The members of the Braverman family on “Parenthood” have nice lives for the most part. Sure, they have their struggles, but things usually work out one way or another in the end. It’s a positive, feel-good show. When “Parenthood” is at its best, the paths the characters take to get to that “good” place are compelling and realistic (enough). Where the show falters sometimes is when the characters go through unnatural paths – not true to the character or story. Furthermore, things can turn out a little too good for too many characters. As a viewer, I feel connected to the Bravermans, but I also want a sense of realism. As viewers, we’re supposed to root for the family to succeed – and because the family is made up of good/decent people I, for one, usually do. With that said I feel the last stretch of episodes this season, the last four specifically, had too many “things work out in the end” moments. In addition, those moments weren’t developed convincingly or authentically (in some cases) and I found myself not necessarily rooting for the Bravermans in certain instances.

Continue reading →