Life after death
The Goldbergs pay tribute to Pops following actor George Segal’s death in season 9 of the comedy series.
The Goldbergs
Season 9 Saturdays (from 11 June) M-Net (*101) 18:00
The opening episodes of comedy series The Goldbergs, which is set in the 1980s, involve the family paying homage to a classic movie of that era. In keeping with the theme, the première of season 9 goes beyond celebrating a moment in ’80s pop culture. Instead, the episode is dedicated to honouring deceased patriarch Albert, who’s better known as Pops (played by George Segal, who succumbed to bypass surgery complications in March 2021).
It’s revealed that Pops died in his sleep months before and his family is yet to come to terms with his passing, especially his daughter Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey). She is avoiding her feelings and she refuses to spend time with her friends. Concerned, Bev’s hubby
Murray (Jeff Garlin) suggests that the family take a roadtrip to Pops’ favourite spots and scatter his ashes for closure, which they all happily agree to.
As Wendi points out, the Goldbergs’ quest is inspired by 1989 sci-fi film Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, wherein two teens travel through time and meet historical figures to complete a school project. “The episode manages to be funny, heart-warming and an absolute tearjerker. It’s a touching tribute to Pops and the beautiful man that George was,” explains Wendi, before adding that “we mourned George’s death on the set, and we’ll never stop mentioning him in the sitcom. Pops and George will live on.”
THE NEXT STEP
After the dust settles, the Goldbergs turn over a new leaf and move forward without Pops. Eldest daughter Erica (Hayley Orrantia) is organising her wedding after her high school sweetheart Geoff (Sam Lerner) proposed in the season 8 finale. “Organising the wedding soon takes over Erica’s and her family’s lives. Bev appoints herself as wedding planner, so it’s chaotic,” explains Hayley.
At first, Erica and Geoff consider hosting their wedding at the tree where Pops proposed to his late wife, but after a series of crises and weather changes, the couple opt for an intimate ceremony at the Goldberg home. “It’s going to be a funny episode because nothing is going to go as she planned. However, I can confirm that Erica and Sam will tie the knot,” reveals Hayley.
While Erica’s busy doing grown-up things, middle sibling Barry (Troy Gentile) experiences an existential crisis, while youngest brother Adam (Sean Giambrone) is busy preparing for university. “The kids are all grown up and that means one thing,” hints Wendi: “Empty nest syndrome!”