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S01.E17: S-U-R-- SURPRISE!

Drogo

By Drogo
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Drogo

Drogo

Maya plans a surprise party for Dylan's birthday even though she's adamant about not having one. Meanwhile, Ray is unnerved by a trip to the mall with JJ to buy their sister a present; and Jimmy and Kenneth realize they don't have anything in common.

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GRChereck

GRChereck

(edited)

Considering I'd been waiting for a Kenneth/Jimmy plot since, oh, maybe the third or fourth episode, that got quite a bit sillier than I had hoped (finding they were both into barbecue, only to diss each other's method); but it was worth it just for the Ramones shout-out. :D 

I could certainly understand their feeling awkward together without JJ present (at least in "Sled Hockey," Kenneth and Maya were able to maintain a mutual tolerance because they were united in their concern for JJ's well-being, and they've more-or-less accepted being able to relate primarily on that level) -- both men apparently lack adult male friendships, and relating to each other as just a couple of guys seems beyond them (Kenneth had trouble fitting in with different groups at the school without JJ in "Road Trip," while Jimmy took a long time to finally bond with his fellow special-needs dads in "Oscar Party"). Plus, even if their bonding did devolve into trash-talk, including personal digs, it was kinda fun to see Kenneth and Jimmy both give as good as they get and ultimately become more comfortable with each other without even realizing it. I really hope this pairing gets another chance...

I thought the JJ/Ray plot started out kinda silly (how on Earth did JJ get out without anybody noticing?), but JJ was wonderfully resourceful during his solo journey, and after "Sick Day" (which addressed JJ's concerns about protecting Dylan) it was so sweet to see another episode in which he considers how to work with his limitations to best fulfill his role as a big brother (this time to Ray). :)

The Maya/Dylan plot was great -- I could understand Maya assuming at first that maybe Dylan was embarrassed by her, but I'm glad the writer ultimately went the opposite direction and had the girl actually just want to have her awesome mother all to herself for once (after having resigned herself to taking a backseat to the needs of her brothers and others for so long).

Edited by GRChereck
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Crs97

Crs97

This show manages to be hilarious and a punch to the gut simultaneously.  Husband is big into barbecue and is a charcoal snob so we loved that angle of the Kenneth/Jimmy relationship.  Dylan's matter of fact statement that she knows she has to be last on the list was heart-breaking and one of my big fears for my own kids.  Loved her delivery of "Ray is hopeless but bless you for trying."

I loved how quickly Jimmy caught on to the baby plan ("I need a baby so that someone will love me unconditionally." "I love you unconditionally." "Great, then give me a baby!"), and JJ's great escape was so bittersweet.  We also chuckled at the salesman's questioning Ray about being PC. Solid episode at our house!

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Bobbin

Bobbin

Amazing show, perfect casting, not a single character not to love and admire. The PC shoe store clerk was priceless. And Maya taking Dylan's being the perfect child for granted, not realizing that Dylan had devoted her life to being perfect and self-reliant just so Maya could concentrate on the boys. I hope Dylan and Ray have learned to respect resourceful J.J. more as their protective big brother.

Micah could act out an entire episode just with his facial expressions. His infectious smile could melt a stone-cold heart.

A wonderful show all around.

  • Love 11
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kathyk24

kathyk24

I loved JJ's independent streak I've known older people with disabilities who weren't as willing to explore as he does. It's impressive since Maya is so overprotective. I loved seeing how the streets weren't accessible despite the ADA it also points out that PWD don't have someone to help them all the time.

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bros402

bros402

That episode was great - I liked JJ's journey and how it showed how some things - such as the crosswalk button, are not accessible to all. I like how JJ got off the bus - used his laser pointer to get the attention of the driver.

Dylan's plot was great. 4th birthday Dylan looked a *lot* like like - maybe a relative of hers?

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Chit Chat

Chit Chat

I thought it was sweet that JJ & Ray made an effort to get a birthday present for Dylan.  It was fun following JJ's adventure to the Mall.   I also loved that he told Ray to shut the hell up when it came to telling their parents about what they had done, and then Ray's light bulb moment at just how that would go over with his parents if they did.  Great show! 

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paulvdb

paulvdb

2 hours ago, Crs97 said:

I forgot about that, paulvdb!  And wasn't the other customer an adult?  Other than the wheelchair, did he fit the description?  

I don't know how old he was. He could probably pass for 16 on tv where teenagers are often played by actors in their twenties. The description was 16, brown hair and in a wheelchair.

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MaryHedwig

MaryHedwig

Quote

I thought the JJ/Ray plot started out kinda silly (how on Earth did JJ get out without anybody noticing?),

Isn't Kenneth sole job to be an attendant to JJ? What is he doing hanging around the house without him?  Is he getting paid for that? Shouldn't Kenneth have been the one to notice his sole purpose on the show was missing?

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Crs97

Crs97

I thought they all believed Ray and JJ were together so no one was worried when he was gone.  I guess Kenneth could have left, but they may not have known when JJ and Ray were getting back and he would be needed.  I also get the feeling Kenneth doesn't have much to do outside his job.

