NBC's Parenthood 2013........so, what do you think.

[Hopeful]

karen z,

Off the bc but on the vending machine arc, loved the resolution last night. The final scence was pure joy. Next week is the season finale. The preview showed Kristina going for scans.

Hopeful

[karen z]

Hi Hopeful,

I agree. I loved the resolution of the vending machine arc and Kristina's role in that resolution (and her use of brains/logic to win the day for something so important to her son). I saw the preview scenes for next week so wondering what will happen to necessitate scans (generally not just given in a case like Kristina's I would not think). And I believe I am going to feel bad for Hank. I can't help it- I just like the guy (probably because he is "flawed" in ways I can relate to).

[Hopeful]

karen z,

The end of the TV Guide Q&A with Monica Potter said that there would be a resolution of Kristina's situation in the finale, but something the audience wouldn't see coming. Not sure how to interpret that.

I agree with you about Hank. I think Ray Romano did a great job being cast against type. Maybe they can find a way to bring his character back in the future.

Hopeful

[karen z]

Hopeful,
Most people do not want to know what is going to happen and love surprises. I am the opposite so I am often googling for "spoiler" alerts and there are some out about the Kristina situation (in the way of pictures/other). However, do not google if you want to be surprised. One thing to keep in mind (I didn't realize this until I was googling) is that the folks who make this show generally do not know at the time they must make the finale for the current season whether they are going to be picked up for the following year. Apparently that is why there are so many "wrap up" situations on the finales (e.g., Crosby's wedding, etc.). I did read that no matter how things go for Hank at the end of this season that if there is another season the producers would like to bring his character back, if he is available. I think Ray Romano did an amazing job. I am guessing that going into this most people did not realize what a really good actor he is. And I just love his character!! I want to see Hank continue on.

[Hopeful]

karen z,

I was aware that the timing for Parenthood makes it difficult for the producers and writers to do multi-season arcs because they do not know whether they will be picked up for the next season. While the show is not a ratings blockbuster, it does draw big numbers in the demographic that the advertisers are seeking, and it is also critically well received, which is a feather in NBC's cap. They are pretty much a lock for another year, but I do understand from a business standpoint how they cannot operate on that assumption without a commitment from the network.

Hopeful

ps - I am too busy keeping up with current stuff to go looking ahead! Thanks for the spoiler alerts, though.

[karen z]

Hopeful,
This is very good news. Want to see everyone move forward and what they will do/feel.

[embur102]

I loved that they showed her smoking pot for the nausea. It was the only thing that made the AC bearable for me, and I cannot believe it isn't legalized everywhere....incredibly effective with minimal (no??) side effects. And, no, I am not a regular user (don't let the mohawk fool you---it was a dare from my son, I had to do it ) --it was used in desperation after trying every (legal) anti-nausea drug known to man. All failed, miserably. Pot worked, remarkably well.

It will be interesting to see how the story line carries on next season.

[karen z]

Hi embur102,
I LOVE your picture by the way. I had nausea during AC (really like constant morning sickness) but I went through chemo in 2005 (in Georgia). Needless to say I took a lot of nausea pills (which the nurses told me to do- if I even had an inkling that I might have nausea but wasn't sure!). I thought it was very interesting that the writers gave Kristina some relief from her illness in that way. I noticed (last episode but I still loved it, of course) that radiation but not Herceptin (unless I missed it) was mentioned. Of course, the Herceptin would have already started so perhaps no need to mention at that time and I really think it would have been "too much" (from the writers' perspective) to think a general audience would get the concept of a targeted therapy. Still, it would have been nice to educate. Really ready for the next season already! Will probably watch this past season again.

[CoolBreeze]

The season finale was really good. Of course, she came out clean, I had no doubts. I would have loved to see a metster storyline but that'll never happen.

Anyway, Parenthood hasn't been picked up for next year so we may have seen our last one. I hope not, it's a great show.

[StephN]

There WAS a metster in it - just not Christina. When she had her last treatment she saw another woman and asked what she was doing there. The gal said she had "relapsed." Then they were shown at a cafe counter with Christina giving metster a blankie (I about gagged on that one).

So, the writers did include someone who did not get off the Cancer Train scott free.

[karen z]

Oh you are right. The first woman the lead character met (as I recall) in the waiting room was the last one she saw on the season finale. So, a combo of outcomes in the last show of the season.

[karen z]

CoolBreeze- it is traditionally too early for an announcement, if the past is any indicator. Here is an interesting recent article on hopes for another season:
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Parentho...5-1059351.aspx

[CoolBreeze]

Yes, I know a minor character had a relapse, but I meant a main character having mets would be interesting. Somebody we are invested in, somebody we care about, not somebody who had five lines and was only there to show us that the character could have a different ending.

The show, should it continue, won't go on more than a couple more years anyway - having a terminal patient is something they could do. I'd like to see my life represented.

But I am not surprised. Unless a show is made about a cancer patient, everybody lives.

It'll be interesting if the show does get picked up again, since they wrapped up everybody's story so perfectly. It'll almost have to start all over! I have loved this show since it started though, so I hope they do pick it up.

[karen z]

I hope they pick it up as well.
This IS TV and this particular show is meant (of course) to be entertaining - which it is (although more so with Ray R).

I am grateful just to see the issue discussed in any way-probably a big step for a TV show that has as much (or really more) humor as drama. And probably also a major issue for the writers to bring in a storyline about a recurrence- given the usual TV topics of the day.

[Hopeful]

Good news, Parenthood fans! The show has been officially renewed for next season with a full 22 episode order!

http://tvline.com/2013/04/26/nbc-ren...od-revolution/

Hopeful