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QAF Season Four
Episode 3 Recap
May 8, 2004
by xof
xof@rose.net
Step right up, step right up - there's enough irony and melodrama for EVERYONE!!! Don't believe me? Wellll....
Liberty Avenue - Enter Ted and Blake as they exit the free clinic - Ted's expressing a very floored reaction to the news. What news you may be asking? "All you can think about is why me? How could this happen, how could ... how can I be..... Negative???" (((Wellll, I do think you've been holding a very pessimistic life view lately. However, that's NOT what he meant.))) Remember folks that he didn't hold "must hope" (((see, there's negativity right there...ha))) - that he would come through his testing with a good answer, he's now taken aback by the news that he isn't positive. He sees a couple over to the side crying over receiving bad news - and Ted's got survivor's guilt written all over his face. Blake plays pragmatist, and asks Ted what's next in life? Getting a job, Ted says - making self-deprecating (((see, you ARE negative!))) jokes about how good he got at scrubbing toilets at rehab. And in a rather ironic turn - Blake asks Ted a question, namely - if you could do something you loved, what would it be??? (((Why is that ironic? Because when Michael came back to the Pitts in Season 2 and was asked that same question by Em - Ted told him not to worry about dreams, that he needed to find a job that was something practical and safe. Good thing Michael didn't listen in the end.))) Ted answers singing Opera. Okayyyyyy... Seems he took some lessons in college, "Instructor said I wasn't half bad. Course I was paying him." Blake says go for it. Ted's like yeah, right. But Blake says it's what Ted needs, something that'll make him feel good. Annnnnnnd, quick cut to Michael, Emmett and Brian walking to the gym. Em's pinching non-existent fat around his trim waistline, saying he's been going to the gym, "religiously." Br: "Is that why you were kneeling in the stream room?" snicker...yeah, EXACTLY why...lol. Michael says Em looks fine. "FINE!!!" hehe, wrong thing to say to him. Emmett says he needs to get back into shape, "fine is okay for you two, you each have a husband." *THUD* hehe - the LOOK on Brian's face. Which makes Em amend his comment, "Wife? Partner? Passing acquaintance?" ha... Em says as a single man, it's necessary to, "Sparkle, Neely. Sparkle!" (((That's a "Valley of the Dolls" reference, darlins...lol. How apropos, yes??? Considering who's coming his way.))) WHAM! Or rather, "Shit!" Em looks up and sees Ted and Blake walking right towards them!!! Yes, it IS the stand-off at the OK Corral...lol. (((Or the OK Corral if it had Pride Banners hanging from every hitching post.))) The imagery is deliberate, folks. Thanks courteously of the QAF creators...as they then have Em and Ted shown - interspersed with old footage of a gun battle between two cowboys - standing with hands at their sides, twitching fingers as if reaching for guns that aren't there. (((I could make a really bad shlongs-as-weapons joke - "DUCK, they're going to BLOW" - here, but I'll let you come up with your own, yes??? Bahh dum dum....))) And Em??? Welllll, considering he's just quoted a movie in which the lead character's name is Neely O'Hara AND considering Em's from the South - we'll just say he pulls a Scarlet O'Hara and decides he'll think about it tomorrow (((Say it with me folks, "After all, Tomorrow IS ANOTHER DAY!"))) - by abruptly turning and walking away before they get to Blake and Ted, thereby avoiding the confrontation all together. Michael greets Ted very warmly, smiling and insisting they need to get together soon. Ted gives a rather fake "sure" and quickly ushers Blake away, leaving Brian and Michael on the sidewalk. Michael asks if Brian thinks Ted was acting strange? That maybe Ted thinks they are judging him? Br: "I don't know about you, but I am." ha... Michael hits Brian on the arm as they turn to walk to the gym.
Daphne & Justin's Apartment - (((That's right, they do still live together - though we see so little of Daphne - grrrr - it's easy to forget she's always in the background. But then again, come to think about it - we see so little of ANY of the members of Justin's inner circle/family - aside from Jennifer. Does anyone even remember he even HAS a sister?))) Cody and the other vigilante-wanna-be's are in dahhhh house!!! And they come baring arms - uhmm, or rather wielding hairdressing equipment. (((No clichés about queeny hairdressers, please. I'll have you know it's the sista lez that is doing the do's....lol.))) What do's you may be wondering? Well it seems that Cody thinks they all should look alike - show a unified appearance on the street so the Pink Posse will be noticeable on sight. And what wonderful coffiure do they choose? Well, Cody's shaved buzz of course. (((Oh dear, does that mean what I think it means? He's not. Noooo, tell me he isn't.... Yep, he is....))) Justin does ask if they'd be more affective if they were less noticeable. But why do it if they don't get attention, one of them says. Cody says it'll tell others not to fuck with them. And speaking of fucking with others - or rather just being fucked up - Enter Daphne. Who's introduced to the others and who then asks if she can join the Pink Posse. Cody says no immediately - "It's only for queers." Justin frowns and Daphne's offended by Cody's rudeness, "I thought keeping the streets safe was everyone's concern." Cody turns a cold shoulder to her, without answering and Daph exits with a classy retort, "Well, I guess I'll grab a straight soda, and head to my straight room and study my straight studies." (((Gotta luv her! Reminds me of two things - 1) Her British counterpart, Donna, who told Nathan (Justin's counterpart) "I'm black. And I'm a girl, try that for a week." 2) Michael's comments to his mom in Ep 102 about going to his gay apartment, taking off his gay clothes and getting into his gay bed...lol.))) Justin takes up for her, saying she's his best friend, why couldn't she join? C: "Because this is about queers defending themselves." Letting in heteros goes against the purpose of the Pink Posse. (((hmm...ie, he's definitely NOT a let's-all-get-along kinda guy))) Cody says they'll be patrolling in teams of two, and that Justin will be with him. (((Did anyone notice how pointedly Cody looks at Justin for a reaction after he says that?))) When asked who's next for the buzz cutting, Justin jumps on up saying he is... And as thousands of fans cry out in alarm - the buzzing starts as the scene ends.
Mel & Lindz's Kitchen - Michael's playing with the adorable little man Gus as Mel and Lindz are making cookies for Ted. Michael's saying even though Ted's like one of his best friends, earlier today it was like he hardly knew him at all. "He was so distant." Mel says Ted's been that way with all of them. Michael says he hasn't exactly been there for Ted, either. Mel says not to blame himself. Lindz adds that Ted's responsible for his own behavior. (((Yep.))) Michael says Ted needs to know they are there for him. (((How cute is Gus??? Honestly, he's chowing down on a cookie that's almost as big as his own head...lol.))) Em comes in, after which Lindz quickly tells Michael not to bring up the subject of Ted. Em says it's a nice surprise to see Michael there. In a rather cute move, Michael hugs his face to Mel's abdomen saying he was just there to check up on Mel (((remember, she's got his bun, uhmm hmm, I mean baby in her oven...lol. But thanks for waiting till episode 3 to really mention that Cowlip.))) As Em starts eat the cookies, the girls do exactly what they told Michael not to - saying they are making them for Ted. Em immediately leaves after saying he's sure Ted'll appreciate having such good friends as them. Can you say awkward???
Brian's Loft - Jennifer is sitting at Brian's computer. Looking at gay porn, you ask? lol... Nahhhh, despite Deb's influence. She's looking up prospective office space for Brian's new agency. And has found one almost as big and nice as Vangard's too. But Brian's not interested. "Kinnetik is NOT Vangard. We don't think in a box, we don't live in a box. Therefore we don't work in a box." (((Should I mention that his loft is for all intents and purposes - a BOX!!! lollll... Four veryyyy large walls - minus the bathroom = a box.))) Enter Justin - ***THUUUUUUUDDD*** Oh my lord - he's bald!!! Ok, okay - so he's not bald. But he may as well be...lol. He's got like a quarter of an inch of fuzz left after all his hair was cut off. Brian's eyebrows shoot up. And you should see Jennifer's face, she's really startled. J: "CHRIST! What did you do to your hair?" J: "It's called a hair cut, mother." (((Gotta luv the snark of his saying "mother" in just that tone...tisk tisk.))) She says it used to be so beautiful. Justin says maybe that was the problem. Brian's circling Justin, looking at his head from all angles....snicker. Justin tells Jennifer about being in the Pink Posse. And he continues his snark, "In case you WEREN'T aware, there was a bashing." (((Asshole. Oh, but then I forgot. Jennifer - while still his mother, is straight. Therefore, the enemy? ))) J: "I'm perfectly aware, I'm also aware that you were bashed." Justin: "All the more reason." J: "To put yourself at risk? Haven't you been through enough?" Justin - in one of his brighter moments - NOT, snaps, "Don't fucking tell me what to do!" (((Actually, she wasn't. She was showing concern for her son's well being.))) That even throws Brian, who tells Justin to, "Take it easy, Timberlake." hahaha (((Now that was almost as funny as when he made the Dawson's Creek remark in Season One.))) Justin pushes Brian's hand away. Jen asks Brian to talk some sense into Justin. (((How fatherly??? a request...lol.))) Br: "Now, now, Mother Taylor. Justin is a big boy. He should be allowed to make his own mistakes." (((Snicker - I don't know what was funnier - Gale's delivery of that line or the way he's running his hand over Justin's head as Justin glares darkly and pushes him off again.))) Jennifer gets this resigned look on her face, and leaves after a sad, "Stay in touch." Brian goes back to Justin, running his hand over Justin's head again - saying, "Your haircut's hot." And then they kiss - despite the gum that Brian never pauses in chewing...lol. Again, Justin walks away as the scene ends.
