Dreamboat Annie

This. When we first heard Kevin say that he wanted to be married within the year and also have a kid, they did that classic soap opera move - the one where a (usually major) character says something profound, and they quickly cut to the next scene, which is very telling in exactly to whom they cut*. Kevin said that, and then they cut immediately to Cassidy, walking or something. And, she does have a kid already, one who Kevin would treat as his own for sure. I know it was said that Kevin's wife was pregnant, but I don't recall if that was within the year or more into the future. I hope I'm wrong. Cassidy has grown on me a little since she was introduced but I'm not completely warmed up to her being the one for Kevin. I really like her, too, but I didn't feel any chemistry between them. * Perhaps a call back to Justin's soap opera days?

I am not a sap. In fact, I make it a point to tell people that I am not a sap. Dog of the Week stories? No, thank you. Classic Christmas movies others bawl at like It's A Wonderful Life? Nothing. Nada. Can't stand it. Hallmark movies? Hate 'em. But when baby Jack reached for the lights?... Oh yeah, I'm a sap. But I like to think I am not a sap. So I will keep telling myself I am not a sap...I am NOT a sap.

Hi all - first time poster on this show. The show, while not totally depressing to me, seems darker, a little sad, and not as much fun as it's been at times. At first I liked the way Carly put Shaun's friends "in their place" (if that's the correct term) when they were, what she thought, sticking their noses where they didn't belong. But then I wondered why she wouldn't be at least a tad glad that Shaun has friends who genuinely care about him, and have legitimate concern (after all he does have special needs), and not only that - if they care this much perhaps they can help? Maybe she doesn't want that, but I don't see why every exchange has to result in what seems like a put down by her. In this episode, I got the feeling that "incomplete" meant that Shaun just doesn't trust Carly. When Shaun and Lea kissed (no, I don't want Shaun and Lea together, I feel that ship has sailed and I enjoy their friendship), I certainly got the impression that he wanted more, including the physical relationship. Shaun trusts Lea. I actually liked Morgan in this episode*. Couldn't stand her when she first showed up but ever since last year's mid-season finale, I have gotten to like her more. I find her to be mean with some people, but not to Shaun, rather I see her as understanding, kind, patient and helpful to Shaun. Could it be? Could it? Given Morgan's complete disdain for sex and Shaun's discomfort with sex... . That, combined with their blunt honesty, they could really enjoy each other's company while not having sex together. Then, after a time, there could be, um, maybe... trust? Well, at least it could inject some much needed fun back into this show.** * Ducking under my computer chair. ** Now ducking under my computer table, and shielding myself with my chair.

Well, now. That was loaded.

I almost expected the Rocky theme to play right then! I think that may be a good thing - for now. Last season, and all the others (to me anyway) were very Randall-centric and often not in a good way. Having it start out slow (rather lame?) for them might be the right thing to do. I would appreciate a decent build-up for better stories for Randall and Beth and their children this season. I missed who Deja was texting at the end - it wasn't the loser on the bus, was it?

I got the impression that's what they were going for.

I am loving Mom Kate!

This show does that. Rebecca's condition as shown can't be a surprise at that point. Everyone else seemed to be taking it in stride, no shaking, tears or protests about not being ready to see "HER" yet. I really don't think Tess would be any different (it's possible, but doubtful - haven't we seen an older Tess who seems like a very together person?). They did it with Zoe, too. Beth had a pretty strong warning for Kevin about him dating Zoe and, seriously, was it just that she didn't want kids? This show does that. Hopefully off somewhere living their lives - seeing the world!

So.. Randall and Beth. They don't even know how cute they are. Scratch that.. they do. I can't even imagine the make up sex. Kevin and Zoe. Kids. You're on the same page with that - or it's a deal breaker. Who didn't see that one coming? Kate and Toby. So glad baby Jack is okay. So glad to see Kate show some compassion toward Rebecca after she saw Rebecca's notes. For us, I don't think it was supposed to be only about Rebecca needing to make notes due to forgetfulness, it was about Kate seeing how much Rebecca cared. Corn sandwiches. Yes, why didn't they order pizza? They never seem to tire of it. For some reason, I want a coffee. I'm craving a coffee right now. Really hot, steaming, delicious coffee.

