.......................Thoughts on ep 108......................
.........................Main Points..............................
Michale's story starts out with mention of a promotion that he doesn't want. But since this is tv land, a reason is coincidentally and immediately put forth. So, he's soon going after the job to help pay off his families debts. The dilemma here is that Michael must continue to lie about his sexual orientation. That there's no doubt about this comes curtesy of the tale of Helga, the possible not so lipstick lesbian Big Q emplyee who can't get ahead due to the mere suspician that she's gay. Lying about being straight to a bunch of probable bigots is one thing. But Michale takes it way too far when he brings on Tracy as his unwitting beard to impress the boss. And though he may have only been trying to spook Michael, if Andrew is to be believed, there might have been gay rumors floating around about him. So using Tracy probably did help. But just because something works doesn't mean it's right. It should be noted that Michael was planning to come clean about his private life. And his being stopped in mid sentence shows he was really going to do it. But, once again, this is tv land. So before Michael can finish, news of his promotion make the stakes too high.
David, who is the voice of reason and experience here, tries to dissuade Michael from using Tracy by reminding him of his own history of involving an innocent woman in his lies. And David makes a very good case, going into some common excuses and rationalizations used by closeted gay men who date woman. Unfortunately, it's not enough to convince Michael.
Michael's decision to go for a promotion solely to help out his mother financially is admirable. It's also admirable, if a little stupid in my opinion, that he won't take money from Brian. But he sullies all of this quite a bit when he uses Tracy to help get the new position.
Craig has gotten completely out of control, so out of control it's over the top, almost to the point of being cartoonish. When Jennifer calls him a lunatic, it's not an exaggeration. Craig and Jennifer get a surprizing amount of screen time together as we see just how at odds the couple is over his treatment of their son. During their private moments, Jennifer is openly and justifiably furious with her husband, but in Brian and their son's presence, she contains herself. Think this is very realistic, and is a fitting demonstration of how someone of her upper middle class country club upbringing would react. Certainly more believable than the raging homo hater they've created in Craig.
Also getting an unusually large amout of screentime is Debbie and Vic. For some reason these two work very well together. Have never had trouble believing any of the relationships on this show. But Debbie and Vic as brother and sister are especially convincing as we get a look at the fallout when you try to cheat the credit card companies with death but then fail to die. With the house mortgaged to the hilt and a sister who's collapsed from overwork trying to pay his creditors, Vic is feeling guilty about the whole thing. But can't help but wonder if Debbie went along with Vic's trip to Italy. If so, and I suspect she did, she's almost as culpable as he is.
Not sure why, but am inexplicably facinated with almost everything this pair says to each other. Favorites are the line,"Get out of those clothes and back in your muu muu.", and the strange intonation Debbie gives the word "Yeah" when asked if she wants chicken noodle soup.
Due to Craig's inexcusable behaivior and ultimatum to his son, Justin finds himself homeless and forced to live with Brian. This of course sits better with Justin than with Brian. Despite being where he wants to be, Justin is still upset about the break with his father. But Justin is also with Brian and takes advantage of this by sneaking into his bed in a scene many consider adorable. This viewer is a little less moved, finding it simply a bit cute. Prefer the scene where Justin has slopped up Brian's place and even has the nerve to wear his shirt around. This is so true to how a teenager, especially one as bold as Justin, might behave.
Liked the Hotlanta scene because we're witness to something that has to be unusual. Justin has actually gotten the man's attention away from Brian. This is clearly something Brian isn't used to. And it's funny to see Brian forcing a choice to lure his trick back. And when even that isn't enough, having to peacock around to regain Hotlanta's focus.
Know it's Brian's place and he can do as he pleases, but expecting Justin to just stay there and watch him with a trick is way too much. But it did net a nice conversation with Justin, Mel and Linds. Always like scenes where the girls are talking with one of the male characters, as it appears that it's the only time they seem to be given anything fun to say.
