Helping Causes and Effecting Hands
~~PAGE 2~~
Loft - Brian, Justin
This is one of those scenes where we can simply sit back and enjoy it. It’s completely angst-free! Hallelujah! We’ve begged and pleaded for some lovey-dovey moments with the boys, whoops, I mean men (they are living together after all) for a long time now. A scene not stopped short and turned on its head by a fear that a hand slipping down the front of your trousers might accidentally feel a lump and discover your secret. From beginning to end, it’s all smiles. Affection, sweetness and fulfilling conversation… it’s pure couple-dom at its finest!
At the loft, Justin is at a desk... or the dining room table turned into a desk. Not really sure, but his laptop is open and he’s moving around some papers that appear to be prints of his art work. Brian comes home wearing a suit and carrying his briefcase so presumably from work. He smacks the briefcase down on the kitchen counter and makes his way toward Justin. And he doesn’t saunter over. He walks briskly – straight toward him – with determination to get to him right away. No dilly-dallying about it. My heart beats a little faster! Justin turns to look at him then goes right back to what he was doing. Brian comes up behind him within seconds and wraps his arms around him, hugging him tightly. Tightly enough that it’s emphasized by a slight grunt. Can I die now? Justin covers Brian’s clasped hands with his own and gives them a little squeeze. As Brian begins to pull away and his hands slides out from Justin’s grasp, one hand pauses on Justin’s nipple and gives it a little tweaking scratch which makes Justin finally look up at him. Ahhhhh, the unconventional B/J way to say, “Hi honey, I’m home!” They both smile at each other like it’s no big deal – eh, happens all the time, right? NOT! I’m about to fall out of my chair. Like I said before… what Carl wants with Debbie, Brian already has with Justin.
Brian picks up one of the prints and looks at it.
Brian: Not bad.
Hahaha, is that like what Brian says about really hot guy, “he’s alright.” Guess that means that Justin’s artwork is really great.
Justin: It's brilliant.
Whoops! Excuse me! Not great. It’s brilliant! Brian smirks and sits down on the corner of the desk/table.
Brian: An artist can never have too high an opinion of himself.
Justin: They were going to be part of my final school project.
Final school project? So Justin was about to graduate anyway before he left for Hollywood?
Brian: It still can.
Justin: It's too late.
Brian: After Hollywood it would feel like a prequel.
Justin: And not a very good one.
Hmm, a slam on Star Wars perhaps? Or those stupid Queer as Folk novels? Hard to say, neither were very good. Anyway, I like that Brian is still pushing for school. He never has wavered on Justin’s education. But I do understand the prequel issue. You’re supposed to go to school to learn to do what Justin learned on the job in Hollywood.
Justin: I'm gonna take my time. Look around. Figure out what to do next.
So that’s why he’s showing up everywhere helping everyone out. He IS taking a small vacation… to figures things out.
Brian: I've got it.
Justin puts his stuff down and moves in between Brian’s legs so they are face to face.
Brian: How about a full time career at one of Pittsburgh's top advertising agencies?
Justin smiles, places a hand on the side of Brian's face and kisses him.
Justin: Thanks. But it's time I make my own way in the world.
Justin drags his hand down Brian’s chest then moves away leaving Brian to ponder the rejection and leaving us to mourn the loss of the hundreds of fanfic plot bunnies that had Justin doing that very thing. Guess Cow/Lip just put that idea to death. And doesn’t that suck a little bit? I always thought they’d make a great business team myself. ;-) But okay, I can live with Justin needing to find his own success apart from Brian.
Brian gets up and makes his way to the bedroom, untying his tie with a sigh.
Brian: It's just as well since I hear the guy who runs it is about to lose his shirt.
He takes off his suit jacket and tosses it carelessly onto the bed in a wad as he goes to the closet. And I mean, he makes a big sweeping gesture of throwing it as well. We’re supposed to notice it.
Justin: He'll survive like he always does… beautifully.
Awww, supportive Justin. Brian begins to get undressed… taking off his tie then unbuttoning his shirt and cuffs. Justin comes into the bedroom and stands behind him.
Justin: Going somewhere?
Brian: To the soon to be former Babylon. Can't let the ship go down without the captain.
So Justin ASKS Brian if he’s going somewhere. There’s been some speculation that Brian must be going out every night now that he’s got his very own playground. I think this tells us that he’s not. If he had been then Justin would already know he’d be going somewhere. And he doesn’t. He has to ask. So it’s obviously not happening every night. I like to think that’s because Justin is home now.
There’s also the possibility that the fun he was getting out of his new toy is waning now that the business is slow and it’s costing him money. He’s acting as if he’d really prefer not to go to Babylon, but rather stay home with Justin. Which is a total shocker!
