Ep 11. Pickleball

Pickleball fever has taken over the Goldbergs household in season 7 episode 11, appropriately titled "Pickleball." Following a long-standing family tradition, Beverly urges Murray to include her in his weekly pickleball games. When he hesitates, she decides to join a beginner's group with Lainey and Mellor for practice, only to become obsessed with the game and becoming the best player she can be.

Meanwhile, Adam and Brea have been assigned the task of creating a school video project for the Home Economics Department that can be shown at the annual open house. Desperate for a good idea, they consult with Geoff and Erica for inspiration. After learning that Geoff has never competed in his high school's annual science fair, they decide to create a science fair project titled "How Does Pickleball Affect the Brain?" This extends to an additional storyline of Adam's jealousy over Brea's developing friendship with Geoff.

As Beverly's obsession with pickleball reaches new heights, Murray feels neglected and turns to Dave Kim for company. The two bond over their shared love of simulation games and end up teaming up to beat the game. However, as Beverly prepares for the big pickleball tournament, she discovers that her regular partner (a very competitive and difficult-to-work-with player) has dumped her. In a heartwarming turn of events, Murray decides to step in as her partner, remembering that it was his father who started the family tradition of playing pickleball.

Meanwhile, Adam and Brea's science fair project reaches an unexpected outcome, leading to a falling out between the two. Ultimately, they come to a resolution and do end up with a successful project.

Overall, "Pickleball" is a fun and light-hearted episode that explores the Goldberg's family traditions and dynamic. Between Beverly's competitive streak, Murray's love for simulation games, and Adam's jealousy over Brea, there is never a dull moment. The episode manages to balance its multiple storylines well, with everything coming together in a satisfying and heartwarming way. Additionally, the school project storyline offers an opportunity to explore the characters beyond their typical family dynamics, providing a fresh take on the series.