‘Parenthood’ Season 6 Spoilers: Julia And Hank’s Exes Return; Which Relationship Will Survive?

“Parenthood” seems to be throwing quite a few curve balls to the Bravermans in their final 13 episodes. Aside from the possible death of a family member, two major couples are going to have to deal with exes coming back into their lives.

If “Parenthood” fans were hoping that Joel and Julia would get back together in Season 6, they are going to be pretty disappointed. Julia’s ex is coming to town and it looks like he is sticking around.

Julia’s ex-boyfriend from law school, Chris, will be played by Coby Ryan McLaughlin, according to E! Online. Chris will be the latest obstacle for Joel and Julia. Their relationship began to deteriorate last year after Joel went back to work and Julia kissed another man. Apparently, that was actor Sam Jaeger’s (Joel) fault.

In July, Jaeger explained at a Television Critics Association panel that he asked for Joel and Julia to face a little trouble. "I told him we needed to get away from the same old Joel and Julia," Jaeger said, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I told him Joel needed to mess up. I was really tired of Joel being so perfect. I had heard women say they wished they were married to Joel, because he was really the ideal husband. That gets old."

Julia isn’t the only one with an ex showing up. Sarah finally reunited with Hank in the Season 5 finale, but that might not be the case for long. Betsy Brandt will return as Hank’s ex-wife, Sandy, according to TV Line. Hank and Sandy share a teenage daughter, but Sandy moved to Minnesota with their daughter at the end of Season 4. Hank followed them, but he decided to move back to the Bay Area by the time Season 5 rolled around. No word on why Sandy is returning. Their daughter might want to see her dad, or Sandy might want Hank back.

Which couple will survive a returned ex? It’s hard to say because both couples seemed happy in the finale. Joel was sleeping at Julia’s house again while Sarah and Hank finally got back together. Sandy and Hank haven’t had the best relationship, so it seems unlikely that the two would seriously get back together. However, Joel and Julia might not be back together officially. Sleeping at the house isn’t the same as moving back in.

“Parenthood” Season 6 premieres Thursday, Sept. 25, at 10 p.m. EDT on NBC. Which couple do you think will survive the final season? Sound off in the comments section!