"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.

Private Practices shuts its doors

Article first published as Private Practice shuts its doors on TheTVKing

ABC's Private Practice came to an end this week after six seasons on the air. Some of the plot arcs over the years were fantastic, others not so much. But there are some wonderful characters here, and some memorable stories, and thus, it's sad that it's over. Especially since it ran much shorter than the series it spun off from, Grey's Anatomy, still going strong nine seasons in.

The main character of Private Practice has always been Addison Forbes Montgomery (Kate Walsh). Viewers meet her in Grey's Anatomy, the cheater in a bad marriage, and we watch her pull herself together, mostly after moving away to sunny California. Addison searches for love, both romantic and as a parent, and this all finally comes together for her in "In Which We Say Goodbye."

I don't know that the show has really demonstrated that Jake (Benjamin Bratt) is a better match for Addison than anyone else. To keep the drama going up until the end, they have their rocky moments in the final season. Still, it's thrilling to see Addison get her happy wedding day, and as long as she believes that Jake is the man she is meant to be with, who are we to complain?

Besides, we know that Jake is a good man. We've seen how he treats his daughter (Emily Rios), and what he does to make sure that Addison can keep baby Henry, whom she wants more than anything. He is the type of guy that will sacrifice his own desires so that the ones he cares about get what they need. I don't know that Addison deserves someone quite so good, considering all of her faults, but it's gratifying to see her happy.

The big surprise in "In Which We Say Goodbye" comes when Sam (Taye Diggs) and Naomi (Audra McDonald) hook up, and then she gets pregnant. This, alone, would be enough, and yet, Private Practice takes it a step further. Months pass, Sam goes after Naomi, oblivious about the baby, and the episode ends with their second wedding, Naomi having returned to the practice and her friends.

Is this the ending the makes sense for the characters? After all, when last we saw Naomi, she was happily engaged. Sam is in a relationship with a wonderful woman, Stephanie (Justina Machado, Six Feet Under) throughout the past few installments. Why break up these pairings at the last minute?

That's the thing about the Private Practice finale. It gives the perfect resolution for each character, one that will pull the heart strings of the viewer, even if it doesn't quite fit with where the plot was going. The emphasis is placed on giving us the sappy. I don't know if that's the goal of every show as it goes off the air, but because of the way this show has played out, it works here.

Other stories are more mundane, but still sweet. Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) probably has the least to do, but we see things are going well with her and James (Matt Long, Mad Men), and that's enough. Cooper (Paul Adelstein), Charlotte (KaDee Strickland), Mason (Griffin Gluck), and the triplets find their balance as a terrific family. I loved this most of all, Cooper and Charlotte being my favorite people on the show. Sheldon (Brian Benben) gets to be with the woman he loves, even though she is dying.

Sheldon's plot is the only one I complain a bit about in this group. I know that there is no way to avoid his love interest kicking the bucket, and thus, he will be sad, while the others are smiling. But this would have been OK if he had returned to his job, months later, and we could see him laughing with everyone else in that final scene. Instead, he is the sole one missing, and it casts a slight pallor, knowing that where he is cannot be nearly as joyous at the practice.

Is this woman even who Sheldon is meant to be with? He has a tendency to jump into a relationship full force, and it is easily conceivable that she is just the latest in the line. "In Which We Say Goodbye" would have us believe otherwise, that she is Sheldon's soul mate, but like Jake with Addison, we don't really see what sets her apart from the other women Sheldon has loved. Thus, I'm a little bit depressed that he leaves everything else that is good in his world to care for her. He should have kept his job, and with it, the network of support at work.

Finally, we get to Violet (Amy Brenneman). She goes stag to the wedding, a sign that she is moving on from Pete and finding herself, something the character has always struggled with. This is a fitting ending for her, as Violet's plots have always been more about self-discovery and triumph, rather than depending on a love interest, the way other characters have. We get to see her doing well, probably temporarily, until the next tragedy comes along, but at least she'll have this moment in time.

It's a little too on the nose that Violet's second book about "joy" is called Private Practice. Are we supposed to think that everything we've seen over the last six years came from her book? I wouldn't think so, considering the early days were so Addison-driven. I enjoyed the characters debating whether it was a good title or not, but it does take one out of the story a bit in that moment, sacrificing the believable world the characters inhabit for a joke.

Violet also treats a patient (Sarah Ramos, Parenthood) in the finale that doesn't want to leave her. Series creator Shonda Rhimes has stated that the patient's words are her message to the fans. So Shonda doesn't want the show to be canceled, but realizes it's for the best? I'm not sure I quite understand. However, it's her show, so she can say whatever she wants. I just thank her for making it.

