far this season, although I was prepared to hate it just based on
the redundant opening scene alone. The complimentary Brian
Kinney Tricks Oh-Yet-Again Scene starts us off with Brian
getting head on the couch from some guy who is covered in
tattoo's. Bad porn is playing on the TV and it's set in a courtroom.
Brian looks as bored as I feel. The guys on the porn movie are
making legal puns as we cut to a real courtroom where Ted has
been brought before a judge for his bail reading. Emmett is there
for support, but heaven help Ted because he's hired Mel for his l
awyer! Yikes! What was he thinking?! The judge has no sympathy
for Ted, setting his bail very high, and saying that Ted will be held
accountable for corrupting the minor Eddie and will be punished
to the full extent of the law. Poor Ted can't believe this is
happening to him!
Justin and Ethan are coming out of the apartment, walking down
the stairs as Ethan raves about his great performance. Justin isn't
overly excited, more interested in entering a cafe to get some coffee.
Each time Ethan starts to give some detail about the concert, Justin
finishes the sentence for him. Justin tells Ethan that he knows all of
this because he was there. "You were there?" a suddenly nervous
Ethan asks. As they walk back outside, Justin explains that he
borrowed Daphne's car and drove all the way to Harrisburg just to
see Ethan perform. He didn't tell Ethan beforehand because he
thought Ethan would be pissed since he was supposed to stay away.
But he went anyhow and saw Ethan being fawned over by his worshipful
admirers. Ethan says that Justin should have "rescued him". Justin
replies that Ethan didn't seem to mind, especially that cute guy. "What
cute guy?" Ethan asks. "The one you left with." (You tell him, Sunshine!)
Ethan brushes it off easily, saying that guy was a music student who
wanted to pick his brain. They talked about grad school. Ethan didn't
even think he was gay! Justin's having a hard time believing that. From
where he stood, it looked like the guy knew how to blow more than a
trumpet. Ethan smiles that Justin is jealous. Justin denies that he is.
Ethan asks why Justin would think he was interested in the guy if he's
not jealous. Justin replies that he remembers another young admirer--
himself--who once approached Ethan to tell Ethan how great he was.
Ethan rationalizes that Justin knew this was going to happen--people,
fans, would want to meet him. Both women and men would approach
him and flirt, thinking he was sexy. (Do we think highly of ourself,
Ethan?) But, Ethan insists, that nothing happened. He may flirt back
a little but Justin is the only one he loves, the only one he plays for.
Justin still doesn't look too convinced.
Deb races into the bathroom to relieve herself, apologizing to "Vic"
who's in the shower. (I could so do without the visual of Debbie sitting
on the toilet!) Deb is chatting away to Vic, saying she has to go into the
diner early and unfolding the newspaper to see Ted's arrest splashed
across the front page. Deb can't believe it or that Vic isn't responding
to her. The shower curtain is opened to reveal--it's not Vic! Debbie
shrieks in surprise, wanting to know who the guy is. Vic rushes in and
looking a bit embarrassed he introduces Debbie to his new man, Rodney.
(Good for Vic! It's beyond time he got himself a man!)
Brian, Stockwell, and Stockwell's flunkies are talking a stroll down
Liberty Avenue, the Stockwell crew looking around in disgust.
Stockwell is pleased by all the publicity he's getting over the Schmidt
bust and happy to have shut down this disgusting porn site of Ted's.
He asks if Brian has any kids and Brian says he has one son. Stockwell
declares that Brian must share all of their concerns then. As parents,
he and his flunkies would never want their child to come across a porn
site like Ted's. Brian drawls that his son is only 2 so he doesn't share
that worry. (Not to mention that he'd probably have gotten Gus a
personal tour of Jerk@Work if Gus had asked that of him one day!)
Stockwell's flunkies say that the point is that Stockwell vowed to
make this city "fit for families" and he intends to keep that promise.
