TVSquad

(S02E03) We already know what it's like to be a Darling: lavish parties, vast conspiracies, and emotional outbursts. This week's episode gave us some insight into what it's like to be a George: same psychological problems, less money. Letitia's upcoming trial brought Nick face-to-face with someone from his past, and this person had quite a story to tell.

Reunions - Families and couples came together this week, and the results were mixed. While Nick had a tense and emotional encounter with his mother, Clare (more on that below), Patrick and Brian reconnected with their respective loved ones. I never tire of watching Brian's relationship with his son. Thankfully, Will Shadley's cuteness didn't diminish while the show was on hiatus.

Is Nick becoming Tripp? - Our favorite ethical lawyer is acting more like a Darling than he might want to admit. That new title sure went to his head rather quickly! Lisa and Karen both worried that the old Nick was gone forever, and Nick's latest tactics confirmed those fears. I was surprised that, instead of reasoning with Patrick, Nick handed him off to Tripp with the empty promise of looking into Patrick's desired meet-up with the police. Both Nick and Tripp manipulated others' emotions to get what they wanted. While Tripp brought Carmelita out of hiding to keep Patrick's mouth shut, Nick paraded his happy family life in front of Clare to get some answers out of her. In the first season, Nick appeared to be working with the Darlings out of necessity. Now it seems like he's following in his boss' footsteps.

Darling Romance - Karen and Simon's relationship isn't fooling anyone, but Jeremy and Nola came close to winning me over. Nola's attitude got on my nerves during most of the episode, mainly due to her license plate (JUSTISSS) and her dialogue ("You tell moi."). Once she let her guard down and danced with Jeremy, I decided to give her a second chance. Those two make a cute couple. Well played, Lucy Liu.

Other thoughts:

• Brian was on a roll this week--shouting into his laptop during a video chat with Brian Jr., stealing a cab from an old woman with a neck brace, etc. His best line of the night has to be the following: "I hate to interrupt your takeover of Darling Enterprises, but I need some legal advice."
• While Lisa has some legitimate concerns about Nick's role in the Darling goings-on, she was a bit out of line to complain that he reconnected with his Mom because of the trial, and not because of her suggestions. I would have had more sympathy for Lisa this week if that scene had been cut. Her talk with Karen was right on, though.
• I've seen enough Simon-is-secretly-evil scenes. Put up or shut up, Simon. Let's put the villainy out in the open; it's more fun that way. The show is part soap, after all.

Next week--It's election night in NYC, Ellen's brother has questions about her death, and Tripp collapses.