The story line I need explained is young Nicky/Jack in Vietnam, where Nicky takes the young boy on a boat to fish using a grenade - boat explodes - boy dies. Jack's overreaction is so not normal and out of character. To not let Nicky explain it was an accident and then let him rot in a trailer, estranged from Rebecca and his kids - disown him. The only way this would remotely make any sense is if that little boy were somehow Jack's biological child but to me the timing doesn't make sense.
Jack has demonstrated an unhealthy pattern both with young Nicky and now with Marilyn in Ohio. Jack distanced himself (or cut off contact completely) with individuals who triggered him of past bad memories or trauma, even though those cut-off individuals would have greatly benefited (and vice-versa) from relationships with those most close to him (eg. Rebecca and the kids). Maybe one of the lessons Dan F./writers are trying to communicate is that although Jack is a loving/present husband and father, no one is "all good or all bad."
"Missing Nicky" at the funeral explanation depends on timing, meaning did Marilyn's death occur before or after Jack showed up at Nicky's trailer ordering him to stay away from his family. If before, then it is conceivable no one would know where Nicky was but they easily could have made reference to the same in this week's episode. To me it was myoptic not to do so. If it was after, SHAME, SHAME, SHAME on you Jack for not putting Nicky's interests ahead of your own and reach out to alert him of his Mom's death.
Dan F. has promised all answers will be revealed by series end. Here's hoping!
