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Parenthood (Season 4)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i266/Chiprocks1/Title%20Cards/Parenthood/Parenthood.jpg)
Episodes
Episode 1: Family Portrait (http://www.hulu.com/watch/400270#play-queued-show-by-original_premiere_date-asc)
Episode 2: Left Field (http://www.hulu.com/watch/402478#play-queued-show-by-original_premiere_date-asc)
Episode 3: Everything Is Not Okay (http://www.hulu.com/watch/405078#play-queued-show-by-original_premiere_date-asc)
Episode 4: The Talk (http://www.hulu.com/watch/407992#play-queued-show-by-original_premiere_date-asc)
Episode 5: There's Something I Need to Tell You... (http://www.hulu.com/watch/410892#play-queued-show-by-original_premiere_date-asc)
Episode 6: I'll Be Right Here (http://www.hulu.com/watch/416111#play-queued-show-by-original_premiere_date-asc)
Episode 7: Together (http://www.hulu.com/watch/424746#play-queued-show-by-original_premiere_date-asc)
Episode 8: One More Weekend With You (http://www.hulu.com/watch/427270#play-queued-show-by-original_premiere_date-asc)
Episode 9: You Can't Always Get What You Want (http://www.hulu.com/watch/428954#play-queued-show-by-original_premiere_date-asc)
Episode 10: Trouble in Candyland (http://www.hulu.com/watch/431875#play-queued-show-by-original_premiere_date-asc)
Episode 11: What to My Wondering Eyes (http://www.hulu.com/watch/434129)
Episode 12: Keep On Rowing (http://www.hulu.com/watch/439498#play-queued-show-by-original_premiere_date-asc)
Episode 13: Small Victories (http://www.hulu.com/watch/442938#play-queued-show-by-original_premiere_date-asc)
Episode 14: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back (http://www.hulu.com/watch/445678#play-queued-show-by-original_premiere_date-asc)
Episode 15: Because You're My Sister (http://www.hulu.com/watch/448377#play-queued-show-by-original_premiere_date-asc)
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Parenthood Panel - ATX Festival 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6y8iTwcYng4
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This is purely rumor from my perspective, but my wife, the celebrity addict, told me that Ray Romano is going to be Sarah Braverman's new love interest. So that immediately made me think of losing the curiosity of the future perspective. In other words, most of the show, is what will happen next? I can say with 100% accuracy, Ray Romano will not be a staple and we can expect him to leave. Why even get vested in him?
It’s all speculation… let’s see what develops this year
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Well not sure what to make of this. It was expected that Jason Ritter would be leaving the show for a new series. But nothing came of that (I haven't been able to find anything that says he is in fact leaving for said new show). So, if that's the case, what are they going to do with his character if Sarah (Lauren Graham) is off looking for new romances? Jason did go on record as saying that if there was a Season 4, that he would definitely be coming back.
I'm confused!!!! (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i266/Chiprocks1/Smilies/0%20All%20Smilies/HTL_confused_white.gif)
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Hmmmm, just found this from television Blend
Because NBC’s Parenthood produces less episodes than other dramas of its ilk—with only 15 episodes set for the upcoming season—it always seems like an extremely long period of time between batches of new episodes. Luckily, with new episodes finally on the way, NBC has put together a short, but intimate look into the fourth season of the critically acclaimed drama.
Interestingly, in the video, all of our favorite characters pop up, but the family branch involving Sarah and her son, Drew, really takes precedence. We already know Ray Romano is set for a multi-episode arc in the fall, and his potential interference into Sarah and Mark’s relationship manifests itself in the video through a simple conversation where Sarah goes to him, instead of her fiancé, for advice. There’s also a pretty suspect blanket being folded in the scene, leaving a lot of questions unanswered.
http://www.nbc.com/parenthood/video/Parenthood-Returns!/1412936
While things seem a little more settled in other branches of the Braverman clan, poor Drew looks like he is headed for heartbreak, which fans should have seen coming a mile away. It’s kind of a shame, because Amy was pretty likeable and her caring family introduced Drew to a substitute father figure during Season 3. We’ll have to wait and see exactly how these dramatic plotlines pan out when Parenthood airs next month.
