"I Don't Want to Do This Without You" Parenthood

     NBC's Parenthood is back for a third season, beginning with "I Don't Want to Do This Without You." Life is never boring for the Bravermans. Adam (Peter Krause) is discouraged by the job market, and is tempted by Crosby's (Dax Shepard) pitch to run a music studio together. But financial concerns make him hesitate. Sarah (Lauren Graham) is hurt when her daughter, Amber (Mae Whitman), moves into her own apartment, and only stops by Sarah's 40th birthday party. Luckily, Sarah reconnects with Mark (Jason Ritter, returning now that The Event is kaput), who makes her feel better. Julia (Erika Christensen) grows desperate for a baby. Alex (Michael B. Jordan) is arrested.

     Adam is undergoing an incredibly relatable plot in today's economy. Out of work, almost out of savings, he begins to grow frustrated at the lack of career opportunities. He starts applying for terrible jobs, well  below his skill level and pay grade, just to have some income coming in. But he is tempted by a dream. For most of us, this would never work out. Because this is television, often an escapist medium, Adam will probably accept Crosby's offer, and they will do well. Even as the rest of the music industry implodes. I don't know if Parenthood is making viewers feel better with the fantasy, or encouraging people to make irrational decisions. Let's hope nobody sues the series.

     For Crosby, who has a steady income, it's also a risk. Being a homeowner now, and with a son, Jabbar (Tyree Brown) to take care of, can he really afford to go out on a limb? True, Crosby already works in the music industry, and may have enough contacts to make a serious go of things. But should he try when the payoff is so uncertain, and staying put guarantees much needed stability? His decision is a little tricky, although if the idea does fail, seeing Adam ruined may hurt Crosby far more than it hurts himself. Which might give him incentive to work even harder at the job.

     Then again, Crosby is dating another woman he isn't serious about (Wilfred's Fiona Gubelmann), so maybe he hasn't grown up very much.

     Julia has a dream of a different kind. Unable to conceive, she begins looking at other options. But like Adam, she finds her prospects bleaker than she would like. So she starts looking for an easy solution. One scheme she has is to ask to buy her coffee vendor's kid. It's an insane idea, as everyone, including her husband, Joel (Sam Jaeger), tells her. Yet, in true Julia fashion, she will not let go of it. Again, because this is television, it will probably work out for her, unlike it would in real life. This is both heartening and depressing at the same time.

     As Parenthood moves into season three, it needs to be careful not to fall under the Brothers & Sisters curse. Both series start as wonderful shows about close, extended families. But as Brothers & Sisters made season after season, five in total, the writers turned to less and less believable plots, forcing drama just to keep the show going. Parenthood needs to remember what makes a family drama magical and special in its early days, and not allow it to show its age. All three siblings in the above paragraphs are treading dangerous ground here, and it could go either way.

     In life, everyone has to grow up. Amber is out of high school, and after making the decision to put college on hold for awhile, she seeks to begin her adult life. This involves getting a new haircut and finding a small, in-need-of-work apartment in a soon-to-be-trendy area of town. Seriously, the place doesn't even have a kitchen! But Amber falls in love with it instantly, and soon signs the lease.

     While Amber is in a dreamer phase of her life, like her uncles and aunt previously discussed, for her, the stakes are much lower. She is just starting out and doesn't have the ties or responsibilities to worry about that the older family members do. If Amber lands on her face because of lack of employment or inability to pay the rent, she still has a safety net: she can move back in with her mother and grandparents. For her, there are few reasons not to take the chance.

     Sarah doesn't see it that way, though. She sees it as Amber abandoning her. Sarah's milestone 40th birthday might have something to do with the increased neurosis, but part of the worrying is also just who she is. Sarah is shocked that Amber would want to move into such a dump, and can't believe her daughter doesn't even care if she picks up her high school diploma or not. Thank goodness Sarah's mom, Camille (Bonnie Bedelia), is there to speak some sense to her.

     While Ritter's Mark re-enters Sarah's life now almost entirely for behind the scenes, practical reasons, it's perfect, story-wise. Sarah needs a pick me up, a distraction, something to make her feel good about herself. She is aging, and while she has accomplished a few things, she has much more that she wants to do. Having the younger Mark around to shower her with affection, and steal Amber's diploma from the school, should give her a needed boost... as long as he doesn't get caught and fired for the theft.

