Kevin (Probably) Saves the World Season 1 Episode 9 Review: Probably
Jasmine Blu
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Please tell me I'm not the only one super emotional right now!
Kevin (Probably) Saves the World Season 1 Episode 9 was nothing short of fantastic. It was the perfect midseason finale for the purest, most touching new show of the Fall.
The hour felt more like a season or series finale than it did the midseason finale. All the callbacks made the hour more touching than usual, and for a show like this, that means a lot.
This is one of the most delightful, feel-good shows that has graced the screen this season, and this installment is the perfect example of why that's the case. Every single last person truly shined, and the full-circle vibe was the best way to highlight how Kevin has grown as a character since the pilot.
Bringing back some of the people that Kevin has helped along the way was brilliant. We pretty much figured out that he would finally get to hug a Righteous Soul by the midway point of the season, but it was particularly special that some of the people he previously helped would, in turn, help him complete his mission.
On a show about the Universe, it only felt right that luck, kismet, serendipity (whatever you want to call it) would play such a huge role in getting him to the right place at the right time.
A flight to Laos was expensive, but fear not, Sam, who as you recall was the man Kevin helped out with the job situation, had miles that he was willing to give to Kevin in an act of gratitude. He didn't have a problem letting Tyler use them, too.
It was evident at that moment that the hour would be an emotional one.
Yvette: I worry that you're just not ready. We're, we're not ready.
Kevin: Oh, we are so ready.
On a personal note, I was raised with a "Random Acts of Kindness" and "Pay it Forward" mentality and belief system. So this show was appealing for that premise alone, but it was very special seeing it in action in this way.
Sometimes--most times-- if you put good out into the Universe, it may come back to you when you need it the most, and not because you expect it or feel entitled to it, but just because.
Kevin had no way of knowing or thinking that his good deeds and the help he offered others would be returned, no questions asked. Sam had no problem helping Kevin out with getting to Laos, and by happenstance, Ben, the firefighter, was in Laos at the right time and could offer Kevin and Tyler his suite to share when they needed it the most.
It was beautiful seeing that in action. It's the way the world should work. Everyone should help each other because we're all in this big, crazy world together.
It was not only seeing the positive effects that Kevin had on others coming back to him tenfold that made the hour special, it was also realizing how much Kevin has grown as a person in such a short time.
His life has meaning and purpose now. He went from this depressed, selfish, inconsiderate guy to someone who has genuinely become a considerate person who helps others because he wants to and because it makes him feel good. It has been a long journey for this lovable guy, but the payout has been worth it.
Kevin: Don't fix the car, don't do a thing.
Yvette: Why?
Kevin: That's from my vision. That car broke down for a reason. We're here for a reason.
Yvette: How can you be sure?
Kevin: I trusted you, your lessons, your guidance for this whole ride and its gotten us here. Can you just trust me now?
Don't you feel proud of him for the progress and development that he has made?
There's also the fact that he and Yvette sort of traded places. It was Kevin's turn to have all the faith that things would turn out OK in the end. In a way, he was able to complete his mission with self-motivation and little motivation from Yvette because she was in a bit of a funk.
It was refreshing watching Kevin take his mission seriously and have so much faith in the Universe, when months ago, he was a hopeless, dark, unhappy person who didn't believe he had a higher purpose.
There was something about the way he hesitantly asserted that even if there weren't other Righteous Souls out there that he should be enough. It was a hit right in the feels.
Kevin: I'm still righteous, right? I mean, you were right about that?
Yvette: Yes. You're the only one left.
Kevin: Well then maybe I'm enough.
Months ago, a self-loathing Kevin would have never imagined he was enough for anything, let alone a mission to more or less save the world. Again, his growth has been remarkable and fulfilling.
Poor Yvette allowed Dave's words to get in her head. The dream she had didn't help matters either. What does that mean for her? Remember, Angels aren't supposed to sleep.
We have never witnessed Yvette as discouraged and hopeless as she was after her nightmare. What does it say when even an angel can't keep the faith?
Thank God for Tyler though, right?! Tyler isn't utilized nearly enough as he should be. He's such a wonderful, sweet character with a gentle and kind soul. It's impossible to not smile when he's onscreen,
Yvette certainly figured that out.
On any other show, the very thought of Yvette and Tyler having such intimate and sweet moments would have been a WTF?! development, but here, not only did it work, but it was downright heartwarming.
I don't know why Yvette chose to "be seen" in Laos, but I'm so very happy that she did because her scenes with Tyler were the best. Tyler was the perfect person to uplift Yvette when she needed it the most.
