And now....
Ep. Six
April 13, 2003
Panning shot of Michael and Ben's bedroom shelf. Serious mix of their stuff - Ben's books ((one of which is called "The Pornographer's Poem" by Ted Schmidt...lol. No, I'm kidding. It's by Michael Turner. Another is called "Healing with Form, Energy and Light."))) and oriental statues, pictures of them together, etc. Until we come to see that Michael's waking up in the middle of the night. Alone. Next he's tip-toeing over to the bathroom - bare-assed...lol. (((And if any of you out there have a foot fetish - this is the shot for you...lol.))) And he catches a look at an equally bare-assed Ben who is giving himself yet ANOTHER steroid shot in the ass. Soooo....happy times in their house, yes? nahhhhh....
Cut to Michael and Brian walking in the cold outside Babylon. Michael's telling Brian about what he saw. And his assumption that it's got to be steroids. As they walk, we see a very longggg line outside the club of gay boys waiting to get inside. B: "The Nutty Professor, a juice pig? I am so turned on. Here, feel..." As he playfully grabs Michael's hand as if to bring it to his crotch. Michael pulls away. Brian goes on to say he just can't understand why gay men want to fuck their bodies up with drugs...after which Brian throws what's left of the joint he was toking on the ground as the scene continues....lol. Michael lists off Ben's obsessive gym visits, his nasty moods. B: "Roid Rage." They come up on Ted and Em who are huddled together, freezing as they wait to be searched to get inside. Em says well at least he won't have to pinch his nibs to get them all taunt. Brian reaches out and gives one of Em's nipples a twist...whoo hoo. As Em gasps in pain...lol, we get the info from Michael that the police are carding and searching people because of the OD's that happened the other night. Ted bitches about being punished (((did someone say Dale Wexler??? I could have sworn someone did...lol))) because some ignorant amateurs didn't know what they were doing. (((Uhh hmmm....Teddy Teddy. Oh you of the GHB OD. Hit dogs holler....))) Em says they can thank Brian's new friend, the Chief. Brian pulls out a guess pass. As Temmett get all excited about cutting out of line, Brian pushes them back as he guides Michael away - saying it's only for one guest...lol. Temmett call out "Asshole" in chorus, and then they both get carded and searched by the cops. Em's hilarious as he advises the man to "Work the pockets, honey. Work the pockets." And then he's reduced to giggles as the boys all around them start cat-calling and whistling....lol.
The happy home that romance and no money built - Ethan and Justin are both in the tub. Ethan's in back and Justin's lying across him. They are teasing each other while taking a bath, and working the suds and soap puns for all they are worth. When the phone rings... It's good news. For Ethan. Some old violinist has to have heart surgery, so Ethan's been picked to take his place in a concert. It will be Ethan's first. He's so excited, hugging Justin tightly and saying he wished Justin could be there. (((You PUTZ.))) Justin's voice...oh dear, as he says he wishes that too. But that Ethan's agent would flip out if he saw Justin. Ethan agrees, then grabs a box. He's bought them matching silver rings. Saying that now they can be with each other even when they can't be together. They put them on, and we get a close up of the ring as they hug and the scene ends.
Police Chief Dullard...lol. I mean Stockwell. (((What? Can you blame me for making a "Too Wong Foo" reference??? Recapper's prerogative.))) Is watching his latest campaign commercial in Brian and Gardner's boardroom. Can you sayyyyyyyyy boring? Brian can. In fact, he's so bored and in agony that he's actually put his head down and is rubbing his forehead. When asked what he thinks, Brian answers. "If I wanted to sleep at night I could take a Xanax, or watch your ad." Gardner tries to play peacemaker in the face of Brian's bluntness, but Brian interrupts him with an even more straight forward comment. "What I mean is, it's fucking boring." Stockwell's advisors are about to have a cow. Saying it's gotten great response. Brian asks from whom? And it's made clear that the only ones polled were already Stockwell supporters. They all start walking down the hall as Brian grills Stockwell on his habits, working out, sports, hobbies. Meaning that Brian thinks Stockwell needs to change his image and run as an everyman who can make a difference, than as a hero. (((Btw - it's kinda sexy to see just how good Brian is at his job. You can see how he got so successful.))) When he keeps putting his point rudely, Gardner tells him to take it easy. But Stockwell likes to hear the truth, "even if you use it like an assault weapon." But hearing Brian's desire to him to change his image, Stockwell says it's too radical and too late to do it. Brian tells him that all he's got to lose is the election.
