The Fosters Review: Forty (Season 4 Episode 5)

The Fosters brings disco back in “Forty” as the gang gets together to celebrate Lena’s 40th birthday.

Like with any decade-themed birthday party, there is some fun and enjoyment to be had as our characters – who are decked out in their cool retro costumes – hit the dance floor.

It’s nice to see our favorites letting loose for a while. Also, Gabe’s dance moves in those tight pants? That’s a highlight.

But, in spite of all this, I can’t help but feel a tad indifferent to some of the main story lines at play here.

Brandon probably takes the prize this week when it comes to poorly conceived plot lines. Brandon has shown repeatedly that he’s matured very little even though he demands to be treated like an adult. He takes the SATs for someone else in exchange for money and of course he does that.

Brandon’s behavior doesn’t surprise me in the slightest anymore, but it does tire me out because it feels like a road we’ve been down before. When will Brandon make good choices for once? It takes all I have to not fast-forward through his scenes because that’s how unbearable he’s become.

Meanwhile, Callie further investigates her former foster brother’s trial with Aaron’s help. As much as I love Callie when she’s fighting for other people and using her drive and skills for good, I’m having a really hard time caring.

In other news, Mike and Ana profess their love for each other and go public. It’s very sweet.

Mike and Ana are the type of couple you root for because she’s got a troubled, unfortunate past and he’s been supportive and makes her better. They complement each other so much. But there’s not enough conflict there to keep this story going. Enter Gabe.

I like Gabe a lot. There’s so much potential for this character to evolve as an important figure in Jesus and Mariana’s lives, but I don’t think he and Ana should get back together. Mike deserves a win, big time.

The core of the episode revolves around Lena’s parents who visit for the celebration. I’m just going to go out and say it: I don’t really like Lena’s parents. They seem really progressive and open-minded but they still rub me the wrong way.

Lena’s mother, Dana, played by the talented Lorraine Toussaint, is especially grating. She always seems to treat her daughter with an air of condescension and judgement, which Lena has often addressed, and while things are a lot better between them, I still associate Dana with that negativity.

It turns out that Lena’s dad, Stuart, is in trouble with the IRS due to not paying some of his taxes and because Lena and Stef’s home is part of his assets, there is a lien on it.

It would truly be horrible if we lose that beautiful house, but I hope it happens. It might be an interesting physical obstacle for the family to go through.

Other final thoughts:

– In addition to Gabe’s pants, Lena and Stef are also a highlight. Their scenes are pretty cute and it’s great that they are in a solid place right now, especially since it seems like they might lose their home soon.

– Jude’s growing fondness for Noah ends in him asking Noah out (even though Jude initially uses him to make Connor jealous on social media), but I can totally see these two developing a meaningful relationship. I like it.

– Jesus and Emma – choose a side already. Either be together or don’t. This back and forth only works well with truly dynamic couples, and even then it gets nauseating.

– I’m so bored with Callie’s story that it got me brainstorming on ways they can give her a purpose without putting us to sleep. How about bringing Sophia back? There is so much left untouched in that relationship that I’d love to revisit it at some point.

What did you think of this episode of The Fosters? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Reviewer Rating:

User Rating:

The Fosters airs Mondays at 8/7c on Freeform.

Follow us on Twitter @TellTV