THE FOSTERS - "Insult to Injury" - Jesus is seriously injured and rushed to the hospital on the winter premiere of "The Fosters," airing TUESDAY, JANUARY 31 (8:00 - 9:00 p.m. EST), on Freeform. (Freeform/Eric McCandless) The Fosters Review: Insult to Injury (Season 4 Episode 11) | Tell-Tale TV

The Fosters Review: Insult to Injury (Season 4 Episode 11)

Nora Williamson Reviews, The Fosters

So. Much. Drama. The Fosters Season 4 Episode 11 “Insult to Injury,” uses every minute of its premiere to send viewers on a dizzying journey of checking in with all the characters, setting up the back half of the season, and dealing with a MAJOR ISSUE.

“Insult to Injury” starts with the phone call we see between Callie and Aaron at the end of “Collateral Damage.”

It seems like Callie is in danger by being in a car with a potential murderer, Troy. A moment later, Troy grills Callie on why she thinks Kyle is innocent and then crashes his car into another vehicle.

Callie escapes while Troy is dazed, which will have consequences later on. Callie and trouble are synonymous.

This all takes place before the opening credits start. Oh, and Jesus smells gas and starts having a seizure.

The Fosters is in full throttle and doesn’t let up the whole episode.

The majority of “Insult to Injury” takes place at the hospital, where Jesus is taken after getting into a fight with Nick. Not only does Jesus have two seizures, but he also has surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain. It looks like even if Jesus lives, he is not going to be the same.

Teri Polo and Sherri Saum play the moms, Stef and Lena, with such ease but always put in powerful performances. They are definitely one of the best couples on TV, and their love for each other and for their kids is evident.

THE FOSTERS - "Insult to Injury" - Jesus is seriously injured and rushed to the hospital on the winter premiere of "The Fosters," airing TUESDAY, JANUARY 31 (8:00 - 9:00 p.m. EST), on Freeform. (Freeform/Eric McCandless)
THE FOSTERS – “Insult to Injury” – Jesus is seriously injured and rushed to the hospital on the winter premiere of “The Fosters,” airing TUESDAY, JANUARY 31 (8:00 – 9:00 p.m. EST), on Freeform. (Freeform/Eric McCandless)
TERI POLO, SHERRI SAUM

Callie’s storyline is not that interesting, but anything is a step up from all the Brandon drama that has dominated Callie’s life from the start of The Fosters. Considering how the episode ended and seeing previews of what’s to come, it looks like Callie will once again be in a serious predicament, but it’s better than her playing Super Sleuth.

Mariana is not having a great time as Emma tattles on her to Lena that Mariana has been taking Jesus’ ADHD pills and blames her for Jesus’ critical condition. She also outs Mariana about seeing Nick while Mat is sitting there. Ouch. 

It’s strange to see Mariana so flat because she is usually bubbly. Whenever someone gets a blood test on a TV show, you know that something is going to come out of it. Apparently, from the previews, Mariana might be preggers.

The weakest parts of “Insult to Injury” are a tie between Brandon’s plot and Jude’s. Brandon is such a mope and the flashbacks he has when walking down Memory Lane on his way to Courtney’s house is straight up cheesy.

We’re subjected to a sweaty sex scene between Brandon and Courtney but thankfully, she breaks up with him again by the end of the episode. At least Courtney has some sense and dignity.

And then, dear sweet Jude is still smoking pot and makes out with Noah on a boat they have no business being on. What is the end game for Jude? Is this just mere teenage rebellion?

Probably the funniest part of “Insult to Injury” is when the moms tell the kids to stay out of trouble and give the drama a rest. This is The Fosters, a show that never skimps on those two things.

Overall, “Insult to Injury” is a quick episode that packs a lot of stuff in setting up the series for the rest of the season. No matter how ridiculous some of the drama is, the performances are always solid and engaging.

Season 4 will most likely be action-packed with more tears and heartaches to follow.

Quick Hits:

  • I never liked Courtney more than when she told Brandon that they were a mistake.
  • Did anyone notice that Jude and Noah held up plain potato chips—one ridged and one crinkled. That’s like, basically the same chip. Where’s the variety?
  • Emma was way harsh with Mariana and I didn’t like it one bit. Sure Mariana has some flaws but cut her a little slack, Emma!
  • Why couldn’t it have been Brandon who had the nail in his head and the possibility of a personality change?

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

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The Fosters airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on FreeForm.

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Nora is pop-culture obsessed and has been since she was six years old-- writing stories about going to Hollywood premieres and dating Christian Slater. Her current favorite shows include House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, The Walking Dead and black-ish. She is a sucker for TV shows with forbidden love, bad boys and of course, a Big Bad. Nora may also be the only person on the planet who loves Fear the Walking Dead.