‘Trying’ Recap: ‘Capture the Flag’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 303 of ‘Trying’. To revisit the previous episodes, click here.
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One particular aspect of the human condition that is genuinely fascinating, is the unspoken bond we share with each and every member of our family. Because we simply feel the connection between our parents and our siblings, and we never question it or believe that it will break. Because family is indeed forever and the bond that we share through blood and the years we spend together… is quite special and powerful for certain and it oddly makes everything we do as a family, poignant and significant. For some part of our brains knows we are making special memories and taking part in moments that are influencing our future and this is why our modern world puts so much emphasis on a healthy family unit, because of what it can accomplish for the human psyche. 

But while that is wonderful to know, what we often forget, is that not everyone can take part in that experience. For some people that want to start a family, cannot for medical or other reasons. Which in turn, prompts them to turn to adoption to create a family and provide those children with the love and direction they absolutely need and well… that leaves one to wonder… how is that bond created when the magical chemistry of genetic ties simply does not exist? Because that bond is what we crave and what we want to experience and well, it just so happens that this particular question is top of mind today, because the next episode of Trying on Apple TV+ worked to answer it during this week’s brilliant episode.

A feat that ‘Capture the Flag’ accomplished, by having Nikki, Jason, Tyler, and Princess go on a weekend getaway with other families that adopted as well. In the hopes of using the wonder of nature and family activities to bond with one another to create those important formative memories that so many have in the back of their minds and well… that made for one brilliant exploration on the question at hand. Because Nikki and Jason’s desire to really form a family unit, taught them… that the only way we can create a family out of thin air so to speak… is to open our hearts to the children we bring into our home, completely and without prejudice or worry. Because unconditional love is indeed what we share with our own family and that is the foundation for a created one and well… how Jason and Nikki came to that epiphany was quite beautiful in nature.

Since they came to realize that in order to let the kids in and make them feel wanted and tied to their new parents, they simply had to see them as their own and accept their flaws and quirks and celebrate them and the person they could be and well… once that happened, the bonds began to form, and this family finally jelled and came closer together. All through that subtle and beautiful lesson, one that we can in fact, apply to more than family. Not to mention, it was also quite amazing for the story to explore something we don’t talk about enough when it comes to parenting. In that… mom and dad aren’t always going to be the perfect well-rounded parent. For each has their strengths and opportunities and it is only when mom and dad work together in tandem and play to one another’s strengths and support each other… can they smoothly raise their kids and lift them up and teach them.

But what matters more about this particular tale, is that it basically served as a manual for new parents out there in Nikki and Jason’s situation. Making this an important tale as well, one that supports a corner of our world we don’t talk about enough and it is incredible to know that this show is accomplishing that kind of feat and that… it has more lessons waiting for us as the season goes along. Since Karen was in for the quite the surprise in this tale regarding her views on kids and it will be fascinating to see where that goes in the weeks to come, and of course Freddy’s journey is shaping up to be something important as well and, in the end, everything we experienced here… is going to make the wait for next week’s episode quite difficult. Since we are now beyond eager to see Nikki and Jason continue to grow and forge the family they’ve always wanted. Until next time.

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