2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

There’s a moment when the Team learns of a bad FBI op where someone died and they weren’t sure if it was Alyssa. What did you make of Sam’s reaction? Did that event have any bearing on his decision to end his marriage?

I'm sure if someone you loved was involved in an op and you heard that there had been a death, the worst possible scenario would be the first thing in your mind. I can understand Sam's reaction after learning that Jules was also injured. He wanted to make sure that Alyssa was still alive and unhurt.

I'm sure Sam was already thinking about ending his marriage, but this is probably what made him finally tell Mary Lou that they needed to talk.

Sam's reaction was not surprising. His love for Alyssa is all-encompassing and he would have been devastated if she had been killed.

I also think he was already thinking of divorce and the fear of losing Alyssa was the last straw.

I agree with everything you both state. He was moving in that direction and this was the push he needed to do it now.

I also think the way Brockmann wrote this scene was powerful. How the information trickled in, from being extremely vague to more specific where Alyssa was fitting the characteristics of the murdered agent, just built the suspense. I could actually feel Sam’s anxiety that ultimately led him to her apartment. It made absolute sense and I also liked how Max handled him.

Jonetta wrote: "I also liked how Max handled him."

I absolutely adore Max. If I didn't know Sam and Alyssa end up together, I would so be rooting for him and Alyssa!

Max showed so much character in that moment. Despite needing to protect Alyssa, he knew Sam was suffering and gave him what he could.

I love Max, too. But I’m rooting for him & Gina💜

This who story arc was ell done. I loved it.

I agree with all of you. Sam was on his way to ending his marriage, thinking that Alyssa was dead reminded him that he was wasting time in a loveless marriage when he could be with the person he loved.

I did wonder about the end of the scene. Why wouldn't Max tell Alyssa that Sam stopped by worried about her? Is it because Sam said he shouldn't have stopped by? Is it because Sam married Mary Lou? I though Alyssa would appreciate the gesture. Max's response didn't fit with my image of Max and Alyssa's relationship. Jules would have told her.

Alyssa is desperately trying to get over a man who’s committed to someone else. Max is trying to help her do that. To let her know he came by just keeps the wound open. He was kind in giving Sam information and appreciating that he cared. They both understood she shouldn’t know he was there. Even Sam knew he shouldn’t be there.

I guess you're right, but I would feel good knowing that he cared enough to find out if I was OK. It also seems like something that would stay with me going forward when I found out that Sam was getting divorced.

I brought home to Sam in a very real way that long life is not a guarantee, especially given what he and Alyssa do. Even if Alyssa doesn't want him, the life he, Mary Lou and Hailey are living isn't good for any of them.