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<i>The Goldbergs</i> – “Lucky” Recap. Secret of Womanhood.

Season 3, Episode 7

Air Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2015, 8:30/7:30c on ABC

Rating: ★★★★★

“I’m alive, I’m actually alive” – Barry

Smothered by puppies.

Growing up, my family never had pets, not even a fish. Turns out Murray (Jeff Garlin) has a no pet policy similar to the one my parents had but with one slight difference. Instead of telling Barry (Troy Gentile) no as a child, he was told the family couldn’t get a dog because he’s deathly allergic to them. Watching Barry and Murray go at it after Barry finally learns the truth following a near death experience involving a smothering of puppy kisses is hilarious.

I love how Murray’s default response is “Go ask your mother” regardless of what the question is. Eventually, Murray caves to Barry’s relentless nagging and brings home a dog from the local shelter. The bond that forms between Murray and Barry’s dog Lucky is adorable, especially when Murray has an Eagles jersey made for the

So cute.

dog. Garlin gives one of his funniest performances yet. It’s not surprising that Lucky takes to Murray’s lackadaisical TV watching lifestyle instead of connecting with Barry. Not only does Barry feel betrayed by Lucky, he’s shocked to discover something about Murray. “There’s actual love in your heart and you’re using it for the dog.”

On the other side of the Goldberg household, Adam (Sean Giambrone) secretly films Erica’s (Hayley Orrantia) slumber party after succumbing to the peer pressure of Dave Kim (Kenny Ridwan). Unfortunately for Adam, things quickly get out of hand when Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey) discovers what the boys are up to. Will Beverly turn off the camera or will she be drawn to the endless stream of gossip from Erica and her friends?

I blame my younger sister for my knowledge of the 1989 film Troop Beverly Hills. Required viewing for girls growing up in the 80s, the film is something Erica and her girlfriends repeatedly watch during their slumber parties. The ritual was also special to Beverly, who Erica considered one of the girls for years; that is, until now. Not welcome at Erica’s pajama party, Beverly struggles with the realization that Erica doesn’t need her in her life anymore — until Beverly catches Adam recording the party.

The live video feed provides McLendon-Covey with some comedic gold material. I couldn’t stop laughing as Beverly continues to talk to the TV screen as if she were a part of the conversation. Beverly’s reaction to the girls’ prank call has to be one of the funniest moments on The Goldbergs. Eventually, the girls discover the hidden camera and Erica confronts her mother.

Erica: “You have never ever stooped so low.”

Beverly: “I have, you just haven’t caught me.”

Pops in trouble.

It isn’t long before Erica and Lainey (AJ Michalka) find themselves in jail, thwarting Erica’s best efforts to prove she doesn’t need her mother. Not wanting to prove Beverly right, Erica enlists Pops’ (George Segal) help, which only makes matters worse. The scenes with Pops are charming; it’s wonderful to see the lengths he goes to in order to help his grandkids. Despite the familiar feel of the mother/daughter spat, the writers find a way to make the story line fresh and extremely entertaining. Beverly eventually shows up at the jail and I couldn’t help but laugh at the silent treatment she gives Erica, forcing Officer Puchinski (Troy Winbush) to reluctantly speak for her.

Touching scene.

Usually, that would have been the end of the episode, yet the writers are able to elevate the emotional quotient to a whole new level with a final scene between Erica and Beverly. Orrantia’s performance stands out, and I’m not ashamed to admit Erica’s tears as she thanks her mother for always being there for her hit me harder than I would have thought. Maturity is a common theme this season on The Goldbergs, not just with Adam and puberty but with all the characters. This kind of character development makes “Lucky” one of the most well-rounded and cutest episodes of The Goldbergs.

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

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All photos © 2015 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.