Queer as Folk Marathon -Season 1- Episode 12
Everyone's busy so I'll be doing the first review this time around.
Thoughts on episode 112 pt 1 of 2
Main Points..............................
Michael is very busy this episode with a period of adjustment at home and a problem at work. Michael's problem with Tracy plays out from start to conclusion over the weekend. In the beginning, another dose of Marley's gay jokes and a cold Tracy informing Mr. Novotny of her quitting plans show both the reason for, and the unfortunate consequences of his closeted status. Like how this is done in a minimum amout of time within the same scene. Also like that despite her anger toward him, Tracy defends Michael against Marley, even while he doesn't/cannot defend himself. When Michael speaks of how hiding his true self leads to automatically not trusting most others, this touches on one of the biggest problems of living such a lie. But while it's good that qaf alluded to how a closeted lifestyle effects gay men's behavior with others, would have liked the show to go a little deeper. But I guess you can't have everything.
Tracy is still understandably angry only a week after the party where she discovered what she thought was a boyfriend was basically useing her for a beard. But given the circumstances, she could have been far more furious and reacted much worse. She really could have told everyone at the store about Michael. And it wouldn't have taken any homophobia of Tracy's part, only a thoughless slip of the tougue in the heat of anger. Michael was right to worry that this might happen. And it's puzzling that Tracy thinks it insulting that he'd consider this. Especially when Tracy herself admits that at first she was mad about his being gay.
Their last scene together leaves Tracy and Michael well on their way to reconciling. But Tracy's "friends trust each other" micro rant was confusing. Michael and Tracy went fron co workers who barely knew each other to prospective lovers. They were never simply friends. But the very end saves hope for such friendship. Was satisfied with the conclusion to this story. And Michael's insipid attempt an humor at the end, actually works to keep the scene from being too neatly wrapped up or too cloying.
At home. Michael's move in with David hits a snag right off when he makes the mistake of believing him when David says he can put his comic book paraphernalia anywhere he wants. Have to say, it looks like a toyshop exploded in the livingroom after Michael's done redecorating. He completely lays waste to the place, filling the formerly neural understated space with with bold primary colors. Enjoyed the way David is introduced to his new livingroom as he comes downstairs surveying the damage his promise caused. This is masterfully demonstrated by an opening camera shot on David's face, quickley hopping from one toy to the next with a series of quick cuts and blurr inducing fast pans accompanied by cartoon sound effects, ending again with David's face.G Love his agast expession here as he manages a lying "Great.", and later adds the even less convincing "whimsical touch". But the lying started to get old as David went on to say his favorite was the Captain Astro even though he didn't remember the name. Which makes one wonder how much he knows about Michael if he doesn't know his favorite comic book character. David also seems to know little about Michael's job, surprized the manager of a retail store would have to go in on Saturday. Despite the awkwardness of this scene, still find David and Michael's matching bed hair adorable.
When Michael comes home, it's his turn to look around the room in a repeat of the fast blurring cuts and sound effects that survey the spaces where his stuff no longer resides. And so this viewer's growing irritation with David begins as he dismissively describes his total purge of Michael's stuff as "put a few things away". Thought that having Captain Astro hidden in the closet was almost overkill on the symbolism. Say "almost' because that actually is a likely place to store an unwanted decoration. Later Michael asks where his alarm clock went, as the bedroom has been scrubbed of his things as well. Now being downright patronizing, David refuses to answer the question and presents his replacement, a clock that's uglier than anything Michael has. The man's tone and words are the very definition of condescending as he tells Michael his things are "cute like you" but that they don't belong. David then moves on to complete ass status when he proceeds to educate Michael to the error of his ways by talking to him like he's a five year old about how his stuff is cluttering up and ruining the aesthetic of this "architectural house". It's actually surprizing that David didn't pat Michael on the head at this point. To his credit, Michael buys none of this. And to his greater credit he defends himself and his toys. This declaration is actually quite an accomplishment for Michael, who usually lets everyone walk all over him. And unfortunately, this bit of assertivness would continue to be rare throughout the first season. As Michael leaves the room David has an unhappy look reminescent of the look he had after he broke up with Michael for refusing to move in earlier. And then as now, I have the same queastion. Are we really supposed to feel sorry for this guy?
Next evening Michael comes home to find that David has put some of Michael's things back up in the living room. Like that David has arranged them in a manner to fit better with the room, so that Michael's stuff now looks a little more like it belongs. Nice bit of symbolism here. David has also been reading Michael's comic books. While he's no Brian, David looks pretty good sitting crosslegged on the couch in his robe. And the cut from David to the asiaatic sculptures on the table make this fan think of the actor's old series "Kung Fu, The Legend Continues". Which is strange since I've never even seen the show.
Reading Michael's comics shows shows David is finally making an effort to understand Michael and his interests. And his admission that Michael moving in was a big change for him along with his " I was we again" seem genuine. But while Michael is extremely impressed with David's efforts, I am less so. Michael's moving in wasn't Michael's desire or even due to a mutual decision, it was something David insisted upon. It was also David who told Michael that he could put his stuff wherever he chose. So, it's difficult to sympathize with David saying it "frecked me out" to have Michael and his stuff in his "archetectural home" when it was all done at his bidding. It's good that in the end David has accepted Michael and his possessions and is making an effort to meet the man halfway. But a lot of people would have already been at this point in the beginning.
Most of the time, conflict and tension in relationships are what stories thrive on, and make for good television. But in the case of Mel and Linds, conflict is just exasperating, if not downright boring. This is because these women don't really have that much in the way of problems. And the problems they do have are largely self inflicted, making it very hard to care about or sympathize with either of them. For instance Mel, who voluntarily gave up her inheritance and is now working longer hours so Lindsay can stay home with Gus, is still harping about Brian not giving her parental rights. Yet this state of affairs existed prior to her giving into one of of Lindsay's nonsensical ideas once again. Suppose this situation would stick in one's crawl all the more if you were now paying for a child that was not legally yours. And perhaps Melanie didn't realize just how much of a sacrifice she was making, or how much she would resent it. But it was her poor decision and she should bear the consequences without constant bellyaching. Mel's other complaint that Lindsay is giving her neither affection nor conversation have more credence, but are genuinely countered by Linds being tired from caring for Gus. This is a common occurance among new parents, yet you seldom hear about this level of complaining. Then again most new parents don't have one member who valuatarily agreed to pay for a child belonging to their partner and the child's father. But once again, all partys knew the score going in. That milk has already been spilled.
But even though Melanie made her own bed, it's hard not to feel for her when given examples of Lindsay's behavior. When Mel says she feels alone, Lindsay's reaction is to walk away, and when Mel asks if Lindsay is going to say anything, Linds' response is to ask about dinner and babble about pot roast. But Lindsay is more infuriating still. Despite Mel causing her own problems, she does offer a relatively painless solution in the form of a therapist. But Linds will have none of it. Furthermore, Lindsay says there is no problem. And indeed there's no problem for Lindsay. After all, Mel has allowed her to choose a man she despises to be the father of their child, and has agreed to pay for Lindsay to raise said child while having no legal rights to, and now little physical contact with the baby. Linds also seems convinced that therapy wouldn't work anyway. Even the seconding of the therapy idea by Brian doesn't sway her. At one point, Brian asks Lindsay what she wants. The long pause as she hesitates gives us time to reflect on what Lindsay wants. And I still say Lindsay wants both Melanie and Brian, and in the same capacity. Or maybe she just wants Brian. Her eventual answer of a bagel is another one of those rage inducing non answers that makes this viewer want to reach through the tv screen and slap this woman. Oddly enough, however, Linds follows this by saying she fears she'll say something she might regret, gaining a rare bit of sympathy from this corner. But this sympathy is lost just as quickly when Lindsay follows this up with some absurd nonsense blaming her WASP heritage for her aversion to therapy. And later, when Lindsay finally talks as Mel wanted, she's a jerk about it, choosing a time when Mel is happily relaxing with Gus to remind her that she can't have a child of her own and that she expects to much of her. Lindsay may be right about Mel expecting to much, but can't help but think Linds believes her lover should expect nothing even while giving everything.
