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shadownycEPISODE 512 THOUGHTS (spoilers through 512)
Please forgive the length of this commentary, there was just so much to say.
I had to watch this episode three times before I could truly start forming coherent thoughts—not because the episode was confusing as much as the scenes jumped rapid-fire from one to the next. It was like watching a paintball match. It was clear once again that 13 episodes this season was NOT ENOUGH! Director, John Fawcett and writer, Michael MacLennan were trying to cram in too much in too short a time.
In general, while I enjoyed the overall episode, I felt that a number of lines and situations were predictable. My daughter laughed when I guessed that someone would joke about getting Justin pregnant, Ted would find another loser and Drew’s new found freedom would lead to the demise of his relationship with Emmett all before these events played out. Now onto the show…
The opening sex scene was long overdue. It’s been too long since we’ve seen Brian & Justin doing what they do best. I enjoyed their after sex banter and I laughed at the look Brian gave Justin when he came up with the name for their estate, “Britin”. It must be Justin’s job to name everything that belongs to Brian—Gus, Kinnetic and now Britin. For those of you who didn’t get it, although Brian’s look at Justin was a dead giveaway, it’s a combination of the first three letters of the name Brian and the last three letters of the name Justin. This was the first time during this episode that I felt Brian was doing all of the matrimonial “stuff” for Justin.
The reactions to the wedding announcements were hilarious and extremely well-edited, despite the predictability. Ted’s spitting out his coffee and Emmett’s reaction to Deb’s “knocked-up” remark were well-timed and well-delivered. Lindsay’s reaction makes no sense when you compare it to her self-serving conversation with Brian later during their walk in the park.
The wedding announcement leads Michael to expose his true feelings about where he stands with Brian. While he back-handedly admits that he still loves Brian, he firmly believes that “he certainly doesn’t love me”. Ben then divulges Brian’s behavior in the Emergency Room when Michael was brought in and Michael realizes that he hasn’t lost his oldest friend.
The diner scene that followed seemed to be a plot device to inform the audience of events that have recently transpired and to lay another Cowlip anvil about fear after the bombing. Thanks to Deb’s nagging we learn that Hunter has chosen not to return to school, that Drew is following the demise of his team since his dismissal (he should have checked with a lawyer about that one) and that people are hypersensitive about the possibility of further hate crimes (as they should be). Hunter is very cute in this scene and I like that Harris Allen stands up straight now (no more slouching shoulders) and delivers his sarcastic comeback lines with wit and precise timing.
Mel, Linds and Gus during tub-time was an irritating scene. They put the house on the market without talking to their children’s fathers. Lindsay doesn’t like Gus playing with a water toy at bath time. She’s having second thoughts about moving so early in the process yet doesn’t consider this a red flag. The lesbians seem to be given the task of being holier-than-thou and sacrificing their lives for their children’s well-being. This is such a weak storyline and I still find it offensive—comparing the U.S.A., which is at least still a democracy, to the early days of the Nazi regime in Germany.
The scene in Brian’s office at Kinnetic was more revealing than I first thought. First of all, I was amused by the queen-like behavior of both Emmett and Justin. At first viewing the “Golden Gardenia” scenario seemed ridiculous and over-the-top, however during a subsequent viewing it appeared to be another Brian giving Justin what he wants moment. This followed immediately by Michael’s entrance, expressing his surprise at B/J’s announcement and likening it to a bomb dropping in its impact. The unapology/make-up scene between the two best friends is both in character and well-acted. The most telling part of this scene is Michael’s response to Brian’s kiss, “You’re a married man” and Brian’s, “Not quite yet”. Are there second thoughts looming that he is trying to hide, not only from Justin and his friends but himself, as well?
My vote for most hilarious moment was Emmett having to dislodge his cock ring when going into Woody’s and then taking the time to replace it. Peter Paige pulled off that insanity with perfect comic timing. Woody’s must have major bucks to be able to afford such a fancy metal detector and security guards. I would have found it just as funny with a metal detector wand (and more believable). Ted’s age denial reasserts the notion that he is still not totally comfortable with who he is. Emmett’s reaction, “You met someone, again” to Ted’s announcement about Tad was just what I was thinking. “What’s he look like?”—He looks like Ted! I was already uncomfortable with this guy from the moment he entered the scene. The subsequent scenes between Ted & Tad leave me secure with the feeling that Tad is a total control freak and Ted is once again on his way to disaster in a relationship.
