Episode 403:
Prey, Predators and Properties
The episode starts with Blake and Ted walking out of a clinic. It appears that Ted has gone to get tested for AIDS. He is shocked and saddened and for a moment we’re made to think that Cow/Lip has gone back on their word to not have any of the main characters contract it. But we quickly learn that Ted is just being Ted. He’s negative but yet is having a hard time believing it. You know, with his stream of bad luck and “my life sucks” attitude, getting good news is not something he’s used to dealing with. Truly pathetic, but I guess I can understand. He fully expected to have to “pay” for his previous bad behavior. Maybe this means that the tide is finally turning for Ted. Gee, I hope so.
So, as they’re walking down the sidewalk Blake changes the subject to what is next for Ted. Getting a job, Ted guesses, but he’s not sure what he wants to do. Blake asks him what his dream job would be. Ted admits to always wanting to be an opera singer, **rolls eyes**, and that he even took lessons in college and was told by his professor that he was pretty good. Of course, Ted, being the first one to doubt his capabilities, thinks the professor may have only said that because he was getting paid. **poor Ted** You know, if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will either. Oh wait, that almost sounds like Brian Kinney advice. Now I know I’m losing it. Blake encourages him to follow his dream.
Blake: So sing!
Ted: What, are you kidding? That was just a dream. What I need is something practical.
B: No, what you need is something you love, something that’ll make you feel good.
Interesting little bit of dialogue and foreshadowing at its finest for Ted’s career. Forget the dream part, what he needs is “something practical”. Accounting is practical. What he needs is “something you love” and that will “make you feel good”. Accounting is something Ted loves and something that has always made him feel good. Don’t laugh. Think about it. Even when he was dick-deep at Jerk-at-Work, he was still constantly running the numbers. Remember? He got so involved in tracking the minutes and the subscribers that he became “immune” to all the sex that was going on around him. He’s probably the only person on the planet that would bury themselves in paperwork while working in the porn industry. But I guess if we’d watched “Family Business” then we’d all know that it isn’t all cum shots and condoms. Ted’s an accountant. Period. The sooner he accepts that fact, the quicker we can move on to better storylines.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the block… Michael, Emmett and Brian are strolling along. Emmett is complaining about his love handles. I personally can’t see them, but oh well.
Emmett: I gotta get back in shape!
Michael: You look fine, Em.
E: FINE? Just fine? Fine’s fine for you two. You each have a husband.
Brian gives Emmett a look. Not sure just what kind of descriptor Brian is willing to accept these days for whatever Justin is, Emmett quickly tries some others…
E: Wife? Partner? Passing acquaintance?
Brian, even though he gave the look, surprisingly, he doesn’t object, deny or get snarky. I think Brian has finally accepted the fact that he has something with Justin – whatever it is – and it’s real. We, and all his friends have known this for quite some time. It’s nice that he’s finally caught up with the rest of us and that he might as well be willing for it to have some kind of title that doesn’t include the usual “un” disclaimers.
E: Anyway, for those of us adrift on the sea of singledom, it’s “Sparkle, Neely sparkle!”
Okay, don’t get it. I admit it. Those damn old movie references. I guess there are some jokes that I won’t get. I’ve accepted it. I mean, research is one thing but renting and sitting down to watch hundreds of “cinematic greats” just so I can laugh for two seconds is beyond what even I would do for this show. So you’ll just have to figure that reference out for yourself, I’m of no help to you on this one.
But it’s at this moment that Emmett sees Ted…
E: Shit!
…and Ted sees Emmett…
T: Shit.
And the scene cuts to an old western in black and white with the ominous music of a showdown. Am I supposed to know the western? Well, I don’t. Then there’s close-ups of Emmett’s twitching fingers and Ted’s rubbing fingers… at their sides, ready to draw their imaginary guns and shoot. I laugh.
Sometimes I see a scene and think “OMG! How ridiculous!” This was one of them…but then I think about how if I were writing it would I have thought of that image to reflect the moment that they saw each other for the first time since Ted was in rehab. I wouldn’t have. So does that make me smart because the scene was ridiculous or does that make me just not as creative as Cow/Lip obviously were to have thought it up? And I did laugh. So now, I’m thinking, “Wow. That was actually an awesome and brilliant comedic vision to break up the seriousness of the scene.” And it really did reflect what was happening. It was a showdown. So… ridiculous? Or genius? (And be honest.)
Emmett can’t take the heat so he gets out of the kitchen and runs the other way. Michael and Brian approach Ted and Blake and exchange pleasantries. Well, Michael, Ted and Blake do. Brian remains silent. Michael suggests that they need to get together, Ted doesn’t really want to but pacifies him then feeling too much heat, quickly retreats himself. Michael doesn’t understand Ted’s demeanor.
M: He was acting kinda strange.
B: Theodore? No.
Hehehe. According to Brian, he’s always been strange.
M: Maybe he feels like we’re judging him.
B: I don’t know about you, but I am.
Ah, so now we know why Brian had remained silent. He’s a wait-and-see kind of guy. He wants to judge for himself that Ted is truly better. He has no use for drug addicts and pathetic pity partiers so until he’s sure then he’ll stand back and distance himself.
I’m not sure that I get Ted and his distance issues. He went to the diner in 402 and seemed willing to hook up with everyone. Now he doesn’t want to see anyone? I’m not familiar with addictions or 12 step programs so I’m a bit perplexed here. The only thing I can figure is he’s embarrassed about what he did and he’s not quite ready to accept it yet so he can’t face them.
Justin, Cody and the rest of the Pink Posse are at Daphne’s apartment talking strategies. Or at least Cody is talking. The rest are kind of just agreeing with him. One of the posse is getting his hair buzzed off and I’m feeling sick at what I know is coming. **sniff** It makes me want to scream, “Why? Why? Why?” I’m sure Justin has asked the same thing so Cody gives us all the answer.
Cody: If we’re going to have a recognizable force, we need to have a uniform appearance.
Justin: Wouldn’t our presence on the street be more effective if we were less noticeable?
PosseGuy1: Well, what’s the point of doing it if we don’t get some attention?
C: We need to look the part so they know not to fuck with us.