Emmett Honeycutt in fullllllll design mode. He's showing samples and color contrasts to Lindz and Mel at Liberty Diner. Lindz says it's it a bit extreme. Mel teases that for Em, it's subdued. Lindz reminds him that he and Ted aren't moving into the Gay Ghetto. That they need to assimilate to the neighborhood they've chosen - be more traditional and reserved - at least alittle. Like she and Mel have done with their house. Em's alllllllll aghast. Indeed, getting decorating tips from "LESBIANS." He may never recover...ha. Ted says that Em's got carte blanche to do what he wants with the house. No matter what, he just wants Em to be happy. (((DAMN, can we all marry Ted??? lol...))) Lindz and Mel leave. Deb comes over and sits down. She's warning Ted that Horvath's told her that Stockwell is cracking down on businesses like his, that cater to shall we say.... Em: "Prurient Interests?" (((Ted looks affectionately impressed by Em's vocabulary. I probably look shell-shocked....hehe.))) Deb, she looks confused...lol. And says she was gonna say, "Web whackers." snicker... Ted says not to worry. He runs a clean operations. Em agrees, then leans in to gossip with Deb - "He even rinses out his underwear before putting them in the laundry." Ted's tries to cover his mouth...lol. Enter Brian, to Deb's angry name calling. "Benedict Arnold Kinney." She's still mad at him for working for the enemy. Brian's not phased, and orders a split pea soup to go. Deb yells the order over to Justin, "and feel free to piss in it." B: "You should really learn to separate your personal feelings from business, Deb." He's completely serious. She's still completely pissed. Brian hands over a $20 for the $3 soup to Justin. And sees the ring... Justin admits that it's from Ethan. B: "How romantic." J: "Fuck all you know about romance." Justin goes to give him his change, and Brian tells him to keep it. B: "Maybe you could buy him some flowers. I'm sure he'd like that." He exits with a huge grin on his face. (((THUD..... He went there. OMG....lol. Course the audience is the only one who realllly gets the full extent of what he means. Ouch....)))
The house that was happy until artificial substances were illegally injected - Ben is coming out of the Kitchen at the apartment. He's in sweat pants and his bared upper body is not-so-subtly oiled...not to a shine, but a sheen. Just so those of you who aren't completely dead will notice him and how big his muscles look....lol. When he teases Michael, who's on the computer, about possibly having an internet affair and tries to get all close and cuddly - Michael walks away and says he's been doing research. He hands the print outs to Ben, standing quietly as Ben reads. The information is about the side affects of steroid usage. (((Niccccccccce way of broaching the subject, Michael. I'm enjoying the writing this episode. May that only continue....))) Michael says he saw him, he saw Ben shooting up. Ben's still looking at him with wide innocent eyes, but then gives in only after asking if Michael's been spying on him. He says alot of guys use them. (((Hellllllllllllllllllo, honey. Alot of people sniff paint and drink everything in sight. Being part of a group doesn't make your case.))) He adds that it prevents body waste (((as in away))). Michael says he's not wasting, Ben says not yet. Michael goes on to say he's not interrogating Ben, he's concerned. About the affects. Ben gets very agitated (((ohh look, a familiar _expression))) and says he's done his research too. That he's aware of the side affects. Michael says then shouldn't they have at least talked it over. Ben comes over and tries the more persuasive "I'm just trying a cycle, ok. To see if it makes any difference." Michael looks away. Ben says the advantages are outweighing the disadvantages - so far. And then he starts playing around, mugging and flexing.... (((In other words, he's apparently decided to join the Chippendale Dancers and thought he'd give Michael a sample of his mooooooooooooves. lol... What? Oiled flesh, flex and flirtation? All he needs to do is wiggle his hips and strip down, and he'd be a shoe in.))) Michael's still upset, but he's also about to laugh at Ben's silliness. Ben pulls Michael's hand to his body and starts letting it travel, feeling how hard he is....bicep, stomach....and then....OH MY. I adoreeeeeeeeeeeeee Michael's response to having his hand pulled down to Ben's dangly bits....lol. "Aw, don't tell me it works on that too." Ben dives in for a kiss... (((And I am shaking my head at the propensity of all the men in Michael's life to have his hand on their dicks this episode....haha. First Brian, now Ben. Gives whole new meaning to let your fingers do the walking....THUD.)))
