Image Credit: Florian Schneider/NBC
There was a resounding sigh of discontent when Crosby (Dax Shepard) slept with Gaby (Minka Kelly) on Parenthood. Ken Tucker, in fact, detailed the conflict last week before the new episode. But now that Jasmine (Joy Bryant) halted plans for reconciliation, are Jasmine and Jabbar (Tyree Brown) really going to go on without Crosby? Well, perhaps “go on” is too strong, as it implies they’re running away. But the idea of Crosby’s budding family unit breaking apart is pretty sad.
It’s a thought that’s twirling in my head since last week’s wrenching scene when Jasmine told Crosby she had to “move on.” (See her speech below.) The problem is that I tend to unfairly expect a happy endings from family TV shows — I assume that even though TV families go through hard times things will be resolved in the end. But — as in real life — that’s not a fair expectation to have. There’s a chance things won’t work out for Crosby and his budding family unit. The question I’ve been asking myself, however, is that if it didn’t work out, would I be okay with it? Or would it ruin a little bit of the “it’ll all work out” magic that seems to sweep over the ever-resilient Braverman clan; you know, the magic that protects them just enough from total destruction but not enough to make them disinteresting.
This is a subject I touched on with Joy Bryant when I spoke to her late last month. After expressing her hope for reconciliation, she said she also wouldn’t take issue with a less conventional happy ending for the fan-fave couple.
“One of the cool things is that the show reflects the different types of parents and the different dynamics of parenting,” she said. “There are a lot of people out there who aren’t married but they have a child — they’re making it, they’re doing the best for the child. Not everyone is married and has that unit, but there are so many people out there that are going through a similar kind of thing. The show is reflecting what’s out there. So if we get back together, that’s amazing, that’s wonderful. But if we don’t, it’s great to just to see how people who aren’t romantically involved — or may have been at one point and that didn’t work out — how they put that aside for the sake of their child.”
She said that at the end of the day, she sees Crosby and Jasmine’s story almost secondary to Jabbar’s. “It’s about Jabbar growing up and having two parents that love him and support him. I think that people really relate to that,” she said. “Maybe there’s a happy ending — maybe there’s a different happy ending.”
So Parenthood watchers, do you agree with Bryant? If the story took a twist and gave us the “different happy ending,” would that sit well with you? I didn’t use to think I would like it because I love Jasmine and Crosby. But now a part of me likes the realism of the alternative message — things don’t have to be perfect to be happy.
I’m torn. Thoughts?
I’m hoping by season’s or series’ end Jasmine and Crosby will definitely get back together after Crosby’s one night stand with Gaby the behavioral aide for Max. With only three episodes left heading towards the finale April 19th I’m not quite sure whether NBC is picking up “Parenthood” for Season 3, my guess is still uncertain.
I just read on multiply.com that Parenthood was picked up. I hope they’re right.
Good riddance. I have never liked Jasmine. Beginning with her not telling the man he had a son and then treating him like his opinion never matters. Not to mention a total lack of chemistry; I saw more chemistry in Shepard’s brief interactions with Minka Kelly than I ever saw with Bryant.
Agreed! I HATE Jasmine. I am sure Joy Bryant is very sweet, but I hate, hate, hate her character!!
Agreed! Joy Bryant seems like a wonderful person. But I definitely think Crosby and Gaby have WAY more chemistry, and they just fit together better. Having said that, it’s frustrating that they weren’t the ones who were together in the first place, then none of this would have ever happened. Again, it’s not that Bryant is a bad actress or that she’s not lovely (she’s stunningly beautiful, in fact). But I just don’t feel the chemistry at ALL between her and Crosby. Whereas, though it was brief, there was definitely more than just sparks between him and Gaby.
I would be more than fine with that. Like Bryant said, it’s realistic. I never particularly liked them as a couple anyway and was disappointed they went the route of Crosby sleeping with Gaby as it put the blame for things falling apart fully on him when I think they had problems to work out anyway.
When Crosby and Jasmine first started their romantic relationship last season, I thought it felt forced, like they were trying to do what they thought they needed to (remember their super awkward ‘first date’, which to me felt like zero chemisty)… Maybe they will come to terms with the fact that Jabbar is their only real connection, and move forward from there.
AGREE completely. It always seemed like Crosby and Jasmine decided to get together just because it would be good for Jabbar. But it was a very immature relationship. Neither saw the other person for who he/she really was. Jasmine, in particular, loved Crosby for who she WANTED him to be, rather than who he is. I’m personally glad to see the relationship take a long-term break (if not for good, at least for a while). For another reason, it would be good to see a parenting situation on this show that’s built around two parents who are friends and yet raising a child together. Not every couple on this show has to be married–it’s more interesting that way.
I want them to reconcile. They need to forive each other and move on. I love this show. We need more good tv like this. Excellent cast and good stories.
I am NOT OKAY with Jasmine ad Crosby moving on WITHOUT each other! I love Joy Bryant and Jasmine. The writers have tried their best to make Jasmine un like-able. In last weeks episode, it was clear that Crosby not only loves Jabbar, but he loves Jasmine was well. I am deeply offended when people totally ignore the beauty and talent of Joy Bryant. I think she is as beautiful if not more Beautiful than the other beautiful actresses on the show, including Minka Kelly.
