Jimmy and Meg unite over their love for Paul. Gaby considers her future with Derrick #2. Marisol pushes Sean and Alice out of their comfort zones.
A lot happens in this episode worth discussing. Yet the highlight easily belongs to Jimmy and Brian during a rendition of "The Confrontation" from Les Misérables while Paul is trapped in the backseat. It does a phenomenal job actually showcasing the friendship between Jimmy and Brian. The scene easily could have played as Brian choosing the music and annoying the straight men. Instead, it's set up so Jimmy can join him with his own solo. They are intensely into it. They perform phenomenally while Paul is stunned at what's happening in front of him. The perfect button is Paul wondering if they just came up with that on the spot. It reaffirms that he doesn't care to know anything about them. Musical theater goes right over his head. It's impressive while retaining its comedic integrity. It's such a perfect moment. Jimmy can have fun. A lot of the series features him as a sad, pathetic man. He's terrified of becoming an empty nester. He's not eager to date again. Others make fun of him for his past sexual exploits. It's not a badge of honor. Having sex with Jimmy is used as an example for Gaby's own rock bottom. It's not a positive. That's how everyone should view the final moment between Jimmy and Meg as well. It's not healthy or productive. One can have a ton of concern for the future and how Jimmy's character arc is playing out. It's also thrilling to see Jimmy and Brian engage in something that ignites their passion. It's fun pure and simple.
The rest of the time Jimmy gets emotional about saying goodbye to Paul. He can't say it normally anymore. He will do anything his mentor asks. He won't get any appreciation for it either. Gaby understands that all too well. She's tasked with caring for her mother for a week. That's exhausting to her. That's not the focus of her story either. In fact, it's surprising how when certain details come up that should derail the characters the expected beats don't occur. Jimmy could have absolutely spiraled upon hearing Paul has agreed to move to Connecticut to be with Meg. Jimmy was comforted by the thought Paul would still be around to give advice. Work wasn't the only thing connecting them. This move changes all of that. It forces Jimmy to open up slightly about his dysfunctional relationship with his father and the pointless pursuit of romance when he already had the perfect relationship. It's all connected to Meg's presence. At first, it's suggested they are like adoptive siblings. Jimmy cares for Paul as if he is his own father. That's special. However, it's mostly set up for the kiss between Jimmy and Meg. It allows Jimmy to act awkwardly over the thought of kissing his sister. He needs to be reminded they aren't actually related. The decision has more to say about Meg though. She teases some dysfunction about her marriage. Jimmy goes along with this action. It fulfills his fantasy. That even includes Jason Segel performing a cover of R.E.M.'s "Nightswimming" over the closing credits. It's a certain fantasy. It's not entirely meaningful though.
Meanwhile, Gaby's paranoia about Derrick #2 tricking her into thinking about their future was actually correct. She shares a dream. She wants to open her own trauma center. She wants to be doing life-changing work. She gets that rush now that Maya has opened up about her depression. They can be light-hearted in therapy while still addressing serious issues. Gaby handles that balance beautifully. She freaks out over commitment. She and Derrick #2 are strong as a couple. Everyone wants to see them succeed. She just has to get out of her own way to make that happen. Her assessment of his behavior being accurate actually makes them compatible as a pairing. It's clear he didn't want to wait any longer. He forced this conversation to happen. It wasn't out of malice. He approached it in a way she could handle. He didn't need to be in her circle to help process it either. She's comfortable once the decision is made. The same applies to Sean and Alice agreeing to go to a party with Marisol. They are uncomfortable. They feel safe in their structure. They need this disruption. It's the story that gets shortchanged a little bit because of everything else happening. That's unfortunate. The show juggles a lot. That's a bit more troublesome than when the narrative operates at its best. Nothing is inherently bad. The ambition didn't quite match its potential. Nevertheless, it's great the singing moment was still included. That was the highlight of the season so far.