Sliding seque to the next scene, which is a commercial shoot for Stockwell's new ad. That's right. He's back and he's doing what Brian thought he should. Being the everyman, playing basketball with his son and the school team as Brian, the director and crew all stand off to the sidelines and film the proceedings. Thing is, it actually works. The setup that Brian's proposed. Brian's watching intently. And as Stockwell finishes his lines, Brian tells the camera man to keep shooting....keep shooting - as Stockwell lifts his shirt - without knowing he's still being filmed - and whips his face, thereby exposing his hard flat abs. lol.... It's all about sex, as Brian has said. Stockwell asks Brian how'd he do, and Brian gives him this satisfied look - saying he didn't know Stockwell was "Tom Cruise." snicker.... (((The look that passes between them after that is .... well, odd. And heated...hmmm.)))
ABRUPT cut to well..... Dangly bits. A full close up on a line of dangly bits. Big ones, small ones...cut and non.... (((Can you fucking imagine the casting call for this scene??? lol...THUD))) Ted's got all his whackers lined up and is asking if they have any drugs, valid ids, any felony convictions, etc. (((Me, I don't hear answer one - because OMG - one of the danglies actually MOVED before the camera pans up to TED!!! Scott, you may just have made a new friend....hehe.))) He tells them to get back to work. And goes over the building codes with his assistant, Eddie. Everything's just fine. He sits back, king of his world...confident that he'd missed nothing. (((Which of course means.....someone's about to throw a brick through his glass house.)))
Ethan's being interviewed in his apartment by a woman reporter. Who's grilling for details. Ethan's playing up the charm to the hilt. Doing a smooth job of giving answers, when in walks Justin and Daphne (((DAPHNE!!!! She'sssssssss back.))) - only to turn turd by introducing Justin as his "cousin" and Daphne as Justin's girlfriend. OUCH.... (((Can you say, reallllllllllly bad decision. No. 1 - Justin was the victim of a VERY public gay bashing and the trial thereafter - so it would be easy to find out he's gay and incriminate Ethan by association. But No. 2 - anyone worth their salt as a report could also find out very quickly that Justin's not Ethan's cousin. tisk tisk....))) Daphne's perplexed, Justin's trying to make the slip up work. They leave so the interview can continue. The reporter asks if Ethan's got a girlfriend, to which he says he doesn't want to discuss that. She laughs and says that usually means he does. (((Not unless the "girl" has Friend of Dorothy tattooed on her forehead, lady.)))
Next - Daphne and Justin sitting in the cold - breath visible as they talk - discussing what "the fuck" that was all about. Daphne is PISSED OFF. And very indignant that Ethan would ask Justin to hide like this. Justin said he agreed to go along with it. She shakes her head. Disappointed. Saying that Brian might not have been everything Justin wanted in a boyfriend, but at least he never asked Justin to lie. Justin: "He didn't have his entire future at stake." D: "Justin, you almost died coming out, how could you go back in for anyone?" Justin doesn't want to talk about it. When she persists, he tells her to mind her "own fucking business." They sit in silence....
