‘A Million Little Things’ Season 2, Episode 3 ‘Mixed Signals’ Review: New Waters

So far, this is my favorite episode of the second season of A Million Little Things. We’re back to that good old mend and break formula of the show. And also now, things are taking quite an unexpected turn. A Million Little Things is really doing a great job expanding on the narrative left off by its first season. And the only thing I can say about it is that these new narratives are looking to be quite the tearjerkers in the next few episodes.

This week’s episode titled “Mixed Signals” on A Million Little Things has already managed to get me teary-eyed. In particular, Gary (James Roday) helping out little Danny (Chance Hurstfield) come to terms with who he is and Rome (Romany Malco) making a sacrifice to help Regina (Christina Moses) get what she truly deserves struck a string in my chest. Elsewhere on the episode, Delilah (Stephanie Szostak) and Andrew (James Tupper) give it a try between them while Eddie (David Giuntoli) and Katherine (Grace Park) slowly try to mend their marriage.

One Last Secret?

Surprisingly, after the events of last week, it seems that the deal with PJ (Chandler Riggs) thinking that Jon was his father has grown to be a bigger mystery than it was initially presented. After admitting to Rome his suspicions about Jon, PJ reveals everything that led him to that conclusion. First was Gary’s visit and his parent’s argument about him knowing the truth. And then, the apologetic video Jon left for Barbara. Now, by Rome’s revelation, he has another thing to add to the list: the half-million dollars Jon left for him and his mom.

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When PJ gets home, he subtly tries to get an affirmation that Jon did leave them something for them from his mom. Seeing that he applied to RISD, he tries to ask for financial aid from Barbara. Sadly, she disappoints him. After that, it’s where things get big. PJ goes to Rome with Jon’s red Harvard hoodie he stole and asks that they conduct a DNA test. Rome agrees to help. But, as he says, if PJ really is Jon’s kid, it will change everything.

Just Friends

On Delilah’s end, Andrew really seems to be taking an interest in taking their friendly relationship further. One morning, he asks her out on a date. But, of course, she refuses to call it that. According to her, she doesn’t know what it is yet at least. Anyhow, Gary, the now appointed babysitter, plus Regina and Danny all think it’s a date.

At dinner, it is awkward. But, as it turns out, it isn’t only Delilah who’s hesitant of dipping back into a relationship. Clearly, they like each other. However, they’re both admittedly not ready for it. As Andrew notes, he thought it would get easier without his wife but, it really doesn’t. Up until that point, he admits that it’s still hard for him to open up about her. And Delilah understands.

Be The Better Man

On the other hand, Danny is having a hard time fully coming to terms with who he really is. He has been called back for the role of Kenickie on their Grease school play. And he thinks that if he gets the part, the kids at school will brand him as the gay kid for the rest of his school life. He might be out with his family but, he doesn’t want to be forced out like that in front of everybody else. In addition to that, Elliot, the kid who Danny really liked before, is also auditioning for the role. But, no worries because Uncle Gary is there to the rescue. Complete with a Grease-worthy leather jacket, Gary helps Danny rehearse for the callbacks. He even teaches him all the dance moves.

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Later on, when Danny sees Elliot come out of the audition room, he almost backs out. Until now, Danny’s still hurting over parting with Elliot. But, Gary’s there. In my favorite moment of the episode, Gary gives this wonderful speech about how there are other people that will love Danny and someday, he’ll find someone who will never stop loving him. When Danny goes into the audition room, Gary’s at the door peeking in, singing along and just being so proud of the kid.

Later on, when Delilah comes over to check on Danny at bedtime, the kid finally tells her what he’s been up to after hiding it from her. As it turns out, Elliot got the role of Kenickie. But, Danny got something better, the lead role of Danny Zuko. Even though he’s happy, however, Danny admits that he misses Elliot. But, similar to what Gary said, Delilah tells him that there will be plenty of other Elliots out there.

Mothers

When Gary was giving all that advice to Danny, it seems that he was drawing on his own experience. After Maggie’s (Allison Miller) catastrophic run-in with her mother, Patricia, and what seems to be her boyfriend, Gary tries his best to apologize for leading her there and meddling in something that isn’t his business. He also tries to convince Maggie again to deal with her issues with her mom. However, Maggie turns the tables on him psychoanalyzing him and telling him to deal with his own mommy issues. As she puts it, it might be the source of Gary’s fear of commitment. At this, Gary clams up. But, it obviously bothers him.

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As it turns out, Gary’s words also got through Maggie. She visits her mother in her old apartment, but she discovers her mother in an emotional conversation with someone named Eric. When Maggie confronts Patricia about it and asks whether she came here for Maggie or for Eric, Patricia answers “both.”

Later on at home, Gary and Maggie finally talk through their relationship issues with their moms. For Gary, when his mom left, she didn’t get a chance to say goodbye just because Gary didn’t answer to her knock on his door. And it is one of the greatest regrets of his life. For Maggie, her issues with her mom goes a long way back. And she doesn’t know whether time can heal it. After that conversation, Gary goes to call his mom but flakes out when he hears her voice. And, the very next morning, Patricia comes knocking on Maggie and Gary’s apartment with Eric beside her.

Taking Control

Elsewhere, Regina is trying really hard to be more open to Andrew’s suggestions. However, she just couldn’t do it without feeling like he’s taking over too much of the reigns. Regina has also received an invitation to the benefit of Boston’s women’s shelter where she donated the money her uncle gave for the restaurant. Together, those two have seemingly been making her feel anonymous and more and more out of control of what she really wants for her life. So, Regina makes the decision to attend the benefit and then to give back Andrew his investment so that she could steer the restaurant towards her very own vision. She refuses to be sidelined and remains anonymous any longer.

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Meanwhile, Rome has gotten his script to his publisher friend Todd. However, Todd seems to think that the topic of suicide wouldn’t be suitable for commercialization. So, he asks Rome to tweak his script. After that meeting, Rome runs into an old friend looking for a commercial director. With his dream so close, Rome immediately declines the offer. However, when he hears Regina’s plan of fully taking control of her own vision, he drops everything. Without hesitation, he calls up his friend and accepts the commercial directing gigs to help Regina pay Andrew. Inspired by this, he also refuses to change anything in his script.

Tiny Steps

As for Eddie and Katherine, things seem to be going better than expected. The next day after their little bonding time, Theo (Tristan Byon) is called over by his friend for a sleepover. Normally, Theo doesn’t do well on sleepovers so, he rarely goes. But, to Eddie and Katherine’s shock, the kid was already packing his own things. And he even excitedly asks his parents to spend some time together.

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With Theo off at his friends, Eddie and Katherine decide to spend the time out of the house to minimize the awkwardness. They end up in a billiard place. And surprisingly, Katherine has got some mad billiard skills. As the mood settles in, the pair get closer and they share a kiss. But, Katherine pulls away and warns Eddie that she’s still processing this whole situation and she’ll be sending him mixed signals. Eddie simply assures her that he’ll follow her lead wherever. At that moment, they receive a call from where Theo’s staying over. As it turns out, Theo tried really hard but his little sleepover worries got to him. Nevertheless, for the somewhat new couple, it’s one tiny step at a time.

A Million Little Things continues Thursday, October 17th, with “A Perfect Storm” at 9/8c on ABC.