Ep 8. Daughters

Stef and Lena’s family dinner with Tess (briefly seen in season 2) and her husband gets off to a rocky start when Tess refuses to put down her phone, and her husband Dean is overly familiar with the kids. Stef reminds Tess that her mother has been worried about her, and Tess finally reveals that her mother has Alzheimer’s and she’s been the primary caretaker.

Meanwhile, Callie continues to volunteer at the drop-in center where she meets AJ, a foster teen runaway searching for his older brother. When Callie discovers that AJ’s brother is the same one who stole Jude’s bike, she immediately tells Stef, who arranges for the police to pick up AJ’s brother and reunite AJ with his family. But AJ is hesitant to leave Callie and the center behind, and the two share a sweet moment before he departs.

Jude, on the other hand, is struggling to adjust to his new school and the anxiety medication he’s been prescribed. After a panic attack in class, he sneaks out and meets a punky girl named Taylor who takes him to an abandoned building where she and her friends have made a makeshift hangout spot. But things take a dangerous turn when Taylor and her friends start smoking and want Jude to join in. He declines and leaves, but not before Taylor gives him her number.

Mariana, still reeling from her breakup with Mat, decides to throw a party to help cope with her feelings. But when her friend Zac shows up with his new girlfriend to the party, Mariana is visibly upset. Zac tries to apologize and explain, but it’s clear that Mariana is not ready to forgive him anytime soon.

Finally, Brandon confronts Mike about his recent behavior and drinking. But Mike is defensive and tries to deflect the conversation by reminding Brandon of his own questionable choices. The two eventually come to a resolution, but it’s clear that their relationship has been strained.

Overall, the episode showcases the struggles of familial relationships and coming of age in a touching and thoughtful way.