He’s also acting as if he’s giving up. That he’s not so sure that he will survive this beautifully like he always does. He’s lost his Teflon coating. But just like when he was boggled with the Kip situation, he’s got his can of non-stick spray… wise Justin to the rescue. Gee, wasn’t that foretold in the comic book from 501? Could the catacombs of the church (a burial place, which could be considered a metaphor for a morgue) where Rage was suspended with his hands tied really been the dead Babylon?? You could say that Babylon is Brian’s church. It is where he worships. And it’s definitely a morgue right now and Emmett even confirms it by calling it that a bit later. Hmmm.
Justin: This club Brett took me to in LA really knew how to work it. They had the fags lined up around the block begging to get in.
Brian: It must have been a hell of a place.
Two things before we move on to Justin’s brilliance. While Justin is talking, Brian is getting undressed and not really giving a shit what Justin is saying. He’s listening (he’s always listening… to every word) but it seems more like he’s just letting Justin talk. He doesn’t really care to hear about the great Hollywood so Justin is not getting his full attention. Brian’s reply is a throw away. He doesn’t see this conversation going anywhere important so it was simply something to say just to be participating in what Justin is saying. Like when you throw out the obligatory “uh huh” as someone is telling you a particularly boring story.
The other thing is what Justin is doing while he’s talking. And this is the killer… he picks up Brian’s tossed aside suit jacket off the bed and begins to smooth it out. He grabs a hanger from the closet and then hangs it up. Helpful Justin is picking up after him! You can’t help but think back to Season 1 when Justin was so young. He was throwing his clothes around everywhere. He didn’t even know what a hanger was! In 102, he was tossing clothes at his mother (in her face no less!) while he searched for the perfect too-tight t-shirt. Then when he moved into Brian’s in 109, his clothes were all over the place and Brian yelled at him to pick up his shit. Boy have times changed! Brian is tossing clothes and Justin is picking up his shit. They’ve become each other and domestically in sync! I’m grinning like a complete idiot.
Justin: It wasn’t that different than here. They just made it seem like it was.
Once the jacket is hung up, he moves behind Brian and starts massaging Brian’s shoulders. In a sense, rubbing his words into Brian’s brain. They sink in and stop Brian dead in his tracks. It’s so simple. Brian knew that! It’s what he does! He just couldn’t see it. He was too close to the situation and his brain was all muddled. But Justin’s isn’t. I guess when you hang out with an ad man for 4 years, you pick up a few things. Heee! Brian turns around, looks at Justin and finds him grinning like the cat who just ate the canary. The little shit! LOL Brian wraps his arms around him and pulls him close.
Brian: Sunshine, how did I ever get along without you?
Justin: You didn't.
So a partner can never have too high an opinion of himself either, huh? It’s the comic book brought to life again. JT saving Rage. What did Brian ever do without Justin? Well, we’ll never know because Justin’s been there as long as we’ve known Brian. But I would suspect that it wouldn’t be as pretty as this scene. No way, no how! I’m a firm believer that Justin was always meant to be significant to Brian’s life and his journey from boy to man. And I believe we were told that in the very first episode (when he came along). Now we have Brian practically confirming the significance.
Brian starts walking Justin backward toward the bed. I assume the back of Justin’s legs hit the platform because they stop walking, but they’re both still smiling. I’m still grinning, of course. Then Justin slowly starts kissing down Brian’s chest as the scene ends. Guess the ship will have to go down without the captain after all because it appears that for at least tonight the captain has someone going down on him!
I love Justin’s confidence throughout this scene and the fact that he’s forcing his independence. I love Brian’s attentiveness and openness. I love the little gestures of affection from both of them. The tide has definitely shifted from Justin needing Brian to Brian needing Justin and from Brian giving words of wisdom to Justin to Justin giving them to Brian. Not to mention that it proves that Brian not only “wouldn’t particularly mind” having Justin around but likes it and wants it.
What a fantastically delicious scene all the way around. And we got a “Sunshine” too!
I know Justin is in this scene but do I really have to talk about it? I’d rather not. The smoking, hacking, scary monster waitress makes me want to hurl. And I think Rosie O’Donnell is a terrible actress. She bugs the shit out of me so I’d rather just move along. But I will tell you one thing that struck me odd. Sharon is not that overweight but having her in scenes with this ultra-thin cast all the time makes her appear larger than she is. But putting her next to Rosie… she looks really small. I’m not trying to be mean or anything, but seriously look at their heads. It’s very unsettling. LOL
I’ll talk about Emmett more in the gym scene, but I really felt sorry for him. He cloned himself into one of those uptight anchor dudes just to fit in. He did what he thought that was expected of him. The anchor dudes are laughing at him (which was exactly what he feared). Sniff. Poor Emmett. Debbie looks uncomfortable. Ted is dying. And Justin looks positively pained – he evens opens his mouth to say something when it’s over but nothing comes out. He’s speechless! Hahaha.
