"May God Bless and Keep You Always," PARENTHOOD

Article first published as TV Review: 'Parenthood' Series Finale - "May God Bless and Keep You Always" on Blogcritics.

 

The one word that best sums up NBC’s Parenthood series finale, “May God Bless and Keep You Always,” is beautiful. From start to finish, it’s chock full of moving moments, paying off character relationships, and setting up the various players for bright futures. It’s sweet and tear-worthy, sad, and promising. It makes me miss the show already, and it’s only just left us.

The meat of “May God Bless and Keep You Always” revolves around Sarah’s (Lauren Graham) wedding to Hank (Ray Romano), which is a natural place to go. For one, it allows Sarah a romantic ending, something that eludes her over the six seasons of the show. For another, events like this bring everyone together and make them rethink their priorities. It spurs big decisions and tender moments.

One of the best moments of Parenthood is Zeek (Craig T. Nelson) asking Sarah if he’s a good father as the two sit on the porch together. They’ve had their ups and downs, as everyone has on Parenthood, yet they come through stronger than ever. It’s a familial bond echoed among all of the characters, and while it may be inappropriate for Zeek to tell Sarah that she’s his favorite, it’s true enough in the moment, and it means everything to her.

There are a myriad of other examples of the same throughout the too-short hour. Adam (Peter Krause) shows Crosby (Dax Shepard) he’s proud of him as Crosby steps into his own. Zeek and Camille (Bonnie Bedelia) ask Amber (Mae Whitman) to move in with them, providing much-needed help with her infant. Haddie (Sarah Ramos) returns and tells Max (Max Burkholder) how much she appreciates him being her brother. Hank asks Drew (Miles Heizer) to be his best man, leading to an awkward, in-character speech. All of these are homeruns.

Some viewers have complained that everyone gets their happy endings, but optimism has always been a central tenant of the show. We get flash forwards showing where each character is just a few years down the road, and no one is sad. But how is that any different than Kristina (Monica Potter) successfully fighting her way through cancer or Joel (Sam Jaeger) and Julia (Erika Christensen) making their marriage work? It’s not. Having Joel and Julia end up with four children, echoing the Braverman clan, makes it even more perfect.

There’s sadness in “May God Bless and Keep You Always,” too. Zeek’s season-long arc comes to an end when he passes away. This is necessary because it’s realistic and it serves the story Parenthood has been telling in year six. But interspersing his memorial baseball game with the flash forwards emphasizes the cycle of life, and that this marvelous family Zeek and Camille built will keep their heart-warming traditions alive, continuing to grow and being loving towards one another. 

Parenthood is a sappy series, and never more so than its final episode. That isn’t a complaint, though. It’s the perfect family drama, giving us authentic relationships with usually-genuine conflict, but showing how such can be overcome. In a world where this type of family is rapidly disappearing, I’m lucky enough to belong to a clan very similar to the Bravermans (as the eldest grandchild), and I’ve very much enjoyed seeing that experience shared with the viewing public in general. This does exist, and can for more families (though not all) if they really work at it.

If I have one complaint about the final episode of Parenthood (and about the series in general) is that it’s too short. Each of the many players are served, but we’re left craving more. How does Amber meet the man she settles down with (Friday Night Lights’ Scott Porter)? What does Max make of his life? Does Drew marry Natalie (Lyndon Smith)? Many popular recurring characters show up at the wedding, too, and they don’t have time for story. An important cameo with Seth (John Corbett) is completely cut for time, though thankfully available online.

I would have liked to have seen further glimpses farther into the future, too. But the reason that isn’t done is clear, because Parenthood wants to keep its fantastic young actors, who would have had to be recast for such scenes, at its core.

Honestly, though, I do have one more complaint, and that is that it seems off that Kristina steps away from the school she builds and hands it over to Adam. It’s not that she doesn’t love her husband or that he doesn’t deserve to be happy, but couldn’t they have run it together? She worked so hard creating it, and then she just walks away. A single regrettable misstep in the almost flawless hour.

Now, Parenthood’s finale does echo Jason Katims’ previous show, Friday Night Lights, ending, but I don’t see that as a bad thing. Despite sharing a number of performers, Parenthood and Friday Night Lights also briefly share characters (as does Katims’ slightly inferior About a Boy), so they are in the same universe, thus making it acceptable to share DNA. Knowing this, I cannot wait to see what movie Katims turns into a beloved show next, and which actors cross over to it.

