S03.E15: Not Alone

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Quote

Eddie is determined to prove that he can still be a good father despite his physical challenges; Sophie searches for answers to help cope with her trauma; Rome and Tyrell work together on a passion project.

Promo:

Original air date: 5/26/21

[gonzosgirrl]

This airs at 7:00 pm for us now, so no spoliers, but I'll just state my weekly assertion that Gary is the best. I  probably  wouldn't want him as a partner but as a best friend, he rocks.

[gonzosgirrl]

I don't care if Katherine has point or not, I don't like her. I'm impressed with how they've handled Sophie's story. As much as they've made me dislike Katherine, they've actually made me like Sophie and Maggie for the first time. I can see Layla's dad getting involved in bringing scumbag teacher down. I always enjoy Muchael Weston.

I liked Gina's mom going all tiger mom on the doctor. I've been there too many times,  being dismissed by a doctor who won't listen, as if I don't know my own body better than they do. I'm curious to see what's wrong with her since nothing showed up on the scan. I hope they aren't leading to early onset Alzheimer's or dementia.  

Edited May 27, 2021 by gonzosgirrl

[ams1001]

What was that look at Eddie? Kathryn seriously couldn't hear him yelling at Theo not to get on the ladder? Is their bedroom soundproof? (She was fully dressed so she wasn't in the shower three seconds before.) What else did she expect him to do? 

Though Eddie has a lot of nerve trying to hold Kathryn's episode over her head when it was his actions that led to it. (Even if he doesn't seem to remember that he has another kid.)

[Lady Calypso]

I definitely have thoughts about this episode. I do think Katherine has not been handling this well. This season has definitely made her look pretty bad...but I guess it was her "turn", so to speak, after making Eddie consistently look bad as well as to show why Katherine was so disliked by the group early on. Gary's a good guy for supporting Katherine, though (I mean, she really ISN'T wrong and Gary knows it). And I like how Gary found a way to support both Katherine and Eddie, by taking Eddie in as his new roommate while also allowing Eddie to still see Theo as he figures out his new situation, being newly sober AND newly disabled. Regardless of what he thought about proving himself to Katherine, he still needs to learn how to drive with the new hand controls, and will have to learn how to care for himself independently, beyond just needing to grab things from a higher shelf. 

I know Shelly can be a very, very frustrating character, and she's so critical of everyone and everything, but especially Regina. Hell, she always does tend to turn it around and make it about her. However, she IS there where it counts, and boy was she there for Regina here. Standing up for Regina's medical request by owning that doctor, and supporting Regina's choice to not tell Rome right away while also continuously encouraging her to? I think it's because I kind of see my own mother in Shelly; both tend to make any sort of issue about themselves, and they can be frustratingly critical of everything, but they also care so much and would still do anything for their children. They're not perfect, but they are there and they care in their own way. 

Sophie has to be struggling with whether or not to talk to more people about Peter, to ensure he doesn't do it again. I definitely see Sophie eventually turning him in, although she would need to get her hands on those videos that he's clearly made of all of his victims. Hopefully she is careful in her next steps, but it's so good to see her opening up and really dealing with her sexual assault. And Maggie has been really, really good at helping her through it. Maggie, this entire season, has been great. 

Rome's documentary could be a really good one. I liked him showing Tyrell the ropes. And I prefer Rome making a documentary to Rome making a meta film about the show.

[KaveDweller]

1 hour ago, ams1001 said:

What was that look at Eddie? Kathryn seriously couldn't hear him yelling at Theo not to get on the ladder? Is their bedroom soundproof? (She was fully dressed so she wasn't in the shower three seconds before.) What else did she expect him to do? 

Also....was it really that big a deal that Theo was on a ladder? I don't have kids so maybe I am just clueless about what is appropriate, but he seems old enough to climb on a 6-foot ladder. I don't remember using ladders at that age, but I feel like I climbed higher on trees and playground equipment.

I liked Gary's compromise, he really is a good friend. I think Katharine has some valid concerns to be worried about Eddie for now, as long as she doesn't intend the restrictions to be permanent. 

Poor Sophie. I liked the idea of her trying to investigate, but going to the parents was definitely not the best idea. At least Maggie continues to be tolerable as she supports her.

 

[Aileen]

Good episode, but I do not need this show stretching all the way until June 9th. 

[ams1001]

12 minutes ago, KaveDweller said:

Also....was it really that big a deal that Theo was on a ladder? I don't have kids so maybe I am just clueless about what is appropriate, but he seems old enough to climb on a 6-foot ladder. I don't remember using ladders at that age, but I feel like I climbed higher on trees and playground equipment.

I definitely climbed higher than that on the playground at a younger age. Though it still wasn't tall enough and he could have fallen while trying to reach, and I guess he was right near the stairs. so it could have ended badly. I can see why they didn't want him up there, but Kathryn blaming Eddie for it was stupid. How about teaching your kid to listen instead? Eddie told him three times not to.

