Listen as Lisa and Ken talk.... for a LONG TIME... about OMG IT'S THE CABIN EPISODE! IT'S THE PATTI EPISODE! IT'S THE CABIN EPISODE! So much to unravel in that cabin - what are you doing Patti? Ugghhhh... baldy. And is The Leftovers predicting our future with freaking Yeats poems?! Also discussed: True Meg coming out, Nora throwing extreme shade at Lori, Trouble is not just a game under the bed and guess what... NO ONE IS OKAY, JILL!
Listen to this monster-huge episode of TV is Awesome here:
Listen to the new episode where Ken and Lisa discuss the awesome relationship between Jill and crazy Grandpa Kevin, Nora and Kevin's 5th date (!), Springtime means hanging out in fridges, the importance of National Geographic magazines (specific one) and Christine is not the only Baby Mama! Also, WAKE UP KEVIN!
You guys... it's THE NORA EPISODE! Listen to Ken and Lisa discuss all the things their brains forgot from first watching. So. Many. Things. We bet you forgot, too. A Slayer song during the shooting scene, WHO Did This Signs, Lucky Charms, non-FDA approved pills, martinis, let's go to Miami... something something about Tommy and Christine...and more!
In this installment, we discuss THAT scene with Gladys *shocked face emoji*, creepy woods, Patty talks!, Lori has a breakdown (but finds the bucket of whistles wicked fast) and Keven's ongoing issues with technology, which this week involves the nicest dry cleaners in town (well, they were).
TVisAwesome is back and better than ever! Man, I love this blog. But my former format, while awwwwesommme and thoroughly rewarding, was a lot of work. A lot. SO now we are entering TVisAwesome version 2.0: same awesome, now in bite-size bits! Sometimes, like this entry, I'll go a little longer. But I envision some fast blast entries just so I can get some things out into the world. Let's see how this goes. (Ed. Note: Now that I have re-read this entry, I see that it is exactly like everything I've ever done. So bite-sized versions will be soon, rather than now. Carry on.)
Oh my god, they're still walking.
I watched the last four episodes of TWD all in a row last night (yeah!). And here is what's clear: while still amazing, wow was it getting sluggish and dare I say, boring? I'll tell you how I know some parts were slooowwww: I WAS FAST FORWARDING THROUGH PARTS OF THE SHOW. I never thought I would say those words. But there I was, with my finger on the button, saying to myself "yup, still walking on the tracks... still walking on the tracks." Good grief, enough of the character development! Let's move some things along here! Having said this, some of the backstory has been good: Carl is growing before our eyes and we needed to see how his emergence into adulthood would transpire (typical teen angst + pudding, evidently), and the Michonne flashbacks were interesting and... let me check. Nope that's about it. We already know all about Daryl and his history and he's a tough guy with a warn heart yada yada yada. We already know that Beth-girl believes that people are good, or some bullshit. The entire episode about Bob (we don't care about his back story - fast forward) and Maggie and Sasha could literally have been 10 minutes. I guess we learned some new stuff along the way, like peeps going to D.C., a gang of ne'er-do-wells roaming around and of course, Terminus.
Bad. This is really, really bad.
But I change my tune when we get to last week's episode: the entire episode was a masterpiece. A devastating masterpiece. Slow? Maybe. But the layers of what's happening in this episode blows away any "let's just live up high somewhere" or "Daryl, y u so ornery" back-and-forth from the previous episodes. This episode painfully exposes where everyone's mindset is now. In a nutshell, the world is shit and there are no easy answers and sometimes the people are scarier than the zombies. Mika is very certain that she can kill walkers but not live people. "Never" she says. Carol says "but what if they're trying to kill you?" Damn fine foreshadowing if I ever saw it... in two ways: poor Mika gets killed in the very way Carol was trying to warn her about, and Carol has to do what Mika said she never would. Excruciatingly well crafted, this episode was riveting and I cried so hard for so long, I could barely see by the end. The opening scene, with it's idyllic kitchen setting and lace curtains, offset by what we learn is Lizzie playing with her friend Iwanto Eatu, was so jarring that I rewound it twice (I was sure I had missed some type of context for this). By the time we get to that actual scene in the show, all bets are off with Lizzie. But nothing could prepare us for the actual sight of Lizzie, hands dripping with blood, a stabbed and dead Mika behind her, and baby Judith on a blanket. She is one messed up little girl, and we all know what has to happen. I suppose the part Tyrese plays in agreeing with Carol that Lizzie needs to die (because "she can't be around people") somewhat lessens the second blow to him that day: when Carol reveals that it was she who killed his love Karen. As Tyrese says, Carol feels the heaviness of what she did and it will be with her forever. (We know this awareness is a recent development for Carol - that she only feels the full impact of her actions now that she had to kill Lizzie). In one of the best, most poignent scenes of the year, over puzzle pieces and a gun, Tyrese forgives her.
