Parenthood - Happy Birthday, Zeek - Review: "The Farewell Season is Looking Great"
5 Oct 2014
BN Parenthood ReviewsParenthood definitely made it's mark in its second episode of its farewell run. The producers definitely are trying to cram a whole lot of drama into these last 13 episodes, which is great to see. In this episode we had the Zeek cancer scare, the issue with Sydney and bullying other students, Kristina struggling with the nutrition needs of the chamber's academy as well as Amber and her pregnancy.
Starting with Zeek and the cancer, in this episode we see Zeek using the phrase 'elective surgery' to get out of having the surgery. His 72nd birthday fast approaching, and the family still wanting Zeek to get the surgery certainly didn't help his situation. Some great scenes in this episode was when the Braverman family were considering the fact of a loss of a family member, in true Parenthood style.
But in the end, Zeek did decide the have the surgery. He realized that he loved his family and didn't want to leave that early. And after the unique and emotional conversation with his granddaughter, Amber, it was almost certain that he would have the surgery. Those type of scenes you only get on Parenthood, it will be so sad to see this series leave our screens.
Next up, we had the Joel and Julia situation, carrying on from last episode where Joel kissed Julia, Julia is still trying to understand what is going on. But when they get a call from the school regarding Sydney and her classmates, Julia is worried. Julia was worried that Sydney was getting bullied, but really it was Sydney doing the bullying.
I think Julia felt quite embarrassed then, and the comment from Joel regarding their relationship status certainly didn't help their situation. From then on, in the episode Sydney was quite emotional. Honestly, I think Sydney is still struggling with the fact that her parents are separated and they aren't a big happy family like before.
Now to Kristina and Adam, having recently opened up their own school 'Chambers Academy' (which Max wasn't too fond of attending), they are struggling with meeting the nutritional needs of the students. But this gets too much for the catering company, who inadvertently quits because of all the requests from Kristina. At this point Kristina is worried about what she is going to do,
But Adam comes up with an idea that can 'kill two birds with one stone', he decides to make a cooking arts elective that will ultimately make food for the students. But this is easily said than done. This was a hilarious scene, when Adam is teaching the students how to cook, none of the students knew what they were doing. But that is something Parenthood is good at, presenting real life issues whilst mixing in some comedy.
Finally, we have Amber and her pregnancy. Last episode left us with her telling Sarah that she is pregnant. Firstly, Sarah is in shock that Amber is pregnant, at this point Sarah does not know what to think. But Sarah does come around (slightly), she was happy that Amber was pregnant, but wished it wasn't happening right now. Finally towards the end of the episode, Sarah realizes all the joy that comes of having a child, and the fact that she is going to be a grandmother.
The aforementioned conversation between Zeek and Amber was exceptional, it brang joy to my heart watching Zeek and Amber cry in happiness about the fact that there was going to be an addition to the family. Zeek was over the moon about becoming a great-grandfather. When Zeek told Camille, that was great too, the fact that The Braveman family don't share secrets that was a nice addition.
When the family are all gathering for Zeek's 72nd birthday, these are the Parenthood scenes are absolutely adore, The whole family gathering, just to be with each other and appreciate others' company. Parenthood excels in these scenes. However there was a couple of family members missing, Drew and Haddie, I'd love to see them both come back in future episodes.
My perfect ending to this series, will be a happy yet clear ending. I wouldn't mind if some things I left hanging for us to create our own ending, but I would like it to be happy. Parenthood is all about family, and the only word that I can associate with family, is happiness. A happy parenthood ending would create this farewell season that much more memorable.
Overall, the farewell season is going along very well. This is certain to be a great season. I especially want to see where these pregnancy and cancer storylines go. Parenthood is so good at demonstrating real life issues, and that is definitely something I am going to miss when we kiss this series goodbye in 11 episodes :(
Quotes
"If I die, you take my ashes and you scatter them over center field at Marine park and then play a game of baseball over me, because I'm going out on my terms."
- Zeek Braverman.
"Also this is not art, this is slave labor. You could be arrested for this."
- Max Braverman.
"You guys are not The Jackson 5, that's for sure."
- Crosby Braverman.
"Like who do I think I am? Oprah? Like I can just open a school and it will be great?"
- Kristina Braverman.
Promo for next week
What are your thoughts on the farewell season so far? What would be your perfect ending? Leave your thoughts down below!
The farewell season is looking great! What are your thoughts?
ReplyDeleteI watch Parenthood on my DVR and so far, I'm enjoying it very much. I really hope Zeek doesn't die. I also hope that Ryan and Amber end in a peaceful way if they don't get back together. As for Joel & Julia storyline, that was one of the reasons why season 5 was disappointing but still, I support the show 100%. While Julia has to take responsibility for what she did with Ed and Evan (Max's teacher and only friend at his now former school), Joel needs to stop holding grudges against her. I can understand why she is with another man but I don't like him as much as Ed. Later on this season, there's a rumor that Max has a friend that's like him and I hope this friend won't be a jerk to him like the others have been. Ruby has an attitude problem and I hope Sarah can save her from doing something really bad. I hope that Hank and Sandy can see this instantly. As for Sydney, I understand where she's coming from even though her behavior is unacceptable. Her parents have to take responsibility for not being there for her as much.
ReplyDeleteI too hope Zeek does not die, but the only other person I can think of that might die is Amber (she might die during childbirth).
ReplyDeleteJoel and Julia definitely had a lot of chemistry in previous seasons, we don't know much about her new boyfriend. I really hope they can work things out before the end of the season.
With Max, I truly do hope he can find someone who is a true friend and not stab him in the back, like you said previous friends have been pretty bad.
And with Ruby, I don't know what to think of this one, I waiting to see what happens in the season.
There definitely will be a lot of teary moments this season, and Zeek telling Camille definitely was one of them.
Thanks for the comment, looking forward to the rest of this season!