     Alex's arrest is dumb. He goes to a party to pick up Haddie (Sarah Ramos), who is drunk, and ends up hitting a guy who won't let them out the door. Alex makes the smart choice by not hanging around, and the other guy is being a jerk. Hitting isn't so intelligent, but under the circumstance, can be forgiven. Why the police are called on such a minor matter is a puzzle. Also, why the police are not concerned about the underage drinking going on all around them also seems suspicious. Instead, all the blame is tossed on this guy who works so hard to make something good out of his life, after having far fewer opportunities than most people. While this story may showcase the type of man Alex is, and allow some meaty dramatic material for the terrific Jordan to work with, it's weak sauce for the fans, and in the authenticity department.

     Still, love that Max (Max Burkholder) references Friday Night Lights with Michael B. Jordan, former star of that series, in the car! Both FNL and Parenthood share producer Jason Katims, which may be the reason for the shout out.

     Parenthood also stars Craig T. Nelson, Monica Potter, Joy Bryant, Miles Heizer, and Savannah Paige Rae.


     Tune in Tuesdays nights at 10 p.m. ET on NBC to see what happens to the Braverman clan next.
     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     Click here to purchase streaming episodes and DVDs of Parenthood.


Article first published as TV Review: Parenthood - "I Don't Want to Do This Without You" on Blogcritics.

Friday Night Lights is no "Texas Whatever"

     NBC's Friday Night Lights ends for good next week. Which means this week's episode, "Texas Whatever," provides some closure and sets up the final plots for the series. The Lions campaign hard to keep their team, but despite their best efforts, it is decided the Dillon Panthers will be the only high school football in town next year. The Panthers move quickly, recruiting Buddy (Brad Leland), hoping he will coax Vince (Michael B. Jordan) and Eric (Kyle Chandler) to get on board. Eric ponders it, infuriating Tami (Connie Britton), as her husband isn't seriously considering moving north for an exciting job she is offered. Tim (Taylor Kitsch) gets some advice from Tyra (Adrianne Palicki), and gives some in return to Luke (Matt Lauria).

     Tami rightly points out that she has put her life on hold for Eric's career for many years. While she does pursue jobs in the field she loves, serving as principal and guidance counselor during Friday Night Lights's run, these are supplementary to her role as coach's wife. Their marriage hinges on what Eric does professionally, and despite being a pretty decent husband most of the time, in this instance, Eric dismisses her far too quickly. He doesn't even seem to consider the move. Oftentimes, when Tami disagrees with Eric, she swallows it because she is happy enough. This time, her displeasure is obvious and ongoing. Which will hopefully jolt Eric awake to his error.

     Despite this recent anti-feminist attitude, Eric and Tami have one of the best, most solid, most realistic marriages on television. There is much give and take and compromise over the run of the show, and in "Texas Whatever," they are merely going through a rough patch. Seeing their love and dedication to each other spurs confidence that the issue will be worked out in a satisfactory manner. It also telegraphs what has to happen, because only one decision will end the fight. Should Eric continue to deny Tami the opportunity of a lifetime, one she is recruited for because of her high skill level, he will be saying he does not have that same level of faith and pride in her that she does in him, as well as telling her she is not as important in the marriage. This would run contrary to the give and take shown over the past five years. Eric will make the right choice.

     Buddy switching sides may seem out of character at first, but it's really not. The loveable business owner is nothing if not loyal. He switches his allegiance to the Lions when Eric is treated unfairly, and seeing an opportunity to return Eric to what Buddy considers his proper position, and knowing the battle to save the Lions is lost, he makes the best of a bad situation. He truly wants to do right by those he cares about, and in this case, that means brokering peace between his closest friend and the people who ousted him.

     Watching Jess (Jurnee Smollett) and Vince pull together to try to save the Lions is incredibly touching. The two have had their share of problems, but they bond over Dillon football. Because of what Eric puts into the program, the team is more than just guys playing sports. It's a community that inspires and teaches the students to grow as people, not just athletes. Only Eric's version of football can mend relationships and lead his players to greatness. All this is demonstrated brilliantly in the scene where the former couple go before the school board president to beg for the Lions' survival. Even their failure takes nothing away from that moment.

