The Goldbergs Review: Girl Talk (Season 5 Episode 6)

On The Goldbergs Season 5 Episode 6, “Girl Talk,” Barry and the JTP get in touch with their feminine sides with the help of Beverly.

Much like how Beverly is the matriarch of the Goldberg family, Wendi McClendon-Covey is the comedic queen that reigns over The Goldbergs show.

More often than not she is the highlight of the episode, and that is the case on Season 5 Episode 6, “Girl Talk.” Her scenes are so funny that it doesn’t really matter that the Murray/Marvin storyline is mediocre.

Whether she is playing the role of “mommiest mom of all the moms” or a friendly “lady bro” she brings the non-stop hilarity. The final narration says, “That’s the thing about family, everyone has a part to play.” And Beverly is clearly the starring role.

McClendon-Covey has crafted this one-of-a-kind character meticulously and brilliantly. I don’t happen to find the discussion of bowel movements particularly funny, but every bit about having “to make” is hysterical.

That accompanying hand motion, though.

Beverly: You know Essie Karp’s nephew’s son held it in for that long, and then he got on a ferry to Nantucket.
Barry: I don’t want to hear this stupid mom story.
Beverly: They had to turn the boat around, Barry.
Barry: I don’t care about Essie’s nephew’s son!
Beverly: A coast guard chopper was involved.
Barry: Mom!
Beverly: People were jumping into the ocean.
Barry: Mom!
Beverly: They had to decommission the boat…
Barry: Mom!
Beverly: …because he didn’t eat his prunes.

I literally have tears from laughter right now writing this. McClendon-Covey’s delivery of that last line and Barry’s perfectly-timed interjections punctuate the best scene of the episode. The writing and the editing contribute, as well.

It doesn’t matter who is in a scene with her, McClendon-Covey’s performances are always top-notch. She even makes a throw away line of Beverly talking to herself funny. “Double coupon? Don’t mind if I do-pon.”

Sometimes, like on this episode, the Beverly scenes save it. The Barry storyline is great, largely due to Beverly’s presence. Although, all members of the JTP do a pretty good job searching for their softer sides. And the frequent mention of one of my favorite nostalgic board games, Girl Talk, helps, too.

Remember the zit stickers?!

The other main plot has a lot of potential, but doesn’t hit the mark. I am noticing that is a pattern with episodes that feature Uncle Marvin (Dan Folger). This rehashes an old beef between Murray and Marvin which we have seen before, so it feels a bit redundant.

Marvin’s commercial is over-the-top, but not in a good way. It’s just kind of silly. We know by the end of the episode the brothers will reconcile, so all their scenes just become filler between the Beverly bits.

“Girl Talk” is still a good episode regardless of its weaker points.

Stray Observations:

• “People respond to fear.” “Not furniture buyers.”
• Not sure if Jamie Weisman will be a recurring character, but I am not opposed to it.
• “You have any luck with that Judy Bloom book?” “You have no idea what women go through each month. I mean, it’s crazy. It still won’t help us get dates, but it’s crazy.”
• “The most attractive trait in a man is when he makes on schedule.” I can’t believe I’m laughing at this type of joke, but here I am.

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

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

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