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Save Nostalgia with a Twist & Shout
Spoiler Alert: This blog post contains details from the February 25, 2015 episode of The Goldbergs
(EW’s Community)
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
-Ferris Bueller
In a single word: Epic!
Adam F. Goldberg, sitcom’s connoisseur of the 1980s and leader of The Goldbergs, revived a treasured classic and booked the cameo of the year (plus Ben Stein…Ben Stein in the promo) in last night’s episode, “Barry Goldberg’s Day Off.” Expected a week earlier in the Two and a Half Men series finale, Charlie Sheen continued to fuel his feud with that show’s leader Chuck Lorre with tiger’s blood. Charlie declined a highly-anticipated return to his old show. Instead, Goldberg had the perfect timing and script for Sheen to make his prime time television return as the drug-addled addict character he played in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (you almost can’t write this) and it was great. As a matter of fact, Goldberg revealed that Sheen pitched his final line and, for those who saw it, it was hilarious.
“It’s about time, I feel like I’ve been sittin’ here for 30 f”in years!”
This episode was a perfect homage to the ’80s masterpiece with countless shot-for-shot remakes, the iconic wardrobe, unforgettable quotes and original twists (and shouting) custom-fit for The Goldbergs. Every single character nailed their part. They were all so choice. The story was ultimately about Barry discovering his inner-Ferris Bueller, despite the reality of being a Cameron Frye. Truthfully, it’s the dilemma most of us face, especially in high school. This tribute episode was special because of the movie, its place in our hearts and minds and it was a nostalgic time travel (without a Ferrari, flying car or phone booth) back to a time when John Hughes was king.
Some would argue he still is.
Hughes’ storytelling and all too-real portrayals of teen life was impeccable. His films and characters continue to stand the test of time. Sitting on the edge of my seat with a smile a mile wide during the entire show, Goldberg wonderfully reminded us that the past is never too far away and that it really feels good to win (had to) with a rockin’ song in front of a raucous crowd.
Life, in so many ways, is about moments. And each of us should have our own Ferris-inspired day off.
Adam F. Goldberg revealed at the end of the episode that he wanted to be the next John Hughes as a kid (note his childhood obsession with filming his uncensored family). In the modern television world, he’s as close as anybody. It’s always amazing to learn who or what motivates us at our most impressionable ages.
It’s clear that we will never forget the brilliant mind and vision of John Hughes.
P.S. I sent a tweet last night that read:
@TheGoldbergsABC is literally Epic!!! To quote myself, “I just believe in The Goldbergs” #FerrisBuellersDayOff
The second part of the message was an homage to a quote from the movie. It was commented on and re-tweeted. It even got “favorited” by a few people…including Adam F. Goldberg!
That’s epic!
Oh yeah (chicka chicka)
Living in an Odd Van Down by the Comic Book Store in Malibu
Spoiler Alert: Information from last night’s CBS lineup (The Big Bang Theory, The Odd Couple & Two and a Half Men) and The Goldbergs are revealed below
From sunrise to sunset, yesterday was crazy.
First, battling a cold completely confused my mind, which resulted in a non-Goldbergs blog post. Have no fear though, that’s partly what today is for.
Erica wanted vehicular freedom from gas tank-obsessed Murray, so she manipulated Barry’s A-Team singing sweet spot that results in the best/worst van purchase of all-time. Meanwhile, Adam sought to rid himself of being known as “the nice guy.” This brought out Adam’s inner Don Rickles and Andrew Dice Clay, to the obvious anger from his family/comedic targets, to amplify his rep as the class clown. Adam’s journey to discovering his identity in middle school was an all too real portrayal. We try so hard to fit in and to be the person everybody else wants us to be. It’s a terribly awkward, embarrassing and frustrating moment in our lives.
In middle school, all we wanted and needed was for someone to be nice…
As for Erica and Barry becoming known as “van people” in their neighborhood (including their principal), all it took was delicious secret corn, the B-Team (for Barry) gas tank emptying and two genetically stubborn people conversing (Erica and Murray) to realize living in a van was not an ideal situation. Plus, the ’80s classic, “The Way It Is” by Bruce Hornsby & The Range helped significantly.
It’s a wonderful thing to have such a nice, funny family on television.
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Second, CBS owned last night’s sitcom battle. As in completely and entirely. The evening began with an emotional Big Bang Theory that finally dealt with the real life death of the wildly funny Carol Ann Susi/Mrs. Wolowitz. It coincided with the re-opening of Stuart’s comic book store with a sharper look, including some familiar furniture as pointed out by Howard. Plus, the phrase “let it go” got a genuinely welcomed resurgence back into our psyches thanks to Penny (inside joke for viewers of the episode).
