Parenthood: Jump Ball (5x13)

The acting in this episode stood out to me as particularly amazing. This show always has great acting, but in this particular installment, I was really just blown away by all the stellar performances. I wanted to say that up front in case I forgot later. Alright! Let's get started with the plots.

Camille is back from her trip, and while she seems happy to see everyone, she has also been altered greatly by her experience overseas. In fact, she's already talking about taking another trip, this time to France. Zeek tries to be understanding, but it's hard for him. I liked this plot a lot because it's continuing to push Camille's arc. She wants something, and she's not afraid to go and get it. Zeek is trying so desperately to be a good husband, but he's scared of all of these changes. He feels like his wife is starting this whole new part of life, and he's being left behind. I'll admit, I was a bit miffed that Camille didn't invite Zeek to go on the trip to France... we'll have to see how this manifests a little later on.

Amber is... understandably upset after what happened with Ryan. She blows off work and goes for a drive, ignoring her mother's worried pleas for her to come home. She ends up at a bar where her father, Seth, works. She lashes out at Seth, blaming him for what's happened to her, since she's worried she's just like him. Seth manages to calm her down enough to take her home. She sleeps off her drunkenness at his house. Seth calls Sarah to let her know where Amber is. In the morning, Amber says she has to stop being so mad at her dad. Seth and Amber share an awkward but cordial breakfast of pancakes. This was another plot I really enjoyed, mostly for the stellar acting. I do hope we get to see some progression in Amber's story arc, now. I think that maybe some parts of this thread where a bit on the nose, if you know what I mean. Amber saying she's afraid of being her dad felt a bit obvious.

Drew's story line took a turn for the darker, here, as we discover that Amy has been staying with him for several weeks, and doesn't plan on going back to school. She admits that she was feeling very lonely and depressed, and it sounds like it was pretty serious. Drew ditches a school field trip to stay with Amy, who admits that nothing in her life makes sense to her right now. I enjoy the fact that Amy's involvement in the story is more than just an excuse for a love triangle with Natalie. Speaking of Natalie, I'm liking her less and less. She seems intent on proving to Drew that Amy is a bad choice for him, even though she doesn't want Drew for herself. I'm very interested to see what happens with Amy in the future, especially now that Drew is choosing her over his own college experience. That could lead to great tensions as the story progresses.

Hank comes to Adam and asks him for Dr. Pelican's number. It's not about Max, but about "another matter." Adam tells Kristina about this, and the two of them find themselves hoping that Hank has aspergers, because he's had a relatively good life, and they want that for Max. Hank goes to Pelican, who cannot give him a firm diagnosis. Adam, now determined to prove that Hank can lead a normal life, invites him to a poker game. Crosby is upset that Hank is coming, and even calls Hank a "freak" when arguing with Adam about it. Hank comes to the game and indeed it is a disaster. He's harsh and rude and makes the game difficult. Joel, who is of course dealing with his marriage falling apart, is also not having such a fun time. The game finishes up early. I loved this plot, as I love pretty much every plot that has to do with Hank. For me, the most important moment was when Crosby and Adam had their argument. Adam was very clearly scared that someday, Max would be the freak that nobody would invite to a game of poker. Crosby, who makes allowances for his nephew, didn't even think about it when he insulted Hank. This is a very interesting dynamic, and I love any hint of how Max's condition effects the rest of the family. Hank's conversations with Pelican and with Adam were very interesting, too, as they showed that Hank is willing to try and change and do better, but that he really does have a problem with social situations. This was my favorite story of the night.

Lastly, as I've been doing lately, we've got Julia and Joel. Joel doesn't come home one night, and Julia has some slight suspicions about Peet, although Joel says he just slept in his trailer. Julia fesses up what's been going on to Sarah, but again I feel like she doesn't tell the whole story. However, Sarah tells Julia that nobody is going to leave her, and that her life isn't over just because of one little mistake.  At the end of the episode, Joel says he's moving out of the house. Wow. Talk about pushing this plot line right to the edge. I'm wondering if they're going all the way, here. Are Julia and Joel really done? How is this going to affect the already tumultuous lives of Victor and Sydney? I'm excited to see how this plot continues, because I think the ripple effect is going to be huge. How far will they go?

Okay, this actually ended up being a fairly short review. Over all, I really enjoyed all of these story lines, although maybe some of Amber's stuff was a bit too spot on.

8/10