Okay - get ready folks. This episode's gonna take us from one extreme of hilarity to the opposite extreme of pissed-off-ness....lol. Or as Baby Hiatus Fred gurgled after seeing the last scene, "That PUCKER...." lol.... I know, I know. He'll need phonic lessons before his "F's" stop sounding like "P's." (((What? Did you think I was gonna criticize him calling Brian a, "Fucker"??? After the end of this ep, that's a kind description of the asshole. hmmmm....))) Besides, I'm the one who put Fred in an OZ household, so what could we expect? lol.... King's English is certainly out.
Now on to the hilarity....
To the refrain of "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," the episode opens in artificial-insemination-ville. And before you start imagining the worst of what that could mean....we're in the waiting room of a doctor's office. The room's full of hopeful, nervous couple. Straight couples - at least two pairs, one couple I'm suspicious of - two men with a woman in the center, annnnnnnnnnd - Lindsay, Michael and Melanie. All looking soooo happy - NOT. Nervous. Let's stick with nervous. They are.... Lindz is twisting a rolled up magazine in her hands. Mel's tearing up a paper cup. Michael's watching Mel tearing up the cup with a tad too much interest, while he cups his hands over his own crotch. lol... You could take that anyway you want. He's either being protective of the family jewels. Or trying to keep his balls warm...lloll. (((What? Have you been in a doctor's waiting room lately? It's fucking freezing.))) Lindz pats Michael's thigh in support, at which point he removes her hand saying, "That could be counter-productive." lol.... (((Maybe if she'd have slipped a dildo from her pocket to stroke instead, he'd have been happier?))) He tells them not to be nervous, he'll be finished, "bing, bang, boom." Let's hope that's just a momentary response to the situation, and not how he normally responds in a sexual situation....ha. Mel asks why he's fidgeting if he's not nervous, to which Michael tells them he hasn't touched himself in three days. (((Is that the literally translation of boning up for the big day??? THUD...))) Michael's name gets called, and he POPS up (((from the chair, you pervs))) and says "Present" like a good schoolboy. Lindz and Mel are know flanking him like happy lesbian bookends of love. The we-have-faith-in-you look on both their faces.... They both hug him from either side, kissing his cheeks and saying they love him. I.E. - making him look like stud of the millennium to all the other people in the waiting room. (((And I'm just trying not to notice that Lindz' rolled magazine has ended up between Michael's legs, as if his crotch were the Blarney Stone getting touched one last time for luck before going off to battle....lol.)))
Michael follows the nurse into a private room, joking about each item he's handed. The specimen cup - "Bit optimistic aren't we?" - regarding the size of it. Nurse is rolling her eyes, like - yeah that's the first time I've EVER heard that one. She hands him a tissue box. He mentions how considerate they are since the tissues have moisturizing cream inside for "added softness." She points out the lube and the dirty magazines. Telling him the January "Hustler" is, "nasty." Then proceeds to not lay on the pressure by adding would he please hurry and make it quick since the office closes at five. M: "Well, hopefully we'll both get off by then." lol... She leaves, and Michael picks up the magazine - flipping through and says, "not a dick in sight." He throws it down, and gets grossed out by the female reproductive system models on the counter. Goes and unzips his pants, sits down and starts rubbing himself with his eyes closed.
Backstage at Ethan's BIG competition. He and Justin was walking passed the other contestants. Ethan's so nervous he's about to jump out of his skin. Cute moment as Justin asks if Ethan's nervous, and Ethan makes a Jeopardy reference by saying, "I'll take 'Questions Whose Answers Are Painfully Obvious' for a hundred, Alex." Justin plays along, "This devastatingly handsome violinist dazzled the judges at the semi-finals and consistently takes Justin Taylor's breath away." E: "Who is Ethan Gold?" They kiss. Ethan says Justin's his muse. He tells Justin that since his grandfather was too sick to travel, Ethan was wondering who he was playing for. Ethan's told he's up next, and he asks Justin to stay back stage where he can see him. "I'll be playing for you." Another sweet moment, when Ethan turns to look out on the stage and he hugs Justin's hand in his own - over his heart. Kissing Justin's hand twice, Ethan goes out on stage. And we get beautiful lighting on Ethan as he plays - Justin lit in blue (((hmmmm....))) lights off to the side watching.
