims now)

Of course the wedding happened, and I was quite happy that it wasn’t over the top. Okay, Billy (Derek Phillips) was, but the episode obviously needed that to get over the Adam/Crosby fight. Which was also a bit ridiculous in my opinion. There was too much salsa and beer going around in that fight, and the witnesses of this death match were too happy for my opinion. So, I couldn’t really take it seriously, which is why I found the discussion/conversation/verbal fight during the beginning pretty much useless. I loved Max’s (Max Burkholder) comment though, when he thought that Zeek (Craig T. Nelson) and Adam (Peter Krause) would go into a death match (“Mom has some salsa in the kitchen” – hilarious!). But at the end I was surprised that Adam wouldn’t sell the Luncheonette. One of the three surprises of this episode, because he was still talking about not worrying about Cornell and stuff, which is why I thought he would sell the studio (by the way: I was totally forgetting all about Cornell – what’s going to happen with Haddie now?).

Amber and Drew (Miles Heizer) had nice storylines. Though I found Amber’s decision a bit awkward, especially with that weird chemistry between her and Bob Little near the end, I liked that she had to make a decision and went through with it. More tears coming from Amber means she will resemble Kristina more and more. Go figure: The daughter actually resembles her aunt and not her mom. And Drew was deflowered – very sweet. But I couldn’t believe what I was thinking about when he and Amy (Skyler Day) went into bed: “Confidence, Cohen” That kinda made me realize that Drew is like the non-geeky and non-funny Seth Cohen, who just found his luck and probably his big love (of the youth). Anyway, I’m happy for him, and hopefully (if there’s a fourth season), the writers are going to do something with it. I mean, having sex raises the confidence of one, so Drew should finally have confidence. I would like to see him argue. Now that he has a girlfriend…

Sarah (Lauren Graham) breaking up and Mark popping the question later was also a nice storyline. First, I knew that the break-up would happen, which is why I find it surprising that he asked the question at the end. Which now makes me wonder how the Sarah/Mark relationship is going to function in the eventual fourth season with a TV show in Jason Ritter’s hand. That’s why I was expecting for the two to break up – Ritter can’t be in two shows at the same time, especially with a major role like this and a main role in the other. I’ really intrigued what will/would happen now. Other than that, Sarah’s decision for the break-up kinda came from nowhere. I would have wished for a prologue here.

Once again, the drama of Julia (Erika Christensen) and Joel (Sam Jaeger) was cut off from the rest of the family. A continuing problem, which wasn’t helped by the fact that Camille (Bonnie Bedelia) had just one scene to say something about it. Really nobody was saying something about the situation – only Camille. Which is a disappointment, because I would have thought that the drama would swim over to the rest of the Bravermans. They just lost a nephew, and they were all in the wedding preparation, not thinking about Julia’s loss? Other than that, the final scene between Julia and Zoe (Rosa Salazar) was touching. I never really saw it the way Zoe did in here, that Julia changed her life for the better. I would have wished for more tears during that scene, because I was already starting to tear up on my own. And if the scene would have been longer and more touching, I would have been completely sucked in by it. Well, anyway… The final scene was illogical for me. I mean, they get a kid in the same week they apply for it? What about all the other (probably) hundreds of couples waiting for a kid? But I was surprised to see that Victor was actually a grown-up kid. Meaning that Sydney’s new brother will actually be older than her (I believe). Could be an interesting development for the fourth season, if Joel and Julia decide to adopt Victor and make him part of the family. A new family member, who can actually talk, and is such a stranger to the Bravermans is definitely an interesting take of a story. So I hope Katims is going through with it.

The wedding itself, like I said, was nice. I was surprised to see that the break-up scenes at the beginning were used. I was also surprised that Billy was such a dick. The final pictures with Sydney (Savannah Paige Rae) and Jabbar (Tyree Brown) running after the car and Jasmine (Joy Bryant) winking back was totally romantic. Well, weddings… Every guy sitting in a romantic comedy hates them, but I loved it here. I’m a broken record, when I say that it was the almost perfect way of closing a TV series, and definitely a perfect way to write happy ends. If you have conversations, discussions and dissertations about how to end a season or series of a TV show, this episode could definitely serve as an example. Once again: Congratulations, Jason Katims. Very good work. And I will learn from you from now on. 8/10

Mark facing the reality of a dream life

The clothes fall off one by one

Season 3, Episode 17 (52)
Date of airing: Feb 21, 2012 (NBC)
Nielsen ratings information: 4.91 million viewers, 1.7/5 with A18-49 (Live+SD)

What a cute episode. Also, what a predictable episode. Considering what had happened over the first 38 minutes, there were no surprises of what happened during Transatlanticism. I find it to be the perfect outcome though, because the writers were thinking about it: What if this season is the last one? Having a happy end episode as the season premiere fits completely, and beginning the season finale with an almost-happy-end to all the characters was a great way to ring the bells for the season finale. I loved the outcome. Of every story. Despite the predictability.

