A Million Little Things Review: Time Stands Still (Season 2 Episode 9)
The first half of A Million Little Things Season 2 Episode 9, “time stands still,” is a waste of time.
If we’re all honest, Jon being PJ’s father is a twist too easy to figure out for it to be true. I try not to theorize too much about shows like this beyond the clues the show is giving me.
If Jon were PJ’s biological father, it would’ve added enough drama to the show, so I would’ve been fine with it.
A Million Little Things sometimes grounds itself amidst its own chaos by returning to simplicity. So, Barbara and Mitch were telling PJ the truth. Fine. Fair enough.
But tricking viewers with fake DNA test results because of hairs on a sweater that once belonged to Dave isn’t the best way to tell us that. It’s a big, pointless circle.
DNA issue aside, more than half of the episode is just adults running around yelling at each other, wanting pity because of the drama they created for themselves, not taking much responsibility for any of it.
There is no need to single anyone out. No one is more guilty than anyone else for anything.
As a viewer, it’s so tiring that not even Gary’s speech lands the way the writers probably want it to.
It’s all just blah, blah blah, whine, whine, whine. In an actual family, the person who removes themselves from that toxicity and stops talking to everyone else would probably be the healthiest emotionally.
What actually grounds this episode and makes me feel more empathy for PJ than I ever have before is remembering that there is a reason Rome’s story has been so attached to PJs this season.
PJ has always been depressed and connecting with this group, loving them, and feeling loved by them, just to have them all ripped away, is too much for him to take.
He feels so alone that he stands on the edge of a roof and considers jumping.
Rome stands right there with him, and it’s one of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever seen on TV.
I don’t cry easily over fiction, but whenever I hear PJ ask Rome what he’s doing and Rome reply, “The same thing you’re doing,” his voice steady and confident, his body unwavering — there will always be tears in my eyes.
Time stands still, especially from the moment the singing in “Against All Odds” starts.
If you’re feeling suicidal and need someone to talk to, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You aren’t alone.
I’m so glad PJ is all right and realize now that even though he’s a fictional character, I haven’t been fair to him. The group was giving him purpose and even though he won’t lose them, he has to find his own now.
Seeing PJ happy about knowing who his father’s people are distracted me so much I didn’t often consider his emotional state in past reviews.
It’s a valuable lesson. Check in with people you care about. They might “seem fine” but need someone to ask.
All respect to the seriousness of PJ’s situation, but I want to move on to Rome.
I’m so proud of him, I can imagine how Regina feels.
It would’ve been nice to see him at the call center more doing training because it’s easy to forget the work that goes into being ready to act in a crisis. But Rome did that work.
His demeanor as he’s risking his life to save PJ’s is calm and even comforting.
It’s amazing acting from Romany Malco, too. I’ve said before that they undervalue him and I think it still holds true. All respect to James Roday (who is wonderful too), but the monologue before Malco’s work is unnecessary.
It’s definitely not shocking that Rome and Regina are going to adopt. But the decision puts Rome and Regina’s whole journey so far this season into perspective.
Purely from a storytelling standpoint, Renee dies to teach Regina what a good mother/child relationship looks like at the end, and then PJ’s crisis shows her that she wants to stand by Rome’s side and help a child just like he helped PJ.
So yes, adoption was always the answer to Rome and Regina’s marriage crisis. But with this story, A Million Little Things teaches viewers that even when we know the ultimate payoff, we may not know the journey characters are going to take to get there.
When an arc is done well, the end may not be what needs to come in focus. The end you saw coming may make you appreciate the journey you’ve watched even more.
A Million Little Thoughts:
- Sophie’s anger is valid. But she’s old enough that her behavior is unacceptable, especially if and when she realizes Theo is watching.
- Gary and Maggie were obviously not going to get engaged… and to be honest, everything about their ending is expected.
- Hopefully, we don’t have to hate Eric. It’s actually exciting to wonder what’s coming.
- Lawsuits are dreadfully boring on dramas like this. I’m proud of Delilah and have a little bit more respect for her now.
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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Esme Mazzeo
Esme Mazzeo is a lifestyle and entertainment journalist from Long Island. When she's not writing for work, she's writing for fun, or searching for something to satisfy her sweet tooth. She thinks rainy days are the best kind of days. Certified night owl.