The shot of Ethan playing and Michael....uhmm hmmm, playing with himself - lol. Start to get intertwined here. Quick cuts from one scene to the other. We see Ethan playing in a whirl. Michael's getting more and more frowny. As the pace of Ethan's music gets faster and faster, so does the jerking of Michael's hand.
Cut to two men kissing passionately on Liberty Avenue, being interrupted by a smiling PFLAG-paraphernalia covered Debbie asking them both to register to vote. They just walk away. And as she gives out a political responsibility speech, Vic comes over saying, "you tell 'em, sis." They have only signed up 10 new voters between the two of them. As Deb's complaining that the guys should be worried about more than getting their dicks sucked, Brian shows up saying what about a rim job or good old fashion fuck. lol... Deb asks when's the last time Brian voted, and he makes a joke about some contest at Woody's. Vic tells Brian that voting's serious business. Deb's angered by Brian's attitude ((when is she not?)) and tells him he needs to vote because what if that asshole gets elected. Brian asks, "Which asshole?" They tell him the chief of police is running for mayor. And that he's running neck and neck with councilman Deekins - whom Deb's supporting. Brian walks off after saying, "Let me know who wins...." Deb calls out after him, "You mean you don't care?" Vic asks, is she really surprised? B: "I mean I don't give a fuck. Whether it's the Democrat who pretends he likes you, or the Republican who hates you and let's you know it - either way, once they're in office, they're not going to do a GD thing. So I say, may the best self-serving son of a bitch win. (((Yeah! And it's amazing you haven't been elected given that criteria... Course considering it's Brian Kinney, if you told him he was going down the polls....uhmm hmmm..... I'll let you finish that pun for me....lol.))) Vic almost agrees with Brian, but Deb tells him to shut up.
Back to Ethan playing frantically with a spinning camera following his moves, and Blue-Boy still in the wings. And then Michael again, pulling and not getting anywhere. Back and forth, back and forth as the song builds. (((Hal's putting on some faces that'd make you wet yourself....lol.))) And Michael's bobbing his head in time to the stroking of Ethan's bow....cute. Embarrassing, but cute. (((Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.... I can't. I just can't recap this scene without giggling. Awwwww.... THUD!!!))) Now think a minute about the editor who put that scene together, splicing all the film. Lordy, what a day at the office....lol. Ends on Ethan playing the last note. And thennnnnnnnnnnnnn..... The nurse yelling through the door to Michael, "Mr. Novotny. The cleaning crew would like to get in there. And I'd like to go home." Total dejection on Michael's face. (((But honey's - it's all in the exasperation of the nurses voice....hehe. Both she and I are surprised his prized member is still attached.))) Justin's smiling with pride at Ethan and the crowd goes wild. We see a young woman looking at Ethan like she could devour him, and an older man noticing her _expression. Ethan leaves the stage and hugs Justin.
Jennifer on Liberty Ave, in PFLAG hat, trying to drum up some more signatures for the vote - but being blatantly ignored. And since she's refined, and not Debbie Novotny, she lets the affronts go each time without confrontation. Then she sees Temmett. Em says he signed up yesterday - for strip aerobics. Ted smiles. Saying, "it's just that sort of apathy that gets the wrong man elected. I, on the other hand, have been a registered Republican for almost...." Em says, "WHAT!!!" heheh..... (((And all I can think is, honey. I knew he was a fucking Republican. How the hell could you not??? Although, I'm sorry. Gay Republican. That's just splitting tooooo many hairs. Esp. when you add in Porn Site Mogul to the list.))) Em has a great reaction. "You mean to tell me I've been living with a Yankee and a Republican?" He tells Jennifer to "GIVE ME THAT." And starts signing up to vote. lol.... (((Sorry, still harkening back to Ted's comment about apathy getting the wrong man elected....hmm hmmm. So by his own admission, his guy was the wrong man? lol.... Cause he technically got elected, but if you took the literal meaning of Ted's words then he'd being admitting the man on white-house-high wasn't technically-elected....lol. You got to love how Cowlip makes a point out of the mouth of the opposition.))) Ted mentions that he'll have to re-register once they changed their address, and Em tells Jennifer they are looking for a house. She's over joyed - and gives them her realtor card - so she can find one for them.