Okay - welcome to Hell. lol... Welll, it's not really. But for fans or non-fans of Opera alike - this is VERY CLOSE. We're tortured by a very bad audition of a "Figaro" aria - during which the judges are cringing constantly (((as am I...))) - before OMG, in comes Ted!!! And one judge makes the mistake of asking for a "little bit" of information on Ted - which he starts rattling off in a tangent...lol, before being stopped and asked about his musical background. Ted says he's had some lessons, did college productions, etc. But he LOVES Opera. He's chosen to sing a song from "La Boheme." But has to be told to give his music to the piano player...lol. (((Funny side note - The piano player is named Oscar. If any one has seen the movie "Oscar" - yes, the one with Stallone...lol - then you may remember that is opens with a clay-mation opera singer singing the SAME song that opened this scene - from "Figaro."))) Ted starts singing ((( uhm, well - Scott start lip-synching - HELP, my ears!!!))) as the scene ends.
Vic's bedroom - He's rushing in as Rodney asks if Deb's really asleep. Vic gets into bed and they start making out when in bursts Debbie - saying she thought they were all gonna watch a movie on AMC. (((Woman - can't you SEE that Vic's got BETTER things - and a cute boyfriend - to do???))) Vic's saying he thought Deb was asleep. Rodney's uncomfortable - and I don't blame him as Deb plops down on the bed which forces him to push over so she doesn't sit on anything vital...lol. As Vic and Deb discuss which movie star she used to resemble - Lana Turner (Deb) or Shelly Winters (Vic) - Rodney's getting more aggravated. She offers to go make them a snack, and Rodney does reluctantly give her a smile as he agrees. But when she makes the comment, "Say, you weren't gonna fuck or anything, were you?" (((Damn the Balls on that woman!!!))) - Rodney turns from Vic after she leaves. Rodney's pissed off. Saying she never leaves them alone. "I thought that when we got together, we were going to be a couple. Not a threesome." Vic says it's Deb's house. R: "Well, it's YOUR room." Vic says it's not any better at Rodney's place since he has three roommates. R: "So I guess we can never be alone." Vic kisses him, saying they are now. But AGAIN, Deb interrupts by shouting at them to come down (((was that a pun??? lol))) because the movie's starting.
Ted's apartment - he's going out the front door, when he finds Michael about to knock from the outside. Michael's all smiles, eating a cookie - saying the girls made them for Ted but that he and Gus were the "official taste testers." Ted's very nervous here, and really wants to get out of this whole conversation. (((Cool camera angles - they are shown cut close together, as if they were in a claustrophobic space - Ted feeling trapped as Michael feels pushed away.))) Michael says why don't they crack open the tin and eat them all. T: "As much as I'd like to OD on chocolate..." M: "This time." (((eeeekkkk.... Insert foot in mouth, Mikey.))) Ted says he can't, he's on the way to a 12-Step meeting. Michael invites him to dinner to meet Hunter. Ted says Mel and Lindz told him about the teen. M: "He's a great kid, when he's not being a royal pain in the ass." (((We talking about Hunter or Justin? lol... Sorry, couldn't resist after the earlier scene with Jen.))) M: "He's funny. I think you'll like him." When Ted starts shooting down every date Michael can come up with, "lunch, dinner - between meal snacks?" - and is told Ted's "kinda busy" with his rehab, job-search, etc - Michael gets this look on his face. Like hurt, but before you think he'll walk away rejected - Michael looks back up and says very sincerely, "Ted, I just want you to know that I'm your friend. And I was your friend before this happened, and I'm your friend now. And I'll be here for you if you ever need anything. No matter what." He gives Ted the cookies, and leaves. (((Ahhhhh...)))
Brian's Loft - Justin's getting ready to go out for his first night with the Pink Posse on Patrol. (((Ironic how that's three P's in a row - slightly reminiscent of another organization that stressed separatism and offensive violence, as this group is in danger of doing - can I get a letter "K" anyone???))) Brian's working on his laptop - which looks suspiciously just like the one Ted got rid of...lol. He laughs when he sees Justin's sleeveless pink t-shirt. J: "Cody says it's important that we be recognizable." Brian says oh they will, then he flicks the shirt...lol. He asks what weapon Justin'll be "packing." J: "Pepper spray." Brian turns back to the computer after a long sigh, "Armed and ready for action. This Cody's thought of EVERYTHING." J: "I remember when my mother used to refer to you as 'that Brian'." Brian laughs - "Well, your mom's no fool She knew her little angel was getting himself into a PECK of trouble." (((Hehe... Gotta luv how Gale inserted the Southern Accent there...lol.))) Brian continues, "She's not wrong this time. You should go back to school." Justin's getting annoyed, "Fuck school. They kicked me out for doing what was right. I don't need them or their diploma, they can eat shit." (((Are "THEY" the only school in the universe??? Or in town for that matter?))) As Justin's about to leave, Brian asks, "Still angry?" J: "I'm not angry, I'm committed." B: "What? To saving the world?" J: "You saved the world from an evil politician." B: "I didn't do it for the world." He says he don't mistake him for Eleanor Roosevelt, "I did what I had to do for me." J: "And I'm doing what I have to do for me." He leaves.
Red Cape Comics - Michael shelving comic books. Hunter's there, reading a comic instead of doing his math homework. Michael tells him he should do his homework and to watch the cussing. M: "Holy shit! Did you hear me? I sounded just like my mother." hehe... Michael grabs a stack of comics, thrusts them at Hunter - "Here, read as many as you like!" lol... Very cute. Enter Vic - who gets a warm hello from Michael but a grunt in greeting from Hunter. Vic says as an older gay man, he might as well be invisible. Michael hugs him, "He's doing his homework." Hunter doesn't fucking get algebra (((did any of us?))) - Vic apparently does, he helps Hunter with his formula. Hunter thanks him gladly. Michael says, "You can always count on Uncle Vic to solve a problem." V: "Except my own. Do you think Rage could help me?" Hunter - in one of THE funniest moments tonight - asks, "There's someone you want brought back to life with a blowjob?" (((Awwwwwwwww....THUD!!! ROTFLMAO!))) Vic explains his problem - and at the very mention of Deb, Michael puts up a hand and says, "Say no more." Hunter tells Vic to subtract one from three and problem solved. M: "Smartass." lol... Vic says actually that was Rodney's solution too. Vic's agonizing over leaving Deb, saying she's the reason he's even alive today. M: "She helped you get your life back so you could HAVE a life. You're entitled to that, Uncle Vic. I'm sure she would be the first to say so..."
Ted's apartment - Blake is eating one of the cookies as Ted makes a bad lesbian cooking joke. Blake says Ted's lucky to have such supportive friends. Ted gives an non-enthusiastic, "yeah." He's looking through the want-ads for a job. And he's shaking his head over his attempt to get a job singing. Saying they must have laughed at him. Blake says he remembers Ted singing in the shower, "You sound pretty good." T: "Everyone sounds good in the shower. It's time to put all those romantic notions behind me, and get real." Which is of course PERFECT timing for the phone to ring... Blake asks him if he's going to answer it, but Ted says it's probably just Michael wanting to do something. B: "Remember we talked about avoidance in group?" Hint hint, nudge nudge. Blake gives him a really cute, raised eyebrow look and Ted answers the phone. Good thing too - because........ He got the JOB! B:"Oh my god, that's..." T: "Unbelievable, insane, a mistake?" Blake laughs, saying it's wonderful. They hug... And we're left wondering what the hell the job is????
Brian and Justin walking down a street - Brian's asking how Justin's patrol went. They helped some fucked up club kids get home, and an old queen change a flat tire. Brian makes a joke about good deeds being the mainstay of a super hero's job. We see they've stopped in front of the run down entrance to the closed Liberty Baths. Brian says this is where he gets off (((ha ha))) - Justin asks if it's a little early in the day for that, as Brian cutely points to the Baths and says "no" quietly. They kiss goodbye. Justin leaves. Brian enters the building, formerly called the "Everhard Spa." And just guess who he sees inside??? snicker... Jennifer Taylor!!! She asks if this is more what he had in mind. We get many shots of how disgustingly dirty and run down the place is - seedy doesn't begin to describe it. Brian: "I've always dreamed of having an office with a drain in the floor." ha... J: "Thought you might like it." And in a realllllllly odd-ball funny moment, she says come on, she'll show him around. (((Honey, I'm SURE he could show YOU around instead...lol.))) Brian has a digital camera with him, and as they enter each room - he's taking pictures from all different angles. The steam room, the private cubbyhole rooms, the communal showers (((I could make a lot of punning jokes about the phallic shaped shower heads and faucets...but nahhh. It's just funny to see how much time he spends taking pictures of those objects alone...ha.))) - and the old orgy room. Which Brian says he misses. Jennifer doesn't even blink an eye saying he could make it into a conference room...lol. B: "Perfect. For screwing the competition." And he smiles as he shows her his last picture on the camera.
