‘Midnight Family’ Recap: ‘Limited Time’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Renata Vaca in "Midnight Family," now streaming on Apple TV+.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Finale of ‘Midnight Family’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that the Apple TV+ series, Midnight Family, sent a lot of important messages our way this season. For instance, we came to learn that the Mexican health care system has some serious flaws. Since it requires independent ambulance drivers to help get people to medical care. Plus, it also taught us a lot about family and how complex and difficult that can be to navigate, especially when a tight knit family is beginning to step into new chapters. All of which has made for an engaging series, one that in many ways reflects life and the ups and downs and injustices we all face and well, it turns out the show had more one lesson to send our way this season.

For ‘Limited Time’ made it clear that perhaps the cruelest lesson of all in this life, is that we can do everything right and find ourselves on a good path, and fate can rob of us that and take us down a dark path that changes everything. And it brought forth that lesson, by putting the Tamayo family through their darkest hour. For while everyone survived the crash, most of them were in bad, bad shape. Marcus had a busted jaw, Ramón had a fractured skull and Marigaby was bleeding badly from a puncture wound, and help wasn’t coming right away. Because only Julio was well and had to try and triage his own family before calling for help and that brought forth, that sour lesson. 

Because despite making it to various hospitals and getting stabilized, things did not go well for the family. For instance, Marcus tried his best to get in touch with Cris and save their budding family, and when that didn’t work, he left the hospital early to find her. Only to learn she left and wasn’t giving him a second chance. Because he chose the ambulance over her. Not to mention Ramón’s horrible injury and the stress of the situation put a real burden upon his heart. To the point where he was rushed into surgery and seemingly died on the table. Which was stunning to say the least, but understandable since that kind of trauma employs so much strain upon a person. 

Not to mention, Marigaby also faced an uncertain tomorrow. For her injuries were bad, and she was likely bleeding internally, and she was at an inferior hospital. Which prompted her loves to come see her and move her into a better facility, to try and save her life. For she was helpless here and unable to do anything but wait and let go and hope that she beat the clock. All of which made, for a dark, dark ending. One that saw broken hearts and lives change, all from a single moment. For had those trucks not collided, Ramón would be in his office, Marcus would be with Cris and Gaby would be passing her test. But that’s not how the world works, and fate can do this kind of damage in a moment, and that was sobering to see play out.

Simply because, stories like this, are supposed to end happy. For everyone found growth, and everyone pushed toward being better. Not flawless, but better, and to see all that work disappear in an accident is stunning. But that is about as real as it gets. For this happens often, and it adds reverence and gravity to the story and reminds us… to cherish the moment and to cherish life. To support those who try and save it and well, this may indeed be the end. Since there has been no word on a second season and if there isn’t one, this would serve a complete ending to a limited series and really hammer home the lessons at hand and this show truly deserves a round of applause. For offering up a finale this brave, this bold, and this real, in an era of storytelling where realism isn’t always welcome.

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