And maybe it was a coincidence but I found it rather shitty that Emmett is on right after sports. Of course that is when the straight men he’s supposed to be helping would be watching but it just seemed in your face or something. Like a purposeful separation between straight=sports and gay=not. Right after the sports guy says it’s gonna be a great weekend for sports, the very straight anchor guy says, “thanks Bud, I know I’ll be watching”. Heh, like, ‘I’m straight so I watch sports’. Gay can equal sports, damn it! Oh, where is Drew when you need him? I miss Drew! Can Drew come back? Please! I’m begging. Then the uber-straight anchor dude segue-ways into Emmett’s bit by saying, “from a different prospective”. Of course it is something different, as in something new, something they’ve never done before. But that’s not how it sounded to me. It felt like an insult or a put down. I don’t know. It just twisted my face all up. Kind of like it did to Emmett. I think it struck him weird too. And if not weird than it solidified to him that he was doing the right thing by toning his flame down a bit and correcting himself when he started to say ‘fabulous’.
Liberty Avenue - Ted, Emmett
Babylon - Brian, Justin, Ted, Emmett
Ted and Emmett are walking down the street together. I’ll quickly mention a couple of things and then get to the scene that this scene leads into. Yeah, the captain and his first mate aboard the sinking ship.
Emmett: Did you see that?
Ted: What?
Emmett: I'm getting cruised by everybody.
Emmett doesn’t realize that he was a schmuck on his news clip and thinks all the guys are cruising him. I have no doubt they are looking at him but I don’t think it’s because they are in awe. Everyone likes to view a train wreck, you know.
Ted: Did it ever occur to you that he just might be looking at me? Probably to ask if I needed help crossing the street.
Emmett: Would you cut it out. You look great for your age. I mean for any age.
Oh poor Teddy. Emmett is always trying to build Ted’s fragile ego but Ted just doesn’t see it. Just like Michael and his looks. Brian is always telling him, “you’re hot, Mikey, haven’t I always told you that?” Same with Emmett telling Ted. I know how that goes… seriously, when you are insecure, there is nothing a FRIEND can say to your face when they’re trying to cheer you up to fix it. You see it, feel it, as fact regardless of whether it is or not. It’s normally created by strangers over a long period of time. The only thing that will take it away is unsolicited praise by strangers behind your back. I know that’s messed up, but it’s the truth.
Emmett: Oh, I guess they must recognize me from the news. Unless one is in the media one doesn't realize the impact television has on one.
Ted: One doesn't also realize how annoying the use of the word one can be when one keeps repeating it.
This part is what I love about the Emmett and Ted friendship. I was reading the script for 122 the other day and was reminded that they’ve had this exact type of dialog all along. In that episode, we have this: Emmett – Someone looks all fucked out. Ted – Someone is. Emmett – Someone needs vitamins. It just kills me. I think that’s one of the reasons that I’m loving Season 5… it’s reminiscent of Season 1 in the writing. Even through all the changes the characters have made, they are still (at their core) the same people that we fell in love with in the first place.
Emmett: Alright Mr. Grumpy-puss. You'll feel better once we get to Popperz.
Ted: You mean you will. Standing next to me, you'll look at least ten years younger.
Emmett laughs but he doesn’t deny it! I love Teddy. Always have… but I’m begging, for just once before the show is over, please let him feel good about himself. He has to get past this! Please!
Emmett and Ted come to a fork in the road and Ted starts heading in a different direction.
Emmett: Hey, Popperz is this way.
Ted: And Babylon is this way.
Emmett: But we don't want to go to Babylon.
Ted: I have to stop by and give Brian a body count.
Emmett: Apt term for a morgue. Alright. Shouldn't take long. You'll be able to count them on one hand.
I love this! Having Ted say that he has to check on Babylon for Brian is another indication that Brian is not going to Babylon every night! If he was, why would Ted think HE needs to stop by to get a body count?
And Emmett… all I can say is, he better be glad that Brian wasn’t around to hear him say that. And isn’t it interesting that Emmett is steadfast against his friendship with Brian coming between him and his tricking, partying and having a good time? It’s similar to Brian’s mantra about separating business from friendships.
They round the corner and find a long line of people waiting to get in to Babylon.
Ted: What’s going on?
Emmett: Brian’s probably giving blowjobs to the customers. Honestly he has no shame.
This from the Crystal Dick Award winner? Hahahaha. Brian giving blowjobs to get people to come to the club? It’s a good thought and I assume if it hadn’t been for Justin’s brilliance, Brian might’ve resorted to it. They definitely would’ve lined up for that since it’s not something that Brian does for the masses. He may have even had Justin right there with him… his are priceless after all. ;-) And Justin is in “willing to do anything to help” mode. But luckily, neither had to succumb to using that tactic.
