Episode 314
The Season Finale -- I know, impossible to believe that it's already the finale, but it is. Anyhow, this week kicks off with a tattered Pride Flag flowing over Liberty Avenue as Patrick Antosh (Costume Designer for the show) struts his cute self down the street. He strolls past a hand-holding couple who comment on how hot he thinks he is. Blond Hair says that he's not as hot as his lover. Brown Hair is flattered and they kiss. The couple see two cops walking towards them and they part, letting go of each other's hand and moving to the opposite sides of the sidewalk as the cops walk in between them and the scene goes from vivid color to black and white. The couple move back towards each other once they're past the cops and keep walking down the street as Brian and Justin are strolling up Liberty Avenue. Brian says it used to be such a magical kingdom here, full of sprites and fairies. Justin adds that now it's like watching "The Wizard of Oz" in reverse. (Hence the color change that is still in affect, going from vivid colors to back and white.) B&J stop in front of the two cops and Brian says there are cops on the streets, cops in the bars, cops in the clubs, cops everywhere. It's fucking depressing. "Unless your into cops," Justin suggests. Brian wraps a hand around Justin's neck and pulls him forward for a long kiss infront of the two officers. Kiss ends, Brian runs a hand through Justin's hair and they walk off, Brian hugging up to Justin from behind. Debbie and Vic join them then. The two are handing out flyers, telling people to "Stop Stockwell". Deb asks what B&J are doing and Brian snarls in the direction of the officers that they're "COPulating" and simulates the motion with Justin. Heh, heh, heh. Deb says it's nothing to laugh about. Vic gives a flyer to two guys on the street and tells them to "Stop Stockwell" and the guys say they think Stockwell is hot. (Clearly, they have poor taste if they think that!) Deb is disgusted and wonders what she has to do to get through to people, shove a stick of dynamite up their ass or scream "Bloody Murder". Justin says that's what they've been trying to do. He takes some of the flyers and goes about handing them out. Deb asks Brian if he's going to help and he tells her it will take alot more than that to bring down Stockwell.
At Michael and Ben's apartment, cute scene of them and Hunter taking their bikes out for a ride. They're getting ready to go their separate ways for the day. Ben asks if Hunter is coming right home after school and Hunter says no. He has band practice and then he's studying with Suzie. Michael asks who Suzie is and Ben says that Hunter is bullshitting them. Hunter says he's meeting some friends. He's told them that he's living with two old queens who pay him five cents a day to walk around naked. Michael says that is Hunter bullshitting, but he says he's serious about that. Michael reminds when dinner is. Ben is making tofu stir fry. Hunter groans about health food as they ride their bikes off together. They make such a cute family.
Mel has her shirt pulled up, looking in the mirror at her belly. She's starting to show. Lindz thinks it's sexy. Mel always told her she was sexy when she was pregnant with Gus. Or did she really look like a whale and Mel just said that to make her feel better? Mel says Lindz had a glow and Lindz said it was nausea. Mel understands that. If she's not sick then she's having weird cravings, like pepperoni and pineapple pizza. Lindz produces a box and says it's not pizza, but she has a gift for Melanie. Inside the box is an antique baby blanket Lindsay bought at an antique store near her work. Mel refuses the gift, insisting that Lindsay take it back. It's bad luck and goes against Jewish tradition to accept gifts before the baby is born.
The ladies go downstairs where a depressed Emmett is moping on the couch, a book in hand, pretending to read. "Psychology of the Vagina", Lindz asks and Em says it's always been on his list of books to read. Emmett's cell phone rings and it's Vic. Em says he isn't feeling well and asks if Vic can cover for him by meeting with a client to go over the plans for their party. Mel and Lindz decide to give their advice whether Emmett wants it or not. If Ted is out to destroy himself then he will but Emmett doesn't need to let Ted destroy him in the process. Em says that Ted is his partner and his friend, if anyone can understand that Mel and Lindz should. They do and Mel says it has to be tough for him. Cute banter where Emmett says his daddy once bought him boxing gloves to make him into a tough man. Mel says she loves boxing. "Of course you do," Emmett replies and reveals that he glued rhinestones onto the gloves. "Of course you did," Mel shots back with a smile. Lindz says that Emmett's father would be proud of the man he's became.
