Ep 16. EQ

The Fosters is a family drama TV series that follows the lives of the multi-ethnic Adams Foster family, whose household is comprised of two moms, Stef and Lena, and their blended family of biological, adopted and foster children.

Episode 16 of season 3, titled EQ, centers around the aftermath of the school lockdown, sparked by a false alarm which brings to light the high levels of anxiety many of the students are experiencing. As the students are allowed back into the school, the members of the Adams Foster family face their own trials and tribulations with their mental health and find ways to cope and support each other.

Lena, played by Sherri Saum, is concerned about her daughter Callie, played by Maia Mitchell, who is struggling to deal with the guilt and trauma from her recent almost-kidnapping experience. Callie is worried that the perpetrator, who she accidentally injured during her escape, may come back for her or her loved ones. Lena sets up a meeting with a therapist for Callie who helps her work through her PTSD and panic attacks. Meanwhile, Callie's twin brother, Jude, played by Hayden Byerly, is being bullied online because of his sexuality. He decides to tackle the problem head-on and stands up for himself and his identity, inspiring others to do the same.

Stef, played by Teri Polo, is dealing with her own stress at work as a police officer, as her colleagues and the public continue to question her judgment for choosing her family over her job during the lockdown crisis. She confides in her wife Lena and her colleague Mike, played by Danny Nucci, who encourages her to lean on her fellow officers for support. Stef also has a heart-to-heart conversation with her son, Brandon, played by David Lambert, who is struggling with his own anxiety after being rejected from Juilliard.

Mariana, played by Cierra Ramirez, is grappling with her own insecurities and anxiety about her future, as she is discouraged by her twin brother Jude getting accepted to a selective STEM school while she struggles to find her own path. She seeks advice from her friend and classmate, Zac, played by Louis Hunter, who encourages her to embrace her fashion design talents. Her adoptive brother, Jesus, played by Noah Centineo, is also facing his own challenges with a recent ADHD diagnosis, which he has been hesitant to share with his family. He confides in his girlfriend, Emma, played by Amanda Leighton, who urges him to seek help and find ways to manage his symptoms.

Overall, EQ is a poignant episode that showcases the complex emotional struggles of the characters, especially in the wake of a traumatic event. While the show addresses serious issues such as mental health and identity, it also highlights the importance of support systems, self-care, and resilience in coping with these struggles. The Adams Foster family continues to be an inspiring example of strength, love, and acceptance.