In an episode focused on representation, privilege, and issues within a family unit, I feel Switched at Birth didn't go as deep into the various issues as they would have done in the past. Yet, I feel appreciative that it still holds some value in bringing up various topics like the privilege of maybe growing up Latina, and yet passing for white; the issues of representation, even outside of seeing actors or actresses; and how some family issues can't be solved overnight, if they can be solved at all.
Topic 1: Nature vs. Nurture (Daphne & Travis)
With Daphne firmly deciding to go Pre-Med, the issue of paying for college is bought up for Regina has barely saved enough for a semester, never mind 60k a year. So Bay tells Daphne to ask the Kennishs, something which Daphne isn't comfortable with because that is a lot of money to ask for, and Regina isn't comfortable with this either since she doesn't like Daphne not having to work for what she wants. Thus leading to another battle between parents which makes their whole co- parenting arrangement so difficult. For with it being blood vs. caretaker, with caretaker usually winning, it makes the whole situation frustrating for everyone, to say the least.
It doesn't end there though, for with Regina denying the money it means Daphne needs scholarships. And with Regina pushing for ones for Latinas, an identity crisis ensues. After all, as Sheree and the scholarship interviewer note, while Daphne was raised Latina, she is white. Also, while raised poor and having to scrape by, now money is more an issue in Regina's life, not Daphne's. For Daphne now has access to the privileges, and money, the Kennish family has. And you can tell that being forced to recognize her racial background and monetary status really does mess up Daphne a bit. Though things get a bit worse when she talks with Regina about how she feels because the way she talks makes it seem like she is ready to disassociate herself with being Latina and begins identifying with whatever John and Kathryn are. This, needless to say, upsets Regina for she already knows she is slowly losing Daphne due to her signing becoming worse, and because she can't provide monetarily like the Kennishs, but Daphne identifying as Latina was one of their last strong connections. And while Daphne isn't necessarily giving it up, I think Regina realizes Daphne is slipping away. Making me wonder why is Bay still rarely around Regina?
Switching to Travis, as we know his family arrangement is unique since Melody is more of a mother to him than his own, and Emmett more a brother to him than probably all his siblings combined. But with having a girlfriend like Mary Beth, someone caring, curious, and wishing to find her way into the sensitive soft spots, it makes such a triggering topic like family hard for Travis to talk about. But one thing he does like to talk about is NFL player Derrick Coleman. For, as you can imagine, sports are every little boys dream to be in. Whether it is football, baseball, or soccer, something Travis wanted to play. However, with a hearing impairment, it makes such dreams hard to imagine. Yet here someone is, a pro in the NFL, who made it. Giving perhaps a speckle of hope that with the right team, anything is possible.
Topic 2: Compromise (Kathryn)
Kathryn seems really bothered by that character based on Sarah Lazar to the point she is willing to sit with Sarah to try to not only say she tried to change the character, but maybe stop the lawsuit. Something which she does get done, in exchange for no obstruction for Sarah's book on the switch becoming a movie. And it seems once this compromise is made, the ladies hit it off. In fact, Sarah seems to help Kathryn stand up to Lydia when it comes to a more developed character based off Sarah and wins! Making it a good episode for Kathryn for not only does she have new friend, making me wonder where Renzo is, but also one less obstacle for her book!
Topic 3: So This Is Love? (Bay and Emmett)
Without a grand gesture, unless the sex and breaking up with Tank was it, we learn Bemmett is back and better than ever! However, Bay wants to keep their relationship on the DL at first. Well, that is until Melody gets an offer to work in Madison, WI and this forces Bay to look for ways to have Emmett stay for senior year. Such as living with his dad Cameron. Thing is, Cameron still is a crappy dad and has been neglecting Emmett. So with Cameron having a house warming party, turned wedding and baby announcement, there was a hope in Bay that maybe this would be a prime time for Emmett and Cameron to bond.
All that happens though is a really awkward moment, in which Melody witnesses due to Gabe taking her to the house warming, where Cameron talks about the mistakes he made during his first marriage, of which Emmett takes this as him being a mistake. Thankfully though, between his mom and Bay, both find a way to spin this so Cameron's foolish attempts at trying to be comedic don't end up damaging the boy, especially with him feeling like he is soon to be replaced.
