PamelaMaeSnap

What a fantastic question ... and I am really glad you "went there" with going beyond literal heritage and took it a step further to background ... I have the world's most boring Ancestry.com profile ... 100% (up from the original 98% after they added some updates) European Jew with 100% of my relatives from Ukraine, though they called it Russia when I was growing up (including three out of four grandparents all born within about 30 miles from one another -- the fourth grandparent was that rare breed of second-generation American but also a Russian Jew when they go back far enough). I don't even know where I'd go with that as a design spark ... But I'm old enough to feel my growing-up years should qualify as my background, so at 60 I'll take the "I grew up in the 60s and 70s in Manhattan and spent most of my time in the Village and surrounding music environments" ... Unlike the OP here, my own "sense of style" had a lot to do with my comfort zone (hated anything itchy or restraining, plus I was sort of puffy so didn't like things that were fitted.) My mom was, I realize in retrospect, quite a fashion plate when she and my dad went out ... she was very thin and flat and looked good in EVERYTHING (I say I realize this in retrospect, looking at a lot of old photos of her, because she actually HATED to dress up and wear makeup and stuff and when she was home she'd just as happily live in a comfy robe or the 60s/70s equivalent of sweatpants and sweater and just read books and smoke Parliaments). I, OTOH, was short and busty and off-and-on chubby and looked kind of awful in EVERYTHING. (Discovered diet pills and cigarettes and vintage clothing stores the summer before I started college, lost 50 pounds and could start wearing fun things). If I could only sew, I really believe I could have made a great clothing line for slightly puffy people with a funky aesthetic but I can only sew enough to replace buttons on my husband's shirts (hey, he does ALL the cooking so I can fix those buttons). My design would be one of those peasanty-flowy long top-dresses with flower-petal shaped drapes and a deep plunging neckline (boobie reduction) in peacock feather colors with ballet flats.

This this this this and this ... LOVE Shavi! His designs up to this week have been lovely and have fitted his models like a glove ... I have a really hard body to fit and I would hand myself over gladly to Shavi to make me look great! I had a feeling he was in trouble (though I didn't think his design was as complete and utter a mess as was, say, oh, maybe SERGIO??? (Insert "disapproving chipmunk" meme here, please) and was audibly begging for the Siriano Save here ... really really sorry it didn't happen. Maybe between last week and this week they'll somehow find a contestant cheated (Sergio?) or was ineligible (Sergio?) and they bring back Shavi. Hey, a girl can dream ...

I'm so torn here ... I REALLY wanted to make it through this season and somehow recapture the "good old days" of the B'/ette and the forum (who else here remembers the days of Meridian and Periwinkle?) But maybe the fates don't want me to waste my few remaining brain cells on this (though if Show Biz Moms and Dads made a comeback I'd gladly donate the gray matter for the cause) ... my Direct TV went down for about an hour so a large chunk of the intros were lost to the atmosphere, and I had trouble keeping track of who was who ... Plus, since I have not been watching carefully the last few seasons, I only know who Peter and Hannah B are by name and Primetimer lurking ... I did think this group of girls/women were remarkably beautiful as a whole (and I covet the deep turquoise sparkly gown of one of the Victorias ... I believe whoever came in to "steal him for a second" even complimented her gown while she was shuttling her off stage left) But honestly, I'm not sure I can stomach a whole season of this ... Hannah Ann already has me searching blindly for the remote to throw at the screen every time she crinkles up her widdle nose ... Knowing I could come here to get recapped (as opposed to kneecapped) helped ... I may give it one more shot next week and see how it goes. Meanwhile, much love to the other oldies-but-goodies here who remember the olden days of when the Bachelor/ette had some morals (hahahaha).

LOLOL the devil worshiper (I think his name was Tyler? He got a lot of snippet screen time ... wasn't he the one who also just wanted someone good in the sack? I think he was there on a bet or dare.) I couldn't totally disagree with cilantro guy ... I'm a "no cilantro" girl and luckily, though hubby actually likes cilantro, he loves me enough to not put it in anything he's cooking for both of us. I called Taylor and Brandon as a match almost immediately ... they're both so pretty and, unlike last season's pretty couple, Keith and Iris, Taylor doesn't seem to have any *ahem* obvious issues. I'm hoping that some of the Primetimer sleuths among us will be able to dig up the true identities (and current towns/areas) of the 10 folks ... as a DMV denizen of 30 years, I'm always curious to see if I can recognize areas/neighborhoods/restaurants, etc. on these things. I have to assume at least a few of them live in NoVa or Maryland burbs rather than DC "proper" ... one of them (the tall twin) looks SO familiar but she may just be someone who looks like other people (aside from her twin).