At the loft, Brian is programming his new, big ass TV while Justin is drawing at the computer desk. Justin says he's got to hand it to Brian, not many people who were just fired would spend $5,000 on a new liquid television. Brian says he has nothing better to do with his free time now than shop. He gets the channels programmed in and what is the first time he should see but one of his own Stockwell commercials! Justin laughs at the coincidence of it all and Brian says it's no coincidence, it's good politics. They'll now be running these spots on every local station until the election is over. He should know since he bought the air time. Justin says it's very Dickinsian that Brian's high definition ghost is coming back to haunt him now. Justin gets up from the desk with drawings in hand and says he wants to show Brian something that might cheer him up. He holds up a drawing of a Razorback in a suit and Brian asks what is it. Justin says it's a new villain he's working on for "Rage". A razorback, swine--"pig", in other words--but thanks to a ruthless ad executive, the swine can appear close to human form. He's running for mayor of Gayopolis. Brian drawls that he marvels at how Justin comes up with these ideas. Justin goes on to say that the Razorback has mesmerized nearly everyone into voting for him, but what they don't know is he's going to send them all to the slaughterhouse, Justin explains, producing another drawing of several guys hanging on meathooks. "Holy porkchop!" Brian exclaims. (LOL! That was perfect.) Justin finishes that Rage has to use his power of mind control to expose the villain and bring everyone to their senses before it's took late. Brian smiles at Justin and says that is some story. Brian goes back to programming his new TV and Justin boldly hints that if only there was a real Rage, he could change everyone's mind. Brian gives no response but definitely hears Justin and thinks it over as Stockwell's TV spot continues to air.
Michael and Ben rushing home for an afternoon quickie. Hunter's in school and they've got 45 minutes. They're starting to undress when someone knocks on the door. Michael goes to answer and finds a woman with curly red-hair who he assumes is there trying to sell something door to door. The woman says she is looking for Benjamin Bruckner and Ben comes to the door, Michael teasing off to the side not to let her sell him anything for erectile dysfunction because he DOESN'T need it. The woman says that she got his address from the high school principal and Ben asks if something is wrong with Hunter. The woman muses that Hunter maybe what he's calling himself now but his name is Jimmy. And she should know because she is Rita Montgomery, his mother. Ben and Michael are floored. Cut to a scene of them sitting at the table talking to her. Rita is shocked that Hunter told them she was in prison for killing his father. She says that Hunter's father cheated and then left them penniless. She could barely take care of herself, much less a child. So she was forced to put Hunter into foster care. She'd called Social Services over a year ago and learned that he had ran away. She's been looking for him since. She doesn't know how he survived all this time on his own. Oh, boy. Michael and Ben exchange a very knowing look but don't tell her that Hunter survived by hustling. M/Ben will only say that he was in bad shape so they took him in. Rita says that Michael and Ben are angels for taking care of her son. Michael asks if she wants to keep in touch with Hunter now and Rita wants more than that. She knows "Jimmy" is angry that she had to put him in foster care, but now she has a job and her own place . . . and she wants her son back. She wants him to come live with her.
Brian in the office of Councilman Marvin Deekins. (And I recognize the actor from "Highlander: The Series". He played Charlie.) Anyhow, Brian has given him a tape which Deekins apparently watched. Deekins says the tape is very interesting, but he's wary of Brian. He knows Brian used to work for Stockwell and wants to know why Brian has brought him this tape. Brian drawls because he cares about the truth, especially where politicians are concerned. Deekins replies that if this is true it could really hurt Stockwell's campaign. Brian adds it could also bring about a criminal investigation into the man. Or, Deekins plays devil's advocate, it could look like late minute desperation on his part, like he's launching a smear campaign and that could hurt him (Deekins) if this tape isn't true. Deekins says he won't air the tape. He's running a clean campaign. He doesn't want to win by trashing his opponent. An angry, frustrated Brian declares that Stockwell may be a dick, but at least he's not a pussy. Yeah, Bri, that's really gonna win points with the man who can defeat Stockwell.
