BWW Recap: Amber Goes into Labor, Zeek Makes a Decision & More on Penultimate PARENTHOOD

With just one episode left, there's, surprisingly, a lot of balls in the air this episode. This week dealt with pregnancy, wedding plans, reconciliation, and, of course, Zeek's big decision. Again, I think it's really nice that the writers are still consistently throwing stuff at us this close to the finale, as it a) takes our mind off the fact that the series is ending, and b) literally keeps us glued to our seats right up until the last minute. So, now to dive into our recap:

As the episode begins, Adam takes on a new mentor role to a Chambers kid interested in cooking, shaking Crosby's faith in their business. And oh, does this take a turn fast... in the most vicious of PARENTHOOD scenes I've seen yet (and so close to the end) when, while at the hospital, Kristina and Jasmine argue over the latter "guilting" Adam into continuing the business. Crosby finds out, and for lack of a better phrase, all goes to hell. He's pissed, and he has no problem letting Jasmine know that. As sad as it is, I love this storyline, for the sake of keeping us on our toes, and continuing a season-long arc alongside so many series-long wrap-ups. And yes, that's despite the fact that Crosby glared at Adam in the only bit in the ending montage that didn't end happily. :-(

In the interim, however, Adam's back in the kitchen with his mentee. Side note: while his main storyline may have wrapped up before Thanksgiving, Max gives us a pretty raw monologue (or lines) about the sad truth of only 85% statistics of autistic kids becoming employed. But wait! This is more than just a side note. Holy crap! I did not see this moment coming!! Incredible moment that, yes, made me tear up, in which Max's progress and essential existence on the whole series was summed up in one scene, nay, one line: "You're gonna be a superstar. You already are." The scene ending with the silent shot of Max - brilliant! I have a feeling we're not going to address him this directly next week, so... if that's the end of Max's storyline, I'm happy. Perfect way to end one of the most touching storylines and sweetest characters. Yes yes yes yes yes! And the whole bookending everything with that soufflé and Jasmine/Kristina making up (even if, again, it pains me to say that Adam/Crosby didn't)... this is what this show does best!

What's up in the Graham household? Joel's moving back in! :-) YAYYY!!! But Victor's not so sure that it will last. Damn, I hope it does. He's skeptical: "What happens when you guys fight?" Hmmm... And yep. It looks like that may be where they're headed (at least temporarily, again), 'cause Joel's suspicious when finds out Julia's bought sexy underwear and moved the TV into her bedroom while he's been away. Amidst all this, however, I gotta admit the family pancake scene with all four of them FINALLY back in the kitchen together was really fantastic!

But here comes Chris back into the mix, with Joel accusing Julia of sleeping with other men. As Victor and Sydney look on, Victor realizes he was right. Let's hope this clears up soon. Like by the end of the episode. They agree to talk their things out, and yes, they argue, but they're okay with it. It's weird, and I will admit it was confusing, but it's supportive. They're both in this together and it's healing. And at the end of the episode, judging by the fact that they're in bed together, it looks like things are going to be okay.

Amber goes into labor in the midst of Hank and Sarah planning their wedding. Super emotional, yes, but a really nice acknowledgement (if not stated outright) of the shift in the parent role here, and a look at how adults can act like kids and the moment when a kid must become an adult, what with giddy Sarah goofing off with Hank re: their wedding, as Amber begins contractions.

Amber arrives at the hospital, but turns out, it's a false alarm. In (another) touching scene, Amber reveals she's not really ready to have the baby. Mama Braverman (Sarah) to the rescue, with a quotable quote for the ages: "Something shifts, and you'll figure it out." And then, they sing. Such an incredibly poignant PARENTHOOD moment.... enjoy it while you can, folks! It'll be gone soon enough! And then, of course, of course.... Amber has the baby!! And there's a montage and the baby's named Zeek, which, I will take a moment to say I had a feeling might be the case, but of course, I teared up nonetheless (especially when Grandpa Zeek did, too). A happy ending (to the episode or the series?!) for Amber!

Sarah wants to postpone the wedding, or at least have it close, and it's because (well, Hank suspects) it's because of the situation with Zeek. His monologue was incredible! "I'm just glad you had him for a long time - he's gotta be a real good guy." Gotta say, I've been watching EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND reruns recently, and I'm just really impressed how well Ray Romano can shift to *brilliant* dramatic acting in this series. Fun fact: Creator Jason Katims created the role of Hank for Romano specifically after Romano came to Katims and said he wanted a role on the show. :-) And I'd say it's definitely paid off!

And then, speaking of Zeek, there's the ever-looming story of Zeek and his health. We open and Camille and Zeek are hiking; a nice start. But Zeek needs a breather, and I can totally tell where there is going. :-(. He decides he's scared and just wants to live his life, and therefore, will not gonna through with the surgery. Incredibly tender moment between Camille and Zeek - "I'm always with you." Gotta admit I teared up... again! And then, they decide to tell the kids over dinner with "The Original Six" - no grandkids, no distractions... so sweet! All the feels!

And it's in that dinner scene where Zeek realizes the impact of what he's about to (not) do, as he sees his kids play-fighting, and is struck with the impact of how important his family, and family in general, really is. And then, in a super emotional scene (I know I say that a lot, but hell, it's PARENTHOOD), Sarah lets Zeek know her big news. Zeek's overjoyed, and "can hardly wait to walk [her] down the aisle." It's a great moment between these two (is it established that Sarah's the eldest?) and full of tears and joy and sadness - basically, because we can see Sarah thinking of Hank's earlier statement as she talks to her father. Really beautifully written scene and really well done here by Ms. Lauren Graham! <3

And with that, Sarah goes back to Hank. She says she needs the wedding in San Francisco. She wants it next week. She wants her dad to be there. <3 <3 <3

Which brings us to the plot of next week's final episode. Looks like there's going to be a wedding (yay, Hank and Sarah!) and the family will end up happily. I'm going to ask if I can live-recap next week's finale, so y'all can follow along with me as it airs! Just some final thoughts: Damn, I'm going to miss this one. But at least it looks like we're going to leave this family in good hands, in a good place in their lives; happy, healthy and content.

And now for the last time, I say to you.... until next time.....

STRAY OBSERVATIONS

- I gotta admit, I got teary eyed when the episode began. Last episode that airs where I know I'll be watching another next week! Come next week, I won't be able to say that. :-(

- With just one episode left, where the hell was Drew?

- Katims teased a final, big surprise twist for Joel and Julia. Was this weird, confusing friendly arguing to what he was referring? Or is it something ahead in next week's episode? Thoughts?

- So, I guess Zeek will live through to the end of the series. PLEASE don't kill him off in the final minutes of the series finale!!!

Photo Credit: Twitter / NBC

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