A Million Little Things Review: Change of Plans (Season 2 Episode 16)
When A Million Little Things falters, it’s usually equivalent to a bumpy train ride. So, it’s troubling to have to say that A Million Little Things Season 2 Episode 16, “change of plans,” is heading off the rails with a few of its stories.
It’s not completely gone for two reasons — and we are starting with Katherine because there has never been a better time!
She quits her job as a lawyer because her bosses are complicit in the homophobia clients expressed toward her assistant, Carter (he is her assistant, right? He’s not on enough to know his exact title).
Think about that: she doesn’t leave because the partners are homophobic people, she leaves because they have made homophobic decisions based on client biases in the past.
It’s the best decision anyone has ever made on A Million Little Things in two years.
The way the story is told also highlights the fight that many minorities face in the workplace. Katherine’s instinct is that the partners use her or don’t use her at will because she’s a woman. It turns out their behavior isn’t sexism or even racism, it’s another type of oppression.
It’s absolutely brilliant that this story is on screen at all, not to mention how quickly Katherine makes her decision. This would’ve been groundbreaking if she were to take two episodes to think her next step through.
Of course, it’s perfectly fine that she doesn’t need to think twice about sticking by her friend, co-worker, and the one man who has supported her through all of her struggles.
Moving on to the man that has caused a lot of those struggles, the storyline with Eddie, his sister, and the mixup with Dakota’s drugs isn’t horrible.
If Eddie had taken a moment to think, maybe he would’ve realized that it’s unlikely Lindsay’s drugs would get lost in the couch so quickly. It’s easy to forgive him because he has reasons to mistrust her.
Watching him have to navigate working with Dakota because his family needs the money and his own addiction will be interesting. He’s become a character that deserves to be rooted for in Season 2, so I’m hoping Dakota doesn’t ruin all of the work he’s done.
Eddie’s story is part of the reason this episode veers A Million Little Things in a weird direction, though.
Viewers have just learned about Lindsay this season, Theo has just met his aunt, and we are supposed to be shocked or care that Lindsay is bringing up a random family cabin?
This is a prime example of the “shocking” ending being absolutely unnecessary. The episode literally ends with talk of this mysterious family house that we have no emotion invested in when it could’ve ended with Eve, Derek, Rome, and Regina.
Of course, we’re happy that Eve is safe. But the fact that Derek signs the papers so willingly and leaves without being violent or seeming to care much for Eve is probably an indication he’ll be back.
I’d much rather have gone to the ice cream shop with Eve and Derek and be left wondering if Eve will make it to the bathroom to escape than watching Derek briefly contemplate whether to strike against Rome and Regina in a kitchen full of knives he’s not holding.
A story like this is strongly defined by it’s ending and it’s not over yet. We’ll reserve our judgment until then.
Speaking of endings, while Delilah is more than welcome to make out with whoever she wants to outside of bars at night, where did Andrew go?
“change of plans” is at least true to its title. A Million Little Things changes course with many different stories on this episode. But it is later in the show’s season than other network shows. A couple of stories have swerved off track and there simply aren’t enough episodes left to course-correct if needed.
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 10/9c 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.