I am so pleased to see that Jennifer is continuing to play a part in all the final episodes. She played such an integral role in Justin’s maturation and his developing relationship with Brian, as well as her own evolving dynamic with Brian. The fact that all those who came to view the loft had been there before was no surprise but still came off rather humorously. I immediately had a flashback from ep. 110 when Justin gives Daphne a tour of the loft, tells Brian what he’s doing, Brian responds with “Washington never slept here” and Justin retorts, “He’s the only one who hasn’t”. The Mother/Son dance to no music was beautiful and touching. The actions and reactions of both mother & son were handled perfectly.
There have been so many reflections to S1 that as soon as I saw Lindsay handing cookies to Brian and Michael I was prepared for the guys to get dumped on. The fact that they gave Brian the line, “Homemade cookies—we must be in trouble,” helped me stomach the similarity to ep. 109 when they asked Brian to give up his parental rights. Once again the lesbians assume that Brian has little to no interest in participating in his child’s life. This is immediately followed by Brian & Michael getting high in the comic book shop to cope with the decision they’ve been asked to make regarding their children’s future. Two very poignant moments stand out in this scene—the hurt/pained/misunderstood look that Brian gives Michael after Michael carelessly states, “you were never much in his [Gus’] like anyway” and the far-off look Brian has when he is sarcastically discussing his mother’s lack of luck in her marriage. I felt that Brian was once again backhandedly sharing his concerns about his ability to have a happy marriage.
Once again, in the loft, as Justin did in ep. 109 he tries to push Brian into admitting his devotion and love for his son by reflecting back to the night Gus was born. Since Justin is “on to him” Justin knows that he will need to (as the phrase goes) light a bomb under him to get him to wake up and admit his real feelings.
Drew’s return to the Ironmen has multiple ramifications. He unintentionally gives Hunter the inspiration to return to school, by setting an example, unlike Deb’s ranting, and he finishes the successful opening up of the closet he’s been living in all his life. He can now be out and proud for the first time. As the song, reprised from ep. 204 (the “Pride” episode) expresses, with the gay thumpa thumpa at Popperz, “You’re free to do what you want to do”. It’s Drew’s turn to be free. And despite the recent bombing, the thumpa thumpa goes on.
While dinner at Deb’s would make Miss Manners roll over in her grave (while the rest of us giggle), I also saw it as another plot device to allow Michael to view all sides of the issues that lead up to his decision to let Mel & Linds take JR to Canada.
When Lindsay approaches Justin in his studio regarding the article written in “Art Forum” by Simon the cunt (that still makes me giggle) his reaction is honest and forthright, “New York isn’t my opportunity of a life time—Brian is”. It’s a shame that Cowlip decided to make Lindsay a manipulative tattletale in her second to last episode. When Brian follows up by declaring that he does not want to let Gus go to Canada, Lindsay takes him on one of their typical strolls in the winter weather to manipulate Brian to gain her desires. I have to admit that I was angered by her clear invasion of Justin’s privacy by divulging news that was only his to share with Brian when he would (if he would) choose to do so. During the beginning of this episode she seems happy about the commitment between B/J and as the episode ends it’s almost as if she’s trying to sabotage it. If Linds can’t stay with Brian, he can’t possibly be left to live happily ever after while she’s gone. This whole scene (especially when they talk about Wendy & Peter separating) recalls the hospital scene in episode 101 of Gus’ birth and the declaration that they have to grow up. Cowlip seem to feel that growing up means pain and anguish up to the bitter end.
Drew & Emmett’s break-up was inevitable. Deb’s advice to Emmett regarding Drew’s need to live out his formerly closeted adolescence is sound. It was almost a relief to see one storyline tied up before next week.
The final scene in the loft started out so relaxed and familial until Brian reveals his knowledge of the “Art Forum” review of Justin’s work. Once again Brian wants to do what’s right for Justin. Justin’s experience with Hollywood causes him to take all praise of his work with a grain of salt and resists jumping into anything that doesn’t have a clear outcome. The only one he can trust is Brian—but is Brian being totally honest with Justin and himself or is he going through motions to “make him happy”. This might not have been so evident had it not been for the closing music, “This Mess We’re In”. The lyrics are haunting and this is the one moment during this episode that I briefly wept when I heard, “City sunset over me; Impossible dream; Thank you; I don’t think we will meet again”.