Parenthood Season 4 premieres Tuesday, September 11 at 9 p.m. CT.
and this little promo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBd2KQcJTN0
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Added Episode 1: Family Portrait
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Family Portrait
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A nice return for Parenthood and it started off just as I thought it would....Amber making an assumption, jumping into the sack and hooking up with the singer of the band from the recording studio and thinking it was a relationship. I get why Adam would come to her defense and throw out the band when he learned that the singer had a girlfriend. It is noble, but it shows how dumb he can be running a business. At least talk to her before you fly off the handle to see how she feels about the whole situation.
I like how Mark took the bull by the horns and talked his way into the Family Portrait. Up till now, the house rules states that any 'outsider' that wants in has to be married first. But Mark's argument was compelling enough to get in regardless, much to the chagrin of the Joel who had to marry to get in. Haha. Drew needs to wise up. If a chick keeps postponing returning from whereever she was for another 3 days. Things are over. The exchange between him and Amy at the end was very awkward. They are done for sure.
I like the idea that Crosby is going to allow Jabar to discover religion on his own and not mandate that he be told what to believe based on what his grandmother believes. As for Ray Romano's part in the show as Hank, it wasn't as bad as I thought it could have been. The 'connection' albeit subtle, was handled in a way that you would not see coming.....on her part that is. But on his part you can see there was jealousy when he learned of Mark. Why? I don't have a clue. Hank and Sarah don't even know each other and yet here he is, making cracks about Mark to make himself look bigger.
The part with Julia telling Joel that she is "just waiting to fall in love (with Victor)" says a lot. I don't like the character. He's rude and nonchalant about getting a family to take care of him. So, I can see why Julia would say that. This is what you call good writing.
The return of Parenthood gets 4 Stars.
Learning that there is only 15 episodes this season gets 0 Stars. Boooooo!!!! (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i266/Chiprocks1/Smilies/0%20All%20Smilies/Phhbbbtt.gif)
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Wow, that was exhausting.
Noticed how the matriarch was watching all the crap going down all around her.
Drew is a puss. Always has been. Adam needs is so seesaw. Sometimes he knows exactly what to do, other times he completely misses it. You know, just like real life.
I like Raymond's character. Good injection into the story.
Sarah is as irritating as usual and Amber just may have grown up. Please don't cry this year.
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Added Episode 2: Left Field
What the heck. 2 episodes this week? Am I missing something here? Not sure if it's actually 2 in one week, but it sure feels like it.
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Left Field
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Talk about dropping a bomb. I wasn't expecting to see Kristina get diagnosed with breast cancer. It came out of nowhere. I thought this was going to be all about Julia trying to get Victor to go to school as well as accept her as his mother and also about Max getting a dog. But the fact that everyone's story got wrapped up in a tiddy bow at the end, the writers through the viewer a curveball. Very sad. I think the way that it was edited, in silence, with only the music playing behind the scene added more weight to it for a knock out punch.
I really liked the scenes with Ray Romano, especially his talk with Drew. I think having Ray on the show is actually going to elevate the series higher, if that's even at all possible. Who would have guess, huh?
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Last night’s episode was good and bad. I think the writing nails it on the head on relationships and other times, makes no sense whatsoever. I get Zeek’s and Camille’s attempts at keeping Zeek’s heart condition under wraps. For one, that’s Zeeks character. The other is a paternal thing. No sense in upsetting the kids if there’s no value in it.
On the other hand, I don’t understand Kristina and Adam’s view of hiding the cancer. Not only does that not make sense in this context, but Parenthood is family and both Adam and Kristina and the rest of the brood, more than share their relationships with each other. My only guess is filler for the show and wait for the OHMYGAWD big reveal we see so often in other scenario’s with the clan. You have cancer, you share what you can for support. This is totally out of character, especially for Kristina.
I don’t know how much longer Mark is going to put up with Sarah. I think he’s starting to see the true Sarah who is very flighty, neurotic and a maintenance nightmare to be on the same page with her constantly. I have a love hate relationship with Sarah. I think she has a good heart, but mentally she’s a mess and her actions even worse.
Oh and Amber cried… though it was held back and made sense this time.
