The Goldbergs Review: This Is This Is Spinal Tap (Season 6 Epsiode 20)
On The Goldbergs Season 6 Episode 20, “This Is This Is Spinal Tap,” Adam gives Erica’s band the mockumentary treatment and Murray has a health scare.
The Goldbergs is at the height of its game when they are paying tribute to classic 80s movies. Luckily, this is not something they do only a handful of times, but often. This season alone they have already spoofed about a half a dozen retro flicks from A Nightmare On Elm Street on The Goldbergs Season 6 Episode 5, “Mister Knifey Hands,” to Highlander on The Goldbergs Season 6 Episode 16, “There Can Be Only One Highlander Club.”
SEAN GIAMBRONE, GEORGE SEGAL
Rightful homage is paid to one of the best mockumentaries out there, This Is Spinal Tap. Not only do they apply this formula to Erica’s band, The Dropouts, but they include Barry in it, too. Barry works for this storyline so well, so I am glad they let him horn in on Erica’s doc.
Every bit of this is superb—the camera work, the bits they choose to emulate from the film, the acting of all the cast involved. Barry is certainly a highlight and Sean Giambrone as Adam in this situation is total perfection. His body language in relation to the documentary camera is so spot on.
WENDI MCLENDON-COVEY, JEFF GARLIN
The best part is when they get lost getting to the stage. It is such a memorable scene in the film, and The Goldbergs really does it justice here.
Barry: [from the rafters] Hey! I found another place that is not the stage. Now please help me down. I’m so scared!
Adam poking fun at his family was just addressed on The Goldbergs Season 6 Episode 19, “Eight-bit Goldbergs,” but this still feels fresh and funny and heartfelt. It is interesting to see Erica begin to come to terms with her rockstar dreams not coming true. I think this will make for a more complex arc for her rather than her succeeding or continuing on this path.
JEFF GARLIN, BRENT SPINER
The other storyline is heavy on the feels but it still comes off feeling light because of the particular brand of humor for which the show is known and Wendi McClendon-Covey’s reliable comedic prowess. Worry-wart Beverly trying to be laid back and chill about Murray’s health scare is great, and McClendon-Covey’s delivery makes it so.
Beverly: You’re harshing everyone’s vibe, Daddy-O. The only mole we talk about in this house is guac-a-mole.
Pops: Why is she speaking in jive and Spanish?
Murray: I told her that she makes us crazy with her constant worrying.
This episode is well balanced and has all the things that make this show so enjoyable to watch—the 80s nostalgia, the classic film tributes, hilarious dialogue, and sweet but not too sappy family love.
WENDI MCLENDON-COVEY
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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.