      Besides the Taylor family, no character is in as many episodes, or means as much to Friday Night Lights fans, as Tim Riggins. As such, it is wholly depressing to watch the young man spend most of the final season behind bars, a sacrifice he makes to keep his brother, Billy (Derek Phillips), out and taking care of his family. It's a noble deed, but Tim's behavior after release sinks many a hope that he will make something of himself. In "Texas Whatever," little of the Tim viewers have grown to love is left, as he considers moving to Alaska, giving up his beloved Texas home.

      That's why it is highly gratifying for Tyra to come back into the picture and set him straight. Many people have been able to reach Tim in various situations, but none as effectively as the woman Tim loves. Any other girls he dates will always be measured up against Tyra, and she is the one who completes him. Only Tyra can talk sense into Tim, helping him mend the fences with his brother, rather than take off from his problems. She has only a small role in the final season, but it's one every bit as important as anything else.

     Tyra frees Tim up to be the best man he can be, which he needs in advising Luke. The two guys are similar in some ways, though vastly different in others. But they have enough in common for Tim to be able to help Luke see that playing football will probably not be his life, and if Luke really wants Becky (Madison Burge), he should go for it without worrying about anyone else. Luke suspects Tim may have a thing for Becky, but Tim dismisses that, and he's telling the truth. In this case, Tim is in a paternal role, and it is a testament to Luke's character that he can seriously consider the wisdom Tim imparts, despite his misgivings.

     Depressing this entire hour, though, is the Lions being abandoned as a team. For three years Friday Night Lights motivated its fans to cheer for the Panthers, but two years ago, the show made the beloved team the enemy. Going back now is impossible, with the same crooked men still running the show. For the Lions to face extinction is nothing but sad, and wholly unfair. But life is unfair, and without the disbanding of the Lions, several characters, including Eric, would never be able to move on as they need to. The team means so much to so many, in spite of its brief existence, and once the magnetic pull stops, it won't take long for the magic to be over. Everything must come to an end, and not everything turns out the way one wants. It's how one moves forward that is important.


     The hour and a half series finale of Friday Night Lights will air next Friday at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

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

     Please click here to buy the book, movie, TV DVDs, or streaming episodes of Friday Night Lights.

Article first published as TV Review: Friday Night Lights - "Texas Whatever" on Blogcritics.

Friday Night Lights gets a "Gut Check"

     NBC's Friday Night Lights begins counting down the final five episodes with "Gut Check." This is a real turning point in the season, when things get dark and characters go down paths they shouldn't. The Lions lose their first game of the year. Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) asks Vince (Michael B. Jordan) to help train Luke (Matt Lauria) to fill in as quarterback. After listening to some bad advice from his father, Ornette (Cress Williams), Vince doesn't show up for his practice session, and is benched. After an accident, Epyck (Emily Rios) is arrested and transferred away from Tami (Connie Britton). Julie's (Aimee Teegarden) stay with Matt (Zach Gilford) sours as he encourages her to face her problems, rather than continue hiding out with him.


     Vince has been having a rough year, and things are only getting worse with Ornette's continued presence. After overcoming all of his personality difficulties last year, with no small thanks to Coach, Vince is backsliding when exposed to someone who is an enabler, immoral, and good at saying what people want to hear. It's apparent Vince knows he's making the wrong decision, but his pride is getting in the way of him admitting it, and is causing a serious obstacle. Hopefully, being benched will be a wake up call for Vince, who is looking so promising until Ornette begins taking over.

     Something else that will help Vince is if he stops pushing people away. He isn't paying attention to Eric, and he gets into a big argument with Jess (Jurnee Smollett), leading to their break up. Jess is a positive influence in Vince's life, helping him make correct decisions and stay away from bad situations. Without her, Vince loses a serious source of support. Luckily, he is still as close as ever with his mother, Regina (Angela Rawna), who, despite her love for Ornette, recommends to Vince that he not always listen to Ornette's advice. It's a sound judgment call, and one Vince needs to take to heart. There's hope, as Vince prevents a potentially volatile confrontation between Ornette and Eric.

