The New Normal Episode 1.07 The Godparent Trap

Bryan and David have decided that it's time to find godparents for their baby, hoping to establish some spiritual guidance for their child since they have little themselves. Bryan would love for his child to have some religion in his or her life; he grew up Catholic and attending church, and misses the traditions. Meanwhile, David is Jewish - although more by culture than by belief. But when their first pick for godparents, a highly spiritual lesbian couple, turns them down, Bryan and David are left empty-handed.

Shania and Goldie pay a visit to the counselor at Family Planning for a regular checkup on Shania's pregnancy. When Goldie mentions how great David and Bryan have been, Gary reminds them that it's important to establish boundaries; Goldie is really just a storage unit for their baby, after all. Shania has a hard time wrapping her head around the fact that the baby Goldie's carrying is not her future brother or sister, and that once the baby comes, she and Goldie will have to part ways with Bryan and David.

Shania brings home the class pet guinea pig, with an assignment to take photos of the pet with her family. She insists on taking "Marshmallow" to David and Bryan's; they're part of her family too! Goldie's resistant, but finally gives in to Shania's wishes. She explains to Bryan and David what Gary said to them about needing to maintain a separation. Bryan and David insist that Goldie will always be like family, but she leaves dubious.

Bryan goes to church for confession. He tells the priest that he's looking for godparents for his future child, but doesn't know how to do that when he hasn't found spirituality himself. How is supposed to be part of a church that doesn't accept him and his lifestyle? He claims that Jesus was all about eliciting change; and the church CAN change if people like Bryan are willing to stand behind it. Gay people march for equality in marriage and civil rights, why not their souls? This information hits Bryan hard, and he takes it under consideration.

Shania left the guinea pig at David and Bryan's house, and the guys are shocked to find that poor Marshmallow is dead! They recruit Rocky to find a replacement pet and actually do locate another guinea pig that's a dead ringer, but Shania isn't fooled. They forgot to check for one small detail: this guinea pig has lady parts. Rocky takes Shania aside and explains to her that Marshmallow lived a full life and is in a better place now. The guys are visibly affected, and note Rocky's wise words and spirituality.

Shania holds a funeral for the fallen Marshmallow and gives a moving eulogy. She speaks of the mystery of death, and the responsibility we have to be loving towards one another while we're here on this earth. Everyone is moved by Shania's speech - that's one wise nine-year-old!

The answer to the godparent question is so obvious, it was staring them in the face the whole time! The guys ask Shania and Rocky to be the godparents to their baby, and they both enthusiastically accept!

Bryan returns to the church, and lets the priest know he's decided to fight for his spirituality instead of give up. The priest tells him that Bryan, and his family, are welcome there any time.