Parenthood has its rewards

Article first published as Parenthood has its rewards on TheTVKing

The season finale of NBC's Parenthood, entitled "Because You're My Sister," was very busy. The Braverman clan is a large family, and it takes quite a bit of time to serve each family member in their story. Not every episode makes it around to everyone, but this one did better than most at serving a large number of the cast.

A huge part of the sweetness this week comes when Victor's (Xolo Mariduena) adoption is finalized. The entire family piles into a single courtroom, and many of them get to take turns telling Victor how glad they are that he is a part of their clan, and what they are willing to do for him. Every Parenthood season finale needs an organic group scene like this. We see Julia (Erika Christensen) struggle in previous episode with the decision to accept Victor, and it's great to see her affection grow towards him. But it's also wonderful when everyone else jumps on, and this finally makes Victor seem like one of the Bravermans and not just one of the Grahams.

Of course, the road to the courthouse isn't without incident. I'm not talking about Victor breaking the expensive bowl, because it almost seems like a test of Julia done on purpose. At minimum, it's an accident that scares Victor. It isn't until that moment that Victor knows he is fully welcome in their home. But by that time, the drama of doubt is over, as Julia has already made her decision, and she's not going to go back on it.

No, I'm talking about Sydney (Savannah Paige Rae) telling Victor that he isn't her brother. It's a natural thing for a kid to feel or say, acting out against change. However, that doesn't make it any less cruel. I feel like Victor understands that Sydney is just blowing off steam, because he's had enough practice at doing the same thing himself lately. He's also anxious to be part of the family after Julia accepts him, and so does what he needs to do to win Sydney over. It's gratifying when Sydney comes around, too, even if it doesn't take some big event to move her.

Part of what Parenthood does well is write authentically for the children, and actually give them something to do. Many series with kids running around ignore the youngsters, or use them only as comedic gags against the adults. Parenthood lets Sydney and Victor act their age, and have a bit of real story between them. Very cool.

Victor isn't the only new face joining the Bravermans. Crosby (Dax Shepard) and Jasmine (Joy Bryant) learn they will soon be having a new baby. As the youngest of the Braverman couples, and the most ready for a new addition, this is great news. It might be slightly unexpected, as it hasn't been addressed in the story that they are trying, but at the same time, it just feels like a natural part of life moving on.

The news of a baby makes Crosby take stock of his situation with his mother-in-law, Renee (Tina Lifford). It's not that Crosby is wrong in his argument with Renee, but it's more that he needs to just let his anger go. Renee does overstep with her grandson, but she's family, and Crosby understands that. Renee has done a lot for them, especially Crosby's son, Jabbar (Tyree Brown), so sometimes, one should overlook her faults. I don't know that she will be moving back in with them anytime soon, but it's nice to see peace, and I like what having Renee around does to Crosby, forcing him to mature, eventually anyway.

 A tragedy is averted in "Because You're My Sister" when we learn that Kristina (Monica Potter) has beat her cancer. She's not cured, but she is cancer free. Honestly, I feel like cancer is the go-to crisis in family dramas, and I never cared for the story. It's great to see Kristina healthy, if for no other reason than it puts this arc to rest. Hopefully, the illness with not come back.

Other good news in the episode comes for many other characters. Drew (Miles Heizer) gets into a great school, the first in his immediate family to attend college, even if it takes him far away from Amy (Skyler Day), who things are over with anyway. Amber (Mae Whitman) reunites with Ryan (Matt Lauria), something she is afraid of, with cause, but wants, and maybe he could make her happy.

Lastly, though, after all of this happiness, is the tear jerker story. Sarah (Lauren Graham) has to choose between Mark (Jason Ritter), who makes a play to win her back, and Hank (Ray Romano), who she is currently with. Sarah chooses Hank, who then promptly announces he's moving to Minnesota to be with his daughter.

This is rough, but there's little that could be done to make it better, and it all unfolds very naturally. Some argue that Sarah always chooses the wrong guy, but I think that she is right in picking Hank. After all, she has made several attempts with Mark, and they just don't seem to work for all that long. Hank cares about her, and he's good to her. There is no doubt in my mind that he could make her happy. The twist with his daughter only presents him as a better man. Plus, how much would Hank shake up the dynamics when the whole clan comes together?

So what should Sarah do now? Should she move with Hank to Minnesota? I really want her to, but only if the series follows her, and they find a way to come back at some point next season. I don't think that she can go back to Mark now, not after telling him she chose Hank. It will make him feel like second place, which will only implode their next relationship more quickly. Or she might find someone else, which is a little bit of a shame, given that she already has two amazing actors after her character. It would take someone really, really good to be worthy at this point.

