Parenthood ends with tears and a wedding

NBC's Parenthood is always among the first of the network shows to bow out for the season, and with last night's episode, "My Brother's Wedding," it does so again. Crosby (Dax Shepard) and Jasmine (Joy Bryant) rush their wedding into existence in less than a week. This happens despite Crosby's feud with Adam (Peter Krause), which heats up as Adam pressures Crosby into selling their business. Also, Julia (Erika Christensen) and Joel (Sam Jaeger) struggle with their devastation at not getting the baby they were promised, and consider other options, while other Bravermans fall in and out of love.

Crosby and Jasmine getting married is long overdue. For awhile, it appears that the two are ready to move on, both dating delightful people, who are great additions to the series. But in a cast as full as Parenthood's is, there just isn't any room for too many extras, and they were superfluous. Yes, the idea isn't romantic, but it's realistic for the confines of a network television budget. And so, gone are Dr. Joe (DB Woodside) and Lily (Courtney Ford), as regrettable as that may be.

In some ways, Crosby and Jasmine's nuptials in "My Brother's Wedding" come out of nowhere, as the characters have been separated for quite a bit of time, and only reunite in the penultimate episode of the season. On the other hand, this is a plot thread begun in the very first episodes of Parenthood, and one this has often seemed an inevitable conclusion. Crosby is finally mature enough to handle a family, and so he gets one. It's nice that Parenthood decides to stop playing around and just get them together already, in a hopefully permanent situation, even if it may have been done partially due to fear of cancellation.

The main story of "My Brother's Wedding," more than the wedding itself, is the fight between Crosby and Adam. These two siblings are as close as can be, and their purchase of the Luncheonette earlier this season solidified that. While the two have plenty of stories together prior to this arc, seeing them in business together creates a whole new, welcome, dynamic. To think that they might give it up for money, admittedly, a whole lot of money, is heartbreaking.

That is the crux of the fight. The Luncheonette is Crosby's dream, but Adam only sees it as a business. Worried about his family's financial future, Adam is eager to sell, even before the offer is upped considerably. He doesn't think about what it means to Crosby all that much, and certainly doesn't even consider how the business has brought them closer together.

Crosby, on the other hand, is not only in his dream career, but genuinely seems to enjoy working with Adam. It's this affection that convinces him to let Adam sell, not wanting to deny his elder brother his own dreams. Until Adam sees this, it looks like the partnership might be over. But in a very touching wedding toast, almost coming too late, Adam waxes the truth of the matter, and decides to turn down the offer. It's a prime example of the best that Parenthood has to offer, and a moment that will rank among the series's best, even should the show go on for ten years. As it should.

Joel and Julia are wrecked in "My Brother's Wedding," but not surprised, when Zoe (Rosa Salazar) decides to back out of the adoption. While Zoe does seem sincere when she says she had no inkling that she wants to back out of the adoption prior to her son's birth, it's a fear that haunts Joel and Julia all season long. And with good cause. As parents themselves, they know how the birth of a child can change a person. For Zoe, she is leaving this ordeal enriched and in a much better place, and is rightfully grateful for everything Joel and Julia have done for her. But for the couple, Zoe deciding to be a mother is a painful betrayal, and Zoe is lucky that they handle it with grace, when anger would be perfectly justifiable here.

However, Joel and Julia's plot going forward in "My Brother's Wedding" seems rushed. They immediately go to someone to expand the pool of children they are looking to take in. When they are asked if they would be willing for a last minute placement, and agree, it's highly predictable that they will have a child by the end of the hour. And sure enough, they do, though he's a boy at least as old as their daughter, Sydney (Savannah Paige Rae), rather than a newborn. Only in television, with the threat that Parenthood may not get a fourth season, would a bureaucratic system move so swiftly!

If Joel and Julia thought the risk of losing Zoe's baby was great, wait until they get attached to this boy! His mother is incarcerated, and only gives up her rights to him up to keep him out of "the system," assumedly, foster care. It seems incredibly likely that, should the show return, she will be freed at some point and seek to get custody of her son back. Joe and Julia may be much better caretakers than this unseen criminal mommy, but courts usually side with the biological parents, if that's at all possible. This could end in even more tears, which would not be fair to the characters or the fans of Parenthood, who have suffered along with the couple.

Sarah (Lauren Graham) also has babies on her mind when she dumps Mark (Jason Ritter). Mark is willing to do without children, something he'd really like to have, but Sarah isn't about to let him make that sacrifice for her. She has a point. Mark may think he is making the right decision now, but who's to say that he won't regret it later in life?

