168 replies to this topic

[TWoP Dietrich]

TV Guide sez:

Amber's ex-boyfriend comes to town, putting the family on high alert. Elsewhere, Zeek and Adam take a road trip; Julia and Joel fear that Sydney might have Asperger's syndrome; and Crosby wants to pitch in for Jabbar's birthday party.

Remember that discussion of Asperger's needs to stay on topic, which means it should be about the show, not your personal experiences.

[JessieQ]

Gee, if only my mom had dated one of my teachers so she would’ve felt compelled to apologize and trust my decisions more in a situation where many other parents would have headed for the nearest shotgun. I guess this is meant to show us how damaged and unsure Sarah is, but I really wish she’d grow a pair when it comes to Amber. Sarah obviously doesn’t like being the bad guy, so it’s easier to abdicate parental control than enforce rules for acceptable behavior.

And the whole “don’t make the same mistakes I made” seemed to be lifted from the GG playbook (like after Rory stayed out all night with Dean). I realize that when it comes to portraying mother-daughter relationships on TV, certain themes will be oft seen, but the parallels to GG are almost too close for my comfort as they keep pulling me out of the story to note the similarities.

Loved Camille’s retelling of the vomit story – in a scene which might have been louder or more demonstrative in another show, she managed to convey the hurt and anger she’d been carrying for 20+ years in only a few sentences.

[bellamn16]

Wow. What a great episode! I feel like this show is really starting to hit its stride. I was wondering when the "genius child" was going to show up in Sydney (ala the movie).

I also wanted to touch on the scenes between Amber and Sarah. I absolutely love the messed-up vibe between the two characters. Mae and Lauren work so well together. I also love that their storyline this week meshed so well with a debate we've been having in the Lauren Graham thread about Amber's vulnerabilities and whether or not Sarah makes her kids feel unwanted.

And on that note...where is Drew? One or two weeks is one thing, but seriously, does he still exist? Are they recasting him? Was he at the party? Did I just not notice him? It seems so weird and inconsistent. They can't just ditch a grandkid!

Edited by bellamn16, Apr 20, 2010 @ 10:14 PM.

[Cosmos2]

Drew was at the party. He did not speak. If you blinked you would have missed him. Or at least I'm pretty sure he was there. I'll have to watch again to make sure.

Is there anybody now who doesn't like Crosby? What a guy! He's doing everything right.

[Aludra]

Holy crap. That scene in Amber's room between her and Sarah. Pitch perfect.

Julia and Joel's overreaction kind of irritated me, but I love the realism of Adam and Kristina's reactions.

Oh, and Haddie's reaction to Zeek assuming racism... Awesome.

Edited by Aludra, Apr 20, 2010 @ 10:16 PM.

[bellamn16]

Oh my gosh, I am ADORING Crosby now! I couldn't stand him over the first few weeks. Now Adam is the one who grates on me a little.

Yes, I certainly did miss Drew.

if only my mom had dated one of my teachers so she would’ve felt compelled to apologize and trust my decisions more in a situation where many other parents would have headed for the nearest shotgun. I guess this is meant to show us how damaged and unsure Sarah is, but I really wish she’d grow a pair when it comes to Amber. Sarah obviously doesn’t like being the bad guy, so it’s easier to abdicate parental control than enforce rules for acceptable behavior.

Wow, I see things so differently than than so many people when it comes to the Sarah-the-parent character. I don't think this was Sarah caving in, so much as it was about her realizing that half the reasons Amber does what she does is because she feels trapped and is rebelling. It seemed to me that while Sarah is a screw-up in a lot of ways, her problems with Amber may stem from her actually being paranoid that her kid is going to end up in the same type of mess she did. Rather than parent to Amber's needs, she's been parenting to avoid her own mistakes.

The whole point of Sarah's (bittersweet) conversation with Camille was to help her realize if she gives her kid a little slack...and faith...Amber might come around. Of course, maybe she won't but you don't know until you try.

Damien is obviously a punk, but do we have any reason to believe he's a bad guy or a criminal? The sex thing aside, Sarah was basically telling Amber she's going to give her the space to make her own choices and trust her that she can...until Amber proves she can't. Once Amber felt empowered to make the choices she truly wants, versus doing things just to push Sarah's buttons, she realized that maybe Damien isn't all he's cracked up to be. Obviously, in real life the changes don't happen that quickly, but I certainly think that sometimes all teens need is space to breathe and they'll come around on their own. Heck, aren't we all like that in some ways?