Well, I’m thinking they may want to rethink the color then. I know why they chose pink, it’s the same color used by the Pink Pistols and I get the connection to the color pink itself. In fact I LOVE a man who will wear pink but that’s because it’s hot as hell, not because it’s menacing or threatening. Was I the only one who actually liked Gale’s cream colored suit with the pink shirt? **fans self** So what I’m saying is that if I saw a group of guys that look like Justin and Cody and were wearing these sexy pink t-shirts, I probably would jump them, but definitely not because I wanted to beat them up…LOL But that’s just me.
Apparently Daphne enters… Justin introduces her to everyone.
J: Hey Daphne. This is my roommate Daphne. Daph, this is the group that I was telling you about. The Pink Posse.
Daphne: Aah, right. For a minute there I thought you were enrolled in beauty school.
Yes, Daphne is still the snarky lovable chick that we all love. But that’s not what’s important here right now. Is he or isn’t he? That is the question. And this simple exchange answers one of the most asked questions on the internet ever since spoilers started to surface back in October. The question: Is Justin living with Brian? The answer: No, he is NOT. Don’t be sad though. If there’s ever been an indication to the fact that they’re gonna make it this time… this is it. They’re taking things slow, no rush. When Justin lived with Brian in Season 1, it was because he physically needed a place to stay. When he moved-in in Season 2 it was because he emotionally needed Brian’s help. Don’t get me wrong, they’ve always had feelings for one another, but they weren’t living together because they loved each other, it was because of need. If they move-in together again, it won’t be because of necessity, it will be out of want and desire. These are much better circumstances to build a relationship on. So, be happy that he’s living with Daphne. Really. It’s a good thing.
I’ve made a few passing comments about this in the last two recaps, but now I can talk more clearly. THIS is the reason why Justin having a key and coming and going and feeling so at home in Brian’s loft is so important to point out. He doesn’t live there, but yet has free reign over the place. That says a lot and cements their “partner” comment from 401.
J: Daphne and I started the gay/straight alliance in our high school.
D: I was the straight half. Can I join?
C: It’s only for queers.
Justin scrunches up his face at Cody’s comment. He doesn’t like that.
D: I thought keeping the streets safe was everyone’s concern.
Cody makes a “well, you thought wrong” face and turns away from Daphne. Obviously ALL straights piss this guy off. Daphne feels his dismissal.
D: Well, I guess I’ll grab a straight soda and head to my straight room and study my straight studies.
J: She’s my best friend. Why couldn’t she be a part of this?
C: Because this is about queers defending themselves, queers standing up to their attackers, queers fighting back.
Posse: Yeah! Right on!
C: If you let in heteros it dissipates the purpose.
I wondered the same thing as Daphne and Justin but I do get the symbiotic meaning of why it needs to be just queers. But Daphne’s right as well, it is everyone’s concern. So this exchange shows us something about Cody. I think he showed us right there that it really has nothing to do with keeping the streets safe. He doesn’t want safe streets. He wants revenge. We don’t know for what yet, but it’s revenge. If the streets were safer, there would be nothing to defend against. No attackers means nothing to fight back. I don’t think that he wants people (gays especially) to get hurt, but I think he likes the fact that the hate exists. He likes the war not the peace. He has let the hate consume him so much that hate is all he has left.
C: Now… we’ll be patrolling in teams of two.
PosseGuy2: It’s you and me dude.
PosseGuy3: Dynamic duo.
C: We’ll work together.
Cody tilts his head toward Justin. Justin looks thrilled. Not. Maybe.
PosseGal: Okay, who’s next?
J: I am.
Maybe it’s my independent nature or my rebellious personality against conformity but I would never join anything or any cause that required a haircut or even a uniform. I’m just not a joiner. So for me… the sound of that razor would have had me running the other way. But Justin… no. He believes and with just a huff of hesitation to muster up the courage to go through with it, he climbs into the chair. He looks down as she turns on the razor. I’ve got my hand over my face. As she makes the first pass up the back of his head, he closes his eyes. So do I. I can’t watch. Luckily we don’t have to. They cut the scene. **whew**
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Melanie and Lindsay’s House
Let’s see… Ted seems to be the subject of much angst... Michael whines over him. The girls bake cookies for him. Emmett bitches about him. The only one in the entire scene not effected by or consumed by or who could care a less about the Ted dilemma is Gus. Definitely Brian Kinney’s son.
Speaking of Brian Kinney…
This is one of those scenes where the Brian fan in me comes out. It appears that Brian’s wonder weapon has done wonders for the one-man band playing out of his house and he now needs office space. Nice, big, spacious, office space. That must have been some retainer!! So Kinnetik is doing great. Yippee! Makes me all giddy.
Jennifer is sitting at Brian’s desk showing him some office space listings on the Internet.
Jen: This one. Has plenty of square footage, offices with excellent views, generous support areas, including a conference room, a kitchen, executive washroom and plenty of underground parking.
B: Sounds like everything I need, but it’s not what I want.
Jen: But it’s as nice as Vanguard.
B: Kinnetic is not Vanguard. We don’t think in a box. We don’t live in a box. Therefore, we don’t work in a box. Even if that box were the Seagram’s building, I don’t want it.
I love that he’s dismissing the usual properties. That’s very Brian… and besides, he’s a creative type so he would need to be in a place that reflects the fact that he’s not your normal ad man. He’s special. However, “think outside the box” is a phrase that’s been around awhile and doesn’t reflect his creative genius so don’t hold it against him.
Just then the loft door opens and Justin has let himself in with his key again and without knocking. I so love that! But at first sight, you have to do a double take. I’ll tell you, the first time I saw the new ‘do, my reaction was exactly like Jennifer’s. Shocked, horrified, saddened that the “so beautiful” golden locks were gone. It was shortly after that, that I went home for the holidays. My little brother and his three year old son both had gotten buzzcuts just like Justin’s. I had to feel them to see what Brian was going to feel. Once I started brushing my hand over their heads, I found I couldn’t stop. It was the coolest thing ever. My brother wanted to knock me upside the head by the time I went home. He was like, “Would you stop?” I guess you never grow out of torturing your little brother. LOL. But anyway, my point is, now… because of my experience with my brother’s hair, my reaction is more like Brian’s. Hot, totally hot.
