Author Topic: Parenthood (Season 4 - 2012)  (Read 1076 times)

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Chiprocks1

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Re: Parenthood (Season 4 - 2012)
« Reply #45 on: December 14, 2012, 08:16:09 am »
What to My Wondering Eyes




A couple of incredibly powerful scenes in this one, along with a very pathetic one too. When Adam plays Kristina's 'Goodbye' video that she made for the kids and the way that the entire scene was edited together, I was 100% positive they were in fact going to get rid of her character, which would have been a very ballsy move on the part of creator Jason Katims. It's a tricky proposition to knock off a very popular character and stay true to life. In the end she makes a miraculous recovery. I don't think she is out of the woods yet and they may in fact continue to go down this road in a future episode. I just think they didn't want to tie it in with a Christmas themed episode that millions of families are watching. It would have been a bad way to spend the holidays with the family for sure.

The meltdown that Amber goes through was a great scene for Mae Whitman and completely irrational. I've never seen anyone glom onto someone like she has to Ryan, with such conviction, that early into a relationship. They just met, but she is acting like her entire world is tied up in this one person that continually calls into question his own sanity. The apple really doesn't fall far from the tree. In a nice juxtaposition, we see Sarah doing the exact same thing in a more subtle way with her fawning over Hank. It sure doesn't take her long to "get over" Mark, huh? If she can move on that fast, Mark is better off without her. She, along with Hank looked pretty pathetic. A couple of bar flies just looking for affection to justify their own existence.

FYI, I'm getting tired of every episode consisting of Drew walking into a room full of people and saying "I'm going over to Amy's". Dude, just do us a favor and stay over at Amy's. That way I never have to see your face on another episode of Parenthood. Just sayin'.
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Mac

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Re: Parenthood (Season 4 - 2012)
« Reply #46 on: December 14, 2012, 01:16:55 pm »
Ya beat me to the punch. Completely agree on everything... except... I knew they would not kill of Kristina. Especially this show. As you mentioned it was Christmas themed. I think it would have been 'Epic' in the sense of making a mark in History of television. Not so much in being the ultimate downer.

I'm not sure if we finally see the mirror image of Amber and Sarah or if they did this on purpose this episode. Everything Amber did was emulating Mom. And speaking of Mom... ugh, Mark... you made the right move. I don't know where this is going now, because I thought Ray Ramano was a special guest with a limited showing. I can't believe they will start any kind of relationship. I'm not sure if the show is going to try to show Sarah as a very likeable person that makes some bad choices, because I see Sarah as a constant f uck-up. Especially with her kids, let alone all her relationships.

By the way, I almost got drunk on this episode because of my "have a drink when Amber crys" game.

Drew is a puss... period.

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Chiprocks1

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Re: Parenthood (Season 4 - 2012)
« Reply #47 on: December 14, 2012, 01:20:27 pm »
I was certain that your wife was going to come on Penny Can to let me know that you had slipped into an alcohol-induced coma after this episode.
Chip's Rockin' Art
Michael Scott To Meredith: "You've slept with so many men, your starting to look like one. BOOM! Roasted! Go here.

Mac

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Re: Parenthood (Season 4 - 2012)
« Reply #48 on: December 14, 2012, 03:09:36 pm »
She doesn't say anything but I'm sure I come off as a dick when this show is on


Aw C'mon Amber.... your gonna cry AGAIN!!!!!
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Chiprocks1

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Re: Parenthood (Season 4 - 2012)
« Reply #49 on: January 02, 2013, 06:08:12 am »
Added Episode 12: Keep On Rowing
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Michael Scott To Meredith: "You've slept with so many men, your starting to look like one. BOOM! Roasted! Go here.

