Lesson Learned: Season 4 Episode 16 Breakdown
[Warning: Spoilers ahead for A Million Little Things Season 4, Episode 16 “Lesson Learned.”]
The latest episode of A Million Little Things concludes with a gripping cliffhanger, posing two critical questions: Was Peter Benoit murdered, and if so, is Anna the culprit? This episode, “Lesson Learned,” throws viewers into a whirlwind of suspicion and uncertainty surrounding Peter Benoit, the disgraced music teacher.
The tension ignites when Gary (James Roday Rodriguez), Maggie (Allison Miller), Eddie (David Giuntoli), and Anna’s (Erin Karpluk) double date takes a dramatic turn. Peter Benoit (Andrew Leeds), the very man who assaulted Sophie Dixon (Lizzy Greene), unexpectedly appears at their restaurant. Anna confronts Carly (Robyn Ross), Peter’s date, expressing disbelief and hurt. Peter attempts to justify himself, claiming the accusations were false and the podcast, which detailed his abuse, was removed. Anna’s raw emotion intensifies as she realizes Peter is still teaching, potentially harming more young girls. Gary, Maggie, and Eddie stand firmly by Anna, creating a united front against Peter. A chilling exchange occurs when Peter recognizes Gary, and Gary ominously states, “I’m the guy that knows where you live,” foreshadowing potential future conflict.
The encounter deeply affects Anna as Eddie drives her home. Haunted by the thought of Peter continuing to harm others, she declines Eddie’s offer to stay with her, stating she needs time to process. Eddie’s subsequent attempts to contact Anna the next day go unanswered, adding to the growing unease.
The narrative takes a dark turn when Detective Saunders (Brian Markinson) arrives at Gary’s apartment. He informs Gary and Maggie that Peter Benoit was found dead that morning at the bottom of his stairs by his cleaning lady. The initial assessment suggests an accident, with “no signs of forced entry.” However, considering Peter’s recent attack, the detective must explore all possibilities. Gary’s alibi – being at a fertility doctor appointment with Maggie – is confirmed, though their baby plans remain a secret to most, except Rome (Romany Malco) and Regina (Christina Moses) who inadvertently learn about it.
The episode masterfully plants seeds of doubt, making viewers question if Peter Benoit’s death was truly accidental. Anna’s intense reaction to seeing Peter again, coupled with her expressed fear for other potential victims, casts suspicion on her. Adding to the intrigue, Anna’s behavior when Eddie checks on her after Peter’s death raises red flags. She claims a broken phone as the reason for her silence, yet mentions receiving a police call about Peter that afternoon. This timeline discrepancy fuels suspicion: did she break her phone before or after the police contact? Could the broken phone be linked to a more sinister event?
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Another layer of complexity is introduced through Anna’s potential struggle with alcohol. Eddie, being sober, has previously been aware of Anna’s drinking habits. During the initial restaurant scene, Anna is seen drinking tequila separately from the group. Later, at her home, the sound of bottles in the trash suggests possible heavy drinking. Is Anna concealing the extent of her alcohol consumption on the night of Peter Benoit’s death, or is she hiding something far more incriminating?
While suspicion heavily points towards Anna in the Peter Benoit mystery, the episode cleverly keeps other possibilities open. Could Carly, influenced by Anna’s powerful words, have taken action against Peter? Or was it truly a simple, tragic accident? “Lesson Learned” leaves audiences in suspense, eagerly awaiting answers and bracing for the fallout in the upcoming episodes of A Million Little Things.
A Million Little Things, Wednesdays, 10/9c, ABC
From TV Guide Magazine
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