Brian says he's realizing that now and doesn't look too pleased with
the realization. (And I'm flashing back to a few episodes ago when
Brian told Debbie and Vic that it didn't matter who won the election
because the man wasn't going to do anything or keep any of his
promises. Now he's realizing how wrong he was about that.) Stockwell
& Crew diss Liberty Avenue for it's filth and immorality, a breeding
ground for disease and moral decay. Blah, blah, blah. He intends to
clean it up and Brian will help him. Brian looks like he'd rather eat
shit and die first, but goes along. Stockwell wants to make plans to
play racquetball with Brian. They set a time and place, Stockwell
declaring that he's going to kick Brian's ass. Stockwell & Crew walk
off and Brian sees two men on Liberty Avenue looking at him in
disbelief and disgust that he's associated with Stockwell. Brian doesn't
look too happy about it himself.
Oh, my. Ben and Mikey are getting it *on* big time. Lots of panting
and moaning and who knew that Sparks could actually act like Michael
enjoys sex?! I sure didn't, until now! Anyhow, Ben is on top, riding
Michael when, uh-oh, the condom breaks. Ben tells Michael it broke
and they have to stop. Michael pauses for a second before saying no.
He wants Ben to keep going and to cum inside of him. Damn! Only . . .
it's not real. Michael is sitting at a booth in the diner, fantasizing about
Ben when Debbie drags him out of his daydream. Deb says she hasn't
seen Ben around much the last few days and Michael makes an excuse
about Ben being busy with school. Vic shows up then and Deb tells
Michael that Vic has a new man in his life. Mike's happy for Vic.
Heck, we all are! Way to go, Uncle Vic! They plan a "family dinner"
so that all of the Novotny clan, which includes Ben, can meet Rodney.
Ted, Emmett, and Melanie coming back to Ted's place where Ted
is reading the newspapers in horror. Ted says he's glad his mother
won't see this, she never reads the papers. Phone rings on cue and
it's his mother who has seen the papers. Ted gets rid of her as quickly
as possible and goes into a rant about the way he's being portrayed in
the press. He had one website and they're making him out to be a
"gay porn king". He rants about Eddie and his fake ID and how he's
going to end up in prison over this. Mel promises to try and stop that,
but it won't be easy. Stockwell is out for blood and he wants to make
Ted an example in his campaign against porn, sex, and drugs. They
conclude that since Brian is working for the guy, maybe Brian will help
them. Ted ponders it for a second . . . Brian helping him . . . and then
declares that he's a dead man!
At Michael and Ben's apartment, Michael is looking at some drawings
Justin has done for the second issue of "Rage" and the new muscle man
character for this issue. It's not exactly what Michael wanted, Justin
made the character look so evil. Justin reminds that he's a villain. The
potion he's taken to make him invincible has warped his mind. (And I
don't need a clue-by-four upside the head to know that this new character
is all about Ben. Interesting that we get more insight into the show's
characters and their storyline via the comic. Plus, Justin used the first
issue to deal with his demons--the bashing. And now Michael is using
the second to help him hash out his problems with Ben.) Michael
disagrees on the evilness of the new character. He's not a villain, he's a
fallen hero. He was a good man and will be again once Zephyr blows
some sense into him. Enter Ben who exchanges smiles and greetings
with Justin and, well, damn, if all those dirty Ben/Justin thoughts I had
in season two don't just come rushing back all at once. Ben asks what
they're working on and Justin, unaware that Ben and his problems was
the inspiration for this, says their new character, Pig Juice. He's a Jekell
and Hyde character. Nice guy one minute, a monster the next. Ben
wonders what inspired that, but he already knows! Ben changes the
subject then, telling Justin that Debbie said Ethan was a big hit. Justin
brags on Ethan, saying he did get rave reviews and even another booking,
this one for the Buffalo Symphony. Justin tells Michael he will redo the
drawings and leaves. Michael inquires how Ben's gym visit was. It was
good. Michael says they've been invited to dinner at Deb's to meet Vic's
new friend. Ben can't make it. He has other plans. Plus, he has to make
some calls about his ex-lover's memorial service. Michael offers to help
but Ben snaps that it's "not Michael's world".
