........................thoughts on qaf ep114 pt2 of2
.........................main points continued
Emmett's continued efforts to see the light opens on a meeting with another ridiculously stereotypical gay man and lesbian woman recounting their "success story'. Seems these two are so happy at being able to kiss each other, they see themselves as having successfully transitioned into heterosexuality and have become engaged based on this alone. It's hilarious the way the woman awkwardly waves her engagement ring in a poor attempt to imitate the way straight woman supposedly do. The idea that behaving in a manner that you believe heteros behave seems to be the mode of operation for the "See the Light" group, as Emmett and new friend Heather do some of their own hetero role playing by planning a date and exchanging arm punches. Like that the fallacy of this method is demonstrated in the absurdity of Emmett punching Heather's arm, as if even the rare straight male who did that sort of thing would do it to a girl he wanted to date. And even as the two plan a date, the passion that Heather exudes while recounting her first experience with a woman, even after it ended unhappily, shows the pointlessness of the whole charade.
The beginnings of Heather and Emmett's attempt at heterosexual sex is frankly, too awkward to be believed. The mechanics of kissing someone of the opposite sex are pretty much the same. So the idea that these two can't even physically touch lips is ridiculous. But as this is television and we don't get the benefit of a narrative, one can excuse this as a visual attempt to represent the mental awkwardness of this couple, who are not only not attracted to each other, but also don't know each other very well. But while this show overdoes the uncomfortable feeling of this event to the point of overkill, they are right on the money with the music, a bland, generic, very ordinary to the point of boring love song. And though not approving of what they're trying to do, I still admire the resolve and resourcefulness of this couple as they try to help things along by fantasizing about the perfect man and woman. Also grudgingly respect their commitment to their cause with lesbian Heather picturing the perfect man and equally gay Emmett picturing the perfect woman. We see these nude specimens of perfection leaning against the apartment walls, the man in Heather's field of vision the woman in Emmett's. This doesn't work of course, because despite their protestations and objections, both Heather and Emmett are gay. And no amount of beauty in the opposite sex will ever be enough to arouse either of this pair, so Heather and Emmett find a way around this obstacle. What follows is a stunningly inventive move forward as the pair soldier on, now with the perfect woman in Heather's line of sight, the man in Emmett's. Really doesn't make sense that Heather and Emmett could possibly invision the same perfect man and woman, but who cares.
The shift in perspective in accompanied by a drastic music change as Heather pictures her perfect woman in Emmett's place and Emmett does likewise with his fantasy male. Really enjoy the way this is filmed, with alternating images of Heather and her woman, Emmett and his man and Heather and Emmett together shot in successive consecutive cuts but with the same motion continuing from one couple to the next. The alternating shots of the three couples and the action on the couch accelerates in speed as the music also increases in pace and intensity. All this is a very unique way to portray a foreplay session when both partners would rather be with someone else. Have never seen this done so well before or since.
Next time we see Heather and Emmett they have migrated to his bedroom. Why move to the bed when couches are much better for this activity? Perhaps only !*#king in bed is another thing that homosexuals assume all straight people do. The mood is completely different now, with echos of Ty's "You can do it." replacing the music and what seems like an excruciating slow pan up the bodies of Emmett and Heather in the throes of something, but that something's definitely not passion. As the couple nears completion of their "success story", the yielding of fantasy to grim determination is evident in the awkward actions, noises and expressions of both parties. The look on Heather's face as Emmett finishes is a hard to describe mix of confusion, uneasiness, and relief, and it is hilarious. Have to say the combined efforts of the actors and the qaf crew have created what must be one of the most painful to watch sex scenes ever televised. Now this is an awkwardness I can believe. Also of note is an over the bed nude shot of both partners, giving us a full frontal view of one of the cast members. Look while you can, as such things are rare early in the series and will disappear altogether later. The only slight flaw in the scene is the mildly heavy handed ending. A ceiling's eye view shows Heather and Emmett starring up at the ceiling with worried, disappointed faces. The atmosphere is as if a balloon that was expected to suddenly pop had it's air slowly let out instead. There continues to be precious little eye contact as both exchange nervous untruths and empty, stilted pleasantries. It all ends with a profile shot of both partners still staring unhappily up at the ceiling, neither willing to admit what a lie it all is.
