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The Goldbergs – “Love is a Mixtape” Advance Review. The Bailout

Season 2, Episode 1

Air Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2014, 8:30/7:30c on ABC

Rating: ★★★★★

“Yes, I will.” – Murray Goldberg

James Bond getting his license.

The Goldbergs makes an entertaining return to TV, kicking off season two with “Love is a Mixtape.” Not only is love in the air, but the Goldberg kids are now much older. If you don’t believe me, just take a look at James Bond, Berry Bonds, Mr. Clock Table’s driver’s license.

The Goldbergs is the story of a small town Pennsylvania family during the late 1980s. There’s the father, Murray (Jeff Garlin), who runs the family furniture business; Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey), an over protective yet loving mother; and their three kids—Barry (Troy Gentile), Erica (Hayley Orrantia), and Adam (Sean Giambrone). Patton Oswalt provides the voiceover for an adult Adam. The show is loosely based on the life of Adam Goldberg, the show’s creator, not to be confused with the actor of the same name from such shows as Fargo, The Unusuals, and Entourage.

Adam’s Rubik’s Cube costume from Season 1, Episode 6

What makes the show so enjoyable is the way the stories connect to me in a way shows like The Cosby Show never did. Growing up, I often made my own Halloween costumes and one year I went as a Rubik’s Cube. It was the most uncomfortable costume because I couldn’t bring my arms together, yet I loved it because it was unique. It’s a memory I had forgotten about until last season’s Halloween episode when Adam goes as a homemade Rubik’s Cube. Week after week, I find myself mentally proclaiming Spartacus style, ’I am Adam Goldberg’ because as much as The Goldbergs is about Adam and his childhood, the show provides a nostalgic tribute to my own childhood.

“Love is a Mixtape” focuses on Adam and his budding relationship with Dana (Natalie Alyn). Giambrone does a wonderful job conveying that awkward teen energy teens feel as his character tries to figure out girls. Things get complicated when Adam creates what he thinks is the perfect mix tape to convey his feelings for Dana, only to have it send mixed messages when it falls into the wrong hands.

These days, a device can hold thousands of songs and with a flick of your finger, you can move between songs, playing any choice instantly. Back then, it was an effort to cue songs up and record them on a dual tape recorder. I couldn’t help laughing when I saw the pile of cassettes in front of Adam because it brings back so many memories of my childhood. My tape recorder was always pressed up against the radio as I tried to record my favorite songs.

Gus doing his side job.

David Spade guest stars in “Love is a Mixtape” as Gus, a photo shop employee with some interesting interpretations of the law. I enjoy Spade’s work and hope the writers find more ways for him to return. Bryan Callen returns as Coach Meller, once again making life difficult for the Goldberg kids.

The Goldbergs doesn’t seem to get enough credit for its heartfelt moments. The ending of “Love is a Mixtape” is a perfect example as Murray and Barry have a heartwarming father/son talk. Sure, it might not be how Mike Brady of The Brady Bunch would have handled things, but most families in the 80s weren’t the Bradys; they were the Goldbergs.

The Goldbergs was one of my favorite comedies last season because of the personal way the show connects with me. If you grew up in “1980-something” and you’re not watching the show, I have to ask – What are you waiting for? It looks like this season is going to be as good, if not better, than the first season.

What do you think of The Goldbergs? Leave a comment below or tweet me @Staffroadtrip.

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

For more information on The Goldbergs, visit the official website.

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All photos © 2014 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 

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.

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.