Murray Goldberg, the gruff but ultimately loving patriarch of the Goldberg family, met his demise off-screen between seasons of the ABC sitcom, “The Goldbergs.” While not explicitly depicted, his passing is acknowledged and mourned in season 10, episode 1, titled “If You Build It, They Will Come,” which serves as a tribute to the character and actor Jeff Garlin.
The Void Left by Murray: Season 10 and Beyond
The absence of Murray is a palpable undercurrent throughout the tenth season. The premiere episode grapples directly with the family’s grief, focusing on Erica and Geoff’s anticipation of their first child while the Goldberg family navigates their loss. The writers opted for a respectful handling of the situation, allowing the characters to grieve realistically and demonstrate how Murray’s memory impacts their lives.
The Decision to Write Murray Off-Screen
The decision to not show Murray’s death on-screen was largely due to the circumstances surrounding Jeff Garlin’s departure from the show. Following HR investigations into his on-set behavior, Garlin was ultimately dismissed. To preserve the integrity of the show and maintain a positive working environment, ABC made the decision to write Murray out of the story rather than recast the role.
How the Show Handled Garlin’s Departure
The writers faced a significant challenge in navigating Garlin’s exit. To avoid disrupting the established narrative and maintaining continuity, they opted to use previously filmed footage and body doubles to complete season nine. This approach, while technically complex, allowed them to provide a degree of closure for Murray’s character before fully addressing his absence in season ten.
Exploring the Impact of Murray’s Absence
Murray’s presence, despite his often-curmudgeonly demeanor, was integral to the dynamics of the Goldberg family. His pragmatic, often hilarious, advice, his unwavering love for his children, and his playful banter with Beverly were cornerstones of the show’s humor and heart.
Beverly’s Grief and Transformation
Beverly Goldberg, fiercely protective and undeniably eccentric, experiences profound grief in Murray’s absence. Her journey throughout season 10 involves finding new purpose and independence while still cherishing the memories of her late husband. She leans on her family for support and rediscovers her own passions, demonstrating resilience and strength in the face of loss.
The Children’s Adaptation
Adam, Erica, and Barry each grapple with their father’s passing in their own ways. Adam, always sensitive and observant, uses his filmmaking skills to honor Murray’s memory. Erica and Geoff anticipate parenthood, reflecting on Murray’s paternal influence and striving to emulate his positive qualities. Barry, ever the comedian, uses humor as a coping mechanism, often reminiscing about their shared experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Murray Goldberg’s Departure
Here are 12 FAQs addressing key aspects of Murray Goldberg’s character and his exit from “The Goldbergs”:
FAQ 1: Was Jeff Garlin fired from “The Goldbergs”?
Yes, Jeff Garlin was fired from “The Goldbergs” following HR investigations into his on-set behavior. The network determined his conduct created an uncomfortable and potentially hostile working environment.
FAQ 2: Why didn’t they just recast Murray?
Recasting Murray Goldberg would have been a significant disruption to the show’s established dynamic and potentially alienating to viewers. The producers likely felt it was more respectful to Jeff Garlin, and the show’s legacy, to write the character out entirely rather than attempt to replace him.
FAQ 3: How did they film season 9 with Jeff Garlin’s reduced role?
Season 9 utilized a combination of previously filmed footage, body doubles, and editing techniques to minimize Jeff Garlin’s presence after the HR investigations began. He was present for only a limited number of scenes before his eventual departure.
FAQ 4: Did Jeff Garlin appear in season 10?
No, Jeff Garlin did not appear in season 10 of “The Goldbergs.” Murray Goldberg’s death is acknowledged off-screen at the start of the season.
FAQ 5: How did the show explain Murray’s death?
The show does not explicitly detail the circumstances of Murray’s death. The focus is on the family’s grief and their process of adapting to life without him.
FAQ 6: Was Murray’s death foreshadowed in earlier seasons?
No, there was no explicit foreshadowing of Murray’s death. The decision to write him out was a direct result of the real-life circumstances surrounding Jeff Garlin’s departure.
FAQ 7: What was the reaction of the cast and crew to Jeff Garlin’s departure?
The cast and crew generally avoided public comment regarding the specifics of Jeff Garlin’s departure. However, the show’s producers emphasized the importance of a positive and respectful work environment.
FAQ 8: How did “The Goldbergs” maintain its comedic tone in season 10 after Murray’s death?
While the show acknowledged the seriousness of Murray’s death, it also maintained its comedic tone by focusing on the family’s quirky dynamics and humorous situations. The writers skillfully balanced grief with lighthearted moments, ensuring the show remained entertaining without trivializing the character’s absence.
FAQ 9: Did Beverly ever remarry or find a new love interest?
No, Beverly did not remarry or find a new love interest during the remaining seasons of “The Goldbergs.” The show focused on her personal growth and independence as she navigated life as a widow.
FAQ 10: How did the show honor Murray’s memory throughout season 10?
Murray’s memory was honored through anecdotes, flashbacks, and the characters’ reflections on his impact on their lives. The season 10 premiere served as a direct tribute to the character and Jeff Garlin.
FAQ 11: Did the show’s ratings suffer after Murray’s departure?
It’s difficult to definitively attribute rating changes solely to Murray’s departure. Many factors influence TV ratings, including competition from other shows and the overall changing landscape of television viewing. However, season 10 did experience a general decline in viewership, which may have been partially attributable to the character’s absence.
FAQ 12: What is Jeff Garlin doing now?
After his departure from “The Goldbergs,” Jeff Garlin has continued to work in comedy and acting. He has focused on stand-up comedy and has appeared in various television and film projects. Information on his current and future projects can be found on reputable entertainment news websites and his official social media channels.
In conclusion, while Murray Goldberg’s death was never shown, its impact on the Goldberg family was a central theme of the show’s tenth season. The show handled the situation with sensitivity and respect, allowing the characters and the audience to grieve and remember the gruff but lovable patriarch. The absence of Jeff Garlin, however, will always be a noteworthy part of the show’s history.