What I’m Watching: Parenthood (Season Premiere)

Parenthood: Season 5, Episode 1 “It Has To Be Now” (B+)

It’s reassuring to know that, for only the second time in this show’s history, it’s going to get a full season of twenty-two episodes. This completely Emmy-ignored light-hearted drama is one of TV’s most dependable shows with a terrific, talented ensemble, and it’s nice to have the Braverman family back on TV. The newest change in season five is Crosby being a father, and it’s quite a shift from his bachelor lifestyle. It’s going to take him time to get used to the idea of having a kid, and fortunately he has great role models in his family to look to so that he doesn’t screw up too badly and incur Jasmine’s wrath. Kristina wanting to go back to work for Bob made sense, and running for mayor against him is a big step which should prove challenging for her family but ultimately fulfilling for her. Max and Hank bonding was fun, and I’m glad that Ray Romano is sticking around even if Sarah is no longer interested in him. Julia is not having an easy time finding a new job, but it’s good that Joel found something, even if Sonya Walger’s Pete seems like she could be a problem. I’m glad to see Amber get some unexpected happy news after worrying that her relationship with Ryan was on the fritz, and let’s hope that only goes good places. Sarah’s life seems like it’s all over the place, and I think her next step is almost certain to be the new tenant she currently can’t stand but will most likely come to find herself attracted to soon enough.