4 Things to Know About The Fosters 5×11 – Invisible

In The Fosters 5×11, Stef and Jesus grappled with invisible challenges, Callie focused on her future, Brandon… didn’t, and more. Read on for 4 things to know about The Fosters 5×11, “Invisible.”

1. Relationship instability abounds.

With all five Foster kids either in relationships or weighing their options, current and/or impending relationship instability was understandably prevalent in The Fosters 5×11, “Invisible.” Let’s break it down:

• Although Jude and Noah exchanged I-love-yous in last week’s episode, a threat to the Joah ship emerges in The Fosters 5×11. When big-name gamer Dylan tells a starstruck Jude he can persuade the (Eminent) Powers that be to extend an offer to Taylor, you can practically see the hearts in Jude’s eyes. Dylan says he’s used to getting what he wants… and it seems like that might mean Jude.
• The Jesus-and-Emma maelstrom may have subsided thus far in the back half of The Fosters season 5, but Poppy may throw a wrench in the works. Between seeing her family torn apart and transferring to a new school, Poppy’s feeling vulnerable and alone – a state of mind with which Jesus can empathize as he struggles to reintegrate at Anchor Beach. At the end of their first day, they share an emotional hug… and of course, Emma walks in on them.
• In general, The Fosters season 5 has seen considerable character growth, but Brandon seems to be establishing himself as an outlier. Since he found out about Grace’s illness in The Fosters 5×09, he’s really stepped up for her, but Stef’s concerned he’s going overboard. Those suspicions are confirmed when he shares his intention to forego college in favor of being around for Grace, and Stef urges him to look out for himself. If Brandon doesn’t course-correct, Grandon Canyon could be about to crumble…
• After agreeing to take a step back and focus on their friendship, Callie and Aaron are handling themselves… well, predictably. Last I checked, picnicking, hand-holding, and worrying about who the other person is hanging out with aren’t exactly hallmarks of being “just friends.” Ultimately, they have an honest conversation about where they stand and seem to still be committed to each other, but only time will tell…
• Mariana may not be seeing anyone in The Fosters 5×11, but she sure has options. Over the course of the episode, Mat requests another chance, Logan reveals he’s no longer dating Olivia, and Wyatt floats the idea of a date by way of “apology fruit.” Oh, and Nick is angling for a face-to-face meeting as well. By the end of the episode, Emma’s characterization of her friend as the Bachelorette really isn’t that far off.

---

2. Callie’s planning for her future.

Unlike Brandon, Callie’s extremely focused on her postsecondary education, but as the UCSD application deadline draws nearer, she’s still on the fence about what to study. At the beginning of The Fosters 5×11, she decides to apply to the School of Social Work and switch to art later, but when her professor explains that it’s difficult to transfer into the School of Art, she’s forced to reconsider. After seeking guidance from Aaron and Ximena (the latter of whom astutely points out, “My whole life has been a risk, so I say go for it”), she eventually applies to the art school. However, something tells me this isn’t the final development in this story line – especially as social work is purported to be a major theme of Freeform’s upcoming Callie-and-Mariana spinoff.

3. ABCC won’t be privatized – or will it?

Thanks to two rousing speeches by Mariana and Lena, the students and board members of Anchor Beach seem set to vote against the school’s proposed privatization. If you’ve followed this story line at all, you won’t be surprised that an(other) 11th-hour hurdle emerges. This time, Monte’s status as a voting member of the board is in question, as she’s about to take a new job elsewhere. If she’s found ineligible, Drew will take her vote and swing the majority toward privatization – that is, unless Nick follows through on his claim to have information that can save the school. Mariana agrees to meet him so they can talk, but thankfully she clues in Lena, who takes her place.

4. Jesus grapples with his new normal.

Speaking of Anchor Beach, Jesus is finally back at school after a prolonged TBI-related absence. He’s come a long way since being punched by Nick, but his short-term memory, cognitive skills, and emotional restraint are still a work in progress. Lena’s well-meaning yet suffocating preoccupation with his “outbursts” only compounds his frustration, along with overly kind teachers (shout-out to Timothy), overly unkind students, and a positively maddening paraprofessional named David. As The Fosters 5×11 comes to an end, Jesus breaks down at a TBI support group after both he and Stef find they can relate to the concept of having an “invisible disability” (a brain injury and anxiety, respectively). During a heartwarming three-way hug with Jesus and Stef outside the meeting, Lena assures Jesus, “You’re not broken, and I promise you we’re going to stop making you feel that way.”