The Goldbergs – “Baio and Switch” Recap. The Brady Bunch Date.

Season 3, Episode 12

Air Date: Wednesday, January 13, 2016, 8:30/7:30c on ABC

Rating: ★★★★★

“The point is, I’m a moron.” – Adam

THE GOLDBERGS - "Baio and Switch" - Beverly decides to volunteer for Hands Across America in an attempt to get closer with Barry and Erica. She gets them to spoil her with affection after she promises an appearance from Scott Baio, but the plan fails. Meanwhile, Adam gets himself into a sticky situation when he promises to take his best friend and his girlfriend, Dana, to the school dance, on "The Goldbergs," WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13 (8:30-9:00 p.m. EST) on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Michael Ansell) HAYLEY ORRANTIA, TROY GENTILE, BRYAN CALLEN

Practicing holding hands?

Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey) finds herself envious of her neighbor Virginia (Jennifer Irwin) after seeing her and the rest of the Kremp family featured in the local paper. Determined to have a similar family moment captured in newspaper immortality, Beverly sets out to find the perfect photo-op. Will the Goldbergs end up looking like the pristine Kremp family or will their true chaotic family colors shine through? It’s The Goldbergs; what do you think?

Coach Meller (Bryan Callen) continues to be my favorite secondary character on The Goldbergs. Callen’s no nonsense portrayal of Meller is hilarious when he, as regional captain, informs his class they will be taking part in the Hands Across America homeless awareness campaign. It’s hard not to laugh as the scene builds to Meller having the gym class practice holding hands across the gym.

Realizing the charity event is her best chance to get a family photo in the press, Beverly persuades Meller to turn the captain’s job over to her, along with the prestigious visor that comes with the responsibilities. The banter between Beverly and Meller is priceless as Meller realizes he’s in over his head. Barry (Troy Gentile) isn’t thrilled about the change in leadership, telling his mom, “Nothing personal, you just make fun things suck.”

Baio a no show? How rude.

Desperate to keep Barry and Erica (Hayley Orrantia) interested and involved, she promises them she’s confirmed actor Scott Baio as the celebrity guest star for the event. This leads to several entertaining scenes with Barry and Erica trying to gain Beverly’s affection in order to get the spot next to her and Baio at the fundraiser. Beverly’s plan works until the moment of the event arrives and of course, there’s no sign of the celebrity. Tired of Beverly’s lies, Barry and Erica lash out and chaos ensues. It isn’t a total loss as the mayhem from Beverly’s betrayal leads to a family photo in the paper with the headline, “Loud Family Breaks American Chain.” Careful what you wish for, Beverly.

Throughout the years, several comedies have utilized the story of one guy taking two women on a date simultaneously with devastating results. Adam (Sean Giambrone) finds himself in a similar predicament when his girlfriend Dana (Natalie Alyn Lind) shows up unexpectedly after he invites his best friend Emmy (Stephanie Katherine Grant) to the school dance. How can he not take Dana to the dance? Then again, how can he not keep his promise to Emmy?

Looks like a great plan. What can go wrong?

Determined not to make the same mistake as notable TV predecessors, Adam reviews episodes of The Brady Bunch, Family Ties, Three’s Company, Cheers, and other shows that have used a similar story line. Adam’s conclusion—it’s impossible to take two women on a date and not get busted. Fixated on finding a way to be the first to successfully do it, Adam enlists the help of Dave Kim (Kenny Ridwan) and Pops (George Segal) in order to devise the perfect plan.

Unfortunately, Adam’s scheme is discovered when Dana and Emmy stop by. I couldn’t stop laughing from the moment Adam opens the door and declares “balls” as he realizes he’s been busted, to when Dana and Emmy discover his action figure recreation of the school dance. I especially got a good chuckle when Emmy realizes who Adam is using as her stand in.

Emmy: “My God, did you make me the Hulk?”

Adam: “Yes, but only ‘cause I don’t like you when you’re angry.”

Murray (Jeff Garlin) doesn’t get enough credit for the heartfelt moments he brings to The Goldbergs and “Baio and Switch” certainly is no exception. What could have been a simple scene turns into a special moment between father and son as Murray explains to Adam the meaning behind his use of the phrase, “Don’t be a moron.” While I know the phrase is meant as a term of affection, I was surprised how much I was hit by hearing Murray talk about it, explaining the way to fix problems is by just being honest. Adam takes his father’s advice and winds up taking both Dana and Emmy to the dance. Never thought I’d say this but Adam is a stud with the ladies!

What makes The Goldbergs so relatable is we’ve all had a Kremp family in our life — a family we look at wishing our family were more like. Reality is much different, though; as we all know, families have their faults. Families like the iconic Cleavers or Keatons make for entertaining television but the truth is, if your family were anything like mine, you were closer to the Goldbergs.

Tweet me @Staffaroadtrip or leave a comment below to let me know what you think about “Baio and Switch.”

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Greg Staffa

I provide testosterone to the site. You won’t be reading about how nice a actress looks in a dress or how much of a hunk Matt Bomer is in my reviews. I describe colors using words like brown, not taupe. My twitter name is @staffaroadtrip because I love road trips and have done two different 48-state road trips since 2008. My favorite show is White Collar.