I know I'm way behind on this train, but I started watching Parenthood right before winter break. Slowly but surely, I got hooked. I became invested and started to see why so many people love the show. I've become emotional while watching the show too many times to count.
1. When Sarah and Hank got back together.
Even before he became likable, I always had a soft spot for Hank. It's just something about him that makes me swoon. And you can't beat Ray Romano's sense of humor. But in reality, they're a couple that work well with each other, and you can't help but root for Hank when Sarah has to choose between him and Mark.
2. When Adam convinced Haddie's classmate's parents to drop the charges against Alex.
It takes a very long time for Adam and Kristina to truly accept Alex, a young man Haddie meets while volunteering at a soup kitchen. When they find out that he is a recovering alcoholic, they forbid her to stop seeing him. However, they realize that they're wrong once they see how upset this makes her. When Alex picks a drunk Haddie up at a party, he gets into a fight with the host and the host's parents press charges. Adam later comes by their house and explains what a good person Alex is, despite his rocky past.
3. When Camille and Zeek asked Amber and her baby to move in with them.
Amber's pregnancy definitely isn't expected and she decides that she must raise him without her ex, Ryan's, help. After realizing that her studio apartment isn't going to work for her and a newborn baby, Amber's grandparents ask her to move in with them, saying that they want to help and see this as their "next chapter."
4. When Kristina is diagnosed with (and beats) breast cancer.
Kristina's cancer diagnosis is shocking and scary for her family. She is forced to take a step back and let others take care of her. After a few treatments, she becomes septic and nearly dies. Adam prays that she comes back from this and miraculously, she does. As her character always does (and as hard as the situation is) Kristina handles it with as much grace as possible and makes friends along the way.
5. When Max runs for student council president and wins.
Max's Aspergers Syndrome is a central part of the show and his student council president win is monumental. The scene where he speaks candidly about the positive qualities he attributes to his autism (such as tenacity) is heartwarming and shows that he has a very bright future ahead of him.
Parenthood is one of those shows where when it ends, you feel really sad. You become connected to the characters and as cliche as it sounds, it can become a part of you.
