One of the most interesting things about this season of Parenthood is that the plots that were introduced at the tail end of season two are being wrapped up fairly quickly. Instead of stretching, say, Kristina's pregnancy or Julia's search for a baby for the entire 18 episode span of the season, Parenthood has chosen to focus not on the event itself but on the aftermath of the event and what effect the event has on the family unit.
On next Tuesday's episode, it looks like we'll finally get to meet the newest Braverman and, as expected, she has to make an entrance.
KRISTINA AND JULIA RECEIVE UNEXPECTED SURPRISES THAT WILL CHANGE THEIR FAMILIES' LIVES WHILE SARAH'S PAST TROUBLES RETURN - JASON RITTER AND JOHN CORBETT GUEST STAR - Kristina (Monica Potter) is rushed to the hospital by an unlikely accomplice, while Julia (Erika Christensen) and Joel (Sam Jaeger) receive positive news on a possible addition to their family. Jasmine's (Joy Bryant) choice of suitors begins to affect Crosby (Dax Shepard), while Sarah's (Lauren Graham) ex, Seth (guest-star John Corbett), threatens to disrupt her relationship with Mark (guest-star Jason Ritter). Meanwhile, Amber (Mae Whitman) begins to understand Max's (Max Burkholder) mind and helps him mend his friendship with Jabbar (Tyree Brown). Also starring Craig T. Nelson, Peter Krause, Bonnie Bedelia, Miles Heizer, Sarah Ramos and Savannah Paige Rae.
I have to say, I'm excited to see Kristina have her baby and I'm not even a big fan of characters on TV having babies. It's not like we've had a long time to deal with pregnant Kristina or the birth is coming during a season finale, two circumstances that would amp up anticipation; I just think that the introduction of Nora could have interesting reverberations for the family and she will (indirectly) play a big part in the rest of the season. The unlikely accomplice for the birth, which was hinted at in last week's promo, is Crosby, which is supposed to heal whatever wounds still exist between him and Adam. The two have been at odds on and off for the duration of the show, but their relationship has been especially strained since Crosby slept with Gaby and they've barely had any loving moments since then. While the tension makes for good TV, making them ultimately even seems like a good idea.
I do think it would be a little overboard for Joel and Julia to get a baby at the same time that Kristina has Nora, though. Hearing progress on their adoption search is one thing, but it just seems like that would be way too much baby at one time. Even though I'm ultimately alright with two babies coming about the Braverman Express, I'd like to see more of the adoption process showcased as well as the emotional journey that it puts Julia on.
Seth's return isn't supposed to be a last-ditch effort to win Sarah back, as the musician is supposed to be headed to rehab in the near future. My guess is that Sarah provides the same sense of direction for her ex-husband that he provided for her in his last episode last season and gets him to check into a facility. There's no telling the type of damage that this could do to her very fresh relationship with Mark, though. (He knows about Sarah's children, obviously, but an addict ex-husband is a whole other breed of animal, especially if his presence reignites her feelings for him in some way.)
I hope that this isn't the beginning of the end for Sarah and Mark, but my guess is that here is where the cracks begin to show.
That's not even scratching the surface on what the presence of Seth could do to Amber, who is just now getting her life together, and Drew, who took Seth's departure the hardest.
The Max/Jabbar storyline closing makes sense because it'll be juxtaposed against their fathers reconciling themselves. Amber's role in things is quite curious, because she's not been around either boy for that long, but that's the thing about Parenthood. The combinations that you wouldn't think would work end up ultimately being pretty solid ways to look at the family dynamics. Here's hoping this type of storyline will lead to further mixing and matching.
Parenthood airs Tuesdays at 10:00 on NBC.
