The Goldbergs Review: The Piña Colada Episode (Season 6 Episode 12)

On The Goldbergs Season 6 Episode 12, “The Piña Colada Episode,” Charles Barkley warns kids about the imminent alien invasion. Also, the family bonds over their shared misery left in Lainey’s wake and Adam learns a valuable lesson from Coach Mellor.

Yes, Charles Barkley freaks out the students at William Penn Academy by telling them about alien probes. This charming and funny cameo by the basketball legend encapsulates the mood of the whole episode which is charming and funny overall.

The whole family is upset about Lainey leaving (except Adam who is busy with his own separate storyline), but it ends up focusing on the effect it has on Murray which is a really sweet turn of events.

This absurd situation of getting stuck in the car listening to Rupert Holmes’ “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” on an endless loop is the makings of an inside family joke to which, I’m sure, many people can relate. In the moment it is miserable, but then later you all laugh about it, and years go by and it is still funny.

It is really cool to see this kind of thing develop (almost in real time if you count future Adam looking back on this moment). And the situation is so hilarious with the car stereo and its detachable face, the lyrics of the song, and each character’s unique way of dealing with the craziness. 

Barry’s rage is always entertaining, which is different from Murray’s rage that is equally as entertaining. Erica’s deadpan sarcasm is a mood, and Beverly and Geoff struggling to keep morale up is as funny as it is futile.

And Bill just bailing is great, too.

Erica: No, I do not like piña coladas. I hate them. I hate all frozen beverages!
Barry: I’m unraveling.
Geoff: Oh no, Barry’s unraveling.
Beverly: No, don’t unravel, Boofie, just ignore the song.
Barry: I can’t! My only thoughts are these delightful lyrics.

Adam’s storyline has a delightfully funny sweetness to it as well. We have seen variations of this plot with other mentor-like characters and with Coach Mellor himself, but it still works. The writing and the acting are so strong that The Goldbergs can easily get away with rehashing general plot ideas.

What makes this one stand out, in particular, is the use of Rosie Ruiz, a figure of 1980s random history. Coach tries to use her story as a cautionary tale, but she becomes Adam’s sports hero instead. 

I love this so much.

The story taking this route highlights Coach’s eternal struggle to make a difference in the lives of his students and Adam’s quirky nerdiness, which always proves to be a fun combination for their scenes. And it makes for a nice send-off for Coach Mellor who is time traveling to the 90s to be on the spin-off, Schooled. 

Adam: I ran the mile. For real.
Coach: I didn’t doubt you for a second.
Adam: Before you go, I want you to know how much you taught me.
Coach: Well, that’s nice to say.
Adam: But it’s true. You taught me to give 110%, and that rubbing dirt on a bruise will cure it. But most of all, you taught all the kids like me to never give up. 
Coach: Just doing my job, Goldberg.
Adam: Hey, you got my name right.
Coach: Only because you earned it.

This is such a genuine scene because we know that the real Coach Mellor was the kind of teacher that taught life lessons that kids remembered and cherished throughout their lives. The episode is dedicated to him, “a real sports hero.”

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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