I don’t know how they do it, but the creators of this show found a way to make a mundane task like choosing the right daycare fairly interesting. Maybe it’s because I’m an expecting father, but I felt the Taylors’ pain when they had to leave Gracie at daycare for the first time.
Other than that storyline (and the awesome cameo by Glenn, “Um, I think she needs her diaper changed”), I wasn’t too crazy about this episode. The old, mistake-making Lyla was a lot more interesting than the new-and-improved, preachy Lyla. While Riggins’ call to the radio show was pretty funny (“Um, I think Jesus is kinda hot”), the rest of the storyline was pretty bland. However, it does appear that the Lyla/Riggins relationship will be moving forward next week.
Santiago’s brush with his past is kind of cliché, and the most compelling thing about that thread is the trust that’s developing between he and Buddy. Buddy’s growth is both funny and endearing. He’s like a little kid with a new toy, and the new toy is a 16 year-old ex-con. His spiel about “judging people by what’s on the inside” at the bar was hilarious, especially when he followed it up by asking one of his friends if he should hide his watch from “a bunch of thugs.” (On a side note, it was nice to see “Veronica Mars” alum Francis Capra again. He played Santiago’s friend.)
The last less-than-stellar storyline this week was the exploration of racism as a part of Smash’s relationship with Noel. I thought it was odd (and pretty unrealistic) that her parents would invite everyone over for dinner only to spring an ambush at dessert. To top things off, we have the stereotypical white racist bothering Smash’s sister at the movies. The incident will probably prompt Smash to break things off with Noel. Yawn.
For the sake of QB1, I was sad to see Carlota go, but there wasn’t really anything going on in that relationship. It felt a little abrupt, but the moment the two shared at the birthday party seemed genuine. Now that they’re both single, methinks this may eventually lead to a Matt/Julie reunion, but expect QB1 to go through some tough times first.
Lastly, for anyone that’s interested, the moody song playing over the final few scenes was Devendra Banhart’s “Now That I Know,” which is off his 2005 album, Cripple Crow. The show sure does a nice job with its music.