     Jess has some real potential as a coach. She is the one that takes Luke aside and helps him learn to play the top position. This dream of hers does seem to come out of left field, but her family's passion for the sport, as well as her spending the summer helping Vince prepare, keeps it from being completely unrealistic. What's more, while she is far from perfect, as evidenced by Luke's rough struggle to win, she has some raw talent. She helps both Vince and Luke become better players this year. Hopefully Eric will pay a little more attention to her as she continues down this path. He's already starting to see her like a daughter. It's a logical progression. Unlikely as it is, how cool would a spinoff, set years in the future, with Jess as a head coach, be?

     Vince's issues are likely the reason the Lions lose. While it is a team sport, having the quarterback more concerned with his ego instead of the team fractures everyone. His bad attitude is contagious. For those hoping to see the team go undefeated in their final season, this is a serious disappointment. But Friday Night Lights is all about overcoming adversity, so a stumble is bound to happen. Considering that this is the final season, it is not likely to happen again, whether Vince pulls things together, or Luke steps up like he did in the game at the end of the episode.

     Luke is slowly becoming a man. A grownup man. Besides the football stuff, the way he is handling his renewed relationship with Becky (Madison Burge) seems very mature. Luke doesn't pick a fight with his mom, but he's not going to keep hiding Beck from his parents, either. Instead, he simply presents her without comment, without rehashing last year's abortion incident. Luke's parents should be proud. Luke and Becky learn a lot from their experience, and will be much smarter the next time around. Plus, their reconciliation demonstrates real affection between them, making last year more than just a fling.

     Becky's new job at the Landing Strip could be a problem for her and the moral Luke, or not. There's not a lot of time left to deal with many issues, and the portrayal of Mindy's (Stacey Oristano) character makes the job seems less wrong and demeaning. Mindy has given a face to the type of girl that works at a strip club, and her sweet story of marriage and having a family humanizes the dancers in a way never seen before in series television. If Becky wants to pursue the relatively easy money to be had, Friday Night Lights won't pass judgement. The question is, will Luke?

     Mindy's hesitance about her pregnancy is natural. Their insurance is lapsed, and she is still caring for an infant. It will keep her from working when the family needs money. Mindy is a realist, but Billy (Derek Phillips) is not. The balance helps them work as a couple. Now it will be Billy's job to get Mindy on board. They have a stable, loving marriage. It will not be easy at this time, but they can handle another child.

     It's too bad Epyck leaves. Tami has really been working hard to reach out to the girl, and after all the kids Tami helps, it's a shame that the one that might be her last of the TV show is removed before the real work can be done. This plot is as much about the counselor as it is about the student, if not more, as Tami struggles to provide support for kids that really need it. Epyck just won't be one of them. Life isn't fair.

     Finally, it's time for Julie to go home. A happy ending between her and Matt would be a welcome development, but it cannot happen in "Gut Check." Not until the eldest Taylor daughter confronts the things she is hiding from. Sure, her first semester at college sucks. But part of being an adult is picking up the pieces and moving on. Instead, Julie is immature, intentionally crashing a car, and now running off to Chicago. Matt is ready to be with her, whenever she is. Let's hope that Julie grows up a lot in the last four episodes.


     Friday Night Lights airs Friday nights at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, or if you can't wait to see how it ends, the Season Five DVD is on sale now.

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

     Please click here to buy the book, movie, TV DVDs, or streaming episodes of Friday Night Lights.

Article first published as TV Review: Friday Night Lights - "Gut Check" on Blogcritics.

Friday Night Lights faces more than one "Fracture"

     NBC's Friday Night Lights continues its final season this week with "Fracture." This is an important episode, because a number of arcs that have been brewing threaten to fracture the delicate balance of relationships between characters. Vince (Michael B. Jordan) begins to get too big an ego, after doing an arrogant interview, and visiting a college that courts him for a verbal commitment. Luke (Matt Lauria) and Becky's (Madison Burge) budding romance faces hardship as Becky dwells on what she goes through the last time they have sexual relations. Julie (Aimee Teegarden) decides whether or not to go back to school after a visit from former TA and love Derek (Gil McKinney, ER).


     Julie's plot is a bit dumb, because sleeping with someone with authority over her does not fit her character. However, this can be forgiven, as she is just beginning college, and taking some chances, feeling her way outside of high school. She is going through a lot, and Derek is a good outlet for her to let off some steam. Or so she thinks at first. Derek showing up out of the blue, and facing off with her very hostile parents to get Julie back into his bed may seem romantic to two people in a committed relationship, but is creepy for a guy Julie only spends a bit of time with. She makes the right decision in not going back to that situation.

