Parenthood Episode 6.06 Too Big to Fail

Three months have passed since we last saw the Bravermans, and a heavily pregnant Amber is freaking out at the baby store with Drew. The sales clerk ticks down the list of everything a mother needs, and all Amber sees are dollar signs, dollars she doesn't have. Screwing up her courage, she presents her case to her uncles, asking for a raise. Crosby admits he values Amber's work more than Adam's, but all Adam will say is that they'll think about it.

At home, Jabbar announces that he wants to go to Harry Potter World in Orlando for his birthday. Crosby is crushed, knowing they can't afford the trip, so Jasmine tells Jabbar they'll look into it. The next day, Crosby and Adam are having another heated discussion about finances when Amber walks in, just in time to hear Adam remark that he didn't fire her three months ago because she's pregnant. That night, Jasmine presents a plan for Jabbar's birthday to Crosby. It's a splurge, but they can swing a trip for about $2,000. Crosby sighs, then explains he's losing The Luncheonette. He should have told her the truth earlier. Overwhelmed, Crosby ticks down his lengthy list of worries - what if they have to sell the house!? Jasmine's not scared of losing the business or the house. Crosby driving off in the middle of the night all crazy and silent scares her. Come hell or high water, Crosby is Jasmine's man - for the rest of their lives.

Dylan has been spending a lot of time at Adam and Kristina's, and they're doing their best not to appear obviously solicitous. After telling Kristina that he and Dylan aren't ready for intercourse, Max asks if she can sleep over. Before Kristina has time to think, Dylan texts her parents who immediately give their permission. That night, Dylan finds Kristina watching "To Kill a Mockingbird." She plops down on the couch, snuggles up to Kristina and explains how much she likes her. Dylan's parents are too clingy; sometimes she just wants to chill. That night before bed, Adam tells Kristina that he thinks Dylan actually likes Max, but Kristina thinks Dylan likes hanging out with the family, and Max maybe not so much. She wants to be sure they're protecting Max, but Adam's not worried.

Ruby bolts into the studio in tears. She hates her mom and she wants to stay with Hank and Sarah, where life is so much better. When Hank concedes, Ruby's tears evaporate - oh, and by the way, she has plans for a "casual get-together" with some friends tomorrow night. Sarah knows what this means, but Hank definitely doesn't. When Sarah tries to explain the slippery slope of teenage girl drama, Hank point-blank asks what to do. Sarah suggests planning a game night - an evening of fun to replace what's likely a beer-soaked underage party. Ruby thinks game night is lame, and Sarah's ship is sinking fast when there's a knock at the door. Amber has arrived to save the day! It's not long before the mother-daughter team is slaughtering Hank and Ruby at a game of Celebrity, making the father-daughter rift uncomfortably obvious. When Hank forgets Ruby's peanut allergy, Ruby stomps off to her room screaming, "Game night sucks!" leaving Hank secure in the knowledge that he ruined another evening.

Later that night, Amber is passed out on Hank and Sarah's couch when Ruby slips in, drunk and begging Amber not to tell Hank. Minutes later, Amber is holding Ruby's hair while she hovers over the toilet. The next morning, Amber wakes Ruby with a cup of coffee and a promise not to tell Hank. But Ruby's going to have to promise to take better care of herself and explain what happened. Ruby admits she caved to peer pressure. Amber offers friendly advice, especially about Hank. Amber's dad was never there, he never tried; Ruby's lucky to have Hank. For her part, Ruby admires Amber's relationship with Sarah - which took a lot of hard work. Later, Ruby apologizes to Hank and Sarah for being such a jerk at game night, hugs her father and tells him she loves him. It's a rare victory for all.

Troubled after the trip to the baby store, Drew returns to the dorm to consider his major, forgoing liberal arts in favor of... economics? Having done his research, Drew seeks out Adam for advice. Surprisingly, Adam explains that he was perhaps too practical at Drew's age. Drew should follow his dreams and explore while he still can. Overhearing this, Crosby pooh-poohs Adam's opinion. Money can buy peace of mind, and the last time he checked, peace of mind equals happiness. Later, Natalie finds Drew in his dorm room formally declaring his economics major, which he intends to complete in three years. He's the only one in his family who's gone to college and he has to be responsible - Amber's pregnant, after all. When Natalie insists he doesn't have to change his life for his family, Drew explains that he has to be the one in his family to make money. There's no one else to do it, so it's his reality.

Across town at school, Kristina checks in with Dylan, whose parents are out of town again - which they are a lot. Kristina just wants to be sure Dylan is spending so much time at the house because she wants to spend time with Max. Dylan says she likes Max, but when he perseverates he gets boring, and then she prefers to spend her time with Kristina and the family. Uncomfortable with the idea of Dylan spending so much time home alone, Kristina insists she come over after school for another sleepover.

Crosby and Jasmine sit down for a talk with Jabbar. A trip to Harry Potter World is just too expensive for them right now. Cool kid Jabbar offers to help; he can get a job, pay for his own plane ticket. Crosby is devastated, promising they'll go as soon as they have the money, but Jasmine's undaunted. Afterwards at work, Adam and Crosby confront Amber, who's a little miffed. She's a big part of The Luncheonette, and if things are so bad, Adam and Crosby should have told her. Now she's too pregnant to find another job. Crosby immediately promises they're all in it together, and of course Adam has a back-up plan. Adam agrees, but the truth is, he doesn't have a back-up plan; his own household bills aren't getting paid. He snaps at Kristina. Everybody wants something from him and The Luncheonette is a weight around his neck. He could get another job tomorrow! Kristina knows this won't happen, because Adam loves helping people. He takes care of everyone else, and she takes care of him. Adam returns to The Luncheonette to tell Amber the truth: he doesn't have a back-up plan, but he's not going to quit until she gets the raise she deserves. They're family, and Amber will be taken care of.

It's Jabbar's birthday and Jasmine has gone all out, planning a surprise Harry Potter party in the backyard. It's the next best thing to being there, and Jabbar is totally overjoyed. Crosby puts on his game face, but it's clear he's bitterly disappointed.