We kick this one off with a sight for sore eyes, something I've seriously missed--B&J dancing! The newly reunited couple are enjoying their bliss on the dancefloor of Babylon, oblivious to everyone and everything around them. Lots of touching and kissing. Smiling, nuzzling necks, cuddling. Just generally being lost in each other.
On the stairs, Mikey is pouting. So what's new there? Anyhow, he's sulking while the rest of the gang watches B&J in surprise. Emmett asks if he's seeing what he thinks he's seeing. Ben declares it the most historic reunification since Germany. Mikey pouts. Everyone ignores him. Em asks what happened to the fiddler and Michael answers that he "fell off the roof". Heh, heh. Emmett feels like dancing, too, but Ted declines, saying his back still hurts. Em asks if he can borrow Michael's "husband" then. Michael says yes but he better keep his hands above Ben's waist at all times. Ben requests that Michael comes rescue him after two songs. Em and Ben head off to the dance floor while Michael and Ted go to the bar. Ted orders vodka and pops another pain pill. Michael doesn't think that's a good mix but Ted says why not? It's not like he has to go to work tomorrow or anything. Ted is majorly depressed, folks.
Lovely, cuddly B&J walk past and Brian is wanting to get hot and heavy now with Justin. Justin suggests they go back to the loft because Stockwell is said to have undercover cops everywhere. Brian replies that that is what makes it hot and pulls Justin into the backroom with him.
Shots of Stockwell playing with his kids as he's filming another ad for his campaign. He speaks of "meaning what he says" and how he intends to keep his promise of making Pittsburgh "family friendly" again. The ad finishes shooting. Brian, who seems to be in a good mood <G>, says that Stockwell did a great job. Stockwell's wife hurries the kids off to basketball practice, but not before suggesting that Stockwell go soak in the hot tub because his back is stiff and aching. An old sports injury. He invites Brian to join him. Brian says he didn't bring his swim suit with him. Stockwell says that's fine. They're guys, right? No big deal if they soak in the buff.
At the Big Q, Ted is there for a job interview, as an assistant bookkeeper and Michael has came along for moral support. Michael says good things about the Big Q. (Yeah, so why did you quit it if it's so great?) Ted is just thankful that Michael has helped him get the interview. But the best part--Tracy is back! Yay! I liked Tracy. Anyhow, Tracy is manager now and speaks with Ted about the job. She thinks Ted is over qualified, but Ted just wants the work. They go off to speak in her office.
Mel at work. I'd like to concentrate on the dialogue, but I'm blinded by the dress she's wearing. It's just . . . . it's just . . . . UGLY! Even my grandmother, wearer of the world's ugliest dresses, wouldn't have this thing on! What is the wardrobe department smoking these days? Anyhow, Mel wants to work part-time now so she's giving some of her cases to co-workers. Only . . . . enter another lawyer who says that the Supreme Court has granted their appeal on one of Mel's most important cases. Mel is thrilled until she realizes that he is taking the case over. This case means alot to her. Fellow Lawyer reminds that this case will demand the full attention of whomever is handling it. There's no way she can work part-time and do that.
The hot tub scene and I feel sorry for these actors. LOL! There's friggin' snow on the ground and they're having to climb into a hot tub naked. For their sake, I hope the water was at least warm! Stockwell has some sexual innuendo dialogue here about how it feels good once you slip inside. Ew. Don't wanna think about sex with this man! No, no, NOOOO! Anyhow, Stockwell admires Brian for his "balls". He asks if Brian can guess what he plans to do if he wins. Brian makes some crack about skipping out on all his campaign promises, embezzling money and heading out of the country. Stockwell laughs and says no, he plans to introduce Brian to all of his big wig friends that can further Brian's career. Brian replies that it's the reason he's helping Stockwell, to further himself. Stockwell gets serious then and says he has something to tell Brian that he's never admitted to anyone before. <Drum roll, dramatic pause> He's scared. Not scared of losing but scared of winning. He's just a cop. He never thought he'd be more than a cop. What if he wins? How will he run the city when he knows nothing about being a mayor? Brian says that everyone has doubts, even him. That's quite an admission coming from Brian Kinney! Even Stockwell is surprised, saying he figured Brian for a golden boy type, who always makes it work for him. Brian is quick to assure that he does. He always finds a way to win.