Chiprocks1

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Re: Parenthood (Season 4 - 2012)
« Reply #50 on: January 02, 2013, 06:30:45 am »
Keep On Rowing



I wasn't expecting any new episodes till the end of January, so it was a nice surprise to see the return of Parenthood. All though good episode, it felt very lightweight. It seemed very small with the lack of stories involving the entire family. The main story and the most interesting had to do with Kristina first losing her hair and then subsequently shaving it off. I was hoping that they would have this scene in and that both the show and Monica Potter would have the cojones to shave off her real hair. Yes, it's unrealistic to expect an actor to do something as drastic as that, especially if they are on a TV series. It's easier to get away with that if they are on a movie like Demi Moore is in G.I. Jane and her character will be bald the entire time. But for a series as well as public appearances, asking Monica to do that just wouldn't work. I only want them to do it real because no matter how good the makeup department is, seeing a 'bald cap' still looks funny, weird and not believable. Too distracting.

Anyway, the best part of the entire episode was her finally accepting the situation as it is and walking out of the Hotel, arm in arm with Adam and owning the situation rather than having the situation own her.  Very cool.

As for Victor, I have been waiting for a long time for him to act out. I saw it coming a mile a way and yet, when he threw the bat at Sydney, it took me totally by surprise. So much so that I actually flinched when the bat came directly at the Camera. Dem bastards made me flinch! I never flinch! Grrr!! Joel is living with blinders on if he doesn't see that there is a problem. Julia is now in a weird spot because she doesn't have his support, Victor hates her and Sydney probably thinks she is the odd man out because they give her "brother" so much leeway.

Poor Crosby. He got ambushed! Now has to live with his Mother-In-Law. Tsk tsk. Poor Hank, he is blind and can't see who he WILL be living with as Sarah gets more and more clingy. Tsk tsk.
Chip's Rockin' Art
Michael Scott To Meredith: "You've slept with so many men, your starting to look like one. BOOM! Roasted! Go here.

Mac

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Re: Parenthood (Season 4 - 2012)
« Reply #51 on: January 02, 2013, 08:40:46 am »
There were many a light moments here, but with some pretty heavy duty emotional breakdowns. Kristina shaving the head can only be traumatic. I did feel for Adam becoming the whipping boy. There is no way any one is prepared for that. The cancer victim or surrounding family. My wife went through the same thing. Bought a wig, but never wore it. Just accepted it and decided to go out with caring what others think... at least it appeared that way and I never saw it.

While I did not see the explosive nature of Victor, I believe we now have a huge worry on our hands. Joel better get a clue and Julia needs to step up as well. Though I've never been in their spot, treating their daughter and Victor very differently is troublesome. Are they prisoners to their new situation?

By they way, why did they adopt an older child? Does this go back to making some very big, bad, emotional decisions?

I'm glad to see the change in Crosby, even though I think I would have reacted exactly like him.

Finally... Sarah. I'm worn out. She just needs to back away from any relationship and jump the earth. That is one f ucked up woman.

oh, and good lord, next weeks preview, it's apparent we get to see Drew's awesome character and acting ability.
Not looking forward to this at all.
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Chiprocks1

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Re: Parenthood (Season 4 - 2012)
« Reply #52 on: January 02, 2013, 08:46:16 am »

By they way, why did they adopt an older child? Does this go back to making some very big, bad, emotional decisions?


This is the one thing that has bothered me. They try to get what's her face to give up her unborn baby and end up getting royally screwed over at the 11th hour. I get that they had their hearts set on adopting, but why go from a newborn to a troubled kid? This is what doesn't make sense in a practical real life situation. But for a show called Parenthood, having a kid of age is better because they will get to act and create all sorts of drama that a 1 month old can't, other than crying, burping and farting.
Chip's Rockin' Art
Michael Scott To Meredith: "You've slept with so many men, your starting to look like one. BOOM! Roasted! Go here.

Chiprocks1

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Re: Parenthood (Season 4 - 2012)
« Reply #53 on: January 10, 2013, 04:12:37 am »
Added Episode 13: Small Victories
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Michael Scott To Meredith: "You've slept with so many men, your starting to look like one. BOOM! Roasted! Go here.