     What does it mean, now that she goes to visit ex-boyfriend Matt (Zach Gilford) instead? Does this mean she is considering transferring schools, or dropping out all together? Fans of the show are likely more interested in a reconnection between the long time pair, but that seems obvious and certain. More up in the air are Julie's life plans from here. She can't pin everything on a guy, no matter how great that guy is. It's fine that she goes to him, as long as she also does something with her life, too.

     Mindy (Stacey Oristano) is getting some of her best work in Friday Night Lights in being a mentor to Becky. Becky needs a positive female role model in her life, and while Mindy is hesitant at first to be that woman, becoming a mother changes her in ways both small and large. She is more big sister than mom to Becky, especially as Mindy and her friends take Becky to a beauty pageant, and celebrate with alcohol. But as long as Mindy is there for Becky, it doesn't matter in what capacity.

     Becky's abortion plot seems all but forgotten until this week, though bringing it back up certainly informs as to why Becky is resisting sleeping with Luke again. Those are traumatic memories for her, and if it happens once, it can happen again. Will Becky be able to get past those bad feelings? She sort of leans that way when leaving Luke a note at the end, and hopefully, things will only get better for her from here.

     It's hard to know what to make of Epyck (Emily Rios, Men of a Certain Age), the girl with the ridiculous name, and even worse spelling of it. Tami (Connie Britton) always needs a project student to work on, and Epyck is the latest. But she lies to Tami about her home life, while also seeming very appreciative of just being in Tami's company. Is she such an easy nut to crack? She just needs attention? If so, it seems like a wasted subplot, one that could have been much better. Though perhaps, since this is the final season, there is no time for more.

     Also uncertain is Buddy Jr.'s place in the larger stories. The character returns this season, recast to Jeff Rosick, a fairly inexperienced actor, who is doing well enough. It's hard to know if the former boy was available, or if he would be up to the task, given his previous small scenes and long absence. But other than to give Buddy (Brad Leland) one last challenge, is there some big lesson Buddy Jr. has come to teach anyone? While some characters flow in and out of shows without much purpose, it is not a common tactic used on Friday Night Lights.

     Vince's arc following his ever ballooning ego feels like a repeat. It's been done before. Vince's circumstances are slightly different than others because his motives are tied to those of his father, Ornette (Cress Williams, Grey's Anatomy), who he has just gotten back to bonding with after a long stint in prison. As such, Vince is more likely to fall into old patterns while listening to the man who raised him, and who he so desperately wants back in his life. While Vince acts tough, every boy wants their father's pride and respect. Vince has his once more, and now he's allowing it to push him off course.

     Something has got to give. Vince has come too far to just be kicked off the team and have his life ruined. Yet, should he continue valuing Ornette's advice over Coach Eric Taylor's (Kyle Chandler), he will fail. Eric believes in Vince when no one else does, and makes him who he is today. If Ornette didn't return, Vince would still be following Eric towards a bright future. The question is, what will it take for Vince to realize that? And how might that hurt his relationship with his father, who does just want what is best for his son, but is unwilling to allow another man to dictate the terms, even if the other man knows best?

     Eric has a big decision to make himself, and it's hard to predict which way he will go. Being offered a head coaching job at a college is a big deal, and surely it is tempting him. He has done wonders in Dillon, and while his assistant coaching gig at the university level doesn't work out the way he hopes, being the leader of a team of coaches is a whole other opportunity, and one that he deserves. Is he content to stay at the high school level all his life? He has about achieved all he can there, so his career would now consist of doing the same thing over and over again with different kids after Friday Night Lights goes off the air.

     At first, it seems Billy Riggins (Derek Phillips) is really establishing himself as a decent football coach, perhaps even a successor for Eric, should he choose to leave. But now, Billy seems to be going too far into the "showy" side of things, causing conflict with another assistant coach. Billy has always been a wild child, and he is trying to be responsible and mold himself into a great man. Sadly, it appears he is not doing as well as he hopes to. Does Eric have time to try to turn things around for Billy, too, and will there be a place for him on the team once Eric reigns in the ridiculous behavior he has been too lenient about?

