The Goldbergs - Pilot
ABC takes us back to the 80s in their new series “The Goldbergs.” It is based on the life of creator Adam F. Goldberg. You might know Goldberg from “Breaking In”, which was cancelled after one season and then renewed for a second season, only to be cancelled again. Goldberg created this sitcom based on material he recorded as a child of his loud and loving family. As said, this series revolves around the Goldberg family. The 11 years old Goldberg documents every move with a video camera, a novelty for that time. The videos are voiced over by an adult, Adam. While the premise of the series is quite nice – it is based on material of Adam Goldberg’s real life – I’m not convinced after watching the pilot and I think some other new comedies will be bigger hits.
The Goldberg family consists of father Murray, mother Beverly, sons Barry and Adam, sister Erica and grandfather Al “Pops” Solomon. Murray, (Jeff Garlin, "Curb Your Enthousiasm"), the hot-tempered father, finds it difficult to stop yelling and to express himself lovingly. This is expressed by the fact that sometimes the true meaning has been included in the subtitle. For instance, when he says “You’re not a complete fool after all”, he’s actually trying to say that he loves his son. Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey, "Reno 911!") is a mom nobody wants. She’s overly concerned, has control over everything that’s going on in the house and doesn't respect any boundaries, especially when it comes to privacy. While deep down inside she’s only afraid to lose her children. Pops (George Segal, "Just Shoot Me!") however, is a grandfather everybody wants, but isn't always what's best for you. When mom says you can’t have a car on your birthday, he gets you one anyway. That is, unless mother Beverly takes it away from you again.
Then there are the children, with Erica being the eldest. Erica (Hayley Orrantia) is the trendy 17 year old sister you don’t mess with; when you annoy her, she'll come to get you. It’s a shame she’s a bit concealed in the cast. When I reflect back on the episode at the end, I have a vivid picture of all characters in my mind, but Erica hasn’t had as much screen time. Maybe it’s because Adam Goldberg didn't have a sister in real life and that’s why she’s been omitted a bit in the story. But to bring a little diversity in the series, he chose to change his eldest brother in a sister, Erica. Barry (Troy Gentile) is the overly emotional middle brother who turns sixteen in the pilot episode and wants nothing more than to get a car for his birthday. Despite his mother not allowing this, Pops gives him one anyway, much to chagrin of his older sister who never got one for her birthday. But before he receives the keys, the car is confiscated by his mother. His father turns a deaf ear and gives him a driving lesson, which results in the car being towed with Barry still in it. And then there’s Adam, who documents all this craziness.
Even though I have nothing to complain about the characters, "The Goldbergs" can’t convince me it will be the next big comedy hit. I think that if they would vary the comedy more with the sense of reality we see in the last few minutes of the episode, the show will be much more successful. But when I compare it to other comedy series which are being released this season, I think "The Goldbergs" will end up drawing the shortest straw. What’s really nice about this show, are the end credits where we see images from the series contrasted with the images Adam Goldberg made in real life. This gives a nice personal touch to the series and Adam has stated to make the end credits for each episode this way. Although the series can be funny and has its good moments, it’s more a series I would watch in between other series when I've watched all my favorite shows.
"The Goldbergs" will premiere on the 24th of September.
The Goldberg family consists of father Murray, mother Beverly, sons Barry and Adam, sister Erica and grandfather Al “Pops” Solomon. Murray, (Jeff Garlin, "Curb Your Enthousiasm"), the hot-tempered father, finds it difficult to stop yelling and to express himself lovingly. This is expressed by the fact that sometimes the true meaning has been included in the subtitle. For instance, when he says “You’re not a complete fool after all”, he’s actually trying to say that he loves his son. Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey, "Reno 911!") is a mom nobody wants. She’s overly concerned, has control over everything that’s going on in the house and doesn't respect any boundaries, especially when it comes to privacy. While deep down inside she’s only afraid to lose her children. Pops (George Segal, "Just Shoot Me!") however, is a grandfather everybody wants, but isn't always what's best for you. When mom says you can’t have a car on your birthday, he gets you one anyway. That is, unless mother Beverly takes it away from you again.
Then there are the children, with Erica being the eldest. Erica (Hayley Orrantia) is the trendy 17 year old sister you don’t mess with; when you annoy her, she'll come to get you. It’s a shame she’s a bit concealed in the cast. When I reflect back on the episode at the end, I have a vivid picture of all characters in my mind, but Erica hasn’t had as much screen time. Maybe it’s because Adam Goldberg didn't have a sister in real life and that’s why she’s been omitted a bit in the story. But to bring a little diversity in the series, he chose to change his eldest brother in a sister, Erica. Barry (Troy Gentile) is the overly emotional middle brother who turns sixteen in the pilot episode and wants nothing more than to get a car for his birthday. Despite his mother not allowing this, Pops gives him one anyway, much to chagrin of his older sister who never got one for her birthday. But before he receives the keys, the car is confiscated by his mother. His father turns a deaf ear and gives him a driving lesson, which results in the car being towed with Barry still in it. And then there’s Adam, who documents all this craziness.
Even though I have nothing to complain about the characters, "The Goldbergs" can’t convince me it will be the next big comedy hit. I think that if they would vary the comedy more with the sense of reality we see in the last few minutes of the episode, the show will be much more successful. But when I compare it to other comedy series which are being released this season, I think "The Goldbergs" will end up drawing the shortest straw. What’s really nice about this show, are the end credits where we see images from the series contrasted with the images Adam Goldberg made in real life. This gives a nice personal touch to the series and Adam has stated to make the end credits for each episode this way. Although the series can be funny and has its good moments, it’s more a series I would watch in between other series when I've watched all my favorite shows.
"The Goldbergs" will premiere on the 24th of September.
About the writer, Wouter Drenthen
Wouter is a big fan of TV series and films. He has been writing for MySeries.tv since the 25th of March 2013
View profile of Wouter Drenthen
