The Fosters Review: Justify (Season 4 Episode 6)
It’s a wonder how a show like The Fosters could quietly and smartly make one think deeply about identity – about the beliefs and qualities that make up who we are.
For a while, I was worried about the trajectory the show was following on, and I still do have some major reservations on the regrettable Nick plot, but “Justify” demonstrates why The Fosters is still a show that is capable of teaching us something.
This week’s episode doesn’t make loud statements about identity, but in the smaller moments, it’s evident that the show is saying something huge. Nearly all the kids have scenes that show them coming into their own – whether they are stumbling or learning or re-evaluating or overcoming, they are all forming their identities a little more.
A standout moment happens between Callie and Aaron. In an almost, off-hand remark fashion, Aaron shares that he’s transgender while explaining to Callie that a person’s past helps them become who they are. Callie doesn’t bat an eye, because this is the kind of show where finding out someone is transgender is not only accepted and embraced, but more importantly, it’s normalized.
It’s interesting to see Callie on this path of self-exploration. As she goes back-and-forth between wanting to complete her photo essay and scraping it altogether, it’s clear that what she is really wrestling with is her past trauma. And while it’s a poignant, introspective story, it’s also very brutal, and not exactly enjoyable to watch.
But, some other parts of the episode have a little more joy to them. In particular, Mariana finding her strengths as a leader and a thinker in S.T.E.A.M., and standing up for herself after being disparaged by a boy in the club, feels like a victorious moment.
There is also fun plot where Jude is interested in smoking weed and getting high. Maybe the writers are trying a little too hard to depict Noah as the unconventional son of a pastor by making him both gay and a stoner, but there’s something so endearing about the whole thing that I’m just taken with it, especially when Jude plants a kiss on Noah as they’re tripping out.
Kids being curious about drugs is a realistic part of adolescence, and it was interesting to see it be approached in such a harmless way. (It is just marijuana, after all. Most kids at least try it once and then never do it again.)
I like Jude and Noah a lot, more than I liked Jude and Conner. Here’s to hoping we get more of them in future episodes, though I’m almost completely sure Noah’s going to get Jude in some real trouble.
Another great moment occurs between Jesus and Emma. They share an honest moment in the car where they confront their feelings and their misunderstanding and their mutual heartbreak. “You think I’m dumb,” Jesus accuses, with a hint of hurt and embarrassment.
It’s such an interesting remark, to think that Jesus has been feeling belittled by Emma, and that it bothers him to not feel as smart as her. I can’t quite explain why, but it’s a line that resonated with me during the scene.
I think part of the reason why the scene works is because Jesus and Emma are trying to level with each other, and they eventually bridge their differences, but there’s an awkwardness, a lack of eloquence that makes it really human and sweet. Elevated by it’s simplicity, it’s probably my favorite Jesus and Emma scene yet.
And while the Adams-Foster kids have been growing and learning, Lena experiences one of her better episodes in years. She is so present in “Justify” and really steps up as a stern and disciplinary parent.
It is usually Stef who occupies that role while Lena plays good cop to her bad cop, but understandably, the stress stemming from finding out about Brandon’s illegal extracurricular activity, and the issues surrounding her father has put Lena on edge, something we may continue to see next week.
What did you think of this episode of The Fosters ? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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The Fosters airs Mondays at 8/7c on Freeform.
Shabnaj Chowdhury
Shabnaj is a pop-culture enthusiast who spends much of her time enabling her coffee addiction and thinking about Jon Snow's hair. Some of her favorite shows include Friday Night Lights, The Leftovers, and Game of Thrones. Shabnaj also loves to write creative non-fiction.