There is no defense for Lindsay's refusal for Mel's therapist request. It makes no difference if therapy really is a waste of time, or if the couple really has a problem. Melanie has acceded to her lover's ridiculous demands again and again. Yet Lindsay is unwilling to reciprocate by even the smallest degree, or show any sensitivity for her partner's desires, worries or needs. Continue to wonder why Melanie takes such an enormous amount of s!*t from her partner.
As Emmett turns down the second really cute guy in a row, it's clear he's serious about swearing off men for good. But he sure isn't happy about it, and seems at a loss as to what to do with himself within his community. Emmett already appears to feel "out of the brotherhood" Ted speaks about. But having no other options, Emmett continues to visit gay establishments while looking visibly miserable. This makes him an easy target for Matt, a man who no doubt haunts homosexual gathering places trolling for unhappy faces. What's jarring about Emmett and Matt's interaction is how everything the man says and does is like a textbook case of a cult member trying to lure one in. The way he's evasive about exactly what his group is about, and using general and vague phrases like "questioning and evalutating" should have been like red flags. Matt even has the look of a true believer. How Emmett couldn't see this, even through his drunken haze, is a little hard to fathom. It was actually surprizing that the purpose of the "group" wasn't something even more extreme, not that homo to hetero conversion isn't ridiculous enough.
Must say the group seemed a little silly as the members we hear from are extreme gay sterotypes like the ultra masculine former lesbian Ginger, and group leader Ty. Ty, who's voice actually trandsends effeminate and enters into cartoon character levels, dresses in slacks and a tucked in button down shirt, as he seems to see this as the uniform of a straight man. As Ty asks the group if their lives revolve around men's bodies, movie star gossip and sex with strangers, accompanying flashbacks from Emmtt's point of view give examples of Brian, Michael and Ted doing just that. The former homosexual follows this up with unspoken condemnation of such interest by asking if this is what God wants and if there's a better life out there. Take issue with this. Don't see what's wrong with obsessing about bodies, movie stars and even sex with strangers. Also don't buy the idea that Emmett and the others would really be closer to God or have a better life if they wiled away the time discussing Ibsen's plays or string theory instead.
In what is certainly the best use of fast motion in an episode filled with it, the passage of a lot of time is depicted as Emmett sitting on a dressing room bench, as men come and go around him. Eventually Ted breezes in, heady with all the action he's been getting and not as attuned to Emmett's distress as he was last episode. When Emmett poses the same questions to Ted that were raised at the "See the Light" meeting, he answers through the filter of his newly escalated carnal activities. Eventually, Emmett gives up on any help from Ted, who is still too distracted by all the new found frequent sex to notice his best friend's unhappiness.
This all ends with a dully dressed Emmett , looking so grim it makes him appear unattractive saying he wants to "see the light too". It might seem a bit farfetched for someone as out and proud as Emmett to be takin in by this idea. But unlike a lot of gay men, Emmett always knowing what he was resulted in none of the attempting and then rejecting of heterosexuality that many less certain homosexuals go through earlier. And the people Emmett usually looks to for support are not here for him. Michael has just moved out and has his own concerns with work and a new home. And Ted is to heady with the excitement of living in Brian's wake to take much notice of Emmett's predicament. So at a time of crises, Emmett is lost and alone, making him very vulnerable to the "See the Light" group.
..................end pt 1 of 2..............
Thoughts of ep 212 pt 2 of 2..............
Main points continued..................................
As we'll later learn from Cynthia, Brian and Michael have been apart for a week. And just how important Michael was to Brian becomes all too apparent here. In fact, Brian is totally emotionally dependent on Michael, and not doing at all well on his own. Brian's refusal to move on is gloriously obvious from the giant photos of Michael left over from the party that still adorn the loft wall. And in a mimic of last episode's call from Michael to David, Brian phones his former friend, on speed dail of course, refuses to speak and hangs up. As Brian goes through Justin, Mel and Linds, and Ted while looking for a Michael fill-in, it brings to light a bizzare fact. Outside of Lindsay, Brian has no other friends.
Notice that Brian does not even try to befriend Emmett, who is the least impressed with Brian and definitely not likely to be sympathetic to his situation. Emmett doesn't even seem inclined to simply hang out with Brian, nor Brian with Emmett. At one point Brian and Emmmett appear to be in the same bar at the same time but still don't interact with each other. Coincidentally, Emmett is also without his friends at this time. Had they got together, it may have been a rare moment when the two men might have helped each other, or at least found common ground. But it was not to be.
Brian's ill fated attempt to enlist Ted as his new best friend leads to an intertaining scene, beginning with Brian looking up the skirt of a red heeled drag queen waitress who's walking across the bar where Brian and Ted sit. The background music is a repetitive thump that would be totally suitable for a death march. Staring straight ahead with nothing to say, Ted is Ted. But by his drink choice alone, remnents suggesting a shiny fruity thing, it's clear that Brian is not himself. In a sing song voice Brian asks Ted about work. But Brian has already given up on Ted to the point that he is imagining Michael in his place. As pretend Michael replaces real Ted, the background dirge like thump dissapears as Brian's ex best friend talks at length about fat Marly and protein shakes. Brian is amused enough to make a face at his imaginary friend. Then comes the return of Ted, accompanied by the return of the "Ben Hur" galley slave beat. Real Ted's reply to Brian is a simple "Work was boring.", making Brian's face fall slightly, and making it abundantly clear why Brian is tuning Ted out completely. After asking Brian about his day, real Ted again turns into unreal Michael, who's fabricating a story about Brian getting a blow job in the middle of a client lunch. Brian, who's now interacting with his fantasy, gives a "How'd you guess?" reply, getting an amused "Liar" out of phantom Michael, which in turn gets a laugh out of Brian. The same story gets an accepting "Really" from a returning real Ted, netting a look of dissapointment from Brian. It's not clear whether this Brian and Michael fantasy was totally dreamed up by Brian or a rehash of an actual conversaion they once had. Either way, it gives some insight into how two people who seemingly have so little in common can enjoy each other's company.
Real Ted finally returns for good when he suggests that Brian talk to Michael. Brian won't hear of it and further discussion on the matter ends with the arrival of a well built bare chested man. Just how totally off his game Brian has become is underlined with this man, who is apparently so intent on catching Brian's eye that he has removed his shirt to show off his physique. This guy would normally be just Brian's type. But he eschews having his way with this tall muscular specimen in favor of playing with the cherries and flagged toothpicks formerly adorning his drink. In a bold and uncharacteristic move, Ted jumps right in, offering the man estate planning in exchange for safe sex. Brian's look of surprize at Ted'd proposition becomes even more pronounced when the man takes Ted up on his offer, ending the scene.
