A Million Little Things Review: Twelve Seconds (Season 1 Episode 13)

A Million Little Things Season 1 Episode 13, “Twelve Seconds” involves understanding business politics. Or business and politics. Both of my degrees deal with words. So, I’m a bit out of my depth here.

But Jon’s business deal and the consequences of the subway station not going through takes up a good portion of the episode. So, I’m going to try to explain it to the best of my ability. 

The buildings Jon bought (mostly for their sentimental value)  would’ve doubled in value if a subway stop were put in. He put his entire business on the line for that one deal over many years. The deal fell through on the day before he died because Councilwoman Gerri Huntington told him he didn’t have the votes.

Ashley was twelve seconds late (hence the episode title) in saving his life. 

Ashley keeps the buildings by shuffling money around. She eventually gets the subway deal back in play by using Jon’s connections and Gerri’s guilt as leverage.  

Gerri tells Delilah she has the votes this time. But she gets it wrong. Delilah makes a deal to sell the buildings before the vote fails, thanks to Katherine and instinct. So, Delilah, Katherine and women’s intuition for the win. 

There’s also a second life insurance policy on Jon that names the boys and Barbara Morgan as beneficiaries. But I don’t really understand much about that besides knowing it’s also a part of the reason the Dixons will not be homeless (at least, I’m pretty sure of that.) 

I’m explaining all of that because it’s important. This episode seems to be suggesting it’s the reason Jon killed himself. I have good instincts too, but it’s not hard to guess that this is probably not the reason Jon committed suicide. It’s at least not the only reason, and if it’s part of the reason, it’s only a small part. 

First of all, Jon’s suicide note is very vague and cryptic. Whatever he’s suggesting as the reason he ended his life is bigger than the value of some buildings. I think Barbara Morgan may be a woman he got pregnant and abandoned.

That’s a pure guess. Because there is the painting and the Harvard of it all to consider. I have no other guesses in me right now. 

But we need to move on to topics that my brain likes better than politics and numbers so…divorce! Divorce I can handle. 

Eddie and Katherine’s divorce has always felt inevitable to me. Yes, I understand divorce is hard on children. But, I think it’s a lose-lose-lose situation from any perspective if they stay together. 

Let’s start by looking at Theo’s side. He’s already feeling his parents’ stress and holding things inside because of it. That’s not good. His parents aren’t even working on their issues at this point. The way to work on a marriage is not to go on tour. So, I can’t imagine how he’d feel if they were home. 

Let’s face it, from Eddie’s side of things, he’d only stay for Theo. His bandmate explaining what it’s like to be a child of divorce is what prompts him to think about staying. Plus, I don’t condone cheating but he’s in love with Delilah and she’s having his child. 

I’m covering A Millon Little Things for at least the rest of the season, but even when I guest reviewed for Season One Episode Six, I said the truth about who the baby’s father is is going to come out sooner than later, and when it does, imagine Katherine’s perspective.

If she chooses to stay with Eddie, well…my guess is she’ll be fuming mad and I won’t blame her. So, this divorce is good for everyone. 

That said, it’s silly to have Eddie come to this conclusion just because he sees two plates at the breakfast table. At least Katherine notices that the plates are there and seems to realize Eddie saw them. Because even though I’m not rooting for this relationship, it would annoy me for the rest of the season if every time I saw Katherine on screen I wanted to scream, “He saw the plates!” at her. 

Speaking of those breakfast plates…can I point something super not sexy out? It’s not sweet or romantic or cute to eat a crumb off of anyone’s face. There is no way to make that anything but gross.

Whipped cream? Hot. Chocolate syrup? Eh, Ok. Ranch Dressing? We’ve crossed a weird line now. But to pick a crumb off of someone’s face and eat it? Especially someone who doesn’t have a label yet and who has just had sex with you for the first time? Just…no. It’s so unsexy. So good riddance, Hunter. Don’t let the door hit your “newly named partner” ass on the way out. That’s how I feel about that. 

Rome and Regina’s storyline is mostly comic relief on this episode. While I wish we were privy to the problem with the wedding album, the show touched on a really important point in the resolution of that conflict, no matter the details. 

It’s important to take your medicine when you have a mental illness. For your own self, of course. But if you don’t it will affect the people around you. Whatever choice you make about medicine, make it carefully. 

A Million Little Things is usually strong. This episode is no exception, but I do think its heart was buried a bit on this episode because of “The Deal.”

Of course, I’m glad the Dixons are financially secure now. But it seems like much ado about nothing in the scheme of it all. I’m glad there are more pieces to the puzzle to figure out, but this little corner came together a bit more quickly than I would’ve liked. 

I would rather see more of Maggie and Sophie bonding. I think they’re good for each other. For Sophie, Maggie is a new (possibly younger) definitely cooler adult to seek advice from that isn’t one of her parents’ friends who have already given her tons of advice. For Maggie, Sophie is someone who can push her into doing what’s right.

You can’t exactly ignore undeniable wisdom about connecting with your parents from a girl who has lost her father. 

Personally, I can’t ignore how annoyed I feel when I hear the name Barbara Morgan on this show now. Just tell us who she is already! 

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 Thursdays at 9/8c on ABC.

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