Totally Goldbergs Recap: Circle of Driving

complete list Fall 2013 new shows - The Goldergs one of the best new Fall 2013 shows

The Totally Goldbergs Recap: “Circle of Driving” (originally aired on ABC Sept. 24, 2013)

ALSO SEE:

Complete list of fall 2013 new shows

Fall TV 2013 new comedies

5 lessons from the fall 2013 TV family sitcoms

In the new ABC sitcom The Goldbergs (Tuesdays at 9pm ET/PT), 1980s are relived through the eyes and video camera lens of young Adam Goldberg (Sean Giambrone). Adam’s parents (played by Wendi McLendon-Covey and Jeff Garlin) are, like, totally embarrassing and just don’t understand that REO Speedwagon cassette tapes and wearing your sister’s hand-me-down jeans are grody to the max. At least grandpa “Pops” (George Segal) can relate to the kids, since he’s like the biggest teenager of them all. A comedy with the heart of The Wonder Years and the soul of Malcolm in the Middle, there’s a lot to enjoy for ’80s kids who are now parents themselves.

I’m doing weekly recaps of The Goldbergs, but not the typical plot retreads. I’m going to pick out the totally awesome ’80s pop-culture references, best lines, moments and other random stuff. If you like it, come back, tell your friends, and maybe we’ll trade Garbage Pail Kids or something.

He’s Totally Going to Beat Simon!: (Nobody beats Simon.)

Twenty Printer Ribbons Died to Make You This Totally Crappy Sign: The banner in the kitchen for Barry’s 16th birthday was made using The Print Shop and a dot-matrix printer.

Totally Best Line: “I agree with whatever nonsense your mother just said.” – Murray

Totally Stores a Whopping 140KB!: The Goldbergs have an Apple II computer, and Murray bemoans the destruction of a 5.25-inch floppy diskette.

Totally Throwing Away the Oars Forever: The cassette tape Murray buys at Sam Goody for Barry is REO Speedwagon’s 1984 Wheels Are Turnin’.

Totally Yeaaaaaah Boyyyyyy!: Barry says that the only person who understands him is Flavor Flav. Perhaps, but Barry would have to be on the very cutting edge of the rap music scene any time before 1989’s “Fight the Power” brought Public Enemy wider appeal to white teens in Pennsylvania.

Totally Not Using The Force: “Who’s Oboe Cannoli?” – Pops

Totally Got to Be the Shoes!: Barry is wearing Nike Air Jordan I shoes.

Totally Form Feet and Legs!: There’s a Voltron toy next to the TV set in the family room [Update: Adam tells me it’s actually a Shogun Warrior], and Adam is wearing a Voltron T-shirt later in the episode.

I Totally Googled This So You Didn’t Have To:
Totally Goldbergs Hooters

Totally Not Worth Millions: “They’re GoBots! And one day, they’ll be worth millions.” Adam F. Goldberg apparently had a crapload of GoBots.
Totally Goldbergs GoBots

About Ryan Berenz 2166 Articles
Member of the Television Critics Association. Charter member of the Ancient and Mystic Society of No Homers. Squire of the Ancient & Benevolent Order of the Lynx, Lodge 49, Long Beach, Calif. Costco Wholesale Gold Star Member since 2011.