Temmett's empty house. Em's saying, "Can you believe those dykes telling us how to decorate our house? Don't they realize that Laura Ashley went out with rotary phones." While he's contemplating getting furniture upholstered in blueberry dyed ostrich-skin (((awwwwww))), Ted doesn't even flinch - saying it brings out Em's eyes. Em says but it's too expensive. Ted (((you remember, the man we ALL want to marry - het, gay and bi-alike - because of his next few words))) says, "Who cares about cost? This isn't an investment, it's a home. It's our home." Em: "This must be a fairy tale 'cause I married a prince." They kiss. (((Hey, hands off BITCH. He and his money bags are MINE!!! lol.... Down xof recapper, down. Just keep saying, it's a tv show. It's a tv show....))) Jen interrupts them, coming in to say that there's no bad news from the house inspection so far. When the new neighbor knocks on the door - (((and get ready to up-chuck, cause babies - she's a doosey))) Jen lets her in. Sunny Reed. Come to welcome, with caramel cake in hand. She thinks Jen's the new owner at first, but then gets introduced to Ted. Talking a milllllllllllllle a minute, hyper and WAYYYY too happy/cheerful. (((Would someone down a bottle of valium into this Stepford Wife, please??? But even then, we might not be safe. Better to kill her now.... ))) The other thing is that the whole time she's talking, even after she's gifted them with the cake - everyone's in so much shock as to her being a real-live-girl that they aren't taking the cake from her. She has to hold it through the whole scene....lol. When she asks where's Mrs. Schmidt, Em comes over and says, "That's me." lol.... She doesn't even break her smile, talking around the widely shown pearly whites to ask, "then that means...." They confirm the news. S: "Well, isn't that interesting." She then goes into her great neighborhood speech about the great schools and great churches. Great.... Just great. lol... Em's placed his hand on Ted's shoulder as if needing the contact to stay grounded to the earth. (((I'm expecting him to click his heels three times and say, "there's no place like home." Or more specifically, there's no place like Sunny in her home rather than ours....))) Sunny invites them over for a welcome to the neighborhood get-together at her home. Since it's tradition. She makes a comment on the former owners and their great taste - early American furniture and oriental rugs - to which Em frowns - feeling even more doubtful of his decorating choices. Sunny leaves, after they FINALLY take the damn cake out of her hands...lol. Left in the aftermath that is Sunny-Reed, the three of them stare down at the caramel cake and Ted says, "There you go, Mrs. Schmidt." snicker....
Deb's kitchen, after dinner clean up in progress. She's saying Temmett's house has "curb appeal." Michael says, "like you," to Ben. Ben smiles and proceeds to shimmy his hips and rub up against Michael. (((I TOLD YOU!!! He aced that Chippendale Audition, pants down. lol....))) Deb proceeds to lose her best ring - a Joan Rivers special - behind the fridge. Mr. I-Have-A-Dream-To-One-Day-Dance-In-A-Thong Bruckner plays super steroid man and moves the fridge back all by himself to retrieve it. Then pushes it back as well. Not even phased or out of breath. He goes to wash his hands, and Deb asks if Ben's gotten bigger since the last time she's seen him. Michael tries to play it up to working out alot. Vic is NOT fooled. He flat out asks if it's steroids. Michael gets instantly quiet, with is confirmation enough. Deb blows a gasket. (((Or was that her wig...))) Michael says Ben wants to prevent wasting, but of course they don't buy the need since he's already huge. Deb's talking about steroids being poison - "for one thing, it makes you meaner than cat piss, and for another..." Michael: "It's really none of your concern. If that's what Ben needs to do to stay alive and health, then that's all that matters." V: "If that's the only reason..."
