Kristina and Adam dealt with two examples of loss this week, the loss of security over their son and the loss of a potential business relationship. When Max suddenly becomes the target of bullies at school, it's a double whammy for Kristina; she has to come to terms that, like Sarah and Julia, her child is growing up and she can no longer be there round-the-clock to protect him, while possibly putting another strike against mainstreaming him in her mind. Of course, Kristina took care of it her way, in a scene that continued season three's trend of mining comedy from one of the least expected sources, but you have to wonder where she goes from here regarding Max. Kristina's had a tough time since Nora's birth, from her appearance to her family's closeness, so it makes me think that instead of letting him find his own way, she'll cling tighter to him in a bid for stability and to continue having some sense of control in her life. I only hope that it doesn't come at a cost of Max's development because even though he's had some growing pains recently, mainstreaming is good for Max's independence. Adam, on the other hand, has potentially lost an employee after flirty new assistant Rachel planted a drunken kiss on him. The two had been celebrating, with Crosby, the studio being booked for a month solid by band manager Gavin, culminating in a (rather heartfelt) scene in front of Rachel's apartment. One of the things that I like about Parenthood is that a scene like that could have easily been over-the-top and too soapy, but the show chose to give Rachel the respect and dignity so as to not demonize her character. It's obvious from her interactions on the show thus far that she's not had a lot of good influences in her life, so once someone showed her a bit of kindness, she immediately latched on to it.

It's that type of characterization that makes you feel for Rachel and empathize with her, a smart decision by the show that adds dimension to an impulsive decision. Even though you know what happened was wrong, there are no bad people in this case, which falls in line with the type of realistic grace that the show has shown time and time again. It's too bad that this can only end one way and that the Luncheonette will be losing a receptionist sooner rather than later.

With "Sore Loser", Parenthood showed that loss doesn't have to be a bad thing necessarily. Sometimes, when you lose something, you open yourself up to bigger and better things, as well as the fact that the loss suffered in "Sore Loser" is more of the transitional nature. Sydney and Drew are in the process of growing up, Adam's business relationship with Rachel is now in jeopardy, Max is still adjusting to being mainstreamed, and Crosby is having to deal with the presence of a new father figure for Jabbar. While status is being lost and relationships are in the gray area that has been present on Parenthood this season, all of this is making way for new things in the lives of the Braverman family.

Thoughts, Quotes, & Observations:

• "You know why it's fun? 'Cause I'm the best one there."
• "I didn't realize kids like lounge acts these days."
• "You're cute when you're in denial."
• "Good thing I left my turtleneck at home, right?"
• "We killed her."
• "Probably 'cause I make sure they look at my rack first."
• Favorite math pun: Max-amatician or "Here's looking at Euclid"?
• The math warriors gave me serious flashbacks to my time on the academic team. Yes, I'm a nerd.
• For those wondering, the acoustic version of "You're the One That I Want" was performed by The Lennings.
• Prediction: Drew and Amy will be having sex later this season. It will be a simultaneously awkward and adorable scene, which will give Sarah fits.
• Don't look now, but we're officially halfway through the season. Time flies when you're sobbing into a wad of tissue, no? Just me? Okay...
• Next week: Adam and Kristina deal with Kissgate fallout, Crosby and Jasmine reconnect, Drew and Amber are uncertain about their futures, and Joel and Julia's adoption plans may be falling through.