[BoogieBurns]

2 hours ago, gonzosgirrl said:

I liked Gina's mom going all tiger mom on the doctor. I've been there too many times,  being dismissed by a doctor who won't listen, as if I don't know my own body better than they do.

It was a beautiful moment. Black women are so often dismissed by doctors. Regina had a secret weapon in that her mama has "Karen" tendencies and will advocate for her daughter. In the years since Serena Williams almost died after giving birth to Olympia, Black women (me included) have been told to ask for documentation if a doctor refuses treatment. That paper trail scares the crappy doctors into remembering we are humans worthy of their care too. It's not new, but the terminology has been streamlined. "Document that you refused my request in the file." I have to do it a lot. But I don't have a white parent to do it for me. 

Why would someone with a concussion and memory issues not be given a scan? Like, that's bull. 

[KaveDweller]

7 minutes ago, ams1001 said:

I definitely climbed higher than that on the playground at a younger age. Though it still wasn't tall enough and he could have fallen while trying to reach, and I guess he was right near the stairs. so it could have ended badly. I can see why they didn't want him up there, but Kathryn blaming Eddie for it was stupid. How about teaching your kid to listen instead? Eddie told him three times not to.

Maybe if they actually yelled at Theo once in awhile he wouldn't be so annoying.

Eddie was yelling at him to stop, but only because Theo was far away. There were no consequences that Theo ignored him.

[historylover820]

I liked Regina's mother telling off the doctor. Good for her! 

Again, Gary is the best friend ever. 

While Katherine's not wrong about her reasons for fighting the joint custody, the way she's going about doing it isn't good. She should have been able to hear Eddie calling up to Theo not to get on that ladder. And not the first time Theo has completely ignored one of his parents. If Katherine and Eddie would teach theirr kid and punishing him when he doesn't mind them instead of babying him all the freakin' time might be make him approaching something where the audience doesn't want to reach through the TV and start slapping him!

And I understand about the ladder. Granted, I grew up in the '80s where our slides had taller ladders than than, and they were just steel poles embedded in concrete. But where the ladder was, in position to the stairs, and without someone holding the ladder in place, makes it especially dangerous. Yeah, I climbed on higher ladders than that as a kid of Theo's age, but I can't even climb up on step ladders anymore without the risk of hurting myself. So I see where neither Eddie or Katherine would have wanted Theo on that ladder.

I'm also more interested in Rome's documentary that I ever was with his self-indulgent meta movie.

Finally, I agree with those saying they love how this show is handling Sophie's story. This story has restraint that I wish other storylines had. And it's an important message to get across.

All in all, good episode.

Edited May 27, 2021 by historylover820
Clarification

[ams1001]

6 minutes ago, historylover820 said:

Again, Gary is the best friend ever. 

But did he really have to dump all his liquor? He couldn't have brought it over to one of his friends' houses so he/they could still enjoy it once in a while? 

[Rootbeer]

8 hours ago, BoogieBurns said:

It was a beautiful moment. Black women are so often dismissed by doctors. Regina had a secret weapon in that her mama has "Karen" tendencies and will advocate for her daughter. In the years since Serena Williams almost died after giving birth to Olympia, Black women (me included) have been told to ask for documentation if a doctor refuses treatment. That paper trail scares the crappy doctors into remembering we are humans worthy of their care too. It's not new, but the terminology has been streamlined. "Document that you refused my request in the file." I have to do it a lot. But I don't have a white parent to do it for me. 

Why would someone with a concussion and memory issues not be given a scan? Like, that's bull. 

Well, in the end, it turned out the scan didn't help anyway.  Rather than requesting a specific test without really knowing what might be happening, it would probably be better to ask the doctor what else might be going on if it wasn't the concussion and then ask to either get further evaluation for those conditions or be referred to another doctor who is a specialist in that area. And, then come down hard on him if he dismisses that request.

 I understand that the show didn't have the time for that kind of discussion, but it seemed to me that both Regina and her mother placed too much faith in the CAT scan to diagnose the problem.  It turned out, the doctor was correct, the scan wasn't the answer, but that doesn't mean that more questions and testing aren't indicated.  I wonder if maybe an MRI might've been a better test in that circumstance, although I am not a specialist in neurotrauma.

Edited May 27, 2021 by Rootbeer

[Arcadiasw]

8 hours ago, Aileen said:

Good episode, but I do not need this show stretching all the way until June 9th. 

Isn't this because of Covid interrupting filming? 

Understood Gary pouring his liquor out but as it was stated he could've given it to Rome or store it at Delilah's house.

Good on Regina's mother. I hope they go to different doctors to diagnose what her problem is.

Glad Katherine explained Eddie paralysis has nothing to do with wanting sole custody. Eddie better be grateful everyday he has Gary as a friend. 

