Review: PARENTHOOD – The Situation
March 31, 2010 by Erik Wilkinson
NBC has seen better days. The Peacock Network has taken a precipitous drop in prestige and ratings over the past decade. Household names like Jerry Seinfeld, Kelsey Grammar, and the cast of Friends moved on, leaving huge holes in a once formidable lineup of appointment TV. In their place, NBC has misfired on relaunches of 80’s franchises like Knight Rider, offered heavier doses of Howie Mandel than America deserved, and squeezed profits from the love handles of contestants on “The Biggest Loser.”
February’s Vancouver Winter Olympics provided the network with one last gasp to revive its primetime pulse. Rather than devote precious time to existing franchises such as “Chuck,” NBC’s marketing machine blanketed its Olympic coverage with promos for two new programs, “The Marriage Ref” and “Parenthood.”
Since I don’t enjoy watching divorced celebrities like Larry David and Madonna debate the sanctity of marriage, I met NBC halfway by sampling Parenthood. Despite a premise that could easily have felt too sentimental or schlocky, the experienced cast and crew have built a remarkably solid show. With so many expectations from the NBC brass to appeal to every conceivable demographic, showrunner Jason Katims (a title he also holds on my favorite show, “Friday Night Lights”) has struck a delicate balance between authenticity and broad-based commercial appeal.
Though I am picking up the recapping duties on Parenthood’s fifth episode, I would encourage anyone curious about the Braverman family’s adventures to play catch up through NBC.com or Hulu. The first four weeks are streaming for free, and this is not a program that requires your undivided attention to follow.
Peter Krause has found the perfect vehicle in this show. As the backbone of the gaggle of Bravermans living in Berkeley, the role of Adam demands that Krause brings different energies to his responsibilities as a husband, father, uncle, and son. This week’s episode was a wonderful exercise in patience, showing that a man with the best of intentions can fall short through no fault of his own.
Adam works hard to provide a normal life for his family, but the demands of his son Max’s “situation” supercede any sensible plan. The love Adam has for Max is hard. It keeps him from offering everything he imagined a father could give, gifts that his nephew Drew is eager to take comfort in.
In contrast, the challenge of navigating daughter Haddie’s first romantic relationship has presented a host of obstacles for Adam and wife Kristina. I am too old to have flirted with my high school sweetheart via text messages or iChat, yet the nervous tension between Haddie and her parents is oddly familiar. She wants to grow up, and they don’t want to let her go. Last week’s mother/daughter chat, as Dad stood helplessly in the hallway, really tugged at the heartstrings. This week, I could not help but smile as Adam declared Haddie’s apparent breakup to be the greatest moment of his life. Raising a teenager is a series of small victories, and each side had reason to celebrate in this episode.
Lauren Graham joined the Parenthood cast under difficult circumstances, after Maura Tierney was diagnosed with breast cancer following production of the pilot. I was not a regular viewer of Gilmore Girls, so I would love to read your feedback about how Graham’s take on Sarah is different from that of Lorelai. Outside of those comparisons, I do wonder if the writers have already backed themselves into a corner with Sarah. On one hand, Graham’s character is the ideal vehicle to bring romantic variety to the show, since there is no reason to believe Sarah is a candidate to get remarried soon. On the other hand, Sarah’s difficulty in dealing with daughter Amber’s caustic wit and son Drew’s need for a father figure could implode. If Sarah is meeting different men every few weeks, I think that female viewers might become skeptical of her priorities. I’m not sure if that argument makes sense or holds merit, but it is an early red flag for me.
Two more quick takes, and I will turn the conversation over to you!
Since I once owned a VHS copy of Swimfan, I am thrilled to see Erika Christensen get the opportunity to play a real character, rather than a temptress. As Julia, the ambitious attorney who is constantly pulled in opposing directions, Christensen has made the best of her screen time. Julia is the woman who can answer messages on her smart phone while thinking about spending time with her daughter. It seemed fitting that Julia’s biggest moment was slipping into a bathing suit to join Sydney’s swimming class, bringing Christensen full circle from the role that first brought her notoriety. She is cautious, capable, and loving, not the easiest of traits to merge. Hopefully, we will see more of her with husband Joel, since I find their relationship to be a poignant picture of the different shapes and sizes that modern families now take.