It must have gone well with Ted and the shirtless man because later, even after being told he was bored and showing no further interest in his company, Ted continues to hover around Brian. As he hovers Ted also continues to offer Brian's castoffs financial advice for physical favors. And as he tells Emmett, enough men accept the proposition to give Ted plenty of action. Love Ted like this. He understands and accepts his limitations but finds a way to use his attributes to get what he wants.
The next scene spies on Brian and Michael, now living their lives apart from each other but presently engageing in a similar activity. The music heralding the scene has already started as Brian and Ted, whose now partnered with formerly shirtless man, exchange goodbyes as Brian's attention is caught by a man motioning him over for some back ally sex. Guess Brian's sex drive isn't totally nil. But it's puzzling that he would turn down shirtless guy only to accept his offer.
The scene cuts back and forth between dual sex scenes, with Brian getting blown in a semi secluded outdoor enclosure, and Michael and David having full on intercourse on a bed. Seeing the newly cohabitating couple lying prone against each other is a little disturbing, as this is not the best position for this particular action. But David's body is fairly decent and and they do project the idea of sexual intimacy. The bedroom has a dim, warm steady glow with gentle subtle lighting. The fine sheen of sweat on David's back and Michael's face also transmits as a pleasant glow. Must say the closeup on the feet was a different perspective. Michael's bright red alarm clock in the background and Captain Astro glasses in the foreground appear to demonstrate this is no longer David's room, but "their" room. The slightly soft focused low contrast light of the bedroom suggests a considerably different mood from that of the high contrast lights and darks and sharp focus of Brian's cold, fenced in brick passageway. Brian stands against the wall as the other man works on him. At least one other couple, probably more, engage in their own activity nearby. The difference in light and focus between the two scenes is like the difference between matte and glossy, and make it clear whose more comfortable. And while all parties concerned do get off, there is also little question who is having the better time, as David and Michael lay sated in each others arms and Brian leans back against a brick wall exhaling frosty breaths. And Michael does seem quite happy indeed as he recounts his former life as Brian's standing designated driver. Capitalizing this point is the next shot angled behind the empty sterring wheel of Brian's jeep as Brian walks up speaking Michael's name before remembering he's alone tonight. Brian's face at this realization is equal parts dissapointment and loneliness. And it's hard not to be moved by his sense of loss.
The scene works well on one level, on another, not as much. As a stand alone love scene this offering leaves something to be desired. The David and Michael encounter wasn't that great, it wasn't even that good. Still, I like variety in my simulated sex. And although David and Michael love scenes are among my least favorite, they're still something different. For this reason, I'm glad one is included here. Had a bigger problem with what was going on outside, with an absolutely godawful depiction of a bl*wjob. The mechanics of the physical act itself are so off, it nearly takes you out of the moment. And there was no connection here, not event the scant amount usual between Brian and his tricks. Understand this is supposed to be emotionally detached sex, but these men don't even seem to share the same space. But while they may have gone overboard showing the coldness of Brian's love life, the use of it to contrast against Michael's experience is very effective. It demonstrates how each man is getting along independent of the other. And though it's only sex here, it's probably meant to serve as a microcosm of their lives in general. The message one gets from this scene is that Michael is doing far better without Brian than Brian is without Michael.
Brian showing up at the home of Mel and Linds at two pm and being perfectly fine with hanging around til dinnertime shows just how desperate he has become. Love the look on Mel's face when Brian suggests they play Scrabble. But along with the general exasperation at his presence, the girl's offer no reproach about Michael, even suggesting that the two make up. All this being a pretty good indication that they have been told, or figured out, why Brian did what he did to Michael.
On a separate visit, a private talk between Lindsay and Brian gives us some cute shots of Gus on the floor and the interesting revealation that Brian seems to support Mel's idea of a therapist over Lindsay's objections. This is not the only time Brian will do this. Right or wrong, Brian was always consistant in his beliefs, and didn't allow favoritism to alter them. Brian will even support or side with people he dislikes over his own friends if he feels that they are right or agrees with their position. It's a very rare trait that I admire, but is seldom remarked upon.
When Brian invites Justin over, the boy is quite flattered and mentions that this is the first time this has happened. Was surprized by this. Know Justin was doing most of the chasing in this relationship, but didn't think it was this one sided. The happy look on Justin's face was adorable over being summoned to the loft by the object of his affection. But the speed at which he realizes he's a substitute for Michael and the resulting look of dissapointment bring the viewer and Justin back to reality. Feel sorry for Justin's let down as he sees the truth. Yet also admire Justin's quick understanding and lack of illusion as to his place in Brian's life at this point.
Justin confides all this to Daphne during a lull at the diner, where he has graduated to waiting tables. And it is from Daphne, who looks fetching in a black shag coat and spangled hair, that Justin gets the idea to bring Brian and Michael back together. Having seen a lot of bad sitcoms and films in the past, I half expected Justin's order switch to work. And as a teenager who's probably also seen a lot of bad tv and trying to act on the spur of the moment, this is a suitable ploy for him to try. But as one would expect, all Justin gets are dirty looks from both men.
The scene resulting from Justin's invitation to the loft is a fan favorite mostly due to the kiss Brian and Justin share and the last line. But this is also yet another discussion about Michael, the difference being this talk nets results. It opens with a closeup profile of Brian being sloppily spoonfed ice cream by Justin's voice. The boy then moves into frame for the "ice cream kiss" so many fans swoon over. But the whole idea of feeding someone ice cream as an erotic act and not having it come off quite so well as it does in the movies, is quaint and believable, and every bit as interesting as watching Justin lick Brian's face in closeup. The next shot shows both men in full body, with a nude Justin straddling an equally unclothed reclining Brian. The most noticable thing here are Justin's thighs, which appear huge. In fact, with the bigger head, butt and legs, Justin seems the bigger man in most ways save height. Justin's large legs and backside made this viewer wonder if he was putting too much weight on the comparativly sparse limbs of Brian. The writers seem to realize the picture this was creating because Justin almost immediatly states that his mom thinks Brian is too skinny.
The subject of skinny Brian leads to Justin bringing up the man's old high school pictures, which segues to chemistry club and the bomb that Michael talked Brian out of building. It flows so easily into a conversation about Michael that is't unclear if it was natural or very well orchestrated on Justin's part. But whether accident or deliberate, believe all roads were leading to a talk about Michael , one way or another. Just like everyone else, Justin tells Brian that he should talk to his former best friend. And just as he's told everyone else, Brian rejects Justin's pleas. But he does explain things a little more, using an unworn shirt anology to describe Michael wasting his life following Brian around. Was touched by Brian's revelation that it's okay that Michael hates him as long as he's happy. Justin's reply , "You must really love him.", underscores the unusual sacrifice Brian has made for his best friend. At one point during his Michael exposition, Brian picks up a whiskey bottle. This is my favorite part of the scene because it is so random, and on first viewing the bottle seems to come hilariously out of nowhere. Justin's reaction is also a little different, playfully taunting Brian that he won't be pushed away as he dresses to leave. Not sure I believe it when Justin says" I'm onto you.", but it's a great parting line, and one of the few times anyone gets the last word on Brian Kinney. The scene ends with Justin picking up the "Captain Astro" comic on his way out.
