May 25, 2003
by xof
[email protected]
A shipping yard, full of Semi-Trailer trucks. Middle of the night. We see Brian and Justin walking between two trucks, as Brian's saying he read about this place in "O" Magazine. Which he laughingly says he'll get a subscription to for Justin's Birthday. When they come up on a truck with a sign that says, "Pittsburgh Powertools," they know they have arrived. (((Would that all of life's quandaries were so plainly laid out for those in search of anonymous freeze-your-ass-off shag-central....))) Because that's what's going on folks. It's an underground mobile backroom, as it were. To which Brian's taken them both, so they can get off in new and exciting venues. Given that Stockwell's had alllll businesses running so scared that they've closed B/J's regular haunts. Brian pounds on the door to the truck, giving a snickered password about being there for "the Feldman Bar mitzvah," to the leather daddy bouncer. He and Justin go inside where there are guys all around, in the dark. Brian leans against the wall, and Justin kneels. (((Need I mention the workout that Justin's knees are getting this season? Esp. with Brian. Makes one wonder why the heck Brian's never the one on the down-low...lol.))) Brian hisses about the wall being freezing against his ass, they both think the whole place is a bust.... J: "This sucks." B: "And not in a positive, life affirming way." J: "There must be someplace we can go...."
Cut to - Brian bumping danglies with Justin at the loft. (((Shagging in the privacy of his own home, ohhhhhh the horror...lol.))) Several grunts and hair pulls later, they both collapse. Brian pulls out a cigarette and they start talking about Stockwell. B: "Stockwell's finally done it. Forced us to stay at home and fucking in our own beds." J: "You're the one who helped him turn us into straight law abiding citizens." B: "Call me Dr. Spin." J: "You could be Dr. Evil." (((Could be??? lol...))) Justin gets up. (((Nice lighting for this scene. Orange really IS the new blue....lol.)))
Liberty Diner - Deb's asking Michael and Ben why the hell are they in so early. Both look ragged. Michael tells her that Ben had them up all night prowling around for Hunter. He tells Deb about Hunter being positive. When Ben explains why Hunter's his self-assumed responsibility, Deb tells him to watch out because he can get into a lot of trouble trying to help Hunter. (((Esp. since he's a minor. And you haven't called the authorities.))) But Ben says maybe they can help him, if they can find him. Deb tells him they should have just asked her, since a lot of the diner customers at that time of the morning are hustlers ending their night shifts with a hot meal. She says last she heard, the hustlers were hanging out in the warehouse district. Ben: "Mother knows best." (((That's the way to earn brownie points, Professor...ha.)))
Temmett having brunch at Mel and Lindz' house. They ask about Em's growing success as party planner extraordinaire. He's getting at least two events a week, and has put in his notice at "Torso." And while Mel is smiling for his good fortune, the happy happy happiness gets awkward because of Ted being there and his misfortune. When Lindz asks Ted what's he been up to, he gives really flippant answers which are no answer at all. Lindz and Mel say they want to ask his help with setting up a college fund for Gus, having managed to set aside $5,000.00. When Em's too excited, "good idea," finishes - Ted throws him a look. Like he knows something's up. The girls say since he's helped them in the past, esp. with Mel's taxes and crunching numbers after Gus' birth so that Lindz could stay home with the baby - they trust him to help invest the money. He agrees.... (((Oh so enthusiastically - or not.)))
Vangard Advertising Boardroom - Brian's shooting through some mock-ups for Stockwell and advisors for another commercial. Brian wants to do something, "broad sweeping and epic." Something that'll show Stockwell as "a man for all people." Which Stockwell correctly interprets to show him with as many racially and culturally diverse groups as they can. Brian says he wants to have the cameras on Stockwell at all times, when he visits the Asian Cultural Society, the Hispanic Institute and the Gay & Lesbian Center. But both the advisors and Stockwell don't like the last one, because he's not too popular there. (((Really? How would we have ever known that? lol...))) Brian says why not, after all they did endorse Stockwell and it may be their votes who tip it into his favor. (((Mr. Kinney, Mr. Kinney - you're earning your own Dr. Evil theme song...hehe. Just stay tuned, and you'll see why. And no, I wasn't thinking of "I fought the Law and the Law won." hahahaha.... ))) Advisor: "Wouldn't that be a laugh, if it were the gays that put you into office." Brian gives one HELL of an annoyed look at the guy for saying that.... (((Hey, the truth hurts, Brian.))) Brian tells Stockwell, "Go kiss some hands, shake some babies." snicker....
