The Fosters, ABC Family’s drama about two lesbian moms and their five kids, ended its season with some storylines resolved, but others just beginning. Here’s what I liked about it—and what I hope for next.
Overall, I love the show as much as I have since it started, although the teen angst still gives me, the mom of an almost-teen, a lot of agita. Nevertheless, I applaud the creators for breaking new ground this season with television’s youngest same-sex kiss, and for continuing the Jude-Connor storyline in a way that made room for the evolving identities of the characters.
This season, too, saw moms Stef and Lena encountering some turbulence in their relationship. That didn’t make me happy at first, because I like them a lot as an on-screen couple, but I realized it’s one of the few times I’ve seen a two-mom couple working out their relationship on screen. Yes, there were Tina and Bette of The L Word, but the parenting part of their storyline was never really a focus. To see the moms of teens still working on relationship issues—well, it made me feel better about the times when my spouse and I argue, even after 22 years together.
While a few storylines were wrapped up in the latest episode, a few new ones crept in (semi-spoiler alert—but these are unresolved so I’m not really spoiling anything): Stef’s questionable mammogram results and Jude’s declaration of love for Connor, who looks to be moving out of town. I’m guessing next season, too, will bring us more about son Jesus, who was absent this season while the show switched actors for the role.
Storylines I’d like to see develop in the future? Stef and Lena continuing to patch up the cracks that showed in their relationship. Brandon, starting to think about life after high school (and perhaps after Callie). Jude and his growing identity as a gay teen. Callie’s website for foster kids, perhaps aided by Mariana and her mad computer skillz. More of Lorraine Toussaint as Lena’s mom, because I like her as an actor and her character is ever so much nicer here than on Orange Is the New Black. Finally, as always, the show’s constant commitment to the idea that love makes a family.
How did you like the season? What do you want to see in the next one?