Good Trouble 1x11 "Less Than" Episode Review
Major Spoilers are included in this episode review. Please read with caution.
Stef and Lena returned in this episode. I love how all of the Adams Fosters family members are included in the stories whenever they appear. Well, except Jude, who served to push Callie’s story about Gael’s bisexuality, but beside him, everyone became invested in The Coterie’s residents or the stories told there. Well this time, the parents get pushed further and meet Judge Wilson himself.
The Judge Wilson - Callie scene fake-outs worked in this episode. I wasn’t a fan of them earlier, especially when it concerned Alice, but this one was acceptable. Judge Wilson is finally tired of Callie, feeling she is getting too far from objective, and removes her from the Jamal Thompson case. This was inevitable, but Callie is a warrior and will not back down without a fight…
The gender / race theme of the episode was apparent in all the stories told. Mariana’s need to address the gender and race gaps because they’re both the same issue, Malika’s daily struggles getting put on blast when a video of Jamal leaked to the Internet. He was saying all these awful things about black women, a thing Malika and other black women have to hear everyday.
Malika and Callie’s conversation about Malika not seeing herself in television and books was incredibly beautiful. It was realistic and showed how hard Malika had to work to see value in herself when nobody else did. I hope these two can develop a real friendship, and I agree with Malika, no need to lurk outside her door! Come in, Callie!
I was moved by the entire thing, and then there was Alice. She couldn’t see how Sumi was still in love with her this entire time. Of course, she was! It was so obvious even to the audience, but hopefully Alice doesn’t slump back to her after this because Joey doesn’t deserve that.
Overall, a powerful episode that showed Mariana’s hard work paying off. The boss learned the truth about how Josh and HR Angela blocked Mariana from speaking to him. He is furious, punishes Josh, and allows Mariana to pitch him her idea next week. She is killing it! I’m so happy for her!