Let’s begin with the bad news first: What a shame the writers weren’t ballsy enough to kill off Zoe (Rosa Salazar). When she was in deep labor, thinking she’d die, telling “I love you” to Julia (Erika Christensen), I was actually thinking about the possibility that Zoe and her baby would die during the birth. I expected that Julia and Joel (Sam Jaeger) wouldn’t be able to adopt Zoe’s baby, and that they have to think of a different way to get their second kid. So, either Zoe and her baby gets killed off, to ensue loads of emotional drama (but the writers never attempted such a story before), or Zoe would find a way to get her mother feelings straightened out and she would keep the baby. I would have loved both ways, so I loved the eventual outcome. But I would have wished that Joel would have been included in Julia’s emotional breakdown. In addition, it’s just a shame that this will be the end of Zoe. I definitely loved her appearances and her story, her friendship to Zoe, and what she meant to Julia and Joel, and what she took from them. It seems both good and bad that she will keep the baby. It is a personal happy end for Zoe, even though it means a world is crushing together for Julia and Joel. But I’m intrigued what will happen in the season finale.

The Luncheonette is about to be sold? I was kinda surprised to see this story here, because I was believing to see it in the next season (if it should come). Of course I was thinking about the possibility that the Luncheonette would be a storyline for the long haul, and that the writers would push Adam (Peter Krause) and Crosby (Dax Shepard) into a real career. Now that the offer is on the table, I don’t think anymore that the Luncheonette will exist that long in the show. Which is a shame, because it could have been interesting in one way or another. And NBC could have used the music promotion coming out of it. I mean, they already had Cee-Lo Green in here, the Luncheonette could have been the PARENTHOOD version of every bar and club of every teenage drama with a laden soundtrack. That Adam would consider the second offer was highly predictable though – probably the most predictable story of the episode. Also the only thing I didn’t really like here.

Also, I was expecting a bigger fight between Kristina (Monica Potter) and Sarah (Lauren Graham). Like I was mentioning in last episode’s review, I wanted Sarah to realize that Kristina overstepped her boundaries. Unfortunately New York came in the way, and Sarah didn’t even find time and space to think about the fact that her sister-in-law was a mother to her ow daughter. So, that was a bit of a disappointment, but I loved where Sarah’s life is currently going. Completely hopeful to move to New York, starting a new family and seeing that her kids have reached an age to be considered as adults, and then Amber (Mae Whitman) comes and just wants to have her mother for the moment. I think I know where this one is going: Sarah decides to stay and maybe break up with Mark, because like every other major storyline in PARENTHOOD, Sarah’s relationship with Mark (Jason Ritter) is nothing for more than two seasons – considering it’s the third season Mark appears in. And I don’t think – after the pilot casting for Jason Ritter, and the way of writing here – Mark will return in an eventual fourth season. Which is a shame. But I still loved the moment with Amber and Sarah at the end. A “romantic” and sad mother/daughter moment, where I was thinking about my future kids: What if I’m in a similar situation, and my son suddenly comes and realizes that adulthood is not much for him?

That Crosby and Jasmine (Joy Bryant) would find back together was also obvious, considering all the talks and moments during the camping night – most notably the first-aid moment, and the fact that Jasmine never told Jabbar (Tyree Brown) about moving in with Dr. Joe (D.B. Woodside). So, I was happy at the end, though I kinda find it ridiculous that they want to marry now. That means only one thing: wedding in the season finale! And seasons ending on a wedding are kind of lame. Nothing new. It also means that the season finale will stand as a series finale, since it’s clear now the season will end with a wedding, therefore with a happy end. That als means: no more Dr. Joe. And D.B. Woodside finally has time to grow hair and shave off his beard. Or to find a way to grow older.

All in all, good penultimate episode. I was almost crying during Transatlanticism. Perfect song choice for the final scenes, despite lyrics and stories not fitting together much (except “the water filled every hole”, which could have been synched with the raining in the tent – seriously!) 8/10

Remembering the love

Remembering the life

Season 3, Episode 16 (51)
Date of airing: Feb 14, 2012 (NBC)
Watched for review: Feb 16, 2012
Number of review in February/2012: 74/197

It was a good episode. And I think the writers should give more attention to Drew (Miles Heizer). Of all the characters, I can connect with him the most, because I was like him once. I even was in a similar situation he was in this episode, which is why I could totally relate to him. Again. All the seconds I’ve wasted to think about how Drew would act and react with a few more balls and courage to actually step up to something in his life, and then such a storyline comes, where I get his meaning, his anger, his fear. It’s always interesting to realize how PARENTHOOD pulls me back to reality again, and delivers a touching storyline I can relate to.

And it seems perfectly fine that Seth (John Corbett) was reintroduced to the show. I would like to have some Seth/Drew bonding time, as long as Seth doesn’t become another problem in Sarah’s (Lauren Graham) life and relationship. Not that the writers repeat the Seth/Sarah romance earlier this season, which already caused some trouble with Sarah and Mark (Jason Ritter). And thinking about the possibility that Mark won’t be in season four, thanks to his pilot engagement, just makes me think about the possibility that Mark and Sarah’s relationship will be shattered at the end, even though it would serve some nice drama. Anyway, I have no problems with a father being a father figure for his kids – especially Drew. I already know that Amber won’t care much, but just to get some screentime out of Drew, it would be nice when Seth becomes more of a person in somebody’s life, and not because he’s Sarah’s ex.