Mel takes a home pregnancy test and it's negative. She's not pregnant.
Lindz is being supportive of her. They suggest names and cuddle in bed
together. Mel wonders if their baby is out there, just waiting for them.
Lindz likes the idea.
Brian leaving for work, wearing the ugliest checkered jacket known to
man. (Perhaps Gale should start protesting these clothes they're giving
him to wear for Brian! As if the Dead Animal Vest of last week wasn't
bad enough, now this checkered thing!) Anyhow, Ted in disguise
approaches him as he's about to get into the 'Vette. Brian sarcastically
drawls that now he finally has his own personal stalker. Ted compliments
the car, babbles on for a bit and then brings up his arrest. Brian saw the
paper, he thinks Ted should sue over the photo they used. Ted is serious
and asks Brian for help. Brian is close to Stockwell and he can get
Stockwell to back off. Brian says no, he won't over-step his bounds. Ted
is pissed, since when did Brian care about bounds? Brian says it's business
gets in his car and speeds off. Ted is all the more pissed.
It's Daphne! And looking as cute as ever, might I add. I love this girl.
Anyhow, she and Justin are shopping together. She suggests some
cheese and Justin sniffs it, saying it smells like some guys he's gone down
on. Ew! Daphne has the same reaction and they laugh. So nice to see
them hanging out together again. Justin says he needs something to go
with either burgundy or merlot. Daphne asks if he's having a party and
he says he's celebrating Ethan's triumphant return. "Hail, Caesar",
Daphne drawls. Justin says he's also trying to make it up to Ethan for
thinking that Ethan was fucking around on him. He says that his suspicion
must be a result of having lived with Brian. Daph is quick to point out
that Brian was never out fucking around on Justin behind his back. He
was always honest about it. Daphne's words are true and Justin seems
to thoughtfully reflect on them.
Cut to Vic and Michael shopping (in the same store, I assume), and
Vic is making sexual references about the food. He can't help it. Since
meeting Rodney, it's all he thinks about anymore. Michael can't wait
to meet Rodney and apologizes for Ben not planning to join them. He
has more important things to do, apparently, like the gym.
Back to Daphne and Justin. Daph is still suggesting cheeses as Justin
says he can't believe it, he was actually jealous of Ethan. It must prove
that he loves Ethan. (Oh, dear Sunshine, if you're that unsure still then
IT'S NOT REAL LOVE!) He says it isn't about sex with Ethan. It's
more romantic. And he must sound like a --- "Cheeseball," Daphne
finishes, holding out a cheeseball and Justin just laughs.
Back to Michael and Vic. Michael has told Vic about Ben's mood
swings, how hurtful and cruel he can be now. He's not the same man.
Vic says it's 'Roid Rage. Michael knows that and that he has to put up
with it, but he's sick of hearing about how he can't possibly understand
because he's not positive.
At Vanguard, Brian is hunched over his computer, working on
Stockwell's website for his campaign. Cynthia enters and says she
knows Brian didn't want to be interrupted, but there is someone here
who insists on seeing Brian. A "Mrs. Ted Schmidt". Enter Emmett
for one kick ass scene. Brian doesn't want to face Emmett, but Em is
gonna let him have it, saying that he knows that Brian cares about
them all. Even though Brian likes to hide it and pretend otherwise,
he cares for his friends. And Em also knows that Brian thinks he and
Ted are just two queens playing house, but it is so much more than that.
Ted loves and respects him and Em wants to do something back for him.
So he is begging, literally here to beg Brian, to please, please help Ted.
Brian is affected. How can he not be? Emmett is in tears. But he's so
on his game, calling Brian on Brian's shit. Great scene, perfectly acted
by Gale Harold and Peter Paige!
