Suburgatory: Season 2, Episode 5 - The Wishbone (2012)

In the episode "The Wishbone," the story begins with George Altman, who is feeling the pressure of being a single father and trying to connect with his daughter, Tessa. He decides to take Tessa to a local Thanksgiving dinner, hoping to bond over the holiday. Tessa, however, is less enthusiastic about the idea, as she is still adjusting to life in the suburbs and is not keen on the typical suburban traditions.

As they prepare for the dinner, George is determined to make it a memorable experience. He enlists the help of his neighbor, Dallas, who is excited to contribute her own flair to the Thanksgiving meal. Dallas suggests they make a wishbone, a tradition that George is unfamiliar with but is willing to embrace for Tessa's sake. This sets the stage for the importance of the wishbone as a symbol of hope and connection throughout the episode.

Meanwhile, Tessa is dealing with her own issues at school. She is feeling isolated and struggles with her identity in the suburban environment. Her friend, Lisa, encourages her to embrace the holiday spirit, but Tessa remains skeptical. The contrast between Tessa's reluctance and George's enthusiasm creates tension as they navigate their differing perspectives on the holiday.

As the dinner approaches, George becomes increasingly invested in the wishbone tradition. He explains to Tessa the significance of making a wish and pulling the wishbone with someone else. Tessa, still not fully on board, reluctantly agrees to participate. This moment highlights George's desire to create a sense of family and tradition, despite their unconventional circumstances.

At the Thanksgiving dinner, the atmosphere is lively and filled with various characters from the neighborhood. George tries to engage Tessa in conversations with other families, but she feels out of place. The dinner is chaotic, with humorous interactions and misunderstandings that showcase the quirks of suburban life. Tessa's discomfort grows as she observes the dynamics of the other families, which only deepens her feelings of alienation.

During the dinner, the wishbone becomes a focal point. George and Tessa finally pull the wishbone together, and Tessa makes a wish, hoping for a better connection with her father. The moment is filled with emotional weight as both characters reflect on their relationship and the challenges they face. George's hope is to strengthen their bond, while Tessa wishes for acceptance and understanding.

As the evening progresses, Tessa's frustrations boil over, leading to a confrontation with George. She expresses her feelings of being overwhelmed by the suburban lifestyle and her desire to return to a more familiar environment. This pivotal moment forces George to confront his own expectations and the reality of their situation. He realizes that he needs to listen to Tessa's feelings and support her in finding her place in this new world.

The episode culminates in a heartfelt resolution as George and Tessa come to an understanding. They acknowledge their struggles and reaffirm their commitment to each other as father and daughter. The wishbone, once a simple holiday tradition, becomes a symbol of their renewed connection and hope for the future. The episode ends on a positive note, with both characters feeling more aligned and ready to face the challenges of suburban life together.

In the ending of "The Wishbone," George and Tessa come to terms with their family dynamics and the importance of their relationships. Tessa learns to appreciate her mother's presence in her life, while George finds a way to connect with his daughter and embrace the quirks of suburban life. The episode concludes with a sense of resolution and understanding among the characters.

As the episode unfolds towards its conclusion, we see George, who has been grappling with the idea of family traditions and their significance. He has been trying to create a sense of normalcy and connection with Tessa, who is often caught between her father's expectations and her own teenage desires.

In the final scenes, George decides to host a Thanksgiving dinner, hoping to bring the family together. He meticulously prepares the meal, showcasing his dedication to creating a perfect holiday experience. However, as the dinner progresses, it becomes clear that the gathering is not going as planned. Tessa feels out of place, and the tension between her and George is palpable.

Meanwhile, Tessa's interactions with her friends reveal her struggle to balance her suburban life with her desire for independence. She feels the weight of her father's expectations and the pressure to conform to the suburban lifestyle. This internal conflict comes to a head during the dinner, where she expresses her frustrations, leading to a heartfelt conversation with George.

As they sit down to eat, the wishbone becomes a symbol of their relationship. George and Tessa each take a side of the wishbone, and as they pull it apart, they both make silent wishes. This moment encapsulates their hopes for understanding and connection. The wishbone breaks, and they both end up with a piece, signifying that they are both invested in making their relationship work.

In the final moments, George reflects on the importance of family and the traditions that bind them. He realizes that while the suburban life may be filled with quirks and challenges, it is also rich with opportunities for connection and love. Tessa, too, comes to appreciate her father's efforts and the value of their shared experiences.

The episode closes with a sense of warmth and acceptance, as George and Tessa find common ground. They embrace the imperfections of their lives and the unique bond they share, leaving viewers with a feeling of hope and familial love.

In the episode "The Wishbone" from season 2 of Suburgatory, there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional content after the credits roll. The focus remains on the main storyline and character developments throughout the episode, leaving no extra scenes or moments to explore after the main narrative concludes.

The wishbone serves as a central symbol in the episode, representing the themes of hope and desire. George and Tessa's interactions with the wishbone highlight their differing perspectives on life in the suburbs and their personal aspirations.

In 'The Wishbone', Tessa grapples with her feelings about her mother, who is absent from her life. The episode explores Tessa's longing for a connection and her struggle to understand her mother's choices, leading to emotional confrontations and realizations.

Dallas takes on a more prominent role in this episode as she attempts to help Tessa navigate her feelings about family and tradition. Her quirky personality and unconventional advice provide both comic relief and insight into Tessa's situation.

George experiences a moment of self-reflection regarding his parenting style and his relationship with Tessa. He is torn between wanting to be a supportive father and his own insecurities about fitting into the suburban lifestyle.

The subplot involving the wishbone introduces comedic elements through the various characters' superstitions and rituals surrounding it. The absurdity of their beliefs and the lengths they go to in order to secure their wishes create humorous situations that contrast with the more serious themes of the episode.

In "The Wishbone," Season 2, Episode 5 of Suburgatory, there are a few elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers:

1. Family Dynamics: The episode explores themes of family relationships and conflicts, which may resonate differently with younger audiences or those sensitive to familial issues.

2. Humor Style: The show's humor often includes sarcasm and irony, which might not be easily understood by younger viewers and could lead to confusion about the characters' intentions.

3. Emotional Moments: There are scenes that delve into personal insecurities and emotional struggles, particularly regarding parental expectations and social pressures, which could be heavy for some viewers.

4. Mild Language: The dialogue may include mild language or innuendos that could be inappropriate for younger audiences.

5. Social Situations: The episode features social scenarios that involve competition and jealousy, which might be upsetting for children who are sensitive to themes of exclusion or rivalry.

Overall, while the show is generally family-friendly, these aspects may warrant consideration for younger or more sensitive viewers.