The Fosters Roundtable 5×02 “Exterminate Her”

The Fosters 5×02 “Exterminate Her” followed up the premiere with a lighter tone but still plenty of drama

In The Fosters 5×02 “Exterminate Her,” Callie (Maia Mitchell) is focused on securing herself a future. Stef (Teri Polo) and Lena (Sherri Saum) insist that something has got to change with the 17-year-old, so she begins spending more time with her birth father and applies for an art program. Mariana (Cierra Ramirez), and Jesus (Noah Centineo) disagree on Jesus’s decision to cut Mariana out of the senior project and Brandon (David Lambert) looks for a job.

RELATED | The Fosters 5×02 Synopsis and Promo Photos

Emotions ran high this episode (don’t they always?) and the majority of fans seem to have a singular priority – Callie’s happiness. With such an eventful life, the 17-year-old deserves some normalcy. The rest of the Fosters do, too – especially Jesus, who is continuing to struggle with his TBI, and Mariana, who is unfortunately also affected by Jesus’s injury.

Here to discuss all the struggles our favorite TV family is facing is our roundtable.

Nicole (@ndintelman34) – TVAfterDark writer, Supermom, & domestic violence advocate
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

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1. Whose storyline were you the most invested in?

Nicole (@ndintelman34): I think probably Callie’s. I want to see her succeed and do great things. She’s been through so much in her life and even though she does create a lot of her own drama, she really does try to help everyone else before she helps herself. I want to see that change.

Lauren (@MavidBrallie): Callie’s, I hope she starts finding herself by herself and not let anyone else or situations she decides to get involved in define her.

Heather (@toolsforbalance): I SO want Callie to dig in and ground herself and get to work ON herself!! She’s remarkable!! She just needs practice at building a track record of success!!!

Tay (@ImSoBrallie): Miss Callie Adams Foster for sure! I’ve always been rooting for her, and I’m so ecstatic that things are finally moving forward with her art and life! She deserves to be a normal 17-year-old. My heart is just so happy for her!!!

Lewis (@LewisRHS): The storyline between Stef, Lena and the new neighbor Tess. I am intrigued as to what history Stef and Tess have and the effects that it is going to have this season. I think based on the body language between the two it’s going to be interesting.

Marlena (@marlenaNmurray1): Callie’s storyline is definitely my favorite. I’m really interested to see where it goes.

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2. What is your favorite moment of the episode?

Nicole: When Callie decided that her necklace would be what she would draw.

Lauren: My favorite moment was Grace being handcuffed to the bed and Brandon being dumb thinking she was actually in trouble, when she was really trying to seduce him. Poor Grace had to make up a story to try to make it less awkward.

Heather: Fave moment was when Lena used Drew’s BS against him in the school newspaper article! That guy burns my butt! Revenge will be sweet when Lena and Monty turn that ship around!

Tay: It’s a dead tie! When Callie excitedly ran into the kitchen to tell the moms about the professor letting her audit her classes, my heart basically exploded. I don’t think we’ve EVER seen Callie that genuinely ecstatic before. And when Brandon and Callie talked in the kitchen. I’ve missed their conversations and wholehearted support of each other so much. It was refreshing to get to see that once again!

Lewis: Callie receiving the call from her art professor was so refreshing. Callie was in need of some positive news and the moment when Callie told Stef and Lena was so enjoyable to watch. I really hope that this season continues to show a change for Callie.

Marlena: My favorite part of the episode was when Callie got home and saw that Lena saved her senior project and gets a momma sandwich!

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3. How did you feel about Stef and Lena bringing Robert back into Callie’s life in response to her behavior? How would you feel about Callie living with Robert?

Nicole: I think Robert has always been there, just not as much. Letting him be more involved is probably a mistake because it usually causes more harm than good. I don’t think Callie should live with Robert. She’s already said it’s not what she wants and you can’t just send your kid away when they screw up or you get mad at them.

Lauren: I think Robert can be good for her if he kept his distance on some things and not medal in on Callie trying to fix her life, he’s rich, but, he doesn’t always have to act like it, I still find him sketchy. I don’t think Callie living with Robert is gonna work, it didn’t last time, so, why would it now? not like things are gonna be so different except for Sophia and her mom being there, which could cause more drama that Callie doesn’t need, so, Callie better stay where she’s at now.