In contrast, I didn’t like Amber’s (Mae Whitman) story. Sorry, but her flirting around with Bob Little (Jonathan Tucker), and making out with him, seems kinda off. Maybe because it’s the first (real, otherwise second) time we have seen her making out with somebody. Also, it’s the first (real, otherwise second) love she has in the show. It’s kinda seeing Amber growing up with the show – I’m just not seeing her as an adult yet, even after all the efforts by the writers to depict her as such. Or maybe it’s jus the fact that Bob Little is “old”(finally the age difference was mentioned – I didn’t even know he was 28 years old), and I’m not getting into the story of the age difference NOT being a problem. I don’t know. But I’m curious how Kristina (Monica Potter) will factor into this story. After all, she just behaved like Amber’s mother, and no matter if Sarah is gonna have a problem with Amber and Bob Little, she will probably be pissed that Kristina suddenly plays the boss in her life. I wonder when the next fight between sister-in-laws would come. Here’s the chance. Also: Haddie (Sarah Ramos) ratting Amber out was not cool!

Max’s (Max Burkholder) story was okay. I’m getting a bit annoyed that every story about him has also to be about his Asperger’s. Nice that he finds a friend with Micah (Hayden Byerly) (which was a predictable outcome, after they were sitting friendly side by side and playing their video games), and I’m pretty sure the writers, especially Jason Katims, want to go deeper into disability kids, and how they are coping. Otherwise I couldn’t explain why Micah’s parents (Melissa Greenspan, Cory Blevins) were also introduced already, as well as the short scene, when he tried to get his wife calm, since they were so happy that Micah found a friend. I really hope this story wasn’t just done to give Max screentime again after his day out of the Braverman house. Hopefully the writers are following something up with it.

Only Crosby’s (Dax Shepard) fear that there might be something wrong with Zeek (Craig T. Nelson) was boring. Since I already knew Zeek doesn’t really see his heart problems as threatening (even though he kinda chickens out, when it comes to talking about this topic). The basketball game was nice though. I also miss those kind of scenes, when the cast is just doing something – playing, talking about random stuff, losing themselves in their characters for a minute, and the camera is just capturing them. I always liked those (unfortunately short) scenes earlier (the football scene with the whole family plus William Baldwin in season two comes to mind). But the story could have led to something more than just the ending, when Crosby decided to let Zeek play the little game he does. No outcome here, instead Crosby just knows something the others don’t. And I don’t think it will be much of a problem in the show for now. Except the writers are actually planning to “get rid” of Zeek in the form of a character death. Which would be … dramatic and emotional.

And finally there are Julia (Erika Christensen) and Zoe (Rosa Salazar). Sorry, but their story is completely shut off from the rest of the show, which doesn’t even look normal anymore. It’s time that Julia is somehow involved with her siblings again – talking to them, discussing whether Zoe is changing her mind, or something. But how it looks now… It’s like Julia has her very own TV show, which doesn’t even have to do with PARENTHOOD anymore. Which is a shame. I also didn’t really like that Zoe and Julia were “fighting” about what former should do in her life, after the baby is born, but at the end they are happy and best friends again. I loved the friends-angle; I loved that Julia tried to help Zoe where she could; I liked that the writers were trying to break them up again, to make the birth and the eventual decision even more emotional. But now they are back to being friends again, which ruins the plot the writers have prepared in the last two episodes.

It’s Drew’s story, which heaps the episode above season average. When I understand a character and can feel with him, TV shows suddenly get better. 7.5/10

Not having much fun, eh?

Neither for Drew, who prefers being emotional

Season 3, Episode 15 (50)
Date of airing: Feb 7, 2012 (NBC)
Watched for review: Feb 14, 2012
Number of review in February/2012: 69/192

Another solid episode, but this time a bit weaker than the last one. This one didn’t feel like it was part of the bigger season, because it felt so stand-alone. The fear of Zoe (Rosa Salazar) changing her mind was just a precaution from her side to not get too much closer to Julia (Erika Christensen); the love romance between Amber (Mae Whitman) and Bob Little (Jonathan Tucker) was nothing but a fling causing trouble in Amber’s mind; and Sarah’s (Lauren Graham) fear of being late in the parenthood was also pretty much resolved at the end. So, not much happened at the end. Stories were actually finished.

Crosby (Dax Shepard) and Adam’s (Peter Krause) story wasn’t mine though. I can understand why Adam wants to fully go into business, especially with Haddie going to college now, so I can understand his pressure. It felt a bit awkward though that Crosby didn’t wanna ruin a friendship with the competition, and I also find it awkward he wasn’t very much into getting the band for the Luncheonette. Logically speaking, even Crosby should have realized that closing accounts is going to be important for the business. Which is why I liked Adam this time around though. He’s risking things now. He also wasn’t in the focus of the episode, which was also nice. It does the show good, when at least Adam and Kristina are not always in the center of all attention. Also, Crosby’s private storyline wasn’t my thing, because it feels like I’ve seen it already. Crosby talking drunk about his heart being crushed by Jasmine (Joy Bryant), and Lily (Courtney Ford) clearly being affected by it. Now that they are actually depicted as a real couple (I must have missed an episode, because it still seems not “gettable”, maybe it’s the missing chemistry), I’m kinda getting the feeling the writers want to break them up again. A bit of consistency would be nice, just to go with the flow that the siblings actually can have normal relationships for once.