That's kind of my overall impression of Private Practice at this moment. I didn't always agree with the direction, and sometimes it frustrated the hell out of me. But it was definitely Shonda's vision, and at the end of the day, she knows how to jerk a tear, or help an actor develop a fully realized person. As I watched the last hour, I couldn't help but thinking, despite my periodic disappointments, it was a pretty darn good show, overall, and I wasn't ready for it to end.

At least it went out with a great last season. Private Practice will be missed.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

Parenthood a "Family Portait" of characters

Grade: 89%

NBC’s PARENTHOOD returns this week with “Family Portrait.” Picking up five months after where last season left off, which makes sense, since it ended in late February, the Braverman clan gather to take a picture together. As one might expect, the road to get there is a little rocky, but it all comes together in the end, and there are some fantastic snapshots to show for it. Which doubles as a great summary of the series, too.

Sarah (Lauren Graham) is upset because Camille (Bonnie Bedelia) won’t let Mark (Jason Ritter) into the picture, even though they are engaged. The couple has not set a date yet, and Mark hasn’t even put a ring on her finger yet, so one might understand Camille’s hesitance, especially when there is a cautionary tale involving Crosby (Dax Shepard) already in the family’s history. But engaged means something, right?

Well, maybe not. Ritter is still only a recurring player, and PARENTHOOD quickly introduces someone else with their eye on Sarah, played by Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond, Men of a Certain Age). Ray is a grumpy guy who has been hurt, but may come out of his shell a bit for Sarah. Plus, he has great chemistry with Drew (Miles Heizer), and also more age appropriate, as Mark shows some immaturity when dealing with the picture situation. No one wants to see Ritter leave, but if he does, it’s nice to know someone as fantastic as Romano is waiting in the wings to take his place. He is good in episode one, much, much better in episode two.

Adam (Peter Krause) and Kristina (Monica Potter) face their own impending departure as it’s time for Haddie (Sarah Ramos) to leave for college. Interestingly, Ramos continues to be listed as a main character, though she is absent from episode two, and there haven’t been any hints that the series might follow her to school. Whether she comes back a lot or a little, PARENTHOOD handles her leaving, withd all the pressures and mixed emotions that go with it, as wonderfully as one has come to expect from the show. Even better, these things continue for her parents into the second episode of the season in a very cute way.

Julia (Erika Christensen) is in a completely different stage of parenthood, still walking on egg shells around her newly adopted son. While Joel (Sam Jaeger) is ready to start treating the boy normally, as Sydney (Savannah Paige Rae) doesn’t understand the special circumstances so well, Julia is so afraid that he won’t be comfortable with them that she goes overboard in trying to make him feel accepted and welcome. Who is right? The answer may surprise you.

Things are not all peaches for the fourth Braverman offspring, either. Crosby and Jasmine (Joy Bryant) seem like a solid couple now, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t still have challenges. Crosby slipped back into less domesticated ways during their time apart, and getting back into the swing of things will not be easy. He may want to be a great husband, and he’ll try, but that doesn’t mean he can do everything that he wants to do. Look for a shifting balance here as the couple figures out what a mature marriage looks like. Frustrating for Crosby, it looks a lot like what Adam and Kristina have, though surely this younger pair will find their own way to do it.

The other story of note in “Family Portrait” belongs to Amber (Mae Whitman). When last we saw her, she made a very adult decision, picking a possible career over a boyfriend. In the first episode back, she makes the mistake of sleeping with a guy who is otherwise involved. Adam rushes to her rescue, his feelings about Haddie possibly clouding his judgment. What is impressive is the way in which Amber deals with the situation, showing how much she has grown. Her maturation has been a true pleasure to watch, and seeing her enter the real world with grace and good decision making skills is terrific.

Overall, “Family Portrait” feels a little long, possibly because it takes time to catch up with the Bravermans, for whom much time has passed. But by episode two, things are flying by again, even if a little forced, somewhat over the top drama is tossed in late in the second episode. Bottom line, television’s favorite, heart warming family is back with the same quality of heart, humor, and realism fans have come to expect. It feels good.

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.

"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.

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 begins season two a little lighter

     This past Tuesday, NBC's Parenthood returned for a second season. A surprise hit after a rocky start, the show has already received a 22-episode order, making this season a full one for the charming family drama. Season one ended with some heavy issues, and while those things have not gone away, the season premiere avoids being too depressing or melodramatic.

     The funniest moment in this week's episode came when young Sydney (Savannah Paige Rae) asked her parents, Julia (Erika Christensen) and Joel (Sam Jaeger), if she came out of a vagina, and if they did, too. She became obsessed with the whole concept of where babies came from. I thought it was just an amusing couple of scenes as the couple awkwardly tried to explain things to their daughter, but the plot then developed into Julia's desire for another child, and Joel's reaction against the idea. It's writing like this that elevates Parenthood above other shows in the way they manage to seamlessly intertwine the comedy and the drama.