Some of the best moments in Emmett's story involve Ted. Early on Ted is rather tiresome as he goes on and on about not having Emmett around. One can only concur with Brian as he rolls his eyes at Ted's continuous whining over Emmett's absence. But Ted is quite a pleasure in his interaction with Melanie when he provides the woman with a friendly ear as she laments her breakup with Lindsay. In a conversation between these friends earlier in the series, Ted wouldn't listen to Mel's woes about her relationship problems. Glad to see that he's softened on this. Ted even makes an effort to cheer Mel up. which is really saying something for Ted. Think Ted and Mel's friendship is one of the most anomalist things about the show. It in no way involves Brian Kinney and presents Melanie in a different light than we usually see. But all good things must come to an end as the friends catch sight of the new straight couple that is Emmett and Heather. Like the way the action segues seamlessly from a relaxed moment between current friends to a stiff moment between former friends. But was confused by Emmett's attitude. At first he wears the same sour expression like that of a man being led to his execution that Emmett's displayed since his conversion to the straight life began. But Emmett's face brightens considerably when he spots Ted, only to become dour again when he sees that Ted's with Melanie. Are we to deduce from this that Emmett thought Ted had found himself a girlfriend? This is certainly what Heather believes. Love the way Melanie bites out the word "double" when Em's date offers to have them come along, the conversation skillfully and almost unnoticeably again, moving from merely uncomfortable to confrontational. Like that they kept the characters true to form with combative Melanie berating Em and Heather for their conversion, and the more staid Ted simply looking regretful. With sad acceptance, Ted offers to take Emmett as he is. But Emmett coldly rebuffs Ted, leaving him with only a "See the Light" card for remembrance as this scene ends on a melancholy note. Seems Emmett has not only decided he needs to be a straight man, but he must be a bigoted straight man as well.
Ted actually does make use of Emmett's invitation to come to a "See the Light" meeting. And the resulting conversation between these men makes for one of Ted's best scenes. It begins with a wide expansive shot of the large meeting room with most of the See the Lighters clustered in small groups. Like that little time is wasted getting to a more intimate shot of Emmett, Heather, the success story couple, and Ty, whose inviting Emmett to join a bowling league. Guess bowling is another thing homosexuals think all heterosexuals do. But the atmosphere changes a bit when the remaining characters are introduced in a shot of Ted and Michael at the room's entrance. The image of Ted and Michael, looking so small against the large door with much open empty space on either side of them, gives the sense they are alone, outnumbered, and out of their comfort zone. As shot over Ted's shoulder is another wide view of the room, with Emmett emerging as a small part of the whole moving out of his group to rather tentatively face his old friends. The uncomfortable, awkward, and even slightly threatening tone of this meeting is made through the camera slowly zooming in first on Michael and Ted, and then on Emmett's now typical grim face. Initially the conversation runs to mild levity with Michael remarking about the group's clothing choices, Ted fretting over his loss of a thousand dollars to Zak O Tool, and Emmett being slightly piqued that his old friends are not planning a van involved kidnapping. Far from being a diversion, this humor works well within the larger less amusing business of Ted and Michael's sad, semi tragic goodbye to Emmett. But these three are not the only people involved in this small drama. As Ted has his final melancholy conversation with an unresponsive, inflexible Emmett, there's a sudden close up showing a very concerned Ty watching this discussion right before he calls the start of the meeting.
The cut back to Ted and Michael saying their goodbyes seems to be the understated end, Michael's remark about Emmett's Liza impression forgettable. But Emmett's response that he doesn't " think God" appreciates it quite as much " is the catalyst for one of qaf and Ted's finest moments. With Ted's remark, " I think God appreciates it even more.", Em's old friend is shaken completely out of his helplessness as Emmett and Michael give him their full attention. And Ted casts something liken to a spell over his friends as he continues with " Cause he created you in his image, at least that's what I was always taught. And since God is love and God doesn't make mistakes, then you must be exactly the way he wants you to be, the way he intended you to be. And that goes for every person, every planet, every mountain, every grain of sand, every song.., every tear........., and every fa# #ot. We're all his Emmett, ... and he loves us all.", Throughout this lovely monologue, the action is kept almost exclusively between Ted And Emmett, the camera cutting between their closeups. And Ted's plea To Emmett is both touching and near mesmerizing as Ted's demeanor changes from matter of fact to more emotional. First in a hesitation between words that grows ever greater, and an increasing breathlessness in Ted'd voice as he finishes, a subtle emotional transition is revealed that lends impact to Ted's words without being overwrought. And equal to Ted's stellar delivery is the message itself, a touching statement about God's love for everyone. The words are a proclamation of self acceptance and inclusion that can resonate with even the non religious.
When Ted's amazing oralty ends, the already quiet room somehow seems even more quiet. But despite Ted's impassioned worlds, there isn't a noticeable change in Emmett's sour face as we see him in another closeup over Ted's shoulder. However, either due to some small indiscernible shift in expression, or perhaps just this viewer's imagination, Emmett does seem affected by what his best friend has said. Yet Emmett isn't ready to surrender his heterosexual aspirations just yet, as evidenced by his goodbye to Michael. Thought it was was bordering on overkill when Emmett turned his head sharply to avoid a possible mouth kiss from Michael, and it was the most jarring almost false note in the whole scene, but it did make the point. But here again, there are more than three people involved in this situation. The listening of others comes across in foreground /background combined shots. First is a foreground of Heather starring straight ahead but obviously paying heed to the conversation behind her while revealing nothing of what she is thinking. Not so for Ty, who's clearly distressed face is looking right in Emmett's direction as he nervously calls the meeting to start. Events take a sad, defeated turn as Ted and Michael silently and sorrowfully walk away from the meeting, their backs to us. This somber feel is continued with Emmett, now presented in an individual full body background shot. Though his face is mostly hidden, Em's downcast head and drooping posture betray his conflicted state. In the foreground of the same frame is Heather, waiting in the continuously held shot as Emmett tentatively meanders his way back to the seat beside his new "girlfriend". The aura of frustration and confusion is underlined with Emmett exchanging wordless uncomfortable looks with Heather, while Ty is imploring the pair to share their success story. Like that except for one quick shot of the group leader, you only hear Ty's voice as the camera is continuously kept on Heather And Emmett, giving a powerful and relentless look at their discomfort. Also heard but not seen are the murmurs of the group as they await the couple's report, whose persistent disquiet is evident in both party's continually unhappy expressions and Heather's agitated nonstop coffee stirring. The scene ends as the group goes quiet with anticipation, as Heather and Emmett look at each other in uneasy silence.