Amber’s story was okay. It sucked a bit that the writers used it to make her unsure of what she wants and what situation she is in. I also don’t know what to expect from this story in the future. Are Bob and Amber still trying to get it on. Is she accepting the crush he has on her, and fully goes into a relationship? Is she accepting that she might have a career in the political business, as Bob sees it? Are the writers using this opportunity to not just get Drew “away” from Sarah, but also Amber?

Zoe’s story seemed alright. I knew it would happen eventually, and I knew that Julia would be devastated by her fear. Unfortunately I was missing the drama here. The scene in the bedroom was great, but I wanted to see more than just this one little scene. Instead the episode gave me a call, and Joel (Sam Jaeger) asking the question. As well as a kinda pissed off Zoe, who just doesn’t want to be close. I think it would have been much better to show from the beginning what the story was all about. This way, I wouldn’t have waited for the drama I didn’t get at the end, and the story would have had a clear purpose: that Zoe still wants to get through with the adoption, and that Joel and Julia will have a baby son. Nice was the scene between Sydney (Savannah Paige Rae) and Zoe though – even though there really was a misleading message right there.

The baby wish between Sarah and Mark (Jason Ritter) seemed fine. I knew that she would feel awkward around his friends, when she doesn’t know anything about (I was also happy Kirsten [Melanie Kannokada] wasn’t used for a jealousy-kind storyline), but it was also a story not leading to anything. Except that Sarah wants the baby now. Which feels awkward, now that I know the fate of Jason Ritter in this show. Now I don’t know what to think of the story, and how to get invested in the Sarah/Mark relationship, and the fact that Sarah finally has a chance to settle. In a relationship. Though I would gladly take the drama resulting out of an eventual break-up. I liked though that Camille (Bonnie Bedelia) “learned” of Sarah’s future plans. It could have been a much greater scene, seeing the daughter talking to her mother about wanting to become a mother again, yet the scene wasn’t used. It shows that the cast is too big to give all the characters the attention they deserve with their individual storylines (a reason why I love the road trip episode). 6.5/10

Amber being lovely

Zoe being complicated

Season 3, Episode 14 (49)
Date of airing: Jan 17, 2012 (NBC)
Watched for review: Feb 14, 2012
Number of review in February/2012: 65/188

It was a good episode. I wanted to like the whole thing, but some stories were a bit awkward for me, even though they still had some nice things at the end. Mostly Amber’s (Mae Whitman) storyline and her friendly relationship to Bob Little (Jonathan Tucker), which will definitely turn into some kind of real relationship. I just don’t know how great it will be to have Amber having a relationship with an older guy. But then again maybe it’s just me who is thinking too much into it, since the age problem wasn’t even mentioned yet. In addition, not even a possible romance between the two was teased here. It was all just about admiration, little flirtations, and maybe a crush from Amber’s point of view (but not even that got some real attention in the episode). At the end, the whole thing feels like the breakthrough in Amber’s life, where she finally gets something to do she likes, and she’s respected in (and Bob gives her enough reasons to be respected as part of the campaign), and not really like the prologue to a romance storyline. Yet it wouldn’t be wrong for Amber to have a boyfriend, despite being older. It would make her character shine a bit different with a proper boyfriend, and not the stoner loser she had in the second season.

The campaign night in general was pretty nice, since it wasn’t just about Amber and Bob Little. Maybe it would have worked even more, when Kristina (Monica Potter) would have gotten some greater attention. After all, it was also her night; she also had a fast-beating heart, when it comes to giving Bob a great introduction to the folks at the party. For now, Bob Little comes over as the way of means to get Amber into a storyline, and not Kristina. Maybe that changes in the future. Hopefully it changes. It’s not wrong to have a supporting character returning like Jason Ritter, and maybe even more often than him.

Haddie’s (Sarah Ramos) Cornell story was good, though it was one of the awkward ones in the midpart of the episode. The discussion about the intuition money was stereotypical, and it was so to be expected that Haddie would be upset about it, despite the fact that I liked that part of the story. But it’s just typically PARENTHOOD that Adam (Peter Krause) and Kristina discussed about it, decided that Haddie can’t go to Cornell, and yet Adam was the lovable father at the end and didn’t tell Haddie anything, except that he’s going to try anything. Sure, it’s a father’s love for his daughter, but it came over awkwardly. As if the writers forced themselves to keep the story going, and not to keep Haddie upset for much longer. Though it would have been a nicer story, if Haddie wouldn’t have had a choice to go to a community college. She’s still going to college anyway (I hope so, making something GILMORE GIRLS season 4-like out of the fourth season of PARENTHOOD), so why not getting the last emotional and dramatic things out of the story and making life harder for Haddie, before she goes off?

So, Drew (Miles Heizer) is interested in biology? The story was okay. That Sarah (Lauren Graham) realized her son is slipping away from her… I don’t even see it like that. I can’t even understand why she didn’t see it sooner. Even I realized that Drew has interests outside of his family life, since he never participated into something with the family, as much as Sarah probably wanted to. I liked the moment, when Sarah realized it though, trying to get Drew’s interest back, trying to get back into the loop. And realizing again that Drew basically develops a life outside of her. How Drew acted with Amy’s parents (Kirsten Nelson, Jamie Kaler), how they kinda see him as a son (Amy’s father always wanted to have in the first place) – it’s more of an interesting story for Amber than it is for Drew. I hope the writers follow up on this. I also hope Drew and Amy (Skyler Day) don’t break up with each other. They are cute together – despite the fact they haven’t been given cute moments in this episode.

