Who Is Barbara Morgan on A Million Little Things?
A Million Little Things: What That Painting May Reveal About Jon's Past With Barbara Morgan
Warning: spoilers for A Million Little Things ahead!
We were hooked on A Million Little Things from the very early moments of that emotional series premiere, but no one could have predicted that the level of mystery in the tear-jerking drama would keep audiences coming back and ultimately propel the show to a second season. Among the many questions left unanswered: Who is Barbara Morgan, and why would Jon make her a beneficiary on his life insurance?
"Twelve Seconds," which aired Jan. 31, may reveal the most important clue yet. In the final moments of the episode, Jon's wife, Delilah, and friend Gary learn that Jon had purchased a building for sentimental reasons, hopeful that its value would skyrocket when a new subway stop opened nearby. When they arrive at the address, they discover that Jon had lived there before he met his wife — and they spot a familiar scene from his apartment window. The view matches a painting Jon hangs up across from Gary's chemo chair during his treatments for breast cancer. The two then head to the hospital, where they find the artist's signature at the base of the painting: "B. Morgan."
Jon hopes the painting of boats on the water would inspire Gary to keep up the fight, by helping him envision a cancer-free future and the experiences it would bring — moments they would share together. So, what does this have to do with Barbara Morgan? First, it's clear that Barbara has spent time in Jon's home, signaling that they may have been in a relationship. Beyond that, we know that Jon lives with consuming guilt in the years before he takes his own life. It seems possible then that something happens to Barbara — a life-altering accident or illness, perhaps — and when tragedy strikes, Jon "abandoned" her (his words). He won't make the same mistake with Gary, and in the days or weeks before his death, he chooses to leave Barbara a portion of the life insurance to help care for her.
Jon writes that the man he wanted to be died long before he met Delilah. That, coupled with the fact that he keeps this chapter of his life hidden from his friends and family, could mean that he is ashamed of the circumstances that leads to he and Barbara parting ways. Maybe he's even to blame. (He once tells his assistant Ashley that his greatest regret is purchasing a bottle of wine he still keeps in the apartment, if that's any indication.)
While the internet has other theories — that the two have a child together, for example — this one seems most in line with Jon's character: a man who cares deeply for those around him but can't conquer his own demons. Only time will tell.
