The Goldbergs are back! I absolutely loved "Breakfast Club" and thought it was a great way to start season four. It was funny, had heartwarming moments and didn't waste any time getting back to the action.
It was September 3, Nineteen Eighty-Something, and all the Goldbergs are preparing to go back to school. They're all convinced they know how the school year is going to go; Adam wants to reinvent himself by wearing multiple coats, Erica will be the popular senior, and Barry wants to be the cool jock even though he can't run. What they didn't expect was for their mother to receive her substitute teaching certificate. They are mortified and want their father to talk Beverly out of teaching, but Murray is actually supportive of his wife's new career.
"You're always marching down there to make trouble anyhow. Might as well get some money for it."
Can I just say that I loved Beverly's teaching sweater? It was hilarious how excited she was about it, and Murray and Pops really couldn't care less about it. It had an apple and a worm on it! It was great to see Pops again, too.
With her teacher sweater on, Beverly marches down to the high school ready to start teaching. Earl, the principal, is not thrilled to see Beverly and urges her to go away. He tells her that all the teachers are at the school, and he will not be calling her to sub even when teachers get sick. Beverly is always hilarious when she's interacting with teachers, and this scene was no different.
"I get the sense you don't want me here, Earl."
"Oh good. Thanks for reading all the obvious clues."
The school day is a disaster for everyone. Erica is angry at Geoff and starts to go off the rails, Barry is mean, and Adam is still wearing too many clothes. Beverly and the kids cause a scene in the cafeteria because she wants everyone to eat together. Erica and Barry certainly do not want to eat with their mother, and Beverly starts yelling. Earl fires Beverly and gives all the Goldbergs and Lainey Saturday detention.
This begins the Breakfast Club portion of the episode. The teens dance to "My Sharona" which I thought was great, and the clothes the Goldbergs have on even look like the original Breakfast Club. While they are in detention, Murray pays Earl a visit and is able to get Beverly her job back. He also makes the kids write an essay about Beverly. Adam reads it to Murray after their punishment is over. Adam, Barry, and Erica realize that their mom loves them, and she needs to do more than just be a mom. I loved that Murray stood up for Beverly both with Earl and the kids. The best part of all of this is she gets to be in charge and yell at people at the school. Perfect! I can't wait to see Beverly interact with other teachers and her kids at the school.
The episode ends with the Goldberg teens return to normal; Adam walks into school without his coats (Finally. I know he was "channeling" John Hughes, but it was September 3. It's weird.) and Barry picking up his books when a bully ripped them out of Adam's hands. Erica also returns to her popular, happy self and finally talks to Geoff. I can't wait to see what will happen the rest of this season with all of the Goldberg teens in high school, and Beverly being a substitute teacher. I think this season is going to be great.
This episode had several great quotes and some of my favorites were:
- Erica: "You are not an educator! You are just a crazy lady in a worm sweater!"
- Adam: "I committed to this outfit before I checked the weather."
- Earl (to Murray): "Oh good. First week wouldn't seem complete without uncomfortable quality time with every Goldberg."
- Barry's Athlete Friend: "We're not jocks. We're student athletes, bro."
What did you think about "Breakfast Club"? Did you like the way season four began? What were your favorite scenes? Let me know in the comments section!