The Goldbergs – “Mama Drama” Retrospective. Jesus and the 30 Apostles

Season 2, Episode 2

Air Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2014, 8:30/7:30c on ABC

Rating: ★★★★★

“My baby is a star.” – Beverly Goldberg

Todd the Apostle?

“Mama Drama” is a very entertaining story about the lengths parents go to show their children how much they love them. Some might be quick to roll their eyes at Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey) and Murray’s (Jeff Garlin) behavior but what parent hasn’t participated in something they hate just to be with their kid? And, who hasn’t thought their kid was the best performer in the school play? I’m sure my parents sat through plenty of awful band concerts.

Adam (Sean Giambrone) is eager to try out for a role in his school’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar, which happens to be his favorite musical. Beverly convinces Adam, “There is only one role suitable for my talented, delicious, little boy; my baby is Jesus.” The only problem is despite Beverly’s endless praise, Adam isn’t a very good singer.

It’s not uncommon to see Beverly do whatever it takes to help her kids, whether or not they want her help. What makes “Mama Drama” different from previous episodes is this time, Beverly asks permission to get involved.

Beverly: “Honey, I can get involved. I want to get involved. But I need to know that’s what you want.”

Given how Beverly’s attempts at helping often end in disaster, I was surprised by Adam’s reply, “Do it momma, make me Jesus.” Adam must really want that part if he’s willing to ask Beverly for help.

Beverly pleading her case.

McLendon-Covey doesn’t get enough credit for the comedic balancing act she does, walking a fine line between being too outlandish and overly heartwarming. Beverly’s meeting with Miss Cinoman (Ana Gasteyer), the play’s director, and Principal Ball (Stephen Tobolowsky) could have easily become another spectacle as she manipulates Ball into siding with her. Is Beverly learning from her past mistakes? What follows is an entertaining competition as Beverly and Adam attempt to put on their own musical.

I recently read an article about how, after The Goldbergs’ season two premiere, the real life Miss Cinamon reached out to show creator and former student Adam Goldberg and told him how his mother came to school to confront her about Adam not getting the role he wanted. Adam enjoyed the story so much it became “Mama Drama.”

Of course, what would an episode of The Goldbergs be without Murray and Barry (Troy Gentile)? They leave a Philadelphia Flyers hockey game early because Murray wants to avoid traffic, unaware they are missing a history making goal. The news doesn’t go over well with Barry who vows never to go to another hockey game with his father. This totally sounds like something my father would do.

A budding love.

I really enjoy it when The Goldbergs’ writers include real life events and products from the 80s in the show. There’s a difference between having product placements shoved in your face and creating an environment on screen that triggers nostalgic memories of one’s childhood. Murray and Berry’s interaction about the hockey game made me curious to learn who Ron Hextall, who played hockey for the Flyers in the 80s, was. So I googled him and even watched his famous goal on YouTube.

As in real life, nobody is perfect, including our parents. Sure, Murray and Beverly try hard but even they get things wrong. The life lessons on The Goldbergs are not forced down your throat but are done in the typical, enjoyable Goldberg fashion, as displayed when Murray invites Barry to another hockey game.

Murray: “What if we stay till the end?”

Barry: “And get stuck in traffic? Why would you ever do that?”

Murray: “I miss ya.”

Barry: “Say it again.”

Murray: “No.”

Barry: “You love me more than you hate traffic. Say it.”

Murray: “You’re a moron.”

Memorable Beverly lines from “Mama Drama”

“Boopie, I’ve heard you sing in the shower, ok? Not just heard, listened. Not just listened, taped. And sent to Star Search.”

“You wouldn’t know a good Jesus if he walked right in here and punched you in the face.”

“It’s what I do but usually someone steps in and stops me.”

Make sure you watch the complete episode as Goldberg shows hilarious clips from his actual school musical days. In fact, real life Goldberg home movies often follow the particular episode they relate to.

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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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.