The Goldbergs – “Lainey Loves Lionel” Recap. Breaking the Rules.

Season 3, Episode 14

Air Date: Wednesday, February 10, 2016, 8:30/7:30c on ABC

Rating: ★★★★★

“You’re a good boy and if I say that movie is inappropriate, then you’ll listen.” – Beverly

In so much trouble.

Like many young adults his age, Adam (Sean Giambrone) decides he’s ready to shift his movie viewing habits from PG to R. And what better 80s film to lose one’s boyhood innocence than the raunchy 1981 comedy, Porky’s? Adam’s excitement is short lived after Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey) prohibits him from seeing the film due to its “potty language, adult situations, and Florida attitude.” Will Adam respect his mother’s wishes or find a way to get into the theater?

When it comes to Porky’s, my parents didn’t have much to worry about given I was only six when it came out. The only movie that was banned in the Staffa household was the 1989 film Parenthood, starring Steve Martin and Mary Steenburgen. My parents never explained why I was forbidden to see it and 27 years later, I have yet to see it – you’re welcome, mom and dad.

Believing that breaking a rule and seeing an R rated movie are parts of growing up, Murray (Jeff Garlin) forces Adam to see Porky’s. I love the banter between father and son, especially when Adam is convinced Murray’s insistence on breaking the rules is a trap. Adam finally caves to his father’s pestering and goes to see the movie, only to have it unexpectedly interrupted by Beverly. Her speech to theatergoers while searching for Adam in the crowd is priceless as she kindly judges their viewing choice. “I hate to interrupt your smut, but my innocent little boy is in here.”

It’s not too late to get her flowers.

Meanwhile, love is in the air as Valentine’s Day approaches. Barry (Troy Gentile) is determined to go all out to show Lainey (AJ Michalka) how much he loves her despite her insistence he not “go all crazy.” Inspired by Lionel Richie’s 1984 song “Hello,” Barry decides sculpting Lainey’s head would make the ultimate Valentine’s gift. The results are disastrous if you’re Lainey but hilarious for the viewers. The Valentine’s scenes are entertaining but the Barry/Lainey story line seems to get drowned out at times by Adam’s story line. That’s not to say Barry’s efforts aren’t a riot.

Speaking of efforts, I’ve been a fan of Geoff Schwartz (Sam Lerner) since he first expressed interest in Erica (Hayley Orrantia). Schwartz’s performance is so likable, I’d set Geoff up with my own sister if I could. I’m dying to know if Geoff will ever get the girl or if all his efforts will be wasted.

While The Goldbergs has always had a strong life lesson within in each episode, “Lainey Loves Lionel” has to be one of my favorite parenting episodes of the season. I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamics among Beverly, Murray, and Pops (George Segal) as each has a different opinion about how to handle Adam. I particularly relish where Murray places the blame for Adam’s choices.

Murray: “The boy saw Annie instead of Porky’s. My lord you raised a wuss.”

Pops: “Me? He’s your son.”

Murray: “I take a casual non-committal approach to parenting. You’re the one in the trenches.”

…

Pops: “Would you rather take over?”

Murray: “Let’s not get crazy.”

Poor Geoff, can’t catch a break.

With a great parental message as well as several instantly classic one-liners like, “Hands are the eyes of the arms,” and Barry’s thoughts on flowers, “They’re nature’s trash; they don’t even do anything,” “Lainey Loves Lionel” is one of the best episodes of the season. Written by David Guarascio, I couldn’t stop laughing as various jabs are tossed about.

Despite having a Valentine’s Day theme, “Lainey Loves Lionel” doesn’t feel overly mushy. It’s an episode that can be watched repeatedly and not just at this time of year.

Tweet me @Staffaroadtrip or leave a comment below to let me know what you think about “Lainey Loves Lionel.”

Tune in to The Goldbergs Wednesdays at 8:30/7:30c, only on ABC.

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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.