The Goldbergs Review: Weird Science (Season 5 Episode 1)

On The Goldbergs Season 5 Episode 1, “Weird Science,” there are big changes, but it’s still the same ‘ol Goldbergs, which is a good thing.

The finale of The Goldbergs Season 4, “Graduation Day,” held some major turning points for the characters. “Weird Science” addresses those issues while still making us viewers feel at home.

It’s as comforting as Bevvie’s shrimp parm. (To clarify, I mean it is actually very comforting.)

I was a bit worried that Erica and Lainey going off to college would shift the structure of the show, but I am thrilled to see that the things I love about it are all there and better than ever.

First, there are the killer 80s references. “Weird Science” is just the tip of the iceberg. There is a She-Ra figurine ( I had that exact one!), a rad moment with a fruit roll-up (“That’s my serving of fruit for the day!”), and a mention of Donnie Wahlberg, “the new boy in the neighborhood.”

The Goldbergs is so steeped in the retro culture that you feel transported to that time period rather than just viewing something from the past.

Second, there is the on-point comedic acting. All the actors bring their A-game. It is particularly evident in scenes with one-on-one interactions. Beverly (Wendi McClendon-Covey) and Erica (Hayley Orrantia) are a riot when they butt heads.

Their skirmish over the imaginary kiss is executed flawlessly. It goes on for way longer than you think it should, but it works so well.

This kiss routine is a running gag throughout the episode, and it hits big each time it’s mentioned. The end tag scene is another one of those exceptional one-on-one moments between Beverly and Adam (Sean Giambrone), and it features the special kisses.

Adam: I taught her all the kisses. You don’t mind, do you?

His delivery combined with her expression is hysterical. And his reaction to her reaction is also hilarious.

Lastly, there is the heart. The Goldbergs is teeming with laugh-out-loud comedy, but it has a sentimentality to it that fits in perfectly. It is not too sappy nor is it lacking emotion.

Beverly and Erica resolve their issue with a nice mother-daughter exchange after Erica’s roommate (also named Erica) points out that she’s lucky her mom cares at all.

Valley Erica: Your folks are weird and intrusive, but they were here.

Similarly, the storyline that follows Adam and Barry (Troy Gentile) starts with a sibling clash but ends with brotherly love. It also shows Adam’s growth. He quickly goes from fighting off Barry’s aggro bullying to trying to help him build his self-esteem.

His plan, which Jackie surprisingly agrees with and supports, does not pan out in the way they thought, but it does bring the brothers closer. And it brings out Barry’s inherent good side that he always tries to disguise. So we see development in him, too.

The Goldbergs delivers with the laughs and feel-good family comedy on the Season 5 premiere.

Stray Observations:

• I love the RA character. I hope he becomes a regular.
• “May I just point out how incredibly flawed the gender politics of all of this is.”
• “Give me all the kisses so I can store them away for a rainy day like little love acorns.”
• “You gave her my lady recipe? That was for NASA’s eyes only.”

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

Reviewer Rating:

User Rating:

 

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

Follow us on Twitter @telltaleTV_

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!