When they reach the front door, they find it roped off and guarded by a big burly bouncer with Brian and Justin standing nearby and watching the bouncer select only “hot” guys for entrance.
Bouncer: You... Not you... Not you... You.
Patron: HEY! Why can't I get in?
Brian: Oh let him in… on TROLL TUESDAY!
Ted is shocked as he watches the disgruntled guy stomp off and the bouncer continues to pick and choose who gets in.
Ted: Where'd these guys come from?
Brian: Seems like Babylon is once again the place to be.
Brian is sooooo smug! And Justin too, leaning against the wall with his arm folded in front of him. They are perfectly happy and in total bliss that the idea is working. Heee! And I must say, they are positively beautiful in this scene… no doubt they meet the requirements for entrance.
Ted is confused and trying to figure out what has changed and what Brian did to achieve this. Remember he thought that neither Brian nor Rage could turn it around. Guess he didn’t know about Rage’s secret weapon… JT. The bouncer keeps picking and choosing...
Brian: (pretending to shiver and buttoning his coat) Burrrrrr... it's chilly out here. Shall we go in?
Justin: Lets!
Brian says “shall we go in” as he’s looking at Emmett but then he turns to Ted and slips his arm around Ted’s arm as Justin puts his hand on Ted’s shoulder. They pull Ted inside with them… granting him special entrance. I just love that Ted’s on the inside with Brian now. Remember in Season 3 when Emmett and Ted were in line to get into Babylon and Brian was able to just walk right in leaving them outside to deal with the long line? Hehehe. Well not Ted this time! But Emmett… well he starts to follow them but the bouncer intercedes.
Bouncer: Oh, not you.
Emmett: Excuse me? Do you realize who I am?
The bouncer has a blank look on his face. He must not watch the news.
Emmett: I happen to be the Channel 5 Queer Guy which makes me a very important homosexual person.
So Em’s a VIHP?? Hahaha He grins like it means something even though he whispered it like he didn’t want anyone to hear him say it. Yeah, Em… it’s okay to be conceited as long as no one hears you. He starts to enter thinking surely being a VIHP will grant him entrance but the guy doesn’t budge.
Bouncer: Each of us in his own way is unique and beautiful and special. But that didn't get them in either.
What makes the bouncer’s line even more hysterical is that the dude is this big beefy guy in a leather jacket with a bald head talking about all this sensitive ‘feelings’ stuff so he’s the epitome of being unique and beautiful in his own special way. Emmett has no choice but to walk away, sashaying his hips proudly. I guess that’s what he gets for ditching Babylon for Popperz. Brian sure does know how to get even. It made me wonder if he set the bouncer up to turn Emmett away and I think he did. Brian looking at Emmett as he made the comment about going inside because it was cold just seals it for me. He wanted Emmett to be left out in the cold! This was punishment! This was a Kinney payback if I ever saw one. Besides, it sends a huge message if even one of the owner’s friends can’t get past the bouncer. Heee!
Inside Babylon, Ted finds it empty. No one is inside. Now he’s really confused. LOL
Ted: There's nobody here.
The guys that were let in walk toward Brian who has money in his hand.
Brian: Here you go, boys. A hundred for you, and a hundred for you, a hundred for you... and a hundred… for… you.
Ted watches the stream of guys go by taking their money. He still doesn’t get it. LOL
Ted: You hired those guys?
Brian: They seem to be drawing a nice crowd.
Ted: You see, the concept is we want people to come in.
Brian: What’s the rush?
Justin: In LA they'd stand in line all night.
Ted: This isn't LA.
Teddy dismisses Justin’s comment as coming from a kid who doesn’t know shit. Brian doesn’t seem to like that too much. He knows “the lad’s a genius”. Heee!
Ted, while good at business itself, doesn’t know shit about advertising… or how to project an image… or how to manipulate people. Brian, on the other hand, does.
Brian: Theodore! Permit me to explain something. Fags are no different then PEO-PLE.
The way he says that, is funny. He looks at Justin for approval and gets it with nod and a smile.
Brian: Tell them they can't have something and it's all they want and they won't give up until they get it.
Boy, isn’t that the truth and doesn’t Brian know that well? Hell, it tells the story of Justin’s quest of Brian in Season 1. His tenacity in the chase of Brian. Never giving up no matter how hard Brian fought him. Brian and Justin clink their glasses. Yep, they know that psychological banter well… and I see that clink as not only an ode to this working to turn Babylon around but also as their acknowledgement that it’s what worked for them as a couple. No one would have stuck it out like Justin did… and Brian knows it. But it paid off… Justin got what he wanted and Brian knows that too! Cheers!