     The fifth and final season of Friday Night Lights begins very strong, but is in its middle, meandering section. At the halfway point, things should start to pick up as the action moves towards its conclusion.


     Watch Friday Night Lights Friday nights at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

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

     Please click here to buy the book, movie, TV DVDs, or streaming episodes of Friday Night Lights.

Article first published as TV Review: Friday Night Lights - "Fracture" on Blogcritics.

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.

Friday Night Lights lives up to "Expectations"

     One of the best shows on television began its final season last night on NBC. For those lucky viewers with DirecTV, it already aired and came to an end in February. It is also already out on DVD, so there is no need to hold off twelve weeks for the finale if you're so inclined. However, for those waiting for the NBC broadcasts, the countdown to the end has begun. This refers, of course, to Friday Night Lights.

     Tami Taylor (Connie Britton) begins her job as guidance counselor at East Dillon High School. She is quickly in over her head, realizing just how bad the students on the poor end of town have it. Her first thought it to set up meetings with parents of high-risk kids, but while many agree to the meetings, almost none actually show up. Tami gets a rude awakening, and realizes she may have taken on the toughest challenge of her life.

     But she is willing to step up and do what it takes to help anyone she can. Tami is one of the most compassionate fictional characters ever, in any format of story. She really goes that extra mile to make sure she can help those kids get what they need. She isn't a pushover. She has a steely toughness that, when mixed with her big heart, gives her the tools she needs to be effective. Whatever challenges the job holds, there is no doubt that Tami will get through them and change at least a couple of the students' lives this season.

     Which is what the Taylors are all about. Tami and her husband, Eric (Kyle Chandler), are the surrogate parents for all of the needy children in Dillon, Texas. While not all the adults in town realize this, the younger generation surely does. Everyone knows these are the people to go to when you need help, and they have already made lives better for many kids over four seasons. They demand and command respect, and don't just give out charity. They help guide the kids to succeed on their own. While the students on the series come and go as the years pass, the Taylors have been the one constant, and really are the amazing story of Friday Night Lights.

     That's why Billy Riggins (Derek Phillips) now works as an assistant coach for Eric. Billy saw the kind of man that his younger brother Tim (Taylor Kitsch) grew into with Eric's help. Tim is currently sitting in jail, taking the fall for Billy so that Billy can be there for his family, including a young infant. Billy wants to give back, and is inspired by the kind of loyalty that Tim shows. While Billy is older than most of the Taylors' projects, he will be changed by them, as most are. And what's more he knows it, and is actively seeking.

     Now, the Taylors are not some kind of deities, or perfect people, despite what it may sound like in the proceeding paragraphs. They are constantly challenged, and do get discouraged, like anyone else. They have fights, with others and with each other. They are painted as complicated, realistic people, which is the show's biggest strength. Eric is made to quit coaching at the 'good' school and transfer to the bad end of town. Tami is forced out of her job as principal of the same 'good' school. It's their determination and pluck that keep them going, no matter what obstacles are stacked against them.

     This attitude inspires those around them. Vince (Michael B. Jordan) is one step away from a long prison sentence when Eric takes him under his wing. Last night, Vince sat down and had a talk about responsibility with Jess's (Jurnee Smollett) younger brother, who is acting up because their father is out of town. Without the influence Eric has had on Vince, he would never have been in a position to mentor anyone else. Now, jail is the last thing in Vince's bright future.

     Jess is not the only one struggling with an unusual family situation. Becky's (Madison Burge) mother has left her in the care of her father, who in turn dumps Becky on her stepmother, who doesn't want her. Becky's best friend, Tim, is in jail, and she has no one to turn to. Except, Tim promises Becky that she is family, so she goes to Billy. Billy's wife isn't happy about it, but Billy allows her to stay. While the Taylors are not personally involved in this particular save, it is connected to them, like an inspirational game of Six Degrees.

     As with many beginnings of seasons on this show, it is time for some long-running characters to move to the next phase in their lives. Landry (Jesse Plemons) is preparing to leave for Rice University. Landry has been with the show from the beginning, so his exit is sad. Unfortunately, he only gets a couple of scenes to explore it, having a last gig with his band, and saying goodbye to Grandma Saracen (Louanne Stephens). With his best friend already gone, it is up to Julie (Aimee Teegarden) to make Landry's last night in Dillon memorable. So she takes him to a strip club, though she leaves him there by himself. Probably not what her parents would have done, but still helpful.