The jambalaya scene is one of the most romantic moments ever in Brian and Justin's relationship. They have partied together, they have *beep* countless times, they have gone out with Brian's friends, but sitting down in Brian's loft to eat a meal together is a whole new level of intimacy. Corny as it sounds, the first time I saw this it seemed almost magical, at least as magical as a television episode is capable of being. And it really made me think they were going somewhere with this couple. Unfortunately, for me at least, this idea would go off the rails later in the series. Despite this, seeing Brian and Justin eating two day old leftovers at his likely seldom used dining table, while giving each other looks across said table is still special. And, as I've said countless times, it remains one of my favorite scenes in the whole series. Brian and Justin eating second day jambalaya stands as a very special and quietly touching scene, even for one who has long since lost interest in this couple. Something else that retains it's charm is Brian's line to Michael earlier in the evening, "I've got somebody waiting for me". It's so surprizing not to mention moving to hear Brian of all people say this and it's one of the best lines of the season.
......................other things of note.......................
During the scene where Brian takes Lindsay and Gus along to buy a new car you never actually see Gus.
When Brian talks to Michael about what new car he wants, Michael is clearly holding his fork like a normal adult. This will change, pointlessly as far as I'm concerned, later in the series.
Enjoyed this scene in the gym. It shows Michael, Ted annd Emmette working out and talking, then the camera pulls back to reveal that we've actually been watching their reflections. It's an extra little optical trick that serves no purpose except to be clever . And while that sort of thing can get tiresome if overused, it's fun here.
Like Mel and Linds, Ted and Emmett have no story of their own this time out. Instead they are here to support and to intertain. And they certainly intertain. Liked Emmett's recounting of the better points of military school. And loved Ted and Emmett snarking on Justin over his embellished retelling of the scuffle between his dad and Brian.
Thought Jennifer's visit to Brian was mostly spot on about the attitude a mother in her position would have and the actions she would take. Leaving Justin's clothes, giving Brian a check, and the affection in her voice while she's talking about Justin's favorite movie are all so real. Also real is her churlish "No. You wouldn't.", momentarily betraying her resentment at handing her son off to a man who barely knows him. The one unconvincing part of the scene is Jennifer saying, "You seduced him. You ... *beep* him, so now he's yours". Just don't buy that a mother of her background, or any mother with the possible exception of Debbie for that matter, would use the F word is such a manner when speaking of their own son. But while the *beep* him" line is a glaringly false note, overall this scene plays as quite genuine.
Was pleasantly surprized that the red wig that Debbie wears is supposed to be a wig in the world of the show.
......................end.................................................
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Golden_Gardenia
11 years ago
Great review, dergil!
Lying about being straight to a bunch of probable bigots is one thing. But Michale takes it way too far when he brings on Tracy as his unwitting beard to impress the boss.
This is the saddest part of this story. Well, Michael had to make a decision and his priorities (taking care of his mom and uncle) took precedence. When I tend to be too judgemental about Michael I think about my aging Mom and Dad. There are few things I wouldn't do to protect them.
David, who is the voice of reason and experience here, tries to dissuade Michael from using Tracy by reminding him of his own history of involving an innocent woman in his lies. And David makes a very good case, going into some common excuses and rationalizations used by closeted gay men who date woman. Unfortunately, it's not enough to convince Michael.
Michael makes some very good points too. He has no college education, no social connections, no qualification, and worse, no ambition. Basically, he has no other way to climb the social ladder (acutally, he can enjoy the life of his rich successful boyfriend, but that's not a career). Although using a nice sweet girl as a step sound so out of character for him!
Michael's decision to go for a promotion solely to help out his mother financially is admirable. It's also admirable, if a little stupid in my opinion, that he won't take money from Brian.
Agree that Michael's decision is admirable. However, I think he is right not accepting Money from Brian. First, a certain amount of Money wouldn't help him in long term. He needs a source of permanent income that enables him to help Debbie. Brian is very generous, but I think money and friendship is not a good combination.
During their private moments, Jennifer is openly and justifiably furious with her husband, but in Brian and their son's presence, she contains herself.
Except that she bsically tells Craid to shut up.
But Debbie and Vic as brother and sister are especially convincing as we get a look at the fallout when you try to cheat the credit card companies with death but then fail to die. With the house mortgaged to the hilt and a sister who's collapsed from overwork trying to pay his creditors, Vic is feeling guilty about the whole thing.
