What I’m Watching: Parenthood

Parenthood: Season 2, Episode 21 “Slipping Away” (B+)

Just as Sarah hasn’t seen this kind of violent rebellious behavior from Amber before, we also haven’t seen such incredibly dramatic, intense interactions between parents and children, even when Haddie wasn’t speaking to Adam and Kristina. That stems mostly from the fact that Amber is an entirely different person from Haddie, and she’s capable of much more rebellion and anti-authoritarianism than her cousin. I think this marks the first time that one of the characters on this show is actually in mortal danger, and the next installment is sure to be rather wrenching and difficult. Mae Whitman is always great, but Lauren Graham deserves the credit this time around for that scene in the restaurant where she got incredibly serious and then started yelling at Amber for being high. Seeing Adam completely stop talking to Haddie is also rather tough, and for that matter, Crosby isn’t holding up too well either. It’s been a hard episode for most of our characters, even if it was peppered with one major success that was completely overshadowed by her family developments. It was fun to see Steven Weber in a guest spot that so perfectly suits him, though I’d love for the role to be a bit meatier if he becomes a recurring player. One thing is for sure, and it’s that Gilliam is nuts, yet somehow he manages to be terribly effective in getting Sarah’s play produced. I’m not sure exactly where Adam’s work stuff is going to go, but he definitely did not look pleased to see that lollipop.