Can't stay here anymore
The struggle of finding normalcy in this screwed up world is an ongoing theme with TWD, and ever more so this season. What I find interesting this season is how the show continues to demonstrate that pre-zombie normalcy (this idyllic little house, the house where Daryl and Beth were (normal for Daryl), the funeral parlor, a place up high for Sasha, even the great set up at the prison) is ultimately unattainable. Which I get. But for some reason, it's almost like the desire for normalcy is pitted against the desire to be with other people. Like it's one or the other, and somehow the people win out. Sasha voices this most clearly: "what the hell are we doing out here? Let's just find someplace up high and find food and forage, etc." Why is that a crazy idea? The show itself seems kind of inconsistent in what it thinks, too. In the most insane debate, Bob says he needs to go with Maggie because "she's all alone," leaving Sasha... literally all alone. Um, what? In the end, I don't think the show is necessarily thinking some of these discussions through, and they're probably not trying to convey some big life lesson. They're just trying to get these peeps to Terminus. That's where the good stuff is gonna happen. I bet.
Other Stuff:
- I was just thinking of what it's gonna be like when everyone gets to Terminus. Rick told Carol she couldn't be with the group because he couldn't let her near his kids. Well, there's some irony now.
- I appreciated this Lizzie storyline for being a pick-up from the comic, although not directly (in comic, it's actually Carl who steps up and takes out psycho kid). It's pretty genius how they get some comic stuff into the TV show in different contexts and with different characters and have it make an impact.
- where's that baby? Yeah, yeah... she's probably in a backpack on Tyrese's back, but this was a long scene with no baby and I swear Tyrese turns and I couldn't see anything. Anyway, how lucky is everyone that Judith is a dream baby without colic, or hunger pains, or ear infections, etc.
- One overall thing that's been bugging me this season: While the gang was still at the prison, a really big deal was made about Daryl, Michonne and others going far and wide to scavenge, report back, etc. After the prison, with a weak Rick so you know they didn't go far, how the heck had no one been to that cafe place? how has no one seen Terminus signs before? what kind of trackers are these people? Where did they go all those months? I mean, besides the vet hospital, I guess.
I think I will start this entry by saying at the :38 mark of last night's The Walking Dead finale, I said (out loud to the room) "It's only been 38 minutes?!?!" So now that we have established that it was a jam-packed episode, let's dive in to the awesome chaos (oh, and turn your speakers up for the soundtrack).
Herd is the word
LCT: AHA! So THAT'S where that gigantic herd of walkers came from! This was such a revelation, because it pieces together a bunch of things: first, Rick saw that helicopter when he was in the city back in Season 1 Episode 1, so those damn zombies have been walking since then! Second, this means we are getting closer to potentially figuring out where that helicopter went (or where it's from, or both). This also raises the question, how long has it been since Rick woke up? Given that winter is coming (evidently) and it was hot and summery at the start, it has to be only 3 or 4 months, right?
KC: Yes, I loved how this episode started! I thought it all made perfect sense and really, it was just damn bad luck! I was so intrigued by the helicopter - I didn't remember Rick seeing it in Season 1. You're thinking it was a flashback to the time he saw it and it's taken all these months for the walkers to make it that far? Interesting: you would think they might repeat that scene of Rick seeing it the first time to remind us if that was the case, but I can still buy your theory. I guess that means they were eating Rick's horse, no? Great set up for whatever is coming up next. By the way, is this the first time we've seen events that were outside the perspectives of our characters?
LCT: I totally thought that was Rick's horse they were eating. Rick saw the helicopter and then tried to follow it on said horse, then turned and found the hoard of walkers in the street with the tank. So, maybe it's not from when Rick was there (we saw some stuff happening in downtown after that) but soon after? I don't know if we have had that "outside" perspective before, but I think they did it as a reminder of sorts as to Rick's journey. Now that he's the king.
In other news, RIP Herschel's Farm. That was a pretty amazing scene, and finally Carl is doing what his parents tell him (give that kid a cookie!) Also, ewwwwww.... zombie brains on Herschel.
KC: Poor Herschel... I'm not going to miss the farm though, good riddance (of course, they'll probably be stuck in that prison we see at the end for the entirety of season 3). So many disgusting/AMAZING gore-tastic moments in this episode. It's hard to believe this airs on non-pay channel television. Oh sad background characters who were just there to be zombie fodder. I don't remember your names, but I'm sure you were lovely people.
Total crap
LCT: Fucking Lori... never mind that all of a sudden she's crazed because "where's Carl? he was supposed to be upstairs!" (crazy eyes everywhere) and all that crap. I mean, I think I've beat that to death and I don't think there's a viewer left in the world who thinks she does even an okay job. But I wanted to leap through my TV and punch Lori in the face when Rick was telling her what happened with Shane. How dare she? HOW DARE SHE?! Yes, fine, so "she's mad at herself" or whatever... but this is unacceptable. I can't even find suitable words to express how much I hate this character. I am so sick of her and her not-watching-her-kid-driving-off-by-herself-stupid-crazy-eyes-all-the-time. ALL.THE.TIME.
KC: Agreed. Her ridiculous freak out over Carl aside, her reaction to Rick's truth telling was mind boggling. SHE GOT WHAT SHE WANTED! Bad acting and terrible writing.
