The Fosters, ABC Family’s acclaimed drama about lesbian moms Stef and Lena and their growing multi-ethnic family, ended its first season last night with a joyous adoption and some unexpected plot twists (which I won’t mention in case any of you haven’t seen it yet). The episode was full of both the teen and lesbian mom drama we’ve come to expect — my only criticism is that we have to wait till June 16 for more. The show’s marketing team, however, let a little bit slip about what to expect in 84 days when Season Two begins.
Here’s what they say — vague but tantalizing:
The second season will continue to explore the growing Fosters clan, with all the triumphs and travails, twists and turns, that fans of the series have come to expect. Callie and Jude will try to adjust to their new roles in the family, and everyone will deal with the fallout from their previous actions. Past mistakes will come home to roost, consequences will be handed out, and victories will be hard fought, and ultimately well-won. Their deep bonds will grow, enabling America’s most modern family to face the future head on, with love in their hearts.
I have to say, though, I’ve never been quite comfortable with same-sex headed families being labeled “modern” or the “new normal.” Lesbian mothers were part of the Daughters of Bilitis, the first lesbian civil rights organization in the U.S., in the 1950s. Most of them had children from previous marriages to men — but even just looking at lesbians having children after coming out brings us back 30 years, to the early 1980s. Sure, we’re modern — many of us own smartphones and iPads — but we’re not newfangled.
Overall, though, that’s a quibble. I’ll still be counting the days until June because of all the things this show has meant to me (and maybe to some of you, too).
If you’ve seen the episode, you may want to check out this interview with David Lambert (Brandon) on Zap2it, in which he reveals a bit more about what to expect in June based on what happened last night.
If you prefer a spoiler-free Fosters indulgence, make sure to watch the video of Jennifer Lopez talking with Ellen DeGeneres about her very personal reasons for producing the show.
