The TV Chick

Apparently, there are only two more episodes of “Life Unexpected.” Ever. This fact makes me beyond sad. Last night’s episode “Stand Taken” was one of the most emotionally resonant episodes of the entire series. It centered around Lux’s past as she finally comes clean about what actually happened between her and her former foster dad Trey. It was disturbing, heartbreaking, heartwarming and absolutely amazing. I have said all along that Lux is the way she is for a reason; her actions are not just because she’s a bad friend or a typical teenager or rebellious. She has had a horrible upbringing and the only saving grace is that she has now found her real family: one that will treat her with respect and dignity and more importantly one that isn’t going anywhere.

At the beginning of the episode, Lux comes clean about what happened with her former foster dad to the police. Ryan suggests they need a lawyer. Ryan isn’t backing out of his and Cate’s relationship and taking care of the baby and Tasha. I like that they are essentially back together again but they need to not just act like nothing is wrong. They need to eventually address their issues and whether it makes sense to stay together. Lux and Tasha are talking later, and Tasha didn’t tell the police about the foster dad beating her. Lux also lies to hot teacher about why Tasha got arrested. They make out. Oh Lux, haven’t we learned by now that honesty is the best policy?

Apparently, Trey is pressing charges, and Tasha could go to jail. Emma gets a lawyer to help out. Baze’s dad comes by to help, but Baze rebuffs him and says Emma is his family now. Baze’s dad tries to help because he knows a judge. Baze wants to go beat up Trey instead. And in dumb moves land, Lux confronts Trey and tells him if he doesn’t testify she won’t share what happened in the past. Then, Lux lies to Cate and says she was lying about getting beaten up, she was the violent one. Cate doesn’t believe her. GOOD CALL CATE! Way to be the mom! Apparently Trey isn’t testifying, and Ryan thinks maybe Lux and Trey talked (ding ding ding!) Cate thinks Lux lied to protect Tasha. Tasha finds Lux and hot teacher and confronts her about the whole Trey situation. Lux thought she was doing a good thing by getting Trey not to testify but apparently Tasha might still go to jail. Tasha wants Lux to tell the whole story so she’ll get off. Tasha thinks Lux is protecting her relationship with hot teacher. OH TASHA! Laying it into Lux. I have to say Lux kind of deserves it at this point. Tasha has stuck by her through everything and Lux has been kind of a bad friend.

Lux testifies in court, but sees hot teacher and freezes up. She doesn’t lie but doesn’t come entirely clean she gets slammed by the lawyer. Outside the court room, hot teacher tells Lux he loves her. AW. He’s not going anywhere. Lux goes back to testify. She says she hit Trey because she was afraid he might try to have sex with her. OH BOY. Her first kiss was with Trey. HOLY CRAP. He abused her repeatedly. He forced her and intimidated her and threatened her that Valerie would send her back to the foster home. Everyone in the court room is crying. When she had finally had enough and hit Trey back, she ran out for Valerie but he got to her first and knocked her unconscious. That’s when she had her stroke. Valerie didn’t believe her. Bazes’ dad punches Trey and Baze gets in the mix. Love the Bazile family getting into the fray. This was so so so sad. I can’t even begin to fathom what happened to Lux.

In the end, Baze’s dad offers his support to Baze even if he’s dating Emma. Cate and Lux talk. Lux can’t get over the fact that Valerie chose Trey over her. She doesn’t want to lose Cate. Of course, Cate isn’t going anywhere. This scene reminded me of my favorite from the pilot where Cate tells Lux everything will work out. My goodness, I love this show. Cate confronts Valerie, and tells her to ‘be Lux’s mom again.’ When they go back in the court room, it’s clear that Valerie has met with the judge. She backed up Lux’s testimony about Trey. Tasha’s case is dismissed. YAY! However, the lesser counts stay and sends her to juvie for two months. I didn’t like this but at least after she can go back to independent living. Also, Trey is getting sued and will face jail time. Fern, Lux’s caseworker apologizes to her. Lux then gives a very offhanded thanks to Valerie. She thanks her for not believing her, because she never would have found her real parents. I loved this. Britt Robertson is such a star. Her performances week after week are fantastic (even if you sometimes question Lux’s actions like I do). What a crazy amazing performance from her in this episode.

At the end of the episode, they have a huge dinner in Baze’s loft and toast to Lux! AND LOTS OF TEARS! Lux brought them all together and they are now one big family. However, down at the bar, Nate’s dad and Emma talk and confront each other. They had an affair with each other. OH BOY. He made promises he didn’t keep. Lux overhears everything. This will be thoroughly awkward. It’s so interesting that Emma and Baze’s dad have a history together, but I want Baze and Emma to be happy. This is obviously going to come out and I don’t know if Baze is going to be able to get past it. Maybe this will bring Baze back to Cate? We will see.

Apparently, last night’s episode was up over 20 percent in the ratings. It’s an appropriate message to the CW Network who is canceling the show. I realize nothing I say will change that but I will forever remember the show. And probably marathon it on DVD on a frequent basis. “Stand Taken” exemplifies just how touching a television show can be. It truly comes from such a wonderful place. Life is a screwed up journey but in the end it will all work out, just like Cate says. I can’t wait to see where the cast of the show goes (Kris Polaha already has signed a talent deal with CBS and Ksenia Solo is in Black Swan which was just released in theaters). Most importantly, I want to see what Liz Tigelaar’s next project is because I will watch whatever she writes. There may only be two more episodes of Life Unexpected left, but it has permanently made my favorite TV shows list and that is a hard list to break into. I can’t wait to see how the season/series wraps up. I want to know who Cate chooses, if Julia comes back and if Lux’s relationship with hot teacher is exposed. So much to wrap up in such a short time!

Life Unexpected has its 2 hour season/series finale on Tuesday, January 18th on the CW.