Apologies for the stupid question here but after Googling with no luck, I figured this thread might be my only chance thanks to the L&OSVU devoted ... So, I'm working my way through the (eventually) 21 seasons thanks to Hulu and being retired ... Just finished Season 9 and started Season 10. I know that over the years I've seen many if not most eps but often randomly so this seemed like a fun (mostly fun) project where I could chill and knit and watch. I noticed in the last few episodes that it appears Fin cut off his ponytail. For whatever reason (like I have no life) this surprised me and I was wondering if it was something that was mentioned in the context of the show and I missed it, or he did it for offscreen reasons or ... well, I'm just curious!

How could they do this to Ricky?????

For me, when Nancy (I think it was Nancy) got a bunch of designers to come over and help hem Daeyoung's dress, by the time she shouted out that EVERYONE should come over and help, IIRC (and I rewatched this twice), at this point it seemed like there were TOO MANY hands in the mix and not really any room for anyone else (plus, all these different people hemming up different sections seemed to me to be the road to madness and a very uneven/inconsistent result). So while Delvin's response seemed rude/un"team"ly at worst and selfish at best, I didn't blame him ... though it was obvious (with her "aside", etc.) that he was definitely being labeled Mr. "Doesn't Work Well With Others" (and that may bite him in the ass). Of course, I may have been biased in this reaction since he's definitely one of my early favorites ... I've absolutely LOVED both of his designs so far (really felt last week that his team's white-with-red-trim duo was horribly overlooked). I'm also on the Marquise train after the way he took three different prints and "made it work" so well! For me, they were the obvious Top 2 and how Victoria ended up there is mind-boggling. I cannot wait to see the last of her (and I think Christian agrees). I think there were only two designs I could imagine wearing, though ... Delvin's GORGEOUS parrot dress/coat (which also brought to mind how surprised I was that no one found a peacock print!) and ShaVi's simple but stunning dress (too simple to win, but really "wearable"). Oh, show. I've missed you so ... PS If anyone has actually read this and knows the answer, this can't be the original Swatch, can it? Do they number Swatches like some college football team I can't recall right now that has a live animal mascot and have given it numbers over the many years?

Watching this episode today (we're fitting in the season bit by bit as Mr. Snappy has odd work hours) and I commented that he kind of reminded me of Danny Aiello and could take his place with all those character roles and then remembered that he had passed away recently as well. I really like/d his character though (in this episode, did anyone else infer just a tiny bit that the character might be gay?) I think there is NO doubt that Shy is closeted, though whether he and Reggie are a couple, I guess, will be revealed later this season (or not, since they've reupped for S4). Cliches and OTT moments notwithstanding, this was absolutely my favorite episode of the season thus far and had me laughing out loud in several scenes. MORE ZELDA PLEASE.

Agree on how much I detested Madeline but it was also where, maybe overreacting, I called a "this would never happen ON THIS SHOW" ... I find it almost impossible to believe that during the scene with Madeline, Midge, Zelda and the coffee pot Midge would not have absolutely eviscerated Madeline (and probably thrown her out) rather than seeming to sort of meekly just go with it.

I'm still confused on one plot point so hope someone can help me here: Is Nick's wife (Rebecca?) alive or dead? Is he on a first or second wife? Not sure if it's relevant but I'm curious. Love Harold Perrineau (though I never watched Lost, I loved him on Oz). I'm sure he will not survive this season and frankly was shocked he survived this episode. Finally, gotta admit I missed there being no moments of levity this week. I understand it was a serious cliffhanger but one thing I love about this show is that it balances procedural drama with lighter moments.

What I posted in last week's episode thread: "So glad that they seem to have expanded Michael's role. Longtime fan of Rockmond Dunbar." What I yelled at the screen last night: NONONONONONO F U SHOW!!!! I am hoping that the majority voice of this thread that predict he'll be fine are all correct. I know I am taking this way too seriously, but what can I tell you? My life is divided into two TV genres: "Shows I can knit to and not pay as much attention" (mostly reality TV) and "Shows I actually have to pay attention to and I'll put everything down to watch." This is firmly in the second camp, which includes specially-asterisked shows (like this) which are my special favorite pleasures. Kudos to those who found both the news clip on the runaway catering cart on the tarmac in Chicago and the cadet who was pulled into the engine. Also, I truly laughed out loud like an idiot during that scene (until the guy -- of course, the "good guy" baggage handler -- was pulled into the engine) ... also-also, loved their use of "Waltz of the Flowers" there (in my mind, it was still "Yakety Sax" though). I wonder if there are individuals who are specially hired for this genre of show that do nothing but search the internet for "taken from real life" plot ideas. LOVE LOVE LOVE Hen/Aisha Hinds. I just want someone with that smile to be with me when I am feeling like crap and light up my room (for now, my color-changing llama nightlight takes care of all the room-lighting). Hate waiting until March. I'll watch 9-1-1 Lone Star but am not feeling that optimistic about whether I'll LOVE it.