At the diner, Hovarth is there for lunch. Deb brings him the Pink Plate Special and they flirt. Ted and Em are there, too. Ted says he is waiting to hear back from Tracy about the job. She has to get it approved through the district manager first. Em is happy for him. They want to celebrate that night, just the two of them, but Deb interrupts and reminds them that tonight is the charity strip contest at Woody's. Kiki, the new waitress--formerly Kenny the old waiter--doubles over in pain. She ate the Pink Plate Special and it has made her very sick. Debbie looks over to see Hovarth about to chow down on his and she goes into superwoman mode, racing across the diner and stopping him at the last second. Kiki asks Deb to emcee the charity strip show at Woody's in her place. Deb doesn't think she can, but TEMMETT do. Who has a bigger mouth than hers, after all? Hovarth rises to the defense of his woman then. He loves her big mouth.
At the comic book store, Justin and Michael are discussing which cover to use for the second issue of "Rage". Justin wants the one of JT giving Rage a blow job which is VERY graphic. He thinks it's hot, but Michael thinks it's practically porn! (Please note that the voice of "QAF" detractors and criticizers is now being played by Michael Notovny and the voice of Cow/Lip is being played by Justin Taylor in this scene.) Justin says that it will sell. "If it's not confiscated first," Michael replies. Justin laughs that they should be so lucky. Think of the free publicity! Michael thinks that working with Brian is rubbing off on Justin in more ways than one. He holds up a drawing of Rage fighting the new villain Ice-Tina. It's the one he wants because it establishes Rage's new foe and puts the hero in peril. Justin thinks it's antiseptic. This is supposed to be a gay comic (read: C/L saying this is a gay show). It was meant to be daring and sexual and in your face! Michael says there is a difference between daring and sex for the sake of sex (says the "QAF" critics in reply). Justin (C/L) asks if that is what Michael (the detractors) really thinks about the Rage/JT (B&J) sex scene? JT (Justin) giving Rage (Brian) a blowjob is about thawing his cold heart. It's about bringing him to life. It's about their (B&J's) love and unspoken commitment. "Art imitating life?" Michael asks. (Duh! Uh, that's from me. <G>) Justin is thoughtful for a minute before saying that Michael was right. Brian did love him and showed him everyday, even though he never said it. Even though he may never say it. Justin just didn't hear it. Michael drawls that it's nice to be right. Justin gives him both of the drawings and tells him to think it over and leaves.
Cooking at home with Mel and Lindz. Mel is telling Lindsay about this case. A woman with three kids who was married to a drunk, abusive, and unemployed man leaves him for a woman. Only he sues for custody of their three kids and wins because of their mother's relationship with another woman. But they've been granted an appeal and Mel wants to be the one who represents her. She knows she promised Lindz she will would cut back, but this case is just too important. Not just for her career, but for the mother of those kids, for child custody laws, etc. Lindz reminds that Mel is pregnant and they agreed that Mel would slow down. Mel says she is, but she has to take this case. And can Lindsay take Gus to day-care in the morning? She has to meet with her client, but she can pick him up that afternoon. Lindz doesn't look too happy.
At Woody's, the strip contest is in full swing, the guys just stripping down to their undies. And another plea goes out to the wardrobe department to stop the madness!!! Brian is back in another awful sleeveless dead animal vest. Anyhow, B&J are sitting together. Michael and Ben are nearby. Mikey still pouting and glaring at Brian and Justin. Vic is in the crowd cheering the contestants on. One of the contestants walks by and Brian stops him, saying he will give the guy a hundred dollars to show his dick. The guys starts to lower his pants and Brian says he meant on-stage. The dolt agrees and walks off. An amused Justin declares that Brian is evil. Brian disagrees that he's sweet and they share a kiss. Awwww . . . .