 

[Rootbeer]

8 hours ago, ams1001 said:

But did he really have to dump all his liquor? He couldn't have brought it over to one of his friends' houses so he/they could still enjoy it once in a while? 

Or lock it up somewhere?  I get not wanting Eddie to have an easy opportunity to slip up, but perhaps Maggie could've held it at Delilah's.  Or he could've put it in the trunk of his car or something.  I suppose it wouldn't have looked so impressive onscreen and we might not have had another cute moment with Colin, so there's that.

[Chewy101]

7 hours ago, ams1001 said:

But did he really have to dump all his liquor? He couldn't have brought it over to one of his friends' houses so he/they could still enjoy it once in a while? 

Seriously. And the holding the bottles up over his head while he poured so the liquor would splatter everywhere irked me. 

So, is Delilah off the show? Because it has been so so so so so so so SO nice without her. I'll take Katherine and Maggie over her weird stupid baby voice any day.

And speaking of baby voice, why do they treat Theo like he is in kindergarten? They treat him like he is made of glass. Few kids get more of a village than this one does, and yet both of his parents are endlessly finding his life so tragic.  

[Rootbeer]

8 hours ago, KaveDweller said:

Maybe if they actually yelled at Theo once in awhile he wouldn't be so annoying.

Eddie was yelling at him to stop, but only because Theo was far away. There were no consequences that Theo ignored him.

I thought the same thing, Theo is 11 years old, his father told him not to climb the ladder, that it was dangerous and he might fall.  There is no excuse for Theo not following his father's instructions and he should've been grounded or something.  For that matter, had Katherine been at the bottom of the stairs, she probably wouldn't have been able to run up them fast enough to prevent the kid from falling either.  The problem was with the disobedient child, not the parent.

[Chewy101]

4 minutes ago, Rootbeer said:

I thought the same thing, Theo is 11 years old, his father told him not to climb the ladder, that it was dangerous and he might fall.  There is no excuse for Theo not following his father's instructions and he should've been grounded or something.  For that matter, had Katherine been at the bottom of the stairs, she probably wouldn't have been able to run up them fast enough to prevent the kid from falling either.  The problem was with the disobedient child, not the parent.

Totally agree. But I think Katherine's anger towards Eddie is just a general one for him blowing up their family. They both screwed up Theo by keeping him in a hamster ball his entire life, but Eddie was the one who blew up their marriage. He couldn't even get it right with multiple chances and a massive support system. 

[Lady Calypso]

37 minutes ago, Rootbeer said:

Or lock it up somewhere?  I get not wanting Eddie to have an easy opportunity to slip up, but perhaps Maggie could've held it at Delilah's.  Or he could've put it in the trunk of his car or something.  I suppose it wouldn't have looked so impressive onscreen and we might not have had another cute moment with Colin, so there's that.

I definitely agree and had the same thought that Gary could have put it in Delilah's place for the time being, or locked it up on a high shelf or something and hidden the key. 

37 minutes ago, Chewy101 said:

So, is Delilah off the show? Because it has been so so so so so so so SO nice without her. I'll take Katherine and Maggie over her weird stupid baby voice any day.

I know, when she inevitably comes back next season, I'm going to be so disappointed. Her being off the show has been a breath of fresh air. Once she comes back, that means that Maggie probably interacts with Sophie less, Gary might interact with Danny less, and Maggie also has to go find a new place to live. But, like, their only other alternative is killing Delilah off overseas, and I don't know if the show would do that. 

Also, I'm going to say that Theo thinks he's too young to use a hot glue gun, but not too young to climb a ladder next to the stairs. Make that make sense.

46 minutes ago, Rootbeer said:

Well, in the end, it turned out the scan didn't help anyway.  Rather than requesting a specific test without really knowing what might be happening, it would probably be better to ask the doctor what else might be going on if it wasn't the concussion and then ask to either get further evaluation for those conditions or be referred to another doctor who is a specialist in that area. And, then come down hard on him if he dismisses that request.

Well, I think it was the fact that Regina wanted to know if there was physical evidence of something wrong with her. And, despite there being nothing found, at least it was an answer, even if it wasn't the answer Regina was looking for. So I think it did help, regardless. Because, if they had found something, it would have been very helpful too. And since Regina and Shelly aren't doctors, they can only go on what they are feeling and what they know is wrong. Plus, the doctor was dismissive. He may be the expert, but he can't dictate how his patient is feeling and his number 1 priority is to help his patient. 

That being said, I do think Regina would ALSO benefit from an MRI, just in case. It NEVER hurts to be thorough. I'd rather request a bunch of tests and be wrong, than go home and do nothing and have something get worse.

[cardigirl]

44 minutes ago, Rootbeer said:

Well, in the end, it turned out the scan didn't help anyway.  Rather than requesting a specific test without really knowing what might be happening, it would probably be better to ask the doctor what else might be going on if it wasn't the concussion and then ask to either get further evaluation for those conditions or be referred to another doctor who is a specialist in that area. And, then come down hard on him if he dismisses that request.