Thank you to all involved in Parenthood, which also starred Joy Bryant, Savannah Paige Rae, Tyree Brown, and Xolo Mariduena, for six years I am likely to revisit and will never forget.

"It Has to Be Now" for PARENTHOOD

Article first published as "It Has to Be Now" for PARENTHOOD on TheTVKing.

NBC's Parenthood has always been a critical darling that struggled in the ratings, leading to a number of truncated seasons with reduced episode counts. Finally, though, as season five premieres this week with "It Has to Be Now," fans have been promised a full fall-through-spring offering of the family drama that makes you feel good.

"It Has to Be Now" picks up many months after last January's finale, with Jasmine (Joy Bryant) quickly going into labor for the baby we just found out she was pregnant with in the previous installment. Setting aside the extreme oddity that overbearing grandmother Renee (Tina Lifford) is completely absent from the episode, it's a great moment for Parenthood, showing a happy, monumental moment in the clan's life.

Crosby (Dax Shepard) does not adjust well to the infant. He tries staying awake whenever Jasmine is, but that makes them both sleep-deprived and on edge. Jasmine admits this baby is far more work than Jabbar (Tyree Brown), whom Crosby missed out on, was, so we know it's not just the normal level of difficulty Crosby faces. It doesn't help that they haven't agreed on a baby name, or that Crosby's family invades their home for an extended period of time to meet their newest member.

Luckily, Crosby has Adam (Peter Krause) to talk to. The brothers have a very interesting, close relationship. They have plenty of differences, and certainly approach rearing children in varied ways, but their love is enough to give them the connection. Adam doesn't understand why Crosby doesn't feel connected to his baby, but he does offer words of encouragement. Crosby will get through this.

At first, I though Parenthood was setting up Crosby and Jasmine for more conflict, evidenced by their constant bickering throughout the hour, and we've had more than enough of that. Thankfully, it's only a realistic portrayal of frayed nerves parents would have in such a situation, and they are in a good place by the end of "It Has to Be Now." They can make it through, as long as they stick together.

Interestingly, this rocky couple is perhaps the most stable in "It Has to Be Now," in which two of Crosby's married siblings go through rough patches with their own spouses. Julia (Erika Christensen) can't find a job because of her vindictive ex-boss, meaning she has to stay home, something she isn't really glad to do, no matter how what she says. And Joel (Sam Jaeger) is working for a girl (Sonya Walger, Lost) who you can just tell will be bad news.

I know Parenthood is a drama, but does it have to threaten to destroy seemingly stable marriages? It wasn't enjoyable to watch Joel and Julia fight last season about a kid they took in, and it won't be fun to see them at odds again this year. Strife is one thing, but if Parenthood splits them up, that could be nearly unforgivable.

Eh, who am I kidding? Parenthood is so emotionally satisfying each and every week I'll keep watching no matter what they do, even hurt beloved characters. For every raw, angry scene, there are three that make viewers tear up a bit, in a good way. This is is the case with "It Has to Be Now," and nearly every episode that came before it, the show not having lost even an ounce of quality over the past few years.

The issues between Adam and Kristina (Monica Potter) seem less fundamental and more just that the two are out of sync with one another right now. Kristina wants to run for the office of mayor because her pal, Gwen (Rose Abdoo), reminds her that cancer survivors should not put things off. Adam is more cautious, worried Kristina will get sick again if she doesn't take it easy, which is the last thing she wants to do, grateful for every day, and wanting to get the most out of life while she still has it. They'll get on the same page eventually, once Adam sees she's OK and happy.

They also are a little upset over their son, Max (Max Burkholder) hanging out with Adam's sister's ex-boyfriend, Hank (Ray Romano). Adam is worried that Hank is trying to get back with Sarah (Lauren Graham) through Max, but when confronted, Hank insists the break up was mutual, and Max is seeking him out, not the other way around. Adam seems mollified.

I understand Adam's hesitation, but I'm glad that it's passing because Hank and Max really connect. I don't know if Hank shares some of Max's limitations, though if he does, Hank is a much more mild case on the autistic scale. But neither are particularly people persons, and they share an interest in photography they can bond over. Max could use a good mentor who doesn't mind his at-times grating personality, and Hank seems to fill those shoes perfectly.

Admittedly, when hearing Romano was returning to the show I assumed his reconciliation with Sarah was inevitable. But now, I couldn't care one way or the other if he gets back with Sarah (though I'll cheer for it if it happens). Hank's relationship with Max is great and extremely satisfying on its own. If that's the way Parenthood wants to keep Romano, who is absolutely wonderful on the show, around, I doubt they'll be many complaints.