Julia’s (Erika Christensen) story with Zoe (Rosa Salazar) was the best, because I can feel the pain. I am in a bit of fear that the writers will go with the twist that Zoe is going to keep the baby. I fear that Julia and Joel (Sam Jaeger) won’t have a baby in the next season. I fear that hearts are going to be broken. Yet it would be the only way to make an awesome emotional story out of it. Even on Zoe’s side, who would be more heart-broken keeping the baby than Julia losing one. Just thinking about it makes me “wet as a writer”. Because if you’re really talented, you can make all kinds of emotional drama out of this story at the end of this season. Zoe keeping the baby, hurting Julia and Joel in the process, but also understanding all the pain she will be causing (or all of this doesn’t even happen at all). Their hug at the end, when Zoe ran out of the preggers room was emotional already, and definitely a moment, where both realized that this could go either way: in a happy end for Julia, but also in a story where Zoe will probably be the enemy for Julia. Interesting how the writers built that one up. I was expecting that though. With Zoe being in front and center so often, it was clear it would happen some time.

And finally there was Lily (Courtney Ford) causing some trouble in Jasmine’s (Joy Bryant) mind. I was surprised this was coming that fast. But the story is the total cliché. Especially since Jasmine got two scenes, where she could show her confusion about Lily’s involvement in Jabbar’s (Tyree Brown) life now. I also was a bit surprised that Lily was so friendly to Jabbar, talking to him like they will see each other very often. And she and Crosby (Dax Shepard) aren’t even depicted as a real couple yet, they’re just dating in the least possible meaning of being a “couple” in a network television drama. I like Lily though, but she needs to get more interesting to be actually interesting in a relationship with Crosby. In this episode, she was clearly the story element in Jasmine’s character arc. And for that, Lily’s character wasn’t developed properly. 7/10

The woman is the man in the house!

Also: girlfriends can be complicated sometimes, when they listen to other girlfriend's talks

Season 3, Episode 13 (48)
Date of airing: Jan 10, 2012
Watched for review: Jan 10, 2012
Number of review in February/2012: 59/182

A charming episode. I was smiling all the way, because I figured out that the writers obviously want Mark (Jason Ritter) to have on board for the long haul. I’m still kinda waiting for the break-up story to happen, because it’s care that a guest star, a supporting guest character like Mark, is considered to be a repertoire player for the writers until the end of the show. Basically like Tara in BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, if she wouldn’t have been killed off for evil Willow. But that’s what I was thinking about when I think about Tara: Mark is part of the family, part of the cast, the character pool, you would basically be unable to not see the show without him. Either until he’s killed off, or the show is in fact over. I would be really happy for the writers not to look for that break-up story and instead decide to let Mark stay in the show. The story is still very cute, I like his talks with Sarah (Lauren Graham) about a baby, I liked how Sarah was able to talk to her sisters about him, and I liked that his first joke to Sarah’s brothers was the damn pink box. I like it took him two years to meet Sarah’s family (yet he hasn’t met them all), which also means the writers are going slowly into it. As if they want all the momentum to be build and don’t care whether it takes two episodes or two seasons.

So, that was the great part about the episode, now to the worst part. The fight between Adam (Peter Krause) and Crosby (Dax Shepard) was ridiculous. I already know how stupid Crosby can be sometimes, but even a guy like him would have realized how stupid the fight about the cover was in reality. It didn’t have any meaning at all for either the story and the characters, and the fight itself sounded and looked so over-the-top, I wanted it to end. And I was so expecting for Crosby to get apeshit, when Adam suddenly started to answer the questions, while Crosby was getting his guitar. Predictable story, not exciting. But I liked that Max (Max Burkholder) found the cover to be awesome, and I also liked that the fight led Crosby to flirt with Lily (Courtney Ford). She was a charming character in her first episode, and now that she might be a love interest, I’m happy for her upcoming appearances.

Joel (Sam Jaeger) and Julia’s (Erika Christensen) story was okay. I’m surprised again that Zoe (Rosa Salazar) hasn’t given birth to the baby yet. Seems like she is heavily pregnant for half the season now, and I don’t know if I should find it realistic to wait until the season finale for the birth. Sure, it gives me more Zoe, but Kristina’s pregnancy took only five episodes and all the time between seasons, while Zoe is in the second and third trimester of her pregnancy throughout the whole season. I don’t know if the writers are clear about their narrow timeline here, but that’s a different topic. Nice that her story with Troy is finished now, probably giving Zoe the last piece of dramatic character story. Also nice that the adoption is almost in the clear. And I really hope Zoe is not changing her mind. I’m trusting the writers not to get me angry here…

And finally Amber’s (Mae Whitman) days as an assistant. Oh boy, she must stand against the ivy league assholes. Thank you for not letting her lie she visited a college or so, and thank you for not getting much deeper into that story. Instead I hope the writers don’t go into a romantic arc with Bobby (Jonathan Tucker) here. Sure, Amber seriously needs a boyfriend, but how old is he? And what is Kristina (Monica Potter) thinking when her assistant is sleeping with her boss? Or the ivy league assholes? And what will Sarah think about her daughter sleeping with an older man, while she is having a serious relationship with a younger man. Actually, that could be a cool contrast between mother and daughter here. Maybe the writers should bring it, just to play it out. 7.5/10