Ted and Em walking down Liberty. Ted's asking how long did Mel/Lindz/Em plan the Gus College Fund 'favor.' Em admits not long, and Ted gets snippy saying it's a project to keep him busy. But Em stops him, saying that's not it. That Mel and Lindz are his friends and since it's Gus' future - they obviously trust Ted. At that point, they are stopped by a guy calling out "HEY!" It's the creeeeeepy drug pushing doctor that Ted got mixed up with at the Paradise Motel. He's got two young guys with him too. Ted introduces Em as his partner. Em says he prefers the term "lover." Em asks if the three of them are just getting out of Babylon - but the doctor says since the backroom's closed - they are going back to his place to fuck. (((Gotta adore the loud obnoxious SNIFF/Snort his gives to punctuate almost everything he says....ewww.))) Em's taken aback, "Oh, that's nice." The guy invites them to come too. Ted turns him down. When Em asks who the tweaked out man was, Ted excuses knowing him by saying he went to him as an ear/nose/throat specialist to have his sinus drained. E: "Until you just said that, the scariest thing I ever imagined was my parents having sex." THUD....snicker. (((I would have used "snort" - but given the context....it was TOO easy.))) Ted gives the guy one last backwards look, and the man grins at him.
Gay and Lesbian Center - Stockwell's visit to a packed house. He's fielding questions from the audience. Brian and the advisors are at the back of the room. We can see Justin's mom in the audience behind a man who's asking why wasn't there a quicker response time from the police after a robbery at his place. Stockwell blames that on the current mayor's having cut his budget. Just then, Justin pops up - naming off Margarita Lopez. Daphne stands up holding a poster of Margarita - a transsexual whose murderer hasn't been found. When Stockwell tries to talk his way out of it, Justin mentions another name - Jefferson Proctor. Lindz stands up with a poster of Jefferson - a gay African American shot half a block from Woody's - crime unsolved. Justin says Natasha Ginzburgh. Melanie stands with her picture - 61 year old lesbian stabbed while walking her dog - case never solved. We see a close-up of Justin as he says his own name, and Jennifer stands up with a picture of Justin taken before the bashing at the prom. J: "Justin Taylor. My beautiful gay son. Attacked at his prom, left for dead. Police reported it as a simple assault. Instead of a hate crime, which it was. His attacker got off with community service." We see Brian's face, clenched jaw and wringing hands. Stockwell plays it off rather well, thanking them for bringing all this to his notice. But when he starts to explain it away, Debbie stands up with a poster of the teen who was killed and put in the dumpster outside Liberty Diner. D: "What about him? Did you do your best for him?" When Stockwell says he remembers the boy, that it was so tragic for one so young - Deb asks, "Then what was his name?" Stockwell admits to not knowing. Justin: "Jason Kemp." Deb: "His name was Jason Kemp. And the reason you don't remember it is that no one on your police force were ever able to find out what it was. But I did! The waitress who found his body inside a dumpster behind the diner where I work. Jason Kemp, a.k.a. Dumpster Boy. Murder unsolved." Stockwell's advisors scramble to call off the show - getting the head of the Center to end the press conference. As Stockwell leaves, he passes Justin - getting a GOOD look at him. Justin smiles after he's passed. (((Glad to have made his point, I'm sure. But I can't help remembering how Justin AND Brian were decidedly NOT so vigilant to make any such kind of point after the discovery of Jason Kemp's body. Aside from one conversation about the danger of being picked up by anyone being potentially dangerous, which turned into sexual foreplay between the two of them. In fact - let's all remember Brian's parting words that episode. "There's never been a hotter time to fuck a stranger." Interesting to see people reaching the moral high-ground with the use of a ladder.)))