Chiprocks1

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Re: Parenthood (Season 4 - 2012)
« Reply #54 on: January 10, 2013, 05:20:00 am »
Small Victories



It's kinda odd and strange that it was more uncomfortable to sit through this episode than that of Kristina getting sick. I think because there was so much tension throughout Small Victories had a lot to do with it. There was one surprise though. I thought that Jason Ritter was done with the show, so it caught me totally off guard when he popped up on the show. With the way Hank became jealous when he showed up to talk to Sarah, this leads me to believe that the roles will now be reversed and now Hank gets to experience EVERYTHING that Mark had to deal with. I think it would be awesome. This brings me to another point, if they do go down this road, this will be that Sarah would of course be enabling him to come around, which means that she is really f*cked up to keep bouncing between two dudes with impunity.

As for the whole Amy / Drew story, why is Amy's first choice to get rid of the pregnancy when the most beneficial one would be to abort Drew? Dude, he annoys me and the way he handled the entire thing was pretty pathetic. First he doesn't even stand up and fight for the unborn kid when that is what he wanted and then to top it off he doesn't do anything about her dumping him after getting rid of the baby. Have some backbone. Gah! Like I said, he annoys me to no end.

As for Victor, I don't know why, but I just assumed they had adopted him 'off camera' and that he was official part of the family. Since he is not, I hope the writers find a plausible way to write him off the show. Can't stand him and he is one of the reasons why this season has taken a hit like it has. The scenes with Max on the flip-side was awesome. Need more scenes with Max and less with Victor. Also, bring Haddie back. Even though she didn't have a big role on the show, she gave it balance that seems to be lacking since heading off to college.

Poor Crosby. Not only does he have to deal with the fact that his mother-in-law has taken over his own house, but now he had to be subjected to the fact that she will not take 'just any old job', putting him further behind the eight ball. If that's not bad enough, he has to watch another man come to his own house and eat his cereal. Dude, that's cold!!
Chip's Rockin' Art
Michael Scott To Meredith: "You've slept with so many men, your starting to look like one. BOOM! Roasted! Go here.

Mac

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Re: Parenthood (Season 4 - 2012)
« Reply #55 on: January 10, 2013, 08:11:31 am »
I was dreading this episode because of what I saw in the teaser trailer the previous week. I was not excited about watching the least interesting character, Drew, go through emotional-non-emotional drama. Sorry, the guy can’t act his way out of a box. So let’s not talk about that cluster… but Amber cried… with her brother and Sarah continues to be the worst mother in the world with the biggest heart. Despite Sarah’s heart, her actions are telling. I can only think that the resurrection of Mark is because we know off screen that Ray Romano’s character is temporary. Still, it makes no sense what Mark is doing. He got burned pretty hard. Unless he’s the type that needs to ‘fix’ the significant other, which I don’t think he is.

I think there is an interesting dynamic going on within the Crosby household, now that Jasmine’s mother, Renee has moved in. I’ve witnessed a very similar scenario in my past and understand Crosby’s perspective. All I can say is Crosby needs to walk on eggshells, because of the mother-daughter dynamic. He knows it, but we also know how Crosby reacts to things. I think this will be a learning experience for everyone in that house.

I think the most interesting powerful moments, like a tip of an iceberg, are ahead with Julia, Joel and Victor. I can only speculate the emotional feelings associated with adoption. And at best speculate a woman’s feeling about motherhood. What was Julia wanting when she decided to adopt? I see Joel totally invested and devoted to making the adoption and parenthood work… because of Julia’s wants in the beginning.

