Ep 18. Series 3 Episode 18
The Goldbergs is an American sitcom that follows the life of a Jewish-American family living in the Philadelphia suburbs during the 1980s. In season 3, episode 18, entitled "12 Tapes for a Penny," the family finds themselves caught up in a mail-in scam for music tapes.
The episode begins with young Adam Goldberg receiving a mail-in advertisement from a music company offering 12 tapes for a penny. Excited about the offer, Adam convinces his father, Murray, to let him sign up for the deal, claiming it's too good to pass up. However, once the tapes arrive, the family quickly realizes that they have gotten into something they may not be able to get out of.
As it turns out, the music company sends them more tapes than they bargained for and charges them an exorbitant amount for each additional tape. This leads to a hilarious chain of events as Adam and Barry attempt to sneak into the post office to intercept a delivery and Erica tries to get a part-time job to help pay off the debt.
While the mail-in scam is the main focus of the episode, there are also several subplots that contribute to the overall humor and heart of the show. For example, Beverly, the matriarch of the family, attempts to bond with her daughter-in-law, Lainey, by taking her shopping for wedding dresses. However, Beverly's enthusiasm proves to be overwhelming and Lainey ultimately ditches her to find the perfect dress on her own.
Meanwhile, Murray becomes obsessed with a new arcade game and spends all of his money and time trying to beat the high score. This leads to tension between him and his wife, who becomes fed up with his neglectful behavior.
Overall, "12 Tapes for a Penny" is a classic Goldbergs episode that captures the essence of the show's quirky characters and nostalgic 80s setting. Through the humor and hijinks, the episode also touches on important themes such as family dynamics, coming of age, and the dangers of get-rich-quick schemes. Fans of the show will not be disappointed by this installment and newcomers will find it to be a great introduction to the world of the Goldbergs.
