The Goldbergs Review: I Lost On Jeopardy! (Season 6 Episode 21)
Games, strategy, and competition abound on The Goldbergs Season 6 Episode 21, “I Lost On Jeopardy!”
I’ll take A Really Good Episode of Television for $200, Alex.
In my review of The Goldbergs Season 6 Episode 20, “This Is This Is Spinal Tap,” I said that the way they were taking the Erica storyline was smart, and on this episode, they show it is clear that it is the right direction. They don’t exhaust the reaching for unreachable dreams plot and move along to this one—they judicially veer away before that happens, creating a dynamic change for Erica’s character arc.
JEFF GARLIN, WENDI MCLENDON-COVEY
I love the way this is handled. The writing and Hayley Orrantia’s performance really make her journey in this episode realistic and poignant. And while being real (at moments, painfully real), it maintains the funny factor, too.
It’s a Daily Double!
What makes it particularly funny, is the college application parallel, and then bonus poignant points for that being the route Erica pursues without any pomp and circumstance. It’s a nice moment at the end between Erica and Geoff (Sam Lerner).
Erica: Don’t worry. Tic-Tac-Dough is just my safety show. My dream is to get accepted into Jeopardy!
Murray: That’s what this is about, game shows?
Erica: Mom reminded me of the smart, confident girl I used to be, which is why I’m applying to all the top game shows in the country. Sadly, I got waitlisted for Win, Lose, or Draw, but Wheel of Fortune has rolling admissions.
Beverly: I’m sorry, this is your plan?
Erica: Well, I’m weighing my options. I know it’ll be cheaper if I go to Finder’s Keepers which shoots in Philly, but I always envisioned myself going out of state.
Murray: Game shows, Bevy! Game shows!
Erica: At the very least, I can go to Let’s Make a Deal. Anyone with a costume can get in there. Although, their program won’t really challenge me like Jeopardy!
What is Very Clever Writing?
HAYLEY ORRANTIA
Jeopardy! puns aside, this is quite brilliant. Erica attacks this course of action with a Beverly-like fierceness. She’s picked up a few tricks from her mother’s scheming ways, and it is fun to watch along with the distress it causes Beverly.
And Beverly’s role in Erica’s sad epiphany at the end is so sweet and nurturing. Tears from laughter with the afore-quoted scene and then heartfelt ones with their end conversation.
Erica: Well, I don’t love me.
Beverly: No, don’t say that.
Erica: It’s true. Just look at me back then. I was happy. I was me. And then I spent years shedding everything about that girl, trying to prove I was cool, desperate to be a rock star.
Beverly: That girl is still you, Erica. And I still believe she can do anything.
Erica: This was a bad year, Mom.
Beverly: I know, Boopie.
I am emotional.
JEFF GARLIN, WENDI MCLENDON-COVEY
The ups and downs of Erica’s ride are so genuine and pure. I really enjoy the weaving of humor and feels in this storyline.
Barry’s post-breakup arc is handled with care as well. His struggle after his relationship with Lainey ended feels natural. A lot of 80s family sitcoms breeze through this type of plot with quick resolutions that are contrived and sappy. Luckily, The Goldbergs doesn’t take a page from their playbook in this case and uses comedy and true-to-life emotions to tell these stories.
The introduction of Kim is a breath of fresh air. Delightfully played by Morgan McVey, Kim adds an understated, Barry-like energy. She is used as a plot device for Barry to realize that he is not quite over Lainey yet, but the way they go about this doesn’t make it feel as such with their clever, self-aware approach to it.
And as a Matt Bradley-enthusiast, I am overjoyed at his role in the whole thing.
Barry: I’ve summoned you here today to seek your wisdom.
Matt Bradley: Seriously?
Barry: Look, I know I give you a lot of guff and always call you “Unbearable Matt Bradley,” ’cause that’s just me being a good leader. But truth is, you’re the smartest, kindest, most thoughtful guy I know.
Matt Bradley: Stop, bro. You know how I get with this stuff.
Barry: I mean it! If anything, I say mean things to you ’cause …I love you, Matt Bradley.
More tears!
BARAK HARDLEY
It is truly shocking to hear Barry admit this—shocking in a good way, the best way. His declaration of love is so sincere and the praise is so deserved. This scene is a gem.
It’s one great moment after another on this episode. My only complaint would be the omission of Barry’s favorite game show in the beginning montage. I’m dying to know what it would be!
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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Erin Allen
Erin is a former script supervisor for film and television. She's an avid fan of middle aged actresses, dark dramas, and irreverent comedies. She loves to read actual books and X-Files fan fiction. Her other passions include pointing out feminist issues, shipping Mulder and Scully, and collecting pop culture mugs.