Question E

[Jonetta]

Karl Kirkpatrick, Mercy’s father, approaches Truman to talk about his relationship with his daughter. What do you think about how Truman handled him? Was Karl motivated more by his failing health or a deep desire to repair the relationship? Your overall thoughts on the matter?

[Charlene]

I have had a very hard time with Karl the entire series. I couldn't get inside his head enough to figure out his motivation here. Will be interested to see what others think.

[Robin]

Truman handled him well, especially when he told Karl that Mercy was done trying to make amends and Karl would have to make the first move.

I'm not sure about Karl's motivation. Maybe he thought that he had all the time in the world to fix his relationship with his daughter, but now that he's sick he realizes that he's running out of time.

[Jonetta]

Truman was masterful in how he handled Karl. He didn’t give him a break, held his feet to the fire and demanded he own up to his behavior. And, he told him what he’d need to do when Mercy returned.

I think Karl was clearly motivated to repair his relationship with Mercy upon reflection once he learned of his illness. He was too stubborn and willful to consider otherwise until his mortality became an issue. I’m glad he made the move, for Mercy’s sake. I still think he’s a lousy father but give him credit for making the effort.

[Sharon]

When people confront serious health issues, it is normal to think about all the past mistakes. I've seen it happen in my extended family. Karl considered himself the family patriarch and his rules were gospel. He didn't bend even for his family. I was happy for Mercy that her father made the move and came to talk to Truman about it. I think it would be harder for Mercy if Karl died and there was still a riff between them.

I love the way Truman handled it. I'm sure Karl was expecting Truman to help him with Mercy, but Truman didn't budge. Sick or not Karl had to man up and approach Mercy.

I must admit, I grateful that Jonetta let us know that another book was coming. If I didn't know, I would have continued thinking that Elliot might decide to kill Mercy.

[Sandra]

I was cheering Truman on!! Love the way he's got Mercy's back. He knew what it would mean to her for her father to make a move toward reconciliation and he held Karl to it. Karl's illness clearly caused him to rethink things.

[~Teresa]

I believe that with age Karl has mellowed some. He’s lost a son and Rose had a traumatic experience plus the health issue he is battling have made him take a step back and reevaluate his relationship, as it is, with Mercy. Truman took him to task and I was glad Karl ,approached Mercy. I agree with Jonetta that he is a lousy father.

[Robin]

I would have loved to have read the scene where Karl approaches Mercy about walking her down the aisle.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

I've always had a problem understanding a father that could throw his daughter out like that. But unfortunately I believe there are men like that. And yes, I'm sure his illness has made him re-evaluate his life choices.

I was proud of Truman to stand up to him and tell him what he thought. He's such a great partner for Mercy.