Ted - in tux, singing from "Paliachi" - another ironic song, sad clown singing about betrayal - albeit rather a bit TOO sedately here....lol. And as we hear applause for his effort - the lights come up and we discover that Ted is nowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww - a singing waiter!!! THUNK... (((Yes, in the long line of stupid jobs assigned to practically all the main characters on this show, except Brian...lol - anyone want to name off the others??? Like naked waiters Michael and Em or Babylon Go-Go Boy Justin???))) But Ted's secret is out, because Vic and Rodney (((is it a bad thing that in my haste to type their names, I almost typed "Vice with a Rod"???? snicker))) are at one of the tables...opps. Not that Ted sees them. Ted's complimented by his boss on his singing and choice of song.
Quick cut to the next morning - Liberty Diner - Deb's told about Ted being a singing waiter by Michael and Ben at breakfast. He's working at Rigoletto's which is cheesy Italian family restaurant that most of the boyz think is a joke. Ben thinks it is a blast. Deb starts scratching under her arm as she lays into Rigoletto's not having any class at all.... Snort. Ben asks then why were Vic and Rodney there? Opps... Another insert foot into mouth moment. See Vic and Rodney told Deb that Rodney was sick to get out of going to the Big Dicks contest with her the night before....hmm. Em comes in, sits down as Deb walks off perplexed. Michael says they should all go there for dinner. Ben asks if "he'd like that?" M: "Why not?" (((Uhmm, would YOU have liked for your friends to have shown up while your tenderloin was being felt up???))) Em asks go where? They tell him about Ted. Em's upset - again, actually by now - he's pissed off. (((Whenever he's gone somewhere this ep, it's all been Ted this and Ted that...after all.))) So what does he do, darlins??? Yep, Em grabs his coat and leaves. But this time - Michael runs after him. They are out on the street just up from Liberty Diner. Michael wants to know why Em's so upset, saying he's just trying to show Ted a little support. E: "Well, I'm getting a little tired of your little support. Cookies are one thing, now you're his cheering section?" M: "He's my friend." Ohhh...here comes the claws. Em turns abruptly, snapping, "In case you've forgotten, so am I!" Michael's surprised, "I know that." E: "Then you might try considering how I feel." M: "What does my friendship with him have to do with you?" E: "How can you even say that to me? After what he put me through." He turns to leave, but Michael's persistent and follows. "That's between the two of you. Besides, I can't very well turn my back on him." E: "Why not! He turned his back on you." M: "Well that doesn't mean I should do the same. It wouldn't be fair." Ohhh, Em's face. E: "Fair? What about being fair to me? Why should I be fair to him or anyone else?" He walks off as Michael watches helplessly. (((Gotta luv Em's man-purse, though...lol What? I'm trying to lighten the mood...hugs)))
Debbie's Living room - She's telling Vic to hurry up or they'll be late for the movie. He comes down but suggests they just have an evening at home. Just the two of them. Deb's thrilled, saying they haven't done that for a long time. She starts to go make caramel corn, but Vic stops her. He's nervous. He says he loves her more than anyone else in the world - D: "Except for Rodney, but I can understand that." - but he and Rodney want to get their own place. She looks taken aback, but quickly changes to supportive, saying it is "damn fucking" time. lol... She says she's been waiting for this to happen. Not that she's doesn't love Vic being there, or having Rodney around - but that she never has any privacy. (((Oh, you've got to be kidding...hehe.))) She has to close the door when she wants to go potty, and she can't run downstairs in her panties if she wants to go to the frig. V: "You do anyway, we've seen you." (((Lord above, I hope he's talking about the refrigerator reference...lol.))) They start tussling on the sofa in a fun moment - truly brother and sister as she tickles him, making him says "Auntie." D: "I could always pin you down." V: "You're the top in this family." (((TMI...))) She tells him not to worry about her, she'll be just fine. They kiss and she smiles at him as if to say, see....
Rigoletto's - Most of the gang are there: Lindz, Mel, Gus, Michael, Ben and Brian. Yes, they EVEN got Brian to come...lol. But then, how could he stay away considering the evening's entertainment? The food, however - it's a big sloppy BAD mess. So's the wine, according to Brian who says it tastes like piss. Michael - talking with his mouth full, says the food doesn't matter. They are there to support Ted. As Brian holds up a meatball that is the size of a dessert plate (((I kid you not))) - the host/owner comes out to introduce the entertainment. Meaning, Ted. He starts to sing, only to stop instantly when he sees an entire table of his friends smiling up at him without warning. (((Dang, do you blame him?))) He tries to continue, but stops again. (((Take a look at each of the cast member's faces...ha. Brian is full out laughing and grinning....bad man.))) Ted walks off, and Michael follows. (((Michael's like a magnet this episode. Being pulled everywhere by the irresistible force of Em and Ted's retreating backs...lol.))) Everyone at the table's got grimaces on their faces. Michael asks Ted what's wrong. Ted snaps at him, asking why is he there? M: "To cheer you on." T: "Did it ever occur to you, to any of you, that if I wanted you here - I would have ASKED you. Now if you were really my friends, you would leave me alone!" (((Anyone think that sounded an awful lot like the "you can just get the fuck out!!!" speech Ted gave Em???))) With a glare, Ted goes off to get a customer more breadsticks - leaving Michael behind.
Liberty Avenue - The entire Pink Posse walking down the street. (((Cool music))) It's shown in slow motion. Cody's smiling. Justin's serious. A car drives by, some guy sticking his head out asks if a couple of boys wanna suck his cock. ***Red Alert, Red Alert - All hands to battle stations!*** ((What? That was the subtext...lol.))) The Pink Posse rushes over, led by Cody - who starts yelling at the men in the car and kicking the car door. (((Notice that the owner of the car does get out when Cody asks him to - BEFORE Cody starts kicking the car.))) The two guys start cursing back and forth with Cody, Justin jumps in the minute they say "Faggot" - telling them to apologize. "Fuck you, you little cocksucker." is the response. Justin gets shoved on top of the car's hood, and all the Posse members jump into the battle. They proceed to pants the idiots. Meaning they hold the two men down and tear off their clothes so they have to escape bare-assed back into the car and drive off. The Posse's cheering, so is everyone else on Liberty Avenue, btw - and Justin's smiling and laughing. Feeling very high on the experience. Empowered, I'm sure.
Soooo, where does an empowered young man go to work off all that energy??? Take a guess...lol.
Cut to Brian in the loft - smoking a joint. Justin runs down the sidewalk outside, then comes into the loft. When Brian says he's about to go to Babylon, Justin says they turned some straight assholes into pussies. "You should have seen us there." He starts taking Brian's jeans off, they share the joint as Brian sits in a chair, Justin straddling him. And they start shagging for all they are worth. (((I'm fairly impressed - by the stability of that chair, I mean...lol.)))
Liberty Gym - Ben and Michael are working out. Or rather, Michael's lifting hand weights as Ben admires his boyfriend's pecks. B: "Feel those pecks!" M: "Anytime you want to, big guy." (((I'm fairly in awe of them myself - but DAMN, look at Hal's arms! Has everyone been working their asses off that summer??? I mean, look at Gale, Bobby and Hal - all very buff.))) Blake comes over, asking if they could spot him. But Michael's still too bruised from the whole Ted/Emmett drama to want to stick around, he says he and Ben need to leave and are heading to the showers. Blake braves through anyway, saying he knows Michael doesn't want to hear anything he has to say, but considering what happened last night with Ted - "You've got to give him some time." Michael says thanks, but starts to leave again - Blake continues, "He's trying to put his life back together, and there are alot of things he's ashamed of. And when he sees you, he's reminded of them. You're a reflection of the things he wants to forget." He says that doesn't mean Ted doesn't care about him. Ben: "We care about him too." M: "Yeah, we just want him to know it." Blake says he does and he'll come around. Bl: "But it has to be on his own terms." Michael walks off, sadly. Ben offers to spot for Blake. (((Look at Dean's arms too! The buffness is spreading!!!)))
Deb's house - Rodney and Vic have almost finished moving Vic's things out. (((Notice Vic taking his meds. Foreshadowing, folks.))) Deb brings down two bears - "the Twins" - they are male and female - gifts she gave him when he was sick that represent the two of them. V: "Tell you what, I'll take her - you keep him. That way, we have each other." Ahhhh... She gives him a sack full of food. Things she's made for them to have in their new place. D: "It sounds like you're never coming back." V: "I just thought the only way I'd leave here would be in a box." Deb says thankfully that didn't happen, that he's leaving out the front door with a boyfriend to start a new life. As for her - she's going to be having a Rosalind Russell film festival. It'll be ice cream and naked tv watching for her, so don't look back - she won't. He goes to kiss her, but she stops him - "no fucking goodbyes" - saying they all know she'll prob. be over there bugging him in an hour. (((eekkk))) He hugs her anyway, saying he loves her. He and Rodney leave her standing in the living room, clutching the boy bear.