Michael is complaining to Ben about how some guys--the contestants--will use any excuse just to show their dicks. Ben asks when Michael turned into such a prude. Michael says he isn't. He's just tired of everything having to be about sex. Justin even wants to do it with "Rage" now. For their second edition, Justin wants to use a cover of JT giving *Brian* a blow job. Ben notices that little Freudian slip and calls Mikey on it, asking how Michael, er, uh, Zephyr feels about that. Michael insists that neither of them care. (Yeah, tell it to someone who believes it! . . . Well, I guess he took my advice after all since Ben apparently believes it.) Ted and Emmett arrive then and Ted asks if Michael has talked to Tracy. She still hasn't gotten in touch with him about the job. Michael reluctantly admits that he did speak with Tracy. Apparently, the district manager gave the job to someone else, someone more "qualified". Ted argues that they told him he was over-qualified. Michael apologizes and says that that is all he knows. Ted is disappointed and goes off to drink.
Debbie introduces the next contestant and it's the guy Brian bribed. As the guy strips down to his undies, Brian waves the hundred for him to see and the dolt lowers his underwear for all of Woody's to see. Deb is shocked, Woody's erupts, and B&J look at each other in surprise that the guy actually did it and start to laugh. But hold up! An undercover cop stands up in the crowd, identifies himself as a police officer, and shuts Woody's down for "Lewd and Immoral Behavior". Naturally, Deb goes off on her soap box. But Cop ain't listening. Woody's is closed. He orders everyone out. Brian starts to leave and catches the eye of the cop who recognizes him.
At work, Mel's fellow lawyer and she are talking about the up-coming case. The client has called and left a message that she can't meet with them until later. Mel calls Lindsay at work and asks her to pick Gus up from daycare.
At the diner, Debbie is organizing a protest so they can picket the police station and Stockwell. Everyone is with her, except Brian who strolls in for lunch. Deb refers to Brian as the "man behind the asshole". Heh, heh. And Michael adds that Brian is always behind the asshole. Debbie tells Michael to be serious. Liberty Avenue is being threatened and Brian not only doesn't care, he's also helping it happen. Brian doesn't care for their harping. He just wants lunch. He's late for his prayer group. Deb doesn't have time to wait on him because she is organizing a rally against Stockwell. And she'd like to see Brian do the right thing here and join them. Michael defends Brian, saying it's not his fault that Woody's got shut down. But Ben disagrees. By helping Stockwell, Brian is hurting them. Deb asks whose side Michael is on. His friend's, family's and community's or Brian's?
Cut to outside the diner where Brian is leaving as Michael says he thinks Brian helping Stockwell is wrong. Brian scoffs. Stockwell is just stirring things up, he says. Once he's elected, he'll renege on his campaign promises and everything will blow over and go back to normal. Michael says it didn't blow over for Ted and Brian replies that Ted fucked himself up. Michael declares that Debbie is right. Brian doesn't care about anyone but himself. Brian drawls that if he don't, who will? Stockwell is his ticket out of this second-rate, second-class burgh. Michael asks what about his "second-rate friends". Brian answers that when he's in his office building in New York on the 99th floor, it will all just be a distant memory. Michael snaps at him to just go then and take Justin with him. Brian says Michael didn't let him finish. He meant that his friends will all be a distant memory but Michael because where ever he goes or whoever he is with, he will always love Michael. Michael doesn't believe it but Brian says it's true, kisses Michael on the forehead and leaves.
Emmett and Vic are going over the menu for a party Em is planning. (And are we to assume that Vic is working with Emmett now as his cook? It seems that way.) A hungover Ted wanders out of the bedroom to fix himself a Bloody Mary. Vic says he's sorry to hear Ted didn't get the Big Q job and Ted replies that his reputation must have proceeded him. Em says things will work out for Ted. Em tells Vic they need someone to tend bar for their party and Ted volunteers. He tended bar in college. He's hired.
