Catastrophically Single
Sarah approaches the grandson. His name is John. They share an awkward but cute introduction and she invites him to an event that she cannot look “catastrophically single” for because of her daughter. He agrees. This doesn’t happy like this in real life. There isn’t a cute scene where you tell the guy he smells like pastries and he finds you charming… but, I admit, it works.
Gabriel enters the bar, where his credit card was last used. He and his grandfather bicker again, and he leaves, telling him to go back to the home. Nick gives the three men his credit card, so they can go to their next location.
There is a party on the top of the roof, usually every third Friday of the month. Ron tells him that they bumped it up just for him. Everyone is supposed to meet up there. Ron and Patricia dance on the roof as the party starts. This is super cool; what apartment building do you know has this sort of set up? Lights and music? That’s amazing. Meanwhile, Enzo and his friends sneak into Coney Island to ride the swings in honor of their friend’s memory. Ava discusses options with Gabe.
Twinkly Lights and Good Music
Back on the rooftop, the are several conversations going on. Ron is talking to Sammy while Patricia and Ben watch. Sarah and her date, John show up. Nick spots her and they share a look. This seems weird. That wasn’t an innocent stare by any means. Ron interrupts before he can say anything. Patricia makes a call to a cancer center.
Ron continues his speech and welcomes Nick to the Village. Sarah is the person who brought him here, she volunteers at the VA where Nick was. This might be what happened to get him here, but there must be more to this story. Because they share a short conversation, for a second we might get the answer. It gets awkward but then he excuses himself because a package arrived for him. Then, Sarah asks John how long he’s been divorced, while Enzo and Gabe discuss their argument from earlier. They make up over a few shots of tequila.
“Family is where you find it, kid.”
Nick’s package is… Jedi! The dog that saved his life. They have a reunion outside the apartment complex. Cue all the sappy feelings. Katie walks up as Nick and Jedi share their moment and he jokes, “We don’t usually kiss in public.” Introductions are made, and he tells her he likes her shirt, which is a peace sign. She tells him she has a lot of problems with war, to which he agrees. Katie and Sarah make up on the roof a second time.
Sarah then goes to visit Nick who answers the door on crutches. He seems embarrassed to not have the leg on. We see that the two have history from the introduction of their conversation. Alas! … a lot of history, apparently. Nick is Katie’s father! WOW. That explains the look… where has he been? He tells her that they’ve met, to which she asks if he told her who he was. He says no. She asks if they can wait, as Katie has a lot going on. She doesn’t mention the pregnancy. Thankfully, they agree, and the scene ends with Sarah saying, “Hey Nicky, welcome home.”
Our episode ends with flashes of all the characters, and a final cut of the entire apartment building, pretty lights on top.
Some Thoughts
Where to begin with this episode? It takes a lot for me to fall head over heels in love with a show. There are several factors that caught my interest here. I love the idea of watching a group of people interact even though so different. There’s never a moment during the pilot where I felt bored or confused in a way that left me frustrated. There’s great humor and detailed writing, with respect to where and what they are filming.
I love that I’m familiar with several of the actors and how lovable all the characters are. There are a lot of them and I feel that the episode gave each character a fair introduction. They didn’t have to say a ton about each character, you were able to get a sense of who and what they are from each scene. The diversity is super cool, too. Its totally New York City.
A Few More…
Furthermore, I also love that there is a veteran centered in the storyline who is portrayed well and accurately. And I admit, when some other TV fans told me about this part, that is why I checked it out. Warren Christie does an excellent job portraying Nick and it doesn’t feel forced. I’m hoping this continues as time goes on. And who doesn’t love a dog? More Jedi, please!
I love that there’s a social worker (portrayed well). I won’t go into a long rant here, but you can tell from the moment she enters the screen that she puts others first all the time. That is something social workers are known for, to the point of their downfall sometimes. That should be interesting as the episodes go on, especially considering what we learn about her.
A New Hit?
Mike Daniels also wrote for one of my favorite shows of all time, The Brave, so it feels good to support someone who had a hand in something that meant a lot to me. While it’s extremely early in the show to say it… I think he’s got a hit on his hands. A lot of people can relate to creating your own family and having people in your life that might not be blood related, but are huge factors in how they live. Especially in today’s world where many people don’t even interact with their neighbors, this feels great. It’s the kind of relationship that you want to have with those around you, in the middle of the busiest city in the world. And it feels real.
So, one episode in… The show sets up an arc for the season that seems both difficult and a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to how each of the characters continue to interact and just how long each of them can keep their respective secrets and stories going before others notice.
Welcome to the Neighborhood… It’s nice to meet you.
The Village airs on NBC, Tuesday nights at 10/9c – You don’t want to miss it.
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