Edited by bellamn16, Apr 20, 2010 @ 10:15 PM.

[esprit15d]

Great episode. Now that some of the exposition for this massive cast is out of the way, this show is really rolling.

OMG--Worst. Birthday. Ever. Or at least worst half hour or so. Wow, you could've cut the tension with a knife. I wanted to crawl under the couch as I was watching it. And Zeek? Really? I think he was well intentioned, but the last thing that room needed was more opinions--especially misguided, inflammatory ones. Also, congrats to Crosby for finally cluing Jasmine in that they are BOTH Jabbar's parents. I thought the day would never come. Glad to see that Jasmine got a clue and 'fessed up.

When I first saw this show, I thought Jasmine was going to be this flawless, long-suffering mom and Crosby was going to be this shiftless, dirtbag. But now I see that they are both kind of capricious and shortsighted (but still charming and generally harmless), which is how they got together in the first place--and found themselves in this predicament. I think that makes more sense also--why would a thoughtful, planning, totally responsible young woman have an (unprotected?) fling with...all that Crosby is? So, they are alike in a lot of ways. Thank heavens that God looks after fools and babies, which means everyone in that family should be covered. Hopefully, Jabbar doesn't get that gene.

Adam...well he rocks. He was so delicate with his dad when his dad's dignity was literally lying before him, bare and bleeding. Are they gonna lose the house? : nail biting:

Sarah and Amber tire me. I root for them separately, but together, there is so much blame to go around that I don't have a clue how to feel. But I really want the best for those girls. Just hope they can do it with an occasional moment of rational decision-making.

Where was Drew?

My love for Kristina knows no bounds. I could sympathize with her throughout that entire roller-coaster ride, and honestly, it was like her emotions were just abused for no reason. She took it really well, but I still felt bad for her. Thank God she has Adam. And that little hand-shake thing they do.

Also, um, wan't Jabbar 5 already? How is he still 5?

I also love that their storyline this week meshed so well with a debate we've been having in the Lauren Graham thread about Amber's vulnerabilities and whether or not Sarah makes her kids feel unwanted.

Yeah--I'm glad I didn't put money on that. I've already handed out congratulations to the winners.

Is there anybody now who doesn't like Crosby? What a guy! He's doing everything right.

I, for one, love him. And him getting teary at the end? ::Dies::

Edited by esprit15d, Apr 20, 2010 @ 10:31 PM.

[JessieQ]

The sex thing aside, Sarah was basically telling Amber she's going to give her the space to make her own choices and trust her that she can...until Amber proves she can't.

And to me, showering with her boyfriend at her grandparent's house, doing so poorly in school that she should have been held back a year, being disrespectful to her mother, etc., etc., etc. are proof enough to me that Amber can't make good choices on her own yet. Not saying all of her decisions are bad ones, but I think that at this stage in her life she needs Sarah to be more a parent, and less of a friend.

[Scrapper]

Of course Sydney's brilliant. Bonnie did really good this episode. She really made the most of what she had. The sadness by both parties in her talk with Sarah and her anger about the vomit story.

Zeek got a laugh out of me with the garlic knots situation but, other than that. I still strongly dislike him.

Glad Amber actually made an intelligent informed choice this episode. I guess it was her glasses.

Glad Crosby and Jasmine finally had it out and that Jasmine fessed up. Both to her family and about why after a bit of trying she decided it would be better to just have the baby on her own.

Dax and the kid that plays Max need to cut their hair like now. Their hair drives me crazy.

Poor Drew. He is so demoted to extra. He didn't even get to acted shocked at the birthday of awkward.

I'm glad Dr. Pelican went from unreachable to easy to get last minute appointments. Katie's mom must have been like amazing in bed.

[Cosmos2]

It was very convenient how Jabbar disappeared so he didn't overhear any of the serious discussion about Crosby and Jasmine and which of the two might have been at fault for Crosby not being in the kid's life. And nobody thought to check to make sure Jabbar wasn't listening. Good thing it all worked out.

