A Million Little Things Review: Mothers and Daughters (Season 2 Episode 18)
A Million Little Things Season 2 Episode 18, “mothers and daughters,” doesn’t focus all that much on the title’s subjects, even though there are a few pairs of mothers and daughters on the episode. Instead, Rome and Eddie have plots that stand out.
Can we get Gary’s impending love triangle with Darcy and Maggie out of the way because it’s ridiculous? All love triangles are ridiculous. But Katherine’s speech to Maggie at Regina’s baby shower makes this particular one so much more annoying.
Katherine explains to Maggie that she forgave Eddie because her memories of their relationship made her realize that the only thing keeping them apart was their pride.
It’s just such a general statement that even the casual TV viewer could tell the dialogue means nothing to Katherine; it’s only meant to spark memories of Gary for Maggie.
But the blatant motivations of that dialogue aren’t the worst part of the story. I like Darcy as a person — but she’s so unnecessary it’s almost an insult to her that she exists in the A Million Little Things world. Gary and Maggie are going to be together. Period.
I’m not even saying that because I ship them too hard. It’s just the obvious plan. There are ways to keep them apart that don’t involve another woman — like a fellowship opportunity in London for example.
Darcy is a divorced veteran and that’s a story worth telling. So, she’s a person we want to know but we all think she’ll be gone soon, so what’s the point? It’s all very forced.
All fictional narratives are better when they follow the natural flow of their characters’ stories rather than putting them in strange situations for the sake of drama.
Rome’s storyline about being scared to become a parent is the most relatable to the episode. Plus, the Howards’ relationship with Eve is heartwrenching.
It’s clear she’s ready to give birth and has the best intentions for Rome, Regina, and the unborn baby. Good intentions are never enough on any show, so we all just have to cross our fingers that this baby ends up in the right home.
Shifting gears completely because there is no good transition into this, Eddie’s story with Alex, the mystery girl at the lake house, is ridiculous retcon that is completely unnecessary.
A Million Little Things has had a rocky road this season, and the show’s weakest moments are related to outside characters who don’t fit into anyone’s life smoothly.
Sibling relationships are messy for everyone, so they make great content for TV. But Lindsay is just coming in too extra from the start.
If this were real life, she’d be right that Eddie has to face his past without blaming anything on her. But she’s a long-lost alcoholic aunt who is bringing a trauma back into Edie’s life when he’s definitely earned some happiness.
It’s too much. Eddie has earned some redemption. We’ve come to root for the Saville’s marriage. A Million Little Things misjudges the aspects of their characters’ lives that fans are interested in.
I don’t think Eddie is a murderer. But I just want to see him and Katherine exchange vows, shove cake in each other’s faces and have one damn happy day.
One happy day. It’s not a lot to ask for.
A Million Little Thoughts
- The growth in Delilah and Sophie’s relationship is refreshing to see.
- A scene between Katherine and her mother is missing and it’s such a shame.
- The charcuterie board at the baby shower is the most amazing one I’ve ever seen.
- Even just Melora Hardin’s voice makes every show she’s in better.
- Katherine, start your law firm the day after your vow renewal. It’s fine.
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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.