Longtime readers of this blog probably remember that I break TGD season finale posts into at least 2 parts, and this S6 finale is no exception. However, I’m changing it up a little this time.

What you’ll see here, in Part 1, is a very linear (act by act, scene by scene) recollection of “Love’s Labor.” I took my original notes for the episode, expanded them (a lot), and added accompanying photos/screenshots (many more than usual, especially regarding the marquee event). I tried to give every storyline in this episode its due, especially since I may not do that in Part 2. 

Part 2 will dig deeper into the finale, as you might expect. If you have a particular question you’d like answered, or thought about “Love’s Labor” that you’d like reflected in the next post, please hit the comments section– I’d love to include it!

Also let me know how you feel about these “linear” recaps… whether it’s this was cool, more please! Or for the love of God, don’t ever do that again.

(I consider the pre-opening credits and post-opening credits to be part of the same act, so just bear with me here… we are now at the point immediately after the 10-second credit burst.)

COMMERCIAL BREAK #1. Disney-owned ABC wants you to know that the live-action version of The Little Mermaid comes to U.S. theaters May 26… but you’d rather come see a community theater production in Indianapolis a month later, wouldn’t you??? (And now you know yet another reason it took so long to finish this post)

(Now, where were we…)

COMMERCIAL BREAK #2. Pete Davidson is starring in another vehicle that looks to be at least partly about his real life. Is it weird that I find him kind of fascinating?

COMMERCIAL BREAK #3. The ad for Jeopardy! Masters reminds me to remind YOU that, as of now, ALL scripted series on the major networks are on hold this coming fall until the end of the WGA (Writers Guild of America) strike. (Expect a TON of “reality” (unscripted) series and game shows, a la Jeopardy! Masters, in the meantime.)

I’ll talk more about the strike in a future post.

COMMERCIAL BREAK #4. Disney-owned ABC would also like you to know that you can now get Disney Plus bundled with other streaming services (such as Hulu, the exclusive streamer of current ABC content) for some amazing price that I didn’t take note of because I’ve got enough shows to keep track of right now, thank you very much.

COMMERICAL BREAK #5: By the way there are plenty of actual “products” being advertised during TGD— Olive Garden, Home Depot, and three different prescription medications among them— but I guess I honed in on the TV and film options (go figure). This break promoted the National Geographic mini-series A Small Light, about Anne Frank and her family’s perilous days of hiding during WW II. Not exactly light viewing, but I may need to check that out.

ACT 6

A: Shea Birthing Suite

Lea’s on her last push, when… that first cry always stops new parents in their tracks.

It’s present-tense now. “New parents.” No more waiting, no more wondering. he’s here!

The astonishment is real as Shaun and Lea gaze at this brand-new life in Lea’s arms. “He doesn’t look like an alien at all!” she marvels.

“His… head has a very nice shape,” Shaun notes. “He is beautiful!”

F: Shea Birthing Suite

Shaun and Lea are now joined by #Jasher, Morgan/Park/Eden, Lim, and Jared. Morgan hands “Peanut” (now sleeping) off to Lea.

Shaun asks Lim “Do you think Dr. Glassman is coming?” and Lim can only shrug.

Jared takes the first “family photo,” complete with the beanies. When Shaun gets his and Lea’s hats, he sees the Grandpa one again, lingers on it a moment, then says a little “okay” as he puts it back. A quiet acceptance that Dad isn’t coming. 

Meanwhile, “Dad” appears in the hallway with a gift… sees the activity in Lea’s room from a distance…then spots Nurse Hawks in the foreground. (Leave it to a DOCTOR to make a NURSE do the most important stuff!)

A little later, the friends have dispersed and Shaun and Lea are alone, admiring their son, when Nurse Hawks delivers the box. Shaun opens it promptly to find a personalized baby blanket.

“How did he know his name would be ‘Steve’?” he wonders.

(WE ALL KNEW HIS NAME WOULD BE ‘STEVE,’ SHAUN.)

“Because he knows you,” Lea responds.

(OKAY, THAT TOO.)

We see Glassman one more time at the Glass Shack, sitting alone, drink in hand.

But we end on one more shot of the Murphy family, now with the new blanket swaddling the child.

“Steven Aaron Murphy,” Shaun tells his son as Lea looks on, “This is a gift from your Grandfather.”

**

OK, gang, that’s a wrap on PART ONE…! Part TWO will hopefully get done sooner than this did; keep checking

What did YOU think of “Love’s Labor”? Scroll on down to the comments and share your thoughts!