We're seeing the commercial fully edited. With a nicely edited shot of his whipping his brow and flashing his abs - thanks to Brian. Stockwell and advisors are in the boardroom with Gardner and Brian - seeing the end result. Brian stops the tape and waits for a response. The advisors hate it, saying it's a music video. And that it's practically obscene to reveal his body like that....lol. Brian shakes his head and says what do you think sales corn flakes. Brian's intent is to air it for a specific demographic - women ages 18-34. Stockwell says to do it, but if Brian turns him into a joke - "I'll fucking have your balls." (((Would that be with chocolate or whipped cream on the side??? lol...))) Gardner adds, that if that happens - he'll "fucking give them to you." (((Since when did he become castrator certified??? THUD. But remember those words Brian.... Foreshadowing's bent on picking out a new pair of squeaky shoes, cause he just wore out his latest pair on this scene.)))
Ted coming home to his apartment - calling out for Em - who's in the bathroom. Em comes out....no, no...wrong choice of words. Someone enters the room who possibly, maybe is supposed to be Emmett...lol. But awwwwwwwwwwwww....THUD!!! As Ted says in response, "What, are you planning on going straight again, or is this some kinda of bizarro cross-dressing practice you engage in when I'm not around?" snort.... Ok - let me explain. Now that my jaw is off the floor... Em enters the room dressed as....well, TED. lol.. Ted of season one, that is. Work-shafter Employee Accountant Ted... Corduroy brown pants, light blue button up shirt and a dark sleeveless sweater. His hair is straight out of the boy-next-door book, parted at the side and combed down. Respectable. Boring... Scaryyyyyyyyyy. lollll.... His idea of an outfit for the Sunny-Reed cocktail set. Lordy... And then Em shows Ted a new color scheme for the living room - all in varying shades of browns. Ewww.... Ted says it's smart, sophisticated and very NOT Em. Em says maybe he was being too "fruity." Ted says, "so we end up with assimilationist-beige, blend-right-in-brown and make-no-waves gray." He asks what happened to fuck'em all Honeycutt? Em says now that he's about to be one of "the right people on the hill" like he wasn't in Hazlehurst - that he's afraid of being thought of as... Ted finishes the thought, "the fags next door." He reminds Em that they are going to be that regardless. He then goes into the bedroom and returns with his choice for Em's party clothes. Pastel, printed shirt and flamboyant patterned pants. Em gets all giddy...admitting that he LUVSSSSSsss that shirt. lol....
Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, shit. (((Sorry, that's recapper reaction to knowing what scene's next .... whooo hoooooooooo.))) Can you say angst??? Can you say fucking fabulous acting??? Well, get ready for a tension-filled scene that's riveting to watch!!! Two alpha males, having at....and over little old Mikey too.
But back to recapper refinement....NOT. The gym locker room. Ben's shown passing money for a container of liquid steroid - out in the fucking open folks! Has he never heard of using a bathroom stall or something? lol... And guess who walks by and sees it all? Brian.... Oh my. (((You remember Brian, right? Mr. Don't Tell Tales. Well, keep watching the ep. He's about to turn that on its ear.))) Shirtless and sweaty from his workout as he passes, Brian doesn't say a thing, though he and Ben make eye contact. (((Now remember also that earlier in the ep, at the beginning - Brian didn't take the whole news flash from Michael about Ben too seriously. Well, now just LOOK at his face. Damn....))) Ben: "Didn't see you." B: "Guess not." Ben says Brian doesn't usually work out at this time of day. B: "Not usually." And his jaw visibly clenches. Ben says it's not what Brian thinks. Brian finally turns to Ben after saying, "I think it's exactly what I think." In a quiet, but very serious tone of voice Brian says, "Michael told me he was going to talk to you." Ben, on the defensive - and not liking that he's been discussed I don't think - "Yeah, well. He did. And he understands." (((If you can freeze-frame on Brian's face at that exact moment - OGM - the man's eyes. His face. It's a look of death almost.))) Brian then looks down and smiles ironically. "Well, that's Michael. Always understanding." (((He's got a extra meaning to that I think - since Brian's usually the one being understood - or is that excused, in such a manner.))) Ben gets annoyed and snaps, "Why don't you mind your own business." Brian gets pissed too, and says angrily, "If it was just you, I would. But as my dear old dad used to say, 'you're three times seven.'" Ben rolls his eyes. Brian leans in and says quietly, "But it's not just you. You're taking him down with you." Ben suddenly and complete snaps, shoving Brian bodily backwards and against the open doors of the lockers behind them. Yelling in his face, "I do not need to be lectured by the biggest whore in Pittsburgh. You're fucking lucky you're not positive." Pushing off from Brian, Ben leaves. Brian stays still, looking up - then looks quickly after Ben to the side, before closing his eyes and grunting softly in pain. ((( T - H - U - D .......... DAMN......)))
