Ep 17. Makeover

In The Fosters season 5 episode 17 titled "Makeover", the Adams-Foster family is undergoing some major changes. With Callie off at college, Mariana has taken up the role of the rebellious teenager, experimenting with different hairstyles and clothes at her new job. This causes a conflict with Stef, who believes that Mariana should focus on her schoolwork instead of her appearance.

Meanwhile, Jesus is struggling with his own identity as he works at the construction job with his father, feeling like he doesn't belong in the traditionally masculine environment. This issue takes a backseat, however, when a construction accident lands Nick in the hospital with serious injuries. In a moment of vulnerability, Jesus confides in Emma about his feelings of inadequacy and fear.

Back at the Adams-Foster home, Lena is busy preparing for a school board meeting about the future of Anchor Beach, the charter school where she works. She runs into opposition from conservative parents who want to shut down the school. Lena is forced to confront her own biases and perspectives as she fights for the future of the school she loves.

Amidst all these personal struggles, a surprise visitor arrives at the Adams-Foster home: Jude's best friend Taylor. Since Jude left for college, Taylor has been struggling with her own issues, and she turns to Jude for support. This creates tension between Jude and Noah, who feels threatened by Taylor's presence in their relationship.

As the episode progresses, each of the characters reaches a turning point. Mariana confronts Stef about the pressure she feels to conform to her mother's expectations of perfection. Jesus stands up for himself on the construction site, refusing to let his father or anyone else tell him who he is. Lena delivers a powerful speech at the school board meeting, challenging the status quo and advocating for a more inclusive educational system. And Jude faces a difficult choice between his loyalty to his friend Taylor and his commitment to his relationship with Noah.

All of these storylines come to a head in the final moments of the episode, as the characters navigate the consequences of their choices and begin to chart a path forward. "Makeover" is a complex and emotionally resonant episode that explores the many facets of identity, family, and community in the modern world.