At the ladies' house, Mel has the TV on and the local newscasters are discussing the election and what a close race it will be. Emmett, dress-up and in a good mood, comes downstairs and over the baby gate. Mel says she thought he was taking a nap and Em says who can nap when there's parties to plan. He's not going to let Ted get him down. Cue the doorbell. It's Ted. Mel leaves them alone. Ted looks fairly sober in this scene, a little cleaned up. Ted wants Emmett to come home. He apologizes and tries to remind Emmett of their love with a kiss. Em is tempted. They start to kiss again but Mel interrupts as she bangs into the baby gate on her way upstairs. Ted starts to say that he will stop using. He's promised that before but he means it this time. Em tells him to stop. Stop saying things just to get Em to come home. Em doesn't believe him anymore. Ted realizes Em doesn't trust him now and Em admits that he doesn't. Ted is an addict who needs help. He can't stop Ted, but he's not going to join Ted in his self-destruction. Ted gets defensive and starts to accuse Mel and Lindz of turning Emmett against him. Em says no, Ted did that on his own. Em wants Ted to get some help but Ted denies that he needs help and leaves in anger.
At Woody's, Debbie is still trying to rally voters against Stockwell while Justin is making paper airplanes out of the flyers and sailing them through the bar. Deb asks him what type of attitude is this and he says it's a realistic one. Vic agrees with him. If Deb is relying on the people in Woody's then she's in for a disappointment. Deb goes over to the table where a glum Michael and Ben are sitting and asks if there is a sign outside saying to abandon all hope when you come in here. They tell her that Hunter's mom has returned and wants her son to go live with her. Rita doesn't even know anything about Hunter anymore. Not what he's been doing or that he is HIV positive. Deb says that she knows how much Michael and Ben have came to care about Hunter and all that they've done for him, but Rita is still his mother. And nothing can replace a mother's love.
Brian comes into the bar and goes to Justin, tapping him on the hand to get his attention. He tells the bartender to turn the TV on. A black and white commercial begins to air. It first shows a picture of Jason Kemp and a voice-over says that on April 11, 2002, Jason Kemp, age 19, was murdered and his body found in a dumpster. On May 14, 2002, a month later, Police Chief Jim Stockwell suspends the investigation, citing lack of evidence. (Justin eyes Brian as the commercial goes on.) On May 19, 2002 Police Sergeant Kenneth Rikert, friend and former partner of Stockwell, resigns from the force. One year later, DNA links Rikert to Jason Kemp on the night of his murder. The next day, Rikert commits suicide. Before voting to elect Stockwell mayor, there is some questions that should be answered first. "Paid for by the Concerned Citizens for The Truth," the voice-over finishes. (And aren't we all remembering back to last week when Brian introduces himself to Rikert as a "concerned citizen". No mystery as to who did this ad.) The bar explodes in conversations when the ad finishes. This got their attention. Debbie is left nearly speechless, amazed and thrilled.
Mel and Lindz making out. Lots of kissing and fooling around. Lindz wants to rub oil on Mel's belly. Mel starts looking for the oil in the dresser drawer beside the bed and sees the present box from earlier. Mel is unhappy that the gift is still in the house. Lindz says the store was closed and she couldn't return it. Mel tells Lindz what her real worry is and it's not just superstition. When she was a little girl, her mother got pregnant. They bought toys and presents, fixed up the nursery, they were really planning for the baby. But her mother had a miscarriage at 11 weeks. Her mother was depressed for years afterwards, sighting pride and vanity as the reasons for losing the baby. Mel says she is 11 weeks now, not out of her first trimester yet. What if the same thing happens to her?
In the bathroom of Babylon, Brian and Justin are washing their hands. Justin wants to know about the "Concerned Citizens for the Truth". Who are they? Brian says they're a bunch of lunatics. Lunatics with money, Justin adds. That commercial must have cost a fortune. Brian says it will cost five thousand everytime they run it and they'll be running it every hour until the election.