     The most moving scenes came from Hattie (Sarah Ramos), who seems to be leaving behind the rebellious phase she went through last season. After knocking the mirror off her parents' minivan while her mother, Kristina (Monica Potter), was trying to teach her to drive, Hattie really stepped up and handled the situation with her mother in a surprisingly mature way. A few minutes later, she stepped up and helped out her brother, Max (Max Burkholder), who was upset that his cousin wasn't able to attend a sleepover. Hattie is certainly going to be an interesting character, already showing depth, and I hope that despite the very large cast, the show continues to follow her when she inevitably goes off to college.

     Speaking of the missing cousin, Crosby (Dax Shepard) is having a tough time being all the way across the country from his son, Jabbar (Tyree Brown), and girlfriend, Jasmine (Joy Bryant). I'm sure this will be milked for awhile, but Jasmine and Jabbar have to move back to town soon. Jabbar was in almost the entire first season, and this year has been upgraded to series regular. Jasmine also remains in the theme song, so I'm assuming that means they will end up back with Crosby. But that resolution can't come soon enough for me.

     Resolution is the key for the elders in the family. Zeek (Craig T. Nelson) is showing plenty of humbleness as he tries to make things right with his wife, Camille (Bonnie Bedelia). It seemed to me that he was back to living with her, but it wasn't completely clear. Their separation was one of the darkest paths explored last year, and I'm glad to see that bitterness will not be the reigning emotion between them.

     Perhaps the most anticipated plot this year will be coming from Adam's (Peter Krause) office. We met his boss (Billy Baldwin) this week, and it was revealed that his company is in trouble. Adam's sister, Sarah (Lauren Graham), is plenty creative, but has been striking out on the job front. A match made in heaven? It seems so. Making the story more juicy is Sarah's attraction to Adam's boss, and a love triangle will soon develop as Sarah also falls for a forklift operator (Kevin Alejandro, True Blood) at the company.

     Because there are 15 starring roles in this show, a couple of the characters weren't even in this episode. That means plenty more will be coming up! I urge everyone to check out Parenthood, airing Tuesday nights at 10pm on NBC.


Article first published as TV Review: Parenthood Begins Season Two a Little Lighter on Blogcritics.

Parenthood ties it all up

     Perhaps when the writers of NBC's new show Parenthood began working on the season finale, "Lost and Found", they weren't sure they were going to get a second season.  Or maybe they just don't believe in summer cliffhangers.  For whatever reason, though the entire Braverman clan will be back next fall, things wrapped up nice and neat by the end of this year.

     A big plot twist that has been playing out is the separation of grandparents Zeke (Craig T. Nelson) and Camille (Bonnie Bedelia).  It's kind of like if William Walker hadn't died in the pilot of Brothers & Sisters, but his secrets had come out anyway.  Zeke hid financial issues and adultery from his wife, who finally got fed up and left him.  But though he had trouble expressing his emotions, Zeke still showed up in front of the rest of the family to serenade her.  And while that was the end of the episode, so viewers didn't get to see a true reconciliation, it left things in a good place between the two eldest members of the family.  I certainly understand Camille feeling invisible; I barely noticed her when the series began.  However, they both delivered great performances.

     Also wonderful, and the biggest departure from the movie of the same name, is the arc had by Crosby (Dax Shepard).  As the season wound down, the mother of his son, Jasmine (Joy Bryant) got a job in New York.  Even though they have begun dating and become like a family, she decided to pack up her kid take the opportunity across the country.  Though Crosby has known of Jabbar (Tyree Brown) for only a short time, the two of them have bonded instantly and solidly, best evidence when Jabbar asked if he could call him Dad this week.  Instead of trying to convince Jasmine to give up her dream, or risk loosing any momentum with Jabbar, Crosby decides to leave the rest of his family behind and go with them.  He is proving himself an excellent father.

     Perhaps the best thing to come out of a show with so many great aspects is steady work for two people already well established as television stars, Peter Krause (Six Feet Under, Sports Night) and Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls).  Now rumored to be dating in real life, they play brother and sister Adam and Sarah on the show.  Their families were in conflict during the last couple of episodes, due to their daughters Haddie (Sarah Ramos) and Amber (Mae Whitman) fighting over a boy.  On a side note, the two girls making up will make you cry if you have emotions at all.  Anyway, amid all the conflict, the two of them really shine.  Though it's still hard to separate them from past characters they've played, as their are plenty of similarities to be found, it's an absolute joy to see them every week.

     I apologize if this review just seems like a love fest.  That's because it is.  A talented cast, smart writing, and heartwarming relationships leave little to complain about.  There's nothing exactly like it on television right now.  If you haven't yet, please check it out when it returns next fall.