Brian: Now, shall we step outside and allow a few more of the beautiful people in?
Brian whispers ‘beautiful people’ just like Emmett whispered the ‘very important homosexual person’. Again, it’s okay to be superficial as long as no one hears you. LOL Oh, and he uses finger quotes. Since when does Brian whisper his superior attitude and use silly finger quotes? What happened to being proud of his cold hard truth? All for Ted’s sensitive nature, I’m sure. Bwahahaha. And he uses the finger quotes correctly, I might add… unlike Joey from Friends who could never figure out when to do it.
Brian tweaks a few stray hairs on Ted’s Cupey-Doll spike! Gotta make sure he fits the bill… that he comes across as one of the beautiful people. Oh, how I love Brian and Ted together and just can’t get enough. We need a name for them like Temmett… Bred? Trian?… ohhhhhh, how about Bri-odore?
Ript Gym - Justin, Brian, Ted, Emmett
At the gym, Brian and Justin are pedaling away on exercise bikes while Ted sits on one in between them. But he’s not pedaling. He’s just sitting there making glib remarks about who’s had plastic surgery done. Huh-oh. That’s not a good sign.
Ted: Lipo. Lipo. Butt lift. Lipo and brow lift.
Brian: Hey why don’t you try doing a little work instead of counting who’s had work done.
Ted: And the point of that would be?
Justin: To keep your body, mind and spirit healthy and in shape.
Oh, I forgot all about PSA Justin! See? Just like Season 1. Who says they don’t recognize Justin? He’s right there! But Ted discounts his bit of wisdom and pfffts him… AGAIN! But this time Brian doesn’t intercede. He lets Justin get his own digs in at Ted this time.
Justin: Of course, I personally don’t need it. I only do this so guys can check out my ass.
Hehehe. Justin wrinkles his nose and lifts up off the bike to stick his butt out. Cracks me up. Justin laughs. Brian laughs. Ted is not amused and fires back.
Ted: Yeah well check back with me when you’re thirty-eig… five… and the sun has begun to set on your endless summer.
Justin stops. Huh? He twists his neck around to look at his ass. Bwahahaha. Guess he’s not of the age yet where those thoughts are on his mind. It appears to be quite a devastating bit of reality for him. What’s he gonna do when he no longer has the hottest ass in Pittsburgh? A little bit of a dose (a very small dose) of what Brian felt like losing a ball last season. Brian watches Justin look and smiles slightly. He knows that feeling! LOL
Ted: You know I’ve been coming to the gym three times a week for eighteen years. That’s uh, let’s see, uh, twelve times a month times eighteen that’s two thousand one hundred and sixteen hours spent in the gym…
Brian looks reflective. I think he understands the point. Time marches on. Things around you change. Your looks change. Everything changes and there’s nothing you can do about it. I guess that’s part of the journey… learning to accept the inevitable.
Ted: … and look at me - I’m exactly the same. Well I take that back, actually there’s more of me instead of less of me and not where I want it to be.
Aw, does Teddy wish his little Teddy was bigger? And Justin looks! LOL Just kidding.
Ted: So why not just have a snip and clip and be done with it?
Justin does look at Ted but not for that. He seems to just be letting him know that he’s paying attention to his woes even though by this time Brian has tuned him out and is fiddling with his headphones. When you think about it… hanging out with Brian’s friends has afforded Justin all kinds of life lessons. What twenty year old who hangs with other twenty year olds learn about what it’s like to face the sun setting on your endless summer? He’s a sponge, soaking it all in. Walkman Brian on the other hand knows Teddy’s woes all too well and doesn’t need to be reminded.
Ex-Queer Guy Emmett stomps in looking 100% like a queer guy. Justin turns to look at him as he grabs the mat and slams it to the floor. ‘Now what?’ More drama! He needs better friends, his current ones ALL have big problems. LOL JT can’t possibly rescue all of them!
Emmett: I’ve been cancelled! (He sits down on the mat.) After today, Queer Guy’s gone. (He gets back up.) And do you know why? Because they thought I wasn’t queer enough. ME! (His voice squeaks…LOL) I mean, I’ve been called many, many things but never… not… queer… enough.
He lies down on the mat, sticks his legs in the air and spreads them wide. I have to say… I’ve spent a lot of time at public gyms with my husband in the past and never, never did I see any guy do that! Gay or straight! Oh, he’s queer enough alright! ;-)
Brian: It’s not only incogitable, it’s unfathomable.
Emmett: I mean, you saw me. Was I not the queerest thing on God’s earth?
Justin: Actually you seemed a little bit…
Ted: …reserved.
Hehehe. Is Justin learning how to give Brian’s cold, hard truth?? But Ted cuts him off… dismisses him… disrespects him. Granted it was spare Emmett’s feelings but still… he better watch out. The last person who did that to Sunshine in front of Brian got a fist in their face.