Ben and Michael in the freezing cold night, at the warehouse district trying to find Hunter. Michael's saying he's probably warmer than they are, with some sugar daddy. Ben laughs as Michael says to blame his hallucinations on stage one hypothermia...lol. They see Hunter, propositioning a potential trick. Ben comes over and scares off Hunter's trick, which pisses Hunter off. (((But then what DOESN'T piss Hunter off?))) Michael tells him to listen to Ben, it's important. Ben tells him the news - that Hunter's positive. Hunter blinks once, and then walks off when Ben starts telling him about the good news being that he's healthy and his viral load is practically undetectable. When Michael asks if he even cares, Hunter says, "What? That I have AIDS?" Ben's upset, saying he doesn't have AIDS. That he's HIV positive only. Hunter's acting unphased, saying so what. Most of the guys out there already have it. When Ben says he has to start taking care of himself, Hunter yells, "Fuck off!" That he has to get back to work. Michael says if Hunter doesn't care about himself, then what about others. That he could be infecting the people he sleeps with. H: "You pays your money. You takes your chances."
Em and Ted's apartment - Em's discussing recipes with Vic as they prepare for a party. Ted's on the computer, doing research for what to invest Gus's College Fund money in. An instant message pops up from the druggie doctor, asking what Ted's up to that night. Ted declines doing anything, and then tries and tries to get Em and Vic to go out and do something with him. To keep himself from temptation. (((The putz!!!))) He suggests the symphony. Then a Lana Turner movie marathon. Em: "Sweetie, my life IS a Lana Turner movie." (((Darlin, you have NO IDEA how much so....))) Ted tries dinner, but neither want to even see food after having cooked all day. Vic also has a date with Rodney (((you remember naked in the shower Rodney, don't you? We know Deb does....lol.))) to play strip scrabble. Ha... Em tells Ted to try Michael, Ben or Brian. To go out and have some fun. Ted gets this oh shit look on his face.
Woody's - the gang from the rally's all there. Deb, Jennifer, Daphne, Mel, Lindz and Justin. Drinking a toast to "nailing" Stockwell. And "bashing back." Jennifer says they all have Justin to thank. Lindz says it was a great idea to research all those unsolved crimes, how'd Justin do it? J: "I had my deep throat." Awwwwwwwwwww...lol. THUD. Deb excuses herself to go talk to (((or rather AT))) Brian, who's playing pool by myself. She says he doesn't seem too upset about Stockwell's being shown up in front of the press. B: "Well, every politician's got to have a lunatic fringe." lol.. Deb says in the old days before Brian sold out, that Brian would have been the one to plan this kind of thing. That it "had the hand of the master written all over it. Guess those days are gone." (((Not that she looks like she believes that.))) Michael comes over, getting called on not showing up at the Center by Deb. Brian tells him he missed "quite a show. Your mom does a great Norma Rae." snicker... Michael tells them about finding Hunter. Brian laughs at Hunter's non-response and ingratitude, saying what did Michael expect. Deb says it was a very loving thing to do, "even though some people don't think so." Meaning Brian. She leaves. Brian tells Michael to grab a cue. M: "You know we're lucky." B: "What that our hairline hasn't started to recede?" M: "That no matter how much you hated your parents, or how much my mom drives me crazy - they never tried to give us away." Brian, angling up a cue strike, "Speak for yourself." He shoots and in the ball goes - hitting the pocket EXACTLY in front of Michael's crotch....lol.
Hunter hunched up, sitting on a street corner in the cold. Ben comes over again, there to give Hunter a thicker coat. Hunter snaps that no one wants to fuck a guy who looks like an Eskimo. Ben says no one wants to sleep with one who'll give him HIV either. He shoves a box of condoms at Hunter, asking him to use them. When yet another trick drives off at the presence of Ben, Hunter yells at him, "Get the FUCK out of here. Leave me alone." Ben pushes the coat at him, and starts to leave. Hunter asks why does he care. Ben: "Cause I'm positive too." Hunter's actually shocked.
