When she discovers Melody is considering an out-of-state move, Bay encourages Emmett to strengthen his relationship with his father. Kathryn and John clash with Regina over funding Daphne's college expenses, while Daphne interviews for a Latina college scholarship. Mary Beth surprises Travis when she tracks down his hero.
This was just a really pleasant episode of Switched at Birth. It was simple yet complex. Every character had strong opinions about various real-world issues and it was very easy to understand both sides point of view. That aspect shined exceptionally well with the show's discussion of paying for college. Higher learning costs a ton nowadays. The show could easily just blow right past that. It has a very real explanation it could point to and not have to explain any further: John and Kathryn have a ton of money! Instead, Switched at Birth takes the time to analyze how money effects both parent and child. It is a difference of opinion. Sure, Regina is a little thick-headed to just flat out decline John and Kathryn's offer to pay for all of Daphne's school - and with medical school as well, those costs are getting quite high. The solution seems obvious to work out a payment plan with the Kennishes covering most of the costs but not all of it so Daphne and Regina can still work for it themselves. Yes, that is the solution that is decided on in the end. In the meantime, Daphne tries going out for scholarships and realizing just how far she can go with saying that she is a Latina. It's yet another great and complex discussion. Does being Latina mean she has faced discrimination? Does being white and whatever the Kennishes are mean she can't also be a part of the Latina culture that she grew up in? She's searching for answers. She doesn't really fit in to any of those categories but the show is unapologetic about approaching any of those questions.Elsewhere, Bay and Emmett are able to put the Matthew drama behind them just as more family problems for Emmett emerge. Melody may take a job in Madison, Wisconsin and his dad is moving in with his new girlfriend. Bay is working overly hard to make sure he can remain in Kansas City with his dad. And yet, a whole lot of more news comes to stir the pot. Cam and Debbie use their housewarming party as their wedding and then their announcement about having a baby. It's a lot just to throw out at people. Melody and Emmett are surprised and unhappy with how it all went down. Cam really wanted to talk to both of them first and was sorry for that. But he's also really focused on his current happiness and dealing with what his former family thinks after the fact. However, Emmett is really lucky. He has both Bay and Melody in his corner. They are there for him and help him come to terms with what all of this means for him. It is a new possibility with family. Bay's speech about coming together as two families was just the right thing to say and him giving away his old toys is a great and pleasant way to lift up those spirits.
Lastly, there's this really small subplot featuring Mary Beth and Travis as they try to meet NFL player Derrick Coleman. It really works well in the context of the episode as it also brings up a topic that both have different views on: family. Travis' real family is such a mess and really don't care about him at all. It is sad that they don't even know that he is dating Mary Beth, who really is this awesome girlfriend. She wants to talk about his troubled past and he just wants to bury it. She wants to talk about her family past because it reminds her of her brother in the best way possible. Sure, it's sad but it's also better than completely forgetting he ever existed. That must have taken time to get to that spot in life. Travis simply is not there yet and Mary Beth is supportive of that.
Some more thoughts:
- "Oh, Future!" was written by Henry Robles and directed by Zetna Fuentes.
- Sharee pops up again for a brief scene. So glad the show isn't forgetting about her now that field hockey is over and her mom is being dealt with.
- I kinda really loved that the East Riverside project took the week off.
- Kathryn being friends with Sarah Lazar just doesn't seem like a good idea. She did get the courage to stand up to her book editor but I have this sinking feeling that now she's gonna have to do something for Sarah now.
- Loved the frequent mentions of the Kennishes not having to use Toby's college funds.
- Gabe really is cute. Lucky Melody.