Some noted moments during this episode: Deb has raised and imparted all her philosophies of life on Michael, then Justin and now Hunter. She’s the one encouraging him to complete his high school education. This doesn’t ring true to me. Ben is his father and a teacher. I would think that despite the turmoil of catching up, Ben would be the one refusing to let Hunter turn his back on school. Throwing one last insanely awful boyfriend at Ted was unnecessary. Ted is supposed to be very intelligent and we’ve seen his self-confidence grow throughout this season and yet he can’t tell an obvious control freak when he sees him. Tad is a classic case from Psyche 101 class. If writers want to give Michelle Clunie lines in which she has to say a name in Yiddish, they should teach her how to say it correctly. She destroyed the pronunciation of her middle name and made it more than obvious that she doesn’t have an ounce of Jewish heritage in her. She butchered a beautiful name, “Ruchala”.
While I still like the end of this season much better than the end of last season, I hate the fact that I am anticipating a less than satisfactory ending, unlike Cowlip’s promises would otherwise indicate. I’m not convinced that they have succeeded in taking the boys to men and the girls to women. I hope I can sing a different tune next Sunday night at 11:00 PM.
Please forgive the length of this commentary, there was just so much to say.
I had to watch this episode three times before I could truly start forming coherent thoughts—not because the episode was confusing as much as the scenes jumped rapid-fire from one to the next. It was like watching a paintball match. It was clear once again that 13 episodes this season was NOT ENOUGH! Director, John Fawcett and writer, Michael MacLennan were trying to cram in too much in too short a time.
In general, while I enjoyed the overall episode, I felt that a number of lines and situations were predictable. My daughter laughed when I guessed that someone would joke about getting Justin pregnant, Ted would find another loser and Drew’s new found freedom would lead to the demise of his relationship with Emmett all before these events played out. Now onto the show…
The opening sex scene was long overdue. It’s been too long since we’ve seen Brian & Justin doing what they do best. I enjoyed their after sex banter and I laughed at the look Brian gave Justin when he came up with the name for their estate, “Britin”. It must be Justin’s job to name everything that belongs to Brian—Gus, Kinnetic and now Britin. For those of you who didn’t get it, although Brian’s look at Justin was a dead giveaway, it’s a combination of the first three letters of the name Brian and the last three letters of the name Justin. This was the first time during this episode that I felt Brian was doing all of the matrimonial “stuff” for Justin.
The reactions to the wedding announcements were hilarious and extremely well-edited, despite the predictability. Ted’s spitting out his coffee and Emmett’s reaction to Deb’s “knocked-up” remark were well-timed and well-delivered. Lindsay’s reaction makes no sense when you compare it to her self-serving conversation with Brian later during their walk in the park.
The wedding announcement leads Michael to expose his true feelings about where he stands with Brian. While he back-handedly admits that he still loves Brian, he firmly believes that “he certainly doesn’t love me”. Ben then divulges Brian’s behavior in the Emergency Room when Michael was brought in and Michael realizes that he hasn’t lost his oldest friend.
The diner scene that followed seemed to be a plot device to inform the audience of events that have recently transpired and to lay another Cowlip anvil about fear after the bombing. Thanks to Deb’s nagging we learn that Hunter has chosen not to return to school, that Drew is following the demise of his team since his dismissal (he should have checked with a lawyer about that one) and that people are hypersensitive about the possibility of further hate crimes (as they should be). Hunter is very cute in this scene and I like that Harris Allen stands up straight now (no more slouching shoulders) and delivers his sarcastic comeback lines with wit and precise timing.
Mel, Linds and Gus during tub-time was an irritating scene. They put the house on the market without talking to their children’s fathers. Lindsay doesn’t like Gus playing with a water toy at bath time. She’s having second thoughts about moving so early in the process yet doesn’t consider this a red flag. The lesbians seem to be given the task of being holier-than-thou and sacrificing their lives for their children’s well-being. This is such a weak storyline and I still find it offensive—comparing the U.S.A., which is at least still a democracy, to the early days of the Nazi regime in Germany.
