The Goldbergs – “Rush” Recap. Careful What You Wish For.

Season 3, Episode 21

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

Rating: ★★★★★

Girls just wanna have fun.

Music has always played an important part in Erica’s (Hayley Orrantia) life, but when Johnny Atkins (Sean Marquette) exposes her to the Canadian rock group “Rush,” she becomes enamored. Will Erica’s friends be able to snap her out of her sudden infatuation—not only with the band’s music but with Johnny?

I always feel awkward anytime I have to review something with a music theme or subplot because I’m definitely not a music guy. Growing up, I didn’t have cassettes or CDs; I simply listened to whatever was on the radio without focusing on a particular artist or band. While I’ve heard of Rush, until last night I couldn’t name one of their songs. Watching “Rush,” I found myself wishing I had the same kind of appreciation for music that Erica has.

Since the moment the creepy, ponytail wearing, saxophone playing Johnny was first introduced in “A Chorus Lie,” fans of The Goldbergs knew it was only a matter of time before there would be a Rush-themed episode. Johnny is one of those characters you enjoy as long as it’s in small doses because after a while, he starts to wear on you.

Marquette is hilarious as Johnny oozes with confidence about dating Erica— much to the chagrin of Murray (Jeff Garlin). As Erica’s affection for Rush and Johnny continues to cloud her judgment, Murray, against Pops’ (George Segal) advice, holds an intervention to get Erica to snap out of it. Things don’t go as planned, and the more Murray pushes his daughter, the more she digs in.

Favorite Son?

While Erica’s storyline is entertaining, I kept wondering if both Erica and Murray forgot the lessons learned when they last dealt with Johnny in “A Chorus Lie.” Despite his previous encounters with them, Johnny comes across in “Rush” like a newly introduced character rather than someone who has been around for a while. That said, their storyline ends on a high note as anytime Erica and Lainey (AJ Michalka) are given a chance to perform, it’s a treat.

Meanwhile, when Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey) gives Adam (Sean Giambrone) a trophy engraved with ‘Best Son’ for his birthday, the gift doesn’t sit well with Barry (Troy Gentile). He’s always thought Beverly loves Adam more than him and now he has the proof. Determined to make amends, Beverly promises to focus all her attention upon Barry, much to Adam’s relief.

Beverly’s endless attention to Barry quickly goes to his head but it isn’t long before he realizes being Beverly’s favorite isn’t truly what he wants or needs. Miserable, Barry tries to relinquish the title of favorite son back to Adam, who is all too happy with his newfound freedom. Before long, Adam discovers how much he counts on his mother, especially when it comes to throwing “the most epic middle school party ever,” and decides to relieve Barry of his best son duties.

Beverly: “Aww, you really miss your momma?”

Adam: “OK, fine, I do. I miss you getting me everything I ever wanted through fear, intimidation, and remorseless perseverance.”

One of these pictures are not like the other.

The best son storyline has been a long time in the making. Show creator Adam Goldberg has previously tweeted photos like the one shown in “Rush” where Adam’s photo is twice the size of his siblings. As much as most parents would never admit it, Adam is clearly Beverly’s favorite. That’s what makes The Goldbergs so enjoyable, because no matter how ridiculous the storylines may be, they are based on real events, which are often highlighted at the end of each episode through the use of old home movie clips.

The stories resonate because Goldberg creates a connection for the audience to his past. The characters are not just based on real people; they are real people. Chad Kremp (Jacob Hopkins) is now the VP of Sales at Kremp Florist; Geoff Schwartz (Sam Lerner) is an ophthalmologist; and Andy Cogan (Matt Bush) is also a doctor. Goldberg even tweeted to confirm even Johnny Atkins very much exists. “Yes, it’s true. John Atkins and his sax pony tail [sic] combo is all real!!! He’s a musician to this very day!” It’s this kind of connection that makes episodes like “Rush” so enjoyable.

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

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.