The Goldbergs season 9 episode 2 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

In the 1980s, high school student Adam Goldberg faces a mix-up with his NYU admission letter, which is wrongly addressed to his mother, Beverly. Beverly shockingly reveals she too was accepted to NYU. Meanwhile, Adam discovers he's only waitlisted. Concurrently, Erica struggles with her relationship with her boyfriend Geoff's dad, Lou, over a past misunderstanding involving damaged porcelain horses. Adam makes a desperate attempt to convince NYU's dean of his worthiness by performing a musical number, which leads to a comedic misunderstanding. Ultimately, Beverly's overbearing involvement surprisingly prompts the dean to reconsider Adam's application. The episode interweaves themes of familial interference, personal aspirations, and the challenges of growing up.

Full Episode S09E02 Recap

### Scene: The Goldberg Household - **ADULT ADAM** narrates his high school struggles in the '80s and his application to NYU with his dream girl, Brea. - The family gathers as Adam and Brea open their NYU admission letters. - Brea is accepted, but Adam's letter is addressed to his mother, Beverly. - Beverly reveals she also applied and was accepted to NYU. - Adam finds a separate letter indicating he is on the waitlist. ### Scene: Geoff's Dad's Birthday - **ERICA** is nervous about giving Geoff's dad, Lou, a birthday gift. - Past conflicts between Erica and Lou are highlighted. - Erica gifts Lou a pillow with a racehorse, but he dismissively puts it away. - Barry and Geoff present less meaningful gifts. ### Scene: Goldberg Household - Beverly tries to fix Adam's NYU issue. - Adam is advised to personally advocate for himself to NYU admissions. ### Scene: Erica Confronts Joanne - Erica learns she was wrongly blamed for a past incident involving Lou's porcelain horses. - Joanne admits she did it and blamed Erica. ### Scene: Adam's Meeting with Dean Martin - Adam meets with **DEAN MARTIN** at NYU to advocate for his admission. - The dean dismisses Adam's appeal, citing a lack of unique life stories or personal achievements. ### Scene: Goldberg Household - Adam seeks examples of personal adversity but realizes his life lacks significant challenges. ### Scene: Lou's Horse Accusation - Erica is wrongly accused of damaging Lou's horses. - Barry, Geoff, and Joanne comically suggest blaming others. - Lou's attachment to the horses causes familial tension. ### Scene: Adam's Second Appeal to NYU - Adam, supported by Beverly, tries a musical appeal to the dean. - The dean misconstrues it as a romantic gesture. - Beverly intervenes, revealing she was accepted to NYU. - Dean Martin reconsiders Adam's application, seeing his family as an obstacle. ### Scene: Resolution with Lou - Erica finally confesses to Lou about the horses. - Lou forgives Erica, acknowledging his unfair treatment of her. ### Scene: Adam and Brea's Reconciliation - Adam apologizes to Brea for his behavior. - Brea forgives Adam, and they share hope for his NYU admission. ### Final Scene: Goldberg Household - The family discusses alternative universities for Adam. - Adam considers an all-male Jesuit school to escape Beverly's interference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the main character narrating the story?

ADULT ADAM.

What is the setting of the episode?

The episode is set in the 1980s, primarily focusing on high school and family dynamics.

What major event are Adam and Brea anticipating?

They are awaiting their NYU admission letters.

What complication arises with Adam's NYU admission?

Adam's admission letter is mistakenly addressed to his mother, Beverly.

How does Beverly surprise Adam regarding NYU?

Beverly reveals she applied and was accepted to NYU.

What does Adam find out about his NYU application?

He discovers he is on the waitlist.

What is the significance of Lou's birthday?

It serves as a subplot where Erica tries to improve her relationship with Geoff's dad, Lou.

What past incident affects Erica's relationship with Lou?

Erica was wrongly blamed for damaging Lou's porcelain horses.

Who actually damaged Lou's horses?

Joanne admits to doing it and blaming Erica.

How does Adam try to convince the NYU dean the second time?

Adam performs a musical number to demonstrate his passion for NYU.

What misunderstanding occurs during Adam's musical appeal?

The dean thinks Adam's performance is a romantic gesture towards him.

How does Beverly impact Adam's meeting with the dean?

Beverly intervenes, stressing her desire for Adam's admission and revealing her own acceptance to NYU.

How does Lou react to Erica's confession about the horses?

Lou forgives Erica, acknowledging his unfair treatment of her.

How does the episode conclude for Adam and Brea?

They reconcile, and Adam remains hopeful for his NYU admission.

What alternative universities are considered for Adam?

The family discusses Tulane, Northwestern, and the University of Miami as alternatives.

The Goldbergs season 9 episode 2

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