But… Joel works during the day and like most Dad’s has less time concerned with children, unlike Julia quitting work, something I thought she enjoyed. So not only has Julia’s daily purpose significantly shifted, she just might be thinking her reasons are completely wrong. So emotion again is driving some folks to do some radical changes. I think there a lot of women like Julia that the idea of parenthood is Utopian. She is fortunate Sydney has been damn near the perfect child, with minor problems. So the thinking continues, let’s have more of these because little effort and lots of rewards are associated with being a parent.

Until the child becomes a problem. Then all bets are off on whether they should even be parenting. In Julia’s case, she did not get to go through the natural evolution of raising an infant. Julia and Joel are faced with this little strange young person suddenly be part of their life. I think Joel fully understands his emotions, reasons and actions. Adoption is a BIG deal and it significantly affects another person’s life. I was actually surprised there is this ‘trial’ period. I thought once you get the machine rolling, the decisions are final. Then again, I guess it makes sense… because of what we are seeing played out here. But good gawd, they are playing with lives here almost like a car deal. I know, I know, the process is under the microscope by the agency, but still…

… It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

My fear, is because this is network television, they are going to steer the story to most common denominator and not irritate people. Like Julia reneging on her decision and making adoption look bad. Let’s see what happens though.  I’ve been actually quite surprised with the some of the discussions in the last two episodes. “How big is his ****?” and the barrage term for ****. I thought it was great. Just surprised to hear it from this show.
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Chiprocks1

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Re: Parenthood (Season 4 - 2012)
« Reply #56 on: January 10, 2013, 08:31:23 am »
Great insight to the episode Mac.

Off topic, I've always heard the argument when a couple decides to adopt and those outside the bubble for whatever reason like to offer their "suggestions" to the couple "does it have to be a newborn that you adopt? Why not a kid that is in foster care?. It's this very reason why older kids usually are overlooked in the adoption phase. Lets forget about the fact that parents would be missing out on raising a baby from such a young age. But when you bring in a kid that's got a few years on them, they are bringing a lot of baggage into the new home, and in the case of Victor, he has his memory of his real mother, one that he isn't shy about bringing up on a constant basis. That's an incredible burden for new adoptive parents to overcome when they are constantly being compared to the birth mother and an unfit one at that. It's this reality that is like having a bucket of cold water being dumped on them that they are ill-equipped to handle this type of situation. With a baby, there is no baggage at all.

Victor may be at the center of all this, but it's Joel that is getting royally screwed over. He was against having another kid in the first place and only placated Julia's desire for another child. So, he relents and then eventually grows to love the kid to only have Julia decide that this was a bad decision on her part and the best thing would probably be to cut ties. You see the correlation here? She's morphing into Sarah. Her actions are having (will have) some serious implications down the road for those around her.
Chip's Rockin' Art
Michael Scott To Meredith: "You've slept with so many men, your starting to look like one. BOOM! Roasted! Go here.

Mac

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Re: Parenthood (Season 4 - 2012)
« Reply #57 on: January 10, 2013, 04:28:34 pm »
I'm not seeing the similarity to Sarah, because I see them as very different women. But they are both making some WTF chaotic decisions.
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Chiprocks1

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Re: Parenthood (Season 4 - 2012)
« Reply #58 on: January 10, 2013, 04:52:51 pm »
I'm not seeing the similarity to Sarah...

They are making life alterations that affect other people with what appears to be a lack of remorse. Sarah forcing Drew to move in with Mark, Julia forcing Joel to pursue another child. Sarah breaks up with Mark, uprooting Drew...again. Julia deciding she doesn't want to adopt, screwing Joel over. Even though their heart was in the right place, in the end they both come off as very selfish. That's just the way I see it from my balcony anyway.
Chip's Rockin' Art
Michael Scott To Meredith: "You've slept with so many men, your starting to look like one. BOOM! Roasted! Go here.

Mac

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Re: Parenthood (Season 4 - 2012)
« Reply #59 on: January 10, 2013, 05:42:03 pm »
Selfish is the common thread... And that's the issue with all the characters and we as humans  ;D
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