To the delight of many a fan, Mark wins her back and proposes, which she accepts, by the end of "My Brother's Wedding." The question is, how successful will this be? Sarah's fear about Mark's potential regrets are real and unresolved. The simplest solution would be to have Sarah get pregnant, then come around to the idea of raising another child. After all, viewers have gone through enough heartbreak with this pair. However, that's also an anti-feminist story, in a way, which could offend a number of women. In that regard, it may seem a little old fashioned should this happen, but compromise is also the key to any successful relationship, and might just need to happen here if the two are destined to stay together. That is, if Ritter doesn't get another series. Budget be damned, lock him in as a series regular Parenthood! It's necessary!

New love blossoms as Drew (Miles Heizer) and Amy (Skyler Day) decide to do the nasty in "My Brother's Wedding." That's a crude description of what has been a sweet, young romance. But how else to talk about it when they sneak upstairs and get it on with their family right below at the wedding? Just because it's a season finale, does not mean that Parenthood should have rushed this along. Their hooking up is actually a great scene for those who like love. But the circumstances surrounding it are this episode's misstep.

In the meantime, Amber (Mae Whitman) must choose between her job and being with Bob Little (Jonathan Tucker). He is her boss, and running for office, so it wouldn't be cool for him to sleep with his assistant. And yet, Bob, who is supposedly a "great politician" doesn't concern himself with this. He is genuinely interested in Amber, and also in need of her capabilities as his assistant. There is no discussion of him considering how it might hurt his standing with the voters. And so the choice falls to Amber and Amber alone.

It's a shame that this is handled clumsily, and the resolution stretched out an episode or two longer than it should be just so it winds up in the season finale. But Amber makes the right choice. Yes, it would be terrific to see her in a sturdy relationship with Bob, who seems like a good fit. However, Amber is only 19, and just starting out in the professional world. She should not give up a chance at a real career doing something that she is good at for any guy. If they are meant to be together, it can still happen down the road. She is smart to not toss out the opportunity at this juncture.

Amber's story channels the classic head versus heart debate. Many people of a romantic notion always root for heart. In reality, head must sometimes be given the preference. Not all the time, mind you, but in certain situations. The one presented in "My Brother's Wedding" for Amber just feels like one of those times. So while Amber and Bob not being together might be sad, it's the right thing for the character and the show.

Lastly, it is worth noting who Crosby's best man is. The character is named Billy, and he is played by Derek Phillips. Phillips played the character of Billy on Jason Katim's other series, Friday Night Lights. This Billy has a different last name, but fans of Katim, who created Parenthood, will not miss the reference, as Parenthood's Billy acts very much like early Friday Night Lights Billy. Also, this could just be coincidence, but the woman in the green dress that Billy dances with at the wedding in "My Brother's Wedding" looks an awful lot like Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, who played Billy's mother-in-law on FNL.


In all, Parenthood delivers a moving, fantastic season finale. If the world is just, the story will continue next fall on NBC.

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Article first published as TV Review: Parenthood - "My Brother's Wedding" on Blogcritics.

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.

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"Forced Family Fun" just another part of Parenthood

     In this week's installment of NBC's Parenthood, "Forced Family Fun," Kristina (Monica Potter), saddened by the way her family seems to be growing apart, makes the whole clan plan to spend an evening together. But stressed out by their complaining, she leaves them standing on the side of the road. Also, Crosby (Dax Shepard) is uncomfortable when Jabbar (Tyree Brown) spends time with Dr. Joe (DB Woodside), Julia (Erika Christensen) worries over Zoe's (Rosa Salazar) diet, and Sarah (Lauren Graham) helps Seth (John Corbett) through rehab.

     Kristina is right that a family needs to make time to spend together, and from her perspective, as of "Forced Family Fun," they aren't. Adam (Peter Krause) has the new business he's trying to get off the ground with Crosby, Haddie (Sarah Ramos) is a senior preparing for college, and Max (Max Burkholder) is still adjusting to being in a mainstream class in a public school, so they are justifiably busy. While at home with the new baby by herself all day, Kristina's not being too selfish to ask for a little time with the others. She isn't even trying to get them to help out with the infant, something she probably needs, as being with someone who can't talk all of the time is driving her a little crazy. Who can blame her?

