The season has finally broken free from its cycle of doom and gloom – and on Parenthood Season 5 Episode 15 the focus seemed to be on the Bravermans moving forward.
Some of the best episodes of Parenthood feature the adult Braverman siblings and we were treated to a healthy dose of Adam, Crosby and Sarah reaching out to their kid sister Julia as she weathered her first weekend without Sydney and Victor.
Elsewhere, Crosby learned about the homestead being on the market, Drew talked Amy into confiding in her parents, Sarah struggled working with Hank – but was complimented by Carl – and Adam and Kristina got some much needed time away.
Amber's advice about the difficulty of letting go of someone you love helped him have a talk with Amy about her future. Drew started to wonder if she had ever really dealt with the enormity of what they went through with her pregnancy and abortion and shared how much it meant to him to talk to Sarah about it.
Although we never did find out how that conversation went down, hearing about in those terms worked. It also gave Drew a baseline with which to work so Amy could feel comfortable when she speaks with her own parents. She's pretty troubled and she needed Drew to give her that push to get some help.
Even though Zeek seemed set in his decision to sell the house as he explained to Crosby that he realized he loved Camille more than he loved the house, when he was with his wife and grandchildren roasting marshmallows at their fire pit, I'm pretty sure I saw some hesitation. That's a decision that is far from over.
Sarah's photos with the taco truck were amazing. They had so much personality and it was her vision. Did anyone else notice that Carl specifically mentioned how impressed he was with her shots that included the truck? Hank's decision to go ahead and delete it made the photographs look much like he wanted to create in the studio.
Hank is a great photographer, but perhaps not a great artist. Sometimes a job calls for a little of both and a client is willing to forfeit the craft for the artistic merit. That's what they did with Sarah. Hank changed her work because she went on a date with Carl. It was a petty counter attack that he tried to make up for with some fancy lip service later on.
I'm not on board with Sarah revisiting a relationship with Hank. Seeing Sarah with someone like Carl feels so much better, but I know it won't happen. Did you see the look on her face after he said this amazing thing?
Carl: I like that you, I don’t know, think about your family here. Think about your sister. And that you have no idea how beautiful you are or how funny. Oh my gosh. I sound like I may be falling for you. I guess that’s why we’re here. Beer anybody?
🔗 permalink: I like that you, I don’t know, think about your family here. Think about your sister. And…
She looked like a deer caught in the headlights. I don't think Sarah can do normal, which is a shame. Carl is a real catch. I only hope Parenthood proves me wrong.
The only thing that topped seeing Kristina and Adam on a mountain getaway gettin' it on in a hot tub and soaking in mud baths was Adam's continued concern for his little sister. Popping out of the hot tub with his hot wife to check on Julia was so adorable. Who wouldn't want to be married to Adam?
Joel is set up in an apartment and lets the kids know their weekends will be with him from now on. I've never understood that. Mom gets to take them to school, do the homework and be the responsible parent and dad gets all the play time on weekends? Please tell me that won't last.
It is good, however, that the attempt to try to save the dead relationship seems to be over. Joel barely looked at Julia when he picked up the kids. He's not a likable man. It's rare that the death of a marriage is explored on television in any detail and Parenthood should be able to make this a really special journey.
Left to her own devices, Julia did very well. She slept in Sydney's bedroom but she didn't break down and cry or dip into the wine while she was alone. She binge watched Orange is the New Black and went jogging — very healthy activities for a woman on her own for a first time in ages.
The best scene of the hour was Julia's brothers and sister turning up with food and wine to keep her company and from descending into depression. Sarah and Crosby whispering back and forth "you're a much better brother than I ever thought" and "you're such a great sister" made her smile and realize just how lucky she was and that they really were the best.
They've always been the type who get along great and dance a lot and Adam got the dance fever and took the party to the next level. It was fantastic.
Victor was sleeping alone in his new second home and he grabbed Joel's phone looking for his mom to help him after a nightmare. As she talked he fell asleep listening to her voice and it was probably the best thing that could have happened for Julia, because she knew her kids didn't forget her and still needed her, no matter where they were.
If you want to find out how Julia's marriage fell apart, you can watch Parenthood online and follow the journey.
What Braverman sibling do you most identify with?