5 Reasons to be Looking Forward to Parenthood’s 5th Season

When season 4 of Parenthood ended, there was much uncertainty as to whether or not the critically acclaimed show would be returning. When we got the announcement a few months ago that the Bravermans would, in fact, be back, there were many reasons to rejoice. With the season premiere only a day away, I have narrowed down my list to the 5 things I am most looking forward to on Parenthood this year.

More Jason Katims/Friday Night Lights Crossovers

One of the most fun parts of Parenthood for me has been seeing executive producer Jason Katims enlist some of my favorite actors from one of his other television gems, Friday Night Lights, to be a part of this remarkable ensemble. We’ve seen Minka Kelly, Michael B. Jordan and Matt Lauria in more significant roles and have enjoyed some cameos from other FNL alums as well. This season, look for Jurnee Smollett-Bell in a recurring role working with Monica Potter’s Kristina.

 

2.	Sarah Braverman In An Adult Relationship

I’m the first to say that I loved Jason Ritter’s character, Mark Cyr. When his relationship with Sarah first began, I was all for it, and loved that she was allowing herself to be happy. But, the truth of the matter is, they are in very different places in life. Her children are grown and she is ready for the next phase of her life
She was considering having another baby so she would be able to give Mark what he wanted, but in the end it may have been a bit too much for her. Ray Romano’s Hank makes a lot more sense for her. I was not happy when he first showed up and got in the middle of Sarah and Mark, but by the end of the season I realized how important it is for Sarah to be with someone who is on the same page as she is.  It was unclear when the season ended where exactly these two are headed, given that Hank just moved to Minnesota to be close to his daughter. But, I think the choice to be a solid father just made Sarah appreciate him more, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this relationship develops in this coming season.

 

Crosby’s Going To Be a New Dad!

Over the first four seasons Crosby has shown incredible growth as a person. Watching him develop as a father to Jabbar has been particularly poignant. One thing that has always been missing, though, is getting to see Crosby connect with his child from the beginning. He wasted no time connecting with Jabbar, and it has been a beautiful thing to behold. However, I think he has always felt sad to have missed out on the early years and I am really excited to see Dax Shepard portray Crosby as a first time dad, learning the ins and outs of early parenthood for the first time. (I assume he’ll be a natural at this role after recently welcoming Lincoln, his daughter with Kristen Bell).

Ryber

 
If you’re like me, you only really sink your teeth into a show when there’s a good couple to root for. Look no further. Last season Ryan (Matt Lauria) and Amber (Mae Whitman) emerged as the ship to watch. They met when Amber’s grandfather, Zeek, took Ryan under his wing as part of a veteran mentoring program. Ryan’s post-war experience has been complicated and messy and Amber’s had her fair share of difficult life circumstances to wade through. Together, though, they manage to help each other make sense out of the confusion. They are young and in love and  I’m pretty sure there is much more of their story to tell.  Also, Lauria and Whitman are tremendous in these roles, which just adds to the magnificence.

 

Monica Potter, Monica Potter, Monica Potter

I am not sure there is an actress on television as amazing as Monica Potter. Or, at least, not one who remains as under the radar as she does. This woman is a force to be reckoned with. She manages to infuse every moment she is on the screen with so much emotion, ranging from fear and anger to happiness and relief. From her earlier struggle adjusting to having a son with Aspergers to her more recent battle with cancer, Potter never fails to turn in stellar performances. She is a phenomenal talent and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in season 5.

 

What do you guys think? What are you most excited for in season 5?