Hello, flirty scene

Hello, awkward face

Season 3, Episode 12 (47)
Date of airing: Jan 3, 2012 (NBC)
Watched for review: Jan 5, 2012
Number of review in February/2012: 55/178

Loved this episode. It’s cool how the writers are suddenly able to do something different and bring the whole family together for the whole episode, and still keep individual storylines happening throughout the episode. I am almost about to say this was the best episode of PARENTHOOD so far. Just wonderful how the stories were handled, how a smile was created on my face, and how all the storylines were connected to grandma’s (Frances Sternhagen) birthday at the end. Yes, definitely wonderful. I’d wish for all the episodes to be like this.

But, because of some stereotypical moments, it won’t be getting the full treatment. The writers have finally created a storyline where Drew (Miles Heizer) could sing the truth and nothing but the truth to Sarah (Lauren Graham), but at the end he’s still the shy little boy, who can’t seem to get the word out. When he saw Sarah having sex, I was instantly thinking he would think about Mark being the replacement father – the new guy in her mother’s life, the new gut in the guest house. But then, I didn’t even know if he was really thinking that. He was just talking about the awkward sex scene in the guest house, and it was just all about “moms don’t have sex” between Drew and Sarah. I really wanted more from this story, but I didn’t get it. In addition, the handshaking was really awkward. In those kind of moments I’d wish for Drew to grow up and grow balls for a couple of seconds.

This was the only problem I’ve had with the episode though. Because the rest was wonderful. Though a bit predictable, especially when it came to the house arrest. First, it was pretty sweet to see that Max (Max Burkholder) cleaned his room and made dinner, but I was instantly knowing Kristina (Monica Potter) would chicken out and take the plane out to granny. It would have been even more awesome drama-wise, when Kristina and Max would have stayed behind, but the episode obviously needed that happy-end picture at the end, which is why I can live with it. The talk between Adam (Peter Krause) and Haddie (Sarah Ramos) could have also been bigger, but since the episode had different things to deal with, there wasn’t much time for a father wanting to talk with his teenage daughter, before she goes to college. In addition, the “sorry” came a bit early for my taste.

I also loved the situation in Joel’s (Sam Jaeger) car. Crosby (Dax Shepard) singing with the kids in the back, Julia (Erika Christensen) being annoyed, having great memories with her granny, while Crosby just hates her for her having hated him in the past. I loved that Joel had to smile, and basically was on Crosby’s side there, being amused by the stories about Julia winning the spelling bee. And I just loved that Crosby is a comedian here. His flak jacket gag, the fact that he was singing all the time, and finally losing the chair and still being funny about it… I don’t know, sometimes I hate him, but in episodes like this I adore him and see him as a brother.

And finally there’s Zeek (Craig T. Nelson) and his relationship to his mother. Great feeling to have the original generation in an episode. And also great that it was given a story. The contrast between Blanche as Zeek’s mother, and Zeek as a father to his children was big enough to notice, when he was talking about telling all his kids “I love you” every day. I could feel the difficult past between the two, and I could feel that he was still fighting for his mother’s approval in anything. Great story. Now I’d wish for Blanche to return, but only so that the story can be continued. Because I believe it ain’t over yet.

Then a few personal words. Once again, PARENTHOOD showed me what I’ve missed in my life. I never had such a big family, and especially family like this, who cared about another. Episodes like this, whether they are patriotic like 7TH HEAVEN or not, remind me that family should still be important to everyone, and family is the one who keeps your back. You can have your individual problems, but you can always rely on your family. Something I’ve never had, and something I always wanted. PARENTHOOD gives me a world, where I could dream about having a family like this, and episodes like this make the dream real for an hour. This is because why I love PARENTHOOD so much, and why I give it so much attention, even though it doesn’t deserve all the attention at times. And this is why I fall in love with this show all over again, even though the episode wasn’t pitch-perfect. If I had the device, I would make my brain forget this episode and watch it over and over. Having the great feeling of togetherness over and over. 9.5/10

Road trip with a smile on the face

Road trip with pit stop at the grandparents' house

The episode was solid. Like most of the time during the second season, there’s not much to talk about the show, when you only recite the stories and go at it without really having a big chance to talk about the show in an overall meaning, how it affects me, how I see the realism, how it could change television. Sure, I sometimes talk about similar things happening/having happened in my life, but that’s basically it. And I imagine readers who feel bored always reading the same stuff I write. I understand you, but what can I do when the episodes are always the same?

Going straight into Max’s (Max Burkholder) storyline, I don’t know what to make of it. It looked important, it looked as if it was developing Max as a character for once, but that story was so … I don’t know, it didn’t say anything. If Max only disappeared, just so the writers have a chance to get Adam (Peter Krause) and Kristina (Monica Potter) back together as a married couple, then it’s noticeable that the writers use big storylines just for small outcome – which is a waste of time after a while. If the story was used to show Max alone in the whole wide world, then it wasn’t much successful, because it only showed Max alone at the bus station, in the bus, and in the city. That’s it. Three short moments for nothing. If Max’s disappearance was used for Haddie (Sarah Ramos) to open her mouth and think differently about the situation regarding her brother, then it succeeded on a small level. Because her anger towards Max was moving and understandable. And again, noticeable. After Sydney and Amber, daughter number three got a little storyline – the writers haven’t forgotten the kids. Now I hope that event will have some repercussions, even though they’re just character-based. But something has to come out of Max walking in the city alone. Maybe his parents are finally able to trust him more, to let him out more?

