'The Secret Life of the American Teenager': All about Bob
There were a whole lot of balls in the air tonight on The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and Amy's story took a backseat again this week to Ricky's issues with his father, Bob. I think that's a storyline the show has handled really well.
At the very outset of the episode we got a little bit of confirmation about Ricky and Adrian. We all knew they were having sex again (or still) but we got proof tonight, as the show started with the two in post-coital bliss. Well, Adrian was blissful, Ricky was angry and got up to leave. On the upside for the kid, he did tell Adrian about how his father abused him and about Bob's wanting to sell Amy's kid. That actually showed Ricky in a far better light than I think I've ever seen him.
Ricky then went to go talk to Grace's parents to explain the situation with Bob and to tell them that he couldn't see Grace anymore for fear that Bob would hurt her. Wow, two stand-up moments from the kid in one episode. That's a lot of emotional growth for him. Of course, he could have just been doing that to let her down easily so that he could be with Adrian. I don't think that's what he was doing, but even that would have been a positive move for him (not that I'm anti-Grace/Ricky, it's just better if he's not with two girls at the same time). Upon finding out, Grace declared her love and cried when Ricky wouldn't reciprocate. Is it just me or is she a tad one-dimensional?
Heck, Ricky even seemed truly upset when Bob tried to say that he would leave town if Ricky would help him get the money via the baby. Ricky's definitely got some big things to work through, hopefully he's not going to go down that road.
Then there's this George/Anne thing. We found George at the beginning of the episode shaving in the kitchen sink. I was sure that Anne was going to come in and have a few words with her husband about his not being allowed in the house. Instead, she suggested that maybe he ought to be in one of their bathrooms. Weird. I can't get a good read on whether those two actually want to be together. I'm leaning towards wedded semi-happiness. The two even pulled together (as best they can) when they learned about Bob's plans to sell the baby, they might not have agreed on the best way to proceed, but they were at least talking.
Anne put her foot down, telling Bob exactly what she thought, and how she was "a woman on the verge." That's right, she was on the "verge." Bob didn't get the message, but that was mostly because he didn't care to hear it. On the plus side, Anne wasn't coming down against Ricky at any point, she kept suggesting to anyone who would listen that Ricky could break the cycle of abuse (Bo Duke agreed).
As a quick side-note to the Bob story, Jack, doing his community service, mentoring a kid who seemed too old to be mentored by Jack, saw Bob buying drugs. Bob went back to jail, but I wouldn't make a bet on whether or not Bob will be staying there.
Of course, Amy had her own thing to do tonight too. She had her big finding-out-about-the-sex-of-the-baby appointment this week. Ben totally wanted in on the visit, Amy didn't. Odd, very odd. She said she "wished" he could be there, and he explained that he could be there, she also wanted to be married to this guy a few weeks ago. Now though she didn't want him to see her stomach. Yeah, she let Ricky see a lot more than that, but was completely against Ben seeing her stomach. I'm not sure that I understand (and I was totally there when I found out the sex of my child, even though it meant seeing my wife's stomach).
And the baby's sex? George was hoping for a boy, Amy wasn't sure she wanted to know, and Anne seemed to not state a big preference. The truth -- it's a boy (and, Ben showed up in the waiting room so he could make a little video in which Amy indicated that she was leaning towards adoption).
What I am taking bets on this week is the adoption question. Do you think Amy's putting the kid up? I'm leaning towards not.
The TV and Film Guy's Reviews - where we always find out in advance.
I think this is one of the more well-produced shows on television. Very near FNL levels (with way-hokier storylines, of course). The actors (for their age) are doing an amazing job. It's one of my favorite shows each week. I don't know that I can think of anything else to say, except that either the show needs to beef up the other storylines for the future post-baby world, or Amy will keep the baby and the show will continue to revolve around her being a teen mom. (which probably won't be that interesting past the first diaper change) Of course we could always do what other shows do and have characters continue to live their lives with the kid only showing up every 6 episodes or so. (ala Friends w/Emma)
I'm leaning towards not, i think the increased maturity Amy's been showing recently is pointing towards her wanting to keep the baby.. They are also showing Ricky in a more positive/mature light which i think indicates that he could be a good dad after all...
Such a good episode, i liked how big of a part Ricky played in it, he's still my favorite character and i'm glad Anne is starting to put her foot down... And i'm so excited we know the sex! i can just see Ricky playing catch with his son in the back yard :)
When Jack went to go mentor the kid. What is the name of the actress who played the sister of the boy being mentored? I am very curious to know the answer to this. By the way this epsiode was very intense!
I thought Daren Kagasoff did a phenomenal job tonight. I was actually surprised; he'd not impressed me like that before this. Kid has quite the career to look forward to.
This was probably the best episode so far. I have really enjoyed this show. This one actually brought me close to tears several times. Ricky had a lot more dimensions this time. They are handling this situation very well.
hey i am your biggest fan
Omg love your show i watch it every monday.. I LOVE IT