Following the #1 sitcom on television was the premiere of CBS’s next great sitcom, The Odd Couple. Written as a modern revival to the ’70s comedy, it stars Matthew Perry (Oscar Madison) and Thomas Lennon (Felix Unger) as, well, an odd couple of roommates. For a pilot, it was fantastic! The writing and on-screen chemistry started slowly, as expected. But, by the end, the characters and writers revealed a promising (and hilarious) spark that will build into a roaring good fire of laughs. Like most great sitcoms, it will take a season or two to find its rhythm and pulse of its characters and story. Recall the necessary patience and development it took Seinfeld, Frasier, That ’70s Show and Friends to find its genius a few seasons in. The Odd Couple has an awesome cast and as they continue to fall into their respective roles more naturally as time goes on, this show will prove to be really special. Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon have finally found their successful follow-up roles to their iconic television characters of yesteryear.
And then there were these, “men, men, men, manly men, who hoo who would show up?”
Following an unlikely 12-year run on CBS, Chuck Lorre’s raunchy, addictive and tumultuous sitcom came to an end last night. Having been at the taping for a couple scenes in the series finale two weeks ago today, which included Rose revealing Charlie was alive in the Malibu living room with Alan, Evelyn and Walden and Jake’s surprise return, it was still a tightly-held secret if Charlie Sheen would actually return. As curious viewers discovered, Charlie made a cameo as a Warner Bros. cartoon and, courtesy of a convincing stand-in from behind, in the must-see final scene. The finale had plenty of laughs, especially with funny pans and one-liners to studio cameras about the show and a series recap with guest officer Arnold Schwarzenegger interviewing Alan and Walden as part of their pursuit to find the raging and “Silence of the Lambs-escapee” Charlie from Rose’s Sherman Oaks dungeon.
It was sad to see the show give its final curtain call, but it was time. Given the circumstances with Charlie Sheen and Angus T. Jones, Two and a Half Men could only continue for so long. One of the cool things about seeing a show taping live is learning inside information. In honor of the show’s success, and the fact it managed to be the longest running sitcom in television history, we learned that night that Warner Bros. would be renaming Stage 26, “The Two and a Half Men Stage.”
That’s winning.
As is this:
(CBS)
Speak Softly and Carry a Big Spray Can
Spoiler Alert: Content in this blog is from the February 11, 2015 episode of The Goldbergs
“I love you this much!”
What exactly does “this” mean? The natural vulnerability of being in love is a labyrinth for those who are married, but most especially for a young man in middle school. Adam Goldberg is a victim of his own massive heart, which gives way to happiness, excitement and intense paranoia. In Adam’s case, the “this much” debate had quickly catapulted its way into the stratosphere of the unknown with his increasingly popular girlfriend Dana after a charming high school gentlemen (revered by all) invited her to a class party at the water tower. Prince Charming also invited Dana’s little brother Adam. Ouch! To put it plainly, everybody seemed to be going through a growth spurt…except the most delicious boy in town (Beverly’s words).
Fortunately, just like pumping iron, the only way to go is up:
(The Goldbergs Twitter)
Disappointed is his lack of facial hair, Adam turned to Gentlemen’s Quarterly (GQ) for a follicle release method to speed up his inner Indiana Jones scruff. Following a thoroughly embarrassing family gathering in the bathroom with a Polaroid camera, which included his sister Erica’s lady’s razor, the mission was clear. The time had come for a big romantic gesture: Goldberg style.
Speaking of big gestures for love, none could compare to the one shown by lifelong Eagles fan Murray Goldberg. Barry being Barry, he broke down the “wall of no” of his dad and somehow managed to persuade him to watch his beloved Philadelphia Eagles face-off against those detestable Dallas Cowboys with Lainey’s dad. Little did they realize that there was some country twang in Jenkintown, PA…
So, how does one compete with the older, more evolved Prince Charming? How about a family engagement ring that comes with a complementary Beverly tracker? Showing up at the hallway locker gift-giving ceremony, the Goldbergs proved again to be the most awesomely awkward family ever. How did it end? Let’s just say there was a non-proposal proposal from Adam to his mother in front of all the cool kids. She took the ring back with an I do can do attitude and left her snuggle monster humiliated.
In a desperate attempt to prove his pre-grown up worth to Dana, the admirably ambitious Adam hopped on his bike and rode to the water tower party. In a daring effort, he climbed the tall water tower ladder with Dana’s (and everybody’s) attention keenly on him. He whipped a red spray can out and started to publicly declare his love for his girlfriend in front of Prince Charming and Co. Nearly finishing his epic quest, there was only one thing (well, one letter) that stood in Adam’s way. Recall that Dana has two “A’s”…
It was the perfect failure. It just had to happen that way.