Dinner at Deb's. We learn that Rodney is positive, too, and he met
Vic at a Positive Men's Group. Rodney says he tried dating negative
men but it never worked. Neg guys just never really understand what
it's like for their poz partners. With Vic, he doesn't have to explain.
It brings them closer rather than divides them. Vic jumps in to say
that it isn't always like that for poz/neg couples, though. Rodney asks
if Michael is positive and learns that Michael is not, but his boyfriend is.
Rodney apologizes, not having meant to offend Michael with what he
said earlier. Michael isn't offended. He knows there are things he will
never understand, but it's not for lack of trying.
Brian plays racquetball with Stockwell and kicks Stocky's ass.
Stockwell asks doesn't Brian know that Brian is supposed to let
the boss win? Brian says why would Stockwell trust him if he did
that? Stockwell laughs, he admires Brian for his honesty and candor,
I believe. He suggests they check out the steamroom. Once there,
Stockwell is saying he wants to fasttrack the Schmidt case so it goes
to trial before the election and gets him more press. Stocky also
wants a TV spot to tell kids about the dangers of porn. Brian says
the ad's a good idea, but to harp on Ted's porn site and the arrest
isn't. It's old news already. Stockwell says that he wants Brian to
keep it in the news but Brian insists against it. Ted's nothing. A
small fry. A schmuck. It's hardly like he committed the crime of
the century. And even worse would be if Stockwell got a conviction
because then it would look like he was picking on some small fry just
for the free press. As Brian's "dear old dad" used to say, if you're
going to pick on someone, then pick on someone your own size.
Stockwell asks where they go next then. Brian suggests the showers.
Stockwell gives Brian a "manly" slap on the thigh before heading off
to the shower, but Brian has spotted a soon-to-be trick and stays behind
to play.
Justin and Ethan having their little celebratory dinner and it's
sweet at first. Justin and Ethan start to toast to Ethan's New York
Philharmonic debut. Ethan adds the London Phil, too, and the
Berlin Phil and, quick, name another "Phil". Justin names a "Phil"
he went to school with and they toast to him, too. It's a cute scene.
Ethan starts to feed Justin a grape, saying that Justin has the most
perfect mouth and lips. (And I agree, he does!) Ethan starts to
caress Justin's cheek, saying he also loves the rest of Justin, too.
When he was alone in his hotel room, jerking off. Justin interrupts
to tease that Ethan was touching himself and didn't call Justin?!
Ethan says he was imagining Justin. Picturing Justin kissing him
all over, sweet, tender kisses. Justin starts to kiss Ethan's face,
reaching for his crotch and adding his part of the fantasy, going
down on Ethan. He's touching Ethan and starts to do just that
when someone knocks on the door. Ethan curses, zipping his
pants back up and mockingly asks if it's the Girl Scouts. Justin
says he'll go get rid of who ever it is, goes to the door, and opens
it to reveal --- Concert Trick with red roses in hand! Oh, my!
Justin looks stunned, Concert Trick asks for Ethan, and Ethan
looks like, "Oh, shit!". Ethan scrambles over and coolly asks
what the guy is doing there. CT says he wanted to see Ethan
again so he drove down. Justin is hurt and pissed and realizing
just who Ethan really is all at once. Ethan tells CT that he
shouldn't have done that and should leave, now. Justin says no.
After all, CT drove all this way from Harrisburg just to see Ethan
and so he should. That's a long drive. He should know. CT asks
if Justin is the roommate and Justin sarcastically drawls that he's
"the muse". (Heh. Love the way Randy said that line.) Justin
walks back in the apartment, CT looks confused, and Ethan is just
busted and knows it!
Ben comes home to find Michael sitting alone in the dark. He
starts to tell Ben about how Vic's new man is positive. Michael
is holding one of Ben's used syringes that he got from the trashcan.