Not one of my favorite scenes but did enjoy it. Liked the charm of the awkwardness of the ice cream feeding, as well as Brian's willingness to indulge Justin in it. And it gives another sampling of Justin's determined and persistent nature when he takes matters into his own hands in the Brian and Michael dispute. Find it interesting that Justin was the only one to see the folly of waiting for Brian to act, and going to Michael instead.
Like that Justin understands and accepts Michael's importance to Brian, even taking it upon himself to explain things to Michael and reunite the friends. The laughter in Justin's voice when he repeats Brian's words about the light in Michael's eyes show that Justin himself doesn't appreciate Michael's love of comics, or even Michael in general. And Justin would probably be in a better position with Brian if his best friend were permanantly out of the picture. But it's not about him at this point, it's about Brian. It's to his considerable credit that even at this early date in their coupledom, Justin can understand this. Very impressed that Justin cares enough about Brian to respect the relationship he has with Michael, and that he is secure enough not to be resentful of, or threatened by their friendship.
Really love Brian and Michael's makeup scene, both the style and the substace. Babylon is a pleasure to look at as always. And enjoy the way qaf is constantly finding new ways to visually dazzle you. This time it's blacklit glow balls with matching glowing shorts on the go go boys. Though Brian is obviously miserable, he feigns indifference when Michael appears out of nowhere to thank Brian for his gift. Michael makes only slight references to the major break the two had, while Brian halfheartedly denies that he missed his best friend. Michael only marginally calls Brian on what both men know is a lie. Because although the dynamic between them has changed a bit, neither is ready to let go of the illusion that the status quo remains. For some inexplicable reason, the red heeled drag queen from Woody's is now at Babylon among the dancers. The glow ball he/she kicks to the dancing friends is a nice, if contrived visual. In the closing shots the two men dance ever closer inside the ball. And just like that, Brian and Michael are friends again.
Other things of note.........................
After Michael packs up his stuff to move, the apartment walls are completely bare.
Loved the brief Captain Astro fisting scene between Michael and Emmett.
Would like to again mention the penchant for this show to reuse lines and somtimes entire scenes over again during the course of the show. Justin's line "You must really love him." , will be used by and about a different character later in the series.
There is no Debbie in this episode.
Know they're trying to say something with Lindsay's clothing, just not sure what it is. When we first see her, Lindsay's ugly top reminds one of Edina Monsoon's wardrobe, and in her last appearance she's in a bathrobe and socks with unkemped hair in the middle of the day. Is this supposed to mean she's too busy with Gus to run a comb through her hair? Or is it an attempt to discourage Mel's unwanted sexual advances?
Michael will still be paying half the rent on his old place. Too bad about this. Thought he'd at least save some money by moving in with David.
This episode uses fast motion at least six times. Personally liked it, but see why some might get annoyed. It's really only useful to the plot in Emmett's story. But it does allow the viewer to get a look at a few superfluous happenings that we might not otherwise get to see, most notably , Justin waiting tables.
After finally getting some real live male frontal nudity last episode, it was slightly dissapointing that all the men in the locker room covered themselves with towels.
"See the Light" convert Don is dressed just like Ty. Wonder if this is an attempt to emulate the group leader, or does this bunch really think dull clothing is the path to heterosexuality.
With David reading Michael's comics and making the effort to learn a bit about his partner, the US qaf follows a path completely opposite from that of their British counterparts. In the UK version, one man's failure to learn anything about his lovers passion, in that case "Doctor Who", was the breaking point in that relationship.
Think it bears repeating that Justin is neither threatened nor resentful of Brian's friendship with Michael. And that he understands and accepts the importance Michael has in Brian's life. It's unfortunate that some fans of Brian and Justin as a couple refuse to do the same.
To not have any regular transportation of his own, Michael covers a lot of ground. From the traffic and off ramps visible from the parking lot, the Big Q is obviously not in the center of town. And David certainly doesn't reside in the Liberty Avenue area. Suppose we are meant to assume Michael takes a lot of trains, buses and cabs. But it would have been nice to show him stepping off a bus or out of a cab at least once.
..................................................End......pt 2 of 2
I didn't get the chance to finish reading your review the last time. I'm so glad I finally did and I really enjoyed all your insights
As Brian goes through Justin, Mel and Linds, and Ted while looking for a Michael fill-in, it brings to light a bizzare fact. Outside of Lindsay, Brian has no other friends.
Even though he knows a lot of people, it makes sense that he wouldn't have many friends because he's emotionally stunted, especially during season 1.
Notice that Brian does not even try to befriend Emmett
Too bad because they actually have a lot in common. I love that Emmett isn't under Brian's spell.
It's not clear whether this Brian and Michael fantasy was totally dreamed up by Brian or a rehash of an actual conversaion they once had. Either way, it gives some insight into how two people who seemingly have so little in common can enjoy each other's company.
I think it's a mixture of both fantasy and real past discussions. And I love how, as you say, it shows how they could be friends in spite the huge differences between them.
Think it bears repeating that Justin is neither threatened nor resentful of Brian's friendship with Michael. And that he understands and accepts the importance Michael has in Brian's life. It's unfortunate that some fans of Brian and Justin as a couple refuse to do the same.
Like I've said many times, I should have been rooting for the friendships on this show. I'm never with romance and I never understood why romantic love always takes precedence above all other relationships. To me, each relationship is important and it all depends on each individual and their life circumstances. Because of that, I really love this episode and how so much focus is given to friendship and its importance. BUT at the same time, I can't help but love the character of Justin and really, really dislike the character of Michael. And for that reason, and so far only in QAF, I sided with the characters who are in a romantic/sexual relationship. Justin's attitude in this episode and Michael's attitude toward Justin from the start had a lot to do with that.
I guess even though I place a lot of importance on friendships in my own life, in Brian's case, and this is my personal opinion, his friends only enabled him to stay where he is, never helping him move forward and grow emotionally. Justin, in spite of his age, and probably unintentionally, challenged and helped him much more.
Brianwashed!
clofa,
Thank you once more for reading and commenting. It does take some effort to do these reviews as I am not a writer. So it's nice that they are getting read by some people.
Agree about Emmett. Have said many times that the best thing about him is how totally unimpressed he is with Brian.
The Brian/Michael fantasy conversation does give an example of the what the two of them probably talk about. Get very tired of people saying they don't see what Brian is doing with Michael. As if Brian can't find anything to say to anyone who isn't as educated or in a profession similar to him. This is a ridiculously narrow view of friendship and insults Brian as much as it does Michael.
Don't feel that rooting for Brian and Justin means you must oppose the friendship between Michael and Brian. Yet so many seem to believe otherwise, apparently seeing it as an either/or situation. And while I also think most fans dislike Michael for the wrong reasons, that's not the issue here. You can respect the relationships of the characters even if you dislike one or both of them. In my opinion it doesn't matter if one likes Michael or understands why Brian wants him around, because Brian does in fact like Michael and want him around. That's the way it is, whether one likes or understands it or not. As a fan of Michael I have wondered about the friendship in the other direction, not understanding what Michael is doing in a relationship where he is so clearly being taken for granted. Am quite sure Michael would be better off without Brian. In fact, as we've seen, it is Brian who fares poorly when the two are on the outs, with Michael doing just fine. But as Michael chooses to be a part of this uneven duo, I must respect this choice. Brian on the other hand, is lost without Michael , particularly during their first breakup. Find this even more confounding. People who love Brian's character and claim to want the best for him, yet want him separated from the person who he's relied upon for over fifteen years, and is shown to be miserable when he is separated from Michael. To want a break between these two when it's clear that only Brian will suffer shows a total disregard for the Brian character's well being, and suggests a lack of understanding or refusal to accept the characters as they are or the canon of the show.