Justin and Ethan fooling around, but Ethan stops when Justin seems distracted - saying it has to be the interview. Justin says he didn't mind, but that Daphne was pissed. J: "Is this how it's going to be from now on? Lying, playing games....now you're going away." Ethan says just for one night, it's not like it's a world tour. But he wishes for that. Just like his dreams for them in "this amazing life" with a country farm house that includes a studio and a practice room. Justin says Ethan dreams big. E: "Why not, it doesn't cost anything." J: "You're such a romantic." Ethan says with vehemence, " I HATE that you're not going to be there with me." How's he going to play without his muse? Justin reminds him that he said Justin was "distracting." Ethan laughs as they get all cuddly. "Don't you know I was playing just for you?" They kiss, and start making out.
Reallllllllly good scene here too!!! This episode is chalked full!!! You may not think the subject or results are pleasant, but they are POWERFUL and marvelously well acted. Bravo to everyone involved.
Michael - in a high necked black jacket - meowwwwwwwwwwww...lol, is at Brian's in the bedroom. He's calling out for Brian, asking isn't he ready yet? Brian's in the bathroom, and we can see a reflection of his back - including a quick look at the mark Ben left...ouch. He finally comes out, sans shirt. And when Michael teases him with a tickle - Brian flinches away. Michael asks what's wrong. Brian turns his back to Michael, saying, "This." Michael's shocked. "How'd you get that? One of your sex partners get carried away?" Brian whips back around and snaps, "No, one of yours. Your boyfriend practically stuffed me into a locker." M: "What? How come?" B: "Well, it seems I said something about his steroid use that he took objection too." M: "Why'd you say anything at all?" Totally exasperated, Brian says in a very level tone - stressing each word, "Because it's undignified for a university professor and not-so-best selling author to be seen making drug deals in a locker room." M: "You saw him?" B - in full drama queen mode...lol, - "Yeah, and now I'll be force to sit at home not wearing my most fabulous new sleeveless shirt to Babylon." M: "I'm really sorry." B: "Yeah, like that makes up for the fact that I'll be scarred for life." (((As if....wussy. hehe...))) M - trying for levity, "Well, you can tell people you got it dueling." Brian stares him down, and says quietly. "I thought you were going to talk to him." Michael, no longer looking Brian in the eye - instead staring ahead at Brian's collarbone - says, "I did. He says it's something he needs to do." Brian scoffs, "Ben needs more muscles like I need another cock." (((Which yet again, gives you a method of comparison for the appendage we've never fully seen but have heard sooooooooo much about....lol.))) M: "He says he's aware of the side affects." B: "Like practically murdering his lover's best friend? Well, if you're cool with sleeping with your eyes open and a hatchet under your pillow, that's your business. But keep him the FUCK away from me." Ouch..... (((Though you got to love that Brian wouldn't tell on David for semi-cheating on Michael in season one, but he'll spill the beans about Ben now. Hmm...)))