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Added Episode 3: Everything Is Not Okay
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Everything Is Not Okay
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With the news that Kristina has a lump, this will jump start her arc as the main focus for what I'm guessing will be a season long arc and because of that, it kind of made all the other stories seem irrelevant....for the time being. Zeek getting arrested and then taking a driving test didn't matter. Max losing his vending machine at school didn't matter. Sarah convincing Hank to do the Wedding gig didn't matter. It's not to say the stories weren't any good, it's just that they kinda pale in comparison to the 'Big' story.
Having said that, there were some small moments in each of those stories that stood out for me. I really liked the scene where Amber confronts Adam about how he was treating her and subsequently clearing the air. I liked that Max announces he is running for Student Body President of his school, which means he will get a nice arc for future episode. And I liked the scene with Hank and Sarah at the end when they were toasting the married couple, thus igniting something that is leading somewhere dangerous. Overall, a solid episode.
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Just read your review Mac, and yes, Sarah is definitely neurotic. Personally, I would have jumped ship a long time ago. It's clear she doesn't know what she wants, but likes the security of having Mark there for the sake of being there. If I were in Mark's shoes right now I'd be questioning why she is talking non-stop about a guy that "she can't stand". These are real life red flags. He may just be trying to fool himself into thinking there is nothing more to it. But there is a reason why they have a cliche called "always go with you first initial instinct, because it's always right".
As for Kristina not coming forward with the news, you gotta remember, she just got hit with a ton of bricks and the first thing you do is deny, deny, deny. You wouldn't run off and tell people if you have yet to accept it yourself and by not saying anything, she is not giving the situation any legitimacy. That it's not really happening. As soon as you start telling people, that's when it becomes real because you have come to terms with it. So, I understand why she is reluctant to say anything right now.
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Interesting observations. I kinda of agree with your thoughts on Kristina coming to terms with a major blow. I get the feeling they are going to 'hide' the news for as long as possible, for whatever reason. But what we have grown with Kristina is information, especially between family members... flows... quickly.
Yes there is that initial blow. There is than denial. She is carrying some bone crushing news and besides Adam, who we saw told to knock it off with the positive, Kristina is bearing a huge amount of weight. Her lonileness must be killing her... metaphorically. To me cancer news is like news of death to someone. Despite the agonizing crush of information, you don't keep it in. Your surround yourself with family support.
The cat is now out of the bag with Amber. I'll be disappointed if they pull a friends and let this hidden news linger through the season.
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Well, in theory you want to have family around for the long haul of course, but talking to a complete stranger going through the same thing is going to be far more therapeutic. Why? Because she won't have to deal with the 'looks' and 'smothering' that is sure to come her way and she can just be herself with new found friend sharing a common thing with each other. They even addressed this with her "Stranger/Friend" in the cafe.
I don't think it will come out immediately and if it does, I think it will be Amber that slips up some way. Not on purpose, but out of sympathy for her.
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Added Episode 4: The Talk
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The Talk
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The Talk doesn't refer to the birds and the bees, but the N-Word. I thought the scene with Jabar, Jasmine and Crosby was done really well. It sucks that in this day and age that we still have to have 'the talk' regarding race. You'd think for as old as this country is that we would be beyond name calling and insults. Okay, back to the show....
I'm a huge fan of Baseball, so I was happy that Victor chose Baseball as the sport he would try-out for. Not a fan of how he handled his failure of striking out repeatedly. I thought Joel handled the situation pretty good and ended up getting to play catch with him later. The look on his face said it all. They are becoming a family with Victor now.
Props to Jason Katims for bringing in another Friday Night Lights Alum with the addition of Matt Lauria as a War Vet that Zeek bonds with. I hope this is an extended run for Matt. More FNL Vets please!! I can see where the writers are going with Sarah and Hank and how they are getting there. Making Hank vulnerable because of his daughter and the fact that he ended his career as a photo journalist because of her gives Sarah something she can relate to. Overall, a pretty good episode.
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Did you notice the compare/contrast of Jasmine Crosby exposing Jabbar to the world
and Adam and Kristina protecting Max against it.
Subtle and real. I know both. I've raised my kids exposing them to all perspectives of the world.
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Did you notice the compare/contrast of Jasmine Crosby exposing Jabbar to the world
and Adam and Kristina protecting Max against it.
Yup.
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Added Episode 5: There's Something I Need to Tell You...
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There's Something I Need to Tell You...
