The Goldbergs Review: Flashy Little Flashdancer (Season 5 Episode 20)

On The Goldbergs Season 5 Episode 20, “Flashy Little Flashdancer,” the Frentas get flashy in dance class.

A third episode focusing on the Frentas. We are truly blessed.

They had a rocky start during their formation on The Goldbergs Season 5 Episode 11, “The Goldberg Girls,” but were a chummy crew by The Goldbergs Season 5 Episode 18, “Colors.”

Really the only thing that can—and has—come between them are their own families, which is what happens here. Instead of lending support to these moms who are trying out new things, they ridicule them. Murray actually injures himself from laughing at her.

Just let them have this, for crying out loud!

Beverly: All you people do is call me a ‘smother’ and beg me to change, then when I try to do it you mock me with your mean spirits.

That is exactly what is happening. These ladies just want to let their inner steelworker turned modern dancer free, and the only thing their families have to do is watch one recital.

Sign me up.

The preview Beverly gives her ungrateful family is spellbinding. Wendi McClendon-Covey gives a jazzy performance with her portrayal of Beverly pouring her heart and soul into her routine. I want to get up and dance with her.

Her nearest and dearest, however, do not. They shame her which, in turn, leads Beverly to pass the shame onto the others, and their future as dance moms is over. It’s really quite sad.

The progress Beverly has made during this fifth season and her Bevolution is commendable, and this is another rung in the ladder towards self-empowerment. I am rooting for her, so to see her dreams so rudely dashed is heartbreaking. Especially because Beverly does so much for her family despite the ‘smothering.’

Beverly: You are going to support your loving mother because she has supported everything her precious babies have ever done.

Another truth bomb dropped by Beverly.

Theirs is not the only hypocritical behavior happening on this episode. Adam is an offender in both storylines.

We haven’t seen a whole lot of his best friend, Emmy—which is odd because they are …best friends. He gives her a hard time for spending time with a dude she likes, and acts like it will end their friendship forever.

All throughout this, I’m perplexed as to why Adam is behaving this way until Emmy puts what I’m thinking into the perfect words, just like Beverly has been doing in her storyline:

Emmy: You’re such a hypocrite. Did I ever complain when I got shoved into the background while you were with Dana or Jackie?
Adam: That’s different and you know it.
Emmy: How? I’ve been the third wheel forever.

They all come around, like we knew they would. This is a heartwarming family comedy, after all. Erica and Barry stage an apology hip-hopera, Murray injures himself again with an “I’m Sorry” dance, and Adam makes it right with Emmy.

Stray Observations:

• “Break out your leg warmers, ladies, it’s time to flashdance.
• “It’s [the Bevolution] taught me that unless we make time for ourselves our wonderful families will leech us dry of our youth and spirit.” I’m pretty sure this has been scientifically proven, so don’t skimp on the self-care, mums.
• “Don’t hug Mama, she’s aglow with dance.”
• “These legs will never be warmed again.” “Why are you talking so dramatically about dancewear?”
• Once again, Emmy’s mom is played by the real life Emmy who is still close friends with Adam F. Goldberg.

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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