At the bar, Emmett is watching Ted from a distance. Ted is high and hanging out with sleazy Dr. Mark. Brian and Justin come up to Emmett and Brian declares that it's the "widow Schmidt". Brian motions to Em's bright red shirt and tells Justin that "fire engine red must be the new black". (Ha, ha. Obviously a poke at Justin's "Orange is the new blue" from 308.) Em asks that Brian not give him any shit right now. Justin offers to buy Em a cosmo and goes off to order it. Brian asks Emmett to dance, taking his hand and pulling him onto the dancefloor. Em's heart is clearly not into but he goes along. He says that he and Brian have never done this before. Brian says that is a shame. They make such a lovely couple. They're both . . . tall. Em asks why they're dancing now and Brian says he thought that Emmett would like to be the center of attention. "How do you figure that?" Em asks and Brian replies, "Because you're with me". Emmett laughs. He sees Ted again across the nightclub. Brian steps into his line of view and says that Emmett also needs to forget about Ted. He's dead. Em argues that Ted is not dead. "He will be soon enough," Brian coldly declares. But that is Ted's problem. Em is fastly becoming unhappy with this conversation and Brian tells him to keep dancing. Emmett asks how Brian can be so heartless and Brian replies that it took practice but eventually he got the hang of it. Em says he could never be that way and starts to walk off but Brian's not letting it go that easily. He says sure Emmett could. Em ignores him and starts to leave again and Brian yells after him to go back to Ted then. Show Ted just how much he cares and let Ted kill Emmett, too. Em knows that Brian is right and goes back to Brian and they start to seriously dance. (Well, Peter Paige is, anyhow, because the man can just dance!!! Gale Harold, whom I love but readily admit cannot dance, just nods and sways with the music.) Emmett is shaking his ass to everyone's appreciation, except Drug Head Ted. He's pissed and jealous when he sees Brian and Em dancing. Ted leaves with Dr. Mark while Em burns up the dancefloor.
An old black and white show playing on Michael and Ben's TV. Ben is brooding while Michael folds the laundry and suggests what they should do that night. Go out to dinner, take Hunter to a movie. Ben says they have to tell Hunter that his mother visited and wants him back. Hunter comes home then with a bag of donuts, non-health food to torment Ben with. Michael and Ben say they have to tell him something important and start talking about how Hunter's mother came by. Hunter freaks out and bolts from the apartment, a shocked Michael and Ben going after him. They literally have to chase him down the street, Ben finally catching up to him thanks to a well-placed chain length fence. Michael asks him where he thinks he's going and Hunter says he's getting as far away from here and his mother as possible. Ben tries to rationalize that Rita feels badly over giving Hunter up but Hunter yells back that she is a liar. They can't believe a word she says. Michael points out that Hunter has been less than honest himself, saying that his mother was in jail for killing his father. Hunter says to excuse him then -- she only stabbed his father! Ben says she wants to make it up to Hunter and Michael suggests he give her the chance. Hunter screams that he will never go with her. Ben tries to touch the upset Hunter and he freaks again, yelling at Ben to get off him. Michael and Ben try to calm him down but the poor kid is nearly in tears as he says she only wants him back to "supplement her income". Hunter sinks down on the steps of a nearby building, looking like a hurt little boy. He recalls his mother's words, telling "Jimmy" that he has to pull his own weight, go to work since he lives there, too. Michael asks what type of work his mother wanted him to do. Hunter is hesitant to say but Ben assures he can trust them. Hunter repeats his come-on line, but sounding only devastated as he says it now, "You like young dick? For a bill you can suck it, for two you can fuck me". Michael and Ben share another look as they realize in horror that Hunter's mom was the one pimping him out to perverts. (And let's do the math real quick here. If Hunter just turned 16 and his mom hadn't seen him for a year and he was in foster care before that then this poor kid was probably around 14 or 15, if not younger, when she began selling her son for sex.) The guys are speechless and Hunter thinks they don't believe him but Ben assures they do. Michael goes to Hunter, vowing that he will never, ever have to go back to his mother. Hunter believes him and trusts him on that.