LCT: I don't know what they are doing with her character. The creative team seems to defend her actions and write her into ridiculous situations... how will they ever turn that character around if they are in denial?
I need a heroooooo...
Now let's talk about Daryl... racing off on his motorcycle to get Carol with the sounds of Bonnie Tyler's Holding Out for a Hero blasting in the background! Oh wait, maybe that was just in my head. (Note: this was back when I wanted a Caryl thing to happen. Those days are long gone, my friend. long. gone. See further down for details.)
LCT: Andrea - FREAKING BADASS SURVIVOR ANDREA! (insert Destiny's Child here). I kept telling her to climb a tree, but now I'm not sure that would have helped because, you know, those things walked all the way from downtown Atlanta, so they're not gonna let a little thing like a tree stop them. So she ran, she ran so far away... and then whoooopah! HOODED AWESOMENESS with 2 chained walkers (with no arms, and no jaws) and a machete! For peeps who read the comics, you know who it is. KC - I am VERY interested to know what your reaction was to this scene. My reaction was to hit P's leg and yell "SHUT UP! SHUT. UP!" I couldn't believe she showed up right then! Also, there's this about Andrea: she doesn't know Shane is gone, she doesn't know who this hooded character is, and she may or may not know that the farm is gone. Interesing.
DayyyyyUM
KC: Go Andrea! I wanted her to climb a tree too, but then I figured that the zombies would gather around and trap her there. I was not expecting mysterious hooded figure as I've been able to avoid any spoilers. So intriguing! Does she have pet zombies on leashes (chains)? Most of the people we've met in this world are familiar types not that different from ourselves; but as we head more into dystopia land, I'm guessing we'll see more outlandish people shaped by this strange new world. I can't wait!
LCT: The final scene with the group... lots to discuss here:
LCT: Okay, when did Carol become such an asshole? Who the... what the...? What is her problem? Daryl said it best: "What do you want?" and she says "A man of honor" but she's looking to Daryl to be that person? Daryl is the greatest thing in the world for answering "Rick has honor." See, Daryl gets it... why doesn't everyone else? Never mind... I take back all my Carol-Daryl (Caryl) musings. She doesn't deserve him.
KC: I think the writers have trouble with Carol - they don't seem to have a handle on who she is from week to week (which is also a problem with Lori). I could never get behind a Caryl situation I think because I pictured more as a mother figure to him. Now, I just hate her... you need to be zombie lunch, Carol.
LCT: So Rick knew they were already infected... SO WHAT? Why is this a big fucking deal? First, I don't think he explained very well that he wasn't sure about it. He starts to say "You know how crazy Jenner was" but never really gets to plead that case before everyone is all over his shit. Also, what would it have changed? Rick says this, but no one has an answer. What would it have helped at all?
You're all infected already. Maybe. Who knows, I'm crazy.
KC: I do understand the group feeling somewhat betrayed that he didn't tell them even as I understand why he didn't. The way it was revealed was party of the problem, during a high pressure situation when everyone is just about losing their shit.
LCT: T-Dog! I like that they are making him this alternate voice, with him saying they should go to the coast. When he first said this, I thought that makes sense. I was thinking a boat would be the place to be, and P said go on an island. But now I'm thinking, none of that is good because everyone is infected soooo... it could be more treacherous in isolation? I don't know... everyplace is effed.
LCT: Very telling after all that anger towards Rick that Rick lays down the Rick Law and says like it or leave it and no one leaves. Not even asshole Carol.
LCT: Rick! RICK! Super badass RICK!
KC: Rick rules!!! Literally!
KC: By the way, really liked the Glenn/Maggie scene when he told her he loved her. Moving, I thought. It was also so wrenching to have Herschel pulled away from his farm - I actually thought he was going down with it. Love the actor and the character, so I'm thrilled he will be around for next season, at least for a little while.
LCT: With the introduction of Michonne and the very public casting for the character The Governor, Season 3 is shaping up to be epic! I am terrified of it. Absolutely fucking terrified. Full disclosure: I stopped reading the comics because of some stuff that goes down with these new characters. So disturbing. Like, couldn't-read-another-page disturbing. Who knows if they will stick to the comic or deviate, but whatever happens, it will be unlike anything you've ever seen on TV before.
...OR "We Only Kill Some Live People, and Sometimes Only When We Vote On It" ...OR "How to Raise a Sociopath in the Zombie Apocalypse." There's many a blog title that comes to mind. I could hardly watch the opening torture scene where Daryl went all Sayid on Randall, and right afterwards I said "That might have been the most difficult scene to watch on this show yet." Foreshadowing! Because now I would argue that the scene with Carl in the woods and Dale getting ripped open like a pinata were equally as difficult. A few months ago I read that the team at TWD said the rest of Season 2 was going to be much darker and more violent. Darn tootin'.
Here's the riveting dialogue between myself and guest blogger KC:
KC: Well, that episode literally ended with a bang... and it took me completely by surprise, so good for you, "The Walking Dead" creators. Poor Dale. I went from liking him in Season 1 to finding him insufferable during the first half of Season 2. But I found his efforts to convince the group that they're giving up on their humanity by killing the kid in cold blood to be pretty compelling. The confrontation scene was fantastic, and I was glad Andrea backed him even though it was to no avail. Talk about survival of the fittest - I should have known that bit was foreshadowing.
