Parenthood Episode 6.04 A Potpourri of Freaks

It's early when Hank wakes up to a text from Sandy - she has to drop Ruby off early. Rushing to get dressed, Hank tries and fails to waken Sarah, telling her the maid is coming over. Sarah emerges from the bedroom dressed only in Hank's pajama top just in time for Sandy and Ruby's arrival. It's another awkward moment courtesy of Hank. That evening, Sandy stops by the studio to give Sarah a message for Hank. While she understands Hank and Sarah's relationship is none of her business, she's already told Hank that Ruby's time with him shouldn't include Sarah. Of course, this is all news to Sarah, who confronts Hank. Why wouldn't he tell her Sandy doesn't want her around Ruby? Sarah explains that no one can read Hank's mind - there are certain things he's got to clarify by talking about them, even if it's uncomfortable.

Crosby is just experiencing shock and horror to learn Oliver Rome is being courted by another record label when Jabbar jumps hard on his ribs. Crosby yells in pain and brusquely pushes Jabbar, bringing Jasmine, who's none too happy to discover Crosby severely bruised his ribs as a result of skidding off the road on his motorcycle. In her mind, the lesson is no more riding motorcycles - which is why she takes away his riding privileges.

There's a new student at Chambers Academy - Dylan Jones is a super cute, super smart troublemaker who got kicked out of her last four schools. Kristina is stunned to see Max sitting with Dylan at lunch; it's the first time he hasn't eaten alone. Kristina fights the urge to check up on them, but can't resist asking Max what's up at dinner time. Both Adam and Kristina are unhappy to hear that not only does Dylan call Max "Asperger's," but she thinks Chambers Academy is a potpourri of freaks - which, they have to admit, it may well be. The next morning, Kristina calls Dylan into her office to explain there's no name-calling at Chambers and no disrespect. Dylan understands, but explains that she isn't disrespecting Max by calling him Asperger's , she's stating a fact with the purpose of de-stigmatizing the word. Adam and Kristina know the tables have turned when Max announces he's going to cut his hair because Dylan told him to. Kristina is suspicious of Dylan's motives and afraid of the inevitable, but Adam promises to take care of it with a father-son chat. He couldn't be more thrilled when Max asks, "What do you do when you like a girl?"

Having set up a bed for Zeek in the living room, Adam is on hand for his return home from the hospital. The doctor has instructed Zeek to work up to walking around the block, but right now, getting up the front steps seems like climbing Mount Everest. When Camille brings him a bell to ring when he needs her, Zeek lays into her. He's not going for a walk right now, he's going to sit and watch the John Wayne marathon, period. After spending the day manipulating his grandchildren into fetching ice tea, a late night trip to the bathroom is fraught with pain and frustration, bringing Millie to tears and sending Zeek right back to the couch.

At work, Adam blames Crosby for Oliver Rome's possible defection. However, it seems Adam never made sure Oliver was under contract to The Luncheonette as a solo artist, which means he's well within his rights to sign with another label. Crosby knows Adam screwed the pooch, and when he discovers Oliver is languishing at a silent spiritual healing center in Big Sur, Crosby knows he's got to go after him. Jasmine thinks a spiritual healing center is a great idea for Crosby - as long as he drives the minivan. After a long, cranky ride, Crosby talks his way into the retreat, where Oliver talks him into staying the night - fate must have brought them together! It's dawn when Crosby finally learns Oliver already signed with the other label. Furious, Crosby fully decimates the silence with his mouth, then leaps into the minivan for the long drive home. It's dark when Jasmine hears him pull in, immediately start up the motorcycle, then pull right out again.

Joel and Julia bring Sydney to Melody's house to apologize for her bullying behavior. Sydney's "I'm sorry" is sullen and robotic and ends with her stomping off to the car, angering Melody's mom, who's not satisfied with Julia's sincerest apology. That night, Joel and Julia agree Sydney's out of control because they're out of control. Julia thinks they should clarify the status of their marriage for the kids' sake and tell them they're not getting back together. Little do they know, Sydney has been listening to their conversation from her bedroom window. The next day, Julia stops by her parents' house, hoping to persuade Zeek to take a walk. No dice. Julia gives in, settling on the couch for "Rooster Cogburn." Sensing something's up, Zeek assures Julia she's the best mom he knows, and asks that she lay her head on his shoulder. Meanwhile, Camille is over at Adam and Kristina's crying over Zeek. She thought the hard part of the surgery would be keeping him down; now she's afraid he's giving up.

Hank finally tells Sandy the truth about Sarah: they're in a serious relationship. Sarah's a big part of Hank's life and he hopes to God she'll be a big part of Ruby's. He can barely believe it when Sandy's reaction is simply, "Okay." That night, Sandy drops off Ruby for pizza night at Hank's. Everything goes smoothly until Ruby opens her mouth, cutting Sarah to the quick with insults about her clothes. Poor Sarah, she just can't win! Joel stops by Julia's to talk to Sydney. They understand she's having trouble dealing with their uncertainty, and they're sorry, but that's just the way it is. It's okay if Sydney's mad at her parents; they're not going anywhere.

Armed with the experience of beating breast cancer, Kristina pays Zeek a surprise visit. The hardest part of recovering is knowing how ill you really are, and knowing how scared you are. Zeek doesn't have to pretend to be stronger than he feels, but he has to try to get better. Everybody's counting on him. Zeek screws up his courage, asks for Kristina's help and takes a walk around the block.