I would not be OK with it either. But PH’s core majority audience hated her from day one and TPTB gave them further justification to hate her. They cannot be objective about Jasmine. It has always been clear to me that he loves Jasmine. They had a fight, why can’t they work it out? They loved each other, why not break up another couple? What is TPTB saying here? Couples that work look a certain way, are perfectly matched, have a prefect history? Crosby and Jasmine are very realistic; they laugh, they fight, they have fun. But as i said they are going to please the core audience. I am not OK with an alternative happy ending…for 2 seasons the writing has been indicating that Crosby and Jasmine are the end couple, I bought into that idea, how could i be happy with an alternative happy ending. There is only one happy ending IMO…Crosby/Jasmine/Jabbar moving on together.
I really don’t see how you can be “deeply offended” about people ignoring her beauty. That has not been said once. Several people have commented on her beauty and talent – just mentioned that the chemistry between them was not as apparent as it was with Gaby. No one could look at her and thing her anything but beautiful, and it’s not the fault of either person if they lack personal chemistry. I do think the writers have caused problems for the audience when it comes to her – they make him so pathetic, it’s hard not to sympathize with him – and she’s so strong, and even cold toward him sometimes – it turns people against her (character). Joy Bryant is incredible – period… I still haven’t decided what I think should happen – Maybe she should find a boyfriend and he should go with Gaby – then, after a few well-written, steamy and awkward moments during the Jabar drop offs… they will pull us into their mutual attraction and we will all be able to root for them to re-connect. Right now, the stage seems set for him to have a relationship with Gaby when Jasmine ignores his overtures. We’ll see. Best show on TV, bar none. Love it!!
As long as Crosby is still able to participate in Jabbar’s life, I’ll be happy. I don’t think they worked that well as a couple.
I’d like to see some growth in Jasmine if this is the outcome. She has the potential to be the Kate in Jon and Kate – controlling, condescending…she has to value Crosby’s role in Jabbar’s life and not move away emotionally or physically. Jabbar clearly wants both parents in his life and she needs to accept it, think its good, and be very open with access. I’d like to see a couple on tv able to accomplish that.
Yes! That’s what I posted below. I think it would be great if they could model healthy co-parenting. Too often you see people who chose to have a child with someone then after they split wanting to keep the child away from them. It would be nice to see a couple realize that while their romantic relationship might not work, they can maintain a healthy relationship for the child without petty squabbles over who has rights to what time or the child being subjected to the parents badmouthing one another.
The character of Crosby – as written to date – is absolutely in love with being a father. About that there is no doubt.
The question becomes “does this extend automatically to Jasmine?” Looking at it from that perspective, the answer is a resounding NO!.
Look, Jasmine and Crosby are both good people. They just are polar opposites. Her type A personality will (as is – although he doesn’t realize it consciously yet) will make him miserable. They want whats best for Jabbar, but have tgo realize that it can be done separately. Trying to force a relationship for the sake of the kid rarely works, as millions have found out. Crosby should get together with Gaby.
I actually liked them as a couple at first, but as the relationship went on it just seemed they are not really suited to each other’s personalities. They clash way too much, and Jasmine seems to try to dominate and change Crosby. I also don’t know if Crosy is mature enough emotionally to get married and settle down, which was proven by the one nighter with Gaby. I do think Crosby will make a great “weekend dad”, and the two of them don’t have to live together to raise Jabbar together. If they can’t stop the bickering, Jabbar is better off with them apart. What I love about the show is how Crosby’s family has fully accepted Jabbar as one of their own. He will get the love and acceptance he needs regardless of whether Crosby and Jasmine stay together.
Sandra: My question to you is, Could them not ending up together be their “happy ending”. What I mean is them not making what I think is a mistake a good thing for all involved (most importatly, their kid). Getting married or being together isn’t the only path toward having a healthy happy productive family and TV could use more example of alternative families functioning. Like Miranda and Steve (prior to them getting married) or the many other unmarried co parents that actually worked. Most parents in the US are single so shouldn’t TV reflect this shift in society norms.
I don’t like them together — Crosby is too flighty and Jasmine too regimented for it to work. I love them both with Jabbar, though, so I hope they don’t write him out. He brings out the only good side of Crosby. Without Jabbar he’s just an immature imbecile.
Agreed with everything Joy said.
OK, I’m not even reading this becaue I don’t want to know any spoilers but just had to say I love this show and this couple is the main reason I watch. I just love that cutie Jabar. I was interested from the beginning to see where this relationship would go, how could a solid family form with a immature man not even knowing he has a 4 yr old son? It’s good and great actors.
I think she has a point with how the show explores different family dynamics. Parenthood has to come back for a 4th season!!!
Crosby can do better…she and her mother are just too bossy.
I would actually like it if they didn’t get back together. Not everyone has to end up together/married for it to be a happy ending. A better story is how the next woman in Crosby’s life or the next man in Jasmine’s life deal with being in relationship with them when they are still tied to the mother/father of their child.
I’m ok with them not being together, since they really just don’t seem to work. I think it would be great if they showed them going through the process of figuring out how to balance their lives if they aren’t together and making sure both parents are equally important. I hate how someone mentioned above that Crosby will be a great “weekend dad”. I think it would be great if the show explored what a truly healthy co-parenting situation can be rather than what unfortunately became the norm where one parent is given the majority of time. I think too often parents put their own feelings ahead of what is good for the child. I just hate when people use the kids as pawns for getting back at each other, so it would be nice to see some positive representations out there where even though the relationship didn’t work out the couple can still co-exist for the sake of the child.