Emmett: Reserved?
Ted: Yeah, w-w-well j-j-just not your usual flamboyant self.
Emmett: Well I’m a newsman now I-I-I had to lower the flame a bit. I mean, I figured if I was too flamboyant, I might turn people off.
Oh, Emmett! Be proud of your flame! How many times do we have to go through this with him? Well, Brian finishes the cold, hard truth that Justin started to give…
Brian: Yeah well instead they turned you off. Oddly enough there’s a profound life lesson in this.
Ted: They hired you because they didn’t want some stiff, straight guy who looks like he has a poker up his ass.
Brian: They wanted a gay guy who looked like he had a fist up his ass.
Ted: They wanted you… Emmett Honeycutt.
Brian: Queerest, nelliest ho-ho-homo in the ho-ho-whole wide world.
See what I mean by clear and concise dialog? Brian even tells us that there’s a life lesson here so we don’t miss it. What do you need me for? And Justin got to watch another life lesson acted out in front of him. Sure will save him a lot of grief later in life – IF he’s paying attention – and of course we know he is!
Woody's - Ben, Michael, Brian
Michael and Ben are at Woody’s having a drink… or staring at one anyway.
Ben: You haven't touched your drink.
Michael: I didn't buy it to drink. I bought it to stare into dejectedly.
Dejectedly? Dang, I didn’t think that word would ever appear in a comic book. Maybe it was in Ben’s long boring novel… I mean, how else would Michael know it? That’s at least a thirty cent’r. Yeah, yeah… uncalled for… I know. He’s just making me mad right now. I’ll get over it. I always do.
Ben: You’re doing a hell of a job.
Michael: Not have the job that Lindsey's lawyer did on me. He made me sound like some kind of depraved drug user, pornographer, sex fiend…
Enter Brian right on cue. Someone say, “sex fiend”? Hehehe.
Brian: Don't change your hair for me... not if you care for me.
And just as I’m praising the clear and concise dialog this season, they throw this little doozey out there. What the hell? I can’t even begin to tell you how many emails I got over that line and I hate to admit it but dang if I know what it means exactly. I can take a stab at it but I’m still not really sure that I get it. But here’s my half-ass attempt.
The first part is easy… in the beginning of Season 2 Michael was depressed that his life was going nowhere. He wouldn’t tell anyone, but Brian and Debbie picked up on it because Michael had stated that he wanted to change his hair and that always meant that something was wrong. So Brian walks in now and hears the tail-end of Michael’s statement… “some kind of depraved drug user, pornographer, sex fiend”. Given the way Michael has been talking down his nose to Brian lately about his lifestyle it’s safe to assume that Brian thought Michael was talking about him. It’s also safe to assume that Brian can clearly see that Michael is upset about something. So he says, “don’t change your hair for me”. Makes perfect sense when you recall the Season 2 dialog. In other words, “don’t be upset over me”. Ha-ha, it’s funny.
Okay, but then he adds, “not if you care for me”. So it’s the second part that has everyone confuzzled and has me looking at the TV and going, “huh?” The only thing I can gather that it might mean is that Brian is saying that if Michael cares for him then he would stop worrying about him. I guess it makes sense. Eh, whatever, it’s not really important, it was supposed to be a joke anyway. I just don’t like it because I don’t get it. It’s shameful and I can be a sourpuss.
Of course I do like the first part just because it’s a throw back to Season 2.
Michael: Fuck off!
Brian: Nice to see you two out enjoying yourselves. Although now that you've settled into domestic bliss I assumed you no longer frequented such dubious establishments.
Ben: What's wrong with having a drink with our friends?
Well nothing as long as you’re living in the “gray” area. You can do both. Of course Brian only sees black and white so it’s good for him to witness Ben and Michael out and about even though they’re happily married and living in Stepford land. It proves his assumption wrong!
Michael: Notice key word “friends”.
OUCH! This is what makes me crazy about Michael. He opens his mouth and just spews the most hateful and hurtful stuff. He knows exactly how to hit Brian below the belt. I get that he’s angry with Brian. It makes sense for him to feel betrayed because of the way he views life but dang, he’s questioning their friendship? He’s telling Brian he’s no longer his friend because of what he did? He’s going to throw away almost twenty years of friendship with his bestest friend in the whole wide world over this???? Gee, see how easily Brian is tossed aside. No wonder he’s got insecurity issues and never feels he’s worthy of being loved. Have a fight. Blow up. Yell. Scream. Punch him in the face (just kidding)… but don’t dismiss his friendship like it doesn’t mean anything!
Michael: You hired that lawyer for Lindsay, didn't you? Never mind. It's obvious. How else can she afford him?