     It's also understandable that Kristina has the reaction that she does, stranding Adam, Haddie, and Max on the side of the road, albeit, not far from where they live. The chastised relations do their best to make it up to their mother and wife, while Kristina apologizes for her rash actions. No one is really in the wrong more than the others, as Kristina does over react, and the others are trying to please her. Just normal, realistic family problems, with a little bit of early empty nest syndrome thrown in for good measure. They will work themselves out in time, per Parenthood's typical trend, and this is not a situation that bears worrying about.

     Unlike, say, Julia's baby issues. Having to watch someone like Zoe carry an unborn child that Julia is adopting is hard for the resident control freak of Parenthood. Joel (Sam Jaeger) tries to calm Julia, but both realize that they can't let Zoe go on eating raw sushi all the time, as she does in "Forced Family Fun." It's just not good for the baby. Julia tries to appeal to Zoe's sense, promising that she isn't just speaking up because she is getting the baby. And she's probably not. Julia is a warm-hearted individual, who cares for Zoe. But that doesn't mean that Zoe isn't offended when confronted.

     Thankfully, Zoe ends up going over to Julia's house for dinner, showing signs of forgiving the intrusion. She realizes Julia has her best interests at heart, and as Julia fears, Zoe has no one else. As such, it's nice that Julia, and Joel, to a lesser extent, can be there to offer their support during Zoe's pregnancy. Zoe may have been a stranger, but now she's becoming quite close.

     The worry here is, Zoe does not want an open adoption, and neither do Joel and Julia. What will happen if the three become very friendly, and one of the parties begins to change their mind? It makes sense for Zoe to have a relationship with her unborn child down the road, even though it will cause plenty of awkwardness and confusion, when she likes the family so much, and there are two mothers. But that could also interfere with the child's development. It's a tricky situation that bares careful consideration before any more major decisions are finalized.

     Another serious event in this week's Parenthood is Seth's rehab. Sarah wants to be there for the father of her children, but her feelings do not just stem from sharing offspring. If they did, she wouldn't have to be as involved as she is. And frankly, the kids are old enough to make up their own minds about their dad, and follow their own direction. In fact, Sarah is more into Seth's recovery than either of their children. The fact of the matter is, Sarah obviously still harbors romantic feelings for Seth. Which may not exactly be healthy.

     That's why Zeek (Craig T. Nelson), shut out by Sarah for voicing his concerns, asks Adam to have a conversation with his sister in "Forced Family Fun." Both men are worried about what getting back with Seth might mean for Sarah. Given Seth's track record of disappointment and hurt, Sarah should definitely guard her heart if she wants to continue to see him. But shutting off emotion isn't easy or natural for Sarah, and it's much more likely that she will be deeply wounded if Seth slips again.

     Furthermore, Sarah is already in a stable, healthy relationship with Mark (Jason Ritter) in Parenthood. Mark may be quite a but younger than Sarah, but they mesh really well. Mark is being supportive of the whole Seth situation, but he is also growing weary of the number of times he is put in second place for Sarah's attentions. Who can blame him? Sarah already put Mark on hold before, and after reuniting, it really isn't fair for her to keep stringing him along, no matter how sympathetic her dilemma is. Mark is the smarter, more mature choice to make, and Sarah needs to commit fully before she loses him. If she chooses Seth, she'll probably end up without either guy.

     Finally, Crosby has some valid beef with Jasmine (Joy Bryant) in "Forced Family Fun." They previously agree to discuss any potential significant other entering their son, Jabbar's, life. She allows Dr. Joe, whom she is dating, to play with Jabbar without consulting Crosby. But Crosby does arrive twenty minutes early, or else Dr. Joe would have been gone. Jabbar just wants to play, as any kid does, and doesn't understand the situation fully, so it's no wonder that Joe and Jasmine allow it. Which means that there is a legitimate problem where no one is clearly or completely in the wrong.

     Dr. Joe is sticking around for at least a little while. Not only is he Jabbar's doc, but he's also been picked up by Kristina for baby Nora. Which is great news, because Woodside is always a pleasure to watch. However, this means no immediate happy reconciliation for fans of Jasmine and Crosby being together. It also means that Jabbar's life is about to get more complicated. If Parenthood chooses to seriously pursue Dr. Joe, the series should consider keeping him permanently, and just letting Crosby move on. Otherwise, adding this much drama puts it as risk of becoming too cheesy, and sends it down the path of so many shows before it.


     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.

Article first published as TV Review: Parenthood - "Forced Family Fun" on Blogcritics.