You may think, after my last post lamenting the lack of romantic payoff in TGD 5x12 “Dry Spell,” that I’ve just gotta see some physical affection between Shaun and Lea to consider a TGD episode to be worthwhile for the remainder of the season. 

OR, you may be aware (as a long-time reader of this blog) that I try hard to mine the really good stuff out of any episode– whether it’s #Shea on the rocks, #Shea with a (plot) twist, or #Shea straight-up delightful without so much as a pat on the other’s hand. 

In the case of TGD 5x13 “Growing Pains,” we had the third option… and so much more, of course! Lots and lots of “growing,” with maybe just enough “pain” to keep things tilting to the dramatic side. As proven by that nasty gash in Kayla’s brother’s arm– damn– but I digress.

WHO (or what) “GREW” in this episode?

• So it’s through Trent’s method of “self-improvement” that we see both his connection to friends… and the disconnect with his mother. Shaun, being in a tribal/community mood for most of the episode, found himself siding with Trent. Most of the time. 

• But we got a refreshing take on his brand of brutal honesty when it kind of worked with Trent, and kind of worked with Trent’s mom, but it worked best when he set about “trying to understand” them. Next thing we know, he’s got both mother and son hugging it out– and yes Shaun, you got to do the surgery! And even better (for Shaun at least), he got Lim putting him and the word “attending” in the same sentence! 

• As for second-banana-on-this-case Asher, his individual growth was essentially on pause this week– though in a nice little follow-up to last week, we saw him trading his Tinder time on his phone to shopping-for-birthday-gifts-for-Jerome on his phone. 

• But I started thinking of the big bro/little bro vibes we’ve talked about for Shaun and Asher, and I realized the scene with them in the resident’s lounge fit the bill nicely…

  • Big bro Shaun is actively seeking a solution for Trent’s damaged wrist; little bro Asher drifts in, seeking gift advice, and serious Shaun waves him off.

  • Pesky little bro Asher makes a crack about Shaun’s race car– excuse me, classic car– pajamas; annoyed big bro Shaun shuts down the sleepwear convo.

  • Once Asher contributes meaningfully to the Trent conversation, ShaunVision runs with the “cyborg” mention of Asher’s…

  • And next thing we know, Shaun is the one running (okay, speedwalking) to the St. Bon’s atrium– with Asher on his heels, trying to keep up – as the wrist implant idea is first presented to Trent’s mom. 

I tell you all this to say that when they first discussed treatment for Kayla on TGD, I thought the story was going to be about what still sounds like a very touchy and/or controversial surgery (not sure how close it compared to what was done to Zavaroni 20+ years ago, though). Obviously, that wasn’t the case… but nonetheless I was surprised that the surgery was done on Kayla (offscreen, without much fanfare) with seemingly very positive results. It’s one of those times when I really hope TGD made a good choice, downplaying the dangers of such a surgery… but then again, I’m no expert! 

• Last episode’s attempts at a “sex schedule” persevered here, though unsuccessfully with Jordan and Lea working past the 11:30-midnight “window,” I presume. (Hey Shaun, it was just one missed date– chill, dude)

With Lim, Andrews and Glassman existing in the episode almost exclusively for the leadership they provide, it’s like TGD was giving the grown-ups a rest for the week, leaving the growing to the rest of the cast. This is not to say that St. Bon’s current trinity at the top doesn’t have plenty more growing to do as they rebuild. But with the last two episodes dipping heavier into their recovery, particularly for Glassman and Andrews, it’s not surprising that they were back- burnered a little here.

In fact, you probably noticed that Shaun and Glassman didn’t share a single scene in “Growing Pains!” But not to worry; if the promos for “Pot Luck” carry any truth within them at all, Shaun and Glassman will catch up on the “growing” in a big way.

What did YOU think of “Growing Pains”? Hit up the comments with your thoughts!