Damien said he's going to be busy fending off "marooders." What a shame we probably won't get to see that.

[ebeth]

And to me, showering with her boyfriend at her grandparent's house, doing so poorly in school that she should have been held back a year, being disrespectful to her mother, etc., etc., etc. are proof enough to me that Amber can't make good choices on her own yet. Not saying all of her decisions are bad ones, but I think that at this stage in her life she needs Sarah to be more a parent, and less of a friend.

I just can't imagine how a kid whose life has been as disrupted and chaotic as Amber's has to date has the wherewithal to pull off wonderful grades. I don't so much see her bad grades in Fresno as a choice so much as the product of her circumstances. Circumstances are somewhat better in Berkeley and she has a chance to start over someplace where people don't have her pigeonholed in the same slot she's been in since she was five, so it's not out of the question that things would improve.

I can't get all that het up about kids being disrespectful to parents. It's kind of one of the things they have to do (not that I'm looking forward to my own kids in this phase, but I'm not going to see it as a sign of their irresponsibility, immaturity or bad character).

Showering with the boyfriend... well, yeah, that was a bad idea. Even having him in the house was a bad idea. But that's the only one where I feel like I can point and say that.

Sarah does need to get her act together though.

[dustylil]

Is there anybody now who doesn't like Crosby? What a guy! He's doing everything right.

I'm going to reserve judgement for awhile, thanks.
Certainly, I'm glad he confronted Jasmine. However, as a father he has pretty much had to deal with the fun side of parenting. I'll wait until he has to spend several days cooped up with Jabbar while the little fellow has chicken pox. Or has to postpone or forgo some long- planned trip or new vehicle because Jabbar needs braces. Or deal with the day-to-day drudgery of doing laundry, packing lunches, co-ordinating activities with other parents and overseeing school assignments. Crosby may step up wonderfully, but based on what we have seen of him to date in dealing with ordinary life matters, I think I will wait and see.

And did I understand that scene correctly? Adam was not going insist that Max return the rubberband ball that he "took" from his cousin because Sydney had the temerity to be intellectually gifted rather than having special needs? What a wonderful example to set for a child who at this stage understands everything at largely a literal level. Sheesh.

I just can't imagine how a kid whose life has been as disrupted and chaotic as Amber's

With respect, I know she and Drew have an utterly unreliable father, have apparently lived a very modest existence with their mother and have recently moved from one California town to another, but how is that disrupted and chaotic?

Edited by dustylil, Apr 20, 2010 @ 11:10 PM.

[Sandman]

I don't know if it counts as chaotic, but Sarah and the kids were living in a motel for a while.

On the basis of three phone calls, none of which apparently involved leaving a message, Jasmine decides that not only should Crosby not have a choice about being in his son's life, she decides it would be convenient to let her family believe that he abandoned her and his child. And she's angry at him for the outcome of her choices? That was cold. What, did she forget to tell her family before the big party? Pff.

I loved the "WTF? Turns out you're a moroon" look on Amber's face.

I'm sorry, but I keep wondering: how did the awesome Camille end up with a crapweasel like Zeek? No way does Camille not know already about the second mortgage.

Edited by Sandman, Apr 20, 2010 @ 11:33 PM.

[izabella]

Where did Jasmine's family all suddenly come from? Wasn't she in town when she and Crosby had their fling only because that's where her dance group was performing?

I never had the impression she was originally from the Bay Area. If that is where her family lives, has she been living in the Bay Area for the past 5 years since her brother said he was the one who was there for Jabbar growing up? Was she in the Bay Area the whole time? Minutes away from Crosby?

Edited by izabella, Apr 20, 2010 @ 11:20 PM.

[ebeth]

With respect, I know she and Drew have an utterly unreliable father, have apparently lived a very modest existence with their mother and have recently moved from one California town to another, but how is that disrupted and chaotic?

Sarah and the kids were living in a motel for a while, and Amber's description of it suggests that Sarah yanked them out of wherever they were living with her ex in a tearing hurry. There have been implications that Amber's dad was somewhat abusive, and outright statements that he has drug or alcohol problems. Even if we assume that his involvement is minimal, these things can have a big effect.

