The Fosters - Stay - Review: "True Friendship"

Review Guide
Episode 2.11 Christmas Past - Advance Preview & Review
Episode 2.12 Over Under - Advance Preview & Review
Episode 2.13 Stay - Review
Episode 2.14 Mother Nature - Review

The Fosters - Stay - Review

The Fosters Returned last night with a brand new episode titled "Stay". The episode took us back to the central premise of the show which is kids looking for where they belong with an interesting story for Kiara.

This episode Callie feels emotionally attached and passionate about Kiara's situation, not just because they are friends, but because she knows what it’s like to be searching for a place where she can belong, and feel safe. Callie has found that place with The Fosters, but it is frustrating when the system/courts don't take her desire to stay with The Fosters into account despite her not wanting to see the Quinn’s, which is perhaps why she gave such an emotionally charged, and heartbroken rant when she tries to take Kiara to a drop in center, but finds out there is a long waiting list. Kiara we find out is living with two drug dealers, who get threatened at knifepoint by a drug addict, which is when she decides to call Callie for some much needed help.

Child protective services get alerted, but aren't going to help Kiara, and blatantly make it clear she will have to go back to live with them. Kiara can't go back there since she ratted them out to the police, and her life would be in danger should she return. This is when Callie tries to help by taking her to that drop in center. As much as I wanted to see Kiara get help, it would be unfair to the dozen or so other children, who could be in worse situations than her if she were to jump the queue. Perhaps her only solution is to run away, which she does eventually end up doing. At least this way she can take control of her own life, and won’t be put in homes where she would be in danger. I have to say I will miss seeing Kiara make an appearance as her friendship with Callie was always nice to see, they always had some great scenes together.

It came as no surprise to me when Callie decides to do her work placement at that drop in center. This way she can feel like she can actually make a difference to people's lifes whom she can relate to a lot on a personal level. She has found her family, and she wants others to experience the feeling of finding a family that wants you.

Elsewhere this episode saw the return of Wyatt. I found his appearance to be rather odd, as it didn't really make much sense to the story that was going on, I would have much preferred Callie to deal with him in another episode. Having said that he was in the episode, and he was still bitter about his and Callie’s breakup. I can understand why Wyatt was still mad, as I did find that Callie wasn't always fair to him using him as a fall back option when things got tough. She could have treated him a lot better than she did, as he was one of the few who remained with her no matter what happened, he always listened to her, and treated her fairly, so it's no wonder he still hasn't got over it. She kept tossing him aside like rubbish, then going back to him when things got tough.

It wasn't fair on him. Having said I know she had feelings for him, and he her, so he could have acted a little more mature this about everything. Wyatt later reveals to her that he is leaving (again), and invites her to come along, in a neat little twist when it looks like she is going with him she went to just return his art he gave her in season 1. Despite me liking the character of Wyatt, I think him going will give Callie closure in her life. I am also hoping he doesn't return as I don't want another romance between the two to start, and then end abruptly again. It was wearing thin on me. I actually don't want Callie to be with either Brandon or Wyatt as I think she deserves better, that chapter in her life is better left closed.

This episode Mike finally returned after being absent for countless episodes. He joined Stef and Lena for a discussion about Brandon going on tour with Lou. Surprisingly though Stef seemed to be the one who was ok with him going away whereas the others weren't. If Brandon were to go on tour how many episodes would he be absent for or would we actually be able to him travelling around the country? I wouldn't mind spending some time away from the current/typical scenery, so following him would on tour wouldn't be a bad idea. It would be an interesting route for the show to take, and I am hoping they take it.

Jesus this episode thinks Mike could be the father on Anna's baby. It didn't seem like much of a longshot; as if he were to be the baby's father it would actually give the character an interesting story arc/something to do on the show. Speaking of Jesus I am still rooting for him to get rid of Haley as his girlfriend, and get back together with lovable Emma. Emma and Jesus always had great chemistry, and there scenes together were always so enjoyable to watch. With Haley all we see her doing is either moaning, sticking her tongue down Jesus’s throat or constantly texting him. I am hoping he finds some sense and dumps her, as she isn't that likable either.

Summary
"Stay" is a very strong episode, and it continues on with the second half of the seasons run of powerful episodes. It was great to see Mike, Wyatt and Kiara make a return and they each added something to the episode. I am glad Wyatt is leaving, and I am desperately hoping for him to not return as his on/off relationship with Callie is really annoying. This episode overall was an emotionally charged hour full of drama, and interesting storylines. It was also nice to see the show get back to its roots of kids looking for a place to call home.

As always, thank you for reading!

About the Author - Robert Fruin

Robert is a sixth form student from the United Kingdom, who is currently studying IT, Media and Business Studies. Robert is a huge fan of the ended ABC series LOST, he has seen it many times over and has even visited some of the filming locations for it. Robert mainly watches drama series such as Game Of Thrones and Person of Interest, but has a soft spot for the comedy The Middle. Some other shows he watches are The Walking Dead, Arrow and The 100. Some other interests include cycling, photography and kayaking. Robert will be reviewing Z Nation,The Librarians, Sons Of Anarchy, Intruders, The Fosters and Aquarius. Feel free to connect with him on any of these social media sites.

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