There is very little to complain about and much to like in Ted and Emmett's "See the Light" scene. But some elements stand out as favorites. Early in the scene, having a bit of comedy within a decidedly uncomedic conversation was an unexpected treat. And a wonderful balance is achieved between genuinely funny dialogue and not so funny goodbyes that allows for some amusing moments that don't compete with the main point of discussion. Also appreciate the transformation during Ted's short soliloquy from hopeful statement to empassioned but controlled plea. And the decision to convey Ted's deep concern and conviction towards Emmett in a retrained quiet way is far more effective than a highly emotional display that might distract from the heartfelt words. But favorite among my favorites was the realism of Emmett being virtually paralyzed after hearing Ted's words, no longer able to commit to his cause but unable to change course. Persuasion is seldom instantaneous, and I like that as the scene ends, Emmett and Heather have yet to act, leaving us with the action slightly suspenseful, and unfinished.
................other things of note..............
Liberty Air? What kind of lazy naming is that? They couldn't think up a name that we didn't hear ad nauseum already? It also makes no sense. Why would a conservative airline name themselves after Pittsburgh's gay district? Such a name might be understandable if the company were centered in Washington or Philadelphia and thus have a different connotation for liberty, but it's implied to be a Pittsburgh based operation.
Have always enjoyed all of Vic's expressive shirts. But the blue and cream Hawaiian shirt he wears in the bar scene is a big favorite. The man just looks so good in these colors.
Can't help but notice that both the show's resident alpha males are wearing very dashing winter outerwear this time out. With both Brian and David in long winter coats at that. This is surely no accident.
Could more than do without Michael once again telling Justin he's living in "My room." Michael is my favorite character and even I almost feel like smacking him for going on about this still. Vic is so right when he says "Let it go.".
In the scene where Lindsay yet again hits Brian up for money, Justin takes a long look at Brian's checkbook. And the camera holds our focus on this for some time, so it's clearly supposed to be important. But I can't figure out the relevance of it at all.
David has already noticed Brian's huge roll/ interference in Melanie and Lindsay's relationship. And this is even with David being a relative outsider. Does everyone else truly not see the situation with Mel, Linds, and Brian, are they all in denial, or are they simply refusing to speak of the obvious?
Brian tells Mel he had sex with Kip twice, in the office and in his loft. Take notice of this all you "Brian has only ever had sex with Justin twice" believers. Brian himself has declared he did Kip twice. Hearing it straight from the horse's mouth should be enough for any logical person, but it's not clear if members of the "Never the same ones twice" chorus are logical people.
It really is a major oversight on my part not to notice til this point that David/Chris Potter is left handed. And it is so obvious when you watch the second time. There were several meals where David was eating with his left hand, he even hit Brian in the face with his left.
The almost complete cast change at "See the Light" meetings was a bit jarring. Seemed odd that nearly all the members of the group are different save Emmett and Ty. Not only is Matt missing, but also Ty's incredible wife and Ginger of the ugly shoes. Don't see why they couldn't round up at least some of the same extras even if a bit of time has passed.
Notice that not only is dowdy clothing a requirement for members at the "See the Light" meetings, but plaid seems to be particularly highly recommended. Emmett's shirt, Heather's skirt, the two men seated to Em's right and Ty's collar all sport the pattern.
Good to have Cynthia back. A whole prior episode devoted to Brian's work without her around just seemed so wrong.
Pleased with the generous amount of full frontal male nudity. In this episode alone we get a good look at Emmett's perfect man, a quick peek at Emmett himself, and a few glimpses of one of the dancing boys at Babylon. Don't know why one of Babylon's go go boys is nude, but am perfectly fine with it.
This is the first real good dose of snowy backdrops, something that will become a frequent motif of this show. This would be even more frequent as the series went on, and began filming almost exclusively in the fall and winter.
It is disgusting beyond words that political correctness in this country has gotten so bad that one has to cloak innocuous words as though they are obscenities. Seems that free speech is allowed only for some.
...................end pt 2 of 2.................................
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