Brian's bathroom - Justin's naked in the shower with his back to us and Brian's shirtless as he leans rather oddly over the toilet to pee hands free. Brian asks if Justin's going to Babylon with him, but Justin's got other plans. Patrol duty. Brian flushes just as Justin turns off the shower - good timing...lol. Brian's saying maybe Justin should try making a few buck, since he's "working the streets." But Brian's joke ends flat as he sees Justin's back in the reflection of the bathroom mirror. Bruises all across it - OUCH. Brian asks where they came from. Justin says it was from the jerkoffs the other day, but he pulls away when Brian tries to see them up close. (((He's pulling away from Brian a LOT lately.))) He snaps that he can, "Fucking take care of myself." Brian suggests taking the night off, "Even Rage and God get a day of rest." Justin snaps again, "I TOLD you, I have things to do." B: "What? Like going out and looking for trouble?" Justin pulls on his pink tee, saying it comes looking for them. And in the feel-good-moment of the night, Justin says: "Motherfucking asshole straight guys think they can drive down the street and yell 'Faggot' out of their car window and we're just gonna stand there and take it like a bunch of scared sissies. As far as I'm concerned, they can fucking die." (((Eeeekkk... Okay, sooo that would lead to the betterment of the community and your own spirit?))) Brian replies, "Glad you're not angry." J: "We're protecting innocent people, standing up for ourselves. What's wrong with that?" (((Oh, the nature of escalating violence at the risk of yourselves and others. Not to mention possible jail time.))) Justin turns and leaves.
Enjoy the next scene - I did...lol.
Babylon - Em's dancing. (((Really cool quick shots from all angles too.))) Ohhh, ripped t-shirt, spiky bangs and eyeliner!!! He's looking more than "fine." (((Gotta love the song lyric that's repeating time and again - "You don't appreciate me!"))) Brian and Michael walk in as Brian asks after the professor. Michael says Ben's working on his new book, that he's almost done and he can't wait to read it. Brian says he'll wait for the movie. lol... (((Has anyone besides me noticed that this seems to be the year of the vertical strip for ALLLLLL of Brian's clothing??? He's wearing a black shirt with small pinstriped style vertical lines. But his suits, his pants, his shirts...lol. I don't think they've gone an episode yet without him wearing them.))) Michael asks if Justin will be coming. Brian answer maybe. Michael hears the Pink Posse came to the rescue the night before. Brian agrees, but doesn't elaborate on any of it. They weed through the dancers and find Em. Michael greets Em smiling, only Em's not in a friendly mood - he reluctantly says hello and never stops dancing with Ramón. M: "How's it going?" E: "Just fine." Michael's not deterred - which after the week he's having with his friends, you got to admire...lol. "You wanna get a drink?" Em gives him a look, "No thanks. Ramón and I are busy." (((Btw - look at Brian's face just at that moment - in restrospect after you remember the last line he has in this scene, it's reallllllly funny to see that Brian's laughing behind his hand as he recognizes Ramón...heh.))) Michael tries again, "Okay, well maybe later..." Em ends it all by leading Ramón away, saying, "Later, Ramón and I will be even busier. But hey, why don't you call Ted. I'm sure he'd LOVE to get a drink with you." Brian frowns at that, looking at Michael. Michael's floored - his face completely hurt. Brian walks to him, putting a hand behind his head and talking into his ear - "Why don't you get us a couple of beers?" as he pats Michael's back. Michael slowly walks off. Brian immediately goes to sic Emmett. He interrupts Em's dancing with Ramón, bumping into Em's chest. B: "Do you mind if I cut in?" E: "I'm dancing with someone." Brian puts his hands onto Em's shoulders, "Not anymore," but Em throws them off. E: "How dare you. Where the fuck do you get off?" B: "Save your diva routine for your world tour. Why'd you treat Michael like that?" E: "Like what?" B: "Like he's an insignificant piece of shit?" Em snaps, "What the FUCK business is it of yours?" (((Uhmm, you DO remember who you're asking that to, right?))) B: "Anybody who hurts Michael is THE FUCK my business." E: "Well, maybe he hurt me too." B: "By being friends with Theodore?" Em doesn't take Brian's smile well, yelling at him, "YOU are the one who told me to forget him. That he's dead. Right HERE on this very dance floor." B: "Well guess what? Like Jesus and Liza and Judy, he's making a come back." E: "And everybody wants to give him a standing ovation just like nothing ever happened." Brian's fed up. "Listen to me, Honeycutt. Are you listening?" E: "Yes, and don't call me Honeycutt!" (((Not to self, xof - do NOT call Em - Honeycutt.))) Brian laughs, then turns serious. "Michael is your friend, just the same as he's Ted's. But if you force him to choose between you, you're going to lose him." Em turns his head away. Brian ends with a luvly little comment - thereby breaking gay etiquette, btw!!!! - he talks into Em's ear, "By the way, I fucked Ramón. (((Lordy, how he does know how to roll his "R's"...thud!))) His dick's the size of a Ticonderoga #3, AFTER it's been sharpened. Sorry." hehehe.... (((Can you say, pencil dick? I knew that you could.))) He leaves Em there and it's hilarious to see the look on Em's face now that he's stuck dancing with a short man with a small penis...lol.
Liberty Avenue - Justin and Cody are patrolling together. Not much is happening, Justin says. Cody says you can't have a fight every night. Justin says last night was the first time he was in a fight and won. Cody smiles, "Nothing like feeling a little power." But he concedes that now things might be harder because once "they" know the posse will fight back, "they may not be so quick to come looking for us. So we'll just have to go looking for them." Uhhhhhh??? Justin's confused by that, "I thought our job was to protect people here on the street." Cody's all for fighting beyond Liberty Avenue - "there's a whole straight world out there." Eeekkk... This is sounding like bad news. C: "Let them see us, and fear us in Jesus' name!" (((Okay, WTF? Jesus taught love, not fear.))) J: "What the fuck is that?" C: "Southern Baptist bullshit." Seems Cody is a refugee from the Bible Belt. He was in fear of what would happen if the congregation found out - he'd be kicked out and his parents would hate him. J: "Is that what happened?" C: "Not before I fucked Hector Ramirez up the ass." O - Kayyyyy...lol. (((Wonder what they felt was worse? The ass fucking or that is was with a "Hector Ramirez"....Probably both.))) Cody slings his arm around Justin's neck saying, "let's go flush out some homophobes." (((At this point, I'm wondering what Cody's reaction would be if someone dragged his ass to a PFLAG meeting or two. Anything to show him a new outlook on things and people...)))
Back to Babylon - Michael's at the bar, sadly drinking his beer alone. Em walks over - uncomfortably...lol. He tells the bartender, "I'll have what my friend is having." Michael looks at him, and after a beat - slides over the beer he'd bought for Brian. Em looks chagrined. E: "So I've been thinking about going blond. Sort of the silvery platinum shade Madonna wore pre-Blonde Ambition, post-Dick Tracy?" After a beat, Michael answers back, "I think that's the worse fucking idea I've ever heard." Em smiles, leans in and says, "I knew you would." Then he playfully nudges Michael's shoulder and smiles before grabbing Michael's hand and leading him to the dance floor as Michael laughs...lol. Cute.
Apparently in a "straight" part of town - outside a bar. A couple is kissing. Cody's watching them, saying when he was a boy his dad used to take him hunting. And the first thing they'd do is beat the bushes - flush them out. Justin asks how do they do that? Cody knows. He pulls Justin in and kisses him. Justin at first pulls away, but then with Cody saying, "Come on," he gives in and they start kissing for all to see. A man walks by them, saying "Christ!" Exactly the reaction Cody wanted, he pulls away from Justin and confronts the guy. When the guy tells them to get a room, Cody asks if he has a problem with their kissing. The man says no, but they are in the wrong part of town. "So why don't you go back to where you belong?" He shoves Cody and walks off. Cody follows, "Last I heard, we were living in a democracy. When did they pull out the pink triangles?" (((A reference to the patch the Nazi's made gay concentration camp inmates wear during WWII.))) Cody pushes the man from behind and they get into it, mostly shoves until Cody grabs the guy by the hair and yanks him back - holding him trapped as he asks if the guy has a problem. The man snaps, "You fucking fags should all get AIDS and die." Justin - who's stayed out of it till now - snaps. "Someone else once said that to me!" (((Chris Hobbs to be exact - after the bashing when Justin came upon him accidentally in the AIDS hospice where Chris was assigned his community service.))) We see him pull back and the show ends with him throwing a punch into the camera....
Next Week - With voice over from an announcer:
Justin saying Cody could have killed the guy from Ep 403. Cody with a gun. Handing it to Justin. Announcer: "As the stakes get higher..." Cody in a bookstore telling Justin that Posse business stays between them. A: "And all seems lost..." Brian's new office - HOT DAMN that's GORGEOUS. (((And fast!!! redecoration...))) Brian with Michael at Woody's, saying he's in danger of losing his one big account. A: "An unlikely hero steps forward..." Ted in the dark, working at a computer. Ted at a 12-Step meeting, "Hi, I'm Ted. I'm a crystal meth addict." When Brian walks right in and up to him, "I need you." Ted says, "Can't you see I'm sharing!" hehe Brian says, "Let's go." T: "The rule is you NEVER interrupt a person when they're sharing." Later, Brian saying he wants Ted to come work for him!!! (((Cool...))) Ted's shocked.
Then reallllllllllll quick flash shots: Em at Woody's - Ben/Michael/Hunter at Liberty Diner - Ben kissing Michael at their apartment - Justin naked as he playfully throws a punch at Brian (((looks like it connects with Brian's chin...ouch))) in the loft - Lindz watching Mel working at home on a case - Deb showing up at Michael and Ben's place with more food than God every saw - Brian frowning in the dark - Ted in tux looking serious - Deb at Michael/Ben's place with Hunter in his underwear and a strange woman in the doorway - Justin looking serious.