But, just so you know, all ends well. Melody seems unwilling to leave new love interest Gabe behind, so she isn't moving. Emmett feels better after talking with Bay and Melody, and is even thinking of giving some of his old toys to his future sibling, and while Travis may remain estranged with his family, at least Emmett seems to be on his way to healing old wounds.
Topic 1: Nature vs. Nurture (Daphne & Travis)
With Daphne firmly deciding to go Pre-Med, the issue of paying for college is bought up for Regina has barely saved enough for a semester, never mind 60k a year. So Bay tells Daphne to ask the Kennishs, something which Daphne isn't comfortable with because that is a lot of money to ask for, and Regina isn't comfortable with this either since she doesn't like Daphne not having to work for what she wants. Thus leading to another battle between parents which makes their whole co- parenting arrangement so difficult. For with it being blood vs. caretaker, with caretaker usually winning, it makes the whole situation frustrating for everyone, to say the least.
It doesn't end there though, for with Regina denying the money it means Daphne needs scholarships. And with Regina pushing for ones for Latinas, an identity crisis ensues. After all, as Sheree and the scholarship interviewer note, while Daphne was raised Latina, she is white. Also, while raised poor and having to scrape by, now money is more an issue in Regina's life, not Daphne's. For Daphne now has access to the privileges, and money, the Kennish family has. And you can tell that being forced to recognize her racial background and monetary status really does mess up Daphne a bit. Though things get a bit worse when she talks with Regina about how she feels because the way she talks makes it seem like she is ready to disassociate herself with being Latina and begins identifying with whatever John and Kathryn are. This, needless to say, upsets Regina for she already knows she is slowly losing Daphne due to her signing becoming worse, and because she can't provide monetarily like the Kennishs, but Daphne identifying as Latina was one of their last strong connections. And while Daphne isn't necessarily giving it up, I think Regina realizes Daphne is slipping away. Making me wonder why is Bay still rarely around Regina?
Switching to Travis, as we know his family arrangement is unique since Melody is more of a mother to him than his own, and Emmett more a brother to him than probably all his siblings combined. But with having a girlfriend like Mary Beth, someone caring, curious, and wishing to find her way into the sensitive soft spots, it makes such a triggering topic like family hard for Travis to talk about. But one thing he does like to talk about is NFL player Derrick Coleman. For, as you can imagine, sports are every little boys dream to be in. Whether it is football, baseball, or soccer, something Travis wanted to play. However, with a hearing impairment, it makes such dreams hard to imagine. Yet here someone is, a pro in the NFL, who made it. Giving perhaps a speckle of hope that with the right team, anything is possible.
Topic 2: Compromise (Kathryn)
Kathryn seems really bothered by that character based on Sarah Lazar to the point she is willing to sit with Sarah to try to not only say she tried to change the character, but maybe stop the lawsuit. Something which she does get done, in exchange for no obstruction for Sarah's book on the switch becoming a movie. And it seems once this compromise is made, the ladies hit it off. In fact, Sarah seems to help Kathryn stand up to Lydia when it comes to a more developed character based off Sarah and wins! Making it a good episode for Kathryn for not only does she have new friend, making me wonder where Renzo is, but also one less obstacle for her book!
Topic 3: So This Is Love? (Bay and Emmett)
Without a grand gesture, unless the sex and breaking up with Tank was it, we learn Bemmett is back and better than ever! However, Bay wants to keep their relationship on the DL at first. Well, that is until Melody gets an offer to work in Madison, WI and this forces Bay to look for ways to have Emmett stay for senior year. Such as living with his dad Cameron. Thing is, Cameron still is a crappy dad and has been neglecting Emmett. So with Cameron having a house warming party, turned wedding and baby announcement, there was a hope in Bay that maybe this would be a prime time for Emmett and Cameron to bond.
All that happens though is a really awkward moment, in which Melody witnesses due to Gabe taking her to the house warming, where Cameron talks about the mistakes he made during his first marriage, of which Emmett takes this as him being a mistake. Thankfully though, between his mom and Bay, both find a way to spin this so Cameron's foolish attempts at trying to be comedic don't end up damaging the boy, especially with him feeling like he is soon to be replaced.
But, just so you know, all ends well. Melody seems unwilling to leave new love interest Gabe behind, so she isn't moving. Emmett feels better after talking with Bay and Melody, and is even thinking of giving some of his old toys to his future sibling, and while Travis may remain estranged with his family, at least Emmett seems to be on his way to healing old wounds.