As to Brian's friends enabling him, I don't think they are enabling him. Brian's friends are not pointing out or procuring him potential tricks, supplying him with or asking him to share recreational drugs, or even particularly encouraging such behavior. Brian's friends simply accepted him as he was, and that was most likely what Brian needed at the time. And it is not the job of your friends to make you grow up. Michael may have not spent his time nagging Brian to mature, but he was there for him countless time when he needed support. Justin's arrival threw Brian into all sorts of new situations that he'd never have been in otherwise. It's probably partly as much to do with the circumstance of having a young live in lover as who that lover was that shook up Brian's world and brought about change. But it doesn't matter, Brian's lover and best friend should and do both exist alongside one another. So, at the risk of being redundant, it doesn't matter whether or not we like Michael, only that Brian does. For this same reason, it doesn't matter if one thinks Justin should be so accepting of Michael's involvement with Brian, only that this is the way Justin sees it. But I'd go one better and say that Justin's lack of jealousy and his security in his relationship with Brian to the point that he's accepting of Michael's presence is something to applaud, not just begrudgingly accept.
Notice that Brian does not even try to befriend Emmett
Too bad because they actually have a lot in common. I love that Emmett isn't under Brian's spell.
One of the things I adore about Emmett is that he couldn't care less what Brian thinks about him, throughout the entire series. They do have a goofy, hanging-out almost-friendship, and they both fit into the gang very well, but that's it. Although I do love the more serious scenes with just the two of them, later on in ther series (re: Ted and his angst/downward spiral). share
Agree completely about Emmett. Have said it before, but think Emmett's immunity to Brian's charms is his best single attribute.
shareAmazing thoughts as always, dergil!
But while it's good that qaf alluded to how a closeted lifestyle effects gay men's behavior with others, would have liked the show to go a little deeper.
I also wish they put a bit more focus on this as well.
At home. Michael's move in with David hits a snag right off when he makes the mistake of believing him when David says he can put his comic book paraphernalia anywhere he wants.
I don't like the scene at all, but I love your description of it
He completely lays waste to the place, filling the formerly neural understated space with with bold primary colors.
I wouldn't have tolerated it had it been my place but David was a hypocrite and should have been honest about this from the start.
So at a time of crises, Emmett is lost and alone, making him very vulnerable to the "See the Light" group.
Good point, it explains (to me) how Emmett could so easily be persuaded by this crap.
Brianwashed! share
Clofa,
Thank you again for taking the time to comment on my review.
It would indeed have been nice to see a more involved look at a closeted gays man's lifestyle with the straight world. But think I know why they didn't go into it. There are already plenty of straight people on television, and only this show to portray the gay world. Still, it would have been nice to have a little more with Michael and the Big Q employees, particularly after he was promoted to manager.
Always felt another failing of this show was that after Michael was promoted, you seldom see scenes of him at work again. And aside from Tracy giving him her resignation, you never see him in his capacity as the boss.
Before reviewing this show, I never really noticed how much thought and effort was involved in even the smaller scenes such as Michael's redecorating. The creators really did take great care to make things interesting and different.
Don't believe David thought through the idea of Michael moving in in general. But he used especially poor judgement in telling Michael he could put his stuff wherever he wanted. And David had been to Michael's place, so it's not like he didn't have plenty of opportunity to see Michael's idea of interior design.
Some people think Emmett's personality would never allow him to get involved with such a group. But the show does a pretty good job of showing how a succession of circumstances could make it happen.
Episode 112
Finally I had some time to watch episode 112 and write the review. As I am not a fan of soccer, I used the time the Brazilian soccer team was playing the Colombia soccer team this afternoon in the World Soccer Cup championship (we won! [cooldance1]) Here we go.
Deb is not in this episode.
Justin only appears in three scenes, the first time at 23 minutes of the show (working in the diner, then in the famous ice cream scene and last, his pow wow with Michael at the end), but he is the only one who really did something to reunite Michael and Brian. In all three scenes he actively did his best to solve the problem. I love that Justin is not threatened by Michael at all. He is totally sure that Brian loves Michael as a friend and that’s all. Apparently Emmett is the only one who feels Michael doesn’t have to make amends with Michael. By the way, Peter looks so thin in season 1, I mean, compared to now!
I have to say Gale is STUNNINGLY beautiful in this episode. It broke my heart to see him trying to befriend Ted, he did his best: “So, how was work?” Ted was the one who hit big in this episode, getting all Brian’s rejects.
In one of the first scenes Brian calls Ted on his cell. OMG! Their cellphones are HUGE. Sometimes I forget that almost 15 years has passed since season 1. A lot has changed.
The lesbian’s marital problems are so boring,(yawn) that I caught myself paying attention to their clothes and their home décor. Mel wears horrible man sensible shoes for work, and Lindsay looks totally frumpy in unattractive clothes. Besides, considering that Lindsay is an artist, the artwork in their house is not great. But I like their curtains and their tea pots. They argue, Mel starts drinking, that’s bad (She was drowning her sorrows in alcohol in Michael's birthday party too.) Mel suggests a marriage counselor. Marriage counseling seems to be an American institution. We don’t have that here, I mean, this is not what people usually do when they have relationship problems. We talk to our friends, go out with them and have a glass of wine.
On the other hand, I love David’s house. The pale green walls and the neutral furniture is trés chic. I can understand why he didn’t want Michael’s stuff in his house. Michael is like a kid with all those comic books and superhero posters and dolls… David freaked out, but the fact that he thought it over and changed his mind about Michael’s stuff shows he really loves Michael and wants to make him happy. I like David despite his insecurities about Michael and Brian (I’ll change my mind about David in 118!)
Brian and Ted don’t seem to have much in common, besides being gay. But I thought it was very sweet of Ted to ask Brian if it was OK to leave him to go out with a trick. Brian was getting a blow job at the same time Michael and David were making love. Meaningless anonymous sex vs love making.
As a heterosexual woman, I think David would be the perfect man for me, he's my dream guy. If I was a heterosexual man, Tracy would be the perfect woman for me. She is great, isn’t she? She is so sweet, attractive, smart. After all she has been through with Michael, she still defends gays from humiliating jokes and the bad people who laughs at them. I’m glad that she and Michael worked things out. She is a very good friend. At least Michael has someone he can trust at work now.
I love that Brian rejects everybody but still wants to have sex with Justin. The iconic post-coital ice cream scene… Randy has a perfect body. I’m pretty sure Brian doesn’t do that with other tricks. He wants them gone as soon as sex is over.
Emmett broke my heart in this episode. His soul searching leads him to a very harmful church. The guy who leads the church meeting could not be more gay!! The actor who plays Mat (the guy who took Emmett to the church meeting) died some time after his participation in the show. I found out by accident, but always remember that when I watch this episode.
Brian talking to Lindsay about hers and Mel’s problems. What the nerve of that woman to criticize Brian for not have given up parental rights: “Gus was supposed to be mine and hers, not mine and yours.” Yeah, right, except when they want his money.
Dance parties at Woody’s? What’s that?
After Brian leaves and when Lindsay finally speaks her mind to Mel, she says: “You want all my time, all my devotion, and if you don’t have that, you think we have a problem.” It’s like Justin leaving Brian just because he had never said he loved him!