Hugs
xof
Episode 3 Recap
May 8, 2004
by xof
xof@rose.net
Step right up, step right up - there's enough irony and melodrama for EVERYONE!!! Don't believe me? Wellll....
Liberty Avenue - Enter Ted and Blake as they exit the free clinic - Ted's expressing a very floored reaction to the news. What news you may be asking? "All you can think about is why me? How could this happen, how could ... how can I be..... Negative???" (((Wellll, I do think you've been holding a very pessimistic life view lately. However, that's NOT what he meant.))) Remember folks that he didn't hold "must hope" (((see, there's negativity right there...ha))) - that he would come through his testing with a good answer, he's now taken aback by the news that he isn't positive. He sees a couple over to the side crying over receiving bad news - and Ted's got survivor's guilt written all over his face. Blake plays pragmatist, and asks Ted what's next in life? Getting a job, Ted says - making self-deprecating (((see, you ARE negative!))) jokes about how good he got at scrubbing toilets at rehab. And in a rather ironic turn - Blake asks Ted a question, namely - if you could do something you loved, what would it be??? (((Why is that ironic? Because when Michael came back to the Pitts in Season 2 and was asked that same question by Em - Ted told him not to worry about dreams, that he needed to find a job that was something practical and safe. Good thing Michael didn't listen in the end.))) Ted answers singing Opera. Okayyyyyy... Seems he took some lessons in college, "Instructor said I wasn't half bad. Course I was paying him." Blake says go for it. Ted's like yeah, right. But Blake says it's what Ted needs, something that'll make him feel good. Annnnnnnd, quick cut to Michael, Emmett and Brian walking to the gym. Em's pinching non-existent fat around his trim waistline, saying he's been going to the gym, "religiously." Br: "Is that why you were kneeling in the stream room?" snicker...yeah, EXACTLY why...lol. Michael says Em looks fine. "FINE!!!" hehe, wrong thing to say to him. Emmett says he needs to get back into shape, "fine is okay for you two, you each have a husband." *THUD* hehe - the LOOK on Brian's face. Which makes Em amend his comment, "Wife? Partner? Passing acquaintance?" ha... Em says as a single man, it's necessary to, "Sparkle, Neely. Sparkle!" (((That's a "Valley of the Dolls" reference, darlins...lol. How apropos, yes??? Considering who's coming his way.))) WHAM! Or rather, "Shit!" Em looks up and sees Ted and Blake walking right towards them!!! Yes, it IS the stand-off at the OK Corral...lol. (((Or the OK Corral if it had Pride Banners hanging from every hitching post.))) The imagery is deliberate, folks. Thanks courteously of the QAF creators...as they then have Em and Ted shown - interspersed with old footage of a gun battle between two cowboys - standing with hands at their sides, twitching fingers as if reaching for guns that aren't there. (((I could make a really bad shlongs-as-weapons joke - "DUCK, they're going to BLOW" - here, but I'll let you come up with your own, yes??? Bahh dum dum....))) And Em??? Welllll, considering he's just quoted a movie in which the lead character's name is Neely O'Hara AND considering Em's from the South - we'll just say he pulls a Scarlet O'Hara and decides he'll think about it tomorrow (((Say it with me folks, "After all, Tomorrow IS ANOTHER DAY!"))) - by abruptly turning and walking away before they get to Blake and Ted, thereby avoiding the confrontation all together. Michael greets Ted very warmly, smiling and insisting they need to get together soon. Ted gives a rather fake "sure" and quickly ushers Blake away, leaving Brian and Michael on the sidewalk. Michael asks if Brian thinks Ted was acting strange? That maybe Ted thinks they are judging him? Br: "I don't know about you, but I am." ha... Michael hits Brian on the arm as they turn to walk to the gym.
Daphne & Justin's Apartment - (((That's right, they do still live together - though we see so little of Daphne - grrrr - it's easy to forget she's always in the background. But then again, come to think about it - we see so little of ANY of the members of Justin's inner circle/family - aside from Jennifer. Does anyone even remember he even HAS a sister?))) Cody and the other vigilante-wanna-be's are in dahhhh house!!! And they come baring arms - uhmm, or rather wielding hairdressing equipment. (((No clichés about queeny hairdressers, please. I'll have you know it's the sista lez that is doing the do's....lol.))) What do's you may be wondering? Well it seems that Cody thinks they all should look alike - show a unified appearance on the street so the Pink Posse will be noticeable on sight. And what wonderful coffiure do they choose? Well, Cody's shaved buzz of course. (((Oh dear, does that mean what I think it means? He's not. Noooo, tell me he isn't.... Yep, he is....))) Justin does ask if they'd be more affective if they were less noticeable. But why do it if they don't get attention, one of them says. Cody says it'll tell others not to fuck with them. And speaking of fucking with others - or rather just being fucked up - Enter Daphne. Who's introduced to the others and who then asks if she can join the Pink Posse. Cody says no immediately - "It's only for queers." Justin frowns and Daphne's offended by Cody's rudeness, "I thought keeping the streets safe was everyone's concern." Cody turns a cold shoulder to her, without answering and Daph exits with a classy retort, "Well, I guess I'll grab a straight soda, and head to my straight room and study my straight studies." (((Gotta luv her! Reminds me of two things - 1) Her British counterpart, Donna, who told Nathan (Justin's counterpart) "I'm black. And I'm a girl, try that for a week." 2) Michael's comments to his mom in Ep 102 about going to his gay apartment, taking off his gay clothes and getting into his gay bed...lol.))) Justin takes up for her, saying she's his best friend, why couldn't she join? C: "Because this is about queers defending themselves." Letting in heteros goes against the purpose of the Pink Posse. (((hmm...ie, he's definitely NOT a let's-all-get-along kinda guy))) Cody says they'll be patrolling in teams of two, and that Justin will be with him. (((Did anyone notice how pointedly Cody looks at Justin for a reaction after he says that?))) When asked who's next for the buzz cutting, Justin jumps on up saying he is... And as thousands of fans cry out in alarm - the buzzing starts as the scene ends.
Mel & Lindz's Kitchen - Michael's playing with the adorable little man Gus as Mel and Lindz are making cookies for Ted. Michael's saying even though Ted's like one of his best friends, earlier today it was like he hardly knew him at all. "He was so distant." Mel says Ted's been that way with all of them. Michael says he hasn't exactly been there for Ted, either. Mel says not to blame himself. Lindz adds that Ted's responsible for his own behavior. (((Yep.))) Michael says Ted needs to know they are there for him. (((How cute is Gus??? Honestly, he's chowing down on a cookie that's almost as big as his own head...lol.))) Em comes in, after which Lindz quickly tells Michael not to bring up the subject of Ted. Em says it's a nice surprise to see Michael there. In a rather cute move, Michael hugs his face to Mel's abdomen saying he was just there to check up on Mel (((remember, she's got his bun, uhmm hmm, I mean baby in her oven...lol. But thanks for waiting till episode 3 to really mention that Cowlip.))) As Em starts eat the cookies, the girls do exactly what they told Michael not to - saying they are making them for Ted. Em immediately leaves after saying he's sure Ted'll appreciate having such good friends as them. Can you say awkward???
Brian's Loft - Jennifer is sitting at Brian's computer. Looking at gay porn, you ask? lol... Nahhhh, despite Deb's influence. She's looking up prospective office space for Brian's new agency. And has found one almost as big and nice as Vangard's too. But Brian's not interested. "Kinnetik is NOT Vangard. We don't think in a box, we don't live in a box. Therefore we don't work in a box." (((Should I mention that his loft is for all intents and purposes - a BOX!!! lollll... Four veryyyy large walls - minus the bathroom = a box.))) Enter Justin - ***THUUUUUUUDDD*** Oh my lord - he's bald!!! Ok, okay - so he's not bald. But he may as well be...lol. He's got like a quarter of an inch of fuzz left after all his hair was cut off. Brian's eyebrows shoot up. And you should see Jennifer's face, she's really startled. J: "CHRIST! What did you do to your hair?" J: "It's called a hair cut, mother." (((Gotta luv the snark of his saying "mother" in just that tone...tisk tisk.))) She says it used to be so beautiful. Justin says maybe that was the problem. Brian's circling Justin, looking at his head from all angles....snicker. Justin tells Jennifer about being in the Pink Posse. And he continues his snark, "In case you WEREN'T aware, there was a bashing." (((Asshole. Oh, but then I forgot. Jennifer - while still his mother, is straight. Therefore, the enemy? ))) J: "I'm perfectly aware, I'm also aware that you were bashed." Justin: "All the more reason." J: "To put yourself at risk? Haven't you been through enough?" Justin - in one of his brighter moments - NOT, snaps, "Don't fucking tell me what to do!" (((Actually, she wasn't. She was showing concern for her son's well being.))) That even throws Brian, who tells Justin to, "Take it easy, Timberlake." hahaha (((Now that was almost as funny as when he made the Dawson's Creek remark in Season One.))) Justin pushes Brian's hand away. Jen asks Brian to talk some sense into Justin. (((How fatherly??? a request...lol.))) Br: "Now, now, Mother Taylor. Justin is a big boy. He should be allowed to make his own mistakes." (((Snicker - I don't know what was funnier - Gale's delivery of that line or the way he's running his hand over Justin's head as Justin glares darkly and pushes him off again.))) Jennifer gets this resigned look on her face, and leaves after a sad, "Stay in touch." Brian goes back to Justin, running his hand over Justin's head again - saying, "Your haircut's hot." And then they kiss - despite the gum that Brian never pauses in chewing...lol. Again, Justin walks away as the scene ends.
