The Goldbergs Review: My Valentine Boy (Season 6 Episode 15)

On The Goldbergs Season 6 Episode 15, “My Valentine Boy,” Murray and Adam go head to head on who will be Beverly’s Valentine.

Mind you, the winner does not get the position of Valentine Boy.

I find myself rooting for Adam during this weird family love battle because it seems like Murray has been let off the hook for far too long. However, the person I should be rooting for is Beverly.

Poor thing just wants to spend the holiday with one of her guys, and they both go to elaborate lengths to pass her off on the other. Although, the extent they go to is quite funny, and Beverly is given more attention than she is normally allotted during this process.

Murray: You think this is over? I’ve got two words for you: whale watching.
Adam: I see your whale watching and raise you a hot air balloon ride.
Murray: Tandem bike ride in Martha’s Vineyard.
Adam: Apple picking and making a pie.
Murray: Antiquing in New England.
Adam: Couples massage!
Murray: Shakespeare in the Park!

If these two put half as much effort into an actual Valentine gift for Beverly, they might’ve been able to avoid the dinner all together. But, alas, they take it too far and Beverly only gets hurt feelings from them. It would’ve been nice to see them both take her out to dinner, but the resolution with Murray’s video and declaration of love is sweet.

Jeff Garlin plays Murray’s panic at the end really well. I can see the distress on his face. It makes me a bit anxious just watching him.

Beverly: You don’t need a tape. Just tell me everything now.
Murray: Right now? To your face?! I can’t do that!
Beverly: Please.
Murray: Fine. I love you, and I hate that I live in a constant panic afraid to tell you that. I hate that I can’t express how much you mean to me.
Beverly: You just did, Mur.

This is so precious, and definitely the kind of warm fuzzies you want from a Valentine’s Day episode of a family sitcom.

The other storyline provides this as well. Barry is still dealing with his heartbreak from Lainey’s leaving, but this behavior manifests in reaction to Geoff’s non-reaction to the cute new guitarist in Erica’s band. Barry lashing out in this indirect way is an accurate depiction of how sometimes feelings can get misplaced when they come out.

Really, this part of the episode is about friendship love, which can totally be a big part of the Valentine’s holiday. The JTP is there to be Barry’s Valentine from the beginning, through the misdirection of his feelings, all the way to the end with some help from Erica. It’s just as heartwarming as the romantic love shown between Murray and Beverly.

The writers are handling post-breakup Barry sensitively, and Troy Gentile always plays Barry with heart. It all comes together so nicely and is showcased on this episode.

Other highlights include the true story of Evan Dando from The Lemonheads and the appearance of Teddy Ruxpin—two things the show does so well: incorporating real life events from The Goldbergs’ creator’s childhood and 80s nostalgia.

Also, special bonus points to Sam Lerner for playing Geoff so wonderfully neurotic and old-timey, leading Barry to tell him, “More rage, less like you’ve traveled here from the past.”

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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