Besides, Sarah has enough to worry about without Hank re-entering her life. She is the landlady of a building with some not-so-responsible tenants, one of whom will probably be a love interest, and she feels neglected by her college student son, Drew (Miles Heizer). Daughter Amber's (Mae Whitman) comments about Sarah to Drew are spot on and hilarious, the little dysfunctional family working just as well as any family can. But it's good Drew eases Sarah's tension before the end of the episode.

With all the drama unfolding at the start of the season, Parenthood needs something joyous to end the hour with, book-ending the birth at the beginning of "It Has to Be Now." This comes when Ryan (Matt Lauria) returns from war and proposes to Amber, who enthusiastically accepts. They are young, and just coming away from a bad place, Ryan may be acting a little irrationally. However, they have weathered a couple of storms already, and it would not be unwelcome for them to actually tie the knot.

Parenthood takes us up and down the roller coaster of family life, but it's always a fun ride that you're glad you went on. This season's premiere promises another great batch of Braverman stories.

Parenthood airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.

Parenthood takes a "Road Trip"

     Last night, NBC's Parenthood returns with Zeek (Craig T. Nelson) leading the family on a "Road Trip" to visit his mother (Frances Sternhagen, The Closer, ER, Sex and the City). Things get off to a bumpy start when Kristina (Monica Potter) chooses to keep Max (Max Burkholder) home as punishment. From there, various children and their parents squabble, until eventually Zeek leaves the whole clan at a motel. But of course, in the end, everyone comes together to enjoy a wonderful birthday party, and Zeek's mother even tells her son that she loves him.

     "Road Trip" is a fine filler episode of Parenthood. It has the essential elements that make the series, the most important being family at odds with each other, working through their problems, and letting love win out. Yes, it's sappy, and not without cheese. But it's also the bread and butter of family drama, and since Parenthood is firmly in that genre, it's not unforgivable to spend an episode every once in awhile focusing solely on that.

     Kristina's decision to keep Max home is dumb, though the scene leading to it will seem familiar to many a parent. Adam (Peter Krause) disagrees with his wife's actions, though he defends the decision to Zeek. But the bottom line is, Max isn't seeing consequences, so he isn't going to change his behavior. Taking away the trip is the first thing Kristina blurts out, and so she must follow through. As a parent, it's the right decision once the threat is made, no matter how much Kristina might regret her words. More curious is why Max cares about missing such an adventure all that much, considering road trips are bound to go off schedule and be unpredictable, something he hates. No matter. His demonstration of regret, and apology through action is enough to earn him a reprieve without Kristina having to look weak.
     Zeek is the real child in "Road Trip." At least, he throws tantrums like one. Sure, he's justified in being upset at Crosby (Dax Shepard) for not watching the chair that is intended to be a gift for Zeek's mother closely enough, as it is stolen. But the rest of his frustration is silly. His grown kids drop everything to make this trek for him. They are trying to be there for their father. They are entitled, as Joel (Sam Jaeger) does, to tease Zeek about his "paper GPS" and walkie-talkies, which Zeek brings because one "can't use cell phones while driving," as if the giant electronics of old are safer. The bottom line is, they are there. If that isn't good enough for Zeek, he's a very hard man to please.

     Now some of Zeek's attitude stems from his mother's treatment of him. Supposedly, she never says "I love you," unlike Zeek to his own kids, and isn't easily satisfied with Zeek's life. Yet, none of that is in evidence when they finally have their confrontation, with Zeek bragging on his kids, she agreeing with him, and then uttering the three words he longs to hear. It's debatable on how well this works, because it's a good story that no matter how old one is, one still tries to please one's parent. However, Zeek also seems to go a little too far, and his mother doesn't seem that bad, other than a few passive aggressive comments, like about her gift of an egg poacher. So, really, this comes down to assuming that things are as the characters say they are, rather than being solely concerned with what appears on screen.

     Adam is a lot like his father, despite how much they clash. This is evidenced in the way he handles Haddie (Sarah Ramos) texting instead of talking to him. Adam acts like a child, without giving Haddie an explanation as to why. She has to be the adult and apologize. It's reasonable that Adam expect to have some chat time with hsi daughter, but unreasonable that he doesn't just state that outright. His comment of "if you don't know, then..." about his anger is very immature. Thank goodness Haddie steps up and makes things right before Adam acts completely ridiculous. Yet, because it's reinforcing a family trait, this subplot fits into "Road Trip."

