The Goldbergs Review: The Downtown Boys (Season 9 Episode 16)
Growing up and getting old are sad facts of life, and the time has come for the Goldbergs (and The Goldbergs) to face them.
The Goldbergs Season 9 Episode 16, “The Downtown Boys,” challenges Barry and Adam with what that might mean.
Perennial man-child Barry (Troy Gentile) cannot deal with the members of his beloved JTP (J-T-P!) aging before his eyes. For example, instead of debating if Pat’s or Gino’s cheesesteaks are better, they debate Tums versus Gas-X.
Naturally, this will not stand!
Anyone who watches the show knows that Barry gets worked up about something every week, which leads to him doing a huge production of some kind or making a declaration of his feelings.
This week, Barry’s plan is to turn the JTP (J-T-P!) into the next great boy band, thanks to a mall kiosk manned by smarmy John Calabasas (Rob Huebel, for his annual appearance on The Goldbergs) and his brother, Jean (Joey McIntyre, because an episode about a 1980s boyband should have a New Kid on the Block).
Typically, this scheme could go one of two ways. It either culminates with Barry making a fool of himself and getting love for the effort he made, or everyone else makes fools of themselves on Barry’s behalf to show him they love him. Regardless, we get a happy ending… until next week, when they do it again.
“The Downtown Boys,” however, tries something a little different.
Barry and the JTP (J-T-P!) come to their senses at the last minute, and no one comes off looking like an idiot beyond being fully decked out in sequined vests and hats. Ultimately, Barry still gets love from his friends, but he also receives a minor reality check that he and his friends are progressing to a new phase of their lives.
Meanwhile, Adam (Sean Giambrone) gets scared of the future because he can’t face the present.
Adam and Dave Kim (Kenny Ridwan) have a terrible day exploring downtown Philadelphia, and that sends Adam spiraling, wondering how he’s going to face living in New York City on his own for college.
The typical ending for Adam involves Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey) telling her Schmoo that everything is going to be okay because he’s strong, he can handle anything, and, if not, mama will fix it.
That is, in fact, what happens, but the twist on this is Beverly is surprisingly at home in the city. The queen of the suburbs flourishes on her own and makes new friends, having her own Mary and Rhoda moment. (That reference some of you will have to Google.)
The potential of Beverly growing into a new version of herself in “The Downtown Boys” has importance for where the writers might take Beverly into the finale or season ten, depending on the fate of The Goldbergs.
Jeff Garlin being written out of the show might coincide with the death of the real-life Murray Goldberg. If that happens in the story, along with all three children being out of the house, Beverly will need a new lease on life.
She has been threatening to follow Adam to New York, and that might not be so far-fetched, now that she’s a city gal!
Despite the positivity I have for titular Goldbergs growing up, I would like to comment a little on The Goldbergs growing old.
As someone who has seen every episode, I worry that the show has lost steam.
This episode, for instance, is just not really that funny.
I find myself smiling at the “Age Appropriate” sequence, and being from New Jersey originally, I like a good dig at Philadelphia and the Poconos once in a while.
But Beverly’s self-narration as she galavants through Philadelphia seems tired, and the only thing that saves Adam and Dave Kim’s montage is that Kenny Ridwan is such an adorable, little curmudgeon.
To be fair, nine years is a long time, and the creative team should get credit for giving us a lot of belly laughs.
Lately, though, I have found myself only smiling when I want to be chuckling, at the very least.
The one-two punch of George Segal’s death and Garlin’s phasing out probably took the wind out of their sails a bit, but I hope The Goldbergs is able to get back on course for the rest of the season.
What did you think of this episode of The Goldbergs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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The Goldbergs airs Wednesday at 8/7c on ABC.
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TJ O'Connell
TJ is a former east coaster, now residing in Los Angeles. There's a very good chance he has served your food sometime over the last twelve years. Since childhood, he has had a running IMDb in his head and is thankful to finally have an outlet for that information. He is very single and hopes to someday support a dog.