I have never seen a 24/7 aide, but I will make many allowances for this show.

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GRChereck

GRChereck

(edited)
59 minutes ago, MaryHedwig said:

Isn't Kenneth sole job to be an attendant to JJ? What is he doing hanging around the house without him?  Is he getting paid for that? Shouldn't Kenneth have been the one to notice his sole purpose on the show was missing?

Yeah, I wondered about that, too. I'm guessing maybe they just consider him part of the family by now?

Speaking of which, one more thought on the J&K plot: As much as I would've loved to see them become real friends (even with only their affection for JJ, and possibly varying degrees of occasional annoyance with Maya, in common), I kinda like the idea of them becoming more like brothers -- especially since Jimmy isn't exactly close to his own brother, and Kenneth only has a sister (alluded to in "Thanksgiving"). John and Cedric were so damn delightful in their scenes together, I could definitely see their characters continuing to sass each other and push each other's buttons -- hopefully without a lot of gratuitously mean-spirited cheap shots or crossing any lines that might make it stop being fun for either of them (or for the audience). 

Edited by GRChereck
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bros402

bros402

14 hours ago, MaryHedwig said:

Isn't Kenneth sole job to be an attendant to JJ? What is he doing hanging around the house without him?  Is he getting paid for that? Shouldn't Kenneth have been the one to notice his sole purpose on the show was missing?

I think they just consider him part of the family now - it doesn't sound like he has much in the way of family - so it's a mutually beneficial relationship. Maybe in case JJ needed assistance during Dylan's party?

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pajamamama

pajamamama

I don't think Kenneth's 'sole purpose' is to be an attendant to JJ. He does way more than that. (btw, I have personal bias to Kenneth & particularly Cedric Yarbrough. I think he's the 'heart' of the show.) It wasn't Kenneth's fault that JJ was 'lost'. Jimmy put Ray in charge of JJ. A task that irked JJ. It was this that prompted JJ to leave and go it alone.

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GRChereck

GRChereck

(edited)
11 hours ago, bros402 said:

Maybe they modified the door to make it JJ-friendly?

That's a possibility. :\ As for getting out without anybody noticing, well, Maya was able to get that whole party together (including the "fake wall," the "winning"-themed decorations and all the friends) while managing to surprise Dylan with it; it's possible she could've been wrapped up in that while JJ snuck out the door...

On 3/11/2017 at 5:17 AM, pajamamama said:

Jimmy put Ray in charge of JJ. A task that irked JJ. It was this that prompted JJ to leave and go it alone.

Yup. :) Also, looking at a transcript of the episode, I found it interesting that Jimmy put it in terms of "You're responsible for your brother," but while Ray knew his dad meant well* ("I'll take care of him"), the kid still took it as a license to abuse his newfound sense of power ("Dad said I'm in charge") by putting off going to buy the gift when JJ wanted to go ahead and get it done. I'm guessing this is probably the first time the boys had been left to their own devices like this; their dad may have just wanted to both protect JJ (sort of in his "Sled Hockey" mode) and teach Ray some responsibility (like he encouraged him to be more of a "big boy" in "The Club"), but I don't imagine Jimmy considered that Ray might let it go to his head at first, or that JJ would rebel against his little brother telling him what to do. 

* - considering JJ's personal needs and other things he's physically unable to do for himself (that his parents and Kenneth usually handle)

Edited by GRChereck
additional thought
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Chit Chat

Chit Chat

Quote

 Also, looking at a transcript of the episode, I found it interesting that Jimmy put it in terms of "You're responsible for your brother," but while Ray knew his dad meant well ("I'll take care of him"), the kid still took it as a license to abuse his newfound sense of power ("Dad said I'm in charge")

A typical teenage response of an older sibling whose been put in charge!  How many of us younger siblings heard those dreaded words from our parents "your brother/sister is in charge?"   I liked that JJ fought back by going it alone.  He had Ray pretty worried, so maybe he learned his lesson about lording his temporary authority over JJ.  It was good for Ray to see that although JJ is at a physical disadvantage, his big brother can still kick his ass in his own way! 

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GRChereck

GRChereck

3 hours ago, ChitChat said:

It was good for Ray to see that although JJ is at a physical disadvantage, his big brother can still kick his ass in his own way!

Well put. :D I like to think JJ gave him a real lesson in growing up and being more responsible.

3 hours ago, Nordly Beaumont said:

"Who's in charge? Ray's in charge, b-word!" Oh, Ray, such a tough guy!

Hehe! As bad as I feel for him sometimes, he can be a bit of a jerk, too. :)

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neuromom

neuromom

Enjoyable episode! I WAS wondering what Kenneth's purpose was in being there, since it was apparent that Ray was "in charge " of JJ and they were going to get the gift. I'm assuming Kenneth was there for Dylan's party, now that he's "part of the family". But, he spent all of his time with Jimmy. Also, does Kenneth even have another job? Being an aide doesn't pay much, unless it's 24/7 . Certainly not a living wage.

