Parenthood: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back was a great set up for the season finale next week. It continues to add suspense to the story lines that have grown since this season has premiered and moved a few other story lines backwards. That make you question how exactly this season will end.

This episode in particular highlights the struggles between Joel and Julia and the tough decision they have to make about whether or not they are going to finalize Victor's adoption. The writers do such a great job of making this story line so relatable even if you have never been in a similar situation. What really drove me to love this story line was towards the end when Crosby tells Julia how he has looked to her as the perfect example of a what a parent should be in past. I don't know about you guys, but that is what makes the show so real, so likeable, they do such a wonderful job at potraying a tight knit family. Coming from such a close family myself I couldn't help but think that would be something I would say to a loved one. And with one heart felt motivational speech from Cros Julia gets the push she needed to feel like she can go ahead with the adoption and really make Victor her son, and even though Victor pretends to be nonchalant when Julia tells him the news, if you look close enough you can see that he is suppressing a smile. Clearly this is the start of a great relationship between Victor and Julia. I am not saying that there might have it's up and downs, but they will become a real family, with real problems (which is what the show is about). 

Another story line that gets more suspenseful is the love triangle that is forming between Sarah, Mark, and Hank. Of course Sarah decides to tell Mark about the kiss she and Hank shared while she was still engaged to him, uh oh... can you say drama? Sure Sarah feels better once she gets that off her chest but that comes to an end quickly after Mark confronts Hank about what he did calling him "manipulative" and letting him know that he will be fighting for Miss Sarah Bravermans affection. At the end of the episode Hank tells Sarah about how Mark is not quite ready to give up on her, and how he is "into this", which is followed by him turning the tables and letting her know that she has to choose, and walking away. So that leaves us with the question of who will it be? Will she choose Mark or Hank? Or will she end up alone, like on the previous seasons? Guess we will have to stay tuned to find out!

-Andrea