Justin: Hey.
Jen: Christ! What’d you do to your hair?
J: It’s called a haircut, Mother.
Jen: I-I-I-I’m just surprised, that’s all. It used to be… so beautiful.
J: Yeah, well, maybe that was the problem. Anyway, we all got them.
Brian immediately follows Justin into the kitchen. He’s studying the new ‘do intently. He walks around behind him, pacing from one side to the other, checking it out thoroughly. He’s diggin’ it, you can tell. He’s like a lion about to pounce on his prey. But Mother Taylor is there so he refrains. He leans against the counter with his hand on his hip, trying to mind his own business and let the mother and son talk amongst themselves.
Jen: Who’s “we”?
J: The Pink Posse. We’re protecting Liberty Avenue from homophobes. In case you weren’t aware, there was a bashing.
Jen: I’m perfectly aware. I’m also aware that you were bashed.
J: All the more reason.
Jen: To put yourself at risk? Haven’t you been through enough?
J: Don’t fucking tell me what to do!
B: Take it easy, Timberlake.
Now, Brian decides to step in. He puts his hand on Justin’s shoulder to calm him down. Brian doesn’t like Justin talking back to his mother so that’s why he chose just then to step in. Justin glares at him and swats his hand away.
I like the quirky reference, it’s funny, but somehow I don’t think that Justin Timberlake would be treating his mother this way! At first I was shocked at our little, sweet Justin but then I remembered… he’s always been this smart-mouthed teenager to Jen. So as much I don’t like it, it is very much Justin. I love that even though his own mom is a real shit, Brian realizes it’s not all moms so Justin shouldn’t treat Jen like that. Just like he did in 202, he doesn’t let Justin get away with being a bratty teenager that talks back and is disrespectful. He wants Justin to understand that he’s lucky to have her and lucky that she loves him.
Jen: Brian, will you please talk some sense into him?
Brian approaches Justin, grinning and stroking Justin’s head. Justin doesn’t seem to mind… at first.
B: Now, now Mother Taylor. Justin's a big boy. He should be allowed to make his own mistakes.
As soon as Brian says mistakes, he smiles knowing that will piss Justin off. It does. Justin grimaces and pushes Brian away. I love Brian the mediator between mother and son. I love that Jen knows Justin listens to Brian (well, most of the time). And love, love, love that Brian already knows the Pink Posse is a mistake.
Jennifer looks around aimlessly realizing there’s nothing more she can do. She gathers her things.
Jen: I’ll be in touch.
Justin waves and stands at the counter. They watch her leave and as soon as she shuts the door, Brian approaches Justin and starts rubbing his head. Justin closes his eyes and nuzzles against Brian’s hand like a cat does when you scratch behind their ears. He obviously feels the prickly, tingling sensation you get when your short hairs are bussed around.
B: Your haircut’s hot.
He rubs some more, Justin’s head is still leaning into his hand, he tilts his head up, they kiss then Justin walks away. I’m assuming towards the bedroom, but we’ll never know.
This quick ten-second scene is another one of the sexy-sweet “ahhh” moments that have been sprinkled throughout this season so far. I’ll put aside the pessimistic worry that lies underneath the surface every time we get a loving scene and just savor this for a moment, making good use of the rewind button.
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Ted’s Audition
Okay, it’s an ensemble cast so I can deal with footage of this scene as it relates to Ted bumbling through the audition and for it to establish that, yes, Ted’s professor was right… he’s pretty darn good. Never mind the fact that it doesn’t sound like Ted or that Scott’s lip-synching is not very good. But the 41 seconds that they spent on the chubby blond dude’s horrendous audition was definitely a waste of good film and just pisses me off. I would’ve rather had another Brian/Justin kiss or more hair stroking and subsequent nuzzling. Hell, I would’ve been happier with the typical wasted footage of the dancing men at Babylon. But no, we get a much older, hairier-faced guy that reminds me of the “Hot Stuff” karaoke dude from season 2. This part of the scene is definitely going to wear out my fast forward button. Yuck.
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Novotny House
We get an answer to another burning question in this scene… Are middle-aged gay men just as sexy as the younger ones? Well, if you’re talking about Vic and Rodney then, um, that would be a YES! Vic has always been a hottie and doesn’t Rodney have beautiful blue eyes? But anyway… they’re about to show us just how sexy they can be when Deb barges in without knocking and crowds their space. This is obviously not the first time, either. Trouble is brewing in the Novotny-Grassi house.
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Another scene without Brian or Justin?? That’s three in a row. This is a no-no. Bad, bad, bad Cow/Lip.
Ted’s Condo
Michael takes the cookies to Ted. Ted’s not thrilled to see him. Michael insists they get together. Ted makes excuses. Michael gets annoying. Ted gets annoyed. Just when I’m ready to fast forward, Michael delivers a profound statement of being his friend no matter what. So… being the sap that I am, I’m touched. THAT’s when I like Michael, when he’s being the loyal and supportive friend. These moments are overshadowed by his cluelessness most of the time, but when they’re there, they’re really good.
Brian is at his computer, still working out of his house, Justin is getting dressed for his first night out with the posse. Brian glances over at Justin, who is coming out of the bedroom, fiddling in his pink shirt. Brian sees it and the camouflage pants. He grins, obviously amused at his young lover’s new playmates.
B: Is that what the well-dressed vigilante will be wearing this season?
J: Cody says it’s important that we’re recognizable.
Brian pushes away from the computer and closer to Justin.
B: Well, you’ll be recognizable all right. So what weapon are you packing? A Howitzer or a Bazooka?
J: Pepper spray.
Brian’s grin fades immediately along with his amusement. He arches his eyebrows and sort of winces. He doesn’t like the sound of this at all. He goes back to his computer as Justin walks away to attach the pepper spray pack to his belt. Brian huffs.
B: Armed and ready for action. This Cody’s thought of everything.
J: I remember when my mother used to refer to you as ‘this Brian.’
B: Well, your mom’s no fool. She knew her little angel was getting himself into a peck of trouble. She’s not wrong this time.