Quick look at the neighborhood outside where Ethan and Justin live. Ethan's checking that he's got everything as he gets ready to leave in a cab for his concert. Justin's there to see him off. Btw - The violin's name is Misha. lol.. They are very playful, and Ethan catches Justin against the trunk of the car....as Justin teases that there could be paparazzi on the roof. Ethan kisses him, and the kids across the street laugh. They break apart smiling. Ethan says he'll miss Justin every step of the way, wishing he was there. Justin says him too. Ethan holds up his ring, saying Justin will be with him... Justin laughs, "what a cornball." Ethan, as he gets in the cab, "It's why you love me." Justin stands and watches the cab drive off.
(((Why oh why do I have Vince Tyler's voice in my head saying "I'm going in. I'm in. Straight pub." ??? lol...))) Brian entering a bar with Gardner, Stockwell and crew. Having gotten the results that Stockwell's gone up 8 points in the polls since the commercial aired. Stockwell tells Brian he had every faith in him. B: "No you didn't." Stockwell frowns. B: "But you took a chance anyway." Gardner asks what their "resident genius" has on tap next. Brian tells Stockwell to keep his name in the news, and Brian'll keep Stockwell's face on the screen.
Temmett going over to the Neighbor's for the party. Em's saying his intuition's saying it's gonna be a disaster. Ted reminds him that his intuition also said Madonna was gonna win the Oscar for "Evita." Em stops in mid-step and says emphatically - "Which she SOOOO deserved." Snicker........puuuuuulease. Ted drags him up to ring the doorbell, saying, "No matter what happens in there tonight, just remember this is what pride is all about. Why our forefathers and fore-drag queens stood their ground at Stonewall. So that we could buy a house in a neighborhood like this." And they immediately enter WEIRDO-World. (((Which is an interesting and comical jibe by Cowlip at QAF's own fan base. Which if you remember is made up mostly of straight women...lol.))) Em takes off his coat and Sunny says, "OMG, look at THAT." Like his shirt's the main attraction at a sideshow....which it isn't. (((We've SEEN some of his outfits that could have been, mind....ha.))) This followed up by her, "You GAYS can wear anything." Awwwwwwwwwww.... Run for your fucking LIVES!!!! What follows is completely painful, as well as hysterical. Everyone there that opens their mouths voices a clich�, andddddddddddd - they start COMPETING!!! About who's more hip in gay lingo, who loves "Gay As Blazes" the most and who knows more gays than the others present. Temmett are like gold fish in a bowl...eyes popped and mouths open...hehe. But they bare with it...a heck of a lot longer than I'd have patience too. Oh, and btw - Sunny first introduces Ted and Emmett as "Fred and Emile"....snicker. It's official - Sunny Reed is Rosemary's Baby.
Ethan after his concert, coming down the stairs with his asshole agent. He's being applauded. He's being talked up by the crowd and then by the agent. Ethan may be getting in the "Emerging Young Artists" program with the Buffalo Symphony. Then we see down below that Justin as shown up to see Ethan's performance. He's keeping out of sight while the agent's there. Once the man leaves, Justin starts to go up the stairs towards Ethan - only to stop when he sees a young cute man come up to Ethan. They have a conversation we can't hear, but by the way that Ethan's leaning in - the way he's talking low and close - the implication is damning - if not concrete. But it's enough to have Justin totally stunned. He stands there watching as the young man leaves, with Ethan quickly following right after him. After a guilty look back at the crowd before he leaves. The scene ends with Justin's _expression - as he looks lost.
