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<i>The Goldbergs</i> – “Smother’s Day” Recap. Coupons of Love.

Season 3, Episode 22

Air Date: Wednesday, May 4, 2016, 8:30/7:30c on ABC

Rating: ★★★★★

“Did you guys forget and I’m the only decent child in the family?” – Adam

Great seeing Judd Hirsch back.

Adam (Sean Giambrone) is determined to attend Space Camp after seeing the 1986 movie Space Camp, starring Kate Capshaw and Lea Thompson

Pulling out all stops, Adam is relentless in his efforts to get Murray (Jeff Garlin), his father, to cough up the money needed to go. Pops (George Segal) is amusing as ever as he tries to help his grandson sell the idea to Murray. Unfortunately, Murray wants nothing to do with it.

Murray: “And you, stop encouraging him.”

Pops: “I have to be honest; I don’t know what any of this is. I just like spending time with the boy.”

Resolute to change his father’s mind, Adam turns to his other grandfather, Pop-Pop (Judd Hirsch), for answers as to what kind of dreams Murray had growing up. Turns out, Murray was into ventriloquism and has a dummy that shares his likeness.

I was thrilled when it was announced Hirsch was taking over for Paul Sorvino as Pop-Pop, and wish it wouldn’t have taken so long for the curmudgeonly grandpa to show up again. Seeing Hirsch and Segal play off each other is a delight to watch as the two go at it. I hope we see more of Pop-Pop sooner rather than later.

Adam tries to use Murray’s dummy to remind him what it’s like to have childhood dreams growing up. The funny banter between father and son takes a surprising turn as the conversation about being like one’s father turns into what it means to be a father.

Meanwhile, what appears to be a normal Sunday morning quickly goes bad when Erica (Hayley Orrantia) and Barry (Troy Gentile) go to the kitchen.

Erica: “Something’s wrong, I don’t smell breakfast.”

Turns out Erica and Barry have forgotten one of the most important days of the year, Mother’s Day — much to Adam’s delight since he remembered to get Beverly a card and flowers. Pressed for time, Erica and Barry decide nothing says love better than a homemade coupon for one free hug.

Coupon of love or regret.

Disappointed by their lack of effort, Beverly pulls out a drawer packed with years of coupons that Erica and Barry have given her as gifts. “I can cash them all in today and make this the greatest Mother’s Day in my life.” Much to Erica and Barry’s chagrin, Mother’s Day officially turns into “Smother’s Day.”

Since the moment I first saw Beverly, I knew an episode like this was bound to happen. “Smother’s Day” is the perfect Beverly-themed episode and McLendon-Covey doesn’t disappoint. It’s hilarious watching Barry and Erica suffer through what should be considered acts of love for their mother.

Fed up with Beverly’s endless use of their coupons, Erica and Barry declare the remaining coupons have expired. Needless to say, this doesn’t sit well with Beverly. “Message received; I apologize in advance for what comes next.”

Having had a lifetime of gifts taken away from her, Beverly retaliates by emptying Erica and Barry’s rooms of all their belongings. The three engage in an epic battle of stubborn defiance only to eventually realize that taking time to appreciate their mother might not be the worst idea.

I fully expected “Smother’s Day” to follow the usual template utilized by The Goldbergs as Erica and Barry make amends by creating a special day for Beverly, albeit a day or two late. Boy, was I wrong! The attempt to honor their mother takes a disastrous turn in what has to be one of The Goldbergs’ funniest scenes. 

“Smother’s Day” is a very entertaining and heartfelt episode about family and honoring your parents on their special days. As someone who has given his mother his fair share of promisory coupons throughout the years, I just have to say, sorry Mom. I hope you have a very Happy Mother’s Day.

Tweet me @Staffaroadtrip or leave a comment below to let me know what you think about “Smother’s Day.”

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

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All photos © 2016 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.