The Fosters 5×01 “Resist” had us on the edge of our seats from start to finish
The Fosters season premiere picks up where the finale left off, with Callie (Maia Mitchell) in the clutches of Diamond’s terrifying pimp. Her storyline (which includes Stef (Teri Polo) attempting to find her) is the primary focus of the episode, but there is plenty going on with the rest of the Fosters as well. Lena (Sherri Saum), Mariana (Cierra Ramirez), and Jude (Hayden Byerly) find themselves at the school, with Mariana and Jude bravely protesting the move to privatize Anchor Beach. Brandon (David Lambert), Jesus (Noah Centineo), and Emma (Amanda Leighton) are also there at the beginning, but Jesus’s anger drives their story to various other locations.
RELATED | The Fosters 5×01 “Resist” Synopsis, Promotional Photos, Preview, and Sneak Peeks
There was so much drama going on for our favorite family. Callie was in danger of being raped or killed, Jude was pepper sprayed, and Jesus destroyed Brandon’s room after coming to the erroneous conclusion that Emma’s baby was his. A few good things happened, too, like Mariana firmly standing up for what she believes in, even after being asked to back down. With such an eventful premiere, this season is sure to be one hell of a rollercoaster.
Here to discuss this eventful intro to The Foster’s fifth season is our roundtable.
Lauren (@MavidBrallie) - Live tweeter and The Fosters fanatic
Heather (@toolsforbalance) - MEd, Educational Consultant
Tay (@ImSoBrallie) - Student, Frequent Crier, Writer
Lewis (@LewisRHS) - Actor and Musical Theater Performer
Marlena (@marlenaNmurray1) - singer, cat lover, Fosters fan
1. Which storyline from tonight’s premiere is your favorite?
Lauren (@MavidBrallie): Callie and Diamond’s storyline, I’m glad it ended well for the both of them
Heather (@toolsforbalance): I don’t know if the word “favourite” is a word I want to use here. Like every other member of the #FFFamily, I am deeply concerned about all of them. I was relieved that there was resolution for Jesus and Callie.
Tay (@ImSoBrallie): The Ana and Gabe storyline merging with the Brandon, Emma, and Jesus conflict is so unexpected and I really enjoyed it. We don’t often, or ever, get to see from the perspective of the biological parents. Seeing Ana and Gabe commiserate over their struggles in being in the twins lives was really interesting. I think they handled Brandon, Emma, and Jesus’ conflict so well. It was nice to see their whole debacle come to a resolution in that way.
Lewis (@LewisRHS): My favourite storyline from the premiere was Callie and Diamond being trapped at the All Star-Inn with Russell. From the cliff-hanger from 4B into the 5A premiere I was so eager to get a resolution to this storyline and finally see how Callie could escape the situation. This particular storyline kept me engrossed throughout the whole episode and was a stand moment from the premiere.
Marlena (@marlenaNmurray1): My favorite storyline from “Resist” is Mariana standing up for her school.
2. Do you agree with Callie’s decision to go with Diamond?
Lauren: I didn’t agree with it at first, but, after seeing everything that happened after she did go with Diamond, I’m glad she went, she needed a wake up call to make her realize that she needed to stop getting involved with everything and this was that wakeup call.
Heather: I think it’s one more in long line of impulsive decisions Callie has made because she felt out of control. It’s true she helped someone, but it was really stupid.
Tay: Oh god no. Although I do understand her headspace when she made that decision - she was under the impression that she was going to jail and had nothing to lose. Going with Diamond could’ve been, and quite nearly was, disastrous! I imagine that experience will stay with her for a long time - which will hopefully deter her from making more reckless decisions in the future. I vote that it’s time for Callie Adams Foster to get to be a normal teenager! #LetCallieBeHappy2017
Lewis: I do agree with Callie’s decision to go with Diamond as she believed that Stef would be able to track the phone. Callie always finds her way into trouble and therefore it did not surprise me when she decided to go with Diamond. Callie always looks out for other people and was therefore trying to do what she deemed the right thing to do.
Marlena: No I did not think it was a good idea for Callie to go with diamond.
3. Mariana did not back down when directly told to stop protesting. Do you agree with her stance or do you think she is at all responsible for Jude being pepper sprayed later in the episode?