Again, I can't stop gushing about him; he's perfect. He was a great listener, and his optimism and goodness were infectious. He had Yvette smiling, talking, and slow dancing, and the two almost shared a kiss too.
Tyler is so awesome that he isn't even fazed that he met a mysterious woman whom he claims he fell in love with in that short time, and he may not ever see her again. He's happy to have loved and lost than never having loved.
Kevin: What makes you think you'll ever see her again?
Tyler: The Universe sent me an angel, Kev. The Universe doesn't make mistakes. I'll see her again.
Plus, Kevin finding out that Yvette was the mysterious woman that Tyler fell for was absolutely hilarious.
I fully expected the misdirect with Kevin's Righteous Soul, but it was no less moving to watch unfold. Vong, the driver, was a fun character, but the second he mentioned his wife was pregnant, it was evident where the story was headed.
It only makes sense that the first Righteous Soul that Kevin has come across is that of a newborn baby. Is it just me, or did it have a birth of Jesus vibe just in time for Christmas?
There was the Mariachi band waiting outside of the hut that reminded me of a stable. There was even an angel present. Of course, Lucille was there via video to help them deliver the baby too. It was an adorable scene.
But nothing was as adorable as when Kevin hugged the baby and realized that she was the Righteous Soul. It was short-lived, and we totally missed out on all the adventures that Kevin went on shortly after, and all the visions coming together, but it was worth it.
Yvette needed the validation that she was right about the Righteous and that she didn't ruin her fellow angels' lives. She also needed to have her faith restored, and it was touching that Kevin was able to do it for her.
It was almost like Yvette was one of Kevin's tasks, but not in an obligatory way, but more of being a support to a friend type of way. While she was questioning herself and the Universe, he was showing her along the way that she had nothing to doubt.
Kevin: What the hell is going on? What is the Universe trying to tell me?
Yvette: I don't think the Universe was talking to you. That--that message was meant for me.
Kevin: You, what is the Universe trying to tell you?
Yvette: That, that I'm wrong. That there are no other Righteous Souls.
It was nice to see that her angel friend was the first one assigned to the baby. That's one soul down and a couple of dozens left to go!
Amy and Reese held their own while Kevin was away. Why isn't it the least bit surprising that Amy is the type to go all out for Christmas? It was so cute!
It's nice that she and Reese can have such open discussions. She was able to broach the topic of dating later on after Iggy bumped into them at the diner, and Reese was honest about Nate's feeling for Amy, but also, about Amy not being ready to date yet.
So, is this the end of Amy and Ignacio now that she's aware of how Nate feels? Don't get me wrong, Ignacio is dashing and sweet, and I'll never object to Brandon Quinn on my screen, but aren't we all rooting for Amy and Nate?!
Nate faking a gas leak and rerouting traffic just so people would drive by Amy's blinged out house (that would put the Griswolds to shame), was the sweetest thing ever. Amy finally took her wedding band off shortly after that, so maybe she's ready to wade into the dating pool with Nate.
And as if the hour couldn't get any better, Kevin made it home in time for Christmas! That final montage coupled with the John Denver song and Yvette's voiceover was a tearjerker. A happy tearjerker, that is.
Kevin: You're pretty optimistic for someone who lost all hope.
Yvette: Because, I now know something I didn't know before. What you do matters. The smallest act of kindness, the simplest expression of love...it grows. It reverberates through the world, through the Universe, and it's a light that's more powerful than any force of darkness. I know now, more than I've ever known before, that the world is kind.
That was hands down the best episode of the series so far, and the Universe may be looking out for us too because Jason Ritter showed just how much of a godsend he is throughout the hour.
Over to you guys, did the midseason finale bring you to tears? Are you shipping Nate and Amy and/or Yvette and Tyler? What was your favorite part? What do you hope to see when Kevin Probably returns? Sound off below!
If you would like to catch up over the holiday break, or you, like me, plan on reliving the entire experience all over again for the pure joy of it, you can watch Kevin (Probably) Saves the World online right here at TV Fanatic!
Jasmine Blu is a senior staff writer for TV Fanatic. She is an insomniac who spends late nights and early mornings binge-watching way too many shows and binge-drinking way too much tea. Her eclectic taste makes her an unpredictable viewer with an appreciation for complex characters, diverse representation, dynamic duos, compelling stories, and guilty pleasures. You'll definitely find her obsessively live-tweeting, waxing poetic, and chatting up fellow Fanatics and readers. Follow her on X.