I really like this strange alliance that Brian and Jennifer seem to have made. There’s a mutual respect and a bonding over a common goal... what’s best for Justin. Their relationship was not on the best of terms in the beginning for the exact reason that Brian just said. But she was wrong, Brian was not trouble and I like that Brian admits that. She blamed him for the bashing in 201 and it rocked him to the core so I like that he’s acknowledging that she was wrong about him. It means that his guilt over the bashing being his fault has eased up some.
B: You should really go back to school.
J: Fuck school. They kicked me out for doing what was right. I don’t need them or their diploma. They can eat shit.
And here is another one of ‘those’ questions. Is he or isn’t he? This dialogue answers the second most asked question on the internet. Question: Is Justin back in school at PIFA? The answer: No, he is NOT! Maybe if he were back in school, he wouldn’t have all this free time on his hands. But I’m really just being snarky there. I understand why he doesn’t want to go back, but he does need to and I just love that Brian knows it. I think he sees great potential in Justin and doesn’t want him to not have all the things that are possible with a college degree. So I kind of like the “parental” side of Brian when it comes to Justin and his well being.
B: 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. Stockwell closed down the backroom and forced us to fuck like boring breeders, so don’t start mistaking me for Eleanor Roosevelt. I did what I had to do, for me.
That is true enough, Brian did do all those heroic things for himself… to preserve his way of life. However, how many crusaders of a cause started their crusade without having had the cause effect them in some way? Would Debbie be a PFLAG mom if Michael and Vic weren’t gay? Would Katie Couric be a strong advocate for colon cancer if her husband hadn’t died of it? You know what I mean? We all start out on good causes because it has affected us in some way. That doesn’t make us selfish. So regardless of what got him into the fight, it doesn’t matter. It’s the fact that he didn’t stand by and let someone else fight the battle for him. He got on the front line and gave it everything he had. It’s the way he fought the battle that’s important and everyone else benefited from his courage as well. So when everyone stands to gain from one person’s “selfishness”, then I say, everyone should be so selfish. He can balk all he wants to, he’s still a hero to Liberty Avenue and most definitely a hero to Justin.
J: And I’m doing what I have to do, for me.
Listen to Justin. He joined the Pink Posse for himself. To rid himself of his internal feelings about his bashing. Selfish? Yeah. But it’s also to ensure that no one else has to go through what he went through. He wants to save the innocent prey from the guilty predators. Hero? Yeah. Just like Brian, just like Rage did when he saved the masses from the villainous Razorback’s slaughterhouse. The only problem is, and the thing that I think has worried Brian; is that Justin’s anger coupled with “this Cody’s” leadership may overshadow the hero part and focus primarily on the selfish, angry part. And that’s not good. Why? Because the anger stems from being a victim. Something happened to him that he didn’t deserve, that he didn’t ask for. Hobbs took something from him without permission. That makes you feel helpless and powerless. He had no control over what Hobbs did to him, he couldn’t fight back. That feeling just festered inside him and has now been released in full force. This kind of rage and this search for power could turn this hero into a villain real quick if he’s not careful. Power is a very powerful thing. So Brian isn’t concerned that Justin is participating in the posse as a whole, he’s worried that Justin is participating while he has all this pent-up anger to go along with it.
Justin storms out. Brian watches him go. Worry takes over his face. He doesn’t know what to do. He’s battling between his strong desire to step in and protect the one he loves from harm or standing on his personal creed of “find your own way” to allow Justin to “make his own mistakes” and come to terms with the bashing on his own. Tough call. But I think he believes in Justin enough to just keep a close eye on things and let Justin work it out on his own, just like he did with the Sap thing in 213/214.
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Comic Book Store
Vic comes in seeking Rage’s advice for what to do about the “Deb dilemma”. What I can’t figure out is why he’s asking Zephyr. Is he confused? But anyway, Michael gives him the boost he needs to tell Debbie he’s moving out. Not much noteworthy here except this line…
Vic: After all she’s done for me. I probably wouldn’t even be alive if it wasn’t for her.
Anytime the word “probably” is mentioned by any character, it’s spelled F.O.R.E.S.H.A.D.O.W.I.N.G., so expect for that line to resurface at some point in the future.
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Ted’s Condo
Ted and Blake eating cookies. More of Ted tearing himself down. More of Blake building him back up. That’s pretty much it. Oh, and Ted gets the singing waiter job. Oh joy. They so love torturing us…
… and rewarding us for our good deeds.
Brian and Justin just strolling along and having a nice chat. It is the little things, you know? Heee! But… this conversation is more like Rage and JT than Brian and Justin.
B: Save any lives last night?
J: Well we helped some fucked up club kids get back to their apartment. Helped an old queen change a flat. Other than that, it was pretty quiet.
B: Well, that’s the thing about being a superhero. The average person thinks it’s all about stopping two planets from colliding or saving the universe from being swallowed by a black hole, but most days it’s just your average, run-of-the-mill good deeds.
Rage, I mean Brian, is patronizing JT’s “superhero” tendencies and JT, I mean, Justin is patronizing him right back, nodding his head and grinning. It’s like the regular Brian and Justin, when there’s no anger.
They embark on an old warehouse looking building with a big sign over the door that says “BATHS” and some smaller ones on the door that say “Everhard Spa” and “Men Only”. It’s an abandoned bathhouse and makes me wonder if it fell victim to Stockwell’s crusade when he closed all the bathhouses and it just never recovered. Sad really. But the name is of point as well and is a tribute to the infamous Everard Baths in New York back in the glory days before AIDS was running rampant throughout the city.
B: This is where I get off.
J: Isn’t it a little early?
Double meaning, of course, and Brian gestures with his hand and an arched eyebrow, inviting Justin to join him in the old bathhouse to “get off”. Justin smirks and Brian shakes his head, ‘No?’ What is wrong with him these days?? He keeps turning Brian down. They kiss and Justin walks off. Brian watches him go (he’s always watching him go these days…LOL), then turns to enter the bathhouse.
It’s dark, the music is kind of eerie even though I really like it. There aren’t many lyrics in the songs this year, but I still like them. They are doing a good job at picking songs that compliment the scenes. There’s graffiti writing on the walls. It’s almost like you can hear the voices of the ghosts of the previous visitors. His footsteps echo as he walks. He rounds a wall of blocked glass and enters the “steam room” where he finds Jennifer waiting for him.