     The subplot about Drew (Miles Heizer) walking in on his mother, Sarah (Lauren Graham), having sex is a classic, in that so many series have already done it. But Parenthood doesn't blow things out of proportion, and only semi-resolves the issue, saying it will take time. This is smart, and not exactly typical for television. There's no big eruption, or moment that gets too schmaltzy. Plus, it's far from the focus of "Road Trip." Kudos for a fresh way of handling an old standard.

     Watch Parenthood Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.

    If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     Click here to purchase streaming episodes and DVDs of Parenthood.

Parenthood is "Missing" nothing

     NBC's Parenthood ends their fall run with "Missing," Adam (Peter Krause) and Kristina (Monica Potter) both have to work on Saturday, so they cancel a planned trip to the museum for Max (Max Burkholder). The boy is left in Haddie's (Sarah Ramos) care, and sneaks away anyway, sending Haddie and Adam into a panic. They search frantically, and are unable to reach Kristina, because she has her phone on silent since she is mad at Adam. Max is found safe and sound, with Haddie being the only most upset by the whole ordeal. On a positive note, it does help Kristina realize what is really important, and she makes up with Adam.

     As frustrating as it is when Rachel (Alexandra Daddario, White Collar) kisses Adam, everything that comes after it on Parenthood is realistic and well written. It's not Adam's fault that the incident happens, mostly, but Kristina's anger is understandable. It's also totally believable that they would get caught up in their own stuff and forget just how bad Max takes changes of plans. The phone conversations between Kristina and Rachel in "Missing" are weird, but necessary to resolve things between them. And while Parenthood does choose to have Max go "Missing," a big, dramatic move that most shows would do to improve ratings, it is handled with care and an authentic level of emotional reaction, rather than going over the top. All in all, this story shakes out very well, allowing fine acting moments for Krause, Potter, and Ramos.

     Kudos also must go to Parenthood for the handling of Crosby (Dax Shepard) and Jasmine (Joy Bryant). It is not uncommon for exes, especially those sharing a child, to fall back into bed together. Should "Missing" go into sitcom territory, a comedy of errors would ensue, ending with the parents getting back together. Or in a place where neither is happy, but they are on the path to reconnecting. Instead, Crosby realizes just how good a guy Dr. Joe (DB Woodside) is, and steps away, letting Jasmine go. As much as fans want to see Crosby and Jasmine together, it might be wiser for Parenthood to instead make a permanent bond between Jasmine and Joe. They are both good people, despite Jasmine's slip, Woodside is a great actor, and it would be the unexpected thing to do. Surely, viewers cannot hate Dr. Joe, after seeing how he cares for Jabbar (Tyree Brown). Why not go for it?

     Julia (Erika Christensen) faces a tough situation when her potential adopted baby's daddy wants money, something illegal and wrong that she will not cave into. But then, in "Missing," Julia has a difficult time shutting out the mommy-to-be, Zoe (Rosa Salazar). This is because Julia is a kind, caring individual, and she has bonded with Zoe. Zoe, meanwhile, has few people she can go to, and it caught in the middle between her boyfriend and Julia. After a fight with her man, she goes to Julia for comfort, and Julia reluctantly gives it. Julia can't help herself. Whether Zoe is able to give Julia the baby or not, a possibility still very much up in the air, there is something between these two that will not be easily thrown out. Until Zoe gets back on firmer ground, Julia will be there for her.

     Sarah (Lauren Graham) has no such drama with her own baby situation. Babysitting Nora for Kristina and Adam, she is pleased to see Mark (Jason Ritter) take so sqweetly to the infant. Later, relaxing together, Mark blurts out that he could see himself having a baby with her. Again, in other dramas, this would be a break up moment for the couple, with Sarah arguing she is too old to raise another child, since hers are grown. Instead,  Parenthood recognizes that there is some serious, deep love between the two, and lets Sarah not be weirded out. It would be interesting for the two to concieve a child, and suddenly, that seems like a possibility. Either way is fine, but hopefully Parenthood will not let Mark go anywhere, because there needs to be more for this couple.

