Parenthood: You've Got Mold (5x14)

This episode actually made me cry. Actual tears. That's a pretty rare occurrence when watching a TV show, so kudos to Parenthood for making it happen. Let's jump right in!

Zeek and Camille's plot: Camille is continuing her art classes online, and she is still very much distant from her relationship with Zeek. Zeek talks to her about it, and then says that he's realized that the house means nothing if they aren't there together. He tells Camille that he's willing to sell the house, for her. I really enjoyed this plot, because, again, this show is not ignoring the lives and struggles of the older generations. And Zeek has been a great husband through all of this. He realized that his wife had been making sacrifices for him, and he adjusted his behavior accordingly. Actually, Zeek's amazing behavior as a husband can contrast pretty nicely with Joel, who is not doing so great with the marriage thing, as we'll see. 

Sarah and Hank's plot: Hank continually insists that their photo shoot must be done in a studio, because of the practical challenges of shooting at the beach. However, after a talk with Carl, Sarah decides to push for what she wants. She tells Hank that they're doing it her way. At first, Hank decides to back out of the project. Then, after talking with Max, he decides to work with Sarah after all. The shoot at the beach goes great, and afterwards Hank and Sarah go out for food. This plot wasn't as good as Zeek and Camille's. I liked it for the most part, but it did have its problems. So, what I liked was Sarah's determination to get what she wanted. I liked Carl's interference, because I think it's building to an interesting relationship. However, here's what I did not like: Sarah's big idea was to shoot a surfing job outside at the beach? That's not exactly revolutionary. And, there was no balance. Hank is a professional. He had a very good reason to doubt the way Sarah was doing things. I think the beach shoot should have been more difficult. It should have had a few missteps, but Hank should have decided to be supportive anyway. Then, in the end, they could have gotten the shots they needed. Sarah would still be victorious, but the two of them could also feel like partners. I'm just a bit insulted by how well Sarah is taking to all of this photography stuff. It doesn't seem realistic to me.

Jasmine, Crosby, and Jabbar's plot: This was the most sitcom-y of the plots. Basically, Jasmine and Crosby's house has mold. Crosby's insurance is bad, so he and the family have to move into a crappy motel. He then finds out that it's going to take a long time to rectify the problem, so Jasmine insists that they all move in with Zeek and Camille. The family packs up their stuff and moves in with the Bravermans. Like I said, this plot was rather sitcom-y. That's not necessarily a bad thing with this show, but in the case of Jasmine and Crosby, I think sometimes things are too silly and not enough time is spent on their relationship. I have this whole theory about how Jasmine's character must have gotten a lot of hate from fans for being so bossy and controlling, because now she's a delight. Like... too much of a delight. Unrealistically understanding in the face of all of Crosby's failings. I'm glad their marriage is okay, but it doesn't make for a very realistic portrayal of a relationship!

Adam, Kristina, and Max's plot: Whyyyyy. Okay, so the majority of this plot was great. And then the very end made me very angry. Here's what happens: Max is being sent to the library by his history teacher because he's being disruptive in class. Adam and Kristina find out, and they have an angry meeting with the teacher and with the principal. There's frustrations on both sides, because of course it's not right for Max to be sent out to the library every day, but it's also not fair to the other kids when he interrupts the lessons all of the time. Kristina feels hopeless, because it doesn't seem like there's any place for Max to go. He doesn't belong in a public school, but he also doesn't belong in any of the other available options. So, Kristina gets an idea. They'll open their own school! I really liked seeing Adam and Kristina get involved in their son's life again. It seemed like they weren't really doing that very well, what with their own busy careers. But to decide to open a school? What kind of ridiculous choice is that?! Remember when Max used to have a personal aid that would come to the house? Could they not try that again? Just like with the running for mayor thing, I feel like Kristina is going from 0 to 100 on this idea with no real buildup. And I loved the idea of Kristina getting more heavily involved with the education system. Maybe she could be elected to the school board or something? Anything but this nonsense! Now we have to watch as Kristina takes on an unrealistically expensive endeavor, instead of caring for her very young daughter, who is almost never on the show anymore. And what about Haddie's college expenses? Anyone gonna mention her? Nope? Okay. Sorry. Rant over. I really liked most of this thread, right up to the end.

Julia, Joel, Sydney and Victor's plot: This was the one, as you probably could guess, that made me cry. Julia and Joel tell Sydney and Victor that they are separating. There are instant tears from Sydney, and Victor cries too. Joel moves out, and the kids pretend to be sick to get their dad to come back. Julia takes the kids over to Camille and Zeek's house, and she tells her parents that her marriage might be over. My tears only came at the very end, when Julia was crying and her parents rushed up to hug her. However, the emotional moments in this thread were all over the place. Victor's attempts to be stoic when he heard the news were even sadder than Sydney's instant breakdown. The look on Joel's face and the way his voice keeps cracking whenever he talks to Julia... the way that Julia asks Joel to stay and not give up on her... it's all just too much! I will say though, I'm not quite sure I understand why Joel is giving up so completely. It seems like Julia wants very badly to make things work, but yet Joel just isn't willing to try. I'm not sure Julia's actions with Ed justify such a permanent end to their relationship. I wonder if they'll patch it up?

So there you have it! Sort of a mixed bag for me, because I thought Crosby and Jasmine's plot could have been a lot stronger, and while Kristina and Adam's plot and Sarah and Hank's plot each had a lot of promise, there could have been serious improvements there are well. However, I still enjoyed the episode quite a bit.

7/10