A Million Little Things Season 1 Episode 6 Review: Unexpected
Jasmine Blu
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There is so much to love about A Million Little Things.
When the series is hot, it's really hot with compelling characters, storylines, and an exceptional cast. It has an all-encompassing quality where it taps into every emotion in a single installment in such a relatable manner that one becomes invested in the characters and their lives as if they are right there with them.
The show has a vexing habit of standing in its own way, though. A Million Little Things Season 1 Episode 6 is another example of that.
It's an honest question I would love to know, and please, I implore you, let me know in the comments. Are there any fans of the show remotely invested in whatever this is with Eddie and Delilah?
The series has so much going for it. There are so many aspects of this show that makes it must-watch television; there are so many reasons, hell, a million of them, that compel me to recommend the series to others and say that it is honest to goodness one of my favorite new shows of the Fall.
However, the one consistent drawback is the Delilah and Eddie affair. There are many intriguing, real, relatable, and poignant moments connected to that plot point. I won't begrudge the show or the cast that at all, but it weighs down the series.
Rome: I still can't believe you didn't ask Delilah who the father was. Montell Williams made a whole career off of the question. How could you not ask?
Regina: Because she is my friend and if she wanted to tell me, she would.
It has a way of overpowering the show and its stronger areas. Some of the more engaging storylines end up taking a backseat. It's the cheap "gotcha" for extra drama that weaker shows resort to, but Million Things doesn't need that.
They have enough going on; they have stronger, cogent stories than this plot that does nothing to endear most to the characters it involves. Nevermind that it's needlessly messy.
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It's spun as something to reel in viewers, and when it's the biggest tease in nearly every installment it begins to cheapen everything else that the series pushes out; everything else is gripping!
Holy crap! Christina Moses and Romany Malco put their whole hearts into their performances during the hour, particularly their final scene together, and they both captured mine, but instead of ending the hour on that note, it reverted to the Eddie and Delilah saga to close. Why?
It's similar to how A Million Little Things Season 1 Episode 5 was an incredible hour for Gary and Maggie, and James Roday and Allison Miller gave exceptional performances, and then the hour closed with the revelation that Delilah is pregnant. Why?
There was little space for Eddie and Delilah to be likable. OK, that's not fair. There's no room for them to be likable together. Even if we're setting aside our feelings about the infidelity and their reasoning behind it, their scenes have reached a point of discomfort because their relationship is one-sided.
Eddie is at his best when he's with Theo, and the more he is fleshed out, the better he is with his friends and even in his interactions with Katherine.
Delilah is at her best when she's interacting with her kids, and ironically, her best adult chemistry is with Gary. The deep friendship that feels almost sibling-like is one of the most compelling of the series.
Delilah: Gary, you're not saying anything.
Gary: I uh, I just don't want to say the wrong thing. OK, look, about this or anything else, I got your back, D. Ok? Til the end of time.
That's assuming you can deal with the conflicting feelings of loving and being annoyed by Gary's unwavering support of her. You can support loved ones and express annoyance with their actions and be honest with them without dismissing or excusing their bullcrap.
Don't you appreciate when a loved one calls you out on your crap no matter how difficult it is to hear?
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The show gets kudos for not dragging out the truth about Delilah's pregnancy. Less than ten minutes into the hour, and the cat was out of the bag among the friends. Unfortunately, Rome was in an awkward position where he couldn't lie and tell his friends that he and Regina were expecting, but he couldn't say it was Delilah.
For the life of me, I don't understand Delilah's rationale behind taking the test at Regina's and leaving it at the top of the garbage can where anyone could find it, but then being surprised that Rome found it. Plus, she was relieved when Regina told her that Rome assumed it was hers as if Regina wouldn't set her husband straight.
She shouldn't have taken it at home, but she could have gone anywhere else, or taken the test with her to toss it out somewhere else, or buried it deep into the garbage can. It was the definition of contrived leaving it for all to see.
The second she told Eddie that the baby was Jon's and not his, it was apparent that it was a bald-faced lie. It's understandable why she lied, but it sucks that she lies so damn much all the time.
Eddie had the gall to be hurt when she told him the baby wasn't his. Marriages are complicated enough, but when they are on the rocks, it's worse. It wouldn't have been uncharacteristic if Delilah were still sleeping with her husband while carrying on an affair.
Eddie: Listen to me, maybe everything does happen for a reason. We love each other, D. We were going to tell Jon and Katherine, and yes, I know there are a ton of reasons why we can't be together. Sophie, Danny, Theo, but the fact is this is our baby --
Delilah: Stop. It's Jon's baby.