And that's before we get to the question of how long Sarah spent patching things together on the edge, what kind of childcare arrangements she was able to put together for night shifts while she tended bar, and how many cheap, crappy apartments they've moved into and out of.

In regards to Jasmine, I have got to agree that, for what she had to tell, three phone calls is laughably insufficient. Registered letters are not that hard to send. I'm glad that Crosby called her on it.

[izabella]

I'm glad that Crosby called her on it.

I thought it was very kind of him not to spill the beans in front of her family when her brother was accusing him of being an absentee father. He let Jasmine tell them in her own way.

[Cosmos2]

Sarah did not consider the possibility that Amber is hurt and angry because of Mr. Cyr. Amber also could be very embarrassed that her mother knows about Amber's crush on the teacher, and that might mean eventually every Braverman will know about it, further adding to her embarrassment.

That to me is the problem: Sarah thinks Amber is mad at her, and it's much, much more complicated than that. I don't think Sarah gets it at all.

And Sydney threw a heavy rubber ball off a kid's head in class while she might have been trying to hit the teacher. But that is now perfectly okay because Sydney's a genius and if she happens to inflict an injury on a classmate it'll just be out of innocent boredom, her innocent obsession with the rubber band ball, and her innocent desire to be the center of attention. That's another story I didn't understand fully.

Edited by Cosmos2, Apr 20, 2010 @ 11:36 PM.

[Sandman]

Sarah did not consider the possibility that Amber is hurt and angry because of Mr. Cyr.

Of course she did. It was the first thing Sarah said to her. Amber denied it, but I'm not convinced Sarah believed her. It is a very complicated situation; but I don't think you're giving Sarah enough credit for her real fear - that Amber's choices are short-sighted and could limit her potential - which we know Sarah believes to be high.

And Sydney threw a heavy rubber ball off a kid's head in class while she might have been trying to hit the teacher. But that is now perfectly okay because Sydney's a genius and if she happens to inflict an injury on a classmate it'll just be out of innocent boredom, her innocent obsession with the rubber band ball, and her innocent desire to be the center of attention.

There was no indication in the scene with the teacher that Sydney was trying to be the centre of attention. I had the impression that the teacher was overreacting. If Sydney had hurt the other child, they would have been having a very different conversation.

Edited by Sandman, Apr 20, 2010 @ 11:48 PM.

[possibilities]

I don't think they implied that it was okay for Sydney to have thrown the ball at the kid (or teacher). But figuring out that her behavior stems from boredom means that, in addition to confiscating the ball and whatever other disciplinary actions they need to take, they now know that their kid is bored, and they can address that problem. I loved how the suspicion that she might be acting out for the same reasons as Max was shown to affect Kristina and Adam. And I also loved the scene with Max, when he got in bed and they showed a moment of loving him, not just worrying. When they are able to have some humor as they explain to him the rules of behavior, it's so much different than when they're just freaked out and worried and stressed.
I find Adam relentlessly irritating, and Kristina continually charms me.

It seems to me that Julia is the one with money, who could help Zeek keep the house.

I hope Drew isn't suffering from disappearing character syndrome.

I liked Jasmine's family, a lot more than I like her, actually. I see how Jabbar turned out amazing.

I think Sarah realizing that Amber is not "Sarah 2.0" was actually a really good parenting move. As long as she sees herself in her daughter, she was not reacting to her actual daughter, and her daughter was constantly trying to rebel and establish her own identity. However, when it comes out that Amber didn't take the SAT? Shit should hit the fan, big time.

I like Camille. But I don't understand why she's with Zeek.

[sobe]

Crosby had earned a lot of my love by virtue of being an A's fan (doubly so for being a Giants anti-fan). There aren't enough of us in real life, I got extra excited to see a fictional one.

[omgsowicked]

I've been watching but not loving the show until tonight's episode.

Really enjoyed the Crosby/Jasmine storyline. I'm glad they're finally talking and working things out. I was pissed in the beginning with Jasmine's attitude. What nerve. I think Crosby showed maturity by not calling Jasmine out in front of her angry family... he let her come out with it. And I teared up at the final scene... I'm interested in seeing where things go with this storyline (next weeks preview... oh boy). I wonder if we'll see more of her family.

