A Million Little Things Review: The Game of Your Life (Season 1 Episode 5)
On A Million Little Things Season 1 Episode 5, “The Game of Your Life,” Delilah is pregnant, Delilah and Sophia share a mother-daughter bonding session, Rome makes efforts towards dealing with his depression, Eddie and Katherine get separated, and Gary decides to stay with Maggie for better or worse.
ALLISON MILLER, JAMES RODAY (ABC/Jack Rowand)
Arguably the best episode of the season so far, “The Game of Your Life” is deep, thought-provoking, and emotional, with no flashbacks or detailed mentions of Jon.
In the midst of the gloom is a reference to “The Rainbow Connection,” another prominent aspect of this episode, and a tribute to friendship.
Raising a teenager can be complex sometimes, especially when the teenager is confronted with some of life’s challenges.
GRACE PARK, DAVID GIUNTOLI (ABC/Jack Rowand)
Delilah has had a fair share of tantrums from Sophia since the death of Jon, which is expected, because of the shock she feels from losing the one person that ever understood her. Jon not only cared for his friends he was also his daughter’s favorite.
Having them share some genuine moments, and heart-to-heart conversations are important to the message of the show and remind us that friendship is not just between friends, but can exist between a mother and her daughter.
A recurrent theme on this episode is commitment.
JAMES RODAY, ALLISON MILLER (ABC/Jack Rowand)
We see this with Eddie trying to stall the play for Katherine, Gary going all in with Maggie, Katherine maneuvering her way in court to make it to Theo’s play, and Delilah taking the day off to spend time with Sophie.
It is a bit heartbreaking that Katherine and Eddie are separated. For a moment, it seems like they will work out, but it is truly not easy to get past a history of infidelity and alcoholism, just like Gary reminds Eddie.
I love that Gary has not totally swept Eddie’s indiscretions under the carpet. As harsh as it sounds to Eddie, that is reality at play. Some issues take a long time to heal.
GRACE PARK, DAVID GIUNTOLI (ABC/Jack Rowland)
Working mothers have often been berated for neglecting their duties in the home.
While Katherine’s storyline feels like an exposé into the negative effects of being a working mother, it also makes a case in support of working mothers, which helps to balance the argument.
The most important fallout from this separation would be what Eddie does next. From what we know, Delilah is pregnant, and it is not clear who is responsible, even though viewers are inclined to believe that it could be Eddie’s. Talk about awkwardness.
Perhaps one quality that sets A Million Little Things apart is how it dabbles into the unusual. For instance, Eddie being a stay-at-home dad, Rome and Regina not wanting kids, Maggie refusing further treatment, including the potential reality that Delilah could be pregnant by Eddie, her late husband’s friend.
Speaking of Maggie, the title of this episode is in reference to her decision to discontinue treatment, and how Gary worked hard in his attempt to change her mind.
ALLISON MILLER, JAMES RODAY (ABC/Jack Rowand)
The chemistry between Gary and Maggie is amazing, and makes the storyline as intriguing and emotionally-charged as it should be.
For Rome, the way he smiles at the possibility of Regina being pregnant gives the impression that maybe having a baby will help him deal with his depression.
However, who gets nosey in a married couple’s bathroom? While it is true that Gary is no stranger to Rome and Regina, the execution of that scene leaves much to be desired. The way he sees and identities the box, it is almost as though he is waiting to see it.
Overall, the plot keeps thickening as A Million Little Things progresses in its first season. The recent trend of events arouses anticipation for the way forward for this group of friends.
ALLISON MILLER (ABC/Jack Rowand)
What happens if Eddie is responsible for Delilah’s pregnancy? Will Rome consider having kids with Regina? Will Maggie beat cancer? Here is hoping that the show keeps the intrigue going.
What did you think of this episode of A Million Little Things? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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A Million Little Things airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on ABC.
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Cynthia Jones
Cynthia is a Sociologist but most especially, a TV enthusiast, with an undeniable attraction to authentic storytelling and powerful portrayals. Her interests also revolve around discovering ways of achieving social change through strategic strides in movies and television. Though she can barely strike a vocal note, she has an endless love for music and her piano is her bff.