I credit Sony, ABC, and SpoilerTV for allowing me to use the promotional photos below.
Review:
Like in last year's Thanksgiving episode, Uncle Marvin shows up to Thanksgiving. He's NOT the only one though. Murray, requested by Bev (who wants to have the best Thanksgiving just like Jessica from Tuesday's fantastic episode of Fresh off the Boat) must invite his estranged father, Pop-Pop (played by Judd Hirsch after replacing Paul Sorvino) to Thanksgiving. Of course, it's a challenge for him until Bev gives Adam the task to get his own father to bring Pop-Pop to Thanksgiving Dinner. Then, Marvin tricks into Pop-Pop into thinking Thanksgiving is at his own house when it is actually in Murray's house.
Meanwhile, Pops passes the torch onto his grandchildren on giving the Thanksgiving toast. At first, he passes the torch on Erica until Barry gives an epic speech dressed up as a pilgrim and showing a presentation of baby pictures, basketball, karate, which had Stan Bush songs in the speech. That scene alone is easily the best part of The Goldbergs this season so far without a doubt. The funniness doesn't stop there. Once Pop-Pop comes into the house, fireworks blow up!!!! For example, Murray gets mad at Adam for using the lyrics of "Cats in the Cradle" to manipulate him into bringing Pop-Pop into the house. Then, Pop-Pop tries to understand what the song is about and Erica makes an epic fail attempt to mimic Barry's epic speech, which almost no one listens to. Now, the family is arguing with each other, which made me laugh so hard that I almost cried. Because of the chaos, Murray cancels Thanksgiving!! He later hurts his back. At first, he keeps rejecting Uncle Marvin to perform his chiropractic skills on him until Erica saves the day and gives an epic speech about that the family does annoy each other but in the end, they need each other. Boy, Murray was wrong. Marvin saved Thanksgiving. Everything is back to normal now and The Goldbergs finally enjoy their Thanksgiving. Pops ends up giving the Thanksgiving toast. Pop-Pop (happier now) compliments his daughter-in-law (Bev)'s cooking skills. The ending was real sweet between Murray and Adam after he thanked him for producing the music video of "Cats in the Cradle". I also loved how the episode ended where Erica tries to sing to Murray in attempt to go on the ski trip. The good news is that he loves her voice, but the bad news is that she can't go.
My Thoughts:
What a fantastic episode this was. Although the family have their differences, Erica was the real star of the week for confronting the family on their problems and Murray for underestimating his own brother. Also, Barry continues to prove why this season he has entertained me EVERY SINGLE WEEK especially when he dressed up as a pilgrim showing his competitive side against Erica. This upcoming Wednesday, The Goldbergs will not air a new episode due to Thanksgiving Holiday. However, beginning on December 2, do not forget to watch The Goldbergs on Wednesday nights at 8:30/7:30c between The Middle and Modern Family. If you missed this episode or any of the episodes, watch the episodes from the beginning on Hulu Plus. The subscription is worth the money.