Hey! Some bell rang when I heard Lindsay’s statement. With different words, didn’t Brian say almost the same thing to Justin in episode 318? In the “orange is the new blue” scene? Let’s see: “That’s what you wanted to hear? It’s so like you! You don’t hear what you want so you leave.” Or is it just me?
I think this is it!
"If Justin wants golden gardenias, he should have golden gardenias!" Brian Kinney
Dergil, thank you so very much for keeping the Marathon alive, we’ve all been so busy! Here is Part 1 of my comments on your wonderful (as always) review. I’ll do it in parts, considering that your review is long!
But while it's good that qaf alluded to how a closeted lifestyle effects gay men's behavior with others, would have liked the show to go a little deeper. But I guess you can't have everything.
I agree. In the show we have two gay men closeted in the work place: Michael and Ted. One working in a traditional formal firm, and the other working in retail. Michael is portrayed as a very dedicated employee who hides the fact of being gay from his work mates. Ted is portrayed as someone who spends most of his time in the job watching porn, even though we know he is a good accountant (the most boring occupation in the world if you ask me!) Both Michael and Ted are perceived socially as straight. On the other hand we have Brian and Emmett, who are openly gay in their work place. Because of his high position in his company, Brian does not have much problem in being open. People even think he is charming, considering he brings a lot of business to the company. Sweet Emmett works for a clothing store in Liberty Avenue, which is a good thing because he could never be perceived as straight, even in that See the Light Church. All of them - including Brian – have suffered discrimination in the work place. Brian was discriminated by the new owner of the advertising firm in S2, and Emmett was discriminated when he was catering a party by the football player, in S4. But I think so much more could have been explored on this issue.
Tracy is still understandably angry only a week after the party where she discovered what she thought was a boyfriend was basically useing her for a beard. But given the circumstances, she could have been far more furious and reacted much worse. She really could have told everyone at the store about Michael.
And this is why I love Tracy so much. She is a wonderful human being. I was surprised and pleased to learn that she already had a new date just one week after Michael’s birthday party. She deserves to be happy.
Have to say, it looks like a toyshop exploded in the living room after Michael's done redecorating. He completely lays waste to the place, filling the formerly neural understated space with with bold primary colors.
Honestly, I guess it’s not easy for a refined sophisticated man like David to accept Michael’s idea of decoration. I loved David’s place before Michael moved in. All Michael’s stuff is out of the ordinary (we’ll see his Captain Astro underwear in some episodes ahead). Agree with you that David and Michael do not know a lot about each other, and it was not nice of David to hide all Michael’s stuff, especially Captain Astro. I felt sorry for Michael. He probably felt humiliated in his taste. BTW, if Michael and Brian would ever become a couple, I’m sure Brian wouldn’t let his stuff in the loft either. He would have to put all that in storage.
"If Justin wants golden gardenias, he should have golden gardenias!" Brian Kinney
Golden_Gardenia, thank you again for your comments.
Agree that they could have done more with the closeted workplace situation, and about the problems that were briefly touched on with Brian and Emmett. But I am not sure that Ted was in the closet. It wasn't really discussed and we saw no interaction between Ted and his co workers. When Ted's boss talked to him about gays always blaming their orientation on getting fired it was unclear, to me anyway, if he already knew Ted was gay or discovered it after he was caught watching porn. The reason for his firing is also not clear. Ted may be right that he was let go for being gay, but it's possible that the boss was telling the truth, that Ted was fired because unlike the others, he got caught.
Tracy really was a different sort of female character. It was a shame that after the one sided sexual tension was played out between her and Michael, we rarely saw her again. In fact, we rarely saw the Big Q at all after the Michael/Tracy "romance" was over.
It certainly wasn't nice of David to hide Michael's stuff. It's true that David has pretty good decorator tastes, except for that hideous museum of modern art clock, but a merging of his and Michael's style's was what was agreed upon. You can't decide something like that and then change your mind because you don't like the result.
Brian and Michael a couple. Ugh, perish the thought. But if Brian and Michael were to live together under any circumstances, I agree that Brian is unlikely to grace his loft with Michael's comic book decor. But unlike David, Brian would make this clear from the start.
Whenever I have 20 minutes, I come back to my comments! Your review is amazing, dergil. There's so much I hadn't thought about.
In fact, Brian is totally emotionally dependent on Michael, and not doing at all well on his own. Brian's refusal to move on is gloriously obvious from the giant photos of Michael left over from the party that still adorn the loft wall.
You know? I was really surprised to learn that Brian was so emotionally dependent on Michael. To the point of calling him just to hear his voice. It’s interesting to see two different people being friends. They don’t have much in common, but they mean a lot to each other. Real friendship. If I wasn’t for Justin, I wonder how long it would take for them to make up. I can’t picture Brian hanging out with Emmet, this is why he looked for Ted, maybe thinking that they could have something in common. Ted and Brian will become friends in season 5, real friends, I guess.
Either way, it gives some insight into how two people who seemingly have so little in common can enjoy each other's company.
Brian and Michael don’t have much in common either, but they have a strong emotional bond because they have a history of being there for each other. Ted and Brian don’t have that yet.
Guess Brian's sex drive isn't totally nil. But it's puzzling that he would turn down shirtless guy only to accept his offer.
I think that was sex to ease the pain. I think Brian missed Michael when Ted left with the shirtless hunky.
The message one gets from this scene is that Michael is doing far better without Brian than Brian is without Michael.
Agree. Well, Michael has a wonderful man who loves him and treats him with care. I’m sure he misses his friend, but he’s busy now being happy.
Brian showing up at the home of Mel and Linds at two pm and being perfectly fine with hanging around til dinnertime shows just how desperate he has become. Love the look on Mel's face when Brian suggests they play Scrabble.
Brian doesn’t seem to care that the girls are busy cleaning the house, but later he feels that there’s something going on between them. I would think that he would avoid Mel, because they don’t get along, especially after denying her parental rights, but he doesn’t.
Brian will even support or side with people he dislikes over his own friends if he feels that they are right or agrees with their position. It's a very rare trait that I admire, but is seldom remarked upon.
Yes, we’ll see Brian acting like that in different situations along the show.
"If Justin wants golden gardenias, he should have golden gardenias!" Brian Kinney
Here I come again, with part 2 of my comments.
But in the case of Mel and Linds, conflict is just exasperating, if not downright boring. This is because these women don't really have that much in the way of problems. And the problems they do have are largely self inflicted, making it very hard to care about or sympathize with either of them.
Couldn’t have put it any better. I don’t think the producers gave Mel and Lindz the same care they gave the boys. I think their relationship will get better in S2, but they always will be boring to me.
Suppose this situation would stick in one's crawl all the more if you were now paying for a child that was not legally yours. And perhaps Melanie didn't realize just how much of a sacrifice she was making, or how much she would resent it.
The whole problem is the resentment. I can understand why Mel feels like that, but Lindsay is working a lot at home too. At least Mel goes out and socializes with people at work. Lindsay stays at home alone cooking, cleaning and taking care of Gus. That’s so boring, no adult to talk to. In this episode we see Mel helping with the cleaning on the weekend. Wasn’t that supposed to be Lindz’s job? Anyway, this arrangement was doomed to failure from the beginning. Let’s not forget that Lindz always asks Brian for money, whenever they need, which is not fair in my opinion.
