GOLDBERGS, THE: CIRCLE OF DRIVING {SERIES PREMIERE} (TV)
Summary
The first in this comedy series about a dysfunctional Pennsylvania family in the 1980s. In this episode, youngest son Adam reminisces about the '80s and introduces his family, including hot-headed dad Murray, overbearing mother Beverly, shallow sister Erica and high-strung brother Barry, all of whom he annoys with his habit of videotaping everything. On Barry's 16th birthday, he is disappointed not to receive a car from his parents, and Beverly tells him that he is still too irresponsible to drive. Murray agrees, and Adam explains that his harsh way of talking often disguises his somewhat good intentions. Barry is further upset when Murray gives him an REO Speedwagon cassette, but Beverly's father Albert, known as "Pops," arrives and tries to give Barry his old car. Beverly stops him, however, and Pops takes Adam out to a waffle house and gives him advice on flirting with the pretty waitress, Zoe. Pops then vows to help a despondent Barry obtain his driver's license, but he then crashes into a burger joint himself and is arrested.
Beverly rescues them from jail and takes her father's keys, declaring that he can no longer drive. Murray agrees that Barry deserves his license, to complete life's natural "circle of driving," and he prepares to give Barry a lesson despite Beverly's attempts to guilt-trip him. The lesson goes badly, however, with Murray quickly losing his temper, and Barry causes a traffic jam when he refuses to exit the car. Pops absconds with Adam to the waffle house, but Beverly joins them and badly embarrasses Adam in front of Zoe. Pops then admits that he needs his car because he loves spending time with his grandson, and Beverly seems to feel bad. Elsewhere, Murray has a heart-to-heart with Barry and promises to help convince Beverly of his right to drive, and they crank REO as they drive home. Beverly admits to Murrya that she is upset about their children growing up and not needing her, but he promises that she will always have him. Pops gives in and destroys his license, giving his car to Erica, and Barry resumes driving lessons, though he immediately crashes, much to Murray's annoyance. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: ABC
- DATE: September 24, 2013 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 00:21:46
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: 111868
- GENRE: Comedy
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; Families; 1980s
- SERIES RUN: ABC - TV series, 2013-
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Doug Robinson … Executive Producer
- Adam F. Goldberg … Executive Producer, Created by, Writer
- Seth Gordon … Executive Producer, Director
- Annette Sahakian Davis … Co-Executive Producer
- Billy Wee … Co-Producer
- Mary Rohlich … Co-Producer
- Sandi Hochman … Co-Producer
- Courtney Wieden … Associate Producer
- Michael Wandmacher … Music by
- Wendi McLendon-Covey … Cast, Beverly Goldberg
- Sean Giambrone … Cast, Adam Goldberg
- Troy Gentile … Cast, Barry Goldberg
- Hayley Orrantia … Cast, Erica Goldberg
- George Segal … Cast, Albert 'Pops' Solomon
- Jeff Garlin … Cast, Murray Goldberg
- Troy Winbush … Cast, Officer Puchinski
- Brec Bassinger … Cast, Zoe
- Steven Wiebe … Cast, Burger Joint Employee