Ben wants him to put it down because he's used it. Michael goes
on to say that maybe Ben should also be with someone who is
positive. Ben disagrees, he was just angry when he said that.
Michael also thinks that maybe that poz guy should be him. He
holds the needle to his skin and threatens to prick himself with it.
Then he'll be just like Ben. Ben is freaked by the idea. Michael
says why, this is what Ben wants, right? To be with someone who
is positive, who will understand him and belong in his world. To
be with someone who shoots steroids because he is so scared that
this disease will kill him like it did his ex. Who is willing to hurt
the people he loves and who love him. So Michael can just prick
himself and give Ben that. Ben is freaked and tells him to stop it!
Michael says no, Ben needs to stop! Stop the steroids, stop hurting
himself, stop hurting Michael, and stop hurting *them*!
Oh, twinkie fight! Trick is gone and Justin is maliciously
destroying the roses one handful at a time, throwing the
ruined roses at Ethan as he sarcastically quotes all of Ethan's
bull. "I want someone who only wants to be with me." "I
want to be with just one person." Ethan says he meant those
words and Justin says he probably did--at the time, when he
was saying them. Ethan wants Justin to stop with the roses
because he's hurting his hands, cutting them on the thorns.
Justin is bleeding but doesn't care. He's more concerned with
calling Ethan on his shit. Ethan's a liar. Ethan says he didn't
tell Justin the truth before because he didn't want to hurt Justin
and Justin calls him on how lame that is. It's so lame he won't
even comment on it, so Ethan had better try again. Ethan admits
that he lied to cover his ass and that's better with Justin because
at least it's honest. Now go on. Ethan says he was alone in
Harrisburg and missing Justin. Justin is like, "Oh, so now it's
my fault?". Ethan says no, that's not what he meant. He was
alone and lonely and missing Justin. "Since you couldn't bear to
be without me for one fucking day, you decide to pick up some
drooling admirer?" Justin demands and Ethan says that is basically
it. Justin gets vicious, literally hitting Ethan in the chest with the
rose stems as he goes on, "So tell me, Mr. Gold, as a last minute
replacement, how'd he do?". Did he get on his knees and worship
Ethan's huge "talent"? Did he marvel at Ethan's magnificent
"fingering"? Did the way Ethan "stroked his bow" leave the trick
breathless? Ethan is getting pissed and snaps that it was one stupid
mistake. Look how many times Justin forgave Brian! "I NEVER
forgave Brian!" Justin shouts back, stunning us all before he adds.
"I never had to. Because he never promised me anything . . . You
did." (The way Randy says "You did" is just heartbreaking. You
can hear the hurt and disillusionment in Justin's voice, see the pain,
as well as the tears, in his eyes.) Justin takes off the ring Ethan gave
him and slams it down. Ethan rushes over to him, saying Justin can't
go. He needs Justin. He doesn't know what to do without Justin.
Justin declares that Ethan will survive. He'll have his music and that
is, after all, the only thing Ethan ever really loved. Justin leaves and
that's the end for Ethan.
At Ted's place, he's upset and worried that he'll go to jail and
Emmett is trying to cheer him up when Mel drops in with good
news. The DA will accept a plea bargain. If Ted will plead guilty
then he won't face any prison sentence. He will have to pay a fine
and shut down his website for good. Ted readily agrees and thanks
Mel for her great work. Mel admits that she had nothing to do
with it. It must have been Brian.
Ben is getting ready to attend Paul's memorial service. He apologizes
for waking Michael. Mikey's cold to him. Apparently Ben slept on
the couch because he thought it best after what Michael had said to
him. Michael says he meant it. Ben calls Michael "baby" which I
think is just too damn cute. Anyhow, he says he's going to have a
hard enough day as it is, going to this service, seeing people who are
sick. Michael says that at least they are still alive, as is Ben. Ben
says he will stop the steroids and apologizes for them, but Michael
says he's apologizing for the wrong thing. Ben says he is sorry for
saying he wanted someone who was positive. He didn't mean it.