J: This more what you’re looking for?
B: I’ve always dreamed of having an office with a drain in the floor.
J: Thought you might like it. C’mon. I’ll show you around.
As if she needs to. Brian probably knows that place so well he could find his way around it blindfolded. But she goes, he follows, walking around, taking pictures. The music changes into this really strong beat. I don’t know what it is, but I like it. I really like this whole scene. You can see Brian’s imagination running wild at how this place, his old stomping ground, could be the site of his future. It’s like it’s so run down but yet has all this history and charm. The whole bathhouse thing is beyond my comprehension but yet even I’m feeling a strange cozy connection to it. This is definitely where he needs his office to be. It’s “shabby chic”… LOL
They round another blocked glass wall and enter the “orgy room”.
B: I miss the old orgy room.
J: You could make it a conference room.
B: It’s perfect… for screwing the competition.
He raises his camera and it appears that he took a picture of Jen as she stands in the middle of the orgy room. That’ll be quite the conversation piece for her country club friends. We know Brian and Justin went to the bathhouse together at least once that we saw. (In 209, the episode with the priest.) You think there’s memories in some of these rooms for them? LOL
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Rigolatto’s Italian Restaurant
Ted’s first night as a singing waiter. Sing it with feeling, Ted! TeeHee. Rodney and Vic are there, they see him.
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The Diner
A few things in this scene…
1) Michael and Ben inform Deb that Vic and Rodney had seen Ted as the singing waiter at Rigolatto’s. This is important because Deb then mentions that she and Vic had plans to do something else. Vic obviously ditched her and lied about why. Not a good sign. Vic probably never lied to her before so she’s perplexed. Trouble is brewing.
2) Deb gives us her take on the restaurant. “Oh honey, it’s like a goddamn ride at Disneyland. They got fake grapes, fake Italian waiters, fake sunsets painted on the walls. No fucking class at all.” What makes this funny is that as she’s saying all this, she’s scratching her armpits. Now, that’s class!
3) Yet another confrontation between Emmett and Michael over Michael’s desire to remain friends with Ted. Even though I understand Emmett’s position, I agree with Michael here. Surprise, surprise! Did Hell freeze over when I wasn’t looking?
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Another three scenes in a row without Brian or Justin. I may have to write a letter to the editor. There must be no more than two “other” scenes between B or J scenes. That’s the rule. Didn’t they get the memo?
Novotny House
Vic tells Deb that he’s moving out and moving in with Rodney. Much to Vic’s surprise, Deb seems very happy for him. Not upset in the slightest and even says she likes the idea because this will now give her some much-needed space. Ha! Yeah, right. Vic is leery, so am I. Then she tackles him to the couch and tickles him into surrender. It’s a sweet scene and we’re even informed that Vic is a bottom through his comment that Deb was always the top in the family, which is kind of funny. But the whole, hold him down and tickle him into submission thing still squicks me out. Not sure why. I mean, I used to do this to my little brother all the time, but I just can’t seem to picture myself doing it to him now. Oh well. But the deed is done and a burden has been lifted off Vic’s shoulders. I am all giddy that he’s found love. Being older, being positive, and being near death just a few years ago had certainly made him give up on finding love and starting a life with a partner, but this just shows… it’s never too late.
This almost could have been a fourth non-B or J scene but lucky for them Brian is in this one. It’s not about him, it’s Ted’s scene, but he’s there being his snarky self so I guess it still counts as a Brian scene. They are off the hook for now.
Obviously this restaurant is just as classy as Deb said it was. Brian takes a drink of his wine…
B: This Chianti tastes like piss… (He holds up a noodle on his fork) …and this pasta’s so limp it needs Viagra sauce.
M: (In his best parental, chastising voice, he scolds Brian) It doesn’t matter if the food’s good or not. We’re here to support Ted.
Mel: Um hum.
Lindsay: So where is Teddy?
Ben: Are you sure he’s working tonight?
Restaurant Host: Ladies and gentlemen. Senora’ and Senore’. We hope you are having a memorable dining experience.
B: Well, it’s for sure that I’ll remember the indigestion. (Holds up a really huge meatball and scrunches up his face.)
RH: And to add to your enjoyment, Senor Schmidt.
Ted comes out and sings then sees the gang at the table. Brian starts laughing. Ted sings a few more notes, looks horrified, then stops. Everyone looks sad, “poor Ted”, even Brian stops laughing. Ted storms off. Michael follows him.
M: Ted, what’s wrong?
T: Why are you here?
M: To cheer you on!
T: Did it ever occur to you, to any of you, that if I wanted you here, I would’ve asked you? If you were really my friends, you would leave me alone.
Ouch! But if you wondered how come Justin isn’t at the dinner party with Brian...
… it’s because he’s on Liberty Avenue where the Pink Posse is patrolling the streets, keeping them safe for homos everywhere, well at least those in Pittsburgh. More cool music. And I must say, Justin and Cody are looking positively scrumptious in their pink t-shirts. Sorry, can’t help it.
A guy in a passing car leans out his window and yells at a couple minding their own business, strolling along on the sidewalk.
Passenger: Hey faggot! Wanna suck my cock?
Good thing the Posse is nearby so they can save the couple from this verbal, slanderous bashing.
Cody: Come on.
Posse: Yeah! Go! Go! Go!
C: Motherfuckers! Who do you think you are calling people faggots?
They all run following Cody’s lead. Cody approaches their open window and bangs on the roof.
C: Get out of the car!
They don’t. He starts kicking their door. He’s in a rage!
C: Get out of the fucking car!
Justin stands back, he’s in shock. This is more physical aggression than he signed on for. He yells at Cody.
Justin: Calm down!
The passenger gets out. The driver gets out. We now have a full confrontation… just what Cody wanted.
Passenger: What are you doing?
Driver: Look what you did to my fucking car, you asshole!
C: How would like it if I did the same thing to you?
Passenger: You and who else, faggot?
Now Justin gets pulled into it completely. He can’t stand back any longer. He’s Cody’s partner after all, he must step up beside him… to protect him.