 I understand that the show didn't have the time for that kind of discussion, but it seemed to me that both Regina and her mother placed too much faith in the CAT scan to diagnose the problem.  It turned out, the doctor was correct, the scan wasn't the answer, but that doesn't mean that more questions and testing aren't indicated.  I wonder if maybe an MRI might've been a better test in that circumstance, although I am not a specialist in neurotrauma.

I agree with this. I think the point being made was that the doctor wasn't listening, or didn't appear to be listening to Regina, who was scared. She felt off and felt like something was wrong, and even though he saw nothing to indicate further testing, he was not doing anything to reassure her or explain why he felt the test was not necessary. No plan of action was discussed.

Patients do need to be their own advocates, but doctors assess situations based on a myriad of details and information that they have spent years accumulating. I'm not saying there aren't bad doctors out there, but I get tired of the trope that the patient knows more than the doctor. It's rarely true. And doctors also don't want to be accused of loading up a patient with unnecessary tests.  

I liked that it was her mother who had to protect her, because Regina was vulnerable at that moment, but most doctors I have, have taken the time to explain why they are doing (or not doing) what they are for my care. 

[ifionlyknew]

1 minute ago, Lady Calypso said:

That being said, I do think Regina would ALSO benefit from an MRI, just in case. It NEVER hurts to be thorough. I'd rather request a bunch of tests and be wrong, than go home and do nothing and have something get worse.

In the real world and MRI is only going to requested and still need approved by her insurance company after other things like a CT Scan have been performed.

3 minutes ago, Lady Calypso said:

Also, I'm going to say that Theo thinks he's too young to use a hot glue gun, but not too young to climb a ladder next to the stairs. Make that make sense.

I simply do not understand why the writers write Theo as if he is a kindergartner.  It  has become so annoying I cringe whenever Theo is in a scene.  

[JayDub1987]

Really solid episode, IMO. People can say whatever they want about Gary's sarcastic quips (I happen to enjoy them), but he's a hell of a good friend. 

[circumvent]

12 hours ago, gonzosgirrl said:

I liked Gina's mom going all tiger mom on the doctor. I've been there too many times,  being dismissed by a doctor who won't listen, as if I don't know my own body better than they do.

I am not black, although I am aware of how much black women are dismissed by medical professionals. I have seen the same type of dismissal with disabled people. I have faced off with a couple of doctors on behalf of a disabled friend, once because she was in excruciating pain and barely able to function, and the doctor was saying there was nothing wrong with her. It wasn't pretty and I surprised myself that I confronted him - I am bad and confrontations. Turned out I was right. The other time was a doctor who pull the authority, PhD, super duper awesome specialist card. I stood on front of him and kind of pinned him against the wall until he listened to my report, which was vital for the treatment.

[gonzosgirrl]

12 minutes ago, JayDub1987 said:

Really solid episode, IMO. People can say whatever they want about Gary's sarcastic quips (I happen to enjoy them), but he's a hell of a good friend. 

My people! :)

[gonzosgirrl]

10 hours ago, KaveDweller said:

There were no consequences that Theo ignored him.

Well there were consequences, just not for Theo. Heh.

 

[NoThyme]

Having grown up with an alcoholic/addicted father I understand how falling of the wagon one more time can be a huge deal breaker. It is difficult as you never know when an addict will fall off the wagon again. As they say in Alcoholic's Anonymous there isn't any reason for drinking (or something like that). So the pain excuse or all the other reasons Eddie had for drinking or doing pills and once again becoming addicted gets old, tiring and you constantly live your life walking on eggshells waiting for the next event. He doesn't mention his daughter or seemed concerned about joint custody with her. Sometimes enough is enough. I like Catherine. 

Edited May 27, 2021 by NoThyme

[gonzosgirrl]

10 hours ago, historylover820 said:

While Katherine's not wrong about her reasons for fighting the joint custody, the way she's going about doing it isn't good. She should have been able to hear Eddie calling up to Theo not to get on that ladder.

What's worse is she did hear them (she shouted out 'what's going on' or something like that). Again, her concerns are valid, but being a raging bitch about it - snatching the batteries out of Eddie's hand - is just undermining her legitimate concerns, IMO.

ETA: I did like that she later qualified her concerns as not being about his disability, but about his addiction. And also that Eddie took full responsibility for being a terrible husband, but a good father. Their fight was ugly, but true to life - in moments like that, we do tend to go for the throat. Even if we don't necessarily mean it, we know what's going to sting the most. Given that they've written Katherine so saintly (and the writing on this show), I'm sure seeing Eddie be great with Theo a couple times is going to soften her stance sooner rather than later.

