A Million Little Things Review: Fight or Flight (Season 1 Episode 8)
On A Million Little Things Season 1 Episode 8, “Fight or Flight,” we get an insight into the motivation behind Maggie’s decision to refuse chemo, even as Gary calls out to everyone to help change her mind; Katherine brings a date to the tasting party, while Eddie is conflicted, caught between his feelings for Delilah and the possibility of mending fences with Katherine.
A Million Little Things continues its in-depth depiction of the concept of choice and how it plays out within the framework of a friendship circle.
“Fight or Flight” is a very clever way to summarize the choices Maggie is left with in her journey. It also applies to the drama involving Eddie, Katherine and Delilah.
Speaking of, Katherine has just realized that Delilah is pregnant, and as is expected, her mind fears the worst, until Regina assures her that the baby belongs to Jon. The ignorance. Katherine, apparently, is still in love with Eddie and perhaps, secretly wishes to get back together with him. At least, that would explain why she brings Hunter as her date to the party, just to make Eddie jealous.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I hardly understand Eddie.
One moment, he is Kissing Delilah and wishing to move in with her; the other moment, he is not sure about getting along lease because of the possibility of moving back in with Katherine. One moment he is feeling uncomfortable about Katherine’s date, and the next moment, he is wishing her well.
In as much as he needs to make up his mind, his dilemma is relatable because it takes time to completely let go of the past and move on. Besides, the situation with Delilah is a mountain of complications.
Personally, I do not support Eddie getting back together with Katherine because it would be unfair to Katherine. Eddie is already in love with Delilah, and they have a baby on the way, irrespective of the deception hanging around that information.
Now that Katherine has kissed Hunter, I hope it is the beginning of a new relationship for her because like Eddie says, she deserves to be happy.
This episode may seem Maggie-centered, but at the very core, it reflects the central theme of the show, which is friendship.
It is true that you cannot help someone who does not want to be helped, but it is also true that there is a thing called the law of cause and effect. There usually is a reason people make certain decisions in life, and Maggie’s case is no exception.
However, this cause is positively exploited in hopes of achieving a different effect from what Maggie experienced in her brother’s case.
There are two interesting sides to note in the reaction to Maggie’s decision.
On one hand, we see Rome, Regina, and Delilah accepting her choice, and trying to help her live out her life, without reminding her of her predicament. Then there is Gary, who is not willing to let her give up on life, and who uses every resource at his disposal to attempt to avert the situation.
What these different opinions say about friendship is the fact that there is no right or wrong stance on the matter.
Though I understand Maggie’s point of view, I think it is a tad selfish, which is the angle Gary is approaching from.
Maggie has made a decision that should be respected, but at the same time, there is no wrongdoing in trying to keep your friend alive for a very long time, especially when you believe that life is possible.
Sometimes we make decisions for our own benefit, without considering how it hurts the people in our lives. Maggie wants to be left to die in less than a year, but she has no idea how devastated it will leave her friends for a very long time.
Going by what Jon’s sudden death has taught them, it will be unsurprising if the other friends join Gary in intensifying efforts to help Maggie stay alive.
Another interesting side to this entire plot is how Maggie is receiving huge attention, despite the fact that she is not a part of the main circle of friends.
Maggie became a part of the group through Gary, yet she is being treated with as much care as every other person in the group, and it is especially significant because she is also surprised at how they have all become her family.
One may argue that in reality, people hardly go out of their way for friends of friends, but that is not entirely true, especially given the close-knit association of this group, as well as the importance of Maggie in Rome’s life.
At this point, Maggie still has the final say but with the amount of pressure she has received from Gary, and is likely about to still get from the other friends, I would be shocked if she doesn’t change her mind in the near future.
“Fight or Flight” ends with her collapsed on the floor. If that is not the end of the road for her, then it may be a springboard for her to change her mind. Here’s hoping that Gary lays off Ashley and gets to her in good time.
Speaking of, what is Ashley’s game plan? Why did Jon forbid his friends from sleeping with her? Was he sleeping with her too? What is the significance of that make-out session with Gary? And how will everybody, especially Katherine, react when they find out that Eddie is the father of Delilah’s baby?
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.