‘Mr. Throwback’ Recap: ‘The Slump’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

MR. THROWBACK -- "The Slump" Episode 103 -- Pictured: (l-r) Adam Pally as Danny, Tracy Letts as Mitch -- (Photo by: George Burns Jr/Peacock)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Mr. Throwback’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one universal truth about life that some of us do not want to face or learn… it would have to be… that there is no escaping our past, and we must face it at some point in our lives. Because not only has it defined us to some extent by forming so much of who we are, but it is always with us, and it is always waiting for resolution in some form or fashion. That could involve something as simple as letting sour memories go to something as complex as facing our traumas. But one way or another we will face the past and the universe will ensure that happens, as evidenced by the next episode of Mr. Throwback on Peacock.

For ‘The Slump’ saw Danny deal with quite the painful conundrum. Because Steph was in a slump, and simply couldn’t drop a bucket on anyone. Which put Kimberly into a panic since it meant her world and the NBA world would fall to pieces and well, since the slump was so bad, Steph made a big ask. In that, he needed Danny to find Mitch, his father, and have him express how to fix his game. Because the last time he was off, Mitch knew how to fix the issue and that… deeply conflicted Danny. For then he would have to stand toe to toe with the one person that caused him incredible pain and sent his life down the toilet, and initially he felt it best, to leave the past in the past.

But Samantha made it clear that he kind of owed Steph for all the grace he offered and for all the money he sent over in the name of a grandiose lie, and well, that prompted Danny to head to his father, whom the film crew found, to help Steph before telling him the truth. And in making this decision, Danny found his way to dear old dad and learned that Mitch was sober and in recovery and was doing his best to impart wisdom on the youth of the world to be better and well… he even apologized in his own way and let Danny know that he tried to help him financially throughout the years. All of which barely moved Danny in the slightest, because this was a lot. In fact, he struggled to be near his father because of how much unresolved trauma was in his heart but he tried his best to forge ahead for Steph.

But an extended day that was designed to revisit the past and seemingly start a dialogue between father and son, was more than Danny could bear in that moment. So, he confronted his father and made it clear how much he hurt over what Mitch did to him so long ago. Because sadly, even though the universe lets us know we have to handle our business… we have to be ready to do so… and Danny was not. Which led to confrontation, a demand to know how to fix Steph’s game, and fiery payback. All because of the fresh pain this brought forth in Danny’s soul, and while he did fix Steph’s game and end the slump, the past remained unresolved, and the lie still hung heavy. Because judging from the pain we saw… it was all that Danny had in this moment… and that may all come crashing down soon.

Simply because, at the end of this story, the lie was exposed to Charlie through Steph’s post-game presser and that… could bring forth more disaster. But while we wait to see how that revelation plays out, we can celebrate one funny, but incredibly powerful tale. Because this one, dealt with some heavy stuff, and an element of the human condition that is uncomfortable to talk about, and it deserves a round of applause for handling it right. By showcasing how we have to be ready to handle it all and that handling yesterday isn’t easy and can be quite painful. All of which made for another brilliant story from this brilliant series, and truly, this does compel us to hit play and see what fresh jokes and critical moments for Danny await us as he struggles with the pain of the past and the lies of the present. Until next time.

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