Edited May 27, 2021 by gonzosgirrl

[Trillian]

10 hours ago, ams1001 said:

But did he really have to dump all his liquor? He couldn't have brought it over to one of his friends' houses so he/they could still enjoy it once in a while? 

That was so painful to watch.  Oh the humanity....!

[Rootbeer]

1 hour ago, Lady Calypso said:

 

 

I know, when she inevitably comes back next season, I'm going to be so disappointed. Her being off the show has been a breath of fresh air. Once she comes back, that means that Maggie probably interacts with Sophie less, Gary might interact with Danny less, and Maggie also has to go find a new place to live. But, like, their only other alternative is killing Delilah off overseas, and I don't know if the show would do that. 

 

Delilah should stay away if only because both Gary and Maggie have proven to be far better at parenting her kids than she is.  Maybe she can meet a French guy and decide to stay?  It's not like she's ever put her kids over herself anyway.  Sophie is almost ready for college, Danny is in high school; they've shown themselves to be pretty mature and resilient even without her presence.

[Rootbeer]

1 hour ago, Lady Calypso said:

I definitely agree and had the same thought that Gary could have put it in Delilah's place for the time being, or locked it up on a high shelf or something and hidden the key. 

I know, when she inevitably comes back next season, I'm going to be so disappointed. Her being off the show has been a breath of fresh air. Once she comes back, that means that Maggie probably interacts with Sophie less, Gary might interact with Danny less, and Maggie also has to go find a new place to live. But, like, their only other alternative is killing Delilah off overseas, and I don't know if the show would do that. 

Also, I'm going to say that Theo thinks he's too young to use a hot glue gun, but not too young to climb a ladder next to the stairs. Make that make sense.

Well, I think it was the fact that Regina wanted to know if there was physical evidence of something wrong with her. And, despite there being nothing found, at least it was an answer, even if it wasn't the answer Regina was looking for. So I think it did help, regardless. Because, if they had found something, it would have been very helpful too. And since Regina and Shelly aren't doctors, they can only go on what they are feeling and what they know is wrong. Plus, the doctor was dismissive. He may be the expert, but he can't dictate how his patient is feeling and his number 1 priority is to help his patient. 

That being said, I do think Regina would ALSO benefit from an MRI, just in case. It NEVER hurts to be thorough. I'd rather request a bunch of tests and be wrong, than go home and do nothing and have something get worse.

The problem is, a CT scan costs a couple  of thousand bucks, and, if there was a better test, why not direct the money there?  Also, it's important to realize that, just because a doctor orders a test does not mean the insurance company is going to agree to pay for it.  Rather than just doing random testing  to ease Regina's mind; a dialog in which the doctor explained to Regina why a CT scan wasn't the best option and gave her information about other ways to evaluate her that might be more helpful would have been a better way to go. 

I am a medical practitioner, I sometimes have patients come to me with a long list of testing they want to have done and they are totally shocked when their insurance declines to pay for random testing that isn't indicated.  The insurance company tells them something like 'if it is medically necessary, it is covered', but, when push comes to shove, a doctor's order is not proof of medical necessity and insurance companies decline payment all the time for testing.  I can guarantee you that, if they declined to pay, telling the insurance carrier that the test was ordered 'because the patient wanted it' isn't going to change that.

Edited May 27, 2021 by Rootbeer

[ams1001]

Okay, so because I'm never sure if I'm spelling it right, and I've seen at least three different spellings just in this thread (including my own incorrect one), I finally checked the AMLT Wiki and the correct spelling is "Katherine." (I guess I just defaulted to the way my friend Kate spells her full first name, Kathryn.) (As a person who often gets their name spelled wrong, I like to not do that to other people...even for fictional characters, apparently.)

1 hour ago, Lady Calypso said:

Also, I'm going to say that Theo thinks he's too young to use a hot glue gun, but not too young to climb a ladder next to the stairs. Make that make sense.

Good point! I had forgotten about the glue (even though I commented on it last week). I'm surprised he even had the nerve to take the ladder out of the closet. Maybe the ladder didn't have an age recommendation listed on it like the glue gun probably does.

2 hours ago, Rootbeer said:

I suppose it wouldn't have looked so impressive onscreen and we might not have had another cute moment with Colin, so there's that.

True, it was just for the drama so we can see what a good guy Gary is. And I will take any moments with Colin that I can get.

19 minutes ago, Trillian said:

That was so painful to watch.  Oh the humanity....!

I know! And I barely even drink! That amount of liquor would literally last years in my house (where it's just me). And at least one of them appeared to be whiskey which I don't drink at all. I think the last bottle of vodka I got didn't even get opened for almost a year, and took me at least that long to finish (and that was last summer and I have yet to replace it). I found myself wondering how much money he just poured down the drain. (My dad would have gladly taken that whiskey off his hands, though.)

