I don't know. Are we supposed to like Iris better because she's a survivor of domestic abuse? Or feel sorry for her? Is her vulnerability supposed to make her a good/better partner for Adam? I just don't think this aspect of the storyline really worked; I don't think the issue was introduced very convincingly; I feel kind of manipulated. I would have been much happier with a character who -- in a different way from Joan -- was a compelling girlfriend for Adam (and yes, I can countenance this). That would have really torn me. Now I'm just sitting here marking off time until the bloom is off this romance and Iris wilts. (Sorry.) Maybe that's what they were going for, but it didn't work. I suppose Adam and Iris are going to bond over their damaged families and parental losses, but they both seem to need more caretaking than either one can provide for the other. I'm actually a little concerned that she might become obsessed with Adam. (Save your pot and kettle remarks.) I think we're supposed to get a slightly unbalanced vibe from her, between this and the Splendor in the Grass comment. Another thing: Why is someone who clearly doesn't have the maturity or distance from her own problems not to flip out like that running this program more or less solo? I don't actually expect a sixteen-year-old to act any better, necessarily, but I also wouldn't give her this responsibility. Almost every detail of this children's program thing is just not plausible. Nor do I think Misti Traya is a strong enough actor to hold her own with this bunch -- the seven primary characters are all really good, and you've got to bring it if you expect to keep your head above water. Otherwise...it's like wearing Payless shoes with a couture outfit. It just doesn't fly -- I don't care what Star Jones says. ["Oh, now you tell me." -- Sars]

Luke's doing homework at the kitchen table when Kevin wheels in and turns around to face him. Luke doesn't react or look up. Kevin leans on the table and says, "I've been thinking, uh, about what you said." He kind of taps Luke's hand as he does it. Man, that's annoying. It's hard to believe Luke hasn't blown before this. Luke says he has to study. Kevin makes a "Well, I want to talk" kind of face and closes Luke's book and moves it aside. Dude, stop it. No wonder Luke's pissed off. Kevin must have been ten times more aggravating before his accident. Luke just keeps staring straight ahead at the table. Kevin says, "It's not your fault. I was an ass..." Luke glances at Kevin. Kevin continues, "And not having legs doesn't make me any less of one now." Luke: "That doesn't excuse me from thinking what I did." Kevin: "Yeah, it does." Luke seems unsure. Kevin thinks: "Doesn't it?" Luke just stares at him. Kevin gently puts Luke's book back in front of him and wheels out.