A Million Little Things Episode 2
Being that this show is about those who are left behind after someone commits suicide, it’s no shock that this week’s episode focuses on Jon’s kids, Sophie and Danny.
Sophie Dixon (Lizzie Greene)
Though Sophie was all together in the pilot, we see she has as many doubts as everyone else.
Normal Life
The eldest daughter of Joe just wants to have a normal life moving forward.
When she goes downstairs for breakfast though, she finds all her fathers friends around her table.
Father-Daughter Recital
Sophie mentions that the father-daughter recital at her school was that night, and even though her mom said she didn’t have to do it, Sophie says that Dixon’s don’t give up.
Out of surprise to everyone in the room, Sophie chooses Eddie to be her partner.
Strength fails
Later that day, Sophie overhears that her dad had made sure her mom was taken care of by making her co-owner of Regina’s restaurant.
Feeling like her dad made sure that everyone else was taken care of but her, since he wasn’t there for the recital, she broke down.
Seeing her anger towards her father and even some of it directed at her mother was refreshing. In most sitcoms the children are always perfect and never get angry. This was a real reaction.
The Recital
While Sophie was getting ready, Rome told her about being her partner instead of Eddie. He let her know that he had taught her dad all the moves.
Sophie then realized that her dad did make sure their was a plan in place for her.
The two of them kill the dance floor and even though it wasn’t a competition, they won the night.
Danny (Chance Hurstfield)
Danny is also struggling with his dad’s suicide, but for a whole different reason.
Breakfast
Danny tells Gary that there’s a kid he likes at school named Ella but when his mom asks about it, he says it’s nothing and goes to get more juice.
Juice
While getting his juice, Gary who seems to have sensed what was going on, went over and asked if Ella was really an Ella.
Taking great offense to that, Danny said she’s an Ella and heads upstairs.
Most heartbreaking scene
Danny is on his bed when Gary comes in and sits with him.
Out of nowhere Danny asks if his dad killed himself because of him. Heartbreaking to us and Gary.
When Gary asks why he thinks that, Danny replies that his dad might’ve known what Gary knows.
Uncle Gary: Danny’s superhero
Gary looks Danny straight in the eyes and tells him that if his dad did know he wouldn’t have cared and he would’ve loved him just as much, just like he does.
This is a struggle millions of LGBT children live with everyday. Either their contemplating suicide or a member of their family did and they blame themselves.
I applaud this show for touching on this subject and letting children know it’s never their fault and it’s ok to be them.
The Recital
When they headed inside, Danny stopped Gary and pointed to a boy his age and said “that’s Ella”.
This is an important moment for Danny. He’s finally got someone he feels safe being honest about himself with.
Meanwhile…
Secret Lovers
Eddie and Delilah are still tip toeing around each other especially after she finds Eddies necklace in Joe’s dresser drawer.
The Restaurant
Joe has left the empty building to not only Regina but Delilah as well, making sure they were both taken care of.
Secrets
We see again Ashley going through papers and deleting things. She also didn’t know that Joe never told Delilah about leaving the building to her as well.
The Voicemail
Eddie also hasn’t told anyone about Joe’s voicemail that just says “love each other”. We all know that’s going to come back and haunt him.
Sordid Past
We found out that Maggie was in a relationship with someone and just left them to find herself again.
She admitted out loud that cancer was the best thing to happen to her as it made her find the strength to take chances.
Wanting More
Gary is starting to want more with Maggie than just casual sex. He also is the only one who notices the little things, like with Danny.
Questioning Sanity
Rome was worried he was just like Joe, fake smiles and all. He also retraced Joe’s steps in his mind, although it was him instead. Maggie calmed him down by telling him there was a major difference, that he answered the phone.
All in all, I believe that this episode did a good job of blending the elements of a drama with the seriousness of the topic at hand.
We all know one day it’s all going to implode but until then, we can enjoy the ride.
A Million Little Things airs Wednesday’s at 10/9c on ABC.
If you or someone you know are having suicidal thoughts please contact the national suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (talk)
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