‘Marathon Day’ gave us everything we could’ve wanted in a prequel episode of FX’s Adults. This episode didn’t divert from the show’s regular working formula of mixing humor with a usual fun obstacle to overcome. As a matter of fact, nothing about these characters has really changed from Season 1. They’re still the same people afraid of confrontation who would love to expand a lie just because it’s fun and safe to do so. So, what made ‘Marathon Day’ memorable for us? There are a few things that stood out to us.
In the past, we’ve felt like Adults struggled to give us meaningful moments for everyone in the group as individuals. Sure, it’s understandable that twenty minutes isn’t a lot of time and it’s impossible to give impactful scenes to each group member in a single episode. However, we feel like ‘Marathon Day’ found a sweet balance of giving us something deeper to analyze about each character along with the typical Gen-Z comedy we can count on to make us laugh.
MORE: Everything you need to know about Season 2 of Adults can be found HERE!
What We Loved About ‘Marathon Day’
A majority of the episode’s screen time fell on Owen Thiele’s Anton, who lied to his co-workers about running the city marathon. Initially, we found it endearing that Anton went through with the race. We thought he’d want to crawl out of the hole he’d dug so deep by committing to the lie he’s built up for months. His co-workers were waiting for him in the city with signs of support, thinking they were going to see him run for a great cause.
However, that’s not who Anton is. At least not yet. ‘Marathon Day’ reminded us of who these characters are underneath their confident personas. They’re the type of people who want and thrive with approval from everyone, including the people they don’t like. Truthfully, Anton felt pressured to run in the race because he felt trapped. On one hand, he didn’t want to be a disappointment to his co-workers if they found out how badly he lied. On the other hand, he enjoyed being the center of attention too much to ruin his reputation by telling the truth.
Previously, we’ve seen Anton struggle with his people-pleasing tendencies throughout Season 1. Once, he befriended a serial killer whom he couldn’t say no to because he felt awful doing so. So, seeing him so willing to come up with an elaborate scheme to avoid confrontation wasn’t new here. Therefore, it wasn’t surprising to see the group jump in to help create fake signs, fake runner bibs, and find out where his co-workers were standing so he could run past them. They’re the type of friends to be ride or die. Overall, we loved how fast the group came together to support Anton’s web of lies. This group may be messy people, but they’re great friends.
Paul Baker Fit in Perfectly
Naturally, we went into this special knowing there’s a love triangle brewing between Issa, Anton, and Paul Baker for Season 2. So, ‘Marathon Day’ adding fuel to the fire felt necessary. While their characters don’t feel different from the rest of Season 1, seeing their first meetings added depth to their relationships and these characters as individuals.
For instance, we saw exactly what Issa’s problem was after jumping to the aid of an exhausted Paul Baker who collapsed after running the marathon. She’s a passionate lover girl who doesn’t want to be alone. So, rushing after Paul Baker without thinking felt right because he looked like a man who needed her help. Therefore, when he told her how badly he wanted to belong somewhere, Issa knew and wanted to be the one who could give him that. If she succeeded in giving him what he wanted, why not keep him? Which is exactly what she did, and we’re thrilled because he slid right into the overall group’s dynamic without trouble.
Although Issa and Paul Baker are cute together, the prequel solidified for us that their relationship feels rooted in safety rather than everlasting love. There’s not much you could do to change our minds. Especially after watching Paul Baker’s scenes with Anton that made us feel like we were watching a romcom. All it took was one conversation about how important friendship was to Anton to have Paul Baker rush to support his web of lies. They were strangers, and yet they behaved like they’d known each other for years. He even gave Anton his medal to show off to his co-workers. That’s how easy it was for Paul Baker to bond with Anton.
‘Marathon Day’ further solidified that Anton and Paul Baker have always connected on an emotional level that was bound to intensify as time passed.
MORE: Read our Season 1 Review HERE!
The Balance We Wanted To See
‘Marathon Day’ showed how far these characters will go to protect their peace. As a result, their weaknesses shined as though they were center stage under bright lights. And we’re glad because we got to see just how aware each character was of how deep their insecurities ran. It’s refreshing to see young people aware of how they ruin relationships or make situations worse for themselves.
For example, we saw how far Samir was willing to go to avoid telling his parents about the group living in the house. He taped the front door so his strict parents wouldn’t question who walked through. While it was a bizarre thing to do, he was afraid of making a choice his parents would disagree with. Then, Billie purposefully lied to the print shop workers about being a news reporter over a PA. She let them believe the lie not only because it made her look more accomplished than she was. But because she also has a fear of disappointing others like Anton. She let them believe her dreams were closer in reach than they actually were. Because if they were happy, she was happy.
So, we don’t feel more accomplished or better as a result of seeing their self-sabotage at play. Truthfully, we think moments where insecurities influenced their decisions made these characters who lie to feel better about themselves feel real and relatable. Overall, ‘Marathon Day’ made one thing clear by the end. Paul Baker was destined to find these people, and we’re so happy he did.
Season 2 of FX’s Adults will be available to stream on Hulu/Disney+ on August 27th, 2026.
Did you like ‘Marathon Day’? Let us know your thoughts below!
