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The Goldbergs – “The Facts of Bleeping Life” Retrospective. Sha-la-la-la

Season 2, Episode 3

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

Rating: ★★★★★

“I’m the luckiest nobody in the world.” – Murray

All dressed up and nowhere to go.

“The Facts of Bleeping Life” has one of my favorite openings for The Goldbergs as we get a glimpse of how both Adam (Sean Giambrone) and Barry (Troy Gentile) see themselves in their minds and then cut to the reality of their musical skills.

I was six in 1981 when Lady Diana Spencer married Charles, Prince of Wales and only vaguely remember the actual wedding. But I do remember the atmosphere surrounding the event as the wedding date grew closer. I think my Grandma even bought a commemorative plate to mark the wedding. “The Facts of Bleeping Life” writers do a fun job recreating the excitement around the royal ceremony.

While The Goldbergs is known as a comedy, the show has a lot of heart to it. Every so often, the writers kick the emotions up a notch and create a very touching story. “The Facts of Bleeping Life” is one of those stories and it reminds me a lot of last season’s episode, “The Ring.” Both episodes convey a simpler kind of love rather than the flashy love we are used to seeing on TV.

Ahh love.

I really enjoy the chemistry between Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey) and Murray (Jeff Garlin), especially when it comes to their romance because it’s not perfect. Their practice vows had me laughing because I knew exactly what Murray was going to say before he even utters a word. Maybe it’s because my father and I never had heart-to-hearts but I also adore the father/son talks Murray has with Barry.

Some might be quick to point out The Goldbergs’ loose use of 80s history, especially in “The Facts of Bleeping Life,” which seems to take place during the Royal Wedding:

  • The Royal Wedding was in 1981
  • “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister was released in 1984
  • The Bangles’ “Eternal Flame” was released in 1988

Yet, they all happen in “The Facts of Bleeping Life.”

Growing up, we used to visit my Grandma at her lake home in Wisconsin during the summer. Some of my fondest memories were the hours I spent riding my Big Wheel down her driveway, which was on a massive hill. Despite my Grandma passing away 20 years ago, I recently visited the lake home simply to reminisce about the past. Turns out that massive hill is nothing more than a small incline. Despite this revelation, I still hold onto those memories of the terrifying hill.

The reason I share that story is because memories like this are what make The Goldbergs so enjoyable. Memories don’t come with a date and time stamp. The Goldbergs is a recounting of a childhood narrated by an adult Adam (Patton Oswalt). These collections of memories may take some liberties but as kids, that’s how we viewed things. It was the biggest fish ever; our rock band was amazing; and I was the best catcher ever. And the hill at Grandma’s seemed a lot bigger. Growing up, you may not remember exact dates; all you need to remember is that “It was 1980 something.”

First gig.

Fans of The Goldbergs have wanted to see Erica (Hayley Orrantia) in more scenes with her singing ever since last season’s episode “Kara-Te.” Orrantia isn’t a stranger to singing, having been a contestant during the 2011 season of The X Factor. Erica’s best friend Lainey (Amanda “AJ” Michalka), who sings with Erica in “The Facts of Bleeping Life,” is also no stranger to music as AJ is part of a duo with her sister Aly called 78violet (formerly known as Aly & AJ). While they perform only briefly, it would have been fun had the producers released the song. Maybe put it on iTunes with the money going to charity.

As much as I enjoy the craziness that is usually associated with The Goldbergs, it’s nice every once in a while to have episodes that touch your heart, and that’s exactly what “The Facts of Bleeping Life” does.

Tweet me @Staffaroadtrip or leave a comment below to let me know what you think about “The Facts of Bleeping Life.”

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

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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.