What I’m Watching: Parenthood

Parenthood: Season 5, Episode 18 “The Offer” (B+)

I’m not sure there’s ever been a more fitting description of the Braverman family as Hank comparing them to Starbucks. This episode was full of mostly positive developments, even though some of them involved miserable moments. As the house went on the market and attracted an unexpectedly eager buyer, Camille and Zeek finally saw eye to eye, remembering pleasant times that made up a happy life together. It’s still going to be a challenge, but it’s nice to see them on the same page for the first time in a while. Sarah’s nervousness over how the job would turn out could have been made worse by Hank’s behavior, but instead he proved to be quite supportive, and they seem to have found a happy medium somewhere in between the differing feelings they have for one another. Drew’s situation has turned much less comical, and at least he has Amber looking out for him to try to get him back on track. Drew is becoming much more musical lately, and it’s all the more worthwhile given his role in one of the best films I saw at Sundance this year, “Rudderless,” which involves plenty of music. Max wasn’t in great shape in this hour, but the aftermath of his meltdown in which he articulated that he thinks he’s a freak because someone peed in his canteen and people don’t like him even though he’s supposed to be smart was highlighted by the loving nature of Kristina unbuckling her seatbelt to come hug him in the backseat. Joel getting Victor a phone was definitely not a productive solution for his newfound anxiety, and it was unfortunate that Sydney lashed out and blamed their parents’ problems on his arrival. Joel had his own great parenting moment at the end of the episode, signifying some hope in a bleak situation.