Okay - I absolutely dislike this next scene. Sooo recapper throwing out any objectivity, be forewarned. And I feel bad for Scott having to play such things out, considering how his character's being run into the ground. What? All the writers could come up with for him was turning him into Blake??? grumble grouch....
Druggie Doctor's place - sex and drug party going on. Ted's there amongst a lot of naked tweaked young men, and he's smoking crystal meth from a pipe. Getting high as a kite. Giddy with it. The whole scene's shot through a haze, as if we were watching through drugged eyes. Mark - the doc - says he thought Ted had plans with his partner. Ted laughs as he says Em's busy planning a party. Mark says it can't be as hot a party as this one. Then he tells Ted it's White Party weekend in "PS - I love you." Meaning Palm Springs. The hottest music, the hottest drugs and the hottest boys. Ted's feeling up any young thing in his grasp, first the guy beside him - then a guy in front of him. Totally buzzed and without any guilt. (((Not great to watch either, esp when one of them starts to blow Ted as he and Mark are still talking.))) Mark is asking if he wants to go, talking him into it and then saying it'll only take a few thousand. M: "You can spare a few thou, right?" And Ted's too blissed out to say much....
Ben at home, making Japanese Chicken soup for Hunter. Who's reluctant to eat it, but likes it when he does. He asks Ben how long he's had HIV. And in THEEEEEEEE fuck up of the night - and maybe even the whole series in regards to continuity, Ben says he tested positive 3 years ago. HELL NO.... In season 2, he told Deb flat out that he'd been positive for 5 years. Bigggg mistake, folks. "And so far, knock wood. I have been healthy." (((Except for being near death in the hospital last year....sigh.))) He tells Hunter that staying healthy takes alot more effort than he'd think, alot more work. Hunter ultimately says he doesn't want to talk about it. Ben says he understands. Michael comes in from Woody's, surprised to see Hunter there. Ben says he offered Hunter hot food and a place to crash. M: "That was a very loving thing you did, sweetheart." (((Love the sound of his voice when he said that...lol.))) Michael then grimaces as Hunter violently slurps down the rest of the soup. hehe...
Michael and Ben in the bedroom. Michael saying he can't believe Ben's doing this. Ben: "We're doing this." M: "No you're doing this. What the hell did you tell him anyway?" Ben says he told Hunter he can stay there, and didn't put a time limit on it. Color Michael, not happy. Ben says he couldn't let Hunter sleep on the street in the coldest night of the year, esp after he just found out he's positive. Michael just wants to know what Ben plans to do. Ben says he's offering a helping hand to someone who needs it. M: "You hardly know him." B: "No actually, we're related. By blood." (((Nice line....)))
Brian's Loft - Justin's showing Brian the latest anti-Stockwell poster. A picture of Jason Kemp on one side with "Dump" above his head, and Stockwell on the other with "Stockwell" below him. Effective poster. Brian calls it a beauty, asking where does Justin want to stick it. J: "City Hall, Police Head Quarters, Up His Ass." lol... Brian laughs, saying it's only a poster. Justin disagrees, saying the first one caused alot of notice - even an editorial in the paper. "Think of the stink when they see this." Brian kisses Justin, "How'd you get to be such a clever boy." J: "Learned it from the master." They start having at it...lol.
Cut to Gardner Vance going into his office at night with Stockwell. Having been asked to meet in private. Stockwell says he's been betrayed by someone working close to him, and that it is Kinney. Vance doesn't believe that, saying Brian would never do that. Stockwell says he's a cop and knows when he's being set up. That Brian sent him into the Center knowing what would happen. He tells Vance about seeing Justin, that he'd seen him before. Working right there at the agency.
Loft again - Brian and Justin going at it big time. Clothes flying.
