What I’m Watching: Parenthood

Parenthood: Season 1, Episode 7 “What’s Goin’ On Down There?” (B+)

After a few initial episodes of development, it feels like things are finally really getting rolling and situations are starting to get more serious. Sarah and Amber both getting closer with the same guy was as unfortunate turn of events because both people end up getting hurt and neither one of them ends up happy. Mark really did try to save the relationship there with his fervent response to Sarah breaking up with him, but sometimes things just have to happen, and Sarah’s doing a good thing for her daughter, even though the damage has already been done. Haddie shadowing Julia is an interesting move because it allows Julia to really contemplate what she’s doing with her life while encouraging Adam to demonstrate to his daughter the good work her mother used to do. Adam is doing a marvelous job of trying to hold his family together, and this really is a great role for actor Peter Krause. When he started yelling towards the end of the episode and then dove into the water, I had some seriously good “Six Feet Under” flashbacks. Having Adam talk to Sarah was fun, and I enjoyed her gleefully ordering a chocolate milkshake. I’m glad to see Crosby growing as a person, even if, like in Sarah’s scenario, the damage is already done by the time he makes the right choice. This is one entertaining and dynamic family unit, and seeing their trials and tribulations continues to be a positive, engaging, and fulfilling experience.