The Goldbergs Review: So Swayze It’s Crazy (Season 4 Episode 15)

Murray pulls a Beverly and sets the Gerica ‘ship sailing on The Goldbergs Season 4 Episode 15.

Two episodes ago, when I reviewed “Agassi,” I said that I wanted Geoff and Erica to get together or for Erica to move on.

“So Swayze It’s Crazy” grants me this wish with the former and, let’s be honest, the best decision.

I really love how organically this story line plays out and that Murray, of all people, is the catalyst.

Having been shamed that he doesn’t know his own daughter—he doesn’t even know her middle name—Murray gets a crash-course in all things Erica, complete with numbered flash cards.

Murray: Card 43. You cover insecurity with sarcasm. Classic Erica.

This leads him to brag about his newfound knowledge, and expose Erica’s love for Geoff to Geoff in the process. This confuses Geoff immensely.

Geoff: I’m just going to run away for an unrelated reason.

Luckily, he runs back.

Of course it is not until the final moments of the episode, which keeps us shippers on our toes.

Hayley Orrantia and Sam Lerner have great chemistry, and do a fantastic job in this scene. They are sufficiently awkward, dancing around their feelings. They finally come together, and it is just like an 80s teen movie. It is sweet, and dramatic, and so satisfying.

I am beyond thrilled that the Gerica ship is sailing. They acknowledge—mid-first kiss, mind you—that it will be confusing and messy. I think their relationship will bring about some interesting plots, and I am excited to begin this journey with them.

Gerica dominates this episode, but the other stories are great.

Lainey tries to get Barry to go punk rock, and he jumps in head first.

Literally.

He turns his curly mane into a spiky configuration. Barry asks the school’s resident punk, Matt Bradley, to teach him the ways of the punk rock lifestyle.

Barry: You’re going to be my mentos.
Matt: You want me to be a European mint candy?
Barry: No, I want you to teach me how to talk and dress. You know, be a punk. I’m in your hands. Mentos me.

Not surprisingly, Barry’s transformation goes awry. He turns more into a pirate than a rocker.

I hope Matt Bradley really becomes a new member of the JTP, because he is a fun addition to this episode.

In this day and age, being a nerd is cool. Back in the eighties, not so much.

Beverly faces a harsh reality when she discovers her amazing, handsome, leading man is actually a nerd. Her “blind support” of Adam’s talents has gone on long enough. Now she can simply support him for who he is.

It takes some misguided efforts for her to get there, but she does.

Her schmooze fests with talent agent, Edie Robb, played by Susie Essman, is a great primer for Beverly’s revelation.

These two “yentas” are fantastic playing off each other. Essman played Jeff Garlin’s profanity-loving wife on Curb Your Enthusiasm. It is really cool to see them banter here.

“So Swayze It’s Crazy” is full of funny and sentimental moments. The Goldbergs is adept at achieving that perfect balance.

Stray Observations:  

• I see you, Alyssa Milano!
• Adam points out R.D. Robb, who had a small part in A Christmas Story. The real R.D. Robb plays the head shot photographer. Another great connection to Adam F. Goldberg’s real life ’80s past.
• Barry has three Ring Pops on his hand, and his tongue is tinted blue. I like these little details which add to the authenticity.
• This Corey conversation, though. “Being a Corey is a way of life.”
• “You’re the opposite of punk rock.” “So, I’ll become the opposite of the opposite of punk rock.” “So, punk rock?”
• The Erica gag! “Don’t gag like you always do.”
• “I’m punk now. Deal with it, you corporate shill.”
• One of my favorite parts, among many, is Dave Kim “Top Gunning” Erica in the cafeteria. “By Air Force law, you have to date him.”
• Erica’s description of Dave Kim is the best description of Dave Kim ever. “This is Dave Kim, a tiny freshman creeper that dresses like Velma from Scooby Doo.”
• This:
  

  Barry: The hair dye itches me like crazy, dude!
  Matt: Don’t touch anything else. Go wash your hands, quick, before it gets in your eyes.
  Barry: Ow! I touched my eyes!
  Matt: Why are you doing that?
  Barry: Because you told me not to and I am anti-establishment now.

• The best variation of “Schmoo” is hands down, “Schmoop Du Jour.”

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

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The Goldbergs airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on ABC.

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