If you haven’t seen ABC’s semi-autobiographical sitcom ‘The Goldbergs’ (which is a delightful throwback to the 1980’s for this member of Generation Z), you’re missing out. Adam F. Goldberg has done a terrific job of adapting his childhood for the small screen, and the cast do his anecdotes justice every week. There is one particular member of his family that brings me joy from TVland and in real life, however. His mother, the one, the only, Beverly Goldberg. I’m going to use this blog post to share with you the top five reasons why I believe Bevvy is one of the greatest:
1. Wendi McLendon-Covey, need I say more?
Wendi’s portrayal of our beloved Bev makes me cry (both happy and sad tears) at various points throughout each episode. I struggle to think of any other actress (apart from the late, great Judy Garland) who can transition so seamlessly from transmitting two equally powerful emotions, happiness and sadness, to her audience in a matter of minutes. Hear that, Wendi? A comparison to the great Garland is pretty high praise from me!
2. Real Bev’s Twitter account (@goldilocks405).
If you want a recipe for a delicious dinner, sage life advice, or just someone to share cute pictures of your children with, go and follow the real Bev on Twitter. She always has the nicest things to say about people, apart from those who make fun of her family. But beware, if you follow her, she may rope you into getting Adam (along with Eric and Barry) to call her.
3. Bev’s endless desire to snuggle.
Sure, being repeatedly hugged and kissed by your mom in a public place would be mortally embarrassing (especially as a teenager), but this is just Beverly’s special way of showing her kids affection. It makes for hilarious TV viewing, and even though I’m 17, I love a good hug now and then, so I’d be perfectly ok with that. As long as it was behind closed doors, and my friends were nowhere to be seen…
4. The Demanding of Excellence.
You definitely don’t want to get on the wrong side of Bevvy. Especially when the matter concerns her children. In many an episode of ‘The Goldbergs’, we see Mrs. Goldberg storm down to William Penn Academy in order to chastise her kids’ teachers for (apparently) not doing their jobs properly. This phenomenon is known as ‘The Demanding of Excellence’. These little ‘meetings’ often conclude with the dropping of a Bev-Bomb. Oh f**k!
5. Bev’s endless love for her children.
This is something that is clearly evident in both the TV show and in real life. Whatever your opinion on Bev’s parenting style (which is rather unorthodox at times), you cannot contest that she (along with late husband Murray) has raised three wonderful sons. Everything she has ever done is for the love of her “schmoopies”.
The two Beverly’s. Beverly Goldberg (left) and Wendi McLendon-Covey (right). Image courtesy of Beverly Goldberg.
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