The scene in Brian’s office at Kinnetic was more revealing than I first thought. First of all, I was amused by the queen-like behavior of both Emmett and Justin. At first viewing the “Golden Gardenia” scenario seemed ridiculous and over-the-top, however during a subsequent viewing it appeared to be another Brian giving Justin what he wants moment. This followed immediately by Michael’s entrance, expressing his surprise at B/J’s announcement and likening it to a bomb dropping in its impact. The unapology/make-up scene between the two best friends is both in character and well-acted. The most telling part of this scene is Michael’s response to Brian’s kiss, “You’re a married man” and Brian’s, “Not quite yet”. Are there second thoughts looming that he is trying to hide, not only from Justin and his friends but himself, as well?
My vote for most hilarious moment was Emmett having to dislodge his cock ring when going into Woody’s and then taking the time to replace it. Peter Paige pulled off that insanity with perfect comic timing. Woody’s must have major bucks to be able to afford such a fancy metal detector and security guards. I would have found it just as funny with a metal detector wand (and more believable). Ted’s age denial reasserts the notion that he is still not totally comfortable with who he is. Emmett’s reaction, “You met someone, again” to Ted’s announcement about Tad was just what I was thinking. “What’s he look like?”—He looks like Ted! I was already uncomfortable with this guy from the moment he entered the scene. The subsequent scenes between Ted & Tad leave me secure with the feeling that Tad is a total control freak and Ted is once again on his way to disaster in a relationship.
I am so pleased to see that Jennifer is continuing to play a part in all the final episodes. She played such an integral role in Justin’s maturation and his developing relationship with Brian, as well as her own evolving dynamic with Brian. The fact that all those who came to view the loft had been there before was no surprise but still came off rather humorously. I immediately had a flashback from ep. 110 when Justin gives Daphne a tour of the loft, tells Brian what he’s doing, Brian responds with “Washington never slept here” and Justin retorts, “He’s the only one who hasn’t”. The Mother/Son dance to no music was beautiful and touching. The actions and reactions of both mother & son were handled perfectly.
There have been so many reflections to S1 that as soon as I saw Lindsay handing cookies to Brian and Michael I was prepared for the guys to get dumped on. The fact that they gave Brian the line, “Homemade cookies—we must be in trouble,” helped me stomach the similarity to ep. 109 when they asked Brian to give up his parental rights. Once again the lesbians assume that Brian has little to no interest in participating in his child’s life. This is immediately followed by Brian & Michael getting high in the comic book shop to cope with the decision they’ve been asked to make regarding their children’s future. Two very poignant moments stand out in this scene—the hurt/pained/misunderstood look that Brian gives Michael after Michael carelessly states, “you were never much in his [Gus’] like anyway” and the far-off look Brian has when he is sarcastically discussing his mother’s lack of luck in her marriage. I felt that Brian was once again backhandedly sharing his concerns about his ability to have a happy marriage.
Once again, in the loft, as Justin did in ep. 109 he tries to push Brian into admitting his devotion and love for his son by reflecting back to the night Gus was born. Since Justin is “on to him” Justin knows that he will need to (as the phrase goes) light a bomb under him to get him to wake up and admit his real feelings.
Drew’s return to the Ironmen has multiple ramifications. He unintentionally gives Hunter the inspiration to return to school, by setting an example, unlike Deb’s ranting, and he finishes the successful opening up of the closet he’s been living in all his life. He can now be out and proud for the first time. As the song, reprised from ep. 204 (the “Pride” episode) expresses, with the gay thumpa thumpa at Popperz, “You’re free to do what you want to do”. It’s Drew’s turn to be free. And despite the recent bombing, the thumpa thumpa goes on.
While dinner at Deb’s would make Miss Manners roll over in her grave (while the rest of us giggle), I also saw it as another plot device to allow Michael to view all sides of the issues that lead up to his decision to let Mel & Linds take JR to Canada.
When Lindsay approaches Justin in his studio regarding the article written in “Art Forum” by Simon the cunt (that still makes me giggle) his reaction is honest and forthright, “New York isn’t my opportunity of a life time—Brian is”. It’s a shame that Cowlip decided to make Lindsay a manipulative tattletale in her second to last episode. When Brian follows up by declaring that he does not want to let Gus go to Canada, Lindsay takes him on one of their typical strolls in the winter weather to manipulate Brian to gain her desires. I have to admit that I was angered by her clear invasion of Justin’s privacy by divulging news that was only his to share with Brian when he would (if he would) choose to do so. During the beginning of this episode she seems happy about the commitment between B/J and as the episode ends it’s almost as if she’s trying to sabotage it. If Linds can’t stay with Brian, he can’t possibly be left to live happily ever after while she’s gone. This whole scene (especially when they talk about Wendy & Peter separating) recalls the hospital scene in episode 101 of Gus’ birth and the declaration that they have to grow up. Cowlip seem to feel that growing up means pain and anguish up to the bitter end.
