[s4e4] Now For Then [ Editor's Choice ]
: Jesus and Mariana navigate evolving relationships with their birth parents. The episode highlights a touching moment of empathy when Jesus embraces Gabe, who has recently been removed from the sex-offender list. Additionally, it is revealed that Mike and Ana are now in a relationship, a development that complicates the twins' family dynamic.
The episode is structured around several significant emotional journeys:
: Callie begins a photography project documenting the seven former foster homes where she and Jude lived. This leads her back to the home of Liam, the foster brother who raped her. The visit is described as "especially potent," utilizing interspersed shots to let the audience see through Callie's lens as she confronts the place of her trauma. [S4E4] Now for Then
: Brandon continues to live in an apartment with Courtney, though critics generally found this to be the "least interesting" part of the episode due to the lack of long-term compatibility between the characters.
: During her project, Callie learns about Kyle, a former foster brother with developmental issues who is facing a life sentence for a murder he likely didn't commit. She enlists the help of Aaron , a law student at the Juvenile Justice Center, to investigate the case. : Jesus and Mariana navigate evolving relationships with
: Mariana continues to struggle with the trauma of Nick’s actions, visiting him in the hospital. Critics noted that this storyline explores mental illness and the fear Mariana feels as a form of self-sacrifice. Critical Reception
The title refers to the fourth episode of the fourth season of the Freeform drama series The Fosters . This episode is widely regarded by critics as a "back to basics" installment that focuses on character empathy and the complex history of the foster care system. Narrative Arcs & Character Development : Brandon continues to live in an apartment
Reviewers from sites like Telltale TV and The Young Folks praised the episode for its honesty and continuity.