Last, but not least, Dax Shepard is officially off my “Hate” list. Yes, he was one of the original players in Ashton Kutcher’s “Punk’d” series. Yes, legions of Veronica Mars fans have wondered how the redneck from “Baby Mama” ended up engaged to internet darling Kristen Bell. But we need to give this guy a break, seriously! Crosby Braverman is a thirty-something child, unaware of the consequences of commitment or planning, and Dax Shepard is bringing him to life with great success. I love his scenes with son Jabbar, as well as the trouble Crosby has explaining his decisions to his family and girlfriend Katie. He is profoundly flawed, yet unabashedly lovable. This is a character worth rooting for, and an actor who deserves a second chance. Well done, sir. And no, you are not being punk’d…
I am eagerly awaiting the remainder of Parenthood’s season, and grateful that NBC has given us something worth watching at 10pm Eastern/9pm Central. (Team Coco FTW)
How have you reacted to the show? Is there a particular storyline that you identify with? Have the writers struck the right balance of comedy and drama? Have you made plans to stick with the show going forward? Why or why not?
Aside from writing about House and Parks & Recreation, Erik has become addicted to Top Chef, The Next Iron Chef, and most other shows with the word “Chef” in the title. Please forward any recipes for Chef Boyardee to his Twitter handle (@FreelanceErik).
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As per usual Erik, we are on the very same page. I have quickly become really enamored of this show and the whole cast, including Dax Shepard, and I’m so glad you took the time to defend him! I think I’ve seen maybe two or three episodes of Punk’d, so I never really associated him with that show. After a quick glance at his iMDb page, I realize I’ve barely seen him in anything (except Baby Mama, which I forgot he was even in). So, I didn’t have a strong opinion on him going in but I knew the general consensus wasn’t good. I really, really like him in this role and agree that his scenes with Jabbar are fantastic and very sweet. As a reluctant adult myself, I identify with Crosby and find myself rooting for him.
I mostly remember Erika Christensen from Traffic, which I thought she was great in, and I love her here. I have a bit of a girlcrush on her now after her swimming scene with her daughter last week – a woman with a less-than-perfect body donning a bathing suit on primetime? Love. Her. The only thing I would have changed in this ep would have been for her and her husband to go shack up on the neighborhood carousel – why the pool? After all the carousel romp stories from the siblings, I kinda wish she got to join that club, but ah well.
Sarah Braverman is SO different from Lorelai Gilmore – I was so sure I wouldn’t be able to get Lorelai out of my head, but man – Lauren Graham really has created a whole new persona for Sarah. She’s much less confident and more flawed than Lorelai ever was, both as a mother and as a human being. Good for Lauren – colour me impressed.
I knew anything from the showrunner of FNL would be worth a shot, and I’m really glad I tuned in. I’ll be watching for the rest of the season, and the rest that will (hopefully) follow.
I really like this show so far, interesting relationships and dynamics.
I like it, but I still feel like if my DVR imploded and missed a recording I wouldn’t really miss it.
I’m really enjoying Parenthood. It’s quickly becoming a show I can’t miss.
I’ve been a huge Peter Krause fan since Six Feet Under, and am thrilled to see him back in a good role. I tried to like Dirty Sexy Money for his sake, but I just couldn’t do it.
It took me a few episodes to like Lauren Graham in this role. I really like Maura Tierney, and initially kept seeing how she would’ve been a better fit. That said, Lauren Graham is winning me over. So there you go.
I hope they can keep this great momentum going!
Nicole: Your comments are always spot-on, and far more coherent than my original posts!
I have a feeling that the Dax Shepard debate will continue, as I know Kath & Dan expressed some concerns about him on the last TV Talk Podcast. He is burdened with a difficult brand of baggage in Hollywood, that of a career goofball. Crosby’s best moments on Parenthood, which I agree are those spent with Jabbar, could be dismissed as Shepard simply being himself. Let’s assume that were 100% true, just for the sake of argument. I don’t read a lot of criticism of Tina Fey for “playing” the head writer of a network sketch show, do you? Perception is reality, and right now Dax is “really” shining.
