Wedding fever hits "The New Normal" in "Bryanzilla" as Nana's crusade to protect marriage parallels the show's real-life controversy with One Million Moms. With the references to Chick-fil-A, Romney, and marriage equality, this episode is more political than "Obama Mama."
Shania's pretend wedding
The threat of Shania returning to Ohio inspires Wilbur to propose a pretend marriage. Upon hearing the big news, Bryan insists on throwing a lavish pretend wedding complete with gourmet food and fancy invitations. Apparently, the combination of frustration from his own unmarried life and obsessively viewing "Say Yes to the Dress" ravaged his mind.
Rocky and the gang go along with the wedding fiasco, but Nana objects using the same argument One Million Moms used to condemn the TV show months before its premiere. She wants to uphold the sanctity of marriage by stopping anyone from "redefining" it.
When the pretend groom has a panic attack, Dr. David gives a cold, clinical explanation that the wedding does not mean anything in the real world. To some extent, his harsh words could apply to commitment ceremonies. More importantly, his pep talk emphasizes his lack of romance and disappoints Bryan.
Nana scopes out the school parking lot and targets three girls whose family cars have Romney bumper stickers. She persuades the future members of One Million Moms to help ruin Shania's wedding.
Indecent proposal
Thinking about Shania's wedding led to another funny flashback sequence contrasting Goldie's marriage with Bryan and David's relationship. Clay casually made an impromptu marriage proposal to a very pregnant Goldie in a bowling alley. They were clueless kids who genuinely seemed to be in love.
The flashback to one of Bryan and David's early dates showed David taking a hard political stand against marriage until all consenting adults had the same legal right. Flashback Bryan seemed more sentimental about marriage, but pleased the two agreed on someday having kids with the right person.
In the present day, David realizes his mistake and lures pouting Bryan to his office. He filled the exam room with flowers and candles, and brought Goldie in for a sonogram. He wants to propose in front of the baby and says family is the ultimate commitment. It is a grand romantic gesture tempered by the medical equipment and Goldie's bare belly.
Goldie vs. Nana
Nana claims she wants to protect Shania since she has such terrible role models, including Nana and Goldie. She does not understand that she is hurting 9-year-old Shania. Goldie finally tells Nana to go back to Ohio, but Nana brushes it off. Is Goldie really going to protect her daughter? Or will she apologize and shower Nana with sunshine?
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