     Amber (Mae Whitman) is definitely the connection point for many young viewers, a juicy, desirable demographic. She is working as hard as she can, but still finds it difficult to make ends meet. So she has to try to find a better paying job, because minimum wage doesn't cut it to keep a cheap, old car and a crummy apartment. Something is certainly wrong with this picture, but it's the same something felt by young adults all over America. And it doesn't feel preachy or forced to include this arc in "Missing" and other Parenthood episodes.

     Try as one might, it is very, very difficult to find anything wrong with "Missing." It is a supremely wonderful episode, and a great example of when Parenthood gets it right, which is often. The series doesn't get too dramatic, and doesn't make things happen just for drama's sake in "Missing." Sure, they have in the past, as every show does. But the mistakes in Parenthood are fewer and further than between than most. And none are currently in sight.

     Parenthood will return in January to NBC.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     Click here to purchase streaming episodes and DVDs of Parenthood.

Parenthood ends season two

     NBC's Parenthood kicked off season early last night as its second season came to an end with "Hard Times Comes Again No More." The episode picks up with Sarah (Lauren Graham) getting a late night phone call telling her that her daughter, Amber (Mae Whitman), has been in a car wreck, as seen at the end of last week's episode. The entire Braverman clan gathers at the hospital to support each other in a scene reminiscent of the movie with the same title. But that resolves quickly, and Amber goes home, mostly fine. A number of other threads tie themselves up over the next hour, leaving only a handful of unanswered questions for viewers awaiting a fall return.

     A synopsis of the episode may make the car wreck seem trivial, as Amber is deemed fine fairly quickly. However, just because she survives the event does not mean it will not have lasting effects. Sarah tries to get through to Amber, but her daughter is unreceptive, far from rock bottom. Luckily, grandfather Zeke (Craig T. Nelson) steps up, chewing Amber out, but also letting her know that his concern comes from a place of love. Tough grandpa makes Amber realize what her mother cannot, and she pledges to behave from here on out.

     It's an age old story that children just will not listen to their parents. For whatever reason, even though parents have the most influence and control over kids as they grow up, a life lesson coming from another respected source, such as a grandfather, just hits home a lot more than from a parent. Perhaps this is because parents teach so much that kids grow numb to the lessons, while, when someone else steps up, it's a unique occurrence, and they take more notice. Either way, it's nice that the Amber problem is dealt with, and not left hanging for next season. By the time the episode ends, it appears Amber will be returning to the good girl she has been for most of the year.

     Somehow, Sarah still handles her play, despite what is happening with her daughter. Sarah attends rehearsal, where she snaps at actors during a read through, and then before you know it, the show opens up. The actors apologize, by the way, because Blount (Richard Dreyfuss) tells them Sarah's daughter has died and they feel bad. None mention that they see her daughter at the show and are angry at being lied to. That would only have taken a few seconds, and should have happened.

     The play is the most out of place part of the episode. While it is understandable that the writers would want to wrap up Sarah's play plot by the season finale, a full performance does not happen days after a read through. It seems inconsistent, and time frame is confusing. Sarah can be forgiven for not dropping out of the program, because Amber is all right, but it still feels like too much happened too soon. This should have carried into next year.

     The actors playing the family members are brilliantly cast, each looking quite a bit like the characters they represent. The father figure is the most similar, of course, because Zeke plays a version of himself. Yet, the other five people on stage look remarkably like their counterparts. Did looks factor more into casting than talent? Because that has not been my experience with theater.

     Max (Max Burkholder) has a very hard time dealing with the Amber situation because of his Asperger's, so he cannot show empathy. His father, Adam (Peter Krause), tries talking to him about it, but like many things, it is unclear if the words hit home with Max or not. He obviously has some small grasp, as he does apologize to Sarah for his insensitivity, albeit blaming his syndrome. She takes the apology with the grace of an understanding aunt, even though Graham's expression and demeanor uncharacteristically do not back up the words. Strange.

     While it is laudable that Adam is working with Max on connecting with people, it should also be noted that letting Max blame his Asperger's is not a good way to go about it. If Max lets himself believe in his limitations, he will not grow. If he uses the disorder as an excuse, he will not learn to behave. Since his knowing about the syndrome is new, and this is his first lesson with such a serious event, it can be overlooked, as long as it does not become a pattern in season three. Given the excellent writing shown thus far, it likely won't.

     At the same time, Adam is also dealing with his other child, Haddie (Sarah Ramos), who recently started having sex with her boyfriend, Alex (Michael B. Jordan). Things between Adam and Haddie have been strained, but are recovering. Adam's wife, Kristina (Monica Potter), handles communicating about this tricky issue a bit better. Kristina tells Haddie she will be visiting the doctor and going on birth control, and then makes her an appointment. Adam tells Alex to wear a condom. It's awkward, but then, what parent isn't awkward when dealing with their children becoming sexually active?