Maybe I missed it but what was Zeek doing, buying that property? Adam said he was a great salesman... what does he do? What was he planning on doing with it? I'm wondering when we'll get more story from Zeek and Camille. Still haven't found out what's up with Zeek having condoms... I think Camille knows a lot more than she lets on.

Drew... where are you??? There's so much going on with Sarah and Amber that Drew is forgotten. I enjoy the dynamic between the two women but she does have another kid. Maybe he's still in the shower? Ha. I'm glad Amber told her boyfriend to leave and by that smile, I'm taking it that Sarah was proud of her (as opposed to just being thrilled that shower-sharing boy was gone). Marooders? Oh man. I hope Sarah and Amber finally get a chance to really talk... they need to.

The Julia/Kristina interaction was very nice... Kristina was so kind. She reacted well when Julia told her the news. I was wondering though, what was up with Julia tossing the ball? Was it supposed to be a like mother, like daughter thing? Or was Julia just irritated by the teacher?

[mother of 4]

can't stop laughing about the "disappearing Drew syndrome". Love Mae Whitman's character. She's so vulnerable. Little Sydney was so funny when she tried to grab the ball off the table. Now that we know Sydney is gifted, I can't wait until the family reacts to this news. I wish that Julia and Joel would share a few tender, loving moments once in awhile. Also, they should spend some time enjoying their daughter. Play old maid, candyland, have a picnic in the living room on a rainy day. I also enjoyed Kristina and Adam joking about Sydney being gifted and I always enjoy Zeek and Camille.

[IvyDarling]

I loved Julia going into lawyer mode with Sydney's teacher. It was hilarious, to me anyway.

Amber and Damian's conversation on the roof of the car, with him talking about grades don't matter and the school of life is more important reminded me of an episode of The Cosby Show--the one where Denise was dating this really smart dude, but wanted to go "find himself" and said that grades didn't matter.

The sex thing aside, Sarah was basically telling Amber she's going to give her the space to make her own choices and trust her that she can...until Amber proves she can't.

I'm with JessieQ. In my head (and in my life) you get the privileges after you've been doing well and been behaving in a trustworthy fashion. You don't get the privileges after you've been fucking up.

The literalness of Aspergers is killing me. So, Max has to be told that he should wait for affirmative permission before he steals...er...takes something from his cousin? Jeez. Kudos to all of you who deal with it in some fashion, I think I'd go crazy due to my lack of patience. I did, however, enjoy seeing Adam and Kristina interact with Max at the end--it was sweet.

And, while I felt for Kristina and her selfish desires about Sydney, I didn't like the snarkiness at the end with her and Adam about Sydney being gifted.. It just left a bad taste in my mouth.

Maybe I missed it but what was Zeek doing, buying that property? Adam said he was a great salesman... what does he do? What was he planning on doing with it? I'm wondering when we'll get more story from Zeek and Camille. Still haven't found out what's up with Zeek having condoms... I think Camille knows a lot more than she lets on.

I have no clue about what's going on there. None.

The birthday party was a hot mess. The tension was crazy. All of the personal business being put out there was ridiculous. Like someone said, it was very convenient that Jabbar wasn't amongst the crowd and thus, didn't hear any of the conversation.

Edited by IvyDarling, Apr 21, 2010 @ 2:25 AM.

[janie jones]

At first I thought we were supposed to sympathize with Jasmine that she gave up after calling Crosby three times. I'm glad she ended up acknowledging that was wrong of her.

But I was also confused about how her whole family was there if she isn't from Berkeley, which was how I understand it. Do people really come in from out of town to go to a kid's fifth birthday party? I can see Jasmine's mom and brother, but who were the rest of those people? I guess these people are another version of the Bravermans, who would travel to go to one another's parties.

Also, what is Adam's company, that Zeek thinks they need to expand production. I thought Adam worked in a shoe store (that's what it looked like to me in the episode where one of the siblings came to his work. If they've discussed what his job is since then, I've missed it).

[Crs97]

Deleted because it helps to think before you post. Sorry.

Edited by Crs97, Apr 21, 2010 @ 7:46 AM.

[bellamn16]

Although it seems as easy as "you don't get to be trusted until after you stop screwing up," or "she needs to be a mom, not a friend," we're dealing with an almost-17-year-old. It's just not that simple.