The mostly feel-good plots of "Because You're My Sister" allow Parenthood to end on an uplifting note, even as some sadness is mixed in. All of it tugs at the heart perfectly, and it remains one of the best family dramas in recent memory. Hopefully this won't be a series finale, but if it does turn out to be so, at least the series finished well.

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 keeps on rowing

Parenthood - "Keep on Rowing"
Grade: 88%

NBC's Parenthood returns this week for the final few episodes of the fourth season with "Keep on Rowing." Kristina (Monica Potter) tries to reward her husband, Adam (Peter Krause), for putting up with her behavior lately. Crosby (Dax Shepard) considers helping out his mother-in-law, Renee (Tina Lifford). Julia (Erika Christensen) begins to have second thoughts about adopting Victor (Xolo Mariduena). And Hank (Ray Romano) helps Sarah (Lauren Graham) get over her ex.

Parenthood has gone a little more melodramatic this season, taking the story into areas it doesn't necessarily need to go to keep the drama up, and getting a bit preachy at times. Thank goodness the Bravermans remain the same engaging, lovable characters they always have been, or else this slightly less than stellar storytelling could begin to drag the series down.

The most frustrating arc has been Kristina's cancer. It's a common card pulled out in a family drama after a few years on the air, when the ideas start to run a bit dry. However, without the drama behind the scenes, a la Brothers & Sisters, there seems little chance that Kristina will actually perish, as the sensibilities of the show are lighter than that. Thus, each attempt to make her situation seem dire just comes across as hokey.

That being said, it's sweet to see Adam being a good husband. I mean, we know that Adam is a good husband, but it's nice to be reminded of just how sweet he is. And then for Kristina to not only acknowledge that, but also to try to repay him a bit for his patience and support, well, that gets genuinely moving. Plus, she looks good with the red hair, and the surprise cameo by Ryan Hansen (Veronica Mars, 2 Broke Girls), hitting on a vivacious Kristina in the bar, is fun.

The sucky story of "Keep on Rowing" goes to Crosby. Adam has to talk him into agreeing to loan Renee money, and then Jasmine (Joy Bryant) practically bullies her mother into their house. Taking care of family is important, something Crosby ought to understand, given his upbringing, and the people that make up his own relations. Perhaps he may not want Renee in his house, and that's understandable. But that doesn't mean that he can protest and still be a sympathetic character. In the end, Crosby does the right thing, but it feels a bit too little, too late for viewers who have to sit through his selfish whining.

I also am not a fan of Julia turning against Victor. I can see why she'd be upset, with Victor throwing a bat near Sydney (Savannah Paige Rae). I even feel Joel (Sam Jaeger) may have under-reacted at first to the incident. However, stretching this into Julia considering not keeping Victor may just go too far, especially after only one occurrence of this nature, and one that can so clearly be chalked up to an accident.

The thing is, everything about this incident is understandable. From Sydney being a brat and running her mouth, to Victor's response and feeling bad about it later, to Julia's fear for her daughter, it all makes sense, given the characters and the circumstances. I don't like the story because I want to see Julia win Victor over, and Victor to eventually feel like part of the family. Yet, it's done in such an authentic way, and acted well, that it doesn't deserve to be complained about.

I am extremely disappointed to see things between Sarah and Mark (Jason Ritter) come to an end. There is so much working against them, it is satisfying when they finally find a way to be happy as a couple. Still, there are enough issues in the relationship that the fact that it ends isn't entirely surprising, even if there is also real love present.

Now that Mark is gone, though, the door has really opened for Hank, who seems a much better match for the elder Braverman daughter. He relates to Sarah, and it seems like he feels lucky to be with her. This means that he will treat her well, and she is certainly smitten with him, too. They started things way too soon, to be sure, with Sarah and Mark having only recently split, but at the same time, they kind of act like soul mates. Hank also brings a new personality to the series that isn't there until he arrives, which should shake up the dynamics nicely.

Only time will tell if Parenthood can find a way to make Hank a main character, as he deserves to be. That is, should Parenthood get a fifth season, which is not a certainty at this point.

"Keep on Rowing" is a solid episode in a solid season. Even when the plots stray a bit too far away from where I'd like them to go, this show remains compelling, and I look forward to watching each new episode. I think the missteps are just disappointments because I know how amazing Parenthood is at its best, so when it stumbles to only better than average, it feels like a slight let down. If it does go off the air, I will be disappointed and miss it. I consider that the true test for if a show is good or not, and on that scale, Parenthood definitely passes.

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

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!

