The Goldbergs – “The Most Handsome Boy on the Planet” Retrospective. Model Walk.

Season 2, Episode 9 – Mid-Season Finale

Air Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2014, 8:30/7:30c on ABC

Rating: ★★★★★

“I made it out to cash.” – Beverly

Superstar!

It was only a matter of time before someone other than Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey) realized Barry (Troy Gentile) is, as the title suggests, “The Most Handsome Boy on the Planet.” So, when John Calabasas (Rob Huebel) approaches Barry in a shopping mall, telling him he could make Barry thousands as a model and all it will cost Barry is $100, it has to be legit. Doesn’t it?

Wearing her mom goggles, Beverly is instantly convinced Barry, indeed, has what it takes to be a successful model.

Barry: “I’ve been personally selected to be a world famous model.”

Beverly: “Well, I think you’re limiting yourself at world famous.”

Erica (Hayley Orrantia), on the other hand, is convinced it’s a scam. Turns out Barry isn’t the only Goldberg Calabasas approached.

I really enjoyed the banter between Beverly and Barry in this episode because of the little subtle things that feel like real life rather than a scripted TV show. Chemistry among characters is important on any show, and The Goldbergs has it in spades.

While I enjoy George Segal’s character, Pops, it’s great to finally meet Murray’s (Jeff Garlin) father, Pop-pop (Paul Sorvino). Sorvino is an excellent casting choice given his look, demeanor, and acting prowess; I could instantly see the father/son resemblance between Pop-pop and Murray, albeit a strained one. While Sorvino is a guest star on “The Most Handsome Boy,” I hope the writers find more ways to incorporate his character into stories without diminishing Segal’s role.

As someone with no relationship with my own father, I struggled slightly trying to grasp the full emotional weight of some of the scenes between Pop-pop and Murray. Despite that, I was able to appreciate Adam’s (Sean Giambrone) concerns about his relationship with his father. “Maybe, because I don’t want there to be a world where we live a mile away and never speak.” It must be nice to have those kinds of feelings.

In the end, things work out as Barry becomes a model of sorts and Pop-pop and Murray’s relationship turns a corner. “The Most Handsome Boy on the Planet” is another episode of The Goldbergs that tugs on your heartstrings. I find it interesting that the reasons I struggled to relate to some of the scenes in this episode is because I could relate.

Mother/Son bonding.

One of the reasons I enjoy The Goldbergs so much is because it often triggers personal memories I have forgotten. “The Most Handsome Boy on the Planet” made me think of the film ET. I have vivid memories of the first time I saw it because as my family was heading out to the theater, there were two severely intoxicated guys scuffling on our lawn. While that may seem insignificant to anyone reading this review, it’s what makes The Goldbergs so special. The show elicits private memories, both positive and negative, that allow you to briefly reflect on your personal past. In a way, we each have a little Goldberg inside us.

Perhaps the funniest moments of “The Most Handsome Boy on the Planet” comes during the end credits. If you missed them, they’re worth checking out. Gentile’s expressions alone are priceless.

Tweet me @Staffaroadtrip or leave a comment below to let me know what you think about “The Most Handsome Boy on the Planet.”

The Goldbergs returns after the holidays. To stay current with The Goldbergs during its winter hiatus, visit the official website.

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Greg Staffa

I provide testosterone to the site. You won’t be reading about how nice a actress looks in a dress or how much of a hunk Matt Bomer is in my reviews. I describe colors using words like brown, not taupe. My twitter name is @staffaroadtrip because I love road trips and have done two different 48-state road trips since 2008. My favorite show is White Collar.