Eddie: What about the time the condom broke?
Delilah: No, I talked to my doctor, and it was before that.
Eddie: But I thought you and Jon weren't ...
Delilah: He was my husband.
They were hiding the truth from all their loved ones, at the very least, Eddie should have entertained the idea that she would sleep with Jon out of habit or for keeping up appearances.
Eddie will give someone whiplash. If he took a beat before jumping into his next questionable decision then maybe he wouldn't be so grating. He was willing to, what, settle (?) for Katherine not too long ago. Snow White has barely had enough time to digest her red apple, and now Eddie is back on the Delilah train.
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It's painful whenever he mentions that they love each other; Delilah's facial expressions say otherwise, and she never says it back.
Eddie: Listen, even though the baby isn't mine, I am here for you. Whenever you need. Whatever you need.
Delilah: Even after everything I said to you?
Eddie: Well, there's nothing you can say to change the fact that I love you.
Delilah: I can't do this. I can't lie to you. I ... Jon and I, we weren't sleeping together. This is your baby. It's just, it's too much, and Sophie and Danny, and Theo. They would never ... and Katherine. We hurt too many people.
Eddie: Yeah, I know. The baby has to be Jon's.
Every friend group likely has that one friend who is a walking human disaster. Hell, if you don't know that person, maybe you are that person.
It's not a bad thing, nor is it a matter of being judgmental here. We're all human disasters, some might hide it or cope with it better, but Eddie is that person.
He's the type of person who needs to be in a close-knit group for the support. He requires protection, often from himself. He needs someone looking out for him; it's not always fair, and it's one-sided, but it is what it is.
It's a good thing he got stuck in that elevator. He needed Jon, Rome, and Gary in his life because they all look out for him. Does he have a sponsor, though?
There are far too many changes going on at once, and they are teasing a potential relapse. Eddie went to rehab, but did he ever have a sponsor? Does he go to meetings?
It was heartbreaking when he confessed that he never performed sober before. He came close to slipping again. There are so many stressors that he can fall off at any moment.
Eddie needs real help, though. Theo can't be his only reason for not picking up a drink. Theo is the one thing that snaps him out of it when he's been tempted so far, and that's beautiful, but it's not going to be enough.
Gary: Alright, the Theo Bible
Eddie: Who is taking food?
Gary: I am. I eat food. Food is easy. I got food.
Eddie: Great, it's plenty simple. Minimal gluten. No sugar. We try to keep him off GMOs.
Gary: Change of plans. You're on food.
Eddie: OK, next up, hygiene.
Gary: Change of plans I'm back on food.
Maggie: No. Tiny balls, that's your department.
It's not the least bit surprising that he and Katherine are those parents who are neurotic and obsessed with every part of their kid's life. Theo is the sweetest little kid but taking care of him must be a lot of work with his diet and night terrors.
Maggie and Gary taking on the responsibility was some much-needed humor for the hour. If not for some harmless rule-breaking, Theo wouldn't have been there to give Eddie the pep-talk he needed.
Theo's advice was sweet, but Shelly's meddling was not. Meddling moms aren't as bad when there is a close relationship. Gina and Shelly are not close.
Shelly had her reasons for interfering and being pushy, but it was all a bit overwhelming because she didn't know the things we know about Rome. Plus, everything the woman said came across as passive-aggressive.
Family is complicated, and so are mothers. Shelly meant well, but she didn't know when to quit. It was so annoying when Rome explicitly told her that he would talk to Gina at another time but Shelly not-so-subtly pushed the kid issue every chance she got.
Our Million Things Fanatics were correct in their assessment of Rome reconsidering the children issue. As he said, he didn't want kids, but he didn't not want them either. He was indifferent to it all until he wasn't.
Regina: I already have a partner. One who I trust and who is always there for me.
Shelly: It's just that you're so talented, and you deserve a restaurant that actually succeeds.
It's something he wants to revisit, and maybe a large part of that is how he is feeling now that he has come to grips with his depression. The problem is Regina is adamant about not having children.
Regina knew she didn't want kids by the age of 10. It makes one wonder if it tied into her parents' divorce in any way. She hasn't let go of that, and the tension between her and her mother at the dinner table says as much.
Regina is trying to be supportive of Rome, and it's impressive, but I understand her mother's point. A restaurant takes a lot of time and money, and money is tight now that Rome quit his job. Shelly had reason to be concerned, but she didn't present any of her concerns in the best manner.