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Easily one of the most powerful episodes ever for Parenthood and one of the hardest to sit through. Jason Katims wrote a script that was real, in more ways than one. There were so many great scenes and it was pretty heavy watching Julia basically cracking under the pressures of trying to run a family and maintain a high level at work. Her breakdown in the kitchen was hard to take. Watching Haddie trying to cope with the news about Kristina hit home on a personal level. Like I said, it was hard to get through this episode and I thought the baseball game was were they were ending it, which gave it that release of joy, which I absolutely loved seeing how it played out. But just as fast as they relived the tension of the episode, they give us more.....
Julia is confronted by her bosses at the firm she works at and promptly quits. That takes balls to walk away from money like that, but she sees what is important....her family. So, she made the right decision in my mind. I don't think she did the wrong thing because has she stayed at the job, her family and her on psyche was in jeopardy. But it was the episodes closing minutes that really got to me. I kept it together for most of the episode, but when Haddie walked into the restaurant and the other family members were able to put two and two together, I couldn't help but get misty eyed.
Anyway, I also wanted to point out that I like that they are setting up Amber with a potential love interest with Ryan (Matt Lauria), which means he will be on the series for a little bit longer. More FNL alums would be nice.
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Tonight's episode was disappointing on many levels. Not only was every story pretty damn depressing, but I feel many of the story lines are now being written, not in a realistic way, but as a Hollywood way. Max not only saying some words for his campaign, while heartfelt, I don't believe in any way, the kids would have reacted like they did or in fact elect him as president.
Sarah again, doing some major numbskull moves by moving in with Mark. Forcing that on Drew? Wow, just wow. She just does not think right... ever.
Amber cried. I should start a drinking game.
WTF with the cancer doctor saying what he did? We took out your cancer. It's out? Yes. Now let's focus on the cancer in lymph nodes.
WTF doc...
Adam and Kristina telling Haddie it's all OK after that news. What are they gaining by doing that? Lying to her face. Throwing out trust. Again, it all sounds very unrealistic on how people would react and say things.
Maybe I'm getting tired of the show. Maybe new directors and writers. I'm finding the scenario's more aggravational.
I know I will not be watching next week just on the fact of watching Kristina go through chemo. That hits home square in the face. I just don't need to relieve it.
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Added Episode 6: I'll Be Right Here
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I'll Be Right Here
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Normally I don't read reviews prior to writing my own. But in this case, I read yours first by mistake. You brought up a couple of things that were actually at the forefront of issues I had with this episode. The biggest peeve I have is the Doctor. His "bed side manner" is atrocious. I've seen this time and time again in person where they are so anal in reducing everything to clinical terms because they just don't "get it" when it comes to preparing people for some bad news. Who the f*ck leads a patient into believing everything they just went through was a "success" only to shoot them right down into the ground soon after with crippling news that it really wasn't a success at all. Why give them false hope. If I were in that room, I would have exploded in rage in how he presented the news. No kid gloves and I would have told him why I think he sucks as a Doctor.
As for Max, there is no way any auditorium of kids would have rallied behind Max as they did. I thought they were being condescending in giving him a standing ovation that fast and were just making fun of him. But to have him winning the election just based on a few choice words would never happen. This isn't me being mean by saying that kids are not compassionate or wouldn't go out of their way to befriend him. But to win as he did doesn't really ring true.
Now as far as Sarah goes, her actions lately have really p i s s e d me off, more so than I originally thought they did. She doesn't know what she wants and her impulsiveness puts everyone around her in harm's way. "I'm feeling guilty, so why not just up and move Drew in with Mark so that I can convince myself I'm not such a bad person for having feelings for someone else". It's that mindset that makes her one of the most irrational characters on TV and a person that becomes harder and harder to like as the show goes forward. I haven't her all that much in the last couple of years now that I think about it.
When it comes to Kristina and Adam lying to Haddie, I saw it coming a mile away. It's textbook TV writing. They are doing this soley for the purpose of creating conflict for future episodes. Sure, it's not realistic and it's something that most families would never do, but I kind of side with the writers on choosing to go down this road because conflict on TV is what we are here for anyway and will offer Haddie some much needed screen time when she eventually finds out she was in fact lied to.