At one point, Brian asks Lindsay what she wants. The long pause as she hesitates gives us time to reflect on what Lindsay wants. And I still say Lindsay wants both Melanie and Brian, and in the same capacity. Or maybe she just wants Brian. Her eventual answer of a bagel is another one of those rage inducing non answers that makes this viewer want to reach through the tv screen and slap this woman.
Hahahahah! Totally agree with you. I think Lindsay wants the impossible: Brian! I don’t know why the producers never explored Lindsay’s feelings for Brian. For me it’s so obvious that Mel is second prize. Lindsay knows Brian can never be hers, so she settled for a woman she likes and feels attracted to.
And later, when Lindsay finally talks as Mel wanted, she's a jerk about it, choosing a time when Mel is happily relaxing with Gus to remind her that she can't have a child of her own and that she expects to much of her.
I know! She was a bitch. She made Mel cry. Mel is not the kind of woman who cries. She bottles everything inside, but when she explodes, she can be mean.
Continue to wonder why Melanie takes such an enormous amount of s!*t from her partner.
She really loves her! That’s why. She loves Lindsay more than Lindsay loves her, that’s for sure.
"If Justin wants golden gardenias, he should have golden gardenias!" Brian Kinney
Agree that the writers didn't give Mel and Linds the same care they gave the guys. Am pretty sure that any good ideas that came along were relegated to the men's story lines, while the woman got whatever scraps were left.
Think Mel complains about working so hard as an extension at her frustration for doing it all for a child that is not hers, in any possible way.
Don't know why Lindsay's desire for Brian, not even well concealed, is treated as if it doesn't exist. Sometimes it seems like the writers don't even recognize what they themselves have created. Such is the case here, where Lindsay's obvious attraction to Brian is ignored as though it is only in the minds of the viewers.
It's too bad for Mel that she loves a women who loves a gay man more. But just don't understand how anyone can tolerate being in a relationship where they know they are second choice, even when they don't have first prize forced into their lives all the time. Love should work both ways. But perhaps is as you've suggested, with Mel being the only one truly in love, she feels she isn't in a position of power. A sad, sad, way to live.
Don't know why Lindsay's desire for Brian, not even well concealed, is treated as if it doesn't exist. Sometimes it seems like the writers don't even recognize what they themselves have created. Such is the case here, where Lindsay's obvious attraction to Brian is ignored as though it is only in the minds of the viewers.
Exactly!!! In "Queer as Folk - The Book", Tea says that she cannot figure out why viewers think Lindsay had a thing for Brian, they are just friends. What??? Heloooo! Wake up and smell the coffe, woman. There are many moments in the whole show that her attraction to Brian is as clear as water. However, she knows she can't have him. This is why she supports Brian's relationship with Justin (she loves Justin, Justin is too cute for words). I feel sorry for Mel to be in a loveless relationship. But I think in S5, Lindsay will get over Brian and take her relationship with Mel seriously.
"If Justin wants golden gardenias, he should have golden gardenias!" Brian Kinney
Part 3
As Emmett turns down the second really cute guy in a row, it's clear he's serious about swearing off men for good. But he sure isn't happy about it, and seems at a loss as to what to do with himself within his community. Emmett already appears to feel "out of the brotherhood" Ted speaks about. But having no other options, Emmett continues to visit gay establishments while looking visibly miserable. This makes him an easy target for Matt, a man who no doubt haunts homosexual gathering places trolling for unhappy faces.
Even though I sort of like this storyline, I think it’s so unlikely Emmett would be the one going through this! This is so not him! I think it was a great idea to bring Christian conversion therapy as a topic on the show, but I’m not sure Emmett was the right guy for that. But then again, he is so naïve sometimes. And maybe he comes from a religious family. He is from Mississipi, right? Isn’t that in the so called Bible belt? Maybe he has a religious background that is still there.
Don't see what's wrong with obsessing about bodies, movie stars and even sex with strangers. Also don't buy the idea that Emmett and the others would really be closer to God or have a better life if they wiled away the time discussing Ibsen's plays or string theory instead.
Well, we know at least two of them (Brian and Ted) are more cultured than Emmett and Michael. We’ll see Brian discussing philosophy on S3, and Ted knows a lot about the opera, the theater and literature. Despite all that, when they’re together they only talk about men, and other amenities, when they are in the gym, for example.
This all ends with a dully dressed Emmett , looking so grim it makes him appear unattractive saying he wants to "see the light too". It might seem a bit farfetched for someone as out and proud as Emmett to be takin in by this idea.
Exactly, that’s my point.
"If Justin wants golden gardenias, he should have golden gardenias!" Brian Kinney
Emmett might not be a good choice for a hetero conversion story, but really none of them are. Most converts seem to fall into the idea that the party side of gay life caused their problems, or they have little attachment to a larger gay community and feel isolated. None of the men is this story fall into this category very well. Perhaps Ted could have worked, after his drug overdose they might have had him try to convert to the straight world instead of trying to force himself to be attracted to a less hedonistic but unfortunately also less attractive gay man. Come to think of it, I would have preferred Ted in the See the Light role more than the story line with the opera loving paunchy would be lover.
But if they had to use Emmett, they did try to lay the groundwork for his suceptability as much as possible. That is giving him a scare resulting from a few to many sexual experiences, isolating him from his friends temporarily, and his general lack of knowledge about being a straight person. Never thought about his background of being raised in an area with a strong religious influence, but that could also be a factor. Agree that Emmett is a hard sell for this role, but to the writer's credit, they do all they can to make it somewhat plausible.
It's true that despite being a college graduate, all Brian talks about are subjects that the average sixteen year old would have no trouble understanding. This even holds when he is speaking only to Ted, who probably has just as much education as Brian. Don't find this odd myself. It's a myth that most educated people want to spend every waking moment discussing the higher forms of learning.
Come to think of it, I would have preferred Ted in the See the Light role more than the story line with the opera loving paunchy would be lover.
That would have made more sense, especially after the drug overdose. As Emmett says, he cannot commit to anything. So despite his fear of aids, I was sure the see the light thing would just be a phase (as Brian brilliant puts it in the next episode). I was wondering, it would be a wonderful thing if they had put one of the characters in the see the light situation for, say, 2 seasons, so they could explore the ex-gay movement in depth. I would love to see that.
It's true that despite being a college graduate, all Brian talks about are subjects that the average sixteen year old would have no trouble understanding. This even holds when he is speaking only to Ted, who probably has just as much education as Brian. Don't find this odd myself. It's a myth that most educated people want to spend every waking moment discussing the higher forms of learning.
Yes, I agree. But I was thinking about a philosophical discussion Brian had with Ben in Babylon. A conversation between equals. Michael was there but couldn't understand a word they were saying about moral and justice. That conversation shows that Brian is smarter than most people think.
"If Justin wants golden gardenias, he should have golden gardenias!" Brian Kinney
It's true that despite being a college graduate, all Brian talks about are subjects that the average sixteen year old would have no trouble understanding. This even holds when he is speaking only to Ted, who probably has just as much education as Brian. Don't find this odd myself. It's a myth that most educated people want to spend every waking moment discussing the higher forms of learning.
I agree. But there are quite a few times throughout the series that Brian references/watches classic films, throws out quotes from literature, or expresses a philosophical opinion, and you know it's not just for show. Heck, he even gets George's Ayn Rand reference! I like that side of him. share
I agree with you, Katrina. Many times Brian showed his culture, how many people know Ayn Rand and identifies with her? And don't forget his philosophical conversation with Ben about morality and justice in Babylon, in Season 4.