Back to the Stepford Wives Club - on crack. Sunny's offers Ted a cocktail wiener. SNICKER... Everyone's laughing at the slightest thing. You can feel it running up and down your spine...ewww. Subject turns to what do the boys do for a living. Em says he works for a "small gentlemen's haberdashery. On Liberty Avenue." Sunny - "OHHH, the GAY street." (((Where's my voodoo doll, when I need it???))) Em says what he really wants to do is be a party planner. To which allllllllll the women in the room immediately offer to let him plan their parties. lol... Well, Ted points out that the evening's gone well in that respect. "And your intuition said tonight would turn out to be a disaster." They laugh. Just then, the doorbell rings... Who could it be??? Let's alllllllll say it together. D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R. In the vise of the Pittsburgh PD - come to arrest Ted Schmidt, in front of everyone for having an underage worker at his pay porn website offices. Apparently Eddie, who Ted thought was 21 - it really only 3 months shy of being 18. OUCH... Ted's completely shocked. The guests are stunned. And Em's floored. (((That enough analogies for you??? lol....))) They handcuff Ted and lead him out. Em's grabbing their coats and trying to make some kind of decent exit - mumbling something about inviting everyone to a barbecue. Oh my....
Okayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy - INTENSE scene. Again, one of the best for dialogue - acting - and the taking up of issues that have been so far avoided for the most part. Ben and Michael's apartment. Ben's sick in the bathroom, retching. Michael's trying to be supportive, asking if he can do anything. Ben's blaming it on something he ate. Michael's saying it's the drugs. When Ben says, "we've already had this conversation." - Michael says it's fucking Ben up and he doesn't even know it. M: "Christ, you even hit Brian." Ben: "I did not hit him." M: "Shoved him, made him bleed, whatever. But you can't just go around shoving and acting all crazy." Ben: "Oh, now I'm crazy?" He gets up and shoves a finger in Michael's face, "FUCK you." M: "You're not crazy, it's just sometimes ... you act that way." Ben: "You don't understand anything." M: "Understand what?" Ben: "What it's like to wake up every morning and remember 'Oh yeah, I've got this thing' because you don't have this thing. You'll never have to take a mouth full of meds, never knowing when they'll stop working, never knowing when a fucking cough or a fucking sniffle will land you in the hospital - because to you, Michael, it is just a fucking cough or a fucking sniffle!" Michael's eyes are full of tears (((Hall's emotion and how he conveys it with a look - Bobby's anger and frustration - it's amazing on both their parts.))) Ben continues, "And every time I go to kiss you, or suck you, or fuck you - even when we're protected, even then - there's still this shitty nagging doubt that maybe, maybe you could just get infected. Sometimes I just think..." Michael, determined to know, "What? Sometimes you just think what?" Ben, "That it might be easier to be with someone who's positive." Michael - his face falls. Mouth open, eyes wet and shining - brow frowning - hurt. Ben, with a look that both shows he knows the thought's now out there - saying it's made it real - and also looking like he wishes he could take back the words. Michael walks away, out of the frame - and Ben turns his back.
Woody's - Justin at the bar, alone - nursing a drink. And fingering the ring Ethan gave him as he thinks. Brian's in the background. Watching him. He comes over, sits down. Lights a cigarette. Justin finishes his drink. Brian offers to buy him another. Justin says no thanks. B: "Where's your fianc�?" J: "He's playing somewhere." B: "Well, luckily - you have this." He touches the ring on Justin's finger. Then gets up with a "see yah" and leaves. Justin picks up a matchbook. Lights a match, and as it burns we get an extreme close-up of his right eye, _expression thoughtful...until the screen goes black.
Next week -
Deb saying Ted's been arrested. Ted in court with Mel as his counsel, being told by the woman judge that the court will be sure to punish him to the full extent of the law. Shot of Ted and Em curled around each other as Ted lies traumatized on the bed. Ben with Michael, as Michael sits - upset and saying that Ben wanted someone to know what he was going through. We see Michael holding a needle to his wrist - about to give himself a shot as Ben frantically cries out for him to stop. Mel showing Lindz the pregnancy test stick - showing blue. Justin and Ethan - Ethan saying Justin's the only one he plays for. Justin opening up the door, to find the same guy from the concert standing there with a dozen red roses in his hand. Asking for Ethan....