As for Amber crying, you'll always have an excuse to drink and get drunk. Cheers Mac! (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i266/Chiprocks1/Smilies/0%20All%20Smilies/drinkingbeer.gif)
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I get conflict. As I teased on the other board, what one word is in every movie, play, commercial, cartoon... Blah, blah, blah. Conflict. But as you pointed out, it's the oldest trick in the script writing book. I know it will propel that and many other stories. I just think it really 'conflicts' with the superb writing. I don't think this is what most families would do. It's so out of character for these folks. Kinda diminishes the show for me.
I need a drink. I think I hear Amber crying at the comedy club.
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Added Episode 7: Together
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Together
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A good episode, but it seemed kind of all over the place as it drifted from one story to the next without really having something to say. Amber is now getting into a situation that is clearly going to blow up in her face as she has to come to terms that her new boyfriend is still affected by his time in the army and the toll that the war brought upon him. It's going to come down to Zeek and he will be the one that ends the relationship for him to protect Amber. I think this is the reason why Ryan wanted to take things slow because he is suffering emotionally and wanted to spare Amber any of this. Well, that's not gonna happen now.
Drew. Ugh. I can't stand this character. He has always been my least favorite on the show and now he is just gone completely pathetic by using Kristina's illness to his advantage to get a booty call from his Ex-Girlfriend. Where does he think this is going? Does he really think this is going to go the distance? On top of that, why would he want a pity lay? I wouldn't want anything to do with a chick that chose someone else. Grow a pair and find a chick that wants you. Not someone that pity's you.
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Alabama Shakes - You Ain't Alone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwF4lwP7__s
FYI, awesome song choice to underscore the scenes at the end.
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I called Drew Pity F uck the minute I saw them together. My wife was going "What?".... then she said Ohhhhh.
Sarah ****es me off. She is just too much.
I was thinking... do you think they (the studio) has the balls to let one of the main characters go? Yes, I'm speaking of Kristina Braverman.
It's just a thought. I getting less interested in Parenthood lately. Maybe it's familiarity.
Ack, never mind, a network would never do that.
Thanks for the song... that is good. Yep, agree. I distinctly remember this song being 'different' than what they normally do. Props for that decision
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Your point of getting rid of her would actually bring a new angle to the show. Coping, meeting someone new, raising family on his own, etc....But as you said, it wouldn't happen. The closet it would come to is maybe a major cliffhanger of will she or won't she to end the season.
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Yea, the demographic that they are after and that watch it... It would be the end of the world.
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Added Episode 8: One More Weekend With You
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I'm torn with this episode. Thankfully it finally had some major conflict with Ryan and his war comrades. Not that I want to see a fight, but bring some real sensitive issues to the table. Including Kristina's cancer. The tension scene between the friends was by far the best of the show.
I know they were really stressing the point of the chaos Adam had to deal with and it translated very well to the small screen, but I was getting headache being part of it. The constant talking over each others lines really gets to me. I understand it happens in arguments, but this is the way many of the family members talk. I find it irritating and in fact lose the points each is trying to make. Reality I guess?
Sarah continues to be frustrating. He constant intrusions chip away at relationships. Drews and Marks especially.
Good gawd, let's throw Sydney suddenly into the show. WTF
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One More Weekend With You
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This was a tough episode for me to get through. Some of it was because it was emotional to see, especially with what Kristina was going through regarding the after effects of her chemo and some of it was annoyance, especially that of Adam. I just wanted him to shut the hell up. Max was aggravating as always. Crosby and Jasmine's fight was actually a nice distraction because it grounded the episode somewhat. Prior to even watching this episode, I ask myself if the writers were ever going to involve them in a story arc because they have been MIA for most of the season, especially with Jabar, who is still MIA. At least they got around to Sydney who has been all but forgotten since adding adopted brother Victor. I thought her scenes were great.
The best scenes of course belonged to Ryan and him having to come to terms with the suicide of one of his soldiers in arms. The fight at the end was kind of a catharsis release for the entire episode in a way and then having Ryan and Amber jump into the ocean was a good way to wash that ick off of them and the episode as a whole. It worked for the most part. The ick of Drew still lingers. I don't like that kid or his story. Mark needs to dump Sarah and her whiny kid and run for the hills.
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Yea, no way can have that good of 'skills' that Mark thinks any of this is a good idea. Waaaaaaaaay to much maintenance.