You were reading my mind when noting that Julia & Joel should have escaped to the local carousel for a tryst. If the writers don’t bring that story full circle, I will be disappointed. On the other hand, I have a “TV Girlfriend” crush on Erika Christensen, so I didn’t mind an extra bathing suit scene 🙂
Shelby: Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Which of the stories are you enjoying most? The banter between the four siblings? One of the married couples? I’m curious to know more about what keeps you tuned in…
Michele: You’re 100% right that Parenthood doesn’t demand a firm commitment from its audience. In some ways, that could help it over the long run. Unlike serialized shows like Lost or Chuck, which are injected with overarching mythologies, Parenthood is a show that you can start watching at any time. NBC has to be thankful to have one program like that on its schedule.
Cari: Thanks for linking to your personal blog. That banana bread recipe looks delicious!
You are not alone in jumping off the Dirty Sexy Money train, since that show quickly veered off-course despite an experienced cast and attractive premise. Thank goodness Parenthood hasn’t fallen victim to the mistakes ABC made when putting DSM, Big Shots, and other 10pm shows on the air.
This week was my first pro-Lauren Graham viewing experience. Sarah was not the most lovable sibling in the first few episodes, but I am enjoying the vulnerability and transparent self-doubt driving her character.
Thanks for joining the discussion!
Great review! My problem with the story line is that every time Julia tries to be a mother she fails. Not only does she fail, she fails in front of another “rival” hippie mother. I haven’t seen her character get revenge or the recognition she deserves.
I’m going to disagree with you on the Marriage Ref. I was concerned at first but when I saw the show I thought it was hilarious. I watch the show with my boyfriend and we debate who should win. It is now on my weekly must watch list!
I’m really enjoying this show. I’m not at the TV that very night (like maybe Glee), but I’m definitely watching. I think my absolute favorite thing is the family dynamic between the siblings and between the family as a whole. Overall, it just makes me happy.
I love Adam. I think he is amazing. The scene in the first? episode where the wife was trying to tell him that something was wrong with their son and he just couldn’t hear it – broke my heart.
I’m wishing Julia would slap that other mom. But, I do like her character. I like her relationship with the husband too.
I’m not entirely sure about Sarah. The sleeping with the guy on her parent’s couch right after she came home. i really didn’t get that at all. Seriously?
And Crosby – I ddin’t watch Punk’d so I have no thoughts about him there. But I think he’s perfect for the role he’s in here.
Thanks for the recap. 🙂
Mere: I appreciate your take on Julia’s losing streak in the arms race between neighborhood Moms. My guess was that her ultimate “victory” against Racquel would play out as part of a longer story arc. I don’t jump into spoiler territory in the recaps, but the trailer for next week’s episode seems to support that theory. You’re right that a working mother needs more recognition than a late-night complement from her immature brother.
As for The Marriage Ref, I definitely made a judgment based on the early guest lists. How about this? I will check it out after The Office double feature tonight, and I’ll give it a fair shot. Deal?
Becky: You made a great point about the interaction between the four primary siblings. Much like Friends or The Office, the strongest scenes appear to be when the writers put their talented cast in the same room and watch good things happen.
The writing team has brought Max’s story forward in a delicate manner, and I’ll be talking about that more in the weeks to come. For now, I will simply say that the scene you described, as well as Peter Krause’s confession to Craig T. Nelson that “Dad, there’s something wrong with my son” have absolutely floored me. It’s timeless and heartfelt stuff, simply great.
I caught the show for the first time last night and I am hooked!!! Great review.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one loving this show! I’m always amazed when something becomes “must see” so quickly, and this is definitely one of those shows for me.
I actually don’t think Lauren Graham is all that awesome, though. There’s not quite enough differentiation between Lorelai Gilmore and Sarah Braverman for me. She’s grown on me since the first episode, though; during the first episode all I could think during her scenes was how Maura Tierney would have knocked this role out of the park.
I’m starting to think Dax Shepard really does get a bad rap — he is really good in this. Although, really, just about all of the cast is amazing.
I really like the interaction between the siblings best. They have natural, believable relationships with each other which I really appreciate.
Laurie: So thrilled that you enjoyed the show! Please check back in future weeks to talk about your favorite characters and storylines.
Maggie: When I watched the pilot, I could not help but compare Lauren Graham’s energy to how Maura Tierney would have approached the role. Though I do think Tierney would have played well off of Mae Whitman’s obstinent take on Amber, Graham appears well suited to bring broad comedy to the mix. The jury is still out on the Sarah character, so I’d love to read your thoughts as the season unfolds. Thanks for chiming in!