Lauren: I think she is doing what she feels is right, no matter the outcome or how it’s gonna affect her, I just hope that she is smart enough to stop when it get’s too serious (unlike Callie). I don’t think she is directly responsible for Jude getting pepper sprayed he was just trying to protect her in a way he thought was right, I do think that him getting sprayed wasn’t needed tho.
Heather: The pepper spray would have happened at some point because of Drew. Although Mariana is emotional, the kids were doing what’s right
Tay: Mariana, that feisty little firecracker! I knew she wouldn’t back down without a fight. Does that girl ever? I think everyone in the protest had a right to be there and to voice their opinions. Jude getting pepper sprayed was awful, but I don’t think you can necessarily pin the cause and effect on Mariana. He had a choice to stand his ground while the situation escalated, or to back down. Everyone there had that choice. And I think in the end they made that difference they were hoping for - Monte stepped up and refused to resign as Principal, therefore making the vote null.
Lewis: Mariana’s statements throughout this episode were really inspiring and I believe that she was the main reason why the protesting continued for so long. By Mariana trying to make a change it motivated the rest of the group. I don’t think that Mariana is responsible for Jude being pepper sprayed as he was standing up for his own rights and therefore paid the consequence.
Marlena: No I thought it was a good idea for her to stand up for her education and it was really nice to see Jude take up for his sister but very wrong of the guy to pepper spray him.
4. There is no question that Callie is brave, but she sometimes doesn’t make the best decisions. Do you think telling the pimp that Stef was on the way was a good idea?
Lauren: Callie telling the pimp that Stef was on the way could’ve ended badly if she didn’t get there on time or was as close as she was, I was a little mad that she did that, but at the same time, if she didn’t tell him, who knows what he would’ve done to her.I think she did what was right in the moment before something more awful happened to her.
Heather: Absolutely not. It was a desperate move. Callie is like the Queen of Desperation. She lives in a state of desperation. Kids suffering from PTSD do things like that ALL the time.
Tay: At first, all my instincts were screaming at her to stop talking. But I guess it ended up buying them enough time for Stef and the police to actually get there! So her bravery and stubbornness paid off in this case. I still think that he’ll remember her real name and that will come back to bite her, but hopefully that’s just my paranoia speaking.
Lewis: Callie always makes bold decisions and this was definitely one of them. I think that this decision was risky considering that she didn’t have access to her phone. Luckily for Callie it paid off but I think that ultimately she needs to think about the consequences of her actions.
Marlena: No I did not think it was a good idea that Callie told the pimp Stef was a cop and on the way.
5. Do you feel Jesus is valid in his anger toward Emma, Brandon, and Mariana? Or do you agree with Emma’s decision to avoid telling him about her abortion?
Lauren: Jesus needs to be taught how to cope with his emotions, I think Stef and Lena have been letting him by no matter what he does or how he reacts, someone needs to put their foot down and get him more help regardless if he likes it or not. His emotions are valid, most of his reactions could be a danger to himself and his family. Emma should’ve told Jesus the truth with his moms there (just incase if he lashed out at her) from the start, since that didn’t happen, she did what she thought was the right decision for her and it turned out the way it turned out, she can’t change it. I agree with what she did, regardless of what she did for herself.
Heather: Jesus is a victim of poor communication and a lack of impulse control that goes beyond being a teenage boy. TBI’s effect different children differently depending on their age and the severity of the injury-I have an MEd in Special Education and used to teach kids like Jesus in Middle School. The writers are SO good at being true with medical conditions etc. His feelings are understandable and clearly misguided.
Tay: Jesus does have a right to be hurt and angry with them. After all, they did hide something huge from him. I can totally empathize with Jesus and his assumption that something was going on between Emma and Brandon. He felt betrayed, and in such a hard point of his life - that betrayal really burned. But Emma has every right to keep that decision to herself, or share it with anyone she wants. Jesus has been through so much recently. And while her keeping it from him actually caused even more turmoil, I think her heart was in the right place when she wanted to avoid putting more stress on him.
Lewis: I think that Jesus had every right to be angry considering his traumatic brain injury and the side effects that he is experiencing. However, I understand why Emma chose to avoid telling him about the abortion as she was worried about his response to the whole situation. I think that if Emma told Jesus she was pregnant before she had the abortion he would have understood her reasoning for wanting an abortion and would have supported her.
