After Patty’s death and the subsequent fallout being explored in the previous two episodes, it was nice for this episode to be on the lighter side. I liked the choice by the writers to break the episode up with three smaller stories–A, B, and C. The A story focusing on Joan’s struggles in trying to return to work, the B
Read moreLike last week’s episode, ‘R-O–Road T-R–Trip’ didn’t focus on exploring another layer of the DiMeo family and their lives with a special needs family member. Instead this episode focused on the DiMeo family dynamic. Considering how much planning would be involved in every aspect of their lives due to JJ’s disability, it was nice to see a spontaneous side to
Read moreInterestingly this episode didn’t focus on an aspect of being a special needs family like the previous episodes have. This episode focused on Christmas, specifically Christmas spirit. Surprisingly it was Maya, usually the most cynical, that was full of the Christmas spirit and tried to spread it to her family. I loved the gag of Maya throwing groceries, presents and
Read moreInevitably this episode was going to deal with the fallout of Patty’s death. I liked how the episode focused on the unanswered questions of Patty’s death rather than the emotions. While the emotional reactions and grief were addressed, it was done with subtlety. With Martha feeling guilty, Viv feeling sadness and disbelief, Matron lashing out in anger, and Joan feeling
Read moreThis episode again pulled back another layer of the ‘onion’ of the aspects of a special needs family. Their special needs child playing competitive sport. JJ’s desire for the thrill of competition is understandable, even more so when people patronise him and constantly let him win. Jimmy’s own overprotective nature is hinted at when he takes JJ to the ice
Read moreI think this was the best episode of Speechless so far. I believe this for many reasons. The structure of the episode was outstanding, with the practice runs neatly and humorously kicking off all three acts of the episode. The choice to show character development in all three of the children was an equally smart choice, as until now the
Read moreThe premise of this episode is summed up perfectly by a speech that Maya makes to her brother-in-law, Billy: “We’re so focused on the fact that you don’t understand our problems, we didn’t even consider that you might actually have problems of your own.” I’ve always felt that each Speechless episode focuses on one of many aspects of a family
Read moreWell this season opener was filled with shocking moments. The purpose of a season premiere is similar to the purpose of a season finale. The season finale’s job is to conclude the season’s story arcs and set up potential new arcs for the next season. The season premiere’s job is to commence new story arcs for the new season and
Read moreSo we’ve now reached the end of the fifth season. Season finales tend to go one way or the other due to their unpredictable nature. If a show isn’t renewed, all loose ends have to be tied up and the ending has to be satisfying (although you can’t please everyone). If the show is renewed, there has to be enough
Read moreSo now the focus is on Lewis as a Councillor. Lewis has won the district bi-election and can now “clean up council” or so he thinks, the reality of Lewis actually ending up on the bottom of the council pecking order was obvious and I like how the writers subtly but surely showed that reality. I found the fact that
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