Back to Vance saying Justin's an intern in the art department. Stockwell: "And they were both there tonight."
More of Brian and Justin - and look at them both wearing matching black underwear. How.... uhm, cute. lol....
Vance saying it doesn't explain why Brian would do such a thing. S: "Because he's a fag." (((Ohhh, I am SOOOO not voting for you....lol.)))
Back to the boys - and Brian getting a taste of Justin before they fall to the makeshift bedding that's on the floor.
Vance says Brian's got too much invested in Stockwell's campaign - the entire agency does. Why would he sabotage it? S: "All I know is I want him gone." Vance points out that since Stockwell's presented Kinney to the press as the gay member of his team and his close friend and advisor, that might be difficult. Stockwell says guess whose idea that was.....
Brian topping Justin, and then a knock at the door interrupts them. At which point, Brian disengages (((that was the politest way I knew to put that...hehe.))) and goes to answer the door. (((Why???? Like he couldn't have ignored it??? lol...))) He's bare assed nekkid btw, with only his (((or is that Justin's))) underwear covering his groin. He opens it to a very pissed off and shocked Stockwell and Gardner Vance. Caught red handed. Stockwell slides the door open more, seeing allllllllllllllllll the anti-campaign posters that are littering the loft floor. And Justin on the floor, wrapped up in the bedding. Stockwell enters the room, Brian shakes his head and Gardner - well, I think he's supposed to be looking at the posters on the floor too, but it just looks like he's staring at Brian's ass....ha. When Stockwell shoots Brian a look, B: "What's the matter? Haven't you ever seen two guys fucking before?" Stockwell grabs up a "Dump Stockwell" poster - looking at it, and then crumbles it in his fists. He stomps to the door, throws it at Brian and leaves. Gardner sighs heavily, and follows. Brian shuts the door with a slam, looks at Justin. "You want to finish?"
Michael and Ben having breakfast as they discuss not letting Hunter stay at the apartment during the day because they can't be there to watch him. Ben says he can just come by that night when they get home. Hunter comes out. When Michael asks if Hunter's off to school, Hunter snidely says he's got to make good grades if he wants to get into Harvard. M: "I take that as a no." Ben's upset, "You go to school don't you?" H: "Who the fuck are you, my social worker?" Michael comes over, and gets great joy out of breaking the news: "Worse. He's a teacher." When Ben says he'll make Hunter a protein shake, Michael adds: "He's also a health freak." lol... Michael says Hunter has to leave for the day, but Ben adds if Hunter needs food or a place to stay - they'll be back at seven. Hunter says hopefully he'll find a trick willing to pay for a hotel, instead. Michael throws in a curfew, saying if Hunter comes back, he needs to be there by midnight. Hunter scoffs, "A curfew? You're as bad as some of my foster parents." M: "Well, maybe some of them weren't so bad." Hunter leaves, and Michael follows him out into the hall. He's there to ask if Hunter's coming back, because if he's not Michael doesn't want Ben to get hurt by getting his hopes up. Michael thinks Hunter's not coming back, but says Ben's got more faith in Hunter than Michael does. Hunter says he never asked for Ben's help, the food, the bed or the coat. And he certainly didn't ask to hear he was positive, so Ben can "keep his fucking help." That said, he turns and leaves. (((Good scene, good dialogue....)))
Brian in Gardner's office, being told he's put his boss in a difficult position. Snarking back, "Almost as difficult as the position I was in when you showed up." Gardner says that although Brian's a partner, he's still CEO and the major stockholder - that there are limits to what Brian can get away with. Brian says if Stockwell's got a problem he can come to him himself. Gardner says after last night? "To say you were caught with your pants down is an understatement." B: "Okay, so you found me fucking the intern." When Gardner starts yelling his crimes back at him, Brian yells, "Alright, Gardner! What do you want from me?" G: "I want to know why you would do such a thing. Sacrifice your future and this agency's, and for what?" B: "You wouldn't understand." G: "Why not?" B: "Because you're straight." (((Oh my, Brian just pulled the "gay" card.))) G: "Whatever the reason, you just fucked your way out of a job." Brian walks off.