LCT: I was so surprised! Especially since there had been an accidental spoiler by AMC on their website last week that did not have to do with this at all. And I was totally bummed out. Like him or not, Dale is the voice of conscience here and a strong character. This will shake things up for real. Will Andrea now become the voice of what's right and wrong? I doubt it, but it seemed like they were somewhat setting up for that with her ultimately siding with Dale during the debate. Side note on debate: Watching Dale go around trying to muster up votes was like watching the weak link on Survivor try to gain votes to make it through tribal council. Maybe Shane's right and the new apocalyptic motto should be Outwit, Outplay, Outlast. Only here when you get kicked off you don't go to a hotel and eat a buffet. You are the buffet.
I am hearing on the interwebs that a lot of peeps are disappointed with the manner of Dale's exit on the show vs. what happens in the GNs. I would have to say that at this point, the stories are so different it's hard for me to compare. I do think Dale's death will set quite a few things in motion here on the show, not the least of which is how will Carl deal with his complex emotions regarding the fact that he could have offed that walker in the woods. That and his seemingly growing indifference to violence. And at the very least, we won't have to watch Dale and Andrea getting it on in a prison.
What was Dale doing walking away from the farm at night anyway? Was he taking a walk to get away from the killing of Randall? Was he walking the perimeter for security? Was he fixin' to leave this broken group?
KC: Dale and Andrea getting in on in prison? I'm not sorry we missed that. I was never sure if Dale's interest in Andrea was romantic or paternal on the show although it was leaning towards romantic when Dale started to become jealous of Shane. LCT, do you think killing Dale was a long term plan? I'm thinking they came up with this on the fly but it's just a guess.
LCT: First, the story lines are so different from the GNs, so the reason for Dale to be around as a character is different. I'm thinking that through this season it was becoming clear that things were going to come to a head with this whole "how do we function in the apocalypse" thing. My guess is it became evident that Dale would become a broken record if he stuck around... in fact, he was kind of getting that way in the first half of Season 2. So give him his big hurrah speech and make his death meaningful. So, I don't necessarily think it was on the fly, but I do think it came out of how the story developed this season.
Don't get fooled by that cow, Dale!
KC: Carl: Was that Carl's walker that killed Dale? What the fuck is up with that kid? Creepy.
LCT: Oh, you mean the walker that Carl taunted in the woods because where else should a ten year-old be during a zombie apocalypse? Oh yeah it was. I'd recognize those milky cateracts anywhere. I'll tell you what's up with that kid: he's watched many people he cares about munched on by zombies or shot or both, including probably his best friend in this stupid zombie world (Sophia) and he has a stupid mom who doesn't watch him. (More on parental neglect below.) We rarely, if ever, see his parents or anyone trying to talk it out or help him cope. Which is fine. But it's all "go over there" or "don't listen" or "roam freely however you choose because we 'say' stay where we can see you, but we're not really paying attention to you at all." Actions speak louder than words here, my friends. I'm not sure Rick's advice of "don't speak, just think" is helping this kid any either. In short, they are mixing up a recipe for creepy, nasty awfulness in this poor kid. He is the precursor to Randall (who took a little too much enjoyment in stabbing a walker last week): do what you need to do to survive, laws and rules are for suckers and there's a nasty thrill in killing.
KC: Lori MacBeth: she didn't do anything really stupid this week... except that she was NEVER WATCHING HER KID. I guess Rick is at fault too, but he had to, like, play executioner.
LCT: ... and judge and jury, too! Rick has his hands full. But no matter who's actually "responsible" for Carl, I am here to tell you that as a mom, my kids would be full-on tethered to me every flippin' second. Aside: I fully expect this show to incorporate a running line every week à la Perry the Platypus on Phineas and Ferb: "Where's Carl?" Cue laugh track and zoom in on Lori's crazy eyes. Lori is always stupid. She sucks.
"Where's Carl?"
KC: T Dog: when he popped up while they were waiting for the execution to happen I thought, "oh, he's still on the show?" I thought maybe he'd wandered off between episodes never to be spoken of again like Mandy on "The West Wing." And Ainsley on "The West Wing." But no, he's still around. Maybe next episode, he'll get to say something.
LCT: Oh, West Wing... sigh (looks out window, wistfully... and remembers this scene regarding Ainsley Hayes). They need to do something with T-Dog. I just hope they can give him something strong and not make him zombie feed.
KC: Andrea: I like that she gave Lori the smack-down last week, and, as I said before, I liked how she backed up Dale. Excellent character rejuvenation. I have a feeling that she'll have some good moments next week when they mourn Dale. Have we always known that she was a human rights lawyer? I don't remember it being mentioned before, but I'm sure I could have missed it.
LCT: Ha! I said the same thing... did we always know she was a civil rights lawyer? If we both thought it, I bet we didn't know. I like that they're building some back story on Andrea so her actions and words have more context. I don't think the rest of the "broken group" will necessarily turn to her for advice on right and wrong, but she is definitely finding her voice, and that will probably continue.
