What I’m Watching: Parenthood

Parenthood: Season 1, Episode 6 “The Big O” (B+)

At first, I questioned the explicitness of the conversation Kristina was having with the new helper they found to work with Max, but as the episode progressed, it proved to be more than worth it. As has been true with the past few episodes, the interactions between the children of the middle generation continue to be fantastic. Sarah turning to Crosby for advice on whether to go for it with Amber’s teacher was hilarious, as was Adam’s awkward interrogation of Sarah about faking orgasms. I hope that come time for the Emmy Award nominations to be announced this summer, Peter Krause and Lauren Graham have enough buzz to give them hope of garnering deserved recognition. It’s more likely that veteran patriarch Craig T. Nelson, a previous Emmy winner in 1992 for his lead role on “Coach,” will be in line for a nomination because of voters’ familiarity with him, and while his part is entertaining, it’s not nearly as terrific as those of his children. Crosby’s introduction of his son to his parents went over surprisingly well, and it was really nice to see the positive family dynamic at play. Amber is sure to flip out when she finds out that her mom is going for her teacher, but that may be a good time down the road. It would be good to give Julia something else to obsess over besides the other mother flirting with her husband, but for the moment, it’s helping to show how mature she’s able to be when it’s most necessary.