The Fosters' first episode remain strong until the series finale. Throughout its entire run, the show was about love, how to deal with life at its best and worst, and what to do when the chips are down. Additionally, regardless of whatever happened, the family was an integral part of The Fosters.
The pilot episode has the difficult job of setting up the characters, their relationships and revealing elements of their backstory. For example, at first, it is clear that Callie does not trust Stef and Lena right away, but the reasons as to why this is the case are revealed with time. There are other details introduced in the pilot that set the stage for what is to come, but some don't remain integral to the series as it continues.
Changed: Jesus And Mariana's Relationship With Ana
In the pilot, Jesus and Mariana have already been a part of the Foster family for years. Since they were separated from their birth mother, Ana, for a long time, Jesus considers her to be someone who had abandoned them as children.
However, Mariana has been secretly giving Ana money and messaging her and over time, Ana does improve. Eventually, she gets her life together and creates a healthier relationship with Jesus and Mariana.
Stayed The Same: Brandon Plays Music
Whether it be the first episode or series finale, Brandon loves to play music. His first introduction is playing piano on stage, and even after getting a broken hand, he still finds a way to play the keyboard with Mat in a band. Brandon even makes it into Julliard, but he loses his spot because he commits academic fraud.
Still, he eventually gets into another music school where he trains to compose background music for television shows and movies. Brandon is still pursuing his music dreams in the series finale, and the storyline even continued into Brandon's Good Trouble.
Changed: Only A Few Weeks
Lena agrees to let Callie into her home moments after she is released from juvie. With the understanding that Callie is not violent and will not threaten the Fosters, Lena brings Callie home. However, Lena is under the impression the arrangement will only be for a few weeks. By the episode's end, Stef decides against putting Callie and Jude back into the foster system immediately.
By The Fosters episode "I Do," Stef and Lena's feelings have changed drastically. They want Callie and Jude around as permanent family rather than giving them up to another family. Eventually, both Callie and Jude become officially adopted by Stef and Lena.
Stayed The Same: Stef And Lena's Relationship
Stef and Lena's relationship is part of the heart of the series and one of the most important elements and storylines The Fosters has to offer. While not aware of everything occurring under their roof, the couple is ive and caring parents in addition to their own relationship.
Throughout the series, Stef and Lena face struggles, but they come out of it stronger together. Their dynamic remains strong in Good Trouble as well.
Changed: Callie And Mariana's Relationship
Mariana is not fond of Callie when they first meet. For one, Callie does not make the best first impression. She even catches Mariana stealing Jesus' pills. In addition, their different personalities and life experiences make it difficult for them to get along initially.
But, the more time they spend together, the closer they get. Callie and Mariana become sisters and best friends over time and feel so close that they happily decide to live together in Los Angeles.
Stayed The Same: Callie And Brandon
Callie and Brandon aren't technically close right away, and it's more of a meaning of circumstance. Callie steals Brandon's phone to Jude at her old foster home, leading to Jude calling Brandon's phone number throughout the day.
When Callie decides to leave and get Jude, Brandon goes with her so she won't be alone. Afterward, Brandon becomes Callie's closest friend. Although they try a romantic relationship, Callie and Brandon ultimately choose to end their romance so that Callie can be adopted.
Changed: Robert Quinn
Callie was so close to being adopted, only to have one unexpected plot twist get in the way. The twist is even more surprising, given that there were never any hints in the pilot that Callie and Jude are biologically half-siblings.
However, when Callie learns that her biological father is not the man she grew up with, it leaves her unable to be adopted. This sends the Foster family on a mission to get Robert Quinn to give up his paternal rights to let Callie get adopted by Stef and Lena.
Stayed The Same: A Series About Family
The Fosters was always a show about family. It didn't matter if everyone was not blood-related. What mattered was that they all loved each other. Although they did fight and argue or disagree, the family was always what mattered the most.
The sibling relationships in particular were integral to the series. By the series finale, The Fosters was still very clearly about family, and the final scene of the show found the Fosters gathered together to say goodbye to their home.
Changed: Jude's Role
In the pilot, Jude's role is actually quite small. However, that is because he is separated from Callie, stuck in a dangerous foster home. Callie is uncomfortable at the Fosters' house and the new environment because she is eager to reunite with Jude.
Although Jude's phone calls come through, he remains off-screen until the last act of the pilot when Callie and Brandon show up to rescue Jude from the house. Afterward, Jude's role expands, and he becomes a much bigger part of the family and series.
Stayed The Same: Discusses Serious Topics
While The Fosters does talk a lot about family, it does not hold back from discussing heavy and serious topics. From the premiere to the series finale, The Fosters discussed serious and critical topics and storylines. The series covered anything from broken justice systems to regular teenage life and issues.
While some subjects would be more controversial than others, that would not stop The Fosters from portraying these storylines. Plotlines consisting of important topics have Good Trouble.