Ben: If Brian wants to pay for Lindsay’s lawyer, it’s his money and none of our business.
Brian: Well said professor.
Absolutely! Paying for her lawyer is just about the money. He was not taking a side against Michael. He just wanted to make sure Lindsay still had a side. The funny thing, Ben is speaking to Michael like he’s a child. The mediator between two friends. Yes, Michael is wrong and attacking Brian for no reason but still, the way Ben says his peace is condescending. I guess I should be used his condescending nature by now but since he’s right, I won’t make a big deal out of it.
Michael: The hell it's not. You’re my friend. I thought my best friend.
Best friend? Geesh, how many men of that age actually say that? Seriously!
Brian: I am.
Michael: Then why are you helping her?
Brian: I would’ve done the same for you.
That’s one hundred percent true. Michael didn’t ask for his help so he didn’t offer any. Lindsay went to him and he helped her. He was not buying an argument against Michael, he was buying an argument for Lindsay. But of course, Michael doesn’t understand that because in his view, it’s always all about him. How it effects him. Brian said, “don’t make this about you and me because it’s not”. And it still isn’t.
Michael: What you can do for me is stay the hell out of it. Thanks to your unbiased generosity we’re now splitting Jenny Rebecca three ways.
Brian: All these gays having kids. Now I ask you, what’s the world coming to? Lindsay’s her parent too. She has as much right to share custody as you and Mel.
And that’s the crutch of the entire storyline. The current laws don’t cover the differences that “gays having kids” bring to the table. It’s like the old surrogacy cases. The laws weren’t written with a surrogate mother in the picture and the world had come to a place where they had to be revised to keep up with all the changes. Same here. So the overall message is parents like Lindsay, even though not a biological parent are just as much a parent to a child that is conceived into this type of relationship. You don’t have to be the egg or sperm provider to be a real parent and deserve to be recognized as a real parent with real parental rights.
So if we are going to apply the earlier symbolism of Lindsay’s lawyer being named Gabriel because he heralded the truth in the name of justice in order to deliver this particular message… then you have to look again at who Gabriel is and who sent him to Lindsay. If Gabriel is God’s messenger and God is the one that sends him to earth to deliver the news that he can’t deliver himself, (like telling Mary about her upcoming child) then in this scenario of symbolism, Brian is God. (Not literally, so don’t have a cow… I’m talking symbolically here.) He told Lindsay he would call Tom Gabriel first. HE sent Tom Gabriel to her to deliver HIS message. His message being that “Linsday’s her parent too. She has as much right to share custody as you and Mel.” And as Michael said, thanks to Brian, they are splitting her three ways. Just like in the Solomon story where Solomon’s wise answer was to split the baby in half for the two prostitutes to share – knowing full well the real mother would back off because she’d never allow her child to be killed. That she would sacrifice her own feelings to spare the baby. So now they’ve split Jenny Rebecca because none of them will back down and save the child. None of them are acting like a parent right now. It’ll be interesting to see how it finally gets resolved and who will be the one to bow out of this battle, sacrifice their own rights, in order to spare JR, thus proving that they are the “real” parent. Brian certainly didn’t seem surprised at the outcome of the case. Maybe Lindsay told him. Maybe Tom Gabriel told him. But I’d rather think it was due to the fact that he already knew what would happen – he expected it just like Solomon. His message was delivered and his goal was attained. He was playing God to protect Lindsay’s rights.
Michael: You know sometimes I swear it's like I don't know who the fuck he is anymore.
And all I can say to that is… Brian is not the one who’s changed. Michael has. Brian is doing exactly what he’s always done… acting on what he believes to be right and everyone else be damned if they don’t like it. That is nothing new. He’s also using his excess income to aid a friend and Lindsay IS his friend, just like Michael is. Again, nothing new. This is Brian as we’ve always known him. Michael doesn’t know Brian anymore because he doesn’t even know himself. If he were to look in a mirror right now, I’d bet he wouldn’t recognize the person staring back at him either.
Just one little comment about Emmett’s transformation back into the world of flamboyant queerdom and bright burning flames… it just positively kills me that he takes this straight guy and fixes his uni-brow. Was this Cow/Lip’s slight dig at Gale’s little nose-bridge hairs just like in 502 when they took a dig at Randy’s desire to be in New York doing shows but can’t because of being locked in a contract with them? Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think they’re doing it to be cruel – but more likely as an inside joke to who they are. I don’t know, just makes me wonder… will they take a little dig at each of the cast members throughout this last season? What would they say about Hal? Peter? Scott? Now I’m going to have to look for stuff! LOL And I love the pink shirt! I have a soft spot for men who’ll wear pink.