KC: Some fascinating questions raised tonight... really, the most important one the show has ever raised: what does it mean to be human now in the new world order? Do the rules that governed society in the world before the zombie apocalypse still apply? As much as I respect Dale's argument, the others may be right. This IS a new world: the old rules don't apply anymore, and your only choice may be simply that you must do whatever it takes to survive and keep your family safe. Dale was unable (too old?) to adapt and was therefore doomed.
LCT: I'll take this one step further and say, what does it mean to be human in the apocolypse right now? Meaning, at the start of the show these people were all thrown together and had to trust that things would work out. When they got to Herschel's farm, they had to learn to trust each other as strangers. Now all of a sudden this particular stranger is a threat. Dale was articulating this when he said "What makes us so much better?" Also, they save him from town, fix up his leg (miraculously, it seems) and were gonna let him go in the wild and now they are gonna kill him for something that might happen? Actually killing this kid locked and tied up in your barn because you saved him is way different than killing live people when they draw a gun on you. This is the genius of the show, because you feel like there should be another way. But maybe there's not. P.S. Why don't we hear Maggie saying she knows him or not?
KC: I love what you said here... it does feel like there should be another way, but I certainly couldn't think of one. Plus, like Dale also said, will killing Randall keep the other men away? Probably not. But they still can't let Randall go. As for why Maggie didn't say whether or not she knew him - didn't Randall say last week that he knew her, but she wouldn't remember him? He's willing to say anything to survive though, so who knows what's going on?
LCT: Totally agree that Randall will say anything and he did say "she (Maggie) wouldn't know me." But here's the thing: they're in the middle of East Bum and I'm pretty sure everyone knows everyone. My guess is if they asked her, she'd say no way. But what does that get us? So they can drive him out 25 miles and drop him off now? Not sure. All conscience issues aside, you know this kid is bad news. Too bad they can't kill him.
There's something interesting about watching The Good Wife back-to-back with Downton Abbey. Last week I talked about the various "Good Wives" on The Good Wife, and it would seem that is a good segue into talking about the good wives, bad wives and wives-in-waiting of Downton Abbey. For many of the female characters, the path to becoming a wife is all-consuming as well as challenging. But this marriage business might be put on hold for others as the War changes their lives.
For simplification, seemingly the upstairs characters have more than love to consider: Mary must weigh class, financial security and the future of Downton Abbey itself in her consideration of becoming a wife. However, for all this logic, love weighs on her... and us! Don't we all just yell at the TV every time Mary and Matthew are on-screen together: "tell him!" and "why didn't you accept his proposal in the first place?" and "do it for love!" This is what gives Downton its drama: the struggle between what these characters should be doing to be happy and what they feel they must do to make others happy.
Poor Daisy is also caught in this pickle with William. The downstairs crew have their own set of considerations, but (at least for Daisy and Anna), honesty and love are predominant factors that can trump anything. Sweet, naive William is off to war and wants to marry Daisy. Daisy, who does not love William (yet?), is stuck giving him a promise to wed after the war due to the encouragement of Mrs. Patmore. You feel for both William (who is off the the horrors of WWI and loves Daisy) and Daisy, who can barely hold in any lie for anyone (see: Mary's Turk, Mrs. Patmore's absent soup). Daisy is doing the honorable thing, allowing William to go off to war with high hopes of marriage upon his return. However, the end of Episode 2 sees William suggesting they marry before he goes. Drama Bomb!
Other juxtapositions of this are alive and well in the house. Of course there's Anna, whose love for Bates is unwavering to the point of saying to Mary that she will live her whole life loving him. In probably the most telling scene to highlight this theme, Mary says basically that that's their lot in life now: to move on and marry someone who is okay knowing that it won't be true love. Anna says she won't ever do that. She will live her whole life loving Bates and will never move on. (Damn that horrible, evil, very BAD almost ex-wife of Bates'. Hopefully she goes away soon.) Episode 2 also gave light to some history of "that blonde piece" Lavinia as she discloses to Mary that she did give evidence to newspaperman Sir Richard in order to save her father from crippling debt. Here is another example of 1920's English Highborn Problems... and Mary sees herself in Lavinia's actions and decides not to use this delicious information against her and Matthew's engagement. And again I must scream at my TV: "Damn you, Mary's conscience!"
While the roads to marriage are still prevalent, the world is changing and War makes for some interesting lifeplans. Sybil exemplifies this new world order in her rejection of Branson's declarations of love seemingly out of status concerns, but possibly because she is finding fulfillment in a career. And then there's Edith... where the heck does she fit in? She swings like a pendulum between cranky, spoiled brat ("my dress!" as poor Carson is having a heart attack), i.e. Old World and forward thinking bettering herself with life skills, i.e. New World. Last week we saw her using her new-found driving sKiLz by helping down on the farm. She was feeling good, feeling a part of something and that carried over into a smooch in the barn... possibly a roll in the hay?... with Mr. Farmer. Old World Edith would never, ever even BE on a farm, nevermind smooch a married farmer; New World Edith is devastated when Mrs. Farmer ends the deal. Is Edith crushed because she was in love? Doubtful. More likely it's because her raison d'etre has been taken away and she must float along again. But has the War literally invading Downton Abbey in the form of a convalescent center given her a puzzle for her puzzle piece? It must be so, since Edith has done the day to day caring of the soldiers so remarkably and quietly that everyone is stunned to hear that the soldiers give her all the credit for their comfort. Let's hope Edith has found her path and doesn't get sidetracked too quickly in this marriage business, as I am sure these convalescent officers will be propositioning her.
