What I’m Watching: Parenthood

Parenthood: Season 1, Episode 9 “Perchance to Dream” (B+)

Just as last week provided an unprecedented spotlight on the Braverman grandparents, this episode gives us a glimpse of just what Kristina can do. A few weeks ago, Adam took Hattie to see what she was capable of, but her show of ability here was extraordinarily impressive. Initially faced with a group of people calling everyone “dude” and discussing the shortening of any document into 140 words, she came through at a dinner by recalling an obscure fact from years ago in order to demonstrate her knowledge of her once-upon-a-time trade. It was a moment akin to Julia walking down the diving board and jumping into the pool. Adam left home alone with the kids and fighting furiously with his daughter about whether she could go out and see her boyfriend was far more intense than entertaining, but that ability to excel in both areas is a definite benefit for this show. Adam’s reaction to having his daughter’s bra on him earlier in the episode was pretty hilarious. Amber catering with her mom is a great idea, and her disgusted response to hearing the poem about her mom was funny. Sarah going to college is a positive plan as well, and that should give her something on which to focus her time and energy. Among the more enjoyable moments of the episode were Crosby and Jasmine finally getting together and then teaming up for a bit of potty-training parenting, and Adam doing his dance and getting most of the Braverman women to join in with him.