Heather: I think that was appropriate. The fact that they kept saying “it takes a village”, to me, is both factual and really healthy!! We have a team for our kids and their needs!

Tay: I don’t think any harm can come from Stef and Lena bringing another positive influence into Callie’s life. She’s clearly been struggling – for a long time, and she does need guidance. Plus, Robert just wants the best for her! When Robert first came into the picture, I was definitely for Callie pursuing a relationship with him and possibly even living with him. It’s interesting that they’ve brought that back as a possibility now. I don’t know how I’d feel if it actually happened at this point. A ton of mixed emotions for sure. I want what’s best for Callie, and if that was what would bring her happiness – ultimately I’d be for it.

Lewis: I think that Robert is a good influence for Callie and Stef and Lena both know how much he cares for her. By bringing Robert back into Callie’s life it will allow her to move on and focus on new things. I think that Callie is best living with Stef and Lena as they are the consistent support system that she needs.

Marlena: I wasn’t too sure about it Stef and Lena bringing Robert back into Callie’s life but I understand Stef and Lena have a lot going on and they need him. I like the fact Robert will do just about anything for her but I don’t think I’ll like Callie living with Robert, Stef and Lena are her family and she should stay home where she belongs.

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4. How do you feel about Robert talking to Callie’s professor?

Nicole: At first I was mad because like Callie I thought that he paid her, but when he explained why he did it I understood a little more. The things he told her were right on. Callie didn’t have the normal chances that other kids had so I don’t think he was out of line doing it this time.

Lauren: I was really mad that he talked to the professor, Callie needs to learn how to move on from rejection and trying to do something else that wasn’t according to plan, him talking to the professor made her rethink about letting Callie do the art class no matter what her motive was or what Robert said to her. It’s fishy and is gonna make Callie not trust or talk to Robert about certain things in the future, because he might try to use his richness.

Heather: That was his way, and served the Higher Good. I’m not a fan of Robert using his influence- clearly in the past it was a nightmare! I’m just glad he really wants to help her!

Tay: He did what any “parental figure” would do, he spoke up for Callie and asked the professor to believe in her. There’s nothing wrong with that. I could see Stef or Lena doing the same thing. I definitely think he would’ve crossed the line if he HAD written a check for the school, or something along those lines.

Lewis: Robert talking to the professor showed him as a caring parent for Callie. I think that Robert wants what is best for his daughter and by talking to the professor was able to highlight the confidence he has in Callie.

Marlena: I thought it was very sweet of Robert to talk to her art professor.

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5. Was Gabe overstepping by telling Jesus the truth, or did he deserve to know?

Nicole: I think he definitely deserved to know. His mom’s should have told him, but Stef made it clear to Gabe that they didn’t plan on telling him. They need to get Jesus help with his anger issues. I’m not loving the whole brain injury storyline if I were to be completely honest.

Lauren: I think Gabe told Jesus in the wrong way, the situation should’ve been delt with in a calm manner because Jesus doesn’t know how to control his emotions in a healthy way, he should’ve left it alone, he’s only causing more issues for Stef and Lena and causing Jesus to want to go against them by going to Gabe for things in the future.

Heather: Omg yes!!!! Gabe is clearly a beginner at parenting and made a HUGE error!!! We MUST Trust Stef- you know- for all the reasons! Bad Gabe! Bad!

Tay: I really feel for Gabe in that situation, he kind of got himself backed into a corner. You could tell he didn’t want to lie to him – especially being faced with such a direct and serious matter like that. In his defense, he said “talk to your moms” first. He should’ve continued with that though and emphasized that Jesus should go to Stef and Lena about it.

Lewis: Gabe should have left it to Stef and Lena to tell Jesus the truth. Throughout the past two seasons Gabe has caused a significant amount of drama by getting involved into the family. Gabe should have been more aware of how Jesus would take the truth especially considering how he reacted to Emma’s pregnancy.