[LucyEth]

Totally team Katherine.  Think she is 100 percent in the right.  How much is she suppose to put up with from Eddie.  Maybe when "D" and his love child finally get back from France, she can take him in and they can pick up where they left off and live happily ever after.  I hope the show has the guts to have the marriage end for Katherine to make a nice life with Alan, but I doubt it.  Agree with others, Gary is a very good friend.  I hope Sophie and the other girl's dad take that creepy teacher down.  There is no way Regina would get a CT scan immediately and have the results read immediately, only on TV.  Wonder where they are going with her.

[historylover820]

Gary is always the friend who is in for a penny, in for a pound. So not surprised that he was dumping all of his alcohol. It probably never even occurred to him that he could lock it up or take it somewhere. His first instinct was "I'm not going to have any alcohol or any temptations for Eddie!"

[Arcadiasw]

29 minutes ago, LucyEth said:

Totally team Katherine.  Think she is 100 percent in the right.  How much is she suppose to put up with from Eddie.  Maybe when "D" and his love child finally get back from France, she can take him in and they can pick up where they left off and live happily ever after.  I hope the show has the guts to have the marriage end for Katherine to make a nice life with Alan, but I doubt it.  Agree with others, Gary is a very good friend.  I hope Sophie and the other girl's dad take that creepy teacher down.  There is no way Regina would get a CT scan immediately and have the results read immediately, only on TV.  Wonder where they are going with her.

Me, too. Not sure if the writers are trying to create sympathy for Eddie and make Katherine look bad but it's not working with me. She's right Eddie isn't in the right state to have joint custody right now and it will be too much for him. Maybe Eddie's guilt on how he treated Katherine and his own paranoia is blinding him from seeing that but Gary knows this and is willing to help him out. 

[ams1001]

Here's what I keep thinking about with Regina: She said in this ep that it's been two weeks since she hit her head. But how long did she actually take off work? She seems to have gone back after a few days? I don't know. (I'm not a doctor, obviously, and my only experience with concussion is a very mild one that I didn't really feel until the next day, but then my parents had to pick me up from work and I spent the next day and a half resting in bed and sleeping a lot.) If she had a moderate concussion (don't know how severe her injury was supposed to have been, but it sounds like it would have been worse than mine) and went back to work too soon (especially a physically demanding job like a restaurant kitchen; even though business is down, they've been doing plenty of takeout still, right?), it's probably not that surprising that her symptoms aren't improving. Maybe she just needs to take some more time off and let herself heal some more. (And was she using her phone when they showed her in bed? You're supposed to avoid screens and stuff after a concussion, too.) Of course, this is a soap opera, so that's almost certainly not it.

23 minutes ago, Arcadiasw said:

Me, too. Not sure if the writers are trying to create sympathy for Eddie and make Katherine look bad but it's not working with me. She's right Eddie isn't in the right state to have joint custody right now and it will be too much for him. 

Even if it does turn out that he can handle it just fine, I don't blame her for erring on the side of caution. He needs to prove that he has things under control. Just completing a rehab program doesn't show her that he'll be okay going forward. He needs to actually be okay for a while. 

I like that Gary will have him move in with him while Maggie stays with the kids at Delilah's. I suggested last week that Eddie could move into Gary's apartment, but it's probably better that he not live alone, even if just because he's still fairly new to navigating the world in his chair. And Gary has the physical strength to help him where Theo wouldn't (if he had partial custody/unsupervised visits). I wonder if Maggie will go back to England to complete her fellowship (or whatever it was) or if she will decide to stay. (Will we see Jamie again or is he committed to This Is Us now? Judging from the finale, it looks like he'll have a bigger role next season.)

And Delilah's house is pretty big; I'm guessing if/when she comes back Maggie could still stay there. That place must have an extra room or five.

Edited May 27, 2021 by ams1001

[gonzosgirrl]

For the record, I think Katherine and Eddie should divorce, too. I also think Eddie is the one who blew up the marriage by cheating. If Katherine was the person the show presented in the beginning, then I don't blame him for wanting more, but he should have been a man and called her on it/asked for a divorce before finding someone else, let alone his 'best friend's wife. But, and it's a big but (heh), Katherine is the one who decided to forgive him, and accepted his love child, and remain friends with the woman he cheated with - exactly none of which I would have done. I get that there is a breaking point, and she reached hers with this last relapse, but like Eddie should've owned his feelings two years ago, she should own hers now and not throw the past in his face, or punish him with his kid, as it appeared she was doing. Make it about the drug use and only that. It seemed this week that she course-corrected by the end, which is why I think they'll stay apart, but she'll relent on the custody/visitation. Eddie really is going to have to get a job though.

[Suzn]

Shallow post alert...  I am convinced that the hair of the female characters is being done by landscaping tools.  Last season, Delilah appeared to have been assaulted with a weed-wacker.  This season it is Maggie with the most unfortunate mess of hair.  It appears to have random chops from a hedge trimmer and odd crimps, like effort went into making it look that bad.