Here in DC area, first part was very slow and choppy ... I was almost ready to just wait until it was available on demand when it clicked into synch. So, really stupid question but re: the episode description, who was the old friend Bobby introduced Eddie to? I don't remember this from episode at all But I Really loved this episode (who am I kidding? I'm totally this show's bitch). As usual, I think they do a great job casting the guest roles. I was actually relieved Ernest survived. Thought meteor girl was excellent. So glad that they seem to have expanded Michael's role. Longtime fan of Rockmond Dunbar. Finally, re: weighted blankets, never heard of them until Little Snappy and New-Son-in-law Snappy had one on their VERY short gift registry for recent wedding. Now I've gotta check it out, especially if added benefit is making you meteor-proof.

They were all actually from Mount Vernon ... there was a song called Gun Hill Road (spelled like that, though the band spelled it Gunhill) on their first album. They had their lone hit in 1973 (Back When My Hair Was Short) on their second album ... 42nd Street was actually on both albums.

Leon 😞 Adding here (and hoping our mod can connect this to my post before it, because I cannot for the life of me manage to do it myself because TECHNOLOGY IZ SCARY): I wanted to share my two cents on the topic of Lori's death getting less time/attention than that of Big Mike or some of the others (though I'm not sure I completely agree but I'll try to sum up my thoughts). Lori was without a doubt one of the central characters of the show, and while in retrospect I was surprised by her suicide, I was not surprised by her demise. She was a tragic figure, for sure but ... I don't want to say straight out that she wasn't that bright. But she didn't have those "survival skills" (like, say, Candy/Eileen) or street smarts, plus she wasn't (IMHO IMHO IMHO) very likable. She didn't have the "charm" (or way of making herself charming when needed) that Eileen had. So I don't think she had the allies (personal or professional) in her life that would have been looking out for her or, simply, giving a f*ck about her. I don't think she had friends or loved ones. I wonder how many people even noticed she was gone. It is entirely possible she was a tough cookie on the outside who had the potential to be soft and sweet inside to people she loved/loved her, but unless I'm forgetting, I'm not sure we SAW anyone who she loved or loved her. And therein was the tragedy. Big Mike, OTOH, was one of the most fascinating characters to me. When we first met him, who would have thought his character would develop as he did? I believe he was truly loved by his friends and was someone who would do anything FOR his friends. His size and presence was intimidating but he was a thoughtful, intelligent and calm person who you'd want by your side AND on your side. I've given this too much thought, I guess ... but damn, I miss The Deuce already. I'll leave with this song, completely obscure but by one of my all-time favorite bands from my youth and needless to say it makes me think of the show ...

I'm reading this thread way after the fact since I FINALLY watched the finale last night and am still crying about Leon even though I don't know how he died, but at least we had a wonderful small Leon moment in the episode. Also, not sure if anyone ever saw the film "Longtime Companion," but the finale montage definitely reminded me of that movie's ending (which invariably reduces me to tears). Finally, mea culpa to the poster who said that Goldman did NOT have AIDS. I'm guessing if he's still alive in 2019, he probably just was in a cold sweat over having to tell his wife the truth about his double life in the scene in which I inferred he too had AIDS.

Thank you! Thoughts and prayers for him making it through these next two months there.

As long as they don't knock off Ben (he was there in the bar, right?), Richard (sorry, I know he gets unbearable sometimes, but he is my longtime Grey's love along with Bailey) and Parker, I'm pretty much okay with whoever else the collateral damage is. But why oh why oh why oh why have TPTB brought Parker onto the show and then basically ignored him? He is far and away the most appealing, sympathetic and interesting potential character they've had in as long as I can remember and should be part of the regular cast. I love the idea of Ben and Bailey adopting "Jo's baby". And FWIW that was one CUTE baby-baby-actor. BUT that said I do worry that Ben's life may be hanging by a thread (Bailey's sendoff of him to go have a drink with his friends with his sad beautiful eyes, oy!) ... And because my memory is shot and/or they didn't clarify ... did Elliott survive the bypass or is that still up in the air? I realize most guest stars are one-and-dones but for some reason I just fell in love with that couple immediately.

I have to admit I kind of hate Morris Chestnut playing such an unmitigatedly evil character. In my heart he's still Ricky Baker (*sniff*).

