The Goldbergs Review: Spaceballs (Season 5 Episode 22)

On The Goldbergs Season 5 Episode 22, “Spaceballs,” Adam is accidentally political and Erica almost kills her father.

The main storyline which revolves around Mel Brooks’ epic movie parody, Spaceballs, is very meta. I watched on Twitter as The Goldbergs creator, Adam F. Goldberg came under fire when his tweets about Spaceballs were taken as political. Goldberg writes this experience into a very funny episode where Adam’s Mel Brooks Club flier is mistaken as a political cartoon.

He gets heat from both sides of the political spectrum—the right (or as Mr. Glascott calls them, “the self-righteous Alex P. Keaton club) and the “whining liberal Democrats”—as well as praise from his girlfriend. The latter makes him keep up the charade which results in a great scene at the dinner table where Adam describes the Star Wars movies to Jackie’s parents who were talking about Ronald Reagan’s missile defense system of the same name.

Goldberg’s Twitter story translates really well to the pickle in which young Adam finds himself. Sean Giambrone exudes the same passion as his character’s creator and namesake, and he does a great job of bringing this particular humor to the timely subject matter. Also, how incredible is it that this “period” show which is set 30-something years ago can be so timely, politically speaking, yet wholesome and funny?

Truly a feat in and of itself.

The juxtaposition to current events of real life isn’t the only interesting part of this storyline. The relationship between Adam and Jackie hits an all too familiar snag. Faking interest in something is a common occurrence between couples which can bring them to a catch-22.

Adam: I tried to be political, and I sucked. But, when I’m not political, I’m just not good enough. So I can’t win no matter who I am.

The resolution is sweet and on-theme. Jackie is a great Princess Vespa to Adam’s Dark Helmet.

Erica’s story picks up from the end of The Goldbergs Season 5 Episode 21, “The Opportunity Of A Lifetime.” Her family does not take the news of dropping out of school well.

Murray almost dies!

Luckily though, he is just activated. And, wow, is he efficient when he is activated.

Beverly: That’s what happens when your father gets activated.
Erica: Stop saying “activated” like it’s a thing.
Valley Erica: Clearly it is. All of our stuff’s back here. How?

This is a tough situation because I see both sides of the issue. I don’t think Erica’s decision to drop out of school is very wise, but I am instantly sad for her when her parents outright ignore what she’s saying.

I’m glad that Beverly has a change of heart in the end, and am interested to see how Erica’s storyline progresses as the show continues. Murray’s reaction to this is missing, but I like that it is. It really feels like that parental dynamic I had as a child—where you know one parent will be upset and the other says not to worry, they’ll take care of it.

“Mama will fix it.”

Stray Observations:

• “I could’ve been a lawyer!”
• I remember that special cord that would let you play Tetris with another player! That was awesome!
• Erica’s song is The Goldbergs theme song, and I love it!
• Rick Moranis special guest voice FTW!
• That dream sequence at the end is epic! And the stunts are pretty amazing.

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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