Parenthood - Too Big to Fail - Review: Ruby means Boredom

We have already talked about all the problems that the farewell season of Parenthood is facing, and Too Big to Fail represents all of them in just 41 minutes. 

The episode is focused on three different storylines: the first one revolves around Ruby. Yet again we have to grin and bear precious screen time dedicated to her and Hank, how she gets drunk for the first time, how she hugs and reconciles with his daddy at the end of the episode. Maybe the writers wanted to use her as a way of showing Amber’s sense of motherhood. What we really get, it’s just boring screen time wasted over a storyline that right now it’s completely useless. It's pretty clear Ruby is a synonym of BOREDOM.

The second storyline was a bit more interesting. I liked how the developed Max first crush in the latest two episodes, and I like Dylan. In this episode she spends a lot of time with the Braverman and she seems to enjoy it, with or without Max involved. Does she want to spend time with Max, or the family as a whole? Yet again, maybe they should focus less attention on her, we want to see the Bravermans, not this side characters introduced two episodes ago. It’s our last season, sometimes I think that the writers forget this little detail.

The third storyline was the best one. I loved how they portrayed the financial crisis of Luncheonette, and how Jasmine (usually an annoying character) reacted to Crosby’s fears of losing everything. It’s realistic that after a successful launch, Adam and Crosby company has to face a difficult period, but family it what matters and keeps everything together. We hope for the best for our poor troubled Crosby. By the way, I loved Harry Potter references, and the Harry Potter theme of the party.

All in all this episode felt flat. I hate the writers for how much screen time they are wasting. Also the Too Big to Fail suffered for the absence of Zeek and Julia two of the most interesting storylines of this season. We have just 7 episodes left, I truly hope that Katims has a solid plan for what it’s coming and that we won’t see Ruby again! Enough is Enough.

Next episode seems to be a pivotal one (and tear-dropping too): will Julia and Joel split for good? Or are there any hope for them? I can’t wait to find out. These Are the Times We Live In is on air this Thursday at 10/9 c on NBC.

And you? What do you think about Too Big to Fail?

About the Author - Francesco B

Fra (aka Francesco B.) is a writer of the site. He’s a professional tv-and-cinema maniac and a keen reader. He is an italian lazy university student, he truly loved tv series like Veronica Mars, Buffy, Lost, Alias.. and he would like to become a professional journalist. One Day. Maybe.