I don't believe that for one second. Perhaps a middle name if that or even a third name at best. But not a name that would matter. I don't believe they would see her as a saint the way they see Jack as one. Yes, of course it is. Rented from the same company that supplies all the medical shows with those types of things. They have everything. And if they don't, they make it. Not in a million years would someone give their frail preemie for a cheesy opportunity such as this. Okay, maybe some have tried, but I think it just might be illegal to do so. There are checks and balances thank goodness. If someone offers up their preemie for example, then why not their grandfather's lung transplant? Why not their one year old's heart transplant? Why not show their daughter's/son's bone marrows for leukemia treatment? It's a plastic doll.

I never said it was strange. I said it was very predictable (as many, many others here have as well) that Kate would name her son Jack, because Jack is so idolised. If Kate had had a baby girl instead, I wonder if she would have named her Rebecca? Somehow I doubt it. Randall didn't. And I don't remember but I don't think Beth's mother's name was Tess or Annie. But I didn't realize it was as common as it evidently is. Assuming not every parent is an only child there must be lots of first cousins with the same name. I think if Beth and Randall have a son they should name him Jack, and ditto Kevin, lol. Then Jack, Jack and Jack could all play together at family gatherings. Rebecca's grandchildren would be Deja, Tess, Annie, Jack, Jack and Jack. I guess first cousins all sharing a name wouldn't be a big deal if the families live a five hour flight apart as they probably wouldn't see each other all that much. But the Pearsons seem to fly clear across the country at the drop of a hat. This name discussion reminded me of a quote from one of my favourite movies: "Paulie and his brothers had lots of sons and nephews. And almost all of them were named Peter or Paul. It was unbelievable. There must have been two dozen Peters and Pauls at the wedding. Plus, they were all married to girls named Marie. And they named all their daughters Marie. By the time I finished meeting everybody, I thought I was drunk." - Karen Hill, Goodfellas

That's what hospital lobbies are for. Not waiting rooms.

I know a lot of people, but not a single one who used their parents names as their children's names. Middle names, yes. And no, Jack most certainly was not a shock. And presenting it as a gift to them! Okay. I don't literally laugh out loud while reading comments. I smile, I snicker sometimes, I may chortle very slightly now and then. But literally laugh out loud? Pretty much never. In my opinion, you just won the entire comments section for this episode. I know, she hasn't. But unfortunately that hasn't stopped me from being tired of their whining about their unfulfilled dreams. I'm likely so tired of Randall and his dreams that she just gets thrown right in there, too. Unfair, I know. It seems to have become somewhat of a competition for them and, quite frankly, I'm already tired of their whining. They have three minor children, dammit! Including one rather recently adopted teen with serious issues. Oh, and two adolescents. Aww, so sweet. Unforgettable for sure, no matter your state. I was very lucky in that my firstborn was not a preemie, so as soon as I was transferred from the recovery room to an actual room, the nurses brought him to me. My husband had already met him and helped the nurses give him his first bath, but I was meeting him for the first time. My husband asked them to, if possible. He was told that I was not up to it, but he insisted if at all possible. They held him (all cozied up in those cute little flannel baby blankets that even form a hoodie over the wool beanie) sort of above my belly (but not touching me) for at least 15 minutes. All I could think was that he was the most beautiful thing I had ever laid eyes on. But no, I was not in any condition to hold him yet, that was not to happen for another 24 hours. C-sections are major surgery.