Now what about our penultimate good wife Cora? While being the good wife, she is increasingly asserting herself in ways that were not required previously. Standing up to both Mrs. Crawley and Violet as the true head of the household, she is finding new joy in having things go her way. However, it is difficult to watch this at times knowing that it is not all Cora's inner strength or even her own opinions for which she is fighting, but rather it is O'Brien who is leading Cora to these decisions. (Aside: what is UP with O'Brien's partnership with Thomas? What is the basis of this... is it just opportunists recognizing each other? Does O'Brien ultimately want Carson out and is plotting Thomas as a replacement? Curious.)
It is to Downton Abbey's credit that they pack so much intrigue, deep character development and plot movement into each and every episode. I think the key to the success of the show is that it is both detailed and fast-paced, and characters while being true to themselves, can evolve and adapt. I also thoroughly enjoy that while secrets are kept, just as many are shared among at least two or three characters. Lavinia's interlude with Sir Richard is quickly the topic of discussion and investigation between Dowager Countess Violet, Lady Rosamund and Mary. But as Dowager Countess Violet says, "I hate Greek drama. You know... when everything happens off-stage."
Other Discussion Topics:
- I am always riveted when seeing the unlikely but true friendship between Mary and Anna. Anna is really Mary's confidant, as she only entrusts Anna with her true thoughts and feelings. Anna is a good friend to Mary, not always telling her what she wants to hear but telling Mary her opinions truthfully. Mary is also a good friend to Anna, helping her in ways only she can (i.e. tracking down Mr. Bates!)
- Thomas. Oh, Thomas. What is going on? Did everyone smile as I did when Thomas arrives and there is a shot of the doorbells and Upstairs is ringing! Brilliant shot, then punctuated with Carson looking at Thomas incredulously walking through the door. Aside: why does Mrs. Crawley hate Thomas so much? We all know he can be vile, but why does she look like she sucked a lemon every time he is mentioned? Is there history here that I am missing?
- Poor Mr. Lang and his PTSD. In a strikingly subtle juxtaposition, it is clear there is no convalescent home for those who were damaged in the war, not physically but mentally. Where will he go now? He needs help and there's none to be had. Heartbreaking.
- Branson! What the flip?! So are we to believe that Sybil's rejection is making him more aggressive in his conscientious objections to the war? He serves up a story about a cousin, but the timing seems off on that being his reason for becoming more vocal/active against the war, since it sounds like that happened over a year ago. And Sybil caused his heart murmur only last week (<--see what i did there?). I think his plot to dump nasty stuff on the General was as much about being outlandish for Sybil than any statement he was trying to make about the war.
- Is there a better character on TV than Maggie Smith's Dowager Countess Violet? Just seeing her on-screen makes everything better.
So hit the comment section with your answers to my questions: Why does O'Brien keep pushing for Thomas? Why does Mrs. Crawley hate him so? Should Daisy marry William? Will Anna and Bates find their happily ever after? Will Mary and Matthew? Or will I have to scream at my TV forever?
Late to this party, I know... but maybe you'll still want to talk about all of the good wives of The Good Wife this past Sunday night?
The Good Wives
As much as The Good Wife is always about what's happening with Alicia, this past Sunday's episode, "Alienation of Affections" was a strong episode for Diane. In the opening scene, we get a very rare glimpse into her personal life as she is contemplating paintings in an art gallery. Enter mysterious, charming, Australian stranger Jack and things are clicking until, oh he's there to serve her a grand jury summons. "You've been served" he says with all of his charm and then walks away. Wah-wahhh... bummer. I always root for Diane finding some type of personal lasting love interest, even though the show has made it clear in the past that Diane doesn't hold out hope for this: she is married to her career; the firm is her family.
The firm as family theme is prevalent in this episode, as the firm itself is being sued for 44 million dollars as a result of legal action being taken by a couple that sought divorce years ago, and now is blaming Lockhart-Gardner for actually instigating that divorce. "Alienation of affection" is the proper term. Oh yeah, 44 million dollars will make you find a seemingly ridiculous loophole in the books of Chicago, Illinois law and hire a superstar LA lawyer to fight that you really didn't come to the law firm to get a divorce after you caught your husband with a stripper. This ridiculousness is not to say that Lockhart-Gardner's divorce specialist David Lee is above reproach. David's been known to utilize some dubious methods, bend some bendy rules and be overall smug. But he has been able to be mostly autonomous and untouchable since he brings in the highest amount of revenue for the firm. But now, everyone is on the line, as Lockhart-Gardner is set up so that if the firm is sued, all partners are personally responsible for a chunk (We Are Family!). This does not sit well with anyone, especially Eli, a brand new partner, and all sorts of inter-company fighting ensues. Diane, in a fantastic scene that really shows her fortitude, has Eli and David sitting in front of her, bickering and she tells them both that basically she's on to both of them (what they want), their behavior is unacceptable, that they will not have it better anywhere else, and no one is leaving her family. Good onya, Mother Hen.
