Unfortunately, those overseeing "A Million Little Things" keep sacrificing depth for complexity of plot line.
Tonight's episode revealed that Jon, at least, was aware of the deep pain he was in. That was even though his three close friends, his wife, and his two children missed it. That came out in the note he left for his wife before jumping out of the window to his death. Ashley finally turned over that note.
But delving into his pain was skipped over to provide more space for a convoluted plot line about real estate investments and variables such as if a subway stop would be voted in.
Readers become devoted to a dramatic series because they are emotionally attached to the characters. They don't tune in to learn about business per se. This isn't "Shark Tank."
Other opportunities to delve into the human condition that were missed included any ambivalence Katherine had about giving up the chance to be partner in her law firm.
When offered that promotion, she made it contingent on being able to be home with her son for dinner. After dinner, she indicated she would return to the firm in the evening. The powers that be turned that down. They demanded 100% commitment.
Initially Katherine seemed overjoyed to have her life back. However, this evening when she finds out that the man she is interested in at the firm did make partner, she is thrown off her game. This should have been explored more. That she could so easily have blown off the goal she had been pursuing for years isn't believable.
Another human element which could have been developed more is what makes Ashley tick. We know so little about her, her past, the nature of her relationship with Jon, and her inner life. At the end of the episode she is heading to Barcelona, Spain with the ticket Jon purchased for her before he jumped from the window.
"A Million Little Things" has a shot at being a memorable series if the writers would aim for simplicity in the plot and the directors would force the characters to portray unique human beings, not stereotypes of Boston Millennials.
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