Back to the competition - All the finalists are lined up and the winner is announced. And it isn't Ethan....ouch. He attempts a smile as he claps for Ling Lu. Afterwards, Justin's being supportive as Ethan's agonizing about how he fucked it up. (((He's blaming the cantabile - I'm thinking it's that he wore blue jeans on stage under his dress coat and shirt....lol.))) He says he could feel his fingers tightening up. Justin says it doesn't matter, that Ethan's still wonderful. They hug. They start to leave, but the man from the audience stops them. Says he's, "Glen Bishop, Artists Management Associates." He shakes both their hands and Justin introduces himself as "moral support." The guy starts laying on the charm REAL thick. Saying Ethan's got talent, passion, virtuosity, presence, and a great look. The guy offers to buy Ethan a drink so they can talk. Ethan, "you buying for my boyfriend too?" Bishop doesn't even blink an eye, saying of course. They all head out.
Ok - Very funnnnnnnnny scene. One I'm sure the cast enjoyed doing. Liberty Diner - Michael's sitting at the booth with Brian. Talking about how impossible he found the whole situation at the clinic. How nerve wracking it was knowing there were straight people outside the door waiting for him to get off. Brian's of the opinion that Michael should have left the door open and jerked off for all to see. Michael gives him a look, saying not even Brian would have done that. Brian agrees. Saying he went to a sex club to jerk off when he was doing his donating for Gus. When Michael says how could he go THERE, Brian basically says - what, like looking at a woman's spread legs in a magazine at the clinic's any better? Deb comes over with their orders, "Who said hold the mayo?" Brian points to Michael, "That would be Mr. Miracle Whipper." Snicker....snort. awwwww.... Michael grimaces as Deb gets allllllllll excited and asks about his big event. (((The level of embarrassment has now risen to the absolute brink for Michael as she goes into every possible aspect of his masturbation technique....lol.))) Brian's no help. He tells on Michael, so Deb knows Michael couldn't get it up. lol.... M: "Nothing happened. First obligation to being a father, and I blew it." (((Uhmm hmmm, no you didn't - and that's the point. hehe...))) D: "Well, don't be so hard on yourself." B: "I wouldn't mention 'hard-on.'" Deb says it's natural, that he had performance anxiety - as she nods her head in agreement with herself, asking Brian, "Right, Brian?" He shakes his head, saying, "never heard of it." She throws Brian a dirty look....lol. As she continues in loud voice, the guys behind Michael start looking over their shoulder at the conversants...lol. Deb's saying in a cold environment like that, who could get a stiffie. Michael looks like he wants to die. Brian's raising his hand....lol. The ever helpful Dr. Ruth...uhmm hmm, I mean Dr. Deb asks why doesn't Michael get Ben to pull it for him..... Awwwwwwwwwww. THUD. Michael's who's at death's door now, desperately asks her to, "please stop?" D: "We're only talking clinically." M: "We're not talking at all." D: "Fine, handle it yourself." And Brian comes in with my line, "He already did." Michael breaks, yelling, "Shut up! You know what? I don't know why everybody in Pittsburgh needs to know my business, and feel free to comment on it. I'm going home, to whack off. And that's the last anyone needs to hear about it!" Snort.... Only by this time, he's standing (((or is that grand-standing???))) in the middle of the diner with EVERYONE there looking at him in dead silence - having heard every word. Deb and Brian are looking up at him with BIG eyes....lol. Michael kinda freezes, looks around and then quickly leaves.....heheheheheh.