Babylon - Brian, Justin, Ted, Emmett
At Babylon we see bartenders busying about and dancers warming up. The thumpa-thumpa music is blaring. The club is still empty though. Ted is at the bar with Brian and Justin, who look positively yummy.
Ted lifts his glass. Can I ask what is in Ted’s drink? This is the second time we’ve seen him drinking something at Babylon. When he was at Popperz it was clear that he had water, but at Babylon it’s hard to tell. It’s a drink glass, it’s only partially filled with liquid and the liquid is dark in color like it’s a shot of something. Just makes me wonder… surely he isn’t drinking alcohol… is he? But regardless he proposes a toast…
Ted: To Babylon… still here and still queer. Although it would have made a hell of a Starbucks.
Brian: (to the bartender) I'll have a tall vodka latte, please.
They all grin, clink their glasses and throw back their shots. (Ted only sips whatever he’s drinking.) Still smiling, they look at each other and around the club… seeing that all things are in order, they decide it’s time. It may be Brian’s club, but he wouldn’t have the honor of opening the front door without Justin’s brilliant suggestion so as he passes, he touches Justin’s shoulder to bring him with him. And Ted played a part as well so he falls in line behind Justin as they make their way to the front door. Hehehe… the new three amigos! At the door…
Brian: (to the security guard) Let them in.
Ted: That is if there is anyone to let in.
Oh Theodore… ye still have little faith! The camera zooms from the end of the very long line to the front door where Brian, Justin and Ted finally emerge. Brian smiles. Justin and Ted both are in shock then they grin too.
Ted: Holy shit! Would you look at how long that line is?
Justin: It's long, but is it real?
Brian: As the immortal Jeff Stryker once said, “You bet your ass it is."
Okay, I can’t let that go. I loooovvveee Jeff Stryker and the funny thing is, the first time I saw him, I asked the same thing Justin did… Is that thing real? Hehehe
Justin laughs and smiles his big Sunshine smile. And he waves at someone is line. Makes you wonder who it is, but we find out soon enough…
The bouncer dude is still picking and choosing who gets in. Two guys are allowed entrance and they rush past Brian, Justin and Ted.
Guy #1: Do you believe we got in?
Guy #2: Who cares if it twice as much as Popperz.
Brian and Justin are so happy. Rage and JT have achieved success… together! Justin pushes Brian and they go back inside the club to partake in the glory. Justin practically skipping up the steps! It’s soooo cute! Then we see Emmett emerge from the line and we can safely assume now who Justin was waving at. Heee!
Ted: HEY, you got in!
Emmett: It wasn't easy. I had to bribe the door man twenty bucks.
OMG! Emmett had to pay a bribe to get in… THAT just kills me! A young guy making his way up the steps stops when he sees Emmett.
Guy #3: Oh my gosh, it's The Queer Guy. I saw you on TV. You're fabulous!
Emmett’s “fabulous”! The very word he was afraid to say in his first segment. Perfect! I love the writers!
Emmett: Well when one has the eye.
Hahaha, a shout out to Queer EYE for the Straight Guy. And Emmett is still talking about “one”. Ted smirks and shakes his head.
Ted: Could I have a dance with The Queer Guy?
Emmett: You could use some tips on shaking your tush.
They make their way inside as well and we leave the alleyway with a crane shot of the line and hearing the bounce picking and choosing who gets in.
Inside… we join Brian and Justin making their way to the new backroom. They are holding hands as Brian pulls Justin down the hall. I’m dying. They are laughing and in a big hurry to get where they’re going.
Brian: I guarantee you won't see anything like this at Pottery Barn.
And he’s not kidding! The new backroom is quite a sight! Leave it to Brian to really know how to make a backroom hot and inviting. The ambience and atmosphere is perfect. Image is everything! There’s a platform in the middle with a railing and two guys are going at it. It’s dimly lit in all blue and reddish pink lights. There are chains and rings and swings hanging from the ceiling. And the appearance of liquid droplets floating on a big screen.
Justin is giggling. Think he’s just a tad tipsy?? Hehehe… so cute!
Justin: And I'll refrain from mentioning that you won't see bananas like this at Banana Republic.
They both laugh and I’m smirking. This is so much better than the strip mall of retail establishments that the big conglomerate would have built. Brian takes a spot in the middle of the room and whirls Justin around by the arm bringing their bodies crashing together. He holds him there as he takes a snort of his special mix then pulls Justin even closer.
Brian: So… you up for a little celebrating?
Oh, I’m sure he’s “up” all right. Justin laughs again and they start kissing. Not a peekage of tongue like the backroom celebratory kiss in 311 but Brian does have a hold of Justin’s face in the same way and THAT is really hot so who really cares if there’s tongue or not? The message is still clear and that’s all that matters. It’s a great night for Brian and he wants to commiserate it with his partner! I couldn’t ask for anything more…
