A Million Small Things: 10 Times The Show Addressed Deep Issues

Over the past four seasons, A Million Little Things has featured a wide range of stories authentically told through a dynamic cast of characters. According to Deadline this emotional drama was recently renewed for a fifth season on ABC and the show's creator DJ Nash is excited to see how far he can take the characters on his return. After a chance encounter in a stuck elevator, four adult men form a close bond around their love for the Boston Bruins. Their mutual love for hockey may seem superficial to some but over time the friendship between Gary Roma Eddie and John grows as they support each other through pivotal life experiences and deep issues that truly connect to viewers.

LGBTQ + . conspiracies

Danny Dixon realizes he is gay at a very young age and gradually falls out with Gary. Before she tells her mother sister and much later her classmates. While Danny and Greta went out when they were younger Catherine discovers new sides of her sexuality after Eddie's divorce. These stories show that sex is a spectrum that can be explored at any stage of life. The Rome film student formerly known as Madison introduces himself as Maddox in front of the camera. Roma supports Maddox and gives him the courage to be himself on filming day which is more welcome at school than at home. Maddox's heartfelt journey of acceptance from his parents provides a positive representation of transgender teens who are underrepresented compared to other LGBTQ+ stories.

Racism

In a season three episode called Listen Roma Regina and their friends confront the aftermath of George Floyd's murder and decide whether or not to attend a protest. This episode explores the intricacies of race and how it affects many aspects of life including mental health identity safety and police brutality also addressed in The CW's All American. Racism is addressed in powerful ways throughout the series with countless examples including Roma Regina and Terrell's experiences in the black community Theo and Catherine confronting Asian hatred and Gary's radical name change to Javier to avoid discrimination against Mexicans. These stories are based on harsh realities and inequalities that unfortunately persist to this day.

inability

After being hit by Eddie's car he suffers injuries that require him to use a wheelchair. Eddie and Catherine take some time to adjust to their new dynamic as Eddie learns to navigate the world and regain his independence. Through this experience, Eddie stays positive with Theo and explains to his son that his disability won't stop stops him from being there for him. Although the series occasionally shows Eddie facing discrimination due to his disability the actor who plays Eddie David Guntoli is not a true wheelchair user. While some shows and movies have portrayed characters with disabilities it's worth noting that actors with disabilities are only hired to play these roles about 5 percent of the time according to the Ruderman Family Foundation which addresses the issue of disability. in the television industry.

Alcohol and drug addiction

As the former captain of The Red Ferns Eddie was immersed in the world of rock n roll when he met Katherine. While Eddie was on tour he became dependent on alcohol. She missed the birth of her son Theo due to her addiction. Although he remained sober for a long time his setbacks with alcohol and pills were what ultimately ended his marriage to Catherine. Throughout the series, Eddy attended meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Eddies addiction story is also linked to his sister Lindsay and her friend who died from a toxic mixture of drugs and alcohol. Although the show depicts the tragic consequences of addiction it also provides resources for viewers who can relate to Eddie's experiences.

parenting paths

Parenting comes in many forms. While some people like Catherine Eddie Delilah and John may have biological children others like Roma and Regina have had a more complicated journey. When her initial adoption failed Regina wasn't ready for adoption right away although Roma still wanted a boy. This heartbreaking story put a strain on Roma and Regina's relationship but in the end, the couple decided to raise a teen named Terrell giving him sound advice and home whenever he was in Boston. Gary has always been one of the best dad characters on the show. Viewers expected him to become a father. Although Gary was unable to have a child with Darcy he was able to conceive Maggie with only one successful IVF fetus. This show shows that the path to parenthood can be difficult heartbreaking and/or rewarding no matter which path is chosen.

covid 19 pandemic

Covid 19 has upended the daily lives of people around the world leaving television writers and presenters to wonder how or if they will handle the on-screen pandemic every time their shows return. While some series have chosen to downplay the pandemic or make it appear shorter than it was A Million Little Things tackled the shocking realities from almost every angle. Security restrictions shut down the movie Roma before production began and Regina's restaurant one day was forced to close. After the takeaway company was unable to retain its employees. Danny spoke to colleagues on Zoom while Maggie struggled to travel internationally during the health emergency. A Million Little Things perfectly depicted the feelings of uncertainty anxiety and disappointment caused by the pandemic.

miscarriage

One of the biggest events in the series revolves around Maggie's decision to have an abortion. She had scheduled a flight from London to Boston for routine cancer screenings but her tests showed she was pregnant and they would not be able to screen a pregnant patient for cancer due to radiation. Maggie told her British boyfriend Jamie about the pregnancy and he flew to Boston for support. Because of Covid 19 restrictions, Maggie has had a very narrow window to receive screening. She knew she was unlikely to be able to get pregnant again due to her medical history but decided to have an abortion because she needed to know if cancer had returned. Fortunately, her scrutiny was clear and Maggie was able to use her expertise to help some of the callers on her radio show. Although abortion remains one of the most discussed topics A Million Little Things has handled the topic carefully with consideration of viewers' experiences.

cancer

Maggie and Gary met at a support group for breast cancer survivors. They immediately connected and gradually learned about each other's experiences. While they're dating Maggie's breast cancer returns and Gary must do everything in his power to convince Maggie to agree to chemotherapy even at the cost of their relationship. After undergoing chemotherapy Maggie ends up in remission with a whole new perspective on life. Throughout the series, Maggie and Gary continue their regular exams celebrate their friends in remission, and mourn the loss of other cancer patients. While Maggie remains safe it was recently revealed that Gary's cancer had returned to his lungs. Cancer becomes an ever-present motif for those affected by it and A Million Little Things proves that it cant be wrapped up in an episode or two arcs.

sexual assault

Confidence can go a long way, especially with close friends family teachers, or mentors. Sexual assault is one of the most terrifying ways to break trust. Neil Bishop broke all trust when he assaulted his younger sister Shelley Bishop and niece Regina. Peter Benoit abused his power as Sophie's music teacher grooming and assaulting her along with a long list of other students including one who committed suicide. The effects of sexual abuse can last a lifetime and it is one such tragic one. The most relevant stories because of how often they happen in real life. By highlighting the stories of sexual abuse and the resources of those who suffer from it A Million Little Things challenges the stigma of talking about trauma and empowers viewers to find a way to begin the healing process.

Depression and suicide

While some shows refer to depression or might mention suicide in an episode A Million Little Things makes the point that brings the entire group of friends and the concept of the show together. In the pilot episode, John one of the four main friends dies by suicide. Johns's friends and family were shocked that they never knew about his depression. After the sudden loss of his friend, John Roma eventually discusses his depression with Gary Eddie and his wife Regina. When Maggie is introduced as a therapist who specializes in depression she helps Roma find professional help through therapy and medication. Maggie is an important character throughout the series as she advocates mental health awareness and resources which are always provided to viewers.