My bad ... I still haven't watched the finale (will do tomorrow night) and I really thought he did, between the scenes of him in the bathhouses and how truly ill he looked in the scene where he's apologizing to his wife. Maybe he looked like death warmed over because he had to come out of the closet to her but I thought it was because he knew he had AIDS.

So, I'm parceling out these final few episodes to myself like the last bits of Christmas candy (or choose your own metaphor) ... I love this show so much and will feel bereft when there are no new (to me) episodes ... Heading out of town for the weekend, so will watch the FINAL episode probably Sunday night but for now a few thoughts on the penultimate (as someone else aptly noted, often the biggest WOW moments come and then everything is wrapped up in the final one). I wrote RIP too soon on Big Mike (last week's recap) because I thought he was literally walking off to die and we wouldn't see him again. I am glad (weird word) that we had such a Mike-centric episode this week even though he's still dying. He's been one of my very favorite characters (will go so far as to say an all-time favorite David Simon character) and the actor has done a magnificent job with him. Also interesting to note that he's only 6-1 so not SO big. (I see he's going to be co-starring on the live-action series of Cowboy Bebop). I've also been wondering about the mysterious absence of Larry Brown, especially after his storyline in S2 ... I haven't googled it because I was afraid of being spoiled, but wonder if it had anything to do with Gbenga Akinnagbe's Broadway stint in To Kill A Mockingbird and conflict with shooting dates? Like many of you, I'm holding out hope that there will be a quick subtle shot of someone watching TV in the finale and we'll see Officer Larry Brown in his TV series. We did get that little wrap-up of Darlene/Donna, so I don't think it's out of the question. What is the name of the character who is dying of AIDS that has become Melissa's family? I love him and I love them ... they may be the best "couple" on this show. SO MUCH DYING OF AIDS ON THIS EPISODE ... and that's without seeing Paul. Big Mike, Melissa's friend, Gene Goldman ... I'm sure I'm leaving others out. I'd be happy not seeing Bobby's son anymore. I understand that the offspring of a Gandolfini is a sacred cow but the actor looks ... well, weird. Those triangular eyes. Like he was dropped on his head as a baby or something. Sorry if that sounds cold. Nothing salvageable about that character which is unusual in this series (okay, maybe his dad's not really salvageable either but he's just so dumb, not awful). I also hope we get one more glimpse of Leon (though I still wonder why he is made to look SOOOOOO tall ... Anwan Glover is listed at 6-6 but when we see Leon he always looks like he's about 6-10 and we never actually see his whole body ... either he's behind the counter or blocked by a table) ... also, did I notice the last time they showed Leon's that he'd really fixed it up in the time jump? Just so glad he's doing well. He may be the kindest character on that show. He needs a spinoff.

HE looked offended. She looked ... totally blank.

SO THIS!!! I replayed twice and paused just to make sure I was reading it right ...

I confess I was so torn with Glenn Plummer's character's arrest, perp walk, etc. I know he killed a cop (and not just any cop but sweet awesome Emmett) but I felt so bad for his kids and all the kids he works with. And he's not the same person he was then ... I'm on my iPhone and my fat fingers are not good at pulling a quote but DearEvette's post said exactly what I felt Oh wait. Not a true story. I get so caught up in this show. And yeah, I got teary more than once during this hour.

I'm savoring these recap/reaction posts as I parcel out the last few episodes of "The Deuce", trying to make one of my favorite shows last (because of some medical memory issues, I actually rewatched S1-2 first which helped A LOT) ... I had a strong suspicion that Big Mike had AIDS last episode (and while we didn't see that much of his "personal" life on the show, the episode(s?) where we did made it make sense right away), but that didn't keep my heart from breaking a bit ... kudos too to the makeup/hair crew who really showed his physical deterioration. He was one of my favorite characters. I spent the whole show pretty much trying to figure out who would die, Rudy or Tommy. What I expected was they'd shoot each other and both die, right down to the last moment when Tommy was about to fire the second shot, and I thought maybe a dying Rudy would get a shot off in return first. I really liked the way Rudy's character developed/softened a bit with the time jump. I don't expect Tommy to survive the last two episodes though ... Was Lori's film appearance a shout out to "Debbie Does Dallas"? Eileen/Candy's monologue was one of the highlights of the series for me. So much else I'm still processing but I really love/d this show so much. Am going to miss it. But I guess one of the few "perks" of my memory issues is that I'll be able to watch the whole thing again in a year or two and not remember anything from this last bingewatch! (I'm about to do that with "Treme" ... I'm STILL not ready for "The Wire" because it breaks my heart way too much).

Maybe she just can't get words out right because those lips are in the way. And still numb. Like permanent Novocain.