Article first published on TheTVKing.com

"Are You...?" Dexter?

Grade: 96%

DEXTER is back for another round of murder and mayhem on Showtime. Last season ended with Dexter’s sister, Deb (Jennifer Carpenter), catching him in the act of killing a killer. This year’s premiere, “Are You…?,” picks up right in that same moment. Dexter (Michael C. Hall) struggles to explain to Deb what she is seeing. No matter how good a liar he may be, it’s awfully hard to justify the plastic wrap and a roll of knives when Deb is staring right at them. And she’s certainly no slouch in the detective department.

Much of Deb’s story in “Are You…?” is digesting her discovery. As one might expect, this is not something she can easily just accept. Deb loves Dexter, so the decision on how to act is complicated by a lot of feelings. But before she can even decide what she should do, she first has to come to grips with the fact that her brother is a monster. This is not something done quickly.

Deb has come awfully close to catching Dexter before, numerous times. Long before now, it’s seemed a certainty that she would find out her brother’s dark secret. Now that the time has come, DEXTER faces a tipping point. Deb can’t possibly un-see what she saw. So she can either take Dexter down, fulfilling her job in the Miami police force, or she can let him continue on. The first can’t happen unless the series is coming to a permanent end. The second would provide complications for her both morally and professionally. But both are preferable to option number three: Deb has to die.

Dexter spends this episode way too nonchalant. Is it because he thinks that Deb won’t tell? Or does he believe that he may have convinced her of his innocence? Both of those possibilities would be hopelessly naive. Or maybe Dexter just doesn’t know what to do. However, were that the case, one would think it would be reflected in his monologue. Instead, there is an utter lack of urgency about the Deb situation from the titular man.

Just before the big reveal last season, Deb is set up to have romantic feelings for Dexter. Might that color her decision? If she wants a full sexual relationship with her adopted brother, she may be less likely to turn him in. The thought of the two of them together is incredibly disturbing for most viewers. But Deb is led to her conclusion naturally, and given her scarred up brining, one can see how she might have inappropriate urges. Dexter, on the other hand, has little feeling to spare, so if he were to commit to Deb, it would be coming from a logical place, rather than because of any real feelings for her. While I seldom argue for leaving a plot hanging, let’s hope this topic is just dropped.

Seeing as flashbacks to childhood are part of the episode (with Parenthood’s Savannah Paige Rae playing Deb), romance will probably (thankfully) not figure into the proceedings nearly as much as a sibling bond. They might not be blood related, but Deb and Dexter were raised as brother and sister. They have a lot of history. No matter Deb’s initial disgust, she has to consider this when deciding what to do about Dexter.

Dexter and Deb aren’t the only two characters in DEXTER, and while the majority of “Are You…?” deals with the two of them, there are other happenings. A member of Miami Metro is killed. This is presumably part of a larger arc that may lead Dexter to the Big Bad of season seven. There is an international side to the story, which could move some of the action out of Miami in a way that DEXTER hasn’t explored yet. The potential here is quite exciting.

LaGuerta (Lauren Velez) has been a character that has confused me for years. Once upon a time, she was nice and loyal to (most of) her employees, even having a little crush on Dexter. By the time she married Angel (David Zayas), there wasn’t much to complain about in her character. But she got divorced, was eventually promoted, and last season she became a huge pain in the butt for Deb. Sure, the two women had never gotten along, but it was more than that. LaGuerta became power hungry and less scrupulous. Every drama series needs some tension among the cast, but this felt forced. It was a sad turn of events.

As season seven begins, it appears there might be some hint of a return for the LaGuerta we loved. I don’t know if she’s too far gone to be forgiven, but any likeability factor will not be restored easily. I’m glad DEXTER is choosing to pursue this avenue; I just wish it had never been an avenue that needed pursuing.

There is room for LaGuerta to go good again because Louis (Josh Cooke) decides to start causing trouble. This intern’s motivations remain murky, but he has not forgotten that Dexter disappointed him. If the serial killer isn’t willing to act like the benevolent mentor-hero that Louis wants, he’s not just going to sit by and leave Dexter alone. Whatever Louis is up to, it cannot possibly be long before Dexter gets wind of his new foe. Does this mean that Louis’s days are numbered?

Yes, there are some missteps in this episode. But it is a great season premiere, with a ton of awesome moments for Carpenter, and several new stories teased in. For that reason, I dare say that it’s one of the better openers DEXTER has done, and if this season can maintain the excitement and anticipation present in episode one, it’s going to be a satisfying year, much more so than last season.

DEXTER returns on September 30th to Showtime.

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 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.