[ams1001]

16 minutes ago, Suzn said:

Shallow post alert...  I am convinced that the hair of the female characters is being done by landscaping tools.  Last season, Delilah appeared to have been assaulted with a weed-wacker.  This season it is Maggie with the most unfortunate mess of hair.  It appears to have random chops from a hedge trimmer and odd crimps, like effort went into making it look that bad.

lol...I always hated D's hair. Maggie should be well past the point that she can blame cancer for a bad haircut by now. Her hair looked so much better in the suicide PSA at the end.

[tennisgurl]

This was a lot better then last week, even if this divorce story with Katherine and Eddie continues to be as fun as multiple paper cuts. I can understand why Katherine is leaving Eddie, and even why she doesn't want Theo around him so soon after he relapsed, but I still don't think she is handling this really great. Like Eddie said, he was Theo's primary caregiver for over a decade without a relapse, and he really is working to get better, he should at least have more time with Theo as an option for the future. They should at least talk about him getting more custody rights after he has been sober for longer, and her getting mad at him for the ladder incident was just stupidly petty. He was yelling at Theo to get down, what else was he supposed to do? Normally I would say that a ten year old could get on a ladder alright, although I wouldn't be thrilled about that either, but Theo aint exactly the brightest bulb in the shack, being eleven going on three, so Katherine and Eddie probably just know that he will probably fly off because he imagine he saw a fairy or something. So is Eddie's chronic pain just gone now? The entire reason for his relapse and throwing away all the work they did on their marriage has just disappeared? Gary really is a ride or die friend. He can be a whole lot but he is an amazing guy to have in your corner. Although, damn Gary you could at least take that to Rome and Regina's house, that looked like some solid liquor. 

I cringed when Sophia went to the parents of the girl who killed herself, but I am mostly liking how they are handling this story. I am guessing that Sophie and the dad will bring the creepy teacher down, and I always like seeing the actor playing the dad, one of those "hey its that one guy" types of actors. This has also been a really good story for Maggie, its amazing how much more likable Gary and Maggie are when they aren't together. 

Loved seeing Shelly tell off that smug doctor for blowing off Regina's concerns, using her inner Karen to get her momma bear on. Shelly can be frustrating, but she really loves Regina and you can tell how much having her mom supporting her meant for Regina. Shelly really handled the whole thing really well, offering her good advice without pushing, fighting for her medical treatment, and just being there without being too overbearing like she can be sometimes. 

Rome's documentary is way more interesting than his self indolent meta remake of season one. 

[JayDub1987]

2 hours ago, Suzn said:

Shallow post alert...  I am convinced that the hair of the female characters is being done by landscaping tools.  Last season, Delilah appeared to have been assaulted with a weed-wacker.  This season it is Maggie with the most unfortunate mess of hair.  It appears to have random chops from a hedge trimmer and odd crimps, like effort went into making it look that bad.

If shallow posts are accepted, I'd just like to profess my love for Maggie. That's my next wife 🤣

[marceline]

2 hours ago, Suzn said:

Shallow post alert...  I am convinced that the hair of the female characters is being done by landscaping tools.  Last season, Delilah appeared to have been assaulted with a weed-wacker.  This season it is Maggie with the most unfortunate mess of hair.  It appears to have random chops from a hedge trimmer and odd crimps, like effort went into making it look that bad.

I've assumed that's because the show is still in the first stage of the pandemic. If Regina was hurt two weeks ago then the show is taking place in late June 2020. That's when beauty standards really went to hell. Personally I was walking around my house, locked down in yoga pants and a ripped Hamilton t-shirt and a rag on my head that made me look like Harriet Tubman.

Sophie going to Layla's parents seemed so wrong. That was the kind of meeting that needed an intermediary. I'm glad to see Kari Matchett playing the mom. She's good at this kind of role.

My dislike of Theo gets more visceral with each passing episode. When he started setting up that ladder at the top of the stairs I thought, "Hey, maybe we'll manage to get rid of him after all." Just to be clear it's the character I can't stand, not the young actor. He's quite good. I wouldn't loathe Theo so much if he wasn't good at his job. 

[Snazzy Daisy]

Am bored with Eddie/Katherine’s storyline, it’s all over the place and it’s getting worst. The writers seem eager to divide the viewers while jeopardising the characters. It’s so obvious that the disability arc for Eddie is purposely created to pave the way for his substance abuse arc. And both plots aren’t well executed and not too believable. Is Eddie still having his physical therapy sessions with Darcy? Does Eddie go to any recovery support meeting? During and after rehab, how does Eddie manage his chronic pain? Or the pain just magically disappeared because seeing Theo in “pain” is more hurtful? Financially, what’s Eddie next step? Gary shouldn’t be paying for his lawyer’s fee and everyday expenses and be his Uber driver 24x7. AMLT should focus more on Eddie’s road to recovery, how he navigates these life challenges on a more personal level while going thru a divorce. Arguing about custody and babying Theo shouldn’t be the focus. Eddie doesn’t seem to remember he has another child, it’s all about Theo, Theo, Theo. And please don’t tell me in the next episode, suddenly Eddie can wiggle his toes and walla, he’s able to walk again! Re Eddie moving in with Gary, I don’t think his house is wheelchair-friendly, I remember seeing some stairs, or is that Maggie’s apartment?