Glen - Talent Representative - Bishop is talking up Ethan as the three of them have drinks. He's trying to get Ethan as a client. Mentioning bookings, recording contracts, tours, etc. Saying that he can sale Ethan. Due to the look, and the talent. That people nowadays want what Ethan's got. Sex appeal. Justin says, "is that why you're interested in him? Because he's cute?" Ethan laughs. Bishop says Ethan's a talent he can sale. E: "So I'm a commodity." Justin leaves to go to the bathroom, and Bishop says he's a nice kid. Ethan says he's also a talented artist. Then Bitch Bishop lands his Big Bomb. (((Alliteration to the left of us, alliteration to the right....))) Says that if Ethan signs with him, Bishop doesn't ever want to see Justin again. At Ethan's shocked, "What?" Bishop says, "As far as your professional career is concerned, he doesn't exist." THUDDDDDDDDDDD..... fuck...
Political Fund Raiser for Police Chief Stockwell. Gardner Vance has brought Brian along to smooze for clients. He's pointing out all the possible contacts in the room. But Brian gets sidetracked by a guy who gives him the eye. (((Are we surprised??? Award banquets, political shindigs....is there anywhere where Brian's not hooking up these days???))) Gardner lets out a tidbit that everyone there's donated $5,000 to Jim Stockwell's campaign. So that would include Gardner's Agency.....ouch. lol... Gardner implies that since he paid "a shitload of cash" to get them in there, that Brian better pay attention. B: "For which I am eternally grateful." He leaves in the direction of the eye-giving-guy. (((BTW - Brian's the only man in the room that's not wearing black.))) Cut to the loo.... And Brian nailing the guy in a stall. (((QAF repeating itself....tisk tisk. He's already done this at his ad agency in season one.))) But.... once they are done, in walks Jim Stockwell. (((Yes, I know it was a way of getting a Brian-shag moment and getting him into the proper place to have some alone time with Stockwell - but come onnnnnnnnnnnn. He could have just had to pee and accomplished the same thing. lol... Moments like this, you have to wonder if Gale Harold looks at his script and thinks - okay, ass-crack scene of the week, here I cum.....THUD.))) Brian makes quite the impression, by not being impressed...lol. Saying that with all the money Stockwell's getting, he should be out in front and not trailing Councilman Deekins in the polls. JS (((Jim Stockwell))) says his advisors assure him that he's in a good position to take over the lead. B: "Your advisors are blowing smoke up your ass." He adds that he's not a supporter, just an ad man trying to drum up business amongst JS's rich/powerful friends. JS seems to appreciate the honesty. Blunt honesty at that. Brian gives the man his card...then exits. (((The road to hell is paved not in good intentions, but the desire to sale your talents to the highest bidder - or so I get from Brian Kinney-philosophy. How, noble....uhmm hmm. Remember this kiddies, when you see how the episode progresses....)))
5:30AM - Ben's about to leave the apartment to go to where???? Do I even need to say??? The....gym. That's right. Apparently he's got an 8 o'clock class so he's going realllly early to work out. (((May I add that I would NOT want to be in his class this semester.... Talk about grading on a curve....ouch. He gets pissed off, and the whole class flunks.))) Michael's all sleepy and half awake, asking him to stay just for a minute. To help him give a donation to Lindz and Mel. A cup of love.....ewww...lol. He's saying that Ben's so hot, it won't take long. And Michael says, it's important to him to get it to Lindz and Mel as soon as possible. Ben flips the steroid switch and snaps in anger, "Well, it's important to me that I get to the gym as soon as possible. 'Kay, I have to go." And he storms out, leaving Michael staring after him in shock. (((And definitely no longer in the cup of love mood....)))
Ethan and Justin walking through the park. Justin's questioning why Ethan's been so quiet, saying if it were him, he'd be telling everyone, "My boyfriend's gonna be a star." Which he does to a passing cyclist - who lets out a, "Great," as he rides by....lol. Ethan admits the problem, that he'd have to play straight. Justin thinks that's fucked, and Ethan says it's all about the image and album cover rather than his talent. Justin asks, "So where does this leave us?" Ethan: "Together, 'cause I'm not signing." Justin: "Are you sure? It's your big break." Ethan: "It's also my talent, my hard work, my life, my decision....my boyfriend." They kiss....
