Credit: Freeform
Calling back to an exemplary TLC song, The Fosters 5×07 is one of several episodes directed by Chandra Wilson (Grey’s Anatomy). Read on for 4 things to know about The Fosters 5×07, “Chasing Waterfalls.”
1. Brandon is Ross Geller and Tess is in denial.
In this week’s episode of Secrets & Lies – I mean The Fosters 5×07 – Brandon has a major Ross Geller moment, yelling “I’m fine! It’s fine! It’s whatever!” after catching Gabe and Cort kissing. Needless to say, he’s not fine. In a stunningly self-aware moment (or a terrific example of the opposite), Brandon acknowledges that Cort “doesn’t have the best taste in men.” Toward the end of the episode, Brandon and Cort have a surprisingly mature discussion, concluding that feeling jealous of an ex is normal and doesn’t signify that they want to (or should) get back together.
Elsewhere, Stef finally comes clean about the long-held secret behind why she disconnected from Tess in high school. She shares that she felt embarrassed and ashamed after her father caught them cuddling, and says she’s sorry for hurting Tess. Tess accepts the apology and pointedly notes, “It’s not like I had those feelings for you.” Methinks she doth protest too much…
2. Stewart is a grade-A ally.
In terms of reacting to their daughters’ sexual orientations, it sounds like Lena’s father Stewart was as supportive as Stef’s father Frank was discouraging. However, Stewart now recognizes that he still had room for improvement. He apologizes to Lena for saying he “still” loved her after she came out, because that phrasing made it seem that being gay was a negative thing. Here, The Fosters 5×07 exposes an important nuance: Words matter, and outright hostility isn’t the only way to make someone feel invalidated, whether intentionally or not.
My love for you has never changed – not one bit. What I should’ve said was, “I’m very proud you know who you are and I can’t wait to meet the person you choose to share your life with.”
This is a sweet exchange amid a whole bunch of Adams-related drama, including but not limited to the longstanding debate over whether the money Stef and Lena used to buy their house was a loan or a gift, a surprise automobile purchase, and encroaching issues with Stewart’s mental faculties.
3. Jude and Noah (and Taylor) are on the rocks.
In last week’s episode, Noah found out Jude lied about abstaining from gaming, and this week, he tells Jude he can’t be with someone who lies to him. A chastened Jude promises to make their relationship more of a priority, but in recommitting to Noah, he has to cut down on gaming sessions with Taylor. Cut to an epic custody battle because Jude’s just that popular, and luckily Dana’s around to adjudicate. Lorraine Toussaint shines here, establishing the terms of visitation and asking “Any questions, comments, concerns? No? Good!” before sweeping out of the room.
Jude’s scheduling limitations aren’t the only thing placing a strain on GirlAndGayGuy, however. He receives an email from a video game company with a “pay to play” brand ambassador offer, but when he calls to find out more (because why would parents need to be at all involved in a 15-year-old accepting a job?), he learns the offer only applies to him and not Taylor. To quote the Eminent Power rep, “We already have plenty of girl gamers. We’re looking for some gay-mers. G-A-Y-mers.”
4. Callie and Aaron get closer.
In arguably the most important and definitely the cutest story line of The Fosters 5×07, Callie and Aaron enjoy some quality time together. They hike to the eponymous waterfall, go swimming, have an in-depth conversation about Callie’s self-doubt, and talk about how it’s OK not to have all the answers. “The truth is, no one knows the entirety of who they are,” Aaron opines. “If they say they do, they’re either lying or really really lame.” Callie responds thoughtfully, “All I need to know today is … what I want right now” – and that’s Aaron.
Callie also applies their conversation to her UCSD art class, where her self-portrait got mixed reviews. She explains that growing up in the foster system means she’s “been so many different girls and been in so many different homes … so this self-portrait is exactly right.”
You can find out more about how the actor who plays Aaron views the Callie/Aaron relationship dynamic in our recent interview with Elliot Fletcher!
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