SawmillTurtle

Ahem. Time to get up on my soapbox, because I am really not happy and I have a lot to say. *soapbox on* I find myself disappointed in the whole thing. What I was interested in the most in this episode was Jude and Connor. That was an incredibly important event in both their lives last week, and once again their subplot got the back burner. Hey, let's not give TOO much focus to the waters we stirred up among the fans last week. Instead, let's focus a lot on Brandon's band and Callie joining... the... dance team?? Yeah, you can't tell me THAT wasn't filler. The bomb they dropped on the world last week got almost no time at all, until the very end. Then they basically undid everything that happened last week. Is Connor interested in anything more than a good time with Jude? Doesn't appear to be the case. Yet he's worked Jude so hard through the last two seasons, kissing him in the tent and giving him presents, painting his nails and holding his hand. Part of the sweetness was his insecurities mixed with his love for Jude and his compassion. Now his attitude shifts to, what exactly? "We have chicks now, so let's get drunk and shag?" I sincerely hope not. Jude, to his credit, was having none of it. When Connor suggested they, what, go fool around? When he suggested that, Jude was quick to turn him down. Jude is not interested in casual groping. If it were anyone else but Jude, I would be surprised that a thirteen year old is looking for something more meaningful. But it is Jude. And Jude has been through hell. He's never had a real friend or a real family, never had someone who cared about him (other than Callie) that he could trust. With his rescue from that douchebag gorilla foster father in episode 1, you know that underneath his sweet demeanor are abandonment and trust issues. If Connor truly abandons him, it will destroy him. I am concerned about this. I am worried that the heartbreaking sobs we saw in the preview might be caused by this. Yes, the writers are claiming that Jude and Connor have stories in season 3, but when did they ever say they were of the same kind? Who's to say their relationship won't be strained and awkward? *soapbox off* Thanks for listening. -Turtle.

So I only found out about this show less than a week ago. When S02E18 had that big Jonnor moment, No H8 posted the news on Facebook. I stumbled across it and my inner fanboy went nuts. I have spent the last few days catching up on the series and I have some thoughts. First, I am not a big fan of the soapy 90210 format. The writers hit it pretty hard. The concept of a bunch of rich, privileged kids betraying each other, scheming and having sex has been done. Many times. I'm not saying I don't like the show itself. I think Stef and Lena are amazing parents, and their love for all children in need, regardless of background or social status, is heartwarming. They are believably dysfunctional, like a real couple would be. Each of the characters is well developed and portrayed wonderfully, especially Hayden Byerly's amazing job as Jude. However, I must say that the thing that drew me to the show in the first place, Jude and Connor, was frustratingly minimal. Most characters on the show had intricate subplots that they sometimes spent several minutes at a time on or even large parts of episodes. Jude's ambiguous relationship with his best friend did not receive the same treatment. When they showed up, it was frequently for about a minute at a time. Have them play video games or exchange a few lines of dialogue, then cut back to Brandon or Mariana for two or three more scenes. It isn't really a deal breaker for me. I mean, it seems a little disproportionate, but I can deal. I just can't help but wonder why that is, or why Jude will sometimes be missing for entire episodes. That being said, I find the series delightful overall. As much as I grumble, this really is my favorite show. I think it's fantastic that society has reached a place where shows like this can have a successful run without being shut down. Conservative hate groups have raised a fuss, as I figured they would, but what gives me hope- REAL hope- that things have really changed is that people aren't listening to them. Not anymore. And that we have reached a place where the subject of LGBT youth can be explored without causing World War III is incredible. Even ten years ago, something like Jonnor might have gotten a show pulled. I am unhappy that I am caught up now, because now I have to wait a week between episodes like everyone else, haha. -Turtle