Feeling out of place during that awkward middle school years is something I can absolutely relate to. Aside from school, my embarrassment at a lack of a Tom Selleck-like growth spurt was most clearly evident during summer track/Junior Olympics years. I was a high jumper (among other events) and I was by far the shortest leaper in my age group. Like Adam, it was like a boy versus men dynamic. There were likely plenty of spectators and parents who thought I was jumping in the wrong age group. Instead, I held my ground.
Well, not literally.
That belief that you are not tall enough or that you don’t fit in is brutal. It’s an eternal truth. However, when we’re with the right people and when we accept that it’s not about them, but actually ourselves, there’s no telling how high we can go!
I’m a high jumper, you had to know that pun was coming.
(BTW – How high did I go? How about a few national championships around the country)
The power of love is an unmatched force, whether romantic or familial. Murray, after sort of admitting he likes Barry just a tiny bit more than his precious Eagles, helped his son understand (and vice-versa) what the real priorities in life are all about.
Barry and Lainey Lainey and Barry forever.
Plus, let’s not forget that Dana said she liked Adam and her new gimmicky Green Lantern ring just perfectly without grand gestures and that all she wanted to do was hang out and play video games together. I think that’s what we call Girlfriend Hall of Fame material.
I also think we’re all thankful that Beverly baked all of her children in her tummy.
The Goldbergs are America’s Family: Cacaw!
Transforming the Cool
Spoiler Alert: Content in this post is from the January 14, 2015 episode of The Goldbergs
We all live to be cool. And while the definition for “cool” morphs into different things as one gets older, it still remains an objective. If even just for our own personal sake. What’s special in The Goldbergs is that age doesn’t place any restrictions on anyone for how they should act…and this includes not going to that morbid deli down the street.
Skip that one for as long as you can!
When cartoon popular culture takes a detour from enjoyable fantasy into the harsh realities of life and death, the reaction is anything but a soothing mixture of bright colors and hope. The unexpected drawn demise of Optimus Prime in the movie theater in 1980-something shocked Adam to his core. Though thoroughly confused by his grandson’s reaction, Pops did what a best friend does and he stuck it out with him in the empty theater for way, way too long. For the first time in Adam’s life, death was a reality he had to think about. And yes, it was sparked by the death of a beloved transforming cartoon hero. But, if you were or are a fan of such things at his age, you completely understand where he’s coming from.
(TV Line)
In the other wing of Goldberg manor was a love connection/love triangle/love sep-whatever the word is for seven people in this situation. Here’s a marathon sentence recap: Barry loves Erica’s best friend Lainey, Erica and Lainey can’t stand it (yet the latter secretly does), Erica pushes Beverly to set up her delicious boy with his soul mate, Barry meets his mom-approved “soul mate,” who turns out to be a creepily comforting mini-Beverly, Lainey gets jealous and dumps her secret boyfriend Barry for accepting an invitation to the Darryl Hawkins Sadie Hawkins dance with Evy, Erica feels bad and tells Barry to go after Lainey, but Lainey turns him down at the dance, yet she forgives him on the 50-yeard line of the football field after a strangely good/bad speech by Barry (“let me be your secret shame”), so Barry and Lainey publicly dance together with Barry-approved dance moves and Erica fixed Evy up with a mini-Murray (played by Jeff Garlin/Murray’s real son) that officially freaked Beverly out as everything worked out perfectly.
For Barry, it was pure “heaven” (the reference warrants an ’80s response).
Returning back to matters of life and death for the youngest and oldest Goldbergs, the wisest of the bunch Pops took the initiative (after a nice talk with Murray) to comfort grandson Adam in the best way. Adam’s eyes and heart lit up when Pops told him that while he can’t ultimately beat death, the lively spirit of his best friend (talking to Adam) was the reason why he was there and why he was so personally awesome. And in a Hallmark family moment, Pops asked Adam to run him over with the car.
Relax, it was the pivotal scene for the most epic live-action Transformers movie.
Whether it’s trying to act “cool” in high school or if it’s being the cool grandfather, it’s always cool to stand up for something/someone and to be there when they need you most. Fortunately, I have a grandfather like that who always has a smile on his face, a good joke up his sleeve and the coolest outlook on life I hope to emulate when I’m older. Instead of a Pops, I have a Pardner, and he’s helped show me how to be a glass half-full kind of guy.
As Adam would say, “My Pardner is the coolest badass around!”
As I would say, “Pardner has helped transform my life in ways I never imagined possible.”
Like Optimus Prime, the family sitcom lives with The Goldbergs.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 