Paul and Jimmy look for Sean's dad. Gaby tries to keep Liz from sinking. Alice is surprised to find out who Brian has been spending time with.
Alice doesn't know what she wants to say to Louis. And yet, she always wants to talk to him. That was her initial instinct after Jimmy told her he reached out. Jimmy wants to protect his daughter. He can't risk losing her too. He's grateful that she has forgiven him for his absence. He tries to step up as a father. He just doesn't know how to handle this situation. No one does. It's not until the moment that Alice knows what to do. It remains awkward. She's furious Brian has befriended Louis. Brian acted with empathy. He reached out because he could see Louis was in pain. It was so obvious. He had to do something. Alice uses that to force another conversation. It's another random drop-in on Louis. Brian exudes uncomfortable energy. He doesn't know what to do. He remains in the situation. Alice recites her letter the best she can remember. She shares a story about Tia. Louis assures her that he thinks about their family every single second. He knows he can never be forgiven for what he did. He can never move past it. Alice provides him that grace. She recognizes that's exactly what her mother would do. This is the emotional realization she needed. She still has plenty of pent-up emotions she doesn't understand. Right now, she has clarity. She offers that. The world is suddenly simple. She's grateful for what Brian did. It's not the end. Jimmy has feelings as well. They aren't addressed here as he is busy elsewhere.
Moreover, the narrative strikes a parallel between Louis and Liz. Brian exclaims how easy it was to act with empathy. Louis was in a dark place. It was written all over his face. The audience sees the same look in Liz. She has pursued various projects in the hopes of finding something new she loves. She has plenty of stability at home. Derek remains a loving and optimistic person. Liz no longer feels this life fits her. That's a dangerous mindset. Derek was mad when Liz ran into Mac and didn't tell him. He couldn't stay that way forever. He already had a plan to return to their normal dynamic. That's comforting. However, Liz reaches out to her ex-boyfriend again. She positions him as the exciting and new thing she craves. That invites uncertainty into her life. He encourages her photography. He isn't the only one. Plenty of people are willing to support Liz no matter what. And yet, she suddenly feels as if her life doesn't have the same importance it once did. When Gaby calls, she knows exactly how Liz behaves when she's depressed. She knows working on rocks typically lifts her spirits. It doesn't here. That's a change of pace too. Her hobby no longer fulfills all of her emotional needs. Rocks still mean a great deal to her. She's in search of something else too. It can't just be another food truck. It's about what that represented. She can't articulate that. And so, she meets Mac again.
It's because of these unexpected reactions that damage invades the lives of these characters. Sean invited it in. He didn't fight back. He is hospitalized with a broken leg. It's all because his father invalidated his feelings. Sean tried to open up. He wanted to discuss the anger he felt towards his dad. Tim let him down. Tim tried to deflect. He wanted to shift blame to Jimmy and Paul for putting ideas in Sean's head. He didn't want to own up to the mistakes he made. He looks down on therapy. It only makes people feel worse. It led to Sean getting in another fight. Tim runs away instead of being there for his son. He eventually returns. It requires some insights from Jimmy and Paul. Jimmy continues to present himself as a buffoon. That provides a way for Paul and Tim to bond. They commiserate on how obnoxious Jimmy is. He still has value. Paul is more willing to engage with jimmying. That's a new therapy tactic that actually helps their patient. That's the ultimate goal. Of course, Jimmy takes things too far. He doesn't strike the perfect balance. Paul's boundaries need to be respected. It's still encouraging to push people beyond their comfort zones. It allows them to get to the truth. Sean may still be too quick to forgive his father. Emotional catharsis is offered. That needs to be recognized. It came at such a low point. But it couldn't be denied any longer. Sean isn't healed. He still has plenty of work to do in therapy. However, his therapists care about his well-being and take steps to nurture it. They go above and beyond what's expected of them.
And finally, Gaby tries not to be at the hospital with her mom during her eye surgery. She encouraged her mother to undergo the procedure. It was a way to improve her quality of life. Gaby didn't have to feel responsible in managing her family. All of that has been shifted to Courtney. Life is easier that way. It's not fair to her sister. She is being punished for the mistakes she made in the past. That no longer reflects who she is. Gaby has to acknowledge that. She can't avoid the situation forever. Again, these characters are powerful and insightful when they push their friends. That provides plenty of breakthroughs. They also recognize when that advice isn't needed. Gaby arrived at the conclusion on her own. She just needed to vent for awhile. She's happy to show off her new place to her sister. It's more important to release her from the emotional burden of caregiving. Gaby doesn't know what to do next. Her life is already busy and chaotic. She needs time to come up with a plan. That conversation at least occurs. She can no longer enjoy life with no consequences. She could avoid the drama. She needs to be part of the solution. This is her life too. It can't be ignored. She reaches that acceptance. That makes her a more present figure within her family. That is noticed as well. These plots are all very separate. The themes keep them together. It's more significant as they each reach emotional clarity without it coming across as conclusions. It's actually the acknowledgement that it's not the end. The excitement comes from pondering what's next and realizing they have the emotional tools to manage it.