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Finally... Yay Mark. Yay Max.
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Added Episode 9: You Can't Always Get What You Want
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You Can't Always Get What You Want
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There was a lot of irrational behavior going on in this episode. So much so that it was making me a nervous wreck. For starters, Julia was being incredibly irrational in trying to control Joel and to some extent very selfish in using Victor as an excuse to keep Joel under her thumb. I'm glad that Joel put his foot down and called her out on what she was doing. At least she had the good sense to see it for herself and apologize for her behavior.
On the flip side is Sarah. Ugh. I've never loved a character like I did with her for the first couple of seasons of Parenthood. But any affection I had for her is now long gone. She is the typed of girl that I would have zero association with in real life. I know women like this and it's irritating as hell to see them make stupid bone-head decisions. It was a long time coming, but Mark finally grew a pair and caller her out on her sh*t. But he needs to go a step further and just kick her ass to the curb. I would not want to stay with someone that chose a "job" over a weekend getaway. While on the subject, I'm pretty sure that Hank is just making up the whole "daughter has been taken away" angle just so that he can manipulate Sarah to go away with him. I don't even think he was drunk. For someone that's suppose to be bombed out of his mind, he sure was speaking very coherently and with a lot of articulation.
But the biggest irrational behavior of the night went to Max. But unlike the previous two situations, this one produced one of the best scenes in the history of the series when Kristina finally got to share a dance with him. Very cool moment.
Okay, and now for my weekly 'Drew is a p u s s y ' rant. He wants NOTHING to do with Mark and goes out of his way to shun him at all cost. But as soon as Sarah puts her foot down against something Drew may want to so, the first thing he does is reach out and try to get Mark to side with him. And when that doesn't work he just dismisses Mark as if he doesn't even exist. F*ck that sh*t and f*ck that brat.
I love the addition of Pamela Adlon as the neighbor from hell. She is awesome in Californication (http://pennycan.createaforum.com/dvd's-blu-rays/californication-(season-2)/msg6122/#msg6122) and will be just as awesome on Parenthood. It probably won't be a long stay because of her commitment to her other series, but it should be a fun ride while it last.
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Yep, she will bring some heat to the story.
News alert... Amber cried at 53 minutes. Drink a bottle gin
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News alert... Amber cried at 53 minutes. Drink a bottle gin
I was pretty sure that you start drinking heavily on Tuesday afternoon, prepping for Parenthood.
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Ya, that's a good bet
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Added Episode 10: Trouble in Candyland
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Trouble in Candyland
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You reap what you sow, Sarah. You had this coming for a long time. I'm glad that Mark finally kicked her ass to the curb. I found something that he said during his speech a real eye opener when he was calling her out on her s h i t . It's clear that she suffers from Narcissistic personality disorder. Now, I don't know if the writers have being laying the groundwork to actually have the character of Sarah have the disorder, but it would be just blind luck that what they were writing previously would somehow manifest in the disorder itself. Whatever the case may be, she's got some serious issues. As for Hank, talk about being self-invovled. He is so wrapped up in his own little world that I actually found it very humorous that he wasn't even mindful of what Sarah was going through. Like I said, you reap what you sow.
Now onto Crosby. I was very frustrated with how he was handling everything. The whiny Crosby resurfaces again and is back to acting like a child. Who would have guessed that this same cat would step up to the plate and knock it out of the park by spearheading the Council Meeting and rounding up the local neighbors that support the Luncheonette. Bravo, Mr. Braverman. Funniest moment was Julia seeking parental advice from a clearly stoned Kristina. Haha.
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Added Episode 11: What to My Wondering Eyes
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What to My Wondering Eyes
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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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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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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. (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i266/Chiprocks1/Smilies/0%20All%20Smilies/rasp.gif)
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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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Added Episode 12: Keep On Rowing
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Keep On Rowing
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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.
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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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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.
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Added Episode 13: Small Victories
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Small Victories
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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!!
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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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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.
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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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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.