Liberty Diner - Em's on the cell with Michael talking about Ted who's missing. Who didn't come home last night and hasn't called. Em tells Michael he doesn't know what to do, he can't call the police after the whole website fiasco. In walks Lindz and Mel with Gus. They sit with Em, who's trying to end the call with Michael without giving anything away to them. Saying he's going to go home and watch AMC's tribute to Hitchcock. "Have you ever seen 'The Lady Vanishes'?" hahahaha.... Em's nervous, talking too fast. Mel and Lindz want to know where Ted is - esp since Mel (who's a fanatic about money matters) found out that all of Gus' College Fund money has been withdrawn from the bank. (((SHIT!!! Talk about stupid fucking move, Ted. If it's true.... You just stole from a lawyer's child. A lawyer who just helped save your ass from jail. AND!!! From Brian Kinney's kid - Talk about your ass being grass. The MAIN person who got you off from prosecution, too. Ted is one dead boy is this is what he's done.))) Em's covering for him, saying he's at the gym. And that Ted's probably found a great investment for Gus' money. Em gets up, saying he'll have Ted call them as soon as he gets back - "from his walk. To the gym. Yep, his walk to the gym." (((Ahhh, poor Emmett.)))
YEY!!!! My favorite favorite favorite moment from the whole episode!!!! Here is a fantastic scene of history, back story, character driven dialogue and affectionate connection.....
Brian's Loft. He's alone during the day, sitting on the floor in the living area. He's drinking a beer and rolling a joint. There's a knock on the door - which he doesn't go to answer....lol. (((Thereby learning his lesson, but going against his own advice about locking doors...lol.))) Because just then, Deb slides the door open and comes right on into the loft. She's dressed in a white coat with lots of American flags all over it. She's brought him tuna and macaroni - "It was your favorite when you were a kid." B: "No it wasn't." D: "Don't argue with me, you fucking loved it." ha.... Big resigned sigh from Brian. She says she heard he lost his job. B: "I was escorted out of my office and off the premise by security without so much as a ball point pen." Deb laughs, "That I would have liked to have seen." Brian, who's licking the joint closed, "Why, so you could tell me I had it coming?" D: "Damn right you did. What you and Sunshine were up to was treacherous, deceitful... And I have never been so fucking proud of you in my life." Ahhhhhh.... That floors Brian for a bit, who then says, "Thanks, Ma." When he goes to light the joint, she asks if you can still buy a lid. Brian says not without a time machine. D: "I haven't smoked since James Taylor had hair." Brian lights it, and then hands it over Deb's way with fanfare. "Recall the thrilling days of yesteryear." Deb refuses, saying she's got laundry to do. But she stops saying, "One woof of that and I'm back at Woodstock getting laid by three guys named Julio." THUD!!! Brian's eyes shoot up...lol. The man's impressed, (((He's not the only one...))) throwing her a look and grinning....ha. Instead of leaving, Deb sits beside him. "Tell anyone and you're a fucking dead man." B: "Your secret's safe with me, Senorita." LOL.... Loved that. They start passing the joint back and forth, and as they get high the camera focus gets a tad blurry. Alot of close-ups of their eyes, mouths - faces. Giving you a spacey feel to the rest of the scene. Deb: "You know, you really scared me Brian. I thought well, this time you'd finally gone too far. Sold your soul for money and power. I know how important those things are to you, and I understand where it comes from. But each time you'd reach the precipice and were about to step head-long into oblivion, you always managed to pull back. Why is that?" B: "Winter sale at Prada." Deb laughs. D: "I believe it's your innate goodness." Brian cracks up ....saying, "Shit." D: "Don't laugh. When I'm being profound. It's like one of those philosophers. Socrates and Plato. Anyway, one of them wrote about each one of us is born with a sense of right and wrong. And we all know. And you're no different." Brian's looking thoughtfully at the floor. Deb's joint goes out, and Brian says it's just as well. "Any more and you'd probably be taking off your bra and singing 'White Rabbit.'" Awwwwwwwwwww!!! (((That was FUCKING funny.))) Deb giggles. "Oh god, I love The Airplane! I lived for Grace Slick. Now we've got Britney Spears. Tell me the world isn't going to shit." B: "The world is going to shit." He deadpans that...lol. D: "I could have told you that. Soooo.... Lay off the bad boy routine. Because you're too old for it. And it isn't true." B: "Anything else?" D: "Yeah, you got a bag of chips?" Snicker.... Both of them crack up BIG time....haha. (((What's even funnier is the way Gale looks at Sharon, like she's suddenly an alien come for a visit...lol. They must have had fun with this scene, because we sure do watching it.)))
