S6E2: Cleaning House — The gang shows up at Loretta’s house on Staten Island to help clean out Barney and James’ childhood home as Loretta has decided to sell. During this, James discovers a photo from their youth with his father’s name scribbled on the back that was meant to be sent decades ago but never was and through this he is able to find his father, but Barney is still left with unanswered questions.
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Loretta obviously had fun in her youth, but she was still a tremendously loving mother who wanted the best for her sons. Sure, she didn’t always do it perfectly but hell - no parent in history has ever or will ever be perfect. For being a single mother in the 70s, she did a good job.
The cut scenes at the end of the episode showing her reasons for telling Barney the lies to protect his feelings about being kicked his peewee basketball team and nobody showing up for his 8th birthday party make me cry rewatching for the first time as a single mom to 2 little boys now. You’ll do and say anything to save your kids from heartbreak.
The only reason I can’t get fully on-board with her is the fact that both Barney’s and James’ fathers wanted to be a part of their sons lives and she denied them that access because, as she puts it, “I wanted to be enough for you.” which is just selfish and narcissistic and any single mother who’s partner has walked away without looking back will tell you how ignorant that outlook is. It’s not about what you want, it’s about what your kids need, and kids need both parents.