This is something I'll never understand. How can someone spend money they don't have, counting on a possibility. This is the stupidest thing I'v ever heard.
But can't help but wonder if Debbie went along with Vic's trip to Italy. If so, and I suspect she did, she's almost as culpable as he is.
I am sure she did. I can't remember the episode she states that, but I'm positive she did. I agree that she is just as culpable.
Always like scenes where the girls are talking with one of the male characters, as it appears that it's the only time they seem to be given anything fun to say.
Me too. When they talk to each other, most of the time they are angry, or Melalie is badmouthing Brian and Lindsay defending him. BORING!
The jambalaya scene is one of the most romantic moments ever in Brian and Justin's relationship. They have partied together, they have *beep* countless times, they have gone out with Brian's friends, but sitting down in Brian's loft to eat a meal together is a whole new level of intimacy.
It sure is!! And I love that Brian declined Michael's invitation because "someone is waiting for me". How sweet is that???? I was surprised Michael didn't ask who this someone might be.
During the scene where Brian takes Lindsay and Gus along to buy a new car you never actually see Gus.
True! Never had noticed.
When Brian talks to Michael about what new car he wants, Michael is clearly holding his fork like a normal adult. This will change, pointlessly as far as I'm concerned, later in the series.
Micahel unlearned hot to hold eating utensils!
And loved Ted and Emmett snarking on Justin over his embellished retelling of the scuffle between his dad and Brian.
In this scene Ted and Emmett are holding each other like boyfriends. A prophecy, maybe?
The one unconvincing part of the scene is Jennifer saying, "You seduced him. You ... *beep* him, so now he's yours". Just don't buy that a mother of her background, or any mother with the possible exception of Debbie for that matter, would use the F word is such a manner when speaking of their own son.
Someone has been spending a lot of time with Debbie!
"I'm not antisocial, I just can't stand people." Justin Taylor
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dergil27
11 years ago
Thank you eoliver-4
Understand that Michael had to prioritize and put his family first. And the hurt he might cause Tracy would be nothing compared to the problems involved if Debbie and Vid ended up out on the street. But what michael did was still not right. A case could be made that his actions concerning Tracy, however wrong, were worth the results. But what he did would still be wrong.
David is in a better position to be open about his sexuality than Michael. But even David tried to deny what he was at one time.
Liked that Michael wouldn't take Brian's money. But a large lump some actually would have helped. Debbie was having financial problems primarily due to Vic's credit card debts from his trip. Once this was paid off, presumably money wouldn't be so tight.
Jennifer does try to stifle her husband once in Brian and Justin's presence. But she certainly doesn't speak to her husband the way she did when they were alone. And she says nothing when Craig goes off about his rules.
Think Vic was pretty sure he was going to die, with the credit card bills dieing with him. And this was a way to have one last good time. Then he ended up living. At least a couple of films, probably more, have used this same plot.
Yes, how many times do we have to hear Melanie complaining about Brian while Lindsay defends him. It could be a drinking game.
The "somebody waiting for me" line was very sweet. And it is uncharacteristic of Michael not to ask. But I'm glad he didn't. Because the finality of the line gives it more power somehow.
Wonder if the lack of a visible Gus was due to a choice or an adjustment because no baby was avaiable.
The thing is, it's actually much harder to hold your fork like a five year old.
Also noticed that Ted and Emmett looked like boyfriends. But Emmett is also very affectionate with others, so, thought nothing of it.
But don't think Jennifer was spending much time with Debbie at this point. Later in the series, Debbie's influence would be understandable. But they still had very little contact at this time.
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Golden_Gardenia
11 years ago
Think Vic was pretty sure he was going to die, with the credit card bills dieing with him. And this was a way to have one last good time. Then he ended up living. At least a couple of films, probably more, have used this same plot.
Yes, I have seen this plot before. Stupid person thinks he/she will inherit money/make money/win the lottery and goes on a shopping spree only to find out they re pennyles and in debt. Amazingly, I've never seen someone in real life do that. I don' know where they come up with these plots. That's typical American TV.
