The Fosters Review: New York (Season 4 Episode 9)
Like most episodes of The Fosters, “New York” is a mixed bag. There are some beautifully potent moments spread throughout the hour, but there are also lingerings of stories that feel hollow.
By far, the standout moment of “New York” is Mariana and Lena’s emotional conversation, which moved me to tears (as the show often does when it hits the mark).
Mariana’s arc this season has been troubling and perplexing, to say the least. Her stealing and taking Jesus’ ADHD pills has been a low point, mostly because her motivations are murky and somewhat unconvincing, despite the pressures arising from the Nick situation and S.T.E.A.M.
I suppose it’s because, after everything Mariana has done over the years, at this point, she should know better. I would have liked to believe that Mariana is smarter than this. It’s just a disaster waiting to happen, and it’s exhausting.
But then Mariana and Lena have their scene, and there is something redemptive about it. Mariana has been feeling out of place and irritated, and those emotions get amplified after she reads Stef’s journal, where she finds out that Lena didn’t initially want to adopt the twins.
When Lena and Mariana talk about it, there is so much honesty and sincerity. It’s times like these when we are reminded of the selflessness of adoption, and it’s a really important idea to reiterate on this show.
Also, Lena has been a real champ this season. She’s been doing an awesome job of being there for Brandon, trying to support her parents, laying down the law with Callie, and standing her ground with Stef. She hasn’t had an incredible amount of story, but when she’s needed to, she lifts every scene up.
Another plot that I surprisingly like is Brandon’s trip to Juilliard, in New York. He meets a girl and immediately she’s more likable than Cortney. There’s not too much to say about this, other than to note how amazing the wide shots of Manhattan look, and to point out that this trip pretty much marks the end of Brandon and Cortney’s relationship, which is a plus in my book. Thank you for ending our suffering, show.
The weakest part of the episode is the Callie of it all. Even though this entire story is about Callie and how she is willing to go to great lengths and troubling depths to help the less fortunate, the underprivileged, and the mistreated, it’s a little hard to care about.
Maybe it’s because we don’t really know Kyle. Also, it seems like the story is creepy just to be creepy.
Another thing I’m not so sure about is A.J. and Callie’s relationship. It would do Callie some good if she took the time to focus on herself and gave dating a break for a while.
I will say, though, that I kind of love hearing Mike defend his sons, not that I think he’s right. Callie makes poor choices almost always, but she wasn’t stringing Brandon around. They both were undecided on their relationship. Both were confused and impulsive. I don’t think his assessment was fair, but I do understand where he’s coming from, from a parent’s point-of-view.
Meanwhile, Stef and Lena learn that they don’t have to sell the house after all because Lena’s mom fixed the situation. And then the moms file for divorce as a way to freeze their assets. Clever plan, but who didn’t see this coming? The house is here to stay.
Other final thoughts:
- I love the use of flashbacks at certain parts of the episode. The moment that works most for me is when Stef remembers her wedding to Lena. That’s a nice, tender scene shared by the two of them.
- Please end this Aaron vs. A.J. business. Callie doesn’t even seem interested in Aaron, so why all this drama surrounding it? Oh, to give A.J. something to do, I get it.
- Jude and Noah get caught smoking pot by Lena and Stef. I don’t mind Jude’s rebellious phase, but I don’t want him to push too much, either.
- Nick makes his return next week, and I am dreading it. For reference on how much I dislike this dragging, awful story, please see here and here.
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.
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.