Trigger Warning(s): Depiction of Mental Illness
Watching the type of shows I do, I often am wary of when new characters are introduced. The reason for this is because often they are either love interest, or the type of characters who encompass a story which will never be fully fleshed out, so sometimes we meet them and find them leave as a caricatures. And while there are exceptions, sometimes it does seem that even though they are written to be some sort of three dimensional character, their story was still made more so for the sake of drama or entertainment, and not so much representation.
Topic 1: The Family You Deserve (Stef & Lena; Mike; Callie, Jude, and their Dad)
With reservations, Stef continues to "give in," for a lack of a better term, to Lena's need to have a child. Of course though, this isn't without continuous bumps in the road. One being that Timothy and Lena still are very flirtatious, and I think Stef feels slightly threaten by this. Which likely may lead to Lena talking about how she feels about Mike being around, if this hasn't already happened, which I think it did. But, the real issue comes from Jesus finding out and an impromptu family meeting happening so that everyone knows the situation. Which leads to unanimous support.
But, with a baby on the way, this possibly means a little less space for Brandon, at least this is Dani's argument as she continues to create a family between her, Mike and Brandon. Mind you, when I say this is her argument, she doesn't know about the baby yet, but it seems she, between shared secrets and maybe a desire to have a family of her own, seems really invested in Brandon to the point of his restitution for all that money being him getting back to the piano. And with this, it seems Dani is trying to present a reset button on Brandon's character which I greatly welcome. However, I still feel the need to be cautious for some reason, despite this not being Twisted and the chance of her having some dark motive possibly solely being in my imagination.
Leading to Callie and Jude's father. Though, when presented, you almost feel a need to worry, it seems he is more guilt ridden than sinister. He blames himself for Callie and Jude's mom's death and seemingly, his abandonment came from shame. He wanted to be the dad they deserve, and as Daphne illustrates, after getting out of prison, that is hard. Your money isn't right, it is hard to get a job and decent place, so being the type of parent you feel you need to be is difficult. And though Daphne's kid is still a child, Jude and Callie are teens, well Jude almost, and so it makes it so his screw ups can't be brushed under the rug. And, look at what Lena and Stef have compared to him. Why take them from privilege, or even fight, when you can't compete? But, he does give Jude some type of closure, as does Callie, and when the door shuts at the end of the episode, so it seems a chapter shuts on their life.
Topic 2: Another Mom with a Mental Illness (Amanda)
For those who follow Switched at Birth, and this show, you will know Sheree's mom on Switched at Birth is bipolar. Seemingly though, The Fosters has decided to pick up on this type of character and adapt it to their show. But, while Sheree's mom has been written off due to violence, Amanda, Zach's mom, seemingly may not just be bipolar, but have some sort of memory issue as well. And, for me, while I like seeing different types of people represented, I am starting to feel that when it comes to these mothers who are very protective and have a mental illness, it isn't like showing Callie deal with PTSD, Ana dealing with her drug issues, and stuff like that. It, I don't want to put my perception on it, but at the same time I feel like there is this superficial image imposed, in which you get the visual but not the depth.
Things To Note
Emma and Jesus may happen, though Emma seems cautious.
Jesus seems like he may go back on his meds
Watching the type of shows I do, I often am wary of when new characters are introduced. The reason for this is because often they are either love interest, or the type of characters who encompass a story which will never be fully fleshed out, so sometimes we meet them and find them leave as a caricatures. And while there are exceptions, sometimes it does seem that even though they are written to be some sort of three dimensional character, their story was still made more so for the sake of drama or entertainment, and not so much representation.
Topic 1: The Family You Deserve (Stef & Lena; Mike; Callie, Jude, and their Dad)
With reservations, Stef continues to "give in," for a lack of a better term, to Lena's need to have a child. Of course though, this isn't without continuous bumps in the road. One being that Timothy and Lena still are very flirtatious, and I think Stef feels slightly threaten by this. Which likely may lead to Lena talking about how she feels about Mike being around, if this hasn't already happened, which I think it did. But, the real issue comes from Jesus finding out and an impromptu family meeting happening so that everyone knows the situation. Which leads to unanimous support.
But, with a baby on the way, this possibly means a little less space for Brandon, at least this is Dani's argument as she continues to create a family between her, Mike and Brandon. Mind you, when I say this is her argument, she doesn't know about the baby yet, but it seems she, between shared secrets and maybe a desire to have a family of her own, seems really invested in Brandon to the point of his restitution for all that money being him getting back to the piano. And with this, it seems Dani is trying to present a reset button on Brandon's character which I greatly welcome. However, I still feel the need to be cautious for some reason, despite this not being Twisted and the chance of her having some dark motive possibly solely being in my imagination.
Leading to Callie and Jude's father. Though, when presented, you almost feel a need to worry, it seems he is more guilt ridden than sinister. He blames himself for Callie and Jude's mom's death and seemingly, his abandonment came from shame. He wanted to be the dad they deserve, and as Daphne illustrates, after getting out of prison, that is hard. Your money isn't right, it is hard to get a job and decent place, so being the type of parent you feel you need to be is difficult. And though Daphne's kid is still a child, Jude and Callie are teens, well Jude almost, and so it makes it so his screw ups can't be brushed under the rug. And, look at what Lena and Stef have compared to him. Why take them from privilege, or even fight, when you can't compete? But, he does give Jude some type of closure, as does Callie, and when the door shuts at the end of the episode, so it seems a chapter shuts on their life.
Topic 2: Another Mom with a Mental Illness (Amanda)
For those who follow Switched at Birth, and this show, you will know Sheree's mom on Switched at Birth is bipolar. Seemingly though, The Fosters has decided to pick up on this type of character and adapt it to their show. But, while Sheree's mom has been written off due to violence, Amanda, Zach's mom, seemingly may not just be bipolar, but have some sort of memory issue as well. And, for me, while I like seeing different types of people represented, I am starting to feel that when it comes to these mothers who are very protective and have a mental illness, it isn't like showing Callie deal with PTSD, Ana dealing with her drug issues, and stuff like that. It, I don't want to put my perception on it, but at the same time I feel like there is this superficial image imposed, in which you get the visual but not the depth.
Things To Note
Emma and Jesus may happen, though Emma seems cautious.
Jesus seems like he may go back on his meds