Brian's office, Chief Stockwell in attendance. Along with all his smoke-blowing ass-kissing advisors. Brian comes in, and repeats to the advisors that they are pissing away their money. One of them asks what's Brian's experience on political campaigns. He admits to not knowing a thing about it. Brian says JS is a product that no one's buying, and he knows how to sale him. The advisors think that makes JS sound like a box of cereal. Brian says that's exactly what he is. When the lady starts going into JS's history of upholding the law and moral fiber of the community (((words that should have been red alerts to Brian if he had not been tuning them out))), Brian asks, "would you mind sparing me the bullshit rhetoric?" JS asks what will make him sell, to which Brian says, "something that will make you pop."
Okkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk.....for any of you Madonna fans. (((Come on, people. Think about my audience here??? lol....))) This next scene is underscored with the same song she lip-syncs to in "Swept Away." You know ... in the guy's fantasy of how she should sing, rather than the bad reality of her character's terrible singing voice...lol. "Come on to my house, to my house. I'm gonna give you candy...." Multiple shots of various neighborhoods. We see Jennifer showing a new house to Temmett. One that's being foreclosed on due to the owner's bankruptcy and would be a steal as well as a good investment. (((You can already tell that Ted adores it.))) In fact, he wants to make an offer right away. Em's not so happy. It's all too spartan and cold to him. Ted asks if Em loves it. E: "Love's a strong world. It's not exactly my dream house." He says he's picturing a place like this....and we see him literally walk from one house into another without a break in the frame. Cool.... It's a house built in the '40's...very nice to my mind. Hard wood floors, great woodwork, brightly painting walls, a fireplace and stained glass windows....sigh...lol. Jennifer does add in a gentled but honest voice that the bathrooms and kitchen are original to the 1940's too...lol. I.E. - Bad. Em's enamored with the white picket fence outside. And the rosebushes. Ted hates it. Says it needs new plumbing, wiring and a new roof. That it would cost a fortune to renovate. And as they get into their "I like this one" argument - we see Ted in his house of choice and Em in his house of choice. The frame is split between the two of them as they argue back and forth...lol. (((I'm adoring all the innovative camera angles, setups, etc. that we're getting this season. Very nice....inventive.))) They eventually both turn to Jennifer and ask what she thinks. And like a good realtor, she gets out of answering by saying she thinks they should talk it over.
Liberty Diner - Deb's loaded Lindz and Mel down with food they didn't order...lol Saying, "shhhh, you're family now." (((See, she's already stuffing their faces....when's the head slapping going to begin???))) Then she overhears Mel saying that if Michael doesn't come through, they may not be. So Deb asks what's up. They say they are under a time crunch, but Deb assures them that as a gay man - Michael will be jerking off three or four times a day. (((NOT...))) The girls just say that there's only a three day window of opportunity. And then Brian shows up with a campaign poster for JS, asking if he can put it in the Diner window. Both Deb and Lindz tear into him for working for the devil, but he says he's not selling his soul, just, "billing for time and expenses." Mel adds that anything he does for JS is just hurting all of them. Deb gives Brian his coffee, "piping hot. Here, scald yourself." Justin comes over and Deb shares the news about Ethan's decision with everyone. And Brian has to add before leaving, "Someone should tell him there's nothing noble about being poor." And takes a sip of the coffee, gasping out as he does indeed scald his tongue (((having forgot in his moment of grandstanding that he'd been warned about the temperature from the start....lol.))) All of them laugh at his expense, and Deb says, "Opps..."