Deb has her masses rallied to picket the police station and is being interviewed by a local TV station. She's angrily declaring that Stockwell is a homophobe to the reporter. Hovarth and another cop walk up and his fellow cop gives him shit about Debbie. Deb sees him and stomps over in anger. She's mad because she thinks he should have warned her about the undercover cop at Woody's. Hovarth insists that he didn't know, but Deb doesn't believe him.
Lindsay is mad because she had to put her job on hold to pick up Gus from day care. Mel is arguing the importance of this case for gay parents, but Lindz is more concerned about their family. Lindz feels that Mel thinks her work is more important than Lindsay's. Mel reminds that it's her salary that pays the bills. Lindz says it's not about money, it's about the deal they made that Lindsay would work full-time and Mel would cut back. (And these two are yelling and fighting right in front of Gus. Not good, ladies!) Mel argues that this is the case of *her* career and Lindz replies that Gus is *their* son who needs to go take a bath. She snatches him up and stomps off towards the bathroom, Mel following. Mel thinks they should get a nanny to help out or someone to look after Gus when they can't be there. Lindsay hates the idea of a nanny since she was raised by them. She thinks that for Mel to be so intent on defending lesbian motherhood she doesn't care to set a good example. Mel is pissed and argues that it's good enough for straight couples where both parents work. Lindz replies that they have to be better than that.
At Em's soiree, he is a big hit again! Ted is bartending for him. But enter Garth from last season! (The A-Gay List Asshole who hit Ted up to meet one of his jerkers.) Anyhow, Garth recognizes Ted and is condescending and rude to him. Ted is humiliated.
Brian arrives at Stockwell's office with his newest video ad and Stockwell drops a bomb on him. He thanks Brian for his help, but he and his aids have decided that Brian's services are no longer needed. Brian is stunned and wants to know why. It's because Stockwell has found out that he and Brian don't "bat for the same team". Brian is removed from the campaign. Needless to say, Brian is pissed. He calls Stockwell on it, saying that the only reason he's being fired is because he's gay. Stockwell's cop saw him at Woody's and reported back. Stockwell doesn't deny it and says that Brian should have told him. Brian replies that his theory is if he's not fucking the other guy, then it's none of that man's business. Stockwell disagrees. Anything that could cost him this election *is* his business. A disheartened Brian leaves.
Deb and Vic strolling down Liberty Avenue. Deb is off her diet, depressed since she and Hovarth split. Vic defends him, saying that maybe he really didn't know about the undercover cop.
Woody's has been reopened and Brian and Michael are shooting darts. Michael wonders how the bar got reopened so fast and Brian says because it served its purpose. The fine was paid, Stockwell got his spot on the news, and moved on to something else. Just like Brian said would happen. Only Deb is the one taking it so seriously. Michael says that Brian is the perfect political animal. Brian tells Michael that he got fired from the account because he was at Woody's and the cop reported back to Stockwell about him. Michael is thrilled, gloating even. Saying Brian got what he deserved. (Nice friend you got there, Bri. The dunce doesn't even see that this is bothering you.) Mikey runs off to spread the good news to Debbie who's drinking at the bar. Deb doesn't care anymore because she fears Stockwell will still win. But hold up again! The news is on and Stockwell is being blasted in the media now by the accusations that he's homophobic. That perks Deb up and she calls out to Brian, asking how "his guy" plans to cover his ass now?
Back in Stockwell's office. Old Stocky is watching Deb on the news and he's upset. Brian is there, commenting on what a big mouth Deb has. Stockwell says that these accusations are costing him. Brian reminds that he warned Stockwell about picking on guys his own size. Brian asks how things are and Stockwell says his son has a basketball game today and desperately needs a win. So does Stockwell, Brian adds.
Deb comes to see Hovarth at work to apologize for thinking the worst of him. Hovarth says that she doesn't know what her protests are costing him. Her mouth is getting him into shit at his work since she's attacking his boss. Deb doesn't care and tries to see how many curse words she can put into one sentence. She won't back down. Hovarth says that is her choice, but this is his and walks away from her.
