Parenthood 3.07 “Forced Family Fun” Review

Who can’t seem to change her spots, for the most part, is Julia, who can’t seem to leave Zoe alone now that Zoe’s baby has been promised to Joel and herself. Although some may express annoyance at Julia’s uber focused Type-A shenanigans and micro-micro-managing, I see it more as something that’s very in-line with they’ve established Julia as. She’s very similar to Adam in that she finds it hard to let go of control and also like Adam, she tends to go a little too far with her boundary issues, so seeing her try to control Zoe’s diet was an expected bit of character work that kind of reconfirms who she is. I know we haven’t spent a tremendous amount of time with Julia this season away from the baby plotline, but it seemed like once she finally could set her sights on Zoe now that they’re getting her baby, the real Julia came out, warts and all. Funny thing, though, in that Julia seems to have gradually developed some self-awareness during the show’s 42 episodes, as exhibited by the fact that she knew she messed up almost as soon as she said something to Zoe. I’m not sure that the Julia of season one, episode one would have been as forthcoming and apologetic about her lapse in decorum as Julia of season three, episode seven was, proof that even the most stringent of people can make personal progress if need be.

Change is something that’s hard for just about anybody to accept, let alone someone from a large family that’s generally been about structure in the past. As “Forced Family Fun” shows, the Braverman family may embrace the concept somewhat begrudgingly, but they’ve made notable progress in season three toward achieving the personal and professional fulfillment that was lacking early in the series. The episode hinted at a certain sadness within Kristina that could be explored in future episodes, while further cracking Mark’s relationship with Sarah and allowing Julia to strike a balance between being who she is at her core and the type of traits she’s learning to adopt; the wide disparity in storylines showcased three crucial aspects of change: the fear of it, the imminence of it, and the healthy embrace of it, all of which combined for a very solid transitional episode that will set up what is sure to be a heck of a closing stretch to season three.

Are people capable of change? If the Braverman family’s example is to believed, don’t count anyone out just yet.

Thoughts, Quotes, & Observations:

• “I’m fat, thanks for asking.”
• “Fun night, dammit!”
• “Knock knock.” “Who’s there?” “Says.” “Says who?” “Says me, that’s who.”
• “No, ’cause then I would have had to get a cat and poison it for it to be sick.”
• “Kristina, a newborn on ice? You can’t do that.”
• “And Dad says he’s sorry you’re losing it.”
• In Braverman pop culture news, Kristina likes the movie Mouse Hunt and Vertigo is Seth and Sarah’s movie. Both of those choices make perfect sense to me.
• Max apologizing to Kristina (multiple times) make me oddly proud of him. Nice bit of continuity, too.
• More scenes of Julia and Sarah bonding. You’d think they wouldn’t be able to stand one another, considering how opposite they are, but bring in some wine and we’re in business, I suppose.
• If I could find somebody to look at me in the same way that Mark looks at Sarah, I would be a happy boy.
• Next week: Seth moves in with Amber after getting released from rehab, Adam and Kristina try to rediscover intimacy post-Nora, Crosby is still uncomfortable with Dr. Joe, and Drew’s new relationship with Amy continues progressing.