Okay - welcome to Hell. lol... Welll, it's not really. But for fans or non-fans of Opera alike - this is VERY CLOSE. We're tortured by a very bad audition of a "Figaro" aria - during which the judges are cringing constantly (((as am I...))) - before OMG, in comes Ted!!! And one judge makes the mistake of asking for a "little bit" of information on Ted - which he starts rattling off in a tangent...lol, before being stopped and asked about his musical background. Ted says he's had some lessons, did college productions, etc. But he LOVES Opera. He's chosen to sing a song from "La Boheme." But has to be told to give his music to the piano player...lol. (((Funny side note - The piano player is named Oscar. If any one has seen the movie "Oscar" - yes, the one with Stallone...lol
Vic's bedroom - He's rushing in as Rodney asks if Deb's really asleep. Vic gets into bed and they start making out when in bursts Debbie - saying she thought they were all gonna watch a movie on AMC. (((Woman - can't you SEE that Vic's got BETTER things - and a cute boyfriend - to do???))) Vic's saying he thought Deb was asleep. Rodney's uncomfortable - and I don't blame him as Deb plops down on the bed which forces him to push over so she doesn't sit on anything vital...lol. As Vic and Deb discuss which movie star she used to resemble - Lana Turner (Deb) or Shelly Winters (Vic) - Rodney's getting more aggravated. She offers to go make them a snack, and Rodney does reluctantly give her a smile as he agrees. But when she makes the comment, "Say, you weren't gonna fuck or anything, were you?" (((Damn the Balls on that woman!!!))) - Rodney turns from Vic after she leaves. Rodney's pissed off. Saying she never leaves them alone. "I thought that when we got together, we were going to be a couple. Not a threesome." Vic says it's Deb's house. R: "Well, it's YOUR room." Vic says it's not any better at Rodney's place since he has three roommates. R: "So I guess we can never be alone." Vic kisses him, saying they are now. But AGAIN, Deb interrupts by shouting at them to come down (((was that a pun??? lol))) because the movie's starting.
Ted's apartment - he's going out the front door, when he finds Michael about to knock from the outside. Michael's all smiles, eating a cookie - saying the girls made them for Ted but that he and Gus were the "official taste testers." Ted's very nervous here, and really wants to get out of this whole conversation. (((Cool camera angles - they are shown cut close together, as if they were in a claustrophobic space - Ted feeling trapped as Michael feels pushed away.))) Michael says why don't they crack open the tin and eat them all. T: "As much as I'd like to OD on chocolate..." M: "This time." (((eeeekkkk.... Insert foot in mouth, Mikey.))) Ted says he can't, he's on the way to a 12-Step meeting. Michael invites him to dinner to meet Hunter. Ted says Mel and Lindz told him about the teen. M: "He's a great kid, when he's not being a royal pain in the ass." (((We talking about Hunter or Justin? lol... Sorry, couldn't resist after the earlier scene with Jen.))) M: "He's funny. I think you'll like him." When Ted starts shooting down every date Michael can come up with, "lunch, dinner - between meal snacks?" - and is told Ted's "kinda busy" with his rehab, job-search, etc - Michael gets this look on his face. Like hurt, but before you think he'll walk away rejected - Michael looks back up and says very sincerely, "Ted, I just want you to know that I'm your friend. And I was your friend before this happened, and I'm your friend now. And I'll be here for you if you ever need anything. No matter what." He gives Ted the cookies, and leaves. (((Ahhhhh...)))
Brian's Loft - Justin's getting ready to go out for his first night with the Pink Posse on Patrol. (((Ironic how that's three P's in a row - slightly reminiscent of another organization that stressed separatism and offensive violence, as this group is in danger of doing - can I get a letter "K" anyone???))) Brian's working on his laptop - which looks suspiciously just like the one Ted got rid of...lol. He laughs when he sees Justin's sleeveless pink t-shirt. J: "Cody says it's important that we be recognizable." Brian says oh they will, then he flicks the shirt...lol. He asks what weapon Justin'll be "packing." J: "Pepper spray." Brian turns back to the computer after a long sigh, "Armed and ready for action. This Cody's thought of EVERYTHING." J: "I remember when my mother used to refer to you as 'that Brian'." Brian laughs - "Well, your mom's no fool She knew her little angel was getting himself into a PECK of trouble." (((Hehe... Gotta luv how Gale inserted the Southern Accent there...lol.))) Brian continues, "She's not wrong this time. You should go back to school." Justin's getting annoyed, "Fuck school. They kicked me out for doing what was right. I don't need them or their diploma, they can eat shit." (((Are "THEY" the only school in the universe??? Or in town for that matter?))) As Justin's about to leave, Brian asks, "Still angry?" J: "I'm not angry, I'm committed." B: "What? To saving the world?" J: "You saved the world from an evil politician." B: "I didn't do it for the world." He says he don't mistake him for Eleanor Roosevelt, "I did what I had to do for me." J: "And I'm doing what I have to do for me." He leaves.
Red Cape Comics - Michael shelving comic books. Hunter's there, reading a comic instead of doing his math homework. Michael tells him he should do his homework and to watch the cussing. M: "Holy shit! Did you hear me? I sounded just like my mother." hehe... Michael grabs a stack of comics, thrusts them at Hunter - "Here, read as many as you like!" lol... Very cute. Enter Vic - who gets a warm hello from Michael but a grunt in greeting from Hunter. Vic says as an older gay man, he might as well be invisible. Michael hugs him, "He's doing his homework." Hunter doesn't fucking get algebra (((did any of us?))) - Vic apparently does, he helps Hunter with his formula. Hunter thanks him gladly. Michael says, "You can always count on Uncle Vic to solve a problem." V: "Except my own. Do you think Rage could help me?" Hunter - in one of THE funniest moments tonight - asks, "There's someone you want brought back to life with a blowjob?" (((Awwwwwwwww....THUD!!! ROTFLMAO!))) Vic explains his problem - and at the very mention of Deb, Michael puts up a hand and says, "Say no more." Hunter tells Vic to subtract one from three and problem solved. M: "Smartass." lol... Vic says actually that was Rodney's solution too. Vic's agonizing over leaving Deb, saying she's the reason he's even alive today. M: "She helped you get your life back so you could HAVE a life. You're entitled to that, Uncle Vic. I'm sure she would be the first to say so..."
Ted's apartment - Blake is eating one of the cookies as Ted makes a bad lesbian cooking joke. Blake says Ted's lucky to have such supportive friends. Ted gives an non-enthusiastic, "yeah." He's looking through the want-ads for a job. And he's shaking his head over his attempt to get a job singing. Saying they must have laughed at him. Blake says he remembers Ted singing in the shower, "You sound pretty good." T: "Everyone sounds good in the shower. It's time to put all those romantic notions behind me, and get real." Which is of course PERFECT timing for the phone to ring... Blake asks him if he's going to answer it, but Ted says it's probably just Michael wanting to do something. B: "Remember we talked about avoidance in group?" Hint hint, nudge nudge. Blake gives him a really cute, raised eyebrow look and Ted answers the phone. Good thing too - because........ He got the JOB! B:"Oh my god, that's..." T: "Unbelievable, insane, a mistake?" Blake laughs, saying it's wonderful. They hug... And we're left wondering what the hell the job is????
Brian and Justin walking down a street - Brian's asking how Justin's patrol went. They helped some fucked up club kids get home, and an old queen change a flat tire. Brian makes a joke about good deeds being the mainstay of a super hero's job. We see they've stopped in front of the run down entrance to the closed Liberty Baths. Brian says this is where he gets off (((ha ha))) - Justin asks if it's a little early in the day for that, as Brian cutely points to the Baths and says "no" quietly. They kiss goodbye. Justin leaves. Brian enters the building, formerly called the "Everhard Spa." And just guess who he sees inside??? snicker... Jennifer Taylor!!! She asks if this is more what he had in mind. We get many shots of how disgustingly dirty and run down the place is - seedy doesn't begin to describe it. Brian: "I've always dreamed of having an office with a drain in the floor." ha... J: "Thought you might like it." And in a realllllllly odd-ball funny moment, she says come on, she'll show him around. (((Honey, I'm SURE he could show YOU around instead...lol.))) Brian has a digital camera with him, and as they enter each room - he's taking pictures from all different angles. The steam room, the private cubbyhole rooms, the communal showers (((I could make a lot of punning jokes about the phallic shaped shower heads and faucets...but nahhh. It's just funny to see how much time he spends taking pictures of those objects alone...ha.))) - and the old orgy room. Which Brian says he misses. Jennifer doesn't even blink an eye saying he could make it into a conference room...lol. B: "Perfect. For screwing the competition." And he smiles as he shows her his last picture on the camera.