Michael and Ben having dinner at the apartment. Kinda of a tense moment, as Ben breaks down and says, "I know, I know. He's not coming back." He had hoped that there was a moment of connection, of something that meant he'd gotten across or through to Hunter. Ben: "Call me crazy." M: "You're not crazy. Just kind." B: "Let's just hope he's being careful." M: "We can always hope."
Brian and Justin on a street corner at night. Justin's saying there's always unemployment...lol. Or that Brian could write his memoir, given the popularity of books about the "downfall of the once mighty." Brian scoffs. Saying thanks so much for the career tips, but he just wants to go to Babylon and fuck his brains out. Justin reminds him that the backroom's closed. J: "I could always make my mother's meatloaf, honey. And we could look at photos of when we took the kids to Disney World." Snort.... Brian says he's got a better idea.
Babylon - full crowd. (((LOVE the song. What is it??? lol...))) Em's there in his coat, with Michael - in search of Ted. Because this is night number two he's been gone. Michael's asking if Em really believes that Ted would run off with Gus' money - that that's not Ted. Em says that's what he tried to tell him, "I'm not sure I know who Ted is anymore." Em points out one of the guys he and Ted met on the street the other day. The guy's tweaked out of his mind, flopping around on the dance floor. Em confronts the guy, who's so spaced out it doesn't seem like he's paying attention to a word. That is until he says that Ted's gone to Palm Springs. "Last night, when we were tweaking..." Em's shocked, "Tweaking?" M: "Ted?" The guy says that Ted and a couple of the other guys decided to go to the White Party. "Wish I could afford to." The guy leaves. Em asks Michael, "Since when can Ted?" Michael says the guy's "just a strung out crystal queen. He doesn't know what he's saying. Let's keep looking." Em stands there, dejected. (((Esp since he's had one too many experiences discussing strung out crystal queens while at Babylon. Any one remember the "I will brake your face" scene with Blake??? Too bad Em's man is becoming Blake....))) E: "No, let's go home." He and Michael leave.
Ben and Michael in bed. Michael's asleep, and Ben's working on student papers. There's a knock at the door, which wakes Michael. Ben says he'll get it. It's Hunter. B: "11:59 and 30 seconds." H: "You said midnight." He pushes past Ben and goes inside. Ben grins and closes the door.
Babylon - Brian and Justin walk in. Brian's got a sledge hammer. (((I'm NOT kidding.))) The music's proclaiming, "Gotta revolution." (((How apt...))) Brian walks directly to the Backroom's bolted door. He takes off his leather jacket for Justin to hold. And then we see him pound the lock off the door. Shoving the door open, he turns and announces, "The back room is reopened boys." Many cheers. Brian kisses Justin and then escorts him inside. Followed by many others. Fade to black... We think it's all over. And then.... WHAM. A quick shot of bare-chested Brian kissing Justin for all he's worth in the backroom.
Finis...
Didn't catch the ep highlights on tape for next Sunday. But I remember Em breaking down about Ted's disappearance. Ted comes home and Em confronts him about Palm Springs. Hunter meets Brian, and is later teased by the others about having a crush on him. Hunter talking to Deb about Jason Kemp. He knew him, and may have seen him with the killer. Deb going to Horvath with the information.