I like that Sophie has made some progress in her quest for the truth, love her interactions with Maggie. I wonder if Sophie can be that open with Delilah as she is with Maggie on this sensitive subject. It’s good to see St. Olivia Benson’s brother as Christopher Gregory. In his scene with Maggie, talking about Layla’s journal, you can feel his pain, his confusion and his frustration by looking at his micro expressions.

I hope Gina’s cognitive decline will not lead to some serious health issues, for Rome’s sake, he deserves to be happy.

Hey show, if you need to punish someone, please punish Delilah. 😎

[ams1001]

11 minutes ago, SnazzyDaisy said:

AMLT should focus more on Eddie’s road to recovery, how he navigates these life challenges on a more personal level while going thru a divorce.

That would definitely be a more interesting story than watching a custody battle that will probably be little different than most other TV custody battles.

[historylover820]

4 minutes ago, ams1001 said:

That would definitely be a more interesting story than watching a custody battle that will probably be little different than most other TV custody battles.

Completely agree with the above.

[SunnyBeBe]

12 hours ago, NoThyme said:

Having grown up with an alcoholic/addicted father I understand how falling of the wagon one more time can be a huge deal breaker. It is difficult as you never know when an addict will fall off the wagon again. As they say in Alcoholic's Anonymous there isn't any reason for drinking (or something like that). So the pain excuse or all the other reasons Eddie had for drinking or doing pills and once again becoming addicted gets old, tiring and you constantly live your life walking on eggshells waiting for the next event. He doesn't mention his daughter or seemed concerned about joint custody with her. Sometimes enough is enough. I like Catherine. 

True!  It’s difficult trying to protect a child who is in the care and custody of an addict or alcoholic.  They often lie about using/drinking and a million other things, please pardon the pun.  Children who reside with substance abusers suffer in many ways.  Catherine is absolutely justified in her attempts to protect their child.  Sometimes, months or years of sobriety can make a difference.  But, that comes with confirmed support meetings, drug tests and taking responsibility for self.  

[bybrandy]

15 hours ago, Lady Calypso said:

Also, I'm going to say that Theo thinks he's too young to use a hot glue gun, but not too young to climb a ladder next to the stairs. Make that make sense.

I'm a grown woman who is not great with the glue gun but fine with the ladder.  Burn me once shame on you,, burn me twice shame on me but also I'm not old enough to use the glue gun.   I was terribly afraid of the ladder when I was a kid and one Christmas decided to get over that.  I stood on the lowest step until I stopped shaking and then went to the next step and again and again.   I was 13.  I think my parents would have been cool with me doing the ladder thing at 11 but I was afraid of it.   But in this situation i can see Eddie being particularly freaked out because he can't be right under the ladder if Theo falls.   

[hoodooznoodooz]

UO: I applaud Katherine’s actions this season.

[hoodooznoodooz]

On 5/26/2021 at 11:57 PM, ams1001 said:

I definitely climbed higher than that on the playground at a younger age. Though it still wasn't tall enough and he could have fallen while trying to reach, and I guess he was right near the stairs. so it could have ended badly. I can see why they didn't want him up there, but Kathryn blaming Eddie for it was stupid. How about teaching your kid to listen instead? Eddie told him three times not to.

Yes, me, too.

But the ladder was not anchored to the floor. I think that was the real risk.

My son is 12. That’s probably why I am so critical of the 11-year-old Theo portrayal. But when my son is defying me, I only need to threaten to withhold (I’m Lucille Bluth) sugar, and he instantaneously cooperates.

Edited May 28, 2021 by hoodooznoodooz

[hoodooznoodooz]

On 5/27/2021 at 12:15 AM, ams1001 said:

But did he really have to dump all his liquor? He couldn't have brought it over to one of his friends' houses so he/they could still enjoy it once in a while? 

I hate waste!! He had plenty of other options. The writers should have played the Charlie Brown music while Gary dumped it.

[hoodooznoodooz]

18 hours ago, Chewy101 said:

Seriously. And the holding the bottles up over his head while he poured so the liquor would splatter everywhere irked me. 

And speaking of baby voice, why do they treat Theo like he is in kindergarten? They treat him like he is made of glass. Few kids get more of a village than this one does, and yet both of his parents are endlessly finding his life so tragic.  

OMG. In the words of Maeby Funke/ Arrested Development, “Marry me.”

Edited May 28, 2021 by hoodooznoodooz