Army Wives Review: Patients

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"Handicap" was another lackluster episode of Army Wives. I wondered if the title might be what they wanted going into it, to get a better rating.

If so, it didn't work. I know the historical capabilities of the show, so excuses are not allowed. I put my hand in the bag and come up empty every week.

Terry Serpico and Bobby Burke on Army Wives

Roland and Marcus: I really liked that Marcus went to Roland for help - and Roland helped him. Roland has always had the biggest heart and it would have been disappointing if he had changed his tune this late in the game. That Marcus thought enough of Roland to go to him meant he spotted that big heart on his own.

Keeping it from Joan, however, was not the best idea. Roland knew fully well she would disapprove and to find out on her own didn't do either one of them any favors. The way Joan reacted in the end, I got the feeling there is something we don't know about her past that's keeping her from dealing with Marcus rationally.

Kevin and Jackie: Was I missing something? Or did Kevin have a paralyzing injury only one week prior to starting physical therapy? I'll be honest, I don't know much about it, but it seemed soon. Not only for the therapy but for him to be so ornery and angry that he wasn't already sure about his future and his ability to walk. You have to wonder if anyone ever watches television on these shows.

I hated how Kevin was back to treating Jackie like she was one of his lowest ranking soldiers. His lack of respect for what she had done for him, how she supported him through the years and gave her life to better his should be noticed. Even when his life is falling apart he fails to see it. It's quite degrading and I truly hope that it's not indicative of the average general. Prove me wrong, Wives!

I hate to say it, but I was happy to see Kevin on the floor, under the weights, pinned to the ground. He's so damned stubborn he's going to get himself killed without even giving himself a chance to get well. Is that something we would expect of a true leader? A general? I don't think so.

The LeBlancs: Trevor got his Ranger Battalion assignment and it meant a move away from Fort Marshall. Whereas in the past Roxy would have been extremely upset at even the thought of moving, she didn't even think twice. It shows just how far the wives have come. So far that they are barely recognizable anymore. 

Denise the nurse practitioner: It's been difficult to remember Denise is a working nurse practitioner because of the five-year time jump. But there she was, running cases on her own. Thank goodness they sent her on the field call when the helicopter was ready to give out, because it wasn't enough that she did a great job freeing the soldier from the tank, and was proving herself good at her job. It was made all the more exciting by having the helicopter crash.

Note to Army Wives writers - I am being sarcastic! Allow me to remind you that sometimes the story is in their everyday lives. Being the best they can be without the extracurricular activities. 

Other things of note:

  • It appears Gloria did leave, and with very little fanfare.
  • Claudia Joy is on the longest trip with the first lady in the history of said trips. I'm fairly certain it started prior to the five month time jump. Will we see her again?
  • Did you notice Roxy didn't even care about giving up the Hump Bar or the truck stop?
  • Another week went by without even a mention of Nicole and Charlie. Did the writers forget they existed?

What could have been a very interesting story about Denise and her nursing career fell flat for me. Were you otherwise engaged and entertained? Chat about your thoughts in the comments!

Handicap Review

Editor Rating: 2.5 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 3.3 / 5.0 (36 Votes)

Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.

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Army Wives Season 6 Episode 21 Quotes

You know Kevin, he thinks he's going to be back in theater this week.

Jackie

You want to stay here, you're going to start attending meetings.

Roland