J: (To the passenger.) The other faggot. Apologize. (To the driver.) You too.
See? Justin’s idea of “protecting the streets” is to make them apologize for their derogatory comment. That’s what he wants. An apology. He doesn’t want a fight.
Driver: Hey fuck you, you little cocksucker!
The passenger grabs Justin and throws him on the trunk of the car. Justin grunts. So now, whether he likes it or not, asked for it or not, he’s right in the middle of a fight. And for someone with anger just under the surface, that’s not a good place to be. The posse jumps to his aid, approaches and grabs the passenger as well as the driver, throwing them both to the ground. Justin scrambles to his feet and joins in. He’s pissed now. The posse proceeds to remove the guys’ pants and underwear. Once they get them off, they release them. Cody’s laughing.
C: Now you can get your cock sucked!
The boys get up, sans their pants. The driver runs to get in the car.
J: (To the passenger.) And you can do it for him!
The passenger jumps in the car. Justin smacks his ass with his pants as he gets in. The tires squeal as they pull away without their pants... they just want to get the hell out of there.
I want to interject what must be going through the minds of these homophobes right now. They are obviously scared of gays or they wouldn’t have lashed out like they did. You know, ignorance breeds fear. So to have a bunch of gay guys with attitude holding you down on the ground and removing your pants has to be terribly scary. They were probably thinking they were going to get gang-raped right there on the sidewalk and since they were on Liberty Avenue then they would assume that no one would come to their rescue.
Now, of course this is the exact reaction that the posse hoped for in what they did and I’m sure the exact vision that Cow/Lip is trying to give us. Make the straights feel like the queers do every time they venture out of their community. The loss of power, the loss of control, being helpless. It’s all so very frightening. This was a bashing too, only this time the straights were on the receiving end. Was it deserved? They did start it, didn’t they? Is this the way it should be handled?
The Posse is cheering and yelling, waving their fists in the air.
Justin throws their pants at the car as it speeds away. He’s giggling and smiling in disbelief at their victory. He can’t believe he just kicked ass against a couple of straights. He’s wanted to do that ever since Hobbs started harassing him two years ago. He is more than pleased, his head is buzzing with the liberation, he’s drunk on the power that he feels… the control he had over them… the invincibility. You just know his heart is pounding out of his chest.
And he just has to share this feeling with someone. But who??
Brian! That’s who. I’m more than giggly over that. He could have chose to ride out his high with Cody and the gang, but no… Justin wants to share it with Brian. Heee! But that’s enough of that… this is actually a very intense scene, so it’s no time to be giggly.
The camera cuts to Brian. He’s in the loft gazing out the big window, starting to put a shirt on, smoking a joint. (Suppose he was visually patrolling the streets too, like Rage from up in his lair, looking for Justin or at least hoping he’s alright?)
Justin runs through the streets back to the loft. He can’t get inside fast enough. Shot of Brian again, calm, cool, collected. A direct contrast to how Justin feels. The loft door slides open. Justin comes in, shuts the door and immediately starts taking off his shoes. He’s stoked and knows exactly what he wants. This scene reminds me of the scene from 205 when Justin came home drunk and was wanting Brian bad. He was all over him.
B: Oh, you’re just in time… (Takes a hit off the joint) …to go out to Babylon.
J: Those straight assholes. We turned them into pussies. You should’ve seen us there.
Justin approaches Brian removing the pepper spray pack and taking his belt off. He’s so proud of himself. His chest if heaving. He looks over Brian with lust in his eyes. Brian huffs with an amused smile as he realizes what Justin has in mind. Justin undoes Brian’s belt, rubs the pepper spray pack against the front of his pants, stares at his chest and looks as if he could just eat him in one big bite. Justin can’t get at him fast enough. He pushes him down into a chair and straddles his lap. Adrenalin is such a powerful thing.
They share a couple of hits of the joint before Justin puts it aside. Shirts disappear. Justin’s belt gets wrapped around Brian’s neck. He strips Brian of his pants. This is definitely Justin’s show, he’s the one in charge. He’s dominating Brian, over-powering him. Brian’s totally into his aggressiveness but doesn’t seem to know what to do so he just sits in the chair and lets Justin have at him, lead the way, ride him. There’s kissing and humping then there’s a quick condom retrieval, ‘cause you know, you always have to play safe, even when you’re out of your mind with desire, lust and need.
I’ll leave the rest. If you saw it then you know what happened. If you didn’t, then I’ll just say this to bring you up to speed… lots of aggression, lots of movement, lots of tugging on the back of the chair, lots of grabbing of bare butts, lots of grunting, lots of grimacing, lots of dropped jaws, and one or two slapping sounds. I think that about covers it. A very intense, very hot, one minute and thirty-eight seconds.
If there was ever a sex scene that depicted what was going on inside someone’s head at the time, this was it. Justin’s power-trip come to life. **whew**
###############
The Gym
Cut to Ben and Michael working out at the gym. I’m actually thankful. I need a moment to catch my breath before I rewind the previous scene.
Blake joins them, explains Ted’s position to Michael and Ben about why he snapped at Michael the night before at the restaurant. Michael stomps off in a huff. Ben hangs back to spot Blake during his workout.
Even though I’m still reeling from the aggressive sex from Brian and Justin, I didn’t fail to notice that Blake was looking mighty fine in his muscle shirt. His biceps seemed to be flexed during the entire scene.
################
Novotny House
Vic is moving out… he has packed up the last of his belongings and is popping his meds as Rodney finishes loading the car. Deb and Vic have a very poignant moment to say their goodbyes even though they don’t actually say goodbye.
There’s a 101 anvils dropped in this little scene but for you spoiler virgins reading this… I won’t point them out.
Back to Brian and Justin. They’re in the bathroom. Justin’s in the shower, Brian’s leaning over the toilet, one arm outstretched on the wall, taking a piss.
B: Coming to Babylon?
J: Got other plans.
B: Friday night in this nowhere ‘burg, that would either be counting your socks or going to synagogue.
J: I’ve got patrol duty.
