Plot - The show opens with Carver making an improbable comeback at the end of the game. Goldstein is a little overzealous after the win and keeps the other Carver players from looking "cool". Reese in particular is cold to Goldstein. As the episode develops we learn more about Goldstein and see a pattern in how he is a loner on the otherwise close-knit team. Goldstein's parents died in a car wreck years before and now he lives with his doting but over-protective grandparents. They are very proud of their Jewish roots and impart their values onto young Abner.
Grandpa falls ill and suddenly Goldstein has the house to himself. Reeves implores his team to help keep him company, but first Hayward and then the rest of the team take advantage of the situation to party with girls. Finally Reeves gives him some tough love and at the end of the episode Goldstein rants at the team and they accept him. Grandma comes home and the team surprises them with dishes to pass.
Observations- The two main themes are social isolation and self-confidence. We watch Abner slowly mature through the episode and come to the realization he must be more assertive in life. His goofy, happy go lucky persona does not play well with the mean streets of urban LA. Reeves gives another stellar performance, this time knowing when to hold back and push the kid forward to face the world alone.