Ted - in tux, singing from "Paliachi" - another ironic song, sad clown singing about betrayal - albeit rather a bit TOO sedately here....lol. And as we hear applause for his effort - the lights come up and we discover that Ted is nowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww - a singing waiter!!! THUNK... (((Yes, in the long line of stupid jobs assigned to practically all the main characters on this show, except Brian...lol - anyone want to name off the others??? Like naked waiters Michael and Em or Babylon Go-Go Boy Justin???))) But Ted's secret is out, because Vic and Rodney (((is it a bad thing that in my haste to type their names, I almost typed "Vice with a Rod"???? snicker))) are at one of the tables...opps. Not that Ted sees them. Ted's complimented by his boss on his singing and choice of song.
Quick cut to the next morning - Liberty Diner - Deb's told about Ted being a singing waiter by Michael and Ben at breakfast. He's working at Rigoletto's which is cheesy Italian family restaurant that most of the boyz think is a joke. Ben thinks it is a blast. Deb starts scratching under her arm as she lays into Rigoletto's not having any class at all.... Snort. Ben asks then why were Vic and Rodney there? Opps... Another insert foot into mouth moment. See Vic and Rodney told Deb that Rodney was sick to get out of going to the Big Dicks contest with her the night before....hmm. Em comes in, sits down as Deb walks off perplexed. Michael says they should all go there for dinner. Ben asks if "he'd like that?" M: "Why not?" (((Uhmm, would YOU have liked for your friends to have shown up while your tenderloin was being felt up???))) Em asks go where? They tell him about Ted. Em's upset - again, actually by now - he's pissed off. (((Whenever he's gone somewhere this ep, it's all been Ted this and Ted that...after all.))) So what does he do, darlins??? Yep, Em grabs his coat and leaves. But this time - Michael runs after him. They are out on the street just up from Liberty Diner. Michael wants to know why Em's so upset, saying he's just trying to show Ted a little support. E: "Well, I'm getting a little tired of your little support. Cookies are one thing, now you're his cheering section?" M: "He's my friend." Ohhh...here comes the claws. Em turns abruptly, snapping, "In case you've forgotten, so am I!" Michael's surprised, "I know that." E: "Then you might try considering how I feel." M: "What does my friendship with him have to do with you?" E: "How can you even say that to me? After what he put me through." He turns to leave, but Michael's persistent and follows. "That's between the two of you. Besides, I can't very well turn my back on him." E: "Why not! He turned his back on you." M: "Well that doesn't mean I should do the same. It wouldn't be fair." Ohhh, Em's face. E: "Fair? What about being fair to me? Why should I be fair to him or anyone else?" He walks off as Michael watches helplessly. (((Gotta luv Em's man-purse, though...lol What? I'm trying to lighten the mood...hugs)))
Debbie's Living room - She's telling Vic to hurry up or they'll be late for the movie. He comes down but suggests they just have an evening at home. Just the two of them. Deb's thrilled, saying they haven't done that for a long time. She starts to go make caramel corn, but Vic stops her. He's nervous. He says he loves her more than anyone else in the world - D: "Except for Rodney, but I can understand that." - but he and Rodney want to get their own place. She looks taken aback, but quickly changes to supportive, saying it is "damn fucking" time. lol... She says she's been waiting for this to happen. Not that she's doesn't love Vic being there, or having Rodney around - but that she never has any privacy. (((Oh, you've got to be kidding...hehe.))) She has to close the door when she wants to go potty, and she can't run downstairs in her panties if she wants to go to the frig. V: "You do anyway, we've seen you." (((Lord above, I hope he's talking about the refrigerator reference...lol.))) They start tussling on the sofa in a fun moment - truly brother and sister as she tickles him, making him says "Auntie." D: "I could always pin you down." V: "You're the top in this family." (((TMI...))) She tells him not to worry about her, she'll be just fine. They kiss and she smiles at him as if to say, see....
Rigoletto's - Most of the gang are there: Lindz, Mel, Gus, Michael, Ben and Brian. Yes, they EVEN got Brian to come...lol. But then, how could he stay away considering the evening's entertainment? The food, however - it's a big sloppy BAD mess. So's the wine, according to Brian who says it tastes like piss. Michael - talking with his mouth full, says the food doesn't matter. They are there to support Ted. As Brian holds up a meatball that is the size of a dessert plate (((I kid you not))) - the host/owner comes out to introduce the entertainment. Meaning, Ted. He starts to sing, only to stop instantly when he sees an entire table of his friends smiling up at him without warning. (((Dang, do you blame him?))) He tries to continue, but stops again. (((Take a look at each of the cast member's faces...ha. Brian is full out laughing and grinning....bad man.))) Ted walks off, and Michael follows. (((Michael's like a magnet this episode. Being pulled everywhere by the irresistible force of Em and Ted's retreating backs...lol.))) Everyone at the table's got grimaces on their faces. Michael asks Ted what's wrong. Ted snaps at him, asking why is he there? M: "To cheer you on." T: "Did it ever occur to you, to any of you, that if I wanted you here - I would have ASKED you. Now if you were really my friends, you would leave me alone!" (((Anyone think that sounded an awful lot like the "you can just get the fuck out!!!" speech Ted gave Em???))) With a glare, Ted goes off to get a customer more breadsticks - leaving Michael behind.
Liberty Avenue - The entire Pink Posse walking down the street. (((Cool music))) It's shown in slow motion. Cody's smiling. Justin's serious. A car drives by, some guy sticking his head out asks if a couple of boys wanna suck his cock. ***Red Alert, Red Alert - All hands to battle stations!*** ((What? That was the subtext...lol.))) The Pink Posse rushes over, led by Cody - who starts yelling at the men in the car and kicking the car door. (((Notice that the owner of the car does get out when Cody asks him to - BEFORE Cody starts kicking the car.))) The two guys start cursing back and forth with Cody, Justin jumps in the minute they say "Faggot" - telling them to apologize. "Fuck you, you little cocksucker." is the response. Justin gets shoved on top of the car's hood, and all the Posse members jump into the battle. They proceed to pants the idiots. Meaning they hold the two men down and tear off their clothes so they have to escape bare-assed back into the car and drive off. The Posse's cheering, so is everyone else on Liberty Avenue, btw - and Justin's smiling and laughing. Feeling very high on the experience. Empowered, I'm sure.
Soooo, where does an empowered young man go to work off all that energy??? Take a guess...lol.
Cut to Brian in the loft - smoking a joint. Justin runs down the sidewalk outside, then comes into the loft. When Brian says he's about to go to Babylon, Justin says they turned some straight assholes into pussies. "You should have seen us there." He starts taking Brian's jeans off, they share the joint as Brian sits in a chair, Justin straddling him. And they start shagging for all they are worth. (((I'm fairly impressed - by the stability of that chair, I mean...lol.)))
Liberty Gym - Ben and Michael are working out. Or rather, Michael's lifting hand weights as Ben admires his boyfriend's pecks. B: "Feel those pecks!" M: "Anytime you want to, big guy." (((I'm fairly in awe of them myself - but DAMN, look at Hal's arms! Has everyone been working their asses off that summer??? I mean, look at Gale, Bobby and Hal - all very buff.))) Blake comes over, asking if they could spot him. But Michael's still too bruised from the whole Ted/Emmett drama to want to stick around, he says he and Ben need to leave and are heading to the showers. Blake braves through anyway, saying he knows Michael doesn't want to hear anything he has to say, but considering what happened last night with Ted - "You've got to give him some time." Michael says thanks, but starts to leave again - Blake continues, "He's trying to put his life back together, and there are alot of things he's ashamed of. And when he sees you, he's reminded of them. You're a reflection of the things he wants to forget." He says that doesn't mean Ted doesn't care about him. Ben: "We care about him too." M: "Yeah, we just want him to know it." Blake says he does and he'll come around. Bl: "But it has to be on his own terms." Michael walks off, sadly. Ben offers to spot for Blake. (((Look at Dean's arms too! The buffness is spreading!!!)))
Deb's house - Rodney and Vic have almost finished moving Vic's things out. (((Notice Vic taking his meds. Foreshadowing, folks.))) Deb brings down two bears - "the Twins" - they are male and female - gifts she gave him when he was sick that represent the two of them. V: "Tell you what, I'll take her - you keep him. That way, we have each other." Ahhhh... She gives him a sack full of food. Things she's made for them to have in their new place. D: "It sounds like you're never coming back." V: "I just thought the only way I'd leave here would be in a box." Deb says thankfully that didn't happen, that he's leaving out the front door with a boyfriend to start a new life. As for her - she's going to be having a Rosalind Russell film festival. It'll be ice cream and naked tv watching for her, so don't look back - she won't. He goes to kiss her, but she stops him - "no fucking goodbyes" - saying they all know she'll prob. be over there bugging him in an hour. (((eekkk))) He hugs her anyway, saying he loves her. He and Rodney leave her standing in the living room, clutching the boy bear.