Wonder if the lack of a visible Gus was due to a choice or an adjustment because no baby was avaiable.
I think they use a real baby only when they have to.
Also noticed that Ted and Emmett looked like boyfriends. But Emmett is also very affectionate with others, so, thought nothing of it.
Yes, except with Brian, I suppose.
But don't think Jennifer was spending much time with Debbie at this point. Later in the series, Debbie's influence would be understandable. But they still had very little contact at this time.
Yes, but then again, if it's not Deb's influence, Jennifer is much less upper-class country club soccer mom than she wants to appear socially.
"I'm not antisocial, I just can't stand people." Justin Taylor
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Golden_Gardenia
9 years ago
BUMP
If Justin wants golden gardenias, he should have golden gardenias! Brian Kinney
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clofa
11 years ago
Thank you all for great reviews, loved reading them
The jambalaya scene is one of the most romantic moments ever in Brian and Justin's relationship.
I used to think of it the same way, but I feel that my opinion of it was a bit "tarnished" when fans started considering it a sign that Justin was "domesticating" Brian, which is a concept I loathe.
Craig has gotten completely out of control, so out of control it's over the top, almost to the point of being cartoonish.
It's another one of those things where the perspective depends on where you live. In my community, fathers would probably do far worse than that, unfortunately.
When Brian talks to Michael about what new car he wants, Michael is clearly holding his fork like a normal adult. This will change, pointlessly as far as I'm concerned, later in the series.
I agree! It's one of the things that make feel that "ick" factor as if Michael is a child with a clear age difference between him and David (something I don't feel with Brian and Justin, in spite of the real age difference and the fact that Justin was underage). In fact, Micheal's whole relationship with David seems "off" to me because of that disparity between them. It's like the writers/directors wanted it to be a cultural disparity but it came off wrong.
Brianwashed!
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Golden_Gardenia
11 years ago
I used to think of it the same way, but I feel that my opinion of it was a bit "tarnished" when fans started considering it a sign that Justin was "domesticating" Brian, which is a concept I loathe.
Quelle surprise!!
In fact, Micheal's whole relationship with David seems "off" to me because of that disparity between them. It's like the writers/directors wanted it to be a cultural disparity but it came off wrong.
It's somewhat a class/education difference. I think David and Michael's age difference is the same of Brian and Justin's age difference, but what a difference, considering Justin is a teenager! I think there is a family class difference between Brian and Justin. Brian's family seems lower middle class while Justin's seems upper middle class. However, because Brian is an adult who has already completed his education, has a good job, a killer loft, money, he's already climbed the social ladder. Justin, on the other hand, had some social privilege when living with his parents. He loses that when he leaves. Some differences among couples are difficult to overcome. The age might be a problem when someone is a teenager, but will disappear when the teen becomes an adult. As for class difference, it depends on how much both Michael and David are willing to compromisse. Race differences (not portraed in the show) maybe are the most difficult to overcome because the couple might experience some discrimination in every new social setting (new city, new job, new friends, as well as difficulties experienced by their kids). We still have a lot to grow as human race toward a discrimination-free society.
Brian and Justin's age difference never bothered me exactly because Brian never wanted to dominate or own Justin.
"I'm not antisocial, I just can't stand people." Justin Taylor
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clofa
11 years ago
Quelle surprise!!
Well, you know me, eoliver!
Brianwashed!
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dergil27
11 years ago
Thank you clofa,
I never considered the jambalaya scene a sign that Justin was domesticating Brian, and doubt the writers did either.
About fathers in other places being worse than Craig. Makes me glad I live where I do. But even in the United States, violent homophobia still very much exists. But for someone of Craig's social background to carry on in such a way is kind of hard to swallow.
Admit this is just a guess. But suspect the idea behind having Michael hold his fork or spoon like a five year old, was a visual representation of his childlike nature. Instead, it just made casual observers wonder if he had a learning deficiency.
Think Michael and David seem to have even more years between them than they do because of David's relative worldliness and Michael's inexperience. Also the way David treated him alternately like a pet or a plaything.
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