Michael thinks maybe he did and if that is how Ben feels then perhaps
he should find someone else. Ben doesn't want anyone else, though.
He loves Michael and wants him. No one else. He vows the steroids
are gone and he asks Michael to come with him to the service. Michael
says it's not his world, he doesn't belong there. Ben disagrees. Michael
belongs with him, so that makes it their world, I suppose. Good scene.
This episode is just full of them!
At the diner, Brian is eating and watching Justin, who's behind the
counter. Brian says that someone didn't sleep at home last night.
Justin asks what Brian is, a detective? Brian laughs and says no,
Justin is just wearing the same clothes he had on the day before.
(Ah, he noticed!) Justin says if Brian must know, he slept at Daphne's.
Brian drawls that he detects a discordant note in loves tender refrain.
Justin makes no reply and goes back to work.
Ted comes in then and sits next to Brian. He thanks Brian for what
he did to help him. He says he will lose everything now but at least
he will stay out of prison. He owes that to Brian. Brian pretends like
it was nothing and that he really did it for Stockwell, to protect his
client. And no one buys it. Brian leaves and Deb watches him go
before telling Justin that she doesn't know why Brian does that. Justin
asks why he does what, acts like a shit? Deb says no. It's so obvious
he just saved Teddy from Stockwell. Justin again looks thoughtful
and reflects on Debbie's words about Brian.
Mel takes another home pregnancy test and this one is blue! She's
preggers! (God save us all!) Oh, and Gus is playing in the hall while
she and Lindsay talk. He's so cute and I can't believe the new writers
still remember him!
Ted and Emmett pack up Jerk@Work for the final time. They
uncover "Fetch Dixon's" revolving red bed and lie down on it
together, reminiscing a bit. Too bad that whole stupid plotline
wasn't half as good as this one scene! Ted starts to cry and says
that the worst thing is that they had to give up the house. Emmett
wanted it so badly and he wanted Em to have it. Em doesn't care
about that. He says where he's from they used to have tornadoes
all the time that would ruin their place or take off a roof and
generally disrupt things. He always viewed it as a way to start over
and make things better the next time. That is how he feels about
this, too. It's a setback but they'll be ok because they have each
other. TEMMETT snuggle on the bed and can I say that I love them!
Great scene and Peter Paige is just kicking ass all night with his acting.
At Babylon, Brian lights a cigar for Michael and then mocks the
way he smokes it, saying if that is Mikey's sucking technique it's
a wonder he has a boyfriend! Michael thinks it's a wonder that he
and Mel got pregnant on the first try. Brian congratulates him on
fatherhood and Michael is nervous about it. Brian says not to be,
all he has to do is drop in for birthday parties and the occasional
stroll in the park. Michael doesn't want to be a "drop in" dad like
Brian, he wants to be a good father, he just doesn't know how.
Brian assures that Michael will be a good father. After all, he did a
good job raising Brian, didn't he? Brian gives him a kiss on the
check before heading off to the backroom. He strolls past a few guys
in action before the blue lights kick in and he turns to see --- Justin!
Yep, there's Justin fucking some stranger in the backroom. Justin
sees Brian then, too, and their eyes lock and neither can look away.
An available mouth shows up to blow Brian. He tries several times
to turn away from Justin, but he can't. Everytime he looks away, he
can't stop himself from looking back. Justin returns the sultry stare
as we hear the closing music declare "I Want You, I Want To Feel
You Inside, Make Me Feel Alive".
Overall, a kick ass episode with superb acting from everyone!
Next week, Brian meets his new intern at work--Justin Taylor! Ben
is approached by a teenaged hustler, cut to a scene of Michael saying
they're not taking in a "stray". Lindz has hired Emmett as a party
planner for an event she is organizing.