Brian's bathroom - Justin's naked in the shower with his back to us and Brian's shirtless as he leans rather oddly over the toilet to pee hands free. Brian asks if Justin's going to Babylon with him, but Justin's got other plans. Patrol duty. Brian flushes just as Justin turns off the shower - good timing...lol. Brian's saying maybe Justin should try making a few buck, since he's "working the streets." But Brian's joke ends flat as he sees Justin's back in the reflection of the bathroom mirror. Bruises all across it - OUCH. Brian asks where they came from. Justin says it was from the jerkoffs the other day, but he pulls away when Brian tries to see them up close. (((He's pulling away from Brian a LOT lately.))) He snaps that he can, "Fucking take care of myself." Brian suggests taking the night off, "Even Rage and God get a day of rest." Justin snaps again, "I TOLD you, I have things to do." B: "What? Like going out and looking for trouble?" Justin pulls on his pink tee, saying it comes looking for them. And in the feel-good-moment of the night, Justin says: "Motherfucking asshole straight guys think they can drive down the street and yell 'Faggot' out of their car window and we're just gonna stand there and take it like a bunch of scared sissies. As far as I'm concerned, they can fucking die." (((Eeeekkk... Okay, sooo that would lead to the betterment of the community and your own spirit?))) Brian replies, "Glad you're not angry." J: "We're protecting innocent people, standing up for ourselves. What's wrong with that?" (((Oh, the nature of escalating violence at the risk of yourselves and others. Not to mention possible jail time.))) Justin turns and leaves.
Enjoy the next scene - I did...lol.
Babylon - Em's dancing. (((Really cool quick shots from all angles too.))) Ohhh, ripped t-shirt, spiky bangs and eyeliner!!! He's looking more than "fine." (((Gotta love the song lyric that's repeating time and again - "You don't appreciate me!"))) Brian and Michael walk in as Brian asks after the professor. Michael says Ben's working on his new book, that he's almost done and he can't wait to read it. Brian says he'll wait for the movie. lol... (((Has anyone besides me noticed that this seems to be the year of the vertical strip for ALLLLLL of Brian's clothing??? He's wearing a black shirt with small pinstriped style vertical lines. But his suits, his pants, his shirts...lol. I don't think they've gone an episode yet without him wearing them.))) Michael asks if Justin will be coming. Brian answer maybe. Michael hears the Pink Posse came to the rescue the night before. Brian agrees, but doesn't elaborate on any of it. They weed through the dancers and find Em. Michael greets Em smiling, only Em's not in a friendly mood - he reluctantly says hello and never stops dancing with Ramón. M: "How's it going?" E: "Just fine." Michael's not deterred - which after the week he's having with his friends, you got to admire...lol. "You wanna get a drink?" Em gives him a look, "No thanks. Ramón and I are busy." (((Btw - look at Brian's face just at that moment - in restrospect after you remember the last line he has in this scene, it's reallllllly funny to see that Brian's laughing behind his hand as he recognizes Ramón...heh.))) Michael tries again, "Okay, well maybe later..." Em ends it all by leading Ramón away, saying, "Later, Ramón and I will be even busier. But hey, why don't you call Ted. I'm sure he'd LOVE to get a drink with you." Brian frowns at that, looking at Michael. Michael's floored - his face completely hurt. Brian walks to him, putting a hand behind his head and talking into his ear - "Why don't you get us a couple of beers?" as he pats Michael's back. Michael slowly walks off. Brian immediately goes to sic Emmett. He interrupts Em's dancing with Ramón, bumping into Em's chest. B: "Do you mind if I cut in?" E: "I'm dancing with someone." Brian puts his hands onto Em's shoulders, "Not anymore," but Em throws them off. E: "How dare you. Where the fuck do you get off?" B: "Save your diva routine for your world tour. Why'd you treat Michael like that?" E: "Like what?" B: "Like he's an insignificant piece of shit?" Em snaps, "What the FUCK business is it of yours?" (((Uhmm, you DO remember who you're asking that to, right?))) B: "Anybody who hurts Michael is THE FUCK my business." E: "Well, maybe he hurt me too." B: "By being friends with Theodore?" Em doesn't take Brian's smile well, yelling at him, "YOU are the one who told me to forget him. That he's dead. Right HERE on this very dance floor." B: "Well guess what? Like Jesus and Liza and Judy, he's making a come back." E: "And everybody wants to give him a standing ovation just like nothing ever happened." Brian's fed up. "Listen to me, Honeycutt. Are you listening?" E: "Yes, and don't call me Honeycutt!" (((Not to self, xof - do NOT call Em - Honeycutt.))) Brian laughs, then turns serious. "Michael is your friend, just the same as he's Ted's. But if you force him to choose between you, you're going to lose him." Em turns his head away. Brian ends with a luvly little comment - thereby breaking gay etiquette, btw!!!! - he talks into Em's ear, "By the way, I fucked Ramón. (((Lordy, how he does know how to roll his "R's"...thud!))) His dick's the size of a Ticonderoga #3, AFTER it's been sharpened. Sorry." hehehe.... (((Can you say, pencil dick? I knew that you could.))) He leaves Em there and it's hilarious to see the look on Em's face now that he's stuck dancing with a short man with a small penis...lol.
Liberty Avenue - Justin and Cody are patrolling together. Not much is happening, Justin says. Cody says you can't have a fight every night. Justin says last night was the first time he was in a fight and won. Cody smiles, "Nothing like feeling a little power." But he concedes that now things might be harder because once "they" know the posse will fight back, "they may not be so quick to come looking for us. So we'll just have to go looking for them." Uhhhhhh??? Justin's confused by that, "I thought our job was to protect people here on the street." Cody's all for fighting beyond Liberty Avenue - "there's a whole straight world out there." Eeekkk... This is sounding like bad news. C: "Let them see us, and fear us in Jesus' name!" (((Okay, WTF? Jesus taught love, not fear.))) J: "What the fuck is that?" C: "Southern Baptist bullshit." Seems Cody is a refugee from the Bible Belt. He was in fear of what would happen if the congregation found out - he'd be kicked out and his parents would hate him. J: "Is that what happened?" C: "Not before I fucked Hector Ramirez up the ass." O - Kayyyyy...lol. (((Wonder what they felt was worse? The ass fucking or that is was with a "Hector Ramirez"....Probably both.))) Cody slings his arm around Justin's neck saying, "let's go flush out some homophobes." (((At this point, I'm wondering what Cody's reaction would be if someone dragged his ass to a PFLAG meeting or two. Anything to show him a new outlook on things and people...)))
Back to Babylon - Michael's at the bar, sadly drinking his beer alone. Em walks over - uncomfortably...lol. He tells the bartender, "I'll have what my friend is having." Michael looks at him, and after a beat - slides over the beer he'd bought for Brian. Em looks chagrined. E: "So I've been thinking about going blond. Sort of the silvery platinum shade Madonna wore pre-Blonde Ambition, post-Dick Tracy?" After a beat, Michael answers back, "I think that's the worse fucking idea I've ever heard." Em smiles, leans in and says, "I knew you would." Then he playfully nudges Michael's shoulder and smiles before grabbing Michael's hand and leading him to the dance floor as Michael laughs...lol. Cute.
Apparently in a "straight" part of town - outside a bar. A couple is kissing. Cody's watching them, saying when he was a boy his dad used to take him hunting. And the first thing they'd do is beat the bushes - flush them out. Justin asks how do they do that? Cody knows. He pulls Justin in and kisses him. Justin at first pulls away, but then with Cody saying, "Come on," he gives in and they start kissing for all to see. A man walks by them, saying "Christ!" Exactly the reaction Cody wanted, he pulls away from Justin and confronts the guy. When the guy tells them to get a room, Cody asks if he has a problem with their kissing. The man says no, but they are in the wrong part of town. "So why don't you go back to where you belong?" He shoves Cody and walks off. Cody follows, "Last I heard, we were living in a democracy. When did they pull out the pink triangles?" (((A reference to the patch the Nazi's made gay concentration camp inmates wear during WWII.))) Cody pushes the man from behind and they get into it, mostly shoves until Cody grabs the guy by the hair and yanks him back - holding him trapped as he asks if the guy has a problem. The man snaps, "You fucking fags should all get AIDS and die." Justin - who's stayed out of it till now - snaps. "Someone else once said that to me!" (((Chris Hobbs to be exact - after the bashing when Justin came upon him accidentally in the AIDS hospice where Chris was assigned his community service.))) We see him pull back and the show ends with him throwing a punch into the camera....
Next Week - With voice over from an announcer:
Justin saying Cody could have killed the guy from Ep 403. Cody with a gun. Handing it to Justin. Announcer: "As the stakes get higher..." Cody in a bookstore telling Justin that Posse business stays between them. A: "And all seems lost..." Brian's new office - HOT DAMN that's GORGEOUS. (((And fast!!! redecoration...))) Brian with Michael at Woody's, saying he's in danger of losing his one big account. A: "An unlikely hero steps forward..." Ted in the dark, working at a computer. Ted at a 12-Step meeting, "Hi, I'm Ted. I'm a crystal meth addict." When Brian walks right in and up to him, "I need you." Ted says, "Can't you see I'm sharing!" hehe Brian says, "Let's go." T: "The rule is you NEVER interrupt a person when they're sharing." Later, Brian saying he wants Ted to come work for him!!! (((Cool...))) Ted's shocked.
Then reallllllllllll quick flash shots: Em at Woody's - Ben/Michael/Hunter at Liberty Diner - Ben kissing Michael at their apartment - Justin naked as he playfully throws a punch at Brian (((looks like it connects with Brian's chin...ouch))) in the loft - Lindz watching Mel working at home on a case - Deb showing up at Michael and Ben's place with more food than God every saw - Brian frowning in the dark - Ted in tux looking serious - Deb at Michael/Ben's place with Hunter in his underwear and a strange woman in the doorway - Justin looking serious.
Hugs
xof
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