The Goldbergs Review: Fiddler (Season 6 Episode 6)

On The Goldbergs Season 6 Episode 6, “Fiddler,” Murray turns into Beverly and Beverly realizes she’ll never change.

Well, the Bevolution is officially over. One final (somewhat) valiant attempt is made to not meddle, but Beverly’s true nature overrides her good intentions.

In a storyline that looks like it will, again, be all about Geoff, we get a beautiful mother-daughter arc and Erica gets that development I was hoping for on The Goldbergs Season 6 Episode 5, “Mister Knifey-Hands.” While I am liking the focus on Geoff—he’s a fun character—I really am grateful for what is done with Beverly and Erica in this plot that comes full circle.

Erica needs a win badly, and the idea that Beverly can screw it up for her makes the resolution all the more sweet. Truly, every moment of this storyline is great—from the commercial jingle medley to the flashcards. Having Erica try to sabotage Geoff in the same way her mother did to her is a clever way for Erica to notice her bad behavior.

It is even better that Beverly comes to her realization when she applies the same tactic to thwart Erica’s moving plans (and essentially her hopes and dreams). Sometimes these make-up scenes are a cliched TV artifice, working to tie up loose ends for the plot but we know the promises made won’t stick. This final scene with Erica and Beverly is not that; it’s a sincere heart-to-heart between a parent and their kid.

It’s sentimental, but it’s hilarious, too—something The Goldbergs gets right more often than getting it wrong. It could’ve been a full-blown cheesefest, but the witty writing and the performances by both Wendi McClendon-Covey and Hayley Orrantia make it a wonderful moment.

Rapplepop (ra-pəl-päp) verb – 1. I’ll love you no matter where you are in the world.

Beverly: The one thing about me that will never change is how much I rapplepop you.
Erica: I rapplepop you, too, Mom.

If you think I am not bawling over this you are incorrect.

Similarly, the Adam/Murray storyline takes a heartfelt yet funny route. It’s an endearing look into the father-son relationship. And not just the one between Adam and Murray, but there’s some insight into the one Murray had with his own father which gives the Murray character (that can sometimes be one-note) more depth.

This weird (and scary) mix of stage-mother and sports-dad that Murray portrays is excellent and rings true. He has the cunning Smother abilities of Beverly and his own sports fanatic interests to help him become a frightening theater-dad. Add the importance of Fiddler On The Roof for him and it is game over for poor Adam.

Jeff Garlin manages to bring a charm to Murray’s overzealousness. You feel bad for Adam, but you know that Murray is trying to connect the only way he knows how.

Murray uses Beverly-like schemes to sabotage Matthew Shernicke who gets the lead role. I mean, he does clearly state to Adam “Tevye or nothing.” Murray being a Smother is funny in itself, but this plot gets the added bonus of depictions of other types of fathers.

Matthew Shernicke’s father is the same as Murray—a sports nut kind of guy, and they butt heads obviously. This small bit is made better by Brian Baumgartner, The Office’s Kevin Malone, playing Mr. Shernicke. Also, the scene with Ruben Amaro Sr. and Jr. is really entertaining.

Ruben Amaro Sr.: Ruben, get away from that demanding father; he’ll kill your spirit.

All in all, this episode is well-rounded, funny, and heartwarming. My only complaint is a severe lack of Barry. He wasn’t on The Goldbergs Season 6 Episode 5, “Mister Knifey-Hands,” and his absence was felt. On “Fiddler” he is only in two short scenes.

I miss that ragey, enthusiastic goober.

What did you think of this episode of The Goldbergs? Did you rapplepop it? Share your thoughts 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!

24 TV Couples Killing it at Marriage