Regina and Shelly's conversation at the elevator must have resonated with Regina because how else did she stumble upon Rome's letter? What is with these people and not burying their evidence? When is garbage day around there?
That scene between Rome and Regina was without a doubt the best scene of the hour. Thank goodness that particular secret is out in the open. Regina was long overdue to know about her husband's struggles.
The build-up to that moment was worth it because it was such an intense, powerful scene. I still can't shake the image of a tearful Regina holding that crumpled letter before ripping it to shreds.
It was as if she felt if she ripped it up and destroyed it that the problem would go away. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to read the suicide note that someone you loved planned on leaving you while they're alive. Does it make it easier or harder to process?
I can't imagine being that suicidal person seeing the person you love reacting to the note you planned on leaving them. Does it influence the way you think about the act when you're alive to see a loved one's reaction?
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Jon is barely cold, and Regina had to find out that her husband was in a similar predicament. How awful! She couldn't understand it, and she kept bringing up how they all were wondering what was going through Jon's mind that led him to make that choice.
Gina: Rome, what is this? What is this?
Rome: Gina, you have to know this has nothing to do with you.
Gina: How can you say this has nothing to do with me?!
Rome: Because I love you more than every single part of my life combined.
Gina: We sat in that funeral saying how could he not tell Delilah ...
Rome: Gina, Gina, you don't understand-
Gina: No! I don't understand! How could I possibly understand this?
That's what I'm trying to tell you, Gina. I don't understand it either. I don't. I have a great life, but sometimes for some reason, I feel so sad, and I can't help but think what if this is the happiest I'm ever going to be?
Gina: OK. My turn. I need you to listen to me. I need you to hear me. You are not the best part of my life. You are my life, and I will not lose you.
The show did a great job of giving both sides of the issue necessary weight. Regina didn't have to forego her initial reaction and confusion, and Rome wasn't judged harshly by her for his battle.
Regina took the time to flip out, but after listening to him, she wasted no time comforting him and telling him how much she needs, loves, and values him.
It echoed everything Maggie said about the flower and the gardener. Regina effortlessly slipped into the gardener role for her husband, and it was heartwarming.
Regina doesn't know about Rome's conflicted feelings regarding children. However, that was more pressing of an issue. I couldn't be happier that it is out in the open; I look forward to how the couple will take the challenge on together.
The writers are cruel for psyching us out with the Ashley confession. Ashley considered giving Delilah the note that belonged to her, but then she chickened out after thinking about how furious Delilah would be. Why?!
She said, "I can't do this." But what did she mean by that?
She also wasn't deterred from testing the waters and phishing for information on Barbara Morgan. She mentioned the name hoping Delilah knew it, but she didn't.
Jon's financial situation is a mess. He had past due bills at a P.O. Box, and he took out a second mortgage on the house. The loan for the restaurant fell through, too.
Delilah: What is this?
Ashley: I should have given you this sooner. It's from Jon.
Delilah: What do you mean it's from Jon? How long have you had this? How could you keep this from me? Answer me!
Ashley: I'm sorry.
Delilah: I trusted you. Jon trusted you!
Ashley: No, you don't understand-
Delilah: My kids think their dad left without saying goodbye!
It seems Ashley is trying to get to the bottom of Jon's financial issues, but what the hell was he involved in? Ashley is a one-woman show taking over Jon's work, and she is working from his home office, too, from the looks of things.
Jon left Delilah some information, and it's apparent from his note and the clues he left behind that Delilah may know something, but it doesn't feel like that at all, does it?
Delilah is preoccupied with a lot of things. She was the same way before Jon's death, so what is the deal?
Is Ashley trying to cover his tracks in some way or square a debt on his behalf? Is she protecting his memory or protecting Delilah and the kids?
The relationship between Jon and Ashley remains a mystery. It doesn't feel like a sexual or romantic one at all, but they were closer than one expects for their relationship to be of a professional nature.
Also, am I reading too far into things if I noticed Ashley absentmindedly rubbing that bracelet? Did Jon give it to her?
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The mystery behind what Ashley is doing is intriguing and as enjoyable as the friendship portion of the series is, I look forward to the show delving into that more.
It's not a matter of determining why Jon killed himself because there is never a real explanation for that sort of thing, but I'm eagerly awaiting more information about what Jon was involved in at work.
Over to you, Million Things Fanatics. How incredible were Moses and Malco during their final scene of the hour? Are you tired of the Delilah and Eddie saga too? Are you rooting for them?
What was your impression of Shelly? Will Rome and Gina work through their differences of opinion on children? Hit the comments!
You can watch A Million Little Things online here via 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.