Drew & Emmett’s break-up was inevitable. Deb’s advice to Emmett regarding Drew’s need to live out his formerly closeted adolescence is sound. It was almost a relief to see one storyline tied up before next week.
The final scene in the loft started out so relaxed and familial until Brian reveals his knowledge of the “Art Forum” review of Justin’s work. Once again Brian wants to do what’s right for Justin. Justin’s experience with Hollywood causes him to take all praise of his work with a grain of salt and resists jumping into anything that doesn’t have a clear outcome. The only one he can trust is Brian—but is Brian being totally honest with Justin and himself or is he going through motions to “make him happy”. This might not have been so evident had it not been for the closing music, “This Mess We’re In”. The lyrics are haunting and this is the one moment during this episode that I briefly wept when I heard, “City sunset over me; Impossible dream; Thank you; I don’t think we will meet again”.
Some noted moments during this episode: Deb has raised and imparted all her philosophies of life on Michael, then Justin and now Hunter. She’s the one encouraging him to complete his high school education. This doesn’t ring true to me. Ben is his father and a teacher. I would think that despite the turmoil of catching up, Ben would be the one refusing to let Hunter turn his back on school. Throwing one last insanely awful boyfriend at Ted was unnecessary. Ted is supposed to be very intelligent and we’ve seen his self-confidence grow throughout this season and yet he can’t tell an obvious control freak when he sees him. Tad is a classic case from Psyche 101 class. If writers want to give Michelle Clunie lines in which she has to say a name in Yiddish, they should teach her how to say it correctly. She destroyed the pronunciation of her middle name and made it more than obvious that she doesn’t have an ounce of Jewish heritage in her. She butchered a beautiful name, “Ruchala”.
While I still like the end of this season much better than the end of last season, I hate the fact that I am anticipating a less than satisfactory ending, unlike Cowlip’s promises would otherwise indicate. I’m not convinced that they have succeeded in taking the boys to men and the girls to women. I hope I can sing a different tune next Sunday night at 11:00 PM.
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no subject
Date: 2005-08-01 10:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-08-01 10:23 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-08-01 10:36 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-08-01 10:48 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-08-01 10:35 pm (UTC)The only thing I would change regarding this situation is to end Lindsay's praise end at just that, and to allow for Justin to finally learn to make up his own decisions without external insight from others. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on the way one looks at it), Justin has always thrived on artistic recognition and personal drive enough to not allow himself to forget about the lost opportunity of Hollywood and the hopeful opportunity New York City has always given to people. A blonde Pittsburgh twink is no different.
All I ask, however, is that it's not a sealed deal when it ends. I want a good, clear impression of opportunity to exist with both the City and Brian Kinney. If he and Michael worried about the distance from Pittsburgh to Toronto, then visiting Justin should be literally a hop, skip, and jump away.
no subject
Date: 2005-08-01 10:47 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-08-02 01:54 am (UTC)it’s a combination of the first three letters of the name Brian and the last three letters of the name Justin.
You know that makes sense! I had it in my head that it was Brighton in spelling. I didn't even think that he meshed the two names together! Oh how cute. :D :D
no subject
Date: 2005-08-02 10:23 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-08-02 04:40 pm (UTC)the hurt/pained/misunderstood look that Brian gives Michael after Michael carelessly states, “you were never much in his [Gus’] life anyway”
I actually read Brian's look a bit differently. I do think it was pained but not because he was feeling misunderstood by Michael (if that's what you're saying). As much as we, the audience, can pick out a large handful of scenes where Brian is with Gus, many of those scenes seem to be more Lindsay/Brian ones where she's brought Gus along because she needed to talk to Brian rather than real bonding Brian/Gus scenes. We're even told later on through the Brian/Lindsay/Gus scene in the park that Brian hasn't been around and has actually missed a lot of things. Not that I agree with Lindsay's comment on him not being able to make up for that time since I think Gus is young enough for Brian to be able to just fine. But anyway, my point is that I read the look on Brian's face to what Michael said as more of a "no, I haven't and I regret that and wish I could've done some things differently" rather than him being hurt by Michael not seeing that he was there for Gus.
no subject
Date: 2005-08-02 04:52 pm (UTC)