Marlena: I think it was a bad idea for Jesus’s dad to go behind Stef’s back but I really do think Jesus needed to know.

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6. What do you think about Jesus’s choice to bring Emma onto the senior project, after he told Mariana he wanted to work alone?

Nicole: Not thrilled. It really hurt Mariana since she did so much work to make sure that Jesus could even do the project. It was a pretty crappy thing for him to do.

Lauren: It’s gonna blow up in Jesus’s face eventually, Mariana and Emma should really talk and make up. I really think that ater Emma saw Jesus blow up and hit things in his room, she doesn’t wanna be with or around him anymore, so, he may end up doing it alone in the end anyway. I think he can’t do it by himself and he shouldn’t, someone should sit him down and tell him like it is and stop lying to him that he’s capable of doing things, alone or not.

Heather: I think Jesus is scared and young and floundering. I suspect for a while he’s going to just throw stuff out there and see what sticks- he’s still learning about who he is! Thank God for Noah! He’s taking Jesus SO much deeper than the other actor ever could have.

Tay: Agh, my heart broke for my poor little Mariana! I thought he was leading up to asking for her help again. So when he revealed that Emma was going to instead – I was crushed! Not as crushed as Mariana looked though. I feel so awful for her.

Lewis: I felt sorry for Mariana when Jesus told her he wanted to work alone. Mariana really cares for her brother and was doing what she thought was best for him. I think that Jesus made a bad call as Mariana is the reason why he has a senior project in the first place. I hope that Jesus decides to call upon her for help and make amends.

Marlena: It really upset me when Jesus told Mariana he didn’t want to work with her then turned around and told her he needs help and he wanted it to be Emma. I know Jesus loves Emma but I think that he should let his sister help him.

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7. There was some twitter buzz around “Brallie” (Brandon and Callie) tonight. How do you feel about the possibility of there ever being a romantic relationship again between the two?

Nicole: I thought that Brandon and Callie were good together, but with that being said I think they have both moved past the relationship for now. They’re both trying to date other people and it seems that they do have more of a brother/sister or at least best friend kind of relationship more than romantic thing going on now. Whether that continues into the future depending on how long the show lasts, we’ll see I guess.

Lauren: This is a tough one, even though I have been a Brallie shipper and stan since day 1, Callie and Aaron deserve a shot, will Brallie get together in the end? maybe, but, they got their own paths to straighten out before their paths can fully cross again, so, I have hopes for Brallie, but, Aaron and Callie have something going on right now.

Heather: Noooooooo!!!! No! No!!! Those two need to just get on with their stuff!! Both are floundering and need to stop distracting themselves with each other!!! Get to work, kids!!!

Tay: Well, if you can’t tell by my username – I’m definitely for it. Last season was a real struggle for me, seeing them never speak or even acknowledge each other. What’s so special about them, to me, is their effortless connection and friendship. They’ve always been such a strong support system for each other. I’m glad to see that coming back a bit so far this season. As for them being together romantically – it’s hard to fathom right now. Maybe in the future it could happen again (they are almost 18 and in college after all). But let’s be honest, that’s REAL complicated. On the other hand, I don’t think they’ll ever truly see each other as brother and sister. And The Fosters isn’t afraid to redefine boundaries, so I’d definitely LOVE to see them make it work.

Lewis: Personally the chemistry between Brandon and Callie has always been a standout from the series. Brallie has such a complicated history but they always find a way back to each other. I really hope that they are able to grow closer this season and hopefully there is a chance of a romantic relationship.

Marlena: I really love how close Brandon and Callie are even though it’s so sad that they are brother and sister in love.

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Final Verdict: The Fosters is at its best when it allows its characters some moments of happiness

The best parts of the season’s second episode were also the lightest. Callie’s joy at attending art school and Brandon’s hilarious moment of misunderstanding with his new girlfriend carried us through the bleaker moments the family shared. With things still tense between Jesus, Mariana, and Emma, and with a new complication moving in next door to Stef and Lena, we can only hope this episode was indicative of a shift back towards a lighter overall tone and more happy, comedic moments.

The Fosters returns next Tuesday, July 25 at 8/7C on Freeform.