     A small subplot where Adam searches for Max's lost retainer feels out of place and forced. While it is an expensive item, Adam obsessing over it, as he does, feels out of character. The pressures Adam is dealing with in the episode make it a bit more understandable, but the whole thing feels concocted when Adam discovers the positive pregnancy test in the trash. Given that that twist is spoiled in previews for the episode, the whole story feels contrived and false, which is not the norm for the series. Thank goodness the baby isn't Haddie's, or it would deserve even more derision.

     Kristina being pregnant comes out of the blue, but is not entirely unrealistic. The question is, what does this mean for Adam and Kristina? Their kids are pretty far apart, age wise. Just as one will soon be leaving the house, a new one will be entering it. There actually are no complaints about this, because Potter handles the revelation so well. The question now is, will the baby be like Max?

     Things will surely be complicated because Adam no longer has a job. It isn't surprise, as once his new boss came into the picture, it seemed like only a matter of time before Adam would have to find other employment. In this economy, he could be out of work for quite awhile, but because this is TV, his family will not suffer any undue hardship because of it. The writers should go the opposite way, and really make it a serious struggle for at least the next year. It would be a very relatable plot, and while some people use television as escapism, others would appreciate the realism.

     It's a shame Kristina gets pregnant without even trying, since Julia (Erika Christensen) has been trying so hard and failing. Julia's plot is the weirdest this week, as she comforts her daughter's former teacher through labor. It's a totally random happenstance, bringing back a forgotten guest star, who only did one episode over a year ago. The story is there just for Julia to try to come to terms with not being able to have a baby, and then decide to adopt one.

     Crosby (Dax Shepard) is finally giving up trying to win Jasmine (Joy Bryant) back when Joel (Sam Jaeger) brings her to him at the end of the episode. Poor Crosby! He works so hard to get her attention, and she keeps dissing him, but then Joel is able to talk her into coming, a scene that should have not been cut, or if it was never filmed, should have been. If Bryant was not a main character, she would likely disappear after this episode, perhaps to pop up again briefly down the road. Since she's in the theme song, despite her numerous rejections, there is never any real doubt they won't be trying to work things out next year.

     This is a very odd episode of Parenthood because the overall arcs are wonderful, and some scenes are very emotionally moving. Yet, there are lots of odd details that don't quite add up when looked at too closely. The most logical conclusion that can be drawn, from an overall truly delightful series, is that the finale is rushed, and should have been given another hour to play out.

     One last note: the exterior of the hospital featured in the show Scrubs is extremely recognizable, no matter how different series have lately tried to redress it, as Parenthood does this week. It's time to retire that particular location, as it will always invoke Scrubs for a lot of people, and takes viewers out of the moment when it is tried to be passed off as something else.


     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Current Season Reviews.

     Parenthood has not yet been renewed, but its season finale ratings were great, and it's very likely it will be picked up soon for another season on NBC.

Article first published as TV Review: Parenthood - "Hard Times Come Again No More" on Blogcritics.

Parenthood has "Qualities and Difficulties"

     How do you tell a child that he or she has Asperger's Syndrome? That is the question NBC's Parenthood is clearly attempting to answer this week (the last new episode for awhile, based on their promos). Did they accomplish that feat? It's debatable, but we get both a good example and a bad example of how to tell a child, and the emotional journey of the parents involved is heart wrenching. So whether or not the episode is educational, at least we get good TV. Which, after all, is the cynical goal of all television production, right? I wish tone transferred better to text...

     If you watch Parenthood, you already know the child at the center of this conundrum is Max (Max Burkholder), young son of Adam (Peter Krause) and Kristina (Monica Potter) Braverman. Shortly after the series began a year ago, Adam and Kristina found out that Max had Asperger's. They also decided he was too young to be told, even as they began making accommodations for him in all areas of their lives. Adam is clearly not ready to tell Max when, last week, Max overheard Peter blurt it out in a fit of anger at his brother Crosby, who through his infidelity had driven away Max's special tutor. This week, we pick up as Adam and Kristina sit Max down and try to explain to him what he has.