Ted's office, monitors of jerk-offs - literally - are all around. And Michael's there spread out on Ted's couch acting like he's at a shrink's office as he regales Ted with his problems. He's saying that jerking off used to be fun, but now it's an expectation. "How the hell are you supposed to come on demand?" At which point, the guy behind him in whack off booth number what-ever, does just that. Ted laughs, "Trust me, it can be done." (((Have any of you noticed that Michael's using a blown up penis as a pillow??? snicker...))) Ted says Michael's creating a mental block, that he should relax - ease into it - (((or turn to look behind him, as a certain someone told me last night...lol, instead of looking at Ted))) or let Ben help him. Michael says he's tried that, but that Ben practically bit his head off. And just then, in walks Lenny Kravitz in a gray spandex costume with shortie shorts and a rip across the middle - wearing a mask. (((Ok, ok, so it's not Lenny Kravitz....just a spot on good imitation of him, you have to admit.))) This guy's TALL, imposing, and has a jock the size of uhmm hmm....well, never mind. lol... He's Ted's latest discovery. And can you guess the inspiration???? That's right...."Rage." Ted calls him, "Raging Hard-On" - his new Super Jerker. The mask, the ripped costume - now you get it. The dick too....lol. (((Since we all know Ted's at least seen it when he "sorta had sex" with Brian all those years ago.))) Michael starts watching the man touching himself, jacking off - and he gets veryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy hot under the collar. Gruffly, he asks Ted for a cup...lol. Ted manages to find one, and offffffffffff goes Michael.
Next we see, to the turn of "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" again, is Michael running through the park, as he huddles his prize under his jacket. He gets to Lindz and Mel's, bangs on the door and we see Lindz running down the stairs to get the prize cup...lol. As he gives it to her, she rushes off after a kiss to the cheek - not sticking around to hear that Michael almost didn't make it because some guy in a pickup truck almost hit him....lol. She shuts the door on him (((snort))) and runs up the stairs - holding the cup between the tips of her fingers....lol. And Michael yells out a good luck through the door as he's hyperventilating on the front porch. Lindz gets to Mel in the bedroom, and they both take a peek at the .... well, they both take a peek. Michael should be proud to know that Mel's first comment was, "Whoa, there's a lot of it." lol... Lindz, "We knew he was generous. Now quick, get your legs up." THUD.... Mel gets on the bed, but forgets to take off her panties. Lindz reminds her, as she's filling the injection tube. M: "We're making a baby. A life." Once they are ready, Mel says to wait a minute. "We need to experience this moment," not rush it. They take a breath, say they love each other and kiss. Lindz asks if Mel's ready and she says yes.
Brian and Michael walking through the park at night. Michael's excited about what's happened, but says he needs a night at Babylon to stop thinking, "about pussy." Brian laughs. Michael wonders if it all worked, and Brian says, "The old turkey baster's put more than one bird in the oven." He sees he's run out of cigarettes, so he tells Michael he'll meet him at Babylon. Next thing, we see Ethan's playing for cash. Brian comes up. (((And like the advice he gave to Emmett in regards to the Grandfather clause, we're all ears to hear his latest bit credo....the "pucker" - as Baby Fred would say. lol...))) He tries to put money in Ethan's case, but Ethan refuses it. Brian says he needs the money, since he's playing on the streets like any other whore. Ethan says he's not a whore. (((And I'm thinking, DAMN - was that the pot calling the kettle black. "Whore" is exactly what Brian Kinney could say about himself. Ohhh, but wait. He's not a whore, right? No, he's a slut. Sorry for this brief segue, now back to the action.))) Brian says oh yeah, "they peddle their asses, you sale your music - forgive the _expression, your soul." (((And you don't sale your talent, Kinney? Oh, but you do. I just forgot that it's all about doing it in the right market - the most money. Maybe you are the whore. A professional whore and a personal slut....lol. Said with true affection.))) Ethan's pissed, saying what does Brian know about it. Brian says he knows how Ethan must have worked, how much of himself he's poured into developing his talent - but who's gonna hear him now? (((He's only 19, this ISN'T the end of his career. Only the beginning....but whatever...lol.))) Ethan asks why Brian, "gives a shit?" B: "Because you deserve to be heard." E: "They wanted me to sale out." B: "You should do it." (((After all, Brian has....let's all go down in the ship together.))) E: "Why, so you can get Justin back?" B: "I don't want him. I just hate to see someone holding onto their integrity for no good reason." E: "I'd expect you to say something like that. You probably would have played for the Nazis too." B: "If it had kept me alive for one more day, you're GD fucking right I would. (((That's a wildly different context, but ... sigh.))) All they are asking is for you to play their game, if you're smart you'll learn to play it to your advantage." E: "I'd rather work the street, thank you." B: "It's your call, but there's nothing noble about being poor." (((Last comment - and I know I've gotten more than a bit opinionated with this scene - all Brian sees through in this argument is the change not to be poor. It's not about being poor. It's about being true to yourself and those you love, about loyalty. Saying no to one deal, doesn't dictate your life. It's a choice and a path, but not the end.))) He walks off....