Adam and Kristina at work at the same time, on a Saturday… Well, it only led to Max’s story, but it was interesting to see. Not that Kristina starts a little fling with Little Bob (Jonathan Tucker) there, because I rather want her to see at work. After seeing Adam at work for two and a half seasons, it’s time for the reverse. In addition, I like that Kristina hired Amber (Mae Whitman). When she offered her the assistant’s job, I was instantly thinking about how Amber gave “lessons” to Max (which Kristina mentioned later), and how Amber could show herself in a bigger world than just a coffee house. Instead of letting Kristina have a “revenge” flick, show how she connects with Amber on her job, and show how Amber does in this world. Hopefully that’s also happening in the future. Furthermore, I was actually surprised that Kristina took Amber under her wing. When she was standing in front of Adam and Crosby (Dax Shepard), I was thinking about my last episode’s review and Amber starting a bit of a music career in the studio. Then Kristina came and Amber had a different job. Nice little move I haven’t anticipated. I love those kind of surprises.

The “affair” trouble between Crosby and Jasmine (Joy Bryant) was boring though. I can understand why the writers went into it and ended it right here, but I regard this also as a waste of time, because I already see that it won’t develop anything. Crosby and Jasmine are pretty much the same after this episode, even though the last episode had the chance to show different characters from now on. At the end, I didn’t even like that Crosby started to appreciate Dr. Joe (D.B. Woodside) and what he is doing for Jabbar (Tyree Brown).

The babysitting session with Sarah (Lauren Graham) and Mark (Jason Ritter) was cool though. I loved them here, and I loved where this story was leading. Not that I’m waiting for a big “I love you” ceremony here, but it looks good when the writers actually plan long-term here. I just hope the writers go long-term in this season. The show doesn’t need the third pregnant woman within 16 episodes. It would look kinda awkward to TV critics (like me, lol). Although it would be kinda awesome, when the writers don’t care and impregnate Sarah until the season finale. I wanna know how the audience reacts, who think that baby stories bring artificial and/or fake character problems.

The thing involving Zoe (Rosa Salazar) was not really good though. I don’t know if it’s believable that Julia (Erika Christensen) accepts not having a baby, because Zoe’s boyfriend is shooting in town. I love the drama resulting out of it, but Julia is so damn cold to Zoe, and I don’t buy that for a bit, after the two were literally best friends a handful of episodes ago. And I don’t buy that Julia is just taking that for granted, just because Troy is not ready to sign the papers. So, here I would have expected more emotions coming from Julia and not just Zoe. Maybe next episode. 7/10

Getting the hang of it for later

Angry sister makes her point

The episode was alright. Like I already expected during the last episode, the whole thing with Rachel (Alexandra Daddario) and Adam (Peter Krause) is, for PARENTHOOD standards, not really likable. I don’t like how a clichéd storyline like this is taking the main stream of the show at the moment, and I don’t like that it is shattering the marriage between Adam and Kristina (Monica Potter). Though I believe the Rachel situation leads Kristina back to the work force, which also leads to a new storyline for her.

Now I ask myself if Rachel was only written into the episode to get Kristina back on her feet. If so, then I should start applauding the writers for taking detours to get to their stories, even though it’s much easier to let the characters say what they want, so that they can do it. But then, on the other hand, it’s Writers 101 to show it, not just tell it. But needing two episodes and a complete new character for the decision-making of a character? I don’t know… At least the fight between Adam and Kristina was authentic enough to still let me believe the writers are going into it with all kinds of realism they have to offer. And that’s a good thing, when even the stereotypical storylines are good enough to not shine through as if they were used in hundreds of different TV shows.

Crosby’s (Dax Shepard) story was also okay. I knew he would get back together (or at least just in bed) with Jasmine after the “Previously on” part. I don’t know what to make of it though. I can’t imagine that Jasmine (Joy Bryant) would cheat on Dr. Joe, and I was thinking that there was no rescue for Crosby and Jasmine, that they will always not be together, since the Gaby situation (I was surprised she was mentioned by Adam, btw), but now they were having some nice sessions in her bed, and now I think there will be a long and hard story about how the two will find each other’s love again, and how Jabbar (Tyree Brown) is jumping back to the perfect family. Especially since Crosby and Jasmine were talking with Jabbar about the situation. Interesting is though that I was always believing Rachel would be Crosby’s love interest. Now Rachel is the slippery slope between Adam and Kristina, and Crosby is happy with the mother of his son again. Who would have thought hat (except the writers?)

