As Alice heads to college, Jimmy tries to repair things before it's too late. Gaby makes a happy discovery.
Jimmy has been stuck for a long time. Now, he's faced with everyone around him moving on. They are advancing in their lives. He's happy for them. He wants to deliver all of these perfect moments when saying goodbye. He's continually disappointed because they're interrupted. Nothing ever goes how he plans. He rehearses. He takes wild swings in the name of keeping others from making the same mistakes as him. Yet he still ends up alone. He carries scars from the past. It's terrifying to move on. As such, he sabotages his own progress. He misses out on moments. He's present for his loved ones. He celebrates their achievements. He remains alone. He cautions to his patient that that doesn't mean he's lonely. He needs to say that to himself over and over. He understands all of this but struggles to actually apply it to his life. That requires Paul to step into the father role he has always been reluctant to embrace. That's never how he wanted to define this relationship. It's true nevertheless. He has to put in the effort to make sure Jimmy knows he is deserving of love. He won't be sacrificing anything if he embraces what's possible in the present. He would only be adding to his life.
The progress that occurs for Jimmy offers the conclusion for the season. However, the finale produces plenty of other developments as well. The penultimate episode established that everyone is leaving. That could have been seen as the show ending its time with these characters together. Their lives would be different without these friendships as a constant presence. That would offer a unique challenge. Some are leaving for an extended period of time. Others will just be gone for a few months. It's something Jimmy has to manage. Sean's nervous about telling him he moved out already. He makes it seem as if he is still living in the pool house. Derek calls him out. Sean isn't the only one who has to break this specific news to Jimmy. Everyone else managed through the same situation. It sucks that it's all happening at the same time. That doesn't mean Sean has to miss out on his own happiness. Jimmy wants him to succeed. The living arrangement was always meant to be temporary. Sean is ready to go out on his own. He's armed with the tools Jimmy and Paul have provided. Jimmy responds well in the moment. The absence later on makes him realize how much he depends on others for validation.
Similarly, Gaby needs to assemble her loved ones to help her make big life decisions. She doesn't think this is a good time to get engaged. She's upset with Derrick for even buying a ring. She's forced to confront it head on because the ring gets stuck on her finger. She needs Liz to talk her through it. Others point out how she has been pushed through every major moment of this relationship. As such, it's empowering when she takes ahold of the proposal. It's her actively choosing this. She stands strong in her decision. She's confident. That's worthy of celebration after the traumatic season she has endured. She didn't think the timing was right. She made it happen. That's what perfection ultimately means. It's about these individuals creating magical moments. They play out in their own unique ways. That makes them perfect. Gaby and Derrick are surrounded by people who care about them. It's a surprise. It's also incredibly rewarding.
Everything builds until Jimmy is back on a date with Sofi. She was positioned as perfect for him. It didn't matter how they actually interacted. She was someone who wouldn't be disappointed by who he is. She awkwardly moves through the world as well. Their relationship wasn't given much of a chance to thrive. It was derailed by Jimmy's insecurities. He lashed out instead of working through the problem. He's given a second chance. Paul makes it happen. However, Jimmy's relationship with Paul is much more significant during that final moment. Paul is the only person who can get him to see clearly. His advice will never be forgotten. He still plans on being around to give it. He will never abandon Jimmy when he needs it. He will get on a flight just to tell Jimmy the harsh truth. They could mend their bond after their fight rather easily. It's impersonal over the phone. It needed to happen in person. Then, they could detail just how important the other is to them. Paul does the talking. He needs Jimmy to listen. That's moving. It forces action. Sofi is the beneficiary of that. Paul wasn't invested in their relationship. He didn't even know Jimmy messed up. He arrives when Jimmy needs it the most. That awareness makes his guidance powerful. It's a hopeful note to end on. It doesn't have to be dramatic either. It serves the proper balance of taking a step in the right direction. That's all Jimmy needs to do. In that regard, it's just as big as an engagement or leaving for college.