The case, while a great showcase for David Lee's smarmy sarcasm, is also a fascinating lesson in how far will people go to protect their money, career, reputation, and hinges on one crucial piece of paper. Alicia's name is in the computer as having submitted the entire file, but this one-page legal rider signed by the client that exempts the firm from being sued (basically), is nowhere to be found. While Kalinda is questioning Alicia on the events of that day back in 2010, she asks was this piece of paper filed with the rest of the documents or separately? "I don't remember" is Alicia's answer, 44 million dollars of tears welling up in her eyes. It was a really gripping moment, and anyone would be forgiven for not remembering something from years ago. But we are all invested in this firm as a family and we feel the pressure Alicia is feeling. In swoops David Lee waving the rider signed by Alicia in 2010 that had been found in Cary's files and we all sigh a hefty sigh of relief and all is well. Right? Answer unclear. Earlier, David had dropped of a bunch of documents for Alicia to sign in regard to her own divorce proceedings and now Alicia suspects this is a newly created document with forged signatures and her own newly inked. Alicia goes to Diane with her suspicions and super-lawyer-mom tells Alicia that legally she only needs to rely on her best memory. Her best memory is that she signed the document and that she filed the document. Messy stuff this. Ultimately, it is information given to Diane from Jack that blows the case up for good, which makes for a good hero.
Meanwhile, Will still has this pesky indictment closing in on him as the State's Attorney's office (Mr. Florrick) continues their investigation into Will bribing judges. We see Will meeting with several lawyers who are all doom-and-gloom. We also see Will meeting with Diane and when he starts to insinuate that if things get bad he'll leave, Diane, nothing if not loyal, tells Will that "we will fight it together." Will goes to Alicia and asks about Elsbeth Tascioni, who had defended her against the Treasury a few episodes back. A loud cheer goes up from my couch (I'm the only one on it)! Elsbeth, as played by Carrie Preston is a fantastic character... seemingly absent minded but totally brilliant.
And she doesn't disappoint. In all her flightiness, she gets special prosecutor Wendy off their backs for a bit by leaking information to the media that Wendy is really investigating the three most honest judges for bribery. Alas, at the end of the episode, Will is served papers from Jack in his office, serving (<-- see what I did there?) to let us know that crap is hitting the Will-fan soon, and allowing us some Jack and Diane bookend scenes... is there hope for Jack and Diane? I know what they should play at their wedding.
Burning Questions
Does anyone else think that IT guy is really suspicious? I mean, besides being rude and unhelpful? Especially when Kalinda was asking him questions - very defensive. Right before Kalinda comes in to ask Alicia about the events of the day, Alicia is shown gazing at a picture of her kids, and I had a brainstorm: remember how Alicia was having all kinds of computer issues and the IT guy was working on her computer but then he messed it up somehow? If memory serves me correctly, it had something to do with her password not working, so she recruited awesome tech-savvy son Zach to fix everything. I thought that we would find out that the IT guy was getting moolah to sneak in to files under Alicia's name and password and remove documents. I have a feeling - call it TV instinct - that this will resurface somehow.
Did anyone else love Diane getting all swoony while watching badass Jack rough up a dude not wanting to get served? I have to admit, I was a little swoony myself... you know, for Diane.
Cary shows up at the deposition and is like some type of alter-ego nice Cary. His character has grown so much, this is a nice juxtaposition to be talking about a case from 2 years ago when he was hell bent and then vengeful. He's in a better place now, so he can show some grace. Oh, he's also out to get them, professionally so he can be nice now and bring down the hammer later.
...on the beach, at a fabulous "low-key" clam bake, of course. Only the simplest, most low-key clam bake ever! One that required a party planner and much electrical power.
Oh, the delicious twists and turns of last night's episode of Revenge! Before I get to the recap, I need to tell you that my viewing was less than optimal:
Poor Nolan, stabbed and tied up... I think? (No worries, new TV on the way!)
So there may have been some subtle visual cues missed. But I really doubt it.