     The first attempt is a disaster. Kristina cries, Adam calls it a 'disability', and both clearly send the signal to Max that he has something bad wrong with him. Dr. Pelikan (Tom Amandes) recommends they try a do-over and gives them a script to follow. Adam hates the script, which is a listing of "Qualities and Difficulties," as the episode title suggests. He thinks Pelikan is just trying to put a positive spin on something not positive. Instead, Adam pulls Max out of school and takes him to a theme park, where Max has a meltdown after his favorite roller coaster breaks. Chastised, Adam goes back to the script and he and Kristina try again.

     It is impossible to tell what is going on in Max's head. As part of his syndrome, his face gives away less than most people's. As such, I cannot say for sure if they were successful in making Max feel OK about things. But his behavior suggests that they did at least a decent job. I cannot imagine the struggle a parent in that situation goes through, and I'm sure it is hard to unless you experience it yourself. However, I feel the actors do a superb job making a difficult situation very relatable to an audience. I felt their pain. It is a fantastic, moving episode for this branch of the Braverman family.

 

     Elsewhere, Crosby (Dax Shepard) continues to try to make things up to Jasmine (Joy Bryant) for the aforementioned indiscretion. She will have none of it, refusing to talk at him, and moving his things out of her house. Should she forgive him? All the time on television couples get past being cheated on. It happens in real life, too, I'm sure, but I consider that one of those nearly unforgivable sins. That could be because of my age and inexperience in the matter, but surely Parenthood is smarter than to allow a quick, easy resolution. So far, it has only been a couple of episodes, but I think they're going for the long haul. If Crosby will ever reunite with Jasmine, it will probably be in at least the May season finale, if not longer.

      Luckily, Crosby's family are making sure Jasmine still feels welcome. She is the mother of Crosby's son, Jabbar (Tyree Brown), after all, so she has a deep connection to Crosby's kin. Several of the Braverman characters berate Crosby. Crosby knows he screwed up, and while his family still loves him, they agree with that. Julia (Erika Christensen) and Joel (Sam Jaeger) even give up their anniversary date to comfort her.

     Again, I love how realistic this show is. Of course Crosby's family isn't going to cut him off, but this is a delicate, complicated situation. Every one of them handles it a little differently, per their personalities, and all hold no ill will towards Jasmine for what happened. Their support for her, as evidenced by Julia and Joel's actions, is sweet. I look forward to Jasmine's continued presence on the show, rather than just being dumped from the cast as some series would do.

     The final story this week saw Sarah (Lauren Graham) becoming a playwright. It seems she is a Renaissance woman, with music, poetry, and shoe design already under her belt. We do not yet get a glimpse of Sarah's passionate writing project, but judging from ex-boyfriend Mark's (Jason Ritter, The Event) reaction, she may finally have found her calling. He is an English teacher, after all, so he should know.

     By the way, is anyone still called an English teacher? Haven't they all become Language Arts teachers by now? The show's writers are letting their age slip in. Or, more likely, they are just putting it in terms the audience, many of them older, can understand. Plus, English teacher just has a better ring to it. But still...

     I can't wait to see Sarah's work performed, hoping that is where the show is going. She is in definite need of a break in her life, and this may be it. When Parenthood returns, it will resume its time slot Tuesday nights at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.

Article first published as TV Review: Parenthood - "Qualities and Difficulties" on Blogcritics.

 

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Parenthood chooses heart over laughter