Babylon - With "I'm a Barbie Girl, In a Barbie World" playing - as well as a fullllllllllll stage production of Barbie and her men, dancing to the music. Who knew Barbie worked out that much??? Maybe she's spending too much time with Professor Bruckner.....hmmmm.
The boys are at the bar - Brian, Michael, Temmett. Ted and Em are telling about their house choices...and finally Ted says that he knows Em loves the house, but that dreams aren't "practical." (((This from the man who threw away his career to follow his dream of starting a porn business...hmmm.))) When he starts in on property values again, Em stops him. Saying that if being practical will make Teddy happy, they will go with the house that Ted likes. "Now can we please, please talk about something more pleasant?" He turns and sees some twink being carried off the dance floor. Michael says isn't that the second O.D. of the night? Ted says must be a bad batch. Brian: "Or some dumb kid who should know not to take candy from strangers." M: "It never changes, somebody drops. We don't know if they are dead or alive, and nobody misses a beat. The thumpa-thumpa goes on." Em goes right on with the gay-thumpa-thumpa by asking if anyone wants another Cosmo. Brian's walked off, btw. And in comes Ben, kinda tentative with Michael as he apologizes. "Hey, baby." He says he was missing Michael. He rubs his forehead against Michael's hair in apology, and asks, "You still love me?" Michael of course does. Ben tries to take Michael off into a dark corner to make out, but Michael says, "I'd love to, but I promised Mel and Lindz I'd bring them another load." Ben instantly explodes! "Since when do these fucking lesbians control our lives?" M: "It's only for a couple more days." B: "Forget it." He storms off, but Michael goes after him. M: "What the hell's the matter with you? Everything pisses you off nowadays, especially me." Ben just glares at him, then turns and leaves. Just as Michael turns around, another twink - number three - collapses on the dance floor.
Gardner is telling Brian does he have any idea the doors that would open for them if Stockwell would elected? That they could open their New York offices with that kind of clout and money. Cynthia tells Brian his favorite client's in his office. Gardner says couldn't he have called first. Brian says he doesn't have to. They both go in, and Brian introduces Gardner. Stockwell says he believes he's "found something that'll make me pop." And he puts a paper in Brian's hands, that has the overdoses at Babylon the night before as front-page news. "Five Teens in Hospital after Club Overdose." Brian glances at the article and then gets this "oh shit" look on his face before he plasters on a smile. (((See, billing for time and expenses with the Devil can still get you bit on the ass....lol.)))
Justin home with Ethan, who's got candles all over and is pouring expensive champagne for Justin. It's a celebration of he and Justin, "being together, no matter what happens." Course he didn't add that last bit in until after Justin had already taken the toast swallow...lol. Ethan says he's thought about signing the deal. Justin wants to know why he's changed his mind. Ethan makes the mistake of quoting a certain bard - and I don't mean Shake-A-Spear...haha. "There's nothing noble about being poor." Justin, who heard Brian say that in the diner, is pissed. He asks how are they suppose to be together? Ethan says they'll make it an adventure. "Secret rendezvous, torrid encounters." J: "I came out of the closet once, I'm not going back in." E: "I'm not asking you to. All I'm saying is people don't need to know who we are, what we mean to each other. All that matters is that we know..." He kisses Justin and they hug, Justin looking very sad.
