‘Trying’ Recap: ‘Pick a Side’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 305 of ‘Trying’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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The hope that every parent in the world harbors, is that raising their children will be a smooth and wonderful experience. Where they are able to properly teach their children right from wrong and impart upon them all the wisdom necessary to be a good person and to be successful in life. Simply because, that is the whole point of being a parent… to prepare the next generation for their future in this life and having it go smooth would make such a job, as rewarding as it gets. Since it means that the parent got everything right and accomplished wonders. But alas… it doesn’t take long for new parents to learn; such acts are not a simple job in the slightest.
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Because children are their own person, one that is slowly forming their own opinions and ideas as they grow into adulthood, and because of that… sometimes the lessons sent their way, simply don’t stick. Which in turn leads to acts that are very grey or bad in nature, or where they seem to be foolhardy instead of wise. That in turn, leads to frustrations and fights and tough moments as the years roll on, and what’s fascinating to know, is that this is ten times worse for parents that adopt. Because they legitimately don’t know their child inside and out or how to properly reach them since they are learning about their learning curve and how they communicate and well, that makes for some tough rearing. The kind that requires special patience and sacrifice, as evidenced by this week’s episode of Trying on Apple TV+.

For when we catch up with Nikki and Jason in ‘Pick a Side’, they’re learning those precise lessons. For Jason came to discover that little Tyler was a big fan of Arsenal. A reality that removed any hope he had for sharing in the love of his team from a generational standpoint. But that was indeed the case, and if Jason wanted to properly connect and bond with his boy, that meant learning to love Arsenal was part of the deal. Which might not be the most epic sacrifice ever to be seen in storytelling, but it is a powerful one none the less. Since it speaks to the reality that Tyler’s tastes are indeed different from his adopted dad, and without that sacrifice and shift, there could be no bonding, no chance to use sports to impart wisdom as fathers so often do when watching games with their sons, and it was just touching to see Jason make that sacrifice in order to find a connection with his son to help be a guide for him. 

As for Nikki, well she dealt with the hardest aspect of these lessons for certain. Since Princess was truly testing her boundaries and doing her own thing. Which drove Nikki up the wall since it likely meant she would need to use harsher punishment to reach her and teach her, a reality that became even more apparent when it turned out that Princess stole a bracelet she genuinely loved. But as Nikki worked to understand why Princess would do such a thing, she came to understand through patience and discovery… that Princess had issues with her appearance, specifically her birthmark and since no one had ever bothered to help her see that something such as that was normal and no big deal… she resorted to her own means of coping with it. Which made for a powerful lesson on how we connect, and how we teach those who come into our lives as adopted family, and how Nikki reached her and helped her was quite impressive. 

If anything, this was just another wonderful episode from an incredibly endearing show. One that keeps finding new ways to really show us how parenting works for those that must adopt and work to build their family life, and it may have also injected quite the powerful twist into this tale. Since a seemingly chance encounter with a random lady while Princess and Nikki were out and about… might lead to some clues regarding Princess and Tyler’s past. Since that very woman is in a photo with the kids, and that is supremely fascinating for certain. Of course, the only way to find out what it means… is to continue the journey and alas, that means we have to wait another week to enjoy more uplifting moments and revelations from the purest pair of parents… on television. Until next time.

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