What I’m Watching: Parenthood

Parenthood: Season 5, Episode 2 “All Aboard Who’s Coming Aboard” (B+)

The fact that this show has so many characters means that it’s always functioning on many levels, and some plotlines that remain dormant for a while come alive at certain points. The duo that isn’t always featured but gets to shine in this hour is Zeek and Camille, who are often just the hosts for big family get-togethers. Zeek coming to terms with the state of his home and Camille revealing a desire to downsize to a place that might be more excitable and accessible suggests that they’re headed for major changes, which the family might react to with skepticism at first but will like ultimately support. The same is already true of Adam and Sarah in relation to big moves on the part of the number one woman in each of their lives. Adam’s resistance to Kristina ramping up her campaign so quickly is understandable, and Jurnee Smollett’s speedy hiring and aggressive can-do attitude only underline the legitimacy of his reaction. I just hope it doesn’t drive a wedge between them, since Julia spending time with David Denman’s likeable father is sure to cause enough potential problems for Julia and Joel due to the relationship it will create between them. Sarah sitting down to help Amber start planning her wedding at the end of the episode was sweet, and it’s good to see them bonding. Crosby may not have the most mature parenting techniques, but it is good to see him indulging Jabar in his interests every once in a while to prevent too much resentment from brewing after that uncomfortable scene at the restaurant.