You can tell that Brian is getting tired of Justin’s patrol duty regardless of the sex that it instigated the last time. As much as I’m sure he enjoyed Justin’s adrenalin high, I’m equally sure that he was also a little freaked out by it. He knows that power can be intoxicating and Justin’s sexual aggressiveness was his warning that Justin is getting addicted to it. Good for sex life. Not so good for Justin’s safety. And you know Brian… he wants Justin safe ‘cause he wants him around a long time.
Brian demonstrates his distaste for what is going on and for the fact that Justin is turning down a night with him in favor of a night of vigilantism by flushing the toilet. Justin jumps out of the shower spray and turns the water off quickly. He glances over at Brian with a glare but doesn’t say anything. He knows Brian is not pleased. He gets out and grabs a towel. Brian moves to the sink to wash his hands. He watches Justin in the mirror.
B: As long as you’re working the streets, you should try making… (Brian pauses when he sees the big bruise on Justin’s back from where he was thrown on the trunk of the car.) …a few bucks. (I know it’s not the time, but dang, this is the second time he’s referenced pimping Justin out in just three episodes. I know it’s a joke, but it bugs me just the same. It gives fuel to certain fires and I don’t like that. Okay, back to the bruises… Brian stares at them, focuses on them.) Where’d you get that?
Justin is covered in his towel, drying off. He pulls it off his head and looks over at Brian to see what he’s talking about.
J: Oh. One of those jerk-offs from the other day pushed me.
Brian approaches Justin and puts his hand on his arm to turn him around for a better look. Justin shrugs him off.
J: It’s nothing.
B: This time.
J: I can fucking take care of myself.
B: How about, um, taking the night off? Even Rage and God get a day of rest.
J: I told you, I have things to do.
B: Like going out looking for trouble.
J: I’m not looking for anything. It comes looking for us. Motherfuckin’ asshole straight guys think they can drive down the street, 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.
B: Glad to hear you’re not angry.
J: We’re protecting innocent people... standing up for ourselves. What’s wrong with that?
This whole scene has me wrecked. Justin is very angry and it’s not like him to wish people dead. Justin’s question is a valid one and one that is not easy to answer, especially for Brian. Stand up for yourself, have some balls. Sound familiar? Brian’s words coming back to haunt him… again! But the thing is… the point is to protect innocent people. Protect the prey from the predators. But just what is the right way to do that? Is it possible to do it without turning into a predator yourself? Without turning the predators into the prey? It’s a fine line and it’s the anger that can push you over it. I don’t like where it’s all headed, but I’m still holding on to the faith I have in Justin to pull back. Just like he did with the Sap in 214.
Justin storms out leaving his final question to hang in the air. Brian is once again seen watching Justin leave with absolute worry on his face.
Brian and Michael are at the bar.
B: Professor joining us?
M: Huh uh. He’s working on his new book. He’s almost done. I can’t wait to read it.
B: I think I’ll wait for the movie.
M: Is Justin coming?
B: Maybe. (Brian is snorting the usual mix of whatever it is.)
M: I heard the Pink Posse came to the rescue last night.
B: Mm hmm.
Interesting exchange. Do I detect a game of one-up-man-ship going on here? The professor’s not coming so to make mention that he is not the only one at Babylon without his husband, wife, partner, passing acquaintance, Michael asks about Justin. Brian knows that Justin is not coming, they just argued about it before in the bathroom, but he answers ‘maybe’ possibly for the same reason that Mikey brought him up to begin with. Is Brian not willing to admit that Justin, like Ben, has other things to do besides “stalk” his boyfriend at Babylon? It seems like casual conversation but there’s this strange undertone to it. You’d think they’d be fine with just hanging out together. Hmmm. And then Michael brings up the posse. Brian clearly does NOT want to talk about it.
They head to the dance floor where they join Emmett, who is dancing with a guy much shorter than him.
M: Hey Em.
E: Hello Michael.
M: How’s it goin’?
E: Just fine.
M: Do you wanna get a drink?
Brian is amused by the whole encounter, fully aware of Emmett’s brush off.
E: No thanks. Ramon and I are busy.
M: Okay, well maybe later.
E: Later Ramon and I will be busier. But hey, why don’t you call Ted? I’m sure he’d love to get a drink with you.
OUCH! That hurt. Emmett delivers his low blow and moves to another part of the dance floor for more space. Brian raises his eyebrows and scrunches his face, not pleased at how bratty Emmett is being. Michael is crushed and looks like he wants to cry. Brian decides that Zephyr is in need of Rage’s help.
This is how Brian operates. He stands back, observes, lets his friends work things out for themselves until they get hurt, then he steps in. This is why he waited until the hurtful comment before shipping Mikey off to the bar. And this is why he hasn’t stepped in between Justin and the Pink Posse. He’s watching and when he feels Justin is in danger of being really hurt, more than a bruise, he’ll step in. Superheroes don’t prevent bad things from happening… they just rescue you when they do. Remember Emmett in 314?
He sends Michael to the bar to get them some beers. Brian sniffs then goes to find Emmett. He’s still dancing with Ramon. Brian steps in between them.
B: Oh, do you mind if I cut in?
E: I’m dancing with someone.
B: Not anymore.
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.
E: What the fuck business is it of yours?
B: Anybody who hurts Michael is the fuck my business.
… or if you hurt Justin or even if you hurt Emmett.
E: Well, maybe he hurt me too.
B: By being friends with Theodore?
Right! Point out that he’s being a drama queen and that this “hurt” is all in his head.
E: 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 comeback.
E: And everybody wants to give him a standing ovation, just like nothing ever happened.
Well yeah, they are. Why shouldn’t they? The only person that was really deeply hurt by Ted’s demise was Emmett. So he’s the only one that should be leery of forgive and forget at this point.
B: Listen to me, Honeycutt. Are you listening?
E: Yes. I’m listening. Don’t call me Honeycutt.
B: Michael is your friend just the same as he’s Ted’s. But if you force him to choose between you, you’re gonna lose him. Oh and uh by the way, I fucked Ramon, and his dick’s the size of a Ticonderoga No. 3. After it’s been sharpened. Sorry!