     Julie is Eric and Tami's daughter, and she is leaving, too, though only Dillon, not the cast. It's interesting that the show will follow Julie to college, as it doesn't usually continue with the main characters once they leave Dillon. There have been small exceptions, and Jason Street (Scott Porter) has a huge arc post-high school, but it's not the norm. Best guess is that because Julie is a Taylor, she will get a special pass. While the Taylors are far from the only characters featured, they do seem to be the most important.

     As Julie packs up to head off to college, it really effects the stoic Eric. She skips out early on a dinner with her parents, and when he waits up for her to come home, she wants to go straight to bed. But he will have none of it, making her play ping pong with him and reliving old memories.

     Eric isn't the most emotionally expressive person, and the series is careful to keep him in character. He does tell Julie he loves her and will miss her, but almost all of his best acting his done in his eyes, not verbally. It's a testament to Chandler that Eric is able to be so loving without having to be explicit about it. Chandler is one of the few actors that can communicate so much while doing so little. As this series comes to an end, he will not be out of work long.

     It should say something that in a show titled Friday Night Lights, there is so much to review that does not concern football. That's because the series is not about football. For TV fans who avoid sports shows, this is not one of them. Although, it's so easy to care about the various people the show does follow, that when some of them inevitably make it on the field, whether or not you like football, it is still plenty exciting.

     Coach Taylor loves football, and that is probably the best thing the sport has going for it, as Coach Taylor is character to love. He insists that the game is about teamwork, not violence, and that is the attitude he brings to it. It's why his team follows him so readily. It's also the one he uses to steal newcomer Hastings Ruckle (Grey Damon) from the basketball team over to Taylor's East Dillon Lions.

     The Lions have a losing record last season, going 2-8. They win one really important game, but lose most of the others. It is, after all, the team's first year playing together. With Friday Night Lights completing its run this season, it is likely that the Lion's will have a much better record thisseason, and Ruckle, as well as Vince and Luke (Matt Lauria), will be the primary reasons for that. Vince and Luke were new last season, and with Ruckle, the three of them are sure to be Eric's next, possibly biggest, triumph.

     But Ruckle's story will surely go beyond football, as everyone on the show does. It is just unknown at this time what Ruckle's story will be.

     Luke's arc seems set to be a doozy, as he injures a player on the field in this week's game. This will combine his football story with the rest of his screen time. The look on Luke's face while realizing he has hurt another human being lends to the theory that the action will come back to haunt him. Luke has a genuine kind heart, and he will not be able to go on happily living his life if he causes serious harm to another. It will likely make for hesitation on the field, and a challenge the Lions must overcome. It may also affect Luke's future as he consider what his post-high school plans should be.


     Friday Night Lights continues its thirteen episode final season every Friday night at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

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Article first published as TV Review: Friday Night Lights - "Expectations" on Blogcritics.

Friday Night Lights kicks off new season

    This isn't such big news for those of you with DirecTV, because you've already had the opportunity to watch the entire fourth season on Friday Night Lights, but for the rest of us, the show premiered last night on NBC with an episode entitled "East of Dillon".

     Much has changed, now that Dillon has split into two high schools.  Mrs. Tami Taylor (Connie Britton) remains at the now renamed West Dillon High School as principal.  Many people in the town are furious to be forced into the new, lesser school, though Mrs. Taylor admirably tried to convince them that both high schools were on equal footing.  Her daughter, Julie (Aimee Teegarden) also goes to West, but misses her friends, and isn't helping the controversy much, so she decides on her own that she'll go to the wrong side of town.

     Landry (Jesse Plemons) is at West, now assigned to a terrible football team.  He is joined by Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) and new kid Vince (Michael B. Jordan), who is on the football team to avoid legal trouble, but seems to have a lot of heart.  The team is so bad their first time out that they forfeit at half time.  They all certainly have their work cut out for them.

     The only other original cast member to return full time this year is Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch), though he is past high school, and now a college drop out with no place to go, as he is no longer welcome at home.  We got a glimpse of Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford), taking art classes at the local school, instead of in Chicago, as he had dreamed, but he was listed only as a guest star, and won't be sticking around the entire season.

     Friday Night Lights airs Friday nights at 9pm on NBC.