Justin walks into the loft just as a mover is taking out the painting of the naked guy. He asks Brian why he's getting rid of his painting . . . and his Italian leather sofa and his Mies van der Rohe table, Justin adds once he's in the loft and sees it barren. Brian signs the papers the moving guy has and the men leave. Brian says he thought he would redecorate to match his net worth -- minimal. Justin notices that the new five grand TV is also gone. He says if Brian needs money he will loan him -- "$100,000 dollars," Brian interrupts. That is how much he needs. Justin is stunned and Brian explains that is how much twenty 30-second primetime spots costs. Justin starts to say that the Concerned Citizens For The Truth was paying for that and Brian tells Justin to meet the CCFTT. "You," Justin states. Brian says he maxed out five gold cards to pay for it. "Those concerned citizens really are lunatics then," Justin laughs, but he's in awe of what Brian has done. Brian looks like he's on the verge of a panic attack, holding onto Justin and saying he's experiencing "possession withdrawal". He needs to go lay down. B&J walk into the bedroom, holding hands, and Justin says at least Brian didn't sell the bed. Brian says he'd rather sell a kidney first as he lays down on his stomach, hugging a pillow. Justin lays down behind him, rubbing his back. Justin is still shocked and says he can't believe Brian did this. It's so . . . "Noble?" Brian supplies. "Out of character," Justin states instead. (And wasn't Brian the one who told Ethan just this season that there was "nothing noble about being poor". Looks like he's realizing otherwise. I love all the parallels you see in the finale and how it goes back to other moments leading up to now.) Justin asks why Brian did it. Brian rolls over in bed and looks up at Justin, saying that "some asshole" told him that if he believed in something strongly enough he had to be willing to sacrifice everything. (Quoting Justin's words of just last week back to him regarding P.I.F.A. and Justin refusing to apologize to Stockwell.) Justin is touched, staring at Brian with pride and love before tenderly kissing him once. And then another longer, deeper kiss. A long shot of the loft where we see it minus it's many material things from the past and B&J curled up on the bed together.
Drug Head Ted wakes up what I'm assuming is Dr. Mark's place. He staggers around orgies and more druggies. He finds Dr. Mark and friends, they're all wasted, of course. Mark is on the couch saying that Ted has been out of it for a few days. Mark's friends are watching an "indie film", hooting and hollering and cheering on the porn playing out on their screen. Ted thinks it looks hot and starts to watch it with them. It's clearly homemade porn, some guy getting gang-banged. The camera focuses on the guy's face then and . . . It's Ted!!! Obviously drugged out of his mind, only semi-conscious, and getting screwed by a group of guys. The guys in the room are still cheering on the "movie" while Mark says that Ted was hot. Ted is horrified.
At the diner, Debbie is refusing to serve those customers who haven't voted yet. LOL! Including her own son, Michael, and Brian among those. They come in and Deb won't even let them have a lemon bar until they go vote. Justin fiddles with an old TV and gets it to working so they can watch the election returns. Stockwell is being interviewed by a local reporter about the recent ads being run claiming he covered up Jason Kemp's murder because Kemp was killed by a cop. Stockwell says it is just a smear campaign and that he is confident voters will see through. Deb has some choice words for him and Brian just watches him in disdain.
Brian and Michael on their way to vote, walking down the street together and talking. Michael can't believe that Brian sank himself 100, 000 dollars into debt over this. He's about to have his own panic attack over Brian's actions. Brian says the Corvette is the next thing to go. He's gonna sell it, too. Michael is horrified. Not the 'Vette. Brian says it's just a car but Michael argues that it was the car of Brian's dreams. Michael doesn't understand why Brian has done it. Why has he risked everything? Brian says that sometimes a gay man has got to do what a gay man has got to do. Besides, what's the worst that could happen? He could end up with only a pack of gum, he asks, fishing gum out of his pocket. He has only one piece left and offers it to Michael, who takes it. They walk up to a long, long line and learn that this is the line to vote. There's an election in case they didn't know, the guy in front of them says. "No shit," Brian drawls as he and Michael get in line. "Who's running?"
A not-so-well looking Ted enters a rehab clinic. He makes his way to the desk, telling the man there that his name is Ted Schmidt. "I need some help," he finally admits in this brief but excellent scene.
Michael, Ben, and Hunter are walking home from grocery shopping and Michael and Ben are taking about how many people were at the polls when they went to vote. Hunter's mother is waiting outside the apartment building for them and she tries to hug "Jimmy" but Hunter wants nothing to do with her. She asks Hunter if Michael and Ben told him that she wants him to come live with her and Hunter says no way. Ben says they've talked it over and Hunter will not be leaving their home. He wants to stay with them and they want him to. Rita says they don't get a vote. She is his mother and she tells Hunter to get his stuff. Ben says no way, not after what Hunter told them. Michael adds that it's about Hunter's "work" that she made him do. The guilt is written all over Rita's face even though she tries to deny it. She says she doesn't know what "Jimmy" is telling people but she has a good idea why Michael and Ben want her son there, implying it's for sex. She goes on to say that when she tells the cops her underage son is living with two fags -- Ben interrupts saying that is enough and starts to usher Hunter inside. She gets in Ben's face and says she will get the police and a court order if she has to. They better get Hunter ready because she's coming back to get him. She grabs Hunter and kisses his cheek despite him wanting nothing to do with her, telling him she'll see him later. Ben takes Hunter inside and Michael exchanges evil looks with Rita before she leaves.
