‘Extended Family’ Recap: ‘The Consequences of Familial Obligations’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

EXTENDED FAMILY -- "The Consequences of Familial Obligations" Episode 110 -- Pictured: (l-r) Donald Faison as Trey, Abigail Spencer as Julia -- (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Ten of ‘Extended Family’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular truth about family life that frustrates every parent, is the sheer fact that they cannot be in more places at once. Because sadly, bringing children into the world means that they begin to take part in interests that delight them and require their time, and that in turn, requires the time of parents as well. Which can be downright frustrating when events overlap, and a parent potentially cannot be there to support their children because that’s what parents want above all else. To take part in beautiful memories and watch their kids grow before their eyes. But alas, there are only two of them, and that is why… in order to properly raise a family, it does indeed take a village. 

Which is why parents rely upon their parents to help out when possible, and that’s also why… new members to the family, especially in a blended family, have to step up and take the reins of their respective new role as stepparent. So that the kids get what they need and well, that truth is top of mind today, simply because the next episode of Extended Family on NBC put that on display to demonstrate how it works and showcase the wonders teamwork accomplishes. A feat that ‘The Consequences of Familial Obligations’ accomplished by having Jim and Julia face some daunting issues with family time.

Because a father/daughter dance was coming up for Grace on the same night that Jimmy Jr. had a Pinewood Derby with his Scout Troop. And well, both of them wanted dear old dad to be there. Since Grace had been practicing a dance with Jim and Jimmy needed his guidance. Which prompted Jim and Julia to figure out how best to split up the duties to keep everyone happy and well… that was where Trey came in. Because Jimmy desperately wanted a father figure there and since Trey was a scout once himself… and a stepdad in waiting… Jimmy deemed Trey as the one to be there to support him. An emotional moment for Trey that he was happy to take part in… giving rise to brief peace in the household as everyone seemed appeased at last and the trouble was behind them.

But life, doesn’t play by the rules, and just like that… Jim was delayed on the big night, and Bobby was too when he stepped in to try and help at the dance. Which meant it fell to Trey to once again stand tall and dance it up in this instance to save another night, and he happily stood in until Jim arrived from his delay. Which gave Trey a chance to peel back and let Jim and Grace impress the crowd. Because sometimes… sacrifice comes into play when it comes to giving children the memories they want and need, and he wasn’t the only one to play the temporary hero. Since Julia, who became the backup derby master, also took a backseat when Bobby realized he could help Jimmy Jr. place well in the big race, which he most certainly did.

All of which, truly spoke to how it takes everyone in a family to raise kids properly, and that such unity also includes sacrifice and an understanding od when to back down to make the moment right and that led… to one amazing episode. One that offered up a beautiful look into how family life works in Modern America and perhaps offered a guide to newly blended families that are unsure of how roles work in their new dynamic. But that is what this show does well, showcase and teach and entertain along the way. For the laughs were definitely here as well, with Jim’s shenanigans leading the way and truly, it was incredible to see this family jell in this manner and see them grow before our eyes and that definitely leaves us eager to continue more of this beautiful journey, one that truly speaks to the wonder and the power of family. Until next time.

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