Appropriately titled "Duress"opens to the gang sitting around a beautiful table on the beach to celebrate Daniel's birthday. Whoa! Tyler is holding a gun and is aiming at... Emily! Time jump to days earlier and we see Emily apologize and make up with Nolan. Then Nolan lets Emily know that Tyler has the whale cam (Whale Cam... possibly the name of my new rock band?) AND all the videos collected on it. Horrible, right? Not to game-runner Emily who declares, "or it could be the shovel for him to dig his own grave." Interesting... *wiggles fingers together ominously*. Meanwhile, Conrad and Victoria meet with lawyers to discuss their divorce. Among other things, we find out that Victoria was preggers when she signed that pre-nup (duress!). Here's where we get Maybe Queen Victoria Was A Commoner Once Clue #1: Conrad says "Marrying me was the best thing that ever happened to her." Back to Emily, who is now off to Daniel/Tyler's beach house to retrieve the whale cam (<-- must henceforth be said like rock star: "Whaaale Caam!") from Tyler. She finds it in his duffle bag (the Duffle Bag of Secrets and Lies!) along with, oh yeah... an empty anti-phsychotic med bottle. Bam. And if that doesn't tell us that Tyler is legit crazy, seeing him bust up the place when he discovers ""Whaaale Caam!" gone certainly does. Emily sees all of this, then tells Daniel and Ashley that Tyler is bonkers. Daniel goes to confront Tyler and comes away thinking Tyler is, indeed, bonkers. Declan lets it slip that Jack had a thing for Emily... to Amanda. Amanda does her best jealous side-glances for the rest of the show. Emily and Jack build clam bake pit on beach, she has flashback to being Amanda as a kid with Jack. Emily tells Nolan she has the "Whaaale Caam!", Nolan tells Emily he contacted Tyler's bro and he is on the way, and the GPS Nolan put on Tylers phone tells us that Tyler is on a plane to Cali. Emily tells Nolan he should stop by the clam bake because it's just friends and family and he now qualifies. Nolan is wicked psyched. Until Tyler comes in the house and stabs him! And sees "Whaale Caam!" streaming on Nolan's computer AND sees where Emily keeps her gun. And then ties up Nolan and leaves. At clam bake, now everyone knows that Amanda is back in town. Cue Maybe Queen Victoria Was A Commoner Once Clue #2: When Conrad asks Victoria what she knows about Amanda being back, Victoria says "All I see is a pretty girl with cheap shoes and limited social graces." Conrad replies: "Like someone else I used to know." Whooopah! Time for cake... Emily goes to get the cake, Tyler pulls Emily's own gun on her and walks her out to the gang. Tyler goes on a rant and starts demanding truth! Starting with "Connie", he wants to know what really happened with David Clarke. Emily and Amanda exchange looks, Conrad doesn't answer, Tyler puts gun to Emily's head and... and... Nolan shows up with Tyler's bro and cops. Good ending. Wait... only after the fact does Nolan reveal that there were no bullets in the gun the whole time, as Nolan calls Emily a true master. Also, the police find dead security dude Frank's wallet with Tyler's stuff (most likely in the Duffle Bag of Secrets and Lies) so he's going away for a long time. The show closes with Daniel telling Emily he can't imagine his life without her, setting us up for the proposal and more importantly, the tragic engagement party that started the whole series!
Now that we're all caught up, here are some things to consider:
- Is it a leap to think that Emily knew Tyler was going to show up at the party that night? In hindsight, I am thinking that since Emily saw Tyler's rage, she intuitively knew that he was not going to just walk away. She knew that Tyler would go to Nolan, thinking he had stolen the "Whaaale Caam!" back. So then she knew he might see anything that was happening in her house (since she positioned the "Whaale Caam!" on her mantle). She cleverly invited Nolan to join the party, knowing he would never miss it in a million years. But was there an extra place setting? No! With this line of thinking, though, are we to believe that Emily was willing to have Nolan die? Because Tyler could have definitely just killed Nolan instead of merely stabbing and tying him up. Also, she would have had to not believe Nolan's GPS telling us that Tyler was on a plane. Not far-fetched, since Emily doesn't trust anyone or anything. And what about the gun? I think it is a stretch to think that Emily would have known that Tyler saw that exact moment when Daniel was placing the gun in the desk for easy access (even though we know he did). But she knew he could have seen it... so she took the bullets out! Or, could we also assume that maybe she took the bullets out awhile ago, ever since Daniel found the gun? Mayhaps.
- So, what are we to think of Emily and party-planner Ashley's frenemyship? Early on, they were besties. Then Tyler shows up and woos Ashley into thinking she can partner with him for a piece of the rich pie. Now Tyler is revealed to be crazy and criminal... where does that leave poor Ash? The few scenes with Emily and Ashley lead me to believe that Emily knew Tyler had Ashley believing Emily was the enemy. Though I am not sure if now Ashley regrets it all. Will she go back to being likable, friend Ashley? Or now that she's had a taste of the other side, will she try to wile her way into the glamorous life? I like Ashley, so I am hoping they find a good story line for her (one that doesn't end with psycho BFs pulling guns at the party you planned. How rude!)
- When Conrad indicates that Queen Victoria may have had more humble beginnings, we all immediately heard the lyrics to Don't You Want Me Baby in our collective heads, amirite? "You were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar/ When I met you."
Queen Victoria as Vicki the hash-slinger? Awwww yeah.
- Shouldn't everyone have known something was up with Tyler when he showed up with The Duffle Bag of Secrets and Lies? I mean, Daniel's Harvard roommate shows up with a duffle bag? bitch, please.
What are your thoughts on the episode? Sorry to see a villain as good as Tyler go? Dying to know about how Victoria and Conrad met? Let's chat about it!