Ted at rehab, his hands shaking as he pours himself a cup of coffee. He looks around the place and the other members there. An oh-so-familiar voice says, "Ted" and we all freeze with Ted, who turns to the speaker. Is it . . . could it be . . . YES!! It's Blake! Blake is back!!!! (About friggin' time!) A shocked Ted says hello to his former lover. Ironic that they're relationship ended over Blake's drug use and now Ted is in the same position Blake was in at the end of season one. Blake, on the other hand, is looking very well. Clean and sober. Blake says he saw Ted's name on the sign-up sheet and had to come and see if it was really him. An ashamed Ted starts to say that he got into some trouble, but Blake says it's ok. No need to explain. Blake understands. Blake says he is going to group therapy and asks if Ted wants to come. Ted's unsure, half-heartedly joking that he'd signed up for the badminton tournament. Blake laughs and says Ted is still funny. They start walking to group therapy together and Ted says the last time he saw Blake was in this very place. Blake says he didn't stay very long after Ted helped him check in. "You're back now," Ted points out and Blake says you could put it that way. Ted thinks that Blake must have started using again if he's back. Crystal must be a hard one to quit. Blake assures that Ted can do it. They go into group therapy together and both sit down. Blake starts to talk, introducing himself and saying that he is their counselor. Ted is stunned but then smiles slightly as he realizes that Blake has completely gotten his act together and now helping others. (And can I say how torn I will be if Blake is sticking around for season four?! I friggin' loved Ted/Blake but I've really came to enjoy TEMMETT, too. Who to root for?!)
At Woody's, Brian, Justin, Emmett, Lindsay, Debbie, Vic, and Rodney are all present, watching the news as the election results are coming in. The newscasters saying it's still too close to call. Deb is nervous and Brian offers her his fingernails to chew on. She teases him about his "selfless
generosity" and kisses him on the head. Lindz says it reminds her of Homecoming, sitting around waiting for the votes to come in. But she won Queen. "You, too?" Emmett asks. (Bawhahaha!) Vic tells them that he's lived through Nixon, Regan, and two Bushes and he's still here. If he can survive all that and more then they can handle this, too. Justin purposes a toast to the indestructible spirit of queers everywhere and they all drink with him.
At Michael and Ben's apartment, Hunter watches from the window as a police car pulls up and his mother gets out with the officers. Hunter is freaked because she went through with her threat to get the cops. Ben tries to calm him down, saying he should just go with the cops for right now and tomorrow Ben will get an attorney and they will figure something out. Hunter feels betrayed. They promised him he wouldn't have to leave. Calm, Gentle Ben is trying to be rational about how it's just for right now and asks Michael to agree. But Michael doesn't agree. Michael says if they let Hunter go now they will never get him back. Rita is his mother and they are just the "two fags", after all. He tells Hunter to grab his coat, they're leaving. Ben tells Michael to think about this, what he's doing, how much trouble they can get into. Michael doesn't care. He's not letting Hunter go back to his mother. Michael grabs Ben and lays one mother of a kiss on him. Even Hunter comments! LOL!! Seriously, Hunter says if they're stopping to screw then he's screwed. Michael lets Ben go and he and Hunter start to leave the apartment, Michael saying they will take the back stairs. Ben follows them out into the hall. Hunter says wait, he forgot something. Michael starts to say that they don't have time but Hunter races back to Ben, giving him a giant hug. It's a beautiful scene. Warms the heart. Michael and Hunter leave and I guess Ben stays behind to stall the cops.
