The Fosters season 5 spoilers: What are the political issues?

Going into The Fosters season 5, it should be anticipated that political issues are going to rise to the surface. While this is a series that is deeply personal in so many ways, it also does try to stay relevant and address key issues that are going on in the world — especially for the group of people often highlighted here. Given that there is not much made in terms of headlines around foster children or adoptions, this is territory the show can often explore. Not only that, but the series can find ways to discuss other events in the country through this lens. This is season 5, the show’s got its own signature tone now, and that gives it some freedom to tell other stories with this touchstone in mind.

For evidence of the show’s political leanings, you don’t have to look any further than the upcoming premiere episode — after all, the title for it is “Resist.”

In detailing more of the struggles that the writers at present have planned, executive producer Joanna Johnson noted the following to TV Guide:

“We’re exploring the political climate on college campuses and a lot of the debate about whether freedom of speech should be totally protected on college campuses or whether speakers who are inflammatory or incite discrimination and violence, whether they should be allowed to speak. That’s become a big debate like at Berkeley. We’re also interested in students that are under the DACA [Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals] Act right now and how long they’ll be protected. We’re looking into freedom of speech, immigration and the hot spot issues that we’re facing right now after this election…Also, Stef is a detective in the human trafficking division now so we’re going to continue to highlight those stories and how children are exploited in this country, the things we need to help them and the resources that they need.”

As for another important topic, Johnson notes that the storyline involving Callie and her present situation is going to be wrapped up by the premiere episode — there may be other challenges coming for her, but the show’s not interested in spending the entire rest of the summer with her in this sort of desperate situation. One of the things that you could see the show shine more of a light on instead is some of what’s happening with her and Aaron. Will they function like any other relationship? Callie may perceive for it to be so, but there are likely some other issues that the two will be forced to take on given that the transgender community is far from accepted in some parts of the country.

Want some further updates on The Fosters season 5?

If interested, we’d say to head over here, given that this is where you can see an extended sneak peek from the premiere episode that is putting the majority of the spotlight on Stef and her struggle.

What do you want to see addressed politically on The Fosters season 5? Be sure to share in the attached comments! (Photo: Freeform.)