First off, I don't see Sarah and Amber being, in any way, friends. This is not Gilmore Girls. There is no toenail painting, CD borrowing, brutal honesty going on here. This is a mom and teenage kid - like many moms and teenage kids - who have no constructive means of communication. Just because Sarah is needy and living with her parents doesn't mean her mistakes are any better or worse than any other parent whose kid has issues. The end result (Amber's behavior) is pretty similar to what it could be if Sarah were a suburban mom in a 4000 sq. foot house whose daughter rebels because her mom is what we like to call a "helicopter parent."

Teens, by nature, are trying to be independent and find their way, and there are many, many reasons for their rebellious behaviors. With a some teens, they are, simply put, punks, and no matter what you do, or say, or expect, they're still going to do what they want to do and defy everything they can defy. Do people see Amber as that type of kid? Maybe some do. I don't.

I see Amber as someone who is desperately reaching for something or someone she can trust and depend on. She doesn't trust her mom right now because Sarah doesn't really parent to Amber's needs (as I described earlier, Sarah is parenting more out of fear of her own shortcomings). Amber's rebellions can possibly be might be lessened if Sarah gives her some room to fail. I think Amber has proven that when she fails on her own, she's willing to admit it. She just wants the chance to try. And when she is in trouble, she just wants her mom to trust her word (remember, the pot really wasn't Amber's).

Sarah can't be a disciplinarian with her daughter if there's no trust there because Amber will just bolt. The whole idea of throwing away the key is not realistic in the 21st century (was it ever?). Seems to me, the best thing Sarah can do is back off for awhile and try to rebuild the relationship from the ground up, and hope that eventually she and Amber will get to a place where they can effectively communicate with each other.

Now, having said all that, I'm not trying to be Sarah's apologist. She's done plenty to create this situation between herself and Amber. I just don't think the solutions are as simple as others do.

[Cosmos2]

Of course she did. It was the first thing Sarah said to her.

Please let me clarify what I meant. I know Sarah thought Amber was angry at her, and Sarah apologized for going out with Mr. Cyr. But that's all she did and maybe it was not enough.

What about Amber's feelings about Mr. Cyr? That was not addressed by Sarah. Amber might feel betrayed by her teacher after trusting him. We know Amber didn't take the SAT and that could be because of what Mr. Cyr did more than because of what Sarah did. This is speculation, I admit. But how can we know when the show doesn't tell us?

My point is Sarah didn't consider all that might be going on from Amber's point of view. She didn't ask the right questions. I hate to say this again, but it seems like another case of lacking in empathy. Not that she lacks empathy all the time, not that she's a terrible person, but at critical times she is thinking about her own self-pity and hoping that an apology is the easy fix, and not enough about what her daughter is going through.

Did Sarah go back to Mr. Cyr and ask how they both together could help fix the mess that they put Sarah into? We don't know, the story leaves out important and obvious questions like that, but presumably she did not.

Did Sarah ever ask Amber about the SAT? Maybe she could have found out the truth. Maybe not. But is Sarah even trying hard enough?

[McCafe]

I spent most of the first half shouting expletives at Jasmine, and yelling for Crosby to step up and out her to her family. Her brother was HOT, btw. Can we see more of him? Imagine my surprise when I felt touched that Crosby didn't out her, but she took her lumps on her own and told the truth. Finally. Something likable about Jasmine - even if small and a day late and a dollar short.

Jabbar is so, so, so cute. It must be said every week. Tyree is only listed, however, as a guest star, and he isn't part of the beautiful opening credits sequence. Why? I don't want him recast. Ever.

I love Sarah, Julia, and Kristina more than any of the male family members, but Crosby is getting up there. Dax has the strangest face, but that's why he works for me. Not every kid comes out looking like a Lauren Graham.

Sarah/Amber are much more complicated than Lorelai/Rory so I don't mind the plot similarities. Amber is just so fragile where it comes to her mommy issues, and I do think Sarah is responding to the child she was rather than the child she has. She's starting to realize that, but we're going to see a lot of backpedaling with these two, and I welcome the journey. Especially when a season two is on the horizon! Yay!

