Parenthood – Recap & Review – Amazing Andy and His Wonderful World of Bugs

photo: nbc

Parenthood
Amazing Andy and His Wonderful World of Bugs

Original Air Date: Feb 15, 2011

Karen Belgrad- Associate Editor
Karenbelgrad
@thetwocentscorp.com

To many Parenthood viewers, the Bravermans have begun to feel like an extension of our own families.  And within our own families, we’re able to tell them when they’ve misbehaved.  We’ll tell you if you’re making a mistake … and Crosby, you’re in trouble!

For the first time since Halloween, Max is the focal point of an episode tonight.  It’s time’s for Max’s birthday party, which means we will have many, many Bravermans under one roof.  And is anything better than multiple Bravermans under one roof?

Max’s party has a bug theme.  It’s got bug cupcakes, bug goody bags, bug party favors, and, of course, a bug guy. The guy is Andy (Michael Emerson, Lost) of Amazing Andy and His Wonderful World of Bugs, and he is coming across as odd to Adam and Kristina, with his rigid rules and schedules that he needs the party to follow.  They’re resistant to hiring him, until Kristina finds out at school that Andy has Asperger’s Syndrome, just like Max.

It was interesting to watch Max and Andy interact, as they talked over each other, both in their own worlds.  But the trepidation from Kristina and Adam was palpable, as they watched Andy’s every move, knowing they are getting a glimpse into Max’s possible future.

Seth is still hanging around, spending time with Drew and being avoided by Amber.  Zeek tries to make conversation with Seth, but it’s clear they have a shaky history with plenty of animosity.  Zeek hits his limit of politeness, threatening Seth if he hurts Drew and shoving him.  Drew happens along in time to see the push and, believing his grandfather is in the wrong, heads out with Seth.

The two head to batting cages, where Seth unloads about how hard it is to be told you don’t add up.  He then goes off (bat in hand) on some guys hogging the batting cage.  Where we the viewers see this as a sign on instability, Drew is impressed with his dad’s ability to stand up for himself.  The next day at school, Drew emulates his dad by starting a physical altercation with a kid who had been picking on him.  Sarah’s called to the school and surprised to find Drew called Seth there as well.  She loses the battle for Drew’s immediate respect when she calls him out on fighting, but Seth gives him props.

Crosby and Jasmine are still having problems.  She’s not as willing to let go of last episode’s fight as he is, having actually heard and been stung by the words he leveled at her.  He wants to work on the issues, but she’s not sure she can.  Unfortunately, her temporary solution is to pack herself and Jabbar up to go visit a sick aunt in the desert.  Crosby may be immature, but Jasmine really does seem to run at every turn.

Unfortunately, Crosby’s eye is being turned in the direction of Gaby, Max’s aide.  He empathizes as she struggles with Max, who has a full meltdown during a session when she tries to enforce new rules. The two go out for a drink and have a flirty bond and prolonged hug, but refrain from acting on it.  But it’s telling when Crosby refers to jasmine as his girlfriend and Gaby has to correct him with fiancé. But you can see the attraction Crosby has to Gaby, as she seems to enjoy him as he is and the two have off the charts chemistry.

Max’s party is in full swing and Kristina is in full mom overload meltdown.  Every kid there has their own special autism needs, from noise restrictions to cheese only, sauce-less pizza.  She tries to get Andy to modify his start time, but only Gaby has the winning touch in conveying the concept of flexibility.  Zeek is stunned to learn that Andy has Asperger’s, but ends up impressed that someone with the condition can run their own business.  It’s a nice moment of realization for Zeek.  The party is actually a raging success, with Andy’s bug show (no clapping!) is a hit with all, especially Max. Afterward,  Adam asks Andy if he’s happy and he’s pleased to realize they both are… sometimes.

Throughout the episode, Joel and Julia are refraining from sex until she’s ovulating.  Of course, the magic moment comes mid-party and the two sneak off to do it in Adam and Kristina’s bathroom.  She catches them mid-coitus… and wow… that was network television, huh?  I must say, it was a pretty racy moment for this show!  Kristina is surprisingly OK with this, even offering up her bed, and contemplating the concept of it being cool that a baby could be conceived at Max’s birthday party.  Me?  I’d be looking for cleanser to scrub my bathroom counter… and eyes!

Crosby walks Gaby to her car, telling her how awesome she is.  And… cut to Gaby’s bedroom (hopefully not his and Jasmine’s, right), where the two passionately undress each other, kiss, and fall into bed.  Oh Crosby.

Well, we can’t say we didn’t see the Crosby turn of events coming, right?  The part that bothers me is that it’s such a regression for the character that we’ve all been rooting for.  I hope the siblings see it as more than a typical Crosby transgression and delve into his self-sabotage a little deeper.

One of my favorite moments was Amber watching Seth and Sarah talk at the end of the hour.  You could tell Amber is almost physically restraining herself from letting her father-related emotions come to the service.  And the quiet mother-daughter “I love you” exchange was so telling of how much the two have been to.  Of course, if Amber is 17 and Drew is 14-15, I wonder how much she truly saw that he didn’t.  She says he was a baby, which means he was probably two or three, so she way five-ish?

Well, those are my TwoCents!  What are your TwoCents?  Share your comments, thoughts, and feedback below!