Well, I don’t think for one minute that Michael would abandon Emmett over this, I mean, he’s hung onto Brian for over 17 years after all, but if it gets Emmett to snap out of his jealousy and chill out with Mikey, then so be it. Besides, he might as well make up with him, what’s he gonna do instead? Brian already told him his date isn’t worth the trouble. LOL
Justin and Cody are once again, patrolling the streets and still looking scrumptious.
J: There’s not much happening tonight.
C: Can’t expect to kick ass every time.
J: But last night… last night was the first time I was in a fight and won. For once the fucking bullies ran away.
C: Nothing like feeling a little power. But it might make things harder. Once they hear we’re not afraid to fight back, they might not be so quick to come looking for us. So we’ll just have to go looking for them.
There’s Cody’s admittance about his true motive. He wants the fight… craves the power. And “looking for them”? Isn’t that what Brian accused Justin of doing in the bathroom earlier?
J: But I thought our job was to protect people here on the street.
C: Sure. But why hang around Liberty Avenue waiting for things to happen when there’s a whole straight world out there? Let them see us and fear us in Jesus’ name!
J: What the fuck is that?
C: Southern Baptist bullshit. Every Wednesday and Sunday night, I’d be sitting there listening to the preacher telling us how all homosexuals were gonna burn in Hell. And I’d be shitting in my pants thinking, what if the congregation found out? I’d be kicked out. My parents would hate me. They’d never speak to me again.
J: Is that what happened?
C: Not before I fucked Hector Ramirez up the ass. So… whaddaya say we go flush us out some homophobes?
The idea has always been for them to protect the prey from the predators. At least that’s what Justin thinks or what Justin wants to think. Cody just turned things around, switched gears right in front of Justin’s eyes and Justin is choosing not to see it. I keep referring to the Sap thing but I can’t help it. I see a parallel to that story arc. Justin knew things were going awry at that party, but he took a hit of that joint and drank that drink anyway, thinking he could handle it. Justin is smart and I’m just not willing to believe he’s completely duped by Cody’s bullshit. Cody is a slick one and knows how to push all the right buttons to keep Justin in the game, but I think that Justin thinks he can handle it. The power he felt the other night was a strong intoxicant and he all but admits to Cody that he felt awesome afterwards. He thinks he can go get that power again without doing any harm to anyone. Justin goes along not fully aware that to get that power now, he has to become a predator and set a trap to entice the prey. He has to become the very person who he is trying to protect the innocent from.
###############
Babylon
Emmett approaches a sulking Michael at the bar and orders a drink.
E: So I’ve been thinking about going blond. Sort of the silvery platinum shade Madonna was, pre-Blond Ambition, post-Dick Tracy.
M: I think that’s the worst fucking idea I’ve ever heard.
E: I knew you would.
So all is well on “As the Disco Ball Turns”. Rage’s work is done.
Justin and Cody arrive, presumably, on the straight part of town. They see some hetero couples kissing and figure this is as good a place as any. At this point Justin doesn’t know how to “flush out” the homophobes. Cody does. He knows all too well, if you ask me.
Cody: When my dad used to take me bird hunting, the first thing we’d do to flush them out was beat the bushes.
J: How do we do that?
C: Like this!
Cody grabs Justin and tries to kiss him. It has nothing to do with romantic gestures, this is the trap. Kiss in their neighborhood. Surely someone will say or do something about it because that kind of behavior is not well-received in Straightsville. Justin jerks his head back not realizing the meaning behind Cody’s move. He’s startled, caught off guard, and stares at Cody for understanding. Cody nods his head, silently giving meaning to the gesture. Justin gets it now but still hesitates slightly. He looks around quickly… scared, unsure. A natural reaction for someone who has been bashed and knows that two guys kissing in a hetero neighborhood could be trouble... so I think this second hesitation and looking around was him thinking, "If I do this, there'll be trouble". A line has been drawn, he’s deciding whether he wants to cross it or not. He wants that feeling of power and control again but no matter how hard he tries to be like Cody, he never will be... his innate goodness is hesitant to start trouble. Yes, he wants to feel the power again but he still has that healthy, cautious fear that comes with intelligence and helps us decipher what is safe. But in the vain of just needing one more hit and with Cody by his side, he musters the courage to face the unknown of what will happen after the kiss, and leans in to mesh their mouths together.
It doesn’t take long before a homophobe is flushed out. And for me, that’s the saddest part of this whole thing. It should’ve taken a lot more for them to beat the bushes. This was just a kiss for cryin’ out loud. A guy comes walking by and just has to say something…
Guy: Christ!
C: Excuse me?
Guy: Huh?
C: I thought you said something about my friend and me.
The guy turns down an alley. Cody follows him. Justin follows Cody. Guy turns around to face them.
Guy: Yeah. Get a room.
Guy keeps walking down the alley with his back to Cody and Justin. He’s obviously feeling pretty safe in his neighborhood and by no means is he scared of a couple of faggots.
C: You have a problem, sir, with our kissing?
Wow, such polite manners for a psycho. Cody and Justin continue following him. Justin looks behind them to see if anyone else is around. Guy turns back around.
Guy: No, you do. You’re in the wrong part of town. So why don’t you go back to where you belong?
Guy pushes Cody’s shoulder. Justin scowls.
C: Last I heard we were still living in a democracy. When did they pass out the pink triangles?
Cody pushes his back hard enough to make him take a few stumbling steps forward. He turns back, approaches Cody and pushes him hard.
Guy: Fuck off.
Cody grabs his jacket, bringing him closer then turns him so that the guy is between him and Justin.
C: You got a problem, asshole?
Guy blows him off condescendingly, pulls out of Cody’s grasp and turns to walk away. Cody goes after him, grabbing him again, only this time by the hair. He’s got him disabled, trapped.
C: I asked if you had a problem.
Justin is just standing there, not sure what to do like he just can’t believe this going down.
Guy: Yeah. You fucking fags should all get AIDS and die!
Oops, big mistake on guy’s part. That is NOT what you want to say to Justin. Memories start to take over. Adrenalin starts pumping, Anger starts to surface. You can see it on his face.
J: Someone else once said that to me!
So the episode ends with a very angry Justin’s swinging arm and fist coming at the camera. KAPOW! No doubt he just punched the daylights out of that guy… the very act that he wishes he had done to the last guy that said those exact words to him… Hobbs.