    Last night was the premiere of NBC's newest hour dramedy, Parenthood.  Loosely based on the 1989 movie of the same name, it is about a large family of still connected adult siblings, their parents, and their offspring (think Brothers & Sisters, if the show focused on the young children more).  It works because it drops the goofiness of the movie and focuses on the family relationships.  The character names and plots have changed from the movie, and it provides a welcome intelligence from the network's other programming.      The series features four grownup siblings: Adam, Sarah, Julia, and Crosby.  Adam (Peter Krause, Dirty Sexy Money), the most well adjusted of the group, is a hardworking father who wants what is best for his children, but is having a difficult time dealing with his son Max's (Max Burkholder) recently diagnosed Asperbeger's Syndrome.  Luckily, he has the help of a supportive spouse, Kristina (Monica Potter, Boston Legal).  Crosby (Dax Shepard) is the slacker, who works in a music studio, but is afraid of commitment.  Looks like he'll have to grow fast, though, he has just been told by a stripper that they have a son.  Julia (Erika Christensen, Six Degrees) works hard - too hard, as her daughter clearly prefers her father, Joel (Sam Jaeger, Eli Stone) in all things parental.  Lastly, but far from least, is Sarah (Gilmore Girl herself, Lauren Graham, who replaced a sick Maura Tierney in the role at the last minute), who married a deadbeat and has just moved her two teenagers back into her parent's house.
     The patriarch of the family is Zeek (Craig T. Nelson, Coach).  He was hard on his kids, and he continues to be on his grand kids, or at least on Max.  Zeek is trying his hardest to toughen Max up, thinking the boy's problems are a result of weak parenting or not enough motivation.  It will be extremely interesting to see how Adam deals with Zeek as the Asperger's story unfolds, as Adam clearly has plenty of issues with his own father.  Not much was seen of Zeek's wife, Camille (Bonnie Bedelia) in the pilot, but her comment about her husband being a jerk may foreshadow an ally for Adam.
      All in all, it was a great attempt for NBC at a serious drama, and if it does anything like similar shows on other networks, they may have a hit on their hands.  It's still too early to tell how the ratings will do, but I found the characters easy to relate to, and while a bit slow moving, the plot was interesting enough to set a season pass for on my TiVo.  If nothing else, watching this cast is enough of a reason to watch.
     Parenthood will rerun the pilot this Saturday at 8pm, and air new episodes Tuesday nights at 10pm on NBC.

Parenthood: fresh or stale?

NBC has something new.  Ok, so not so new.  Like many, many television shows and movies nowadays, it is a remake.  We steal shows from other countries (The Office, American Idol, Ugly Betty), remake old ones (The Rockford Files, 90210), or do spinoffs (Private Practice, Joey, Law & Order: SVU).  We hire the same show runners to make the same type of show they’ve done before (Bryan Fuller’s Pushing Daisies or Bill Lawrence’s CougarTown), either to give them a second chance, or capitalize on their success.  Modern Family and Parks and Recreation use the mockumentary style that is popular with The Office.  And now, in Parenthood, NBC was not only taken from a 1989 movie starring Steve Martin, Diane Wiest, Keanu Reeves, Rick Moranis, Joaquin Phoenix, and Mary Steenburgen, but it was also a short lived television show in 1990 with Leonardo DiCaprio and Jayne Atkinson (24).  Can’t our culture do anything new?  Is it even worth our time to watch it?
Yes.  The new shows works, but not because of it’s similarities to the old movie.  In fact, while some plots did sort of line up, it’s the differences that make the modern version worth tuning in for.  It has lost the goofy comedy, although there are still funny moments, and added not just a time frame update, but a healthy does of realism.  Yes, the young son still has problems, but now it’s Asperger’s Syndrome, instead of vague ‘emotional disturbances’.  The youngest adult sibling is a slacker, but he holds a job, not gambling and floating around the country on the money he (didn’t) win.  A single mom, struggling with two children, can’t afford her nice home, so moves back in with her parents, instead on inexplicably keeping it.  The two things missing that were great in the movie was the senile but wise grandmother and the parent pushing his child to be a genius.  However, those were done fairly campy in 1989, and so it didn’t gel with the new version.  In fact, I’d say this show is more like ABC’s Brother & Sisters, with a bigger focus on the kids, than the old movie Parenthood.
The other thing that really helps this new show is the cast.  Like the movie, it is packed with names.  While the characters names are different, Peter Krause (Dirty Sexy Money, Sport Night, Cybil, Six Feet Under) fills in for Steve Martin.  Monica Potter (Boston Legal, Trust Me) is his wife.  Dax Shepard (When in Rome, Baby Mama), Bonnie Bedelia (Die Hard, The Division), Craig T. Nelson (Coach, The District), Erika Christensen (Swimfan, Six Degrees), Sarah Ramos (American Dreams), Mae Whitman (Arrested Development, State of Grace, In Treatment) and Sam Jaeger (Eli Stone, Catch and Release) are all also part of the cast.  Again, reminds me of the stars aligned for Brothers & Sisters.  One of the two best parts of the cast, though, are the fantastic young Max Burkholder (Family Guy, Brothers & Sisters) as Max, the child with Asperger’s, and does it well.  The other is the triumphant return of Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls) to weekly television.  She has been sorely missed, and although she isn’t exactly playing a clone of Lorelai Gilmore, in a way she has returned to us.
Check out Parenthood on NBC Tuesdays at 10pm, and if you missed the pilot, it will rerun Saturday at 8pm on NBC, 5pm on Bravo, and Sunday morning at 11am on USA.