‘Extended Family’ Recap: ‘The Consequences of Matchmaking’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

EXTENDED FAMILY -- "The Consequences of Matchmaking" Episode 105 -- Pictured: (l-r) Erica Ash as Lydia, Jon Cryer as Jim -- (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 105 of ‘Extended Family’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It really is safe to say, that the hit NBC series, Extended Family, is exploring aspects of the human condition that no show on television has ever taken the time to. In part because of its unique explorations on what the modern family unit looks like and how that dynamic works. But also, because… it is taking the time to examine aspects of who we are that are complex and rarely discussed, as evidenced by this week’s utterly brilliant episode of the show. For ‘The Consequences of Matchmaking’ featured some frustration from Julia and Trey. In that, Jim was constantly third wheeling around them and using them for emotional support. For there was comfort now and an understanding they were family in their own unique ways. But it did leave Julia wondering if by chance... Jim was in need of romance.

All so he could start over as she did and have that person that could offer him proper support, and well… that allowed for one of many refreshing examinations to come into play in this tale. Such as… what does dating after divorce look like? Because we don’t give that much thought in any capacity. In fact, there is a mantra that dating isn’t really a thing for divorcees. As though they aren’t worthy of love because they didn’t succeed at it. Which is a nonsense view since everyone is worthy of love. But with children and unique setups in the mix, it isn’t the same path to romance that it was pre-marriage and well… this episode informed us… that sometimes, post-divorce dating requires an assist. Which is what Julia offered dear Jim in this tale. For an old friend, named Lydia, popped back up in her life and was eager to get back on the scene, so she set them up… with disastrous results.

Simply because, they weren’t compatible in the slightest. Mainly because Jim was at a different point in his life. Which made it clear, that dating after divorce isn’t a simple process and requires a little more care to ensure that the right match is made and oddly enough, Jim found that match on the same night his original date fell to pieces. Since a lovely lady at the same restaurant liked his stories and his quirkiness, and that led to a real vibe between the two of them, the kind that eventually brought about a secondary lesson about love and dating after divorce. One that involved Juila. For she learned about the second date through Jim and was deeply worried that he would somehow screw this up and be alone and that pushed her to head right to the apartment to make sure Jim didn’t overstep his bounds.

Which of course, screwed up the date for vastly different reasons. But what mattered more here, was that Julia came to understand that she did this, despite Trey’s misgivings and advice, because she still cared deeply for Jim and wanted to give him a happiness, she felt she could not and never did supply. Which is a decision on her part that informed us that she was in many ways, still in love with Jim. Not in a romantic level, but in that transformed manner that sometimes comes about when we have deep ties to a person. One where we love them in a manner where we want to see them happy and where we worry about that happiness so much that it can interfere. Which in turn, helps to remind us that sometimes, love involves letting go and letting someone learn on their own and that is what Julia’s journey put on display in this tale.

Which made this episode, quite complex in nature. Because that’s a lot of lessons to explore, especially in a sitcom no less. But this particular series is all about offering up a complex exploration in life, in a funny manner of course. Since Jim’s dating mistakes here were the stuff of legend and quite frankly, quite relatable. Since we’ve all been as awkward as Jim was in this particular tale, and as off putting. Because dating is also, awkward at any age and stage of life. But that aside, it really was quite amazing to see this show once again find new ground to explore and really ponder upon the complexities of the human experience and love and everything in between, and that really does leave us eager for more of this dynamic series. So, we can continue to learn about love and life, through the lens of this unique and wondrous family. Until next time.

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