Back at Woody's, the election results are in! With 84% of precincts reporting, they can safely declare the new mayor of Pittsburgh is . . . Marvin Deekins! Woody's erupts in celebration. Debbie nearly crushes Justin in a hug. Brian literally sinks onto the bar in relief. Em and Lindz hug. Justin goes to Brian and they share a super sweet kiss and a crushing hug, Brian burying his face in Justin's neck and rocking them side to side. On the TV, the newscasters say that it was the 8th District (Liberty Avenue) whose votes gave Deekins the victory. The voters apparently voted against Stockwell after the ads suggesting he covered up the murder of a gay man. Deb says they were the last votes to be counted but their votes counted the most! Lindsay says they should dance and Debbie says damn right they'll dance, in the streets! Debbie rushes to open the door and, I love this imagery here, the world outside of Woody's is in black and white while everything inside the bar is in color. Everyone spills out into the streets, still in black and white. Someone hangs up a new Pride Flag which is the only thing in color. As it waves over the street, the street slowly starts to come back to color, starting with the colors on the flag and then into full color. Beautiful imagery. Anyhow, the streets are packed with people celebrating. The couple from the start of the episode are back, making out right in the middle of the street and the two cops have to walk around them this time.
Debbie is in the middle of the partying while a sad Emmett is standing outside but not feeling too festive. Deb goes to him, telling him to mourn the losses because there are many. But celebrate the victories because there are few. She hints that she hasn't danced since the last century and Em says that among his many other talents, he's also a fine dancer. He takes Deb's hand and they go off to dance together. The camera pans the partying crowd and Vic and Rodney are in the midst. The camera settles on Lindsay who answers her cell phone. Mel is on the other end, somewhere in the crowd, and they're trying to find each other. They start to say it's hopeless and then turn to realize they were right beside each other the whole time. They start to hug and celebrate, each saying it's great! But for different reasons. Lindz is happy that Stockwell lost but Mel has some news of her own. She made it through her first trimester. No miscarriage. She and Lindsay hug and kiss.
Brian and Justin come out of Woody's stopping on the steps to watch the celebration. Brian is drinking straight from a bottle of champagne. Justin says thanks to "Rage" the streets of Gayoplis are not safe for perverts once again. A smiling Justin turns back to the crowd and Brian stares lovingly at him, never looking away. Justin looks confused and a little unnerved by the stare and asks what Brian is doing. "I'm using my powers of mind control," Brian replies, intensifying his stare. Justin starts to speak like he's in a trance, suggesting Brian wants to have sex. Brian keeps staring but starts to smile. Justin playfully shakes himself out of his "trance" and says that surely Brian can think of something more constructive he can do with his amazing super powers. "Try as I might, I can't come up with anything else," Brian replies. "You," Justin laughs and lets Brian pull him forward for a kiss.
Michael and Hunter are wandering through the crowd when they see B&J. They go over to them and Justin tells Michael that Stockwell lost. Brian says that Deekins' first official act as mayor will probably be to declare National Homo Week. Michael is more concerned with Hunter's problems and tells them that Hunter's mom showed up with the cops so he took Hunter and ran. "My God," Brian declares with perfect horror. "Have you no respect for authority? For the law?" Michael says he had to do something. "So you risked it all," Brian adds and they share a knowing smile. You can literally touch the moment that Michael gets it. When he gets why Brian did what he did because he is now doing the same thing--risking it all--to protect Hunter. An amused Brian starts to say, "Mikey. You. Are. So. -- " "Pathetic, I know," a smiling Michael finishes the line we've heard before. Michael asks what is he going to do now and Brian tosses him the keys to the Corvette and tells him to "go for it". Both Michael and Justin look surprised. (Well, actually, Justin looks like he wants to grab the kinder, gentler, more noble Brian by the collar and demand, "What have you done with my real boyfriend, you imposter?!".) Michael asks if Brian is sure and Brian says to Hunter that he lived with a mother, too. It's a fate worse than birth. A grateful Michael gives Brian a hug and kiss and Brian tells him to "use Hi-Test" (for the car) while an exasperated Justin watches as Brian gives away his last possession of value. Michael and Hunter race off and Justin points out that Brian doesn't even have a car now. Brian knows. He's lost everything, he muses. "Not everything," Justin corrects, putting an arm around Brian. They start to smile at each other and walk down the steps and into the crowd. With arms around each other they join the celebration, turning in a slow circle to take in the party around them as the scene fades. Interesting to note that the season ends the exact opposite as it began. In 301 Brian had everything but Justin and was miserable. In 314 he's "lost everything" but Justin and is happy. Quite a change in Brian this season. Anyhow, that's the end of the season three. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did!