Watching this episode was like watching a 30-minute version of Crash that tries to be comedic and fails. First we have the guy at the outlet mall bashing Bryan and David, then the guy at the gym bashing the disabled guy. Then the disabled guy calls David the f-word (incredibly unbelievable gay-dar by the way), then David cries to Bryan and Goldie about the guy’s use of the r-word before calling him a ‘retard’ himself. I get that they’re trying to take an issue and turn it on it’s ear, but I found it incredibly offensive. The terms ‘handicapped’ and ‘handicapable’ might work for Artie Abrams, but they’re typically only used to describe people with physical limitations, and even then they’re incredibly patronizing. Not to mention the red hair bias (also done before on Glee) and the gay soldier thing, which was stolen from Scandal, where it was used with much more grace. They also could have come up with a better episode title, but whatever.
Source: NBC
On the Shania-Nana front, I thought the Planned Parenthood scene was unoriginal, as The Secret Life of the American Teenager already beat that horse to death, again, with much more class. It was interesting to see that the little perv’s mom thanked Nana for pushing the envelope, though no amount of bigoted love is going to fix that kid. It was deplorable that Bryan thought it was a good move to give the baby top to Shania to wear, but not as bad as the teacher knowledge that the kids were in the closet together. Though its sad and hard to believe that nine-year-olds need the sex talk so early, I guess the issue does need to be talked about, but with a great deal of tact.
If it weren’t for all of this ridiculousness, I probably would have cried over the scene in which they hear the baby’s heartbeat for the first time. That kind of thing really hits home with me, because it was during that appointment in my first pregnancy that my husband and I learned we had miscarried, and I bawled like, well, a baby when I heard the heartbeat during our current pregnancy. However, the moment was lost on me because although the gym debacle was grossly ironic, it wasn’t funny to me. The only joke I did find humorous was the disabled guy leaving the meeting to go to a Zumba class, and maybe that’s incredibly intolerant of me as well. I’m sorry.
Source: NBC
I think the show fails to address a lot of things, which may be its misguided and delusional attempt to save something for a second season, as I assume Goldie will give birth at the end of this season if nothing happens to the baby. I don’t remember anyone ever mentioning whether the adoption will be open or closed, as the guys are developing a deeper relationship with Goldie and Shania. I’m curious to see how they’ll cut the cord there. In addition, who is the bio dad? Did they do a swirl like Rachel Berry’s dads? Will they consider doing a paternity test to find out for sure?
Maybe it’s also already in their surrogacy contract, but I think Bryan, David and Goldie need to have a conversation about what will happen if the baby does end up having defects. Will they still want it? Gosh, that’s so depressing to even think about, which is why I much prefer not to know at all. I honestly may have to stop watching this show for the same reason I stopped trying to watch One Tree Hill in the middle of season six a couple months ago. David’s stress stresses me out, and maybe that’s a sign that something actually feels real about this show, so good for them. Bryan and Nana’s moment at the end of the episode was cute, but came way too soon. They should save the unexpected common ground for the finale. My final word: I still think they’re just trying too hard.
Hi! I’m the founder and editor of Watch It Rae! I’m a lifetime TV lover, dating back to my childhood, when my dad discovered he could skim french fries off my plate by saying, “Look, it’s Barney!” I try to watch any comedy that I can, and a handful of dramas too. Comments are my lifeblood, so get to typing! Hint…keep scrolling down.
