BWW Preview: Major Family Shake Up Ahead on the Final Season of PARENTHOOD

In last season's finale, Haddie came home and revealed some big news to the family; Joel and Julia showed huge signs of reconciliation; Drew got the Pontiac, as Zeek and Camille prepared to say goodbye to the house; Hank & Sarah finally got together; in the episode's final moments, Adam seemed to take on the role of family patriarch, and Amber stepped into a pharmacy and grabbed a pregnancy test.

I've always liked this show for its ability to keep me on my toes, always guessing -- the writers do a great job at leaving me with the right amount of satisfaction with the closing of an episode's storyline and closing the door, while simultaneously leaving the door open enough on another storyline's cliffhanger. Such is the case with the pregnancy this season, Joel & Julia's reconciliation, and the new twist in the family everyone's been talking about over the summer. It'll be nice to see how that all pans out, especially given that there'll be nothing to return to at this time next year.

Of course, the big question for this season (for me) is: "Is or isn't Amber pregnant?" (Though a glimpse at the new trailer for the season might spoil this surprise). Then, the next question is: "Is the child Ryan's?"

In that this show usually ends every episode with a cliffhanger of some sort, it'll be interesting to see how they deal with closure, given that this upcoming season is not only the final one, but also consists of only 13 episodes.

I'm usually not one for spoilers, so I try to avoid leaking information or finding out BIG information beforehand - however, it's been all over the TV news sites that this season will involve a big, game-changing storyline that will "impact the entire family" and involve a changing-of-the-guard in the family (which I think was hinted at in the final moments of last season's finale). I also read an article that said Max will get a love interest - excited to see how that will play out!

I think it's smart that the show will focus on the family as a group. I enjoy watching each couple individually, but I think the show needs this new way of storytelling in order to create a satisfying ending for all.

However, while I do understand the need for less individualized storylines, I do hope they dip back into Joel & Julia, and dear God, I do hope they get back together - their official announcement to the kids was heartbreaking, and Sydney (Savannah Paige Rae)'s face didn't make it any better! (Good news, too: reports indicate that they will continue and resolve this issue -- albeit not immediately, but still...)

To satisfy your teaser fix, a special preview for the upcoming episodes (billed as The "Farewell Season") aired during the Emmy Awards, and you can see below. The promo says that "they've saved the best for last." Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

On the plus side too, the music on this show each week, fills my iTunes playlist. The music is so fresh and new as well - particularly enjoyable is Joshua Radin. His song, "Underwater," played in last season's "Fraud Alert," and is right now at a 20+ play count for me. So, in short, I'm looking forward to educating myself on some new tunes, expertly utilized within the episode to wraparound, and best tell, the story of the week.

And with the Emmys just on recently, can we mention this show's lack of Emmy love? I don't want to belabor the point - they can't ALL be nominated - but I just want to make sure stellar performances from Peter Krause, Monica Potter, Lauren Graham, Dax Shepherd, Max Burkholder, and Mae Whitman all go recognized. Of course, at the same time, I know they are - the show has stuck around for five seasons and will be back in the fall for 13 final episodes filled with heart, humor, friendship and family.

PARENTHOOD's sixth (and final) season kicks off Thursday, September 25 at 10pm on NBC.

To post a comment, you must register and login.