BWW Recap: Amber Proves Herself as a Mother, Among Other Events, on PARENTHOOD

This week, PARENTHOOD has balanced the good and the bad, leaving an "Even Steven"-type result. The absence of Zeek AND Joel and Julia this week sadden me as those storyline for the season are definitely the largest overall, but the return of Sarah, Hank & Ruby (absent from last week's episode) has allowed their storyline to advance, where it couldn't last week ('cause, again, they were absent). Furthermore, the time jump gives me mixed feelings. It's great because it moves Amber's pregnancy along, but other than a title card that flashed "3 months later," there's no other clues or signs that show me it's three months later. Soooo, why do we need it? And then part of me says, Amber's why we need it, but then I guess I addend that statement: Why wasn't it addressed? This type of jump-storytelling, coupled with the absence of major characters, is not as enjoyable for me, but on the whole, yes, I understand it works better to get the most out of each character's storyline. And yes, it does. :-)

Regardless of the time jump, though, there were a lot of great character developments ad and advancements made in this episode. For one, Dylan & Max seem to be improving in terms of their relationship. I was a bit worried when Dylan started hanging out with Kristina and talking about how her parents are always away that it was all a lie and she's really an orphan, which would make me so sad, and all the more reason for the Bravermans to take her in. I kind of like that they kept the issue ambiguous, but I do hope we get back to it. Bonus points, too, for continuing Adam's adorable relationship-ranking scale established last week.

Meanwhile, Ruby's back, and Hank's not getting along with her. Sarah suggests a game night, but it's blown to pieces when Hank proves he doesn't know anything about his daughter. (Not even that she's allergic to peanuts?! Come on, Hank!) SIDENOTE: I will say, however, the "Oprah" answer to Ruby's clue, "Her hips don't lie," was genius, not only 'cause it showed how out of touch Hank really was, but also mainly because it had me ROFL. No kidding. All right. Back on the record. Continue. Mad at her father, Ruby sneaks out and parties with a few friends, but pleads for Amber's help when she overdoes it and doesn't want Dad to know. This was a HUGE character development with Amber, as it not only prepared her for motherhood, but showed us (through Ruby, who Amber essentially was circa Season 1) how far she's come, and the evolution she's made. Of course, viewers say, "Well, duh!" and yes, of course, she has. But it was really nice to see it portrayed within the series. And then, addressed later, as exactly that: "I was way worse off then you were," Amber tells Ruby at the end. Yep, and you dug yourself out of that hole, Amber. There's hope for Ruby yet. Bonus points here for Amber pointing out that Hank's trying, whereas Seth wasn't. A) a true fact, and B) it got Ruby to come out of her room and give Hank a hug (!!!) (Extra extra bonus points: Hank told Ruby he loved her). :-D

Adam and Crosby, unfortunately, are facing closing down the Luncheonette after the fallout with Oliver Rome, among other things. With the final season winding down, it's hard - but also, okay - to accept that some of the changes ahead for the Braverman clan may not always be good (although I still do hope Joel & Julia get back together, and - SPOILER ALERT! - whoever's supposed to die actually ends up living). It's something new we haven't seen for Crosby, and Adam admits that he can't take it anymore - which is something new we see from him as well. And yeah, Jasmine's been absent pretty much through the season (save for a few appearances) and half of last, too, but that pep talk was brilliant, and a much needed side of Jasmine that we - and Cros - needed to see at just the right time. And yes, rest assured, Adam says we're gonna get through this, but the episode left us on a semi-cliffhanger; despite his joy in seeing Jabbar happy, as his son ran around enjoying the faux-Harry Potter world in the backyard - it was clear from Crosby's face at the end of the episode that he's still worried about the money problems. :-( Keep on keeping on, Cros.

Finally, Drew's plot line concerns him looking for his major. This is the least interesting of the plots, and as a result, the least focused on (didn't really come up 'til 45 minutes in), but it's great that it tied into the Crosby/Adam plot (The opposing "Greed is good" versus "Follow your dreams. Don't worry about making money). And the reveal at the end - SPOILER ALERT! - that he's steadfast on picking his major because he has to support his family was a really sweet moment. It's not something that hit me 'til I heard it, but he's right: He's the only one in the family that went to college, and he's gotta be prepared given all that's yet to come in the Braverman clan, even if we viewers may not get to see it (i. e. it happens offscreen, after the end of the series). But seriously, talk about coming around full circle!! Way to go, Drew!

A fantastic outing overall! Let me know what you thought in the comments below.

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