So, I'm guessing Minnie is "playing younger"? She is 47 IRL, just 2 years younger than me, and I found the "I want another baby" plot to be ...odd? I dunno. I guess I'm coming from a different place, having two kids (one with multiple disabilities) and being a single parent doing it alone. I can't IMAGINE having time for another kid. Jimmy's matter-of-fact "I love you unconditionally " was totally sweet though. 

And the crosswalk! Ha! I didn't even realize that until now! I remember when the "new" crosswalk signs came out, with the pictures rather than the words..and "beeping" for the deaf. Well, I guess they kinda forgot about the peopke in wheelchairs with limited mobility. But JJs creativity throughout his journey was awesome. And I loved his smile, and how he was having a blast!

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GRChereck

GRChereck

39 minutes ago, neuromom said:

I'm assuming Kenneth was there for Dylan's party, now that he's "part of the family". But, he spent all of his time with Jimmy.

My guess is that he was probably just there for Dylan's party (he knew someone in the family had a birthday coming up), but he got sidetracked -- first by Jimmy's awkwardness with him and their trying to find a common interest they could talk about, then by their competition when they find something they both like but disagree on how to do it.

40 minutes ago, neuromom said:

Also, does Kenneth even have another job? Being an aide doesn't pay much, unless it's 24/7 . Certainly not a living wage.

According to the press release for this week's upcoming episode ("D-I--Ding"), they're supposed to touch on that -- the family goes grocery-shopping, and Kenneth tries to hide from them the fact that he's "moonlighting."

51 minutes ago, neuromom said:

So, I'm guessing Minnie is "playing younger"? She is 47 IRL, just 2 years younger than me, and I found the "I want another baby" plot to be ...odd? I dunno. I guess I'm coming from a different place, having two kids (one with multiple disabilities) and being a single parent doing it alone. I can't IMAGINE having time for another kid. Jimmy's matter-of-fact "I love you unconditionally " was totally sweet though.

It wouldn't surprise me if Maya is maybe a couple years or so younger than Minnie in real life; that's certainly the case with the kids on the show... 

Oddly enough, I saw at least one comment elsewhere that actually took offense at Jimmy admitting he doesn't want another kid; but considering he's the one who brings home the checks, pays the bills and keeps the peace amidst all the chaos, I could certainly understand him not wanting the family to be put under any more strain (financial and otherwise) than they're already handling.* Loved how he handled the situation -- both his "I love you unconditionally" (which kinda reminded me of his "we're each other's best friend" talk in "Halloween") and his rationale for how he and Maya had actually done a great job of raising Dylan. :)

* - considering Dylan's real reason for not wanting a party -- not wanting to compete with all her friends for her mother's attention -- a new baby sibling likely would've made matters worse for her in terms of her and Maya's relationship.

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bros402

bros402

Jimmy was in Grad School when he met Maya, right? So that would put him around 23-25 when they met?

Let's say Maya is 1-2 years younger, so she would've been 21-23 when they met. Let's say they had JJ when Jimmy was 26 - so Maya would've been 24-25, JJ is 16, so Maya would be 40-41.

I wonder when JJs birthday is - we know that Dylan's is sometime after February 26th - the 2017 Oscars.

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ItCouldBeWorse

ItCouldBeWorse

1 hour ago, GRChereck said:

Oddly enough, I saw at least one comment elsewhere that actually took offense at Jimmy admitting he doesn't want another kid;

They certainly don't have room for another kid in the house. Does the van have an empty seat considering the space needed for the wheelchair if the whole family is there?

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GRChereck

GRChereck

5 hours ago, Browncoat said:

Maya didn't truly want another kid, either.

Exactly; it was pretty much just a knee-jerk reaction. 

2 hours ago, Driad said:

The grilling competition (charcoal vs. propane?) gave me pleasant flashbacks to "King of the Hill."

Same here -- I loved that show. :D 

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bros402

bros402

8 hours ago, possibilities said:

They have 3 kids already. It never even occurred to me that there could be anything wrong with not wanting another. How many are you supposed to have before you get to say no?

I dunno. There are some religious groups who think you should pop kids out until you cannot.

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dmmetler

dmmetler

I loved seeing independent JJ, and I truly hope the show lasts long enough for him to transition to college. I also remember being in JJ's position-when my parents made comments to my younger brother to keep an eye on me, even if it was warranted, and how that rankled. 

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GRChereck

GRChereck

(edited)

I caught the rerun, but I just had to go on Yahoo! View to rewatch the scenes in question. When Ray asked Maya to drive him and JJ to the mall, it did kinda sound like he wanted to get Dylan's present right away (or at least as soon as possible), but then JJ said he wanted himself and Ray to do it on their own* -- I got the impression they might have gone back to their room to discuss and plan the trip (since they wouldn't be relying on Mom to know how to get to the mall or how much money they would need), in which case that was probably when Ray could've decided it would be better if they waited until the actual day of the party to get the sneakers (and surprise Dylan with them). :)

* - Which I think could explain why Ray would be more likely to put off the trip (perhaps he needed to feel a little more mentally prepared first) -- as opposed to JJ, who tends to push the limits of his independence and who had no qualms about going off alone -- and which would also explain why he needed to be taught to be more "bold." 

Edited by GRChereck
clarity
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