Vietnam

This is probably my favourite episode of the series. Yes some of the war scenes in Vietnam were a little 'Hollywood'. However, this back story provides great insight into the Pearson family and their different 'addictions' - be it food, alcohol, work/perfectionism, drugs - it shows just how much what happens to us and how we deal with it shapes who we are. Coming from a multi-generational family of addiction myself, I thought this portrayed sensitively and truthfully Jack's brother, father and grandfather, the impact of addictive behaviours and that even when we want to be different and break the cycle, we can end up hurting the ones we love. To me it has a huge part to play in how we see the characters unfold and develop in future series.

He plays Nick Pearson. I liked this episode. You just never know what ur gonna get.

Maybe the show is catered to a younger audience, which would explain why a full episode about Jack and Vietnam would be labeled as "boring." Personally, as a Vietnam Vet (1969-70), I was apprehensive about watching it. But my wife and I watch it together, and so we did this episode. The writers totally captured the anxiety, stress, and confusion about what to do, when Jack and his brother (and their mother!!) were awaiting the draft lottery. Kudos to the writers and actors. Where this episode fails, and fails miserably, is when depicting the war itself. Except for a few scenes, this entire part of the episode looked and felt like Hollywood. Hadn't anyone associated with the production of this great show seen any film clips of the war??? The rambling talk on patrol. All that heavy gear. And a football out in the boonies? Really??? REALLY??? But one thing this period in our lives was not, was boring. Stateside and in-country, we were all (young men and women, moms and dads, brothers and sisters) on pins and needles, worried about our future. Doc Waltz

To the person who made a smart ass comment about Milo's mouth here is what the issue is. He was born that way with lack of nerves on that side of his face very similar to Sylvester Stallone

This powerful episode was co-written by Tim O'Brien, a Vietnam vet who later became a successful writer. Much of Nicky's character is drawn from Mr. O'Brien's experience.