They had the good sense, grace and manners to wait patiently at home for news. Naming the baby Jack was just too predictable and ridiculously trite, even for this show. I'm wondering if Kate will have a change of heart and either decide he doesn't look like a Jack or decide he deserves his own name/identity? Oh.. who am I kidding?! Nitpicky but here goes. A C-section is major surgery. Kate would not be sitting up, much less at eye level to the incubator, all bright eyed and speaking clearly and concisely. With the whole ordeal and the intense painkillers she'd be groggy as fuck, in a fog, falling in and out of sleep. Due to all that, and the pain, she'd be unable to sit up, probably for a few days at least. And isn't she turning 39 this year? That would not make all of this easier. Also, I don't know how much time had passed from her surgery until she was with the baby, but she'd be spending at least the first few hours in the recovery room. I had four C-sections (my husband was in the room for the last three, the first one was an emergency C-section and he was not allowed to come in - I was completely put out for that one but awake for all the others) and I was a lot younger than Kate for all of them and, believe me, it still was not easy. I hope baby Jack is doing great, but I'm not expecting a realistic preemie story. I wish that when Toby emerged, he had instead said that Kate wanted to see Madison first. And not joking at all. What a shitshow. My favourite part was when Rebecca and Miguel basically told Randall what he could do with his early Christmas gift. Quite frankly, I am getting tired of both Randall and Beth and their "waaa waaa my dreams waaa waaa! My DREAMS waaa waaa!!". They have three minor children at home - it's time to grow up and focus on them. There must be enough going on with them - what parents of three minor children have the time or energy necessary to focus on themselves and the fulfillment of their dreams?

I love Beth's sweet Dad. We just knew Beth was going to "run into" Randall at that freshman mixer. But that didn't matter. It was perfect. Although predictable as well that Beth would want to teach, I loved it. Just a wonderful episode. Still wiping tears. I know, I'm a sap but this time I forgive myself.

I maintain. Jack knew it was a an accident. And had clarity. He knows for sure that Nicky would never hurt a child intentionally. Guilt? Maybe, considering he always felt responsible for Nicky as children. That's why he enlisted in the first place. Preventing it? No. He was super pissed. He knew it was an accident. But he also knew that taking grenades into a boat with a child was not an accident. Jack couldn't forgive Nicky for that.

I can understand that. But, knowing this show, this is leading to something else. And I have a feeling it will be good. Faith, Superpole2000. Faith.

I believe Jack knew it was an accident. He knew Nicky - and Nicky wouldn't intentionally hurt any child, and this was a child he knew and who knew him and there was obviously fondness between them. And Jack had probably seen Nicky and the little boy interact before. Nicky was great with him. I could see Jack being unforgiving of Nicky for having grenades in the same boat as a child.

Oh, poor Nicky. I know what he did was wrong, but I won't judge - those were times we are thankfully not a part of. A horrible accident. It lives with Nicky every day of his life.

Oh, the geek references tonight were awesome! Star Wars (an original Boba Fett!), Game of Thrones, Clark Kent. But.. accuracy police here. Gabe the geek having a cool party? Nope. Not gonna happen. Who would go?* The election. So predictable. Was anyone else sitting there when Beth and Randall were snuggling in bed, all tired and cute, and thinking (or saying out loud like me) "Okay. That phone is going to ring. He's going to answer it. He will look all serious. He will thank the caller, turn to Beth and say 'I won'"? * With people outside and being loud, I did not get that they were playing Magic the Gathering.

He was definitely good at getting his message across but, yes, he's been over his head from the start. And, knowing Randall, it was predictable that upon hearing it's hopeless that it would only serve to strengthen his resolve. Instead of the predictable, I was really hoping he would reassure Beth that he could still be active in the community, trying to make a difference by attending council meetings (when it fit their schedule) and continue working to help those in the building they own and their community.

Totally! I thought he was going to hold a town hall right then and there - and wouldn't be stopped.

Possibly. I kind of got the impression that, when they didn't react at first, she thought she had to say something to soften the blow so she pretended with the "maybe" thing. But I definitely got that she didn't want it to become a "thing" between them and her and thankfully, they got that.

She's gay. She came out to her parents. And they were great about it.

Well, Tess now knows she can't trust Kate with her innermost secrets. So, Beth called marriage. And Beth placing a pillow and neatly folded sheets beside the couch? Seriously? Isn't that just a little too 50's for Beth? I'd rather she took that entire bottle of wine (and another) into their room and locked the door. She was that mad.