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Selfish is the common thread... And that's the issue with all the characters and we as humans ;D
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Added Episode 14: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
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One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
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I seriously don't get why two grown men are fighting over Sarah. Yup....her. Why? Why? Why? Is it some weird neurosis that is telling them that SHE is the be all end all of womanhood? There is no reason on Earth why anyone in reality should pursue a woman like that, and yet it happens everyday. Are men that fearful of dying alone that they are willing to settle for someone that doesn't know what the f*ck is going on? I know this is just a show, but it does point out common themes that exist in real life and seeing these two pine after her is really sad and pathetic.
Okay, with that out of the way, time to dive into something that really irked me and that was Jasmine more or less sandbagging Crosby because she doesn't have the balls to stand up to her mother. Why would you hang him out like that and then to make matters worst, turn around and side with her when you don't even agree with the way she is running the house and criticizing what Jabbar eats. Not cool, not cool at all.
This was really Crosby's episode and I shouldn't have been shocked that he would be him and him alone that actually talked some sense into Julia about not giving up on Victor. I still don't like the character, but that's beside the point. I did like the scene that Crosby and Julia had. It was cool to see him step up and give out some advice that actually had merit.
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As I mentioned before, I was in Crosby's position with my Ex. First, I was 4th in line to her listening, let alone supporting me (right behind, her Dad, her daughter, God, then me). So standing up to her parents she would not even entertain. Priorities when married where out of whack. I've seen it and get what is happening with Crosby and Jasmine. My case it did not work. I wonder what will happen to them.
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Added Episode 15: Because You're My Sister
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Because You're My Sister
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That's what you call reaping what you sow, Sarah! You're indecisiveness caused you to end up alone. I'm not surprised this is how they decided to end the Season with her cutting ties with Mark and choosing Hank over him and then having Hank bail on the relationship. How'd that work out for ya missy? I just hope that they do something better with her character next year like becoming a librarian and all she does is file books away. I don't think I can sit through another season watching her make poor decisions, one after the other again.
I liked the adoption with the entire family in spite of not really liking Victor. I thought the way that Crosby apologized was a pretty good one to bring up the news that he and Jasmine are pregnant again. When did they ever have time to get it on with Jasmine's mother constantly up in their business? Zing!!
Solid, if not perfect finale. And speaking of finale's....what the hell?! What's up with this 15 episode season? Where are the last 7 episodes? Why is this a shortened season? That can only mean one thing, NBC has zero faith in the show and this is a precursor to the show getting cancelled. The only thing working in favor of the series coming back is that they need 5 seasons or more for syndication deals. So, I do see this coming back but I think it's only going to be for 13 episodes...definitely not 22 and 15 would be lucky.
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Huh, interesting you bring that up about the last show… WTF
So I’m trying to place my finger on it, but I find myself less and less interested what’s going on in Parenthood. I’m not sure if it’s because things tend to be too polished and put a ribbon on the various story lines or that I can fairly well predict what will happen next.
Last night’s episode should have been labeled F ucked-up Relationships. Both the obvious relationships and some of the bubbling under relationships. Some relationships turned out well Like Julia and Victor. I still don’t understand what happened there. Julia’s sudden change? Because of that brief moment outside the restaurant with her brother Crosby? While sweet… I think unrealistic. That is definitely a head turner… and then Victor I’m part of the family attitude? I don’t think so. But that was wrapped up nicely, don’t you think. Crosby and Jasmine worked things out nicely… but because of the baby news? Jasmine needs to start being herself and stand tall with Crosby, especially if she feels like he does and not undermine Crosby. Crosby needs to relax. The mom living there with her opinions were not that bad.
Boy Sarah, kicked Mark square in the balls… twice in one minute. Again, I saw all that coming despite it making zero sense. Go with Hank… Wait, Hank has other plans. Join Hank? Ya, right!
Phuck Drew and good riddance… he could not go away fast enough to college. More lameness to anything the boy does including saying goodbye to old flame.
Honestly I don’t know how Adam does it. He by far, has to deal with a host of personalities, that make the average guy say phuck it. I do not mean to ground Kristina’s issues by any means, but Adam does have to deal with her emotions… along with the rest of his family and immediate family.
But like I said, I’m on the fence about continuing to watch the show. Not like there is a bunch of other shows on at that time, but for the first time after it was over, I thought I wasted my time.
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Well, I believe it will be coming back for one last season. It was actually on the bubble of being cancelled after Season 3 wrapped. So, when it does come back it will be for 10-12 episodes tops. Might as well see it all the way to the end.