At TEMMETT's apartment, Mel, Lindz, Ben, and Michael have been invited over to sample Emmett and Vic's cooking. They gang loves the food but wonders where Ted is. Em says he's out picking up some wine. Enter a staggering drunk Ted. The gang tries to downplay it, but Ted is loud and rude and obnoxious. Em tries to get him to eat, doing the whole silly Choo-Choo-Train from a past episode. Ted says no and pushes Emmett back, rougher than he intended. Em falls into the bar and the gang is shocked. Ted is horrified, crying and apologizing to Emmett. Em takes him to lay down. Ted is heading downhill fast.
Outside the police station, Stockwell is speaking to the press about the claims of homophobia. He goes on about how he doesn't hate gay people. He isn't after the gay community. He is after the drug scumbags and porn kings. He wants to clean up Pittsburgh. He then declares that the person in charge of his ad campaign, a "close friend and personal advisor" to him is gay. Camera pans to Brian who looks very old and tired. He's just been reduced to Stockwell's "Token Queer".
In the event that someone didn't get that the previous Rage/JT conversation was about B&J, they're going to make it *REALLY* plain here, just dropping anvils everywhere. The camera pans over a copy of the new "Rage", with the cover of Rage receiving a blowjob from JT. Camera pans above the bed and for the first time I notice that the blue lights are gone. Replaced by an orange one because we all know that "orange is the new blow". <G> Anyhow, Justin is giving Brian a blowjob on the bed and Brian is enjoying the hell out of it. Probably the most we've ever seen Brian enjoy anything! LOL!! Lots of moaning, arching, sliding his fingers into Justin's hair, stroking those beautiful blonde locks. He pulls Justin's head up enough at one point to look at him and Justin looks back with sheer love in his face before going back to business. The song being played is yet another anvil. "Weapon" by the Matthew Good Band.
"Here by my side, an angel.
Here by my side, the devil.
Never turn your back on me,
Never turn your back on me again.
Here by my side, it's Heaven.
Here by my side, you are a distraction.
Here by my side, a new color to paint the world.
Never turn your back on it.
Never turn you back on it again.
Here by my side, it's Heaven."
Afterwards, exhausted Brian is stretched out in bed and Justin scoots up to lay beside him. Justin looks pleased with himself and we know Brian is pleased with him! But, just in case someone doesn't, Brian declares that it was "fucking hot, just like the cover of Justin's comic". (Yet another anvil falling down, making reference to it being just like the comic. i.e. about their love and commitment, not about just sex. And Brian is smiling alot here. I mean, really, really smiling and looking happy.) Justin looks a bit embarrassed when Brian reaches for the comic and holds it up when making reference to the blowjob. Justin says Michael agreed to it even if it does get them arrested. Brian asks what kind of artist would Justin be if he didn't get arrested. Justin smiles in adoration and he and Brian cuddle a little, light kissing. But a knock sounds at the door. Brian apologizes and says that it's his "eleven o'clock". He kisses Justin again before getting out of bed.
Brian goes to answer the door and there's a trick there. (At least this one is cute.) Trick strolls in and compliments Brian's place. Justin walks out of the bedroom, dressed, and Trick has the nerve to ask who Justin is. (Hey, buddy, it's not your place! What does it matter to you?!) Brian replies that it's difficult to answer because of "the limitations of the language and the conventionality of some people's thinking". Let's just say that Justin is the guy he's with more than once, unlike Trick. Brian looks a little sheepish as he says this and Justin just smiles. B&J kiss good-bye and Justin leaves. Trick heads off to the bedroom and Brian doesn't look overly thrilled to have him there, to be honest. He seems almost reluctant to join the guy. He drags his feet and slowly wanders into the bedroom, past the trick and into the bathroom. End of episode. Someone help me clean up the anvils on the floor, please.
Next week, Ben's "nephew" is in the hospital. It's Hunter, who Michael thinks isn't Ben's responsibility. Mel's working too hard so Michael decides to stalk her. Em thinks Ted needs some time away. Ted ends up at an orgy instead. And even though the previews don't show it, I'll add some of my own -- Stockwell is being embarrassed by posters targeted against his campaign and B&J clash over Stockwell.