Marlena: I understand why Jesus is so upset he wanted to keep the baby but at the time I did think it would be way too much for Jesus to handle but it turns out that it might have been better if she was just open about it.
6. There were so many emotional moments during this episode. Which hit you the hardest? Whether it be sadness, stress, or anger, what moment gave you the most “feels”?
Lauren: All the storylines and scenes make me feel all the emotions, but, the one that really got me was Jesus and him destroying Brandon’s things, he can never catch a break and it made me very angry and sad that he does what he feels is right and what he get’s in return is very awful at times. Callie and Diamond’s storyline really stressed me out, not knowing if either one of them would be alright and make it out alive or if they would do something that would put them in further danger.
Heather: The whole episode stressed me out! I’m a new co-parent and the thought of my kids getting older and getting into this kinda trouble just freaks me out! Honestly, watching Jesus destroy Brandon’s keyboard really got me! Jesus really hit him where ot hurts. I hope there’s an amends in there somewhere!
Tay: While the entire episode had me on the edge of my seat with nerves, I often find myself drawn to the simpler moments. The very last shot of Callie at home in the bathtub really got to me. I instantly remembered her in the pilot episode, with those same stickers on the wall behind her. Everything she has been through since arriving at the Adams Foster house, and even before that - seemed to come to a pinpoint in that moment. It was so simple, and yet I was sobbing by the end.
Lewis: The scene that hit me the hardest throughout the episode was when Jesus was destroying Brandon’s room. It was so upsetting to see how this whole situation between Emma and Brandon has affected him and the actions that he is willing to take to express his emotion. I am anxious how the relationship between Brandon and Jesus changes throughout this season.
Marlena: When Stef was knocking on the trunk of the cars looking for Callie really got to me and when Diamond didn’t put down the gun and Callie stood in front of her.
7. The Fosters has never shied away from social topics. Which issue over the years do you think the show has handled the best?
Lauren: This is a tough one, but, I think the thing they handled the best (so far) is Emma and her abortion, everyone has reacted nicely to it, even tho Jesus has lashed out it wasn’t because she had the abortion it was because he thought the kid wasn’t his, that’s very different from real life and other tv shows and it shows that people can be supportive of the woman’s decision (that’s not something you see often) without shaming her.
Heather: The issue that has affected me and millions of others is really the show’s premise! Love is Love! It is the first time EVER, in media, that a Lesbian couple has been portrayed not only as normal, but also as GOOD PEOPLE! Good people with Values, and strong parenting skills. This show has set the bar SO high! It’s also brought a MUCH needed focus to children living in dire situations such as foster care, but also kids living on the street.
Tay: The Fosters has a gift in handling social issues extremely well, while balancing it with ongoing storylines. There are so many to choose from - but I think the one that has stayed with me is Sophia’s depression. Mental health is so underrepresented in the media and society as a whole. To have that recognition, that anyone can struggle with it, was so meaningful. From the subtle hints leading up to it to the course of her treatment, I think it was handled impeccably well.
Lewis: The main issue that stands out to me is how many foster homes Callie and Jude have been in. Throughout the series you can see the effect that is has had on them and the insecurities that they both face. As an audience member I think it opens viewer’s eyes and the vulnerability of foster children and the effect it has on them.
Marlena: This is a hard question but I think Callie and Brandon and Callie’s adoption.
Final Verdict: This show might just have us ending up in a body bag!
The suspenseful and stressful premiere ended with the Adams-Foster family finally reunited, but with a lot of issues to work on. Steph gave Callie the brutal honesty she needs - if she does not stop being so self-destructive, she will end up in a body bag. Mariana and Jude’s protests ended not only in Jude getting pepper sprayed, but in Monte’s decision not to leave Anchor Beach, voiding the decision to make it private - for now. Jesus has seen the error of his ways and realizes Brandon did not sleep with Emma, but the destruction of Brandon’s room may be a little more difficult to remedy. Jesus is going to have to work on controlling his angry outbursts as much as possible, which should be an interesting plot point this season.
The Fosters returns next Tuesday, July 18 at 8/7C on Freeform.