TV Recap: Parenthood, “It Has To Be Now” (5.1)

0


9/26/2013, 10PM, NBC

As Thursday night’s premiere episode went, this was mainly a table setting episode. Of slightly dealing with the fallout of last season’s events while setting up the big plotlines for this season. And as far as execution goes, the episode lived up to its title “It Has To Be Now” and wasted no time in getting things going.

Picking up about 8 months after the emotional season finale, we open with Crosby and Jasmine try to pick a name as they shop for a baby car seat as Jasmine goes into labor three weeks early. And seven minutes in, we have our newest addition to the Braverman clan, Aida, which brings the total number of grandchildren up to 9. Upon seeing his newborn daughter, Crosby comments, “She’s so white.” Which I thank Katims and Co. for actually addressing. The one thing that felt off about the new season promos was seeing Crosby cradle a biracial newborn that seemed pretty lily white. Even Zeek feels the need to comment on that as we get the requisit “all the family together” scene as they come see the baby, much to a sleep deprived Crosby and Jasmine’s chagrin.parenthood-s5ep1-2

As for everyone else, Sarah can now add super to her ever growing resume of odd jobs she’s had while coming on strong with the empty nest syndrome as she complains to Amber about Drew’s discovery of emoji’s. Julia is trying to head back out into the legal corporate world but is being blocked by her vindictive former boss as Joel lands the bid start construction on a 2 year housing development, which brings Pete (Sonya Walger), the architect into their lives. Again, my biggest hope with this plotline is that it’s not a rehash of Julia’s jealousy plotline in Season 1 and that if there is a rift between Julia and Joel this year, that it feels genuine, rather than a contrived “another woman home wrecking them” scenario. We also find out that Hank (aka. Henchman 24) has moved back to Berkley from Minnesota and has struck up an awkward mentor relationship with Max, who has developed an interest in photography. While Adam is at first reticent of Hank coming back into their lives as sees his interaction with Max as a way to get back with Sarah, Hank tells him that Max has an eye for photography that should be encouraged.

As Adam grapples with the idea that Max could finally develop a sense of self-reliance and be able to live in the real world on his own, Kristina is approached by her former employer Bob Little, a slightly shady local politician who hooked up with Amber briefly in season 3, to run his mayoral candidate campaign. Kristina, filled with her new “carpe diem” outlook on life and concerned about local education as well as advice from a fellow cancer patient friend, decides to do one better and throws her name into the mayoral race.

And Amber, after dealing with Ryan’s recent deployment and bad Skype connections, is reunited with him and proposed to right as he returns home. Not only is this the most heartwarming moment of the episode, but it also sets up probably her biggest storyline in the series so far.

The Roundup

  • Best line of the episode: “I’m sure you’re going be the best thing that ever happen to me someday but right now I just really hate you.” Crosby to his crying newborn daughter.
    2nd Best line of the episode: “It hits on a level. It’s like a dog whistle.” Sarah to Amber upon hearing the baby cry.
  • Cutest moment of the episode: Sydney explaining to Victor what profit margins are.
    @TeamParenthood Tweet(s) of the Night: “Oh hey Hank. Minnesota called. They want you back. #Parenthood” ; “Adam’s also telling Hank Minnesota is calling. #myideafirst #Parenthood”
  • Most interesting future developments: While Amber getting married holds the potential for some interesting conflict with her and Sarah, the thing I’m most interested in is the background check into Kristina’s past as part of her mayoral campaign. Like I said, the closest thing to a “mystery” the show has ever had is Kristina’s past and the strained relationship she has with her own family. If they were unwilling to fly out and be with her as she’s dealing with breast cancer, then something very wrong is going on.

[notification type=”star”]80/100 ~ GREAT. This was mainly a table setting episode. Of slightly dealing with the fallout of last season’s events while setting up the big plotlines for this season. And as far as execution goes, the episode lived up to its title “It Has To Be Now” and wasted no time in getting things going.[/notification]

Share.

About Author

Film geek, podcaster and newly minted IATSE member from Regina, Saskatchewan. I met Don McKellar once, and he told me that Quentin Tarantino is exactly like me.