I missed Drew, but it's kinda normal that the "problem child" is more the focus of attention [we still see more Max than Haddie], and with a cast this large when we see Drew next it'll feel like he was thrown in a very-special-Drew plot rather than just appearing normally.

Adam/Zeke's road trip bored me, and Adam never bores so that was unfortunate. I blame Zeek.

I felt the birthday party was pretty contrived, as was the sudden appearance of dozens of silent relatives of Jasmine who I also thought was only passing thru the Bay area for a dance gig. Did she get an apartment there when she got the gig? Did her family drive down for the party? Her mother's conversation with Camille implied they both went to Berkley. Oh well. We'll prob never see her family or the hot brother again with this huge cast.

Edited by McCafe, Apr 21, 2010 @ 7:38 AM.

[esprit15d]

but at critical times she is thinking about her own self-pity and hoping that an apology is the easy fix, and not enough about what her daughter is going through.

I think Sarah is not only thinking about what her daughter is going through, but obsessing over it. She would like more than anything in the world to put a finger on what would make Amber more goal-driven and functional and just happier, but just doesn't have a clue as to what it is. And that is not because she isn't empathetic, it's because the communication between Sarah and Amber has broken down to the point where Amber stonewalls Sarah every time she wants to get in. I understand why Amber does this; as someone mentioned earlier, she doesn't trust her mom, and I think she also resents her. And I still believe as the show progresses, we're going to see more evidence that when Sarah had children, she didn't "settle down," which served to degrade that normal amount of respect or dependence or whatever her kids have for her, and now we have this--her kids want to parent themselves and would like her to move out of the way, thank you very much.

It was very convenient how Jabbar disappeared so he didn't overhear any of the serious discussion about Crosby and Jasmine and which of the two might have been at fault for Crosby not being in the kid's life.

It looked, to me, like all the kids ran out of the room as the scene started, probably to go play outside or something. I doubt Sekou would have started that conversation with the kids present.

Side point: I think the little girl in the beginning of the scene with the crimped hair was Tyree Brown's sister in real life. I recall seeing her on a site about Tyree. She's and actress too.

Where did Jasmine's family all suddenly come from? Wasn't she in town when she and Crosby had their fling only because that's where her dance group was performing?

I never had the impression she was originally from the Bay Area. If that is where her family lives, has she been living in the Bay Area for the past 5 years since her brother said he was the one who was there for Jabbar growing up? Was she in the Bay Area the whole time? Minutes away from Crosby?

I could be fanwanking my understanding, but outside of the breakfast place in the second episode, Jasmine said "we moved back" when Crosby asked about the next time she would be in town. So apparently, she's lived in Berkeley/the Bay area before--I would venture to say that's where she is from. Also, Jasmine's brother said, "I moved to be closer to them." I took that to mean he moved to wherever she went to, which was apparently away from the Bay area.

And Sydney threw a heavy rubber ball off a kid's head in class while she might have been trying to hit the teacher. But that is now perfectly okay because Sydney's a genius and if she happens to inflict an injury on a classmate it'll just be out of innocent boredom, her innocent obsession with the rubber band ball, and her innocent desire to be the center of attention.

I just didn't see anything in the show that suggests that the adults felt it was perfectly ok for Sydney to throw anything at anyone or that she was ever trying to be the center of attention. Sydney seems to be subservient to her peers from what we've seen.

I loved Julia going into lawyer mode with Sydney's teacher. It was hilarious, to me anyway.

I know. That was a nice bit of characterization.

Adam said he was a great salesman... what does he do?

Adam was saying that his dad threw him a great pitch, but they both know that place is crap. And as far as why Zeek bought that property, it seems to me we are starting to see where Sarah gets her rash decision-making from.

Edited by esprit15d, Apr 21, 2010 @ 8:19 AM.

[Crs97]

The literalness of Aspergers is killing me. So, Max has to be told that he should wait for affirmative permission before he steals...er...takes something from his cousin? Jeez. Kudos to all of you who deal with it in some fashion, I think I'd go crazy due to my lack of patience.

Yes. Over and over and over and over and over again. And the day he finally gets it and starts to take it but pulls back and asks first, you hold your breath and pray that the other person says yes because if he says no, then your child doesn't understand why when he did things in the right order he didn't end up with the toy.