The Goldbergs Season 10 Episode 5 Review: Uncle-ing

When it comes to life-altering events, having a baby takes the cake. It morphs nearly every dynamic of a family’s lifestyle into a baby-raising machine. When this machine appears to lack key elements, doubt enters the picture.

On The Goldbergs Season 10 Episode 5, “Uncle-ing,” Adam, Barry, and Beverly struggle to understand their new roles and where exactly they fit in. If they are a significant part of this baby’s life, how can they ensure they have the most positive impact?

As the episode opens, Adam and Barry watch the classic movie Uncle Buck starring the late John Candy. They watch in zeal as the titular character performs some rather zany antics while taking care of his younger family members. Honestly, it seems like a hoot until you focus on the reality of the situation.

Being still somewhat young and impressionable, Adam and Barry take the movie to heart, assuming this is the best way to be a loving and guiding unit to this newborn individual. Fortunately, Erica is there to swat away the ever-growing fantasy in their heads. 

She informs them if this is the way they are going to act, then they have no place in the baby’s life. While a bit harsh, one can’t necessarily blame her. Sure, an uncle is typically the guy who introduces the child to shenanigans and mischief, but you have to know your limits.

I love being an uncle. It is a fulfilling job to help mold a child who you’ve known since the moment they were born. It’s like being a parent with less responsibility. 

Barry: What is an uncle?

Without flat-out saying it, this notion terrifies Adam and Barry. How can they find a happy medium between a responsible adult and a playmate? 

I’m not going to lie, this is a hard line to draw. No one wants to be a completely bad influence on a family member, but being a wet blanket doesn’t seem too appealing either. 

They decide a trip to Uncle Marvin’s house is the best solution. 

Marvin has always been one of my favorite characters. He is the exact opposite of Murray in every way — nowhere near down to earth and always looking for a “get rich quick” scheme. He always means well but has a rough time pulling his life together for more than a few weeks.

If anyone can help them figure out their place, Marvin can. All they have to do is the opposite of everything he does. 

Yes, you read that right — Marvin’s bad influence is a lesson they can all learn from.

This is not a scenario you want to get yourself into. It’s never a good look to be a cautionary tale. Think about such things as you go through life. 

Marvin unknowingly shares his wisdom as Adam and Barry take notes. Let me tell you, there are some whoppers here. Stepping out on holidays, playing cards for money, the list goes on and on.

It all becomes a quite telling evening until Marvin realizes they aren’t there for positive reinforcements. He accidentally sees Barry’s notepad stating to do the opposite of everything Marvin says. This is an eye-opener for him.

Introspect is an important factor in life. We take what comes our way, react to it, and dwell on how we could have handled it differently. This helps us to grow as individuals and become better versions of ourselves. 

Through this type of reflection, Marvin is able to become the hero later on in the episode. 

While Adam and Barry are off doing what they can to become better uncles, Beverly is doing what she does best — overstepping her bounds. Like Marvin, she means well but needs to draw in the reins here and again. Her overactive mothering can be a tad too hands-on.

Beverly has every aspect of the birthing process mapped out. While impressive, it isn’t completely necessary. Like all things in life — even the best-laid plans can go awry. 

Her constant planning has put Erica on edge, so she sends Geoff on a mission to sideline her. Geoff does what he can to keep Beverly at a distance, but that proves to be disastrous when Erica’s water breaks. 

There is no one more concerned than a first-time grandmother. Unlike an uncle, a grandmother needs to be as hands-on as possible. Teaching your baby to raise their first baby seems to be a promotion. 

If Beverly decided from the get-go to stay in her own lane, then she wouldn’t have been put in this situation. There would be no question whether or not she could make it in time for the baby to be born. Unfortunately, she doesn’t see this until it is too late.

The problem Adam, Barry, and Beverly have is that they get in their own head. 

All three of them want to do the best they can to help Erica and the baby. They also believe they can’t possibly measure up to where they need to be. That is far from the truth.

Babys don’t come with instruction manuals. We all just learn as we go. But if we act in love every step of the way, we will not fail this child. 

Babys are in constant need. A bottle, a diaper change, etc, etc. Anyone one can give them these things, but if they aren’t given in love, they mean nothing. 

A newborn doesn’t know much, but they do understand reactions. If your reactions are always from the heart, they will know who you truly are. And that is the best influence you can give them.

What did you think of this episode of The Goldbergs? Do you think the baby’s name plays an appropriate tribute to Murray? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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The Goldbergs airs Wednesday at 8:30/7:30c on ABC.

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