The Fosters: Us Against The World (Episode 16)

http://californiawithkids.com/advice/201605110701/what-are-the-best-road-trip-microwaveable-foods/ Episode synopsis: Callie hopes to earn back the trust of her loved ones; Stef is called to testify in Mike’s case.  First aired: Feb 17, 2014

I loved this episode from beginning to end, particularly the beginning and the end.  Callie seems to be in such a good place. Brandon is still acting a fool, but I don’t see that changing any time soon. Jesus was conspicuously missing, but I didn’t miss him too much. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have noticed his absence if they’d just had a body double with a shaded face standing around all the family scenes  rather than pipe up with excuses of “practice” in every scene. I guess that’s what separates me from the straight teen girls that watch the show.  For their sake, I hope he’s back next week.

Here’s what stood out to me this week:

Love it:

• buy Clomiphene india The Beginning:  The opening of this episode gave me warm fuzzies. The scene took place during Callie’s last group meeting at Girls United and we got a chance to hear from all her housemates. The connection that Callie and Rita made was clear and I got misty when Callie told Rita she respects her. The group hug at the end capped it off.  The whole scene felt optimistic and happy without seeming too cheesy.

• The Boss:  The Mike shooting storyline has been giving me agita for months. It came to a culmination in this episode with Stef coming clean about what she saw and then Ana recanting her testimony. It was a roller coaster. I was so glad to have it put to rest when Captain Roberts dropped in to subtly let Stef know that she will be sweeping her testimony under the rug. Ethical? Meh. But my nerves needed a break on this one.

• The End:  I love that Jude had a secret birthday and the treasure hunt Callie set up for him but, most of all, I love that they shared the secret with their family and that it was perfect. The ending mirrored the opening scene with an intimate moment between Callie and Jude followed by a group embrace. Happiness all around.

Leave it:

• Dani:  No, no, no, no, no. I agree with Mariana that Mike deserves a girlfriend – but ew! The way she fixed Brandon’s collar while not wearing any pants crosses over into total gross out.

• Panty-gate:  I blame Talya. She’s back to being a whirlwind of destruction and started her rampage by advising Mariana to tuck dirty underwear in Chase’s pocket. Mariana actually takes this advice and Chase is slimy and gross about it.

• Brandon: I don’t even know where to start. Bribing Ana to recant her testimony, using money he stole from his dad, giving Callie a hard time for not seeming distraught enough, telling Talya that he and Callie kissed, starting a fake ID business – is there not an ounce of sense left in his lovesick head?

After last week’s emotional outpouring, I was glad to have an episode full of smiles and good news. I was surprised that it seems like Stef and Lena made the decision to go ahead with having a baby. Now that Stef isn’t fired there’s nothing standing in their way. Nope, no obvious complications I can think of.

PHOTO CREDITS: ABC FAMILY