Michael and Em walking down Liberty, as Em tells about how poor his family used to be in Hazlehurst. That one year they had to actually live in a tent. "Trailer trash would have been a step up for us." He knows he's getting more than his wildest dreams, having a house with Ted. But he can't forget that cottage. And how it, "was so warm, so welcoming." He then decides not to think about it, to count his blessing and be grateful for what he's got. "A smart investment. And somehow I'll learn to love it." They enter Woody's. To find Vic, Deb, Jennifer and Ted there. Ted kisses Em, saying the owners have accepted their offer on the house. Deb and Vic go back and forth with the pluses and minuses of home ownership...lol. And Michael toasts Temmett's good fortune. Deb and Vic are looking at pictures of the house...pointing out the rose bushes and the white picket fence. But Em says no no, that's the wrong house. Only to be told that Ted's bought Em the house that Em wanted. His dream house. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.... That even though Jennifer got them to knock down the price, he wanted Em to be happy. Em grabs Ted and starts yelling, "we bought a house, we bought a house." lol.... The cheers stop as Vic points out that Stockwell's on TV. Saying he's going to root out the corruption and drug use that "plague certain parts of our city." Deb: "Why doesn't he just say Liberty Avenue?" JS's saying as mayor he'll take back the streets. Vic: "Since when are they his?" JS adds, to protect our kids and make the Pitts, "family friendly." Deb: "Family? What the fuck are we???"
Michael entering the apartment. Taking a breath before going into the bedroom, only to see that Ben's sitting on the bed. Giving himself a shot in the hip of steroids. Michael looks away and closes his eyes. Ben doesn't see Michael standing there.
Now for the "pucker" - "fucker" (((oh ha ha, I'm trying to correct Baby Fred's pronunciation and you're all making dirty jokes....bad recap audience, bad...hehe))) Brian Kinney's worst scene to date. THE THE THE cruelest he's ever been to anyone.... And I'm soooo not joking. Babylon - Justin's walking through the dancing men, and goes into the backroom. He's looking for, and finds Brian. Brian's leaning against a wall getting blown. Justin tells the twink on his knees, to "Fuck off." Once he's gone, Brian says to Justin: "You should take a number just like everyone else." J: "And you should keep your big fucking mouth shut." Brian - who's acting pissed and pissed-off: "I wasn't the one giving the blowjob." J: "What did you say to Ethan?" B: "The truth." E: "That there's nothing noble about being poor?" Brian snickers, "Oh, he actually listened." J: "He more than listened. He signed the papers." B: "Good for him." J: "What, that he sold out?" B: "Maybe his recordings'll do the same, although personally, I could never really stand violin music. Sounds like someone torturing a cat." J: "What about me?" B: "What about you? You expect him to sacrifice his career for a piece of blonde boy ass? Is that your idea of true love, Sunshine?" Lord, the tone of Brian's voice. DAMN....that was too much. Justin - completely stricken just stares into Brian's eyes. Brian stares back, then turns away and pulls a twink down to continue the job. Brian's looking up from under his lashes, head bowed, at Justin - and all I can say is the _expression on his face - pure vengeance. Justin leaves with a grimace. And we get a front-on shot of Brian's face - how his _expression changes - to one of disgust and resignation about what he's done. He rubs his nose, letting us know that he's drugged. And then puts his head back....staring off as the episode ends. (((Funny how Brian's being so vicious about what he's told Ethan, and the reasoning that makes his credo viable - esp. after he's now realized that by following his own advice, he's set himself up for utter mayhem. But then some of us tend to either get defensive or mean, or both - when we're grasping to maintain the words we live by, in the face of them crumbling before us. Wonder how long it'll be before Brian realizes that it didn't work for himself this time.... But more on that in episode six....lol.)))
Next week....
Michael being made to feel Ben's biceps as Ben grins. Michael's not, btw. Smiling that is.... Deb's voice saying, "has Ben actually gotten bigger?" Another view of Michael seeing Ben shooting up. Ted's new neighbor bringing over food to welcome him and Mrs. Schmidt. As Em comes in and says he's, Mrs. Schmidt. Ethan giving an interview with some woman, as Justin and Daphne come into the apartment. Ethan introduces Justin as his cousin, and Daphne as Justin's girlfriend... ouch. Daphne getting realllllllllly angry, saying how unfair it is that Ethan's making Justin pretend to be something that he's not. Ben at the gym, in the locker room as Brian confronts him. Saying, "Michael told me he was going to talk to you." Ben: "Why don't you just mind your own business?" Brian: "You're taking him down with you." And then we see Ben shoving Brian against the lockers.