"If Justin wants golden gardenias, he should have golden gardenias!" Brian Kinney
When Brian invites Justin over, the boy is quite flattered and mentions that this is the first time this has happened. Was surprised by this. Know Justin was doing most of the chasing in this relationship, but didn't think it was this one sided.
Well, let’s not forget that two episodes above Brian kicked Justin out, before that Justin was living with Brian, no need to invite him. Then Justin spent the night on Michael’s birthday. Well, they have been living together more often than not since Episode 1! Who knew that Brian would be the first one of them all to have a live in boyfriend?
It opens with a closeup profile of Brian being sloppily spoonfed ice cream by Justin's voice. The boy then moves into frame for the "ice cream kiss" so many fans swoon over.
Myself included! I love that Mies Van der Rohe chaise long. I was thinking about putting one in my living room. Unfortunately I don’t have enough space.
Justin's large legs and backside made this viewer wonder if he was putting too much weight on the comparatively sparse limbs of Brian. The writers seem to realize the picture this was creating because Justin almost immediately states that his mom thinks Brian is too skinny.
Maybe the director knew what he was doing. He wanted to show Justin as the bigger person in this situation. I think Brian was supposed to look more vulnerable because what he’s going through.
Was touched by Brian's revelation that it's okay that Michael hates him as long as he's happy. Justin's reply , "You must really love him," underscores the unusual sacrifice Brian has made for his best friend.
In the first episode of Season 3, when Brian goes to the comic book store to apologize to Michael for punching him in Mel & Linz’s anniversary party, Michael says exactly the same phrase “You must really love him” referring to Justin. I think that was intentional. Brian loves Michael, Michael loves Brian, Brian loves Justin, Justin loves Brian… For Justin, it seems clear that what Brian feels for Michael is a genuine deep loving friendship. But Michael feels threatened by Brian’s interest for Justin.
Is this supposed to mean she's too busy with Gus to run a comb through her hair? Or is it an attempt to discourage Mel's unwanted sexual advances?
I think Lindsay is tired and unmotivated. For feeling like *beep* she doesn’t want Mel to come closer.
To not have any regular transportation of his own, Michael covers a lot of ground. From the traffic and off ramps visible from the parking lot, the Big Q is obviously not in the center of town. And David certainly doesn't reside in the Liberty Avenue area. Suppose we are meant to assume Michael takes a lot of trains, buses and cabs. But it would have been nice to show him stepping off a bus or out of a cab at least once.
Something’s wrong here. Whose car was that in 105 when Michael and Deb took Justin home, after Justin ran away and came after Brian? In the episode 109, if memory serves me right, Michael says to David: “When I was driving here with my things to spend the night…” Whose car was that? In 110 when Brian calls Michael to tell him to come over immediately because he had been robbed, Michael leaves home and was at Brian in 2 seconds. There’s a car noise between the scenes.
"If Justin wants golden gardenias, he should have golden gardenias!" Brian Kinney
Golden-Gardenia,
Never thought of the fact that Brian, who is so anti relationship, is the first of the group to have a live in lover. Pretty ironic actually.
Personally wasn't impressed with Brian's chaise lounge or any of his furniture for that matter. I always got the idea that his decor was chosen not based on what he himself liked, but on what was fashionable or what would impress others. Nothing on the show tells us this, it's just the way it appears to me. And I am not impressed when others try to hard to impress.
Again, never thought of the possibility that having Justin filmed so as to make him physically bigger than Brian, as well as the bigger man in the present scenario. Still not sure I buy this, but qaf was always big on using visual cues to represent psychological status or frame of mind.
A repeat of the phrase "You must really love him", was definently intentional. This show used phrases and sometimes whole scenes over again to good effect, this was just one of several.
Lindsay looking like crap due to being unmotivated, this is a possibility.
About Michael's car trips: If memory serves correctly, the car he drove Justin home in was referred to as "The car" by Debbie. I got the idea it was either hers or Vic's or was held in common by both of them. It's possible that Michael frequently borrowed it, but if so, we are never told or shown this. I may be wrong, but thought that Michael said to David, "When I was coming here..." But it's been a while. Will have to check it out someday if I have more time and if I remember. And I never noticed the car noise between scenes, but this could easily be a cab, but again we never see it. But this is what I'm talking about. Brian and Ted both have cars. Emmett does not, but he works and plays in a very small area that's mostly within walking distance. But Michael has a job and later a home that require him to travel farther than feet will take him. Yet we rarely see how he manages this.
Personally wasn't impressed with Brian's chaise lounge or any of his furniture for that matter. I always got the idea that his decor was chosen not based on what he himself liked, but on what was fashionable or what would impress others. Nothing on the show tells us this, it's just the way it appears to me. And I am not impressed when others try to hard to impress.
I think they wanted to portray Brian as someone who loves fashion and design, hence the Saarinen dinner table, the Mies Van der Rohe chaise and coffee table. I'm convinced Brian hired an interior designer to decorate his loft. And it is fabulous. I love his furniture, I love everything about his loft, except the small closet space. For someone with so many clothes, his closet is tiny. I ask myself where he (or his cleaning lady) does his laundry. Well, maybe he takes everything to the dry-cleaner. he has a large dining table and the only time we see him using it is 1) eating jambalaya with Justin; 2) teaching Michael how to use dinner silverware, and having sex with a stranger in season 3. Never seen him cooking, so he doesn't use the kitchen. He doesn't use the living room either. He only uses the bedoom (a lot), the home office and sometimes the TV corner, where he has two beautiful Barcelona chairs, also designed by Mies van der Rohe.
I have to confess I love classic design furniture. I've just bought a Charles Eames lounge chair and ottoman, which is gonna be my reading chair. It took me forever to save the money - those things aren't cheap - but it's so beautiful, it puts a smile on my face whenever I look at it.
"If Justin wants golden gardenias, he should have golden gardenias!" Brian Kinney
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Bump
shareGreat analysis, Dergil!
Now being downright patronizing, David refuses to answer the question and presents his replacement, a clock that's uglier than anything Michael has. The man's tone and words are the very definition of condescending as he tells Michael his things are "cute like you" but that they don't belong. David then moves on to complete ass status when he proceeds to educate Michael to the error of his ways by talking to him like he's a five year old about how his stuff is cluttering up and ruining the aesthetic of this "architectural house". It's actually surprizing that David didn't pat Michael on the head at this point.
One of the main reasons I couldn't stand David was that he was so friggin' patronizing to Michael! At one point late in S1, when he returned from his first trip to Portland, he actually whistled for Mikey like he was whistling for his dog to come greet him at the door! And of course, Mikey came running like the good puppy he was!
I can't stand people who condescend and patronize!
"See the Light" convert Don is dressed just like Ty. Wonder if this is an attempt to emulate the group leader, or does this bunch really think dull clothing is the path to heterosexuality.
I noticed that, too. I sort of reminded me of the Heaven's Gate cult! share
Thank you for reading KatrinaW.
I don't remember the whistling thing but I don't doubt it happened. David treating Michael like a child or even a pet, remember the "Good boy" remark, became more and more overt as the season progressed.
It seems to be a common practice for people wanting to change to ape the behavior and copy the dress of those they want to become. But here it seems that they are all trying to reproduce the style of some unusually drably dressed straight person.