Amber’s (Mae Whitman) money problems… not really interesting. I mean, it feels like the writers pushed for this story, because Amber didn’t have much to do since she moved into her own artist’s apartment. But the story felt fake, it didn’t feel normal and it didn’t fit with what I wanted to see for Amber. But it could lead to a nice story. I was always wondering what Amber’s goals would be, after she didn’t really manage to get into the music she is practicing. Now that she’s looking for a goal, and now that there’s the Luncheonette. One and one usually makes two. Maybe Amber will be sitting in the Luncheonette with her guitar at the end of the season? Btw: She needs a boyfriend. That’s what I was thinking when she was so “alone” doing her things during the opening. She doesn’t have anybody in her life – her family is at home, her friends (if she has any) we haven’t seen…

Meanwhile, there was the whole thing with Troy (Rafi Gavron) I didn’t wanna like. First off, he was a charming enough character to let this story look great, but… I don’t know. The fact that he wants money from Joel (Sam Jaeger) and Julia (Erika Christensen) for the baby makes me think he wants to rip them off, and he wants to shine in a great white light while doing it. I kinda liked that Troy was included into the story, though it would have been better to let Zoe (Rosa Salazar) stand there alone, without a man in her life, making her character even more miserable than she was during her first appearances. Now that Troy was included, it looks like the final rock in the way of getting a new baby for Julia and Joel. And that’s just forced, especially since there was no mention of Troy previously (at least I can’t recall). I liked how Joel kept his cool again though. When he realized Troy was asking for money, I was seeing Joel beating up Troy for that. Instead, he just lowered his voice, explained that Troy is not getting any money, and he shouldn’t even think about getting money from them. Even when it means Joel wouldn’t get the baby. Interesting little scene there. By the way: Shouldn’t Zoe give birth right now? Seems like she nine months pregnant for three months now. But maybe that’s just me. 6.5/10

Jasmine and Jabbar are happy and laughing for once

Kristina is mad and sad again

Another very solid episode with a nice surprise: Sydney (Savannah Paige Rae) got a storyline all for herself, which I haven’t expected at all. She barely had any screentime at all since the first season and the “twist” of her being a genius. Which brings me to ask if Sydney is still a genius? She surely didn’t behave like one in this episode, and that’s why I think the writers kinda have forgotten their earlier development.

The story was fun though. I wanted to laugh, when Julia (Erika Christensen) was sitting in front of Sydney’s door, drinking wine and getting annoyed and frustrated about her daughter’s behavior, but realized that it must be a difficult thing to do, when you have a ranting daughter, who turns out to be a spoiled brat, and you wonder how it came to that. In addition I was really glued to the screen when Sydney lost the board game against Joel (Sam Jaeger), and she started to get mad and furious, and eventually hit him. I was soooooooo waiting for Joel to lose it in that scene, but at the end I was very surprised he didn’t lose his cool. In fact he kept his cool, was more of a father than I have seen in recent television, and that scene made the story more interesting than it was during the little discussion between Julia and Joel during the first half. Especially since it was treated as a funny storyline at first (I was smiling, when Joel got the words “spoiled brat” out of his mouth, realizing that he is raising a literal princess, who wants everything). Also, the outcome of the story was great. Zeek (Craig T. Nelson) playing Chess against her, Zeek winning (and I was waiting for the twist that Sydney in fact beat her grandfather in Chess, making the moral of the episode not just imperfect, but impossible), and the handshake.

I have a bone to pick with Adam (Peter Krause) though. Didn’t like it. Maybe because I already know where the writers are going with every episode, and I have trust in them not to fall into the pit of stereotypes and clichéd storytelling. But when Adam stayed for the little Luncheonette party, followed by driving Rachel (Alexandra Daddario) home, followed by bringing her to her door, followed by that kiss, I was closing my eyes. I don’t wanna see that in PARENTHOOD. No matter what might come out of it (the Seth situation with Sarah seems to be over too), I initially won’t like it when I first see it, and that has a negative outcome on the ranking. Sure, Rachel is a nice character, and when she thanked Adam for being nice, I was seeing some interesting qualities in her persona, which could make it for some interesting stories. But that kiss… That kiss. I really don’t wanna know what the aftermath might be, and I really don’t wanna see Adam and Kristina fight for their lives and their children. Especially since it’s a cliché that with the new baby, problems for the couple also arises.

Kristina’s (Monica Potter) story with Max’s bullies was alright though. It was between okay-ish and uninteresting for almost the whole time, until she gave it to Louis (Austin Michael Coleman) straight, in front of many eyes. The black woman especially interested me in that scene – as if she was a parent or teacher, and not happy about Kristina’s little rant to one of the students. As if there will be a story following because of it. But hey, I liked Kristina kicking ass here.

Sarah (Lauren Graham) and her son in love… Well, of course that would have repercussions. I was actually hoping for Amy (Skyler Day) to cause something good out of her relationship with Drew (Miles Heizer), but then the cliché and a D came with the report card. Not really a likable story, but I can accept it. The talk between him and Amber (Mae Whitman) was cute (I wanna see more of those scenes – seriously!), and the talk between Sarah and Mark (Jason Ritter) was interesting. Nice that Mark has also something to say to Sarah for once. And I was on his side here. I will remember that, when I have kids.

And finally there’s Crosby (Dax Shepard). So, it’s not him who’s the love interest for Rachel? I’m kinda surprised. I wonder what will happen, when he suddenly starts to make out with Rachel in front of Adam. Though… I don’t really wanna know. I actually want that story to vanish, or Rachel being a real assistant slash music manager. 7/10

Something just happened here

Something's gonna happen here