The Fosters 5×08 – Engaged – Recap

During The Fosters 5×08, Gabe took a risk, Brandon prom-posed, and Jesus had a really bad day. Here’s our recap of The Fosters 5×08, “Engaged.”

Callie’s at a crossroads

In The Fosters 5×08, Callie finds herself at a crossroads in more ways than one. After a deflating application interview for the UCSD art school, she begins to consider social work, psychology, or even law. Her current boyfriend (Aaron, himself a law student) thinks earning a humanities degree would be a more effective way for Callie to change the world. Meanwhile, her ex-boyfriend and kinda-brother (AJ, who’s applying to the art program himself) gives a rousing speech centered on the power of art. Protesting a controversial right-wing speaker’s visit to UCSD is another area in which AJ and Aaron act as conflicting forces, as Aaron opposes the protest in the name of free speech while AJ stands alongside Callie and Ximena on the front lines. And did I mention that Aaron’s preparing to leave for a summer internship in New York?

Speaking of the protest, Stef’s proud of Callie for taking a stand but notes that some people “take advantage of emotionally charged situations to create chaos” (see: Charlottesville) and asks Callie to make smart choices if things start to get out of hand. Although Callie agrees, this may be easier said than done, especially when a counter-protester spits on Ximena and begins chanting, “Build a wall.” This story line certainly continues to be timely: In the real world, the Texas Attorney General is threatening to sue the president if the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program isn’t ended by Sept. 5, while the White House is reportedly working on a plan to uphold DACA – but only in exchange for border wall funding and an immigration crackdown.

Gabana vs. Brandon, the Large Adult Son

By juggling her role on the prom planning committee with the campaign against privatizing Anchor Beach, Mariana stays busy (and thus on brand) in The Fosters 5×08. At least she doesn’t have to event-plan Mike and Ana’s engagement party – that’s the best man’s job, and Brandon’s less than enthused. When Stef makes it clear that Brandon’s on his own with this one, he cements his role as Large Adult Son by flailing around helplessly until Grace volunteers to assist.

This being The Fosters, there’s no way the party will go off without a hitch, and all indications point to Gabe as being the one to light the fuse. When he’s not starry-eyed over his own relationship with Emma, Jesus serves as captain of the Good Ship Gabana (as in Gabe and Ana, and also Dolce – you’re welcome). Jesus lobbies Gabe to confess his love to Ana in the middle of the party, and a suspicious Brandon accidentally-on-purpose overhears Gabe’s grand admission. But although there was a time that Ana dreamed of hearing those words from Gabe, she tells him she’s in love with Mike now, much to Brandon’s relief.

Bad tidings for Jesus

The sinking of the Good Ship Gabana isn’t the only disappointment Jesus faces in The Fosters 5×08. Following much fretting, hemming, hawing, and dithering, Stef, Lena, and Emma finally discuss his “engagement” to Emma. Lena assures Emma that Jesus’ recovery is not her responsibility and apologizes for allowing things to get this far, then Stef decides to shut down work on the treehouse as a disciplinary measure. Needless to say, Jesus doesn’t exactly react well when Emma admits she doesn’t want to be engaged. He breaks up with her, and when it seems nothing positive can come out of this scenario, Mariana swoops in to acknowledge Emma for sticking by Jesus. The two estranged friends end up sitting on the front porch together, where Mariana comforts Emma and admits she misses pre-TBI Jesus. Oh, and to add insult to injury, Gabe moves out of the Adams Fosters’ garage… without telling Jesus.

Toward the end of the episode, Jesus accompanies Mariana, Jude, and Taylor to hang anti-privatization posters at Anchor Beach after hours. While at school, Jesus wanders off by himself and encounters a fancy model showing what ABCC would look like if privatized. Cut to Drew summoning Lena to the school, showing her the now-smashed model, and telling her that security footage shows her kids were the last ones in the building.

Noah’s arc

Elsewhere, Jude, Noah, and Taylor take part in the second most ridiculous plot line of The Fosters 5×08 (Brandon handcuffing himself to Grace’s bed to prom-pose obviously takes first place). As you’ll recall from last week’s episode, a video game company representative reached out with a “brand ambassador” offer for Jude but not Taylor. After Noah surprisingly expresses support for the ambassadorship, he advises Jude to break the news to Taylor by telling her that while it’s a great opportunity, he won’t take it if she doesn’t want him to. According to Noah, Taylor will feel too guilty about holding him back to not give him her blessing. This is quite possibly the most devious and manipulative approach possible, and it inevitably backfires when Taylor takes Jude at his word. The Joah ship is cute and all, but I have to wonder if Noah secretly opposed the ambassadorship after all, and seized the chance to torpedo the opportunity for Jude while simultaneously straining Jude and Taylor’s friendship.

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Wondering whether actress Maia Mitchell thinks Callie should stick with art or pursue social work? She answers that question and more in our recent exclusive interview.