historylover820

Yes. This. Well said. He's a music teacher, and apparently a very prestigious one. He can't just let everyone into his program, even if they are the main character on this show. In fact, I think he really shouldn't be giving her private lessons, but, of course, show. Now, Sophie should know better than anyone that life isn't fair and you can't always get what you want. But, right now, she really probably doesn't have a clue what she really wants. When I was her age, I was going to be an Oscar-winning actress. Oh, wait, I can't act. In my 20s, I was going to be the next biggest writer/director. Except I have no experience, couldn't get into film schools, have no connections. And can't write. In my late 20s, I was going to be a history professor. After all, I have my master's in history. Couldn't get into a Ph.D program. Then in my 30s, I started work as an admin at a university and saw what professors have to put up with. No thanks. Now, in my early 40s, I want a stable job that will allow me to pay off my student loans, pay my bills, give me health insurance, and let me retire before I die. Dreams change. Goals change. Sophie should ask Eddie about being a professional musician. Obviously, he's got other priorities right now, but he would be a good one to get some advice from.

I don't think that was necessarily unkind. It may have been unnecessary. Because feedback like that does happen in real life. Lucille Ball was famously kicked out of her acting classes because a teacher told her that she absolutely will never have a career in show business. The Beatles were turned down in their first record audition because guitar bands were on their way out. This seems to happen a lot more than people think. But, it's not necessarily unkind. He really wasn't rude about it. He didn't know her backstory, nor did he really even need to know. What he heard was a competent guitarist, but nothing special than any of the other 100 guitarists he probably had already seen. If anything, his feedback was remarkably mild. Compare what he said to what Simon Cowell has said to performers in American Idol. In fact, I rolled my eyes at him being wowed by her performing on the street. I'm not exactly a trained musician, but I've heard other street performers just as good, if not better, than Sophie in real life.

I found this one a mixed bag. There were things in every plot that I liked and things in every plot I didn't like at all. Sophie's dreams? Eh. First time I ever remember her saying she wanted to make a career in music. I also thought it was just something like a hobby. While I absolutely loved the talk between Eddie and Katharine, I kept getting angry at Katharine. It's only been, what? Two months since Eddie's accident. I can't say I blame him for not wanting to have sex right now. He feels broken--he IS broken--and you would think anyone who is partially empathetic would understand that. Still not interested in Rome's movie, and started fuming when we found out that it was initially Jon's story. Because, really? I like the realization at the end better, but still absolutely not interested. Well, we now have a comparison date toward this show and in real life. When it comes back on March 4, this show's universe will be just about a year behind us. (When did Boston lockdown? Here in Kansas City, we locked down mid-March. I remember because I've been working at home now for 9 months). But the one thing that absolutely tickled me-- I was fully expecting to come in here and ask "Who else thought Jamie should have said, 'What the hell, Bloom? You ate my Danish???????'" I was really not expecting him to say, while not the same thing, was kind of along my thinking. He doesn't want a serious relationship. And I loved that. And that was his Danish. Loved that. But, I'm dreading that he will eventually absolutely crave a relationship beyond the casual sex with Maggie. That doesn't actually surprise me. I don't know a lot about paralysis, but I know that amputees feel "phantom pain" in their missing limbs. I've heard a lot of paralyzed people do have a lot of pain. I'm thinking probably around his break. Looking up: According to the Christopher Reeve Foundation: A type of chronic pain called neurogenic or neuropathic pain often accompanies paralysis – it is a cruel irony for people who lack sensation to experience the agony of pain. ETA: I continued looking up this website about pain in paralyzed people, and I kind of found it interesting. Webpage: https://www.christopherreeve.org/living-with-paralysis/health/secondary-conditions/pain

One thing I personally like about the episodes in every iteration of Star Trek featuring the Mirror Universe is that it is a world of ham. The actors usually seem to be having a glorious time hamming it up in all of the episodes that I can't help having a good time too. I mean, I personally don't think Sonequa is that great of an actor anyway, but I didn't mind her hamminess. I mean, nothing is as hammy as William Shatner playing Evil!Kirk. So, there's that. But like many, I was getting frustrated at hearing about Lorca and not seeing him. Next week, let's see him! Please, please, please, please bring back Jason Isaacs for a cameo. But I'm also one who keeps screaming that Lorca is not dead! He'll turn up! Even if Discovery is 900 years in the future, Lorca will turn up!

So, I was having a hard time sleeping, and my brain kept going back to analyze why I couldn't care less about Rome's movie. Out of all the plots, this is what my brain chose to focus on. Stupid brain. But, let's see if I can get my thoughts down: I used to want to be a writer/director and I seriously am not. Absolutely no connections to show business. So, this may be just me as an extremely amateur writer. Which you will definitely see if anyone decides to read this 🙂 I'm a movie freak. Love movies. But, every time I see a movie or a show about making a movie, I start going "If this was real life, is this a movie that I'd care about seeing?" And from what I know about Rome's movie, the answer is decidedly no. So, let's say that this is reality. This movie that Rome doing is his own biopic. He wrote the story of his life, he's producing and directing. Is he also starring as himself? I've heard nothing about him trying to cast his own character. This is the very definition of a vanity project. Vanity projects aren't unique, and some are pretty successful. But the last time I can think of a first time movie director filming a successful vanity project is Orson Welles. And even he didn't even write his own life story when he came up with the story of Citizen Kane. Plus, Orson Welles, although only 26 at the time and was a first time movie director, was a known name in radio, namely for War of the Worlds. How many TV commercial directors do you know by name off the top of your head? You need some real clout in show business for a vanity project to really work. Michael Bay got his start as a commercial director and music video director, and his first movie was not written based around his life. George Lucas' second movie was the semi-autobiographic American Graffiti, which he wrote and directed. And it's based around his life, but not really about his life. That was a success. But, it was low budgeted, and it featured no big stars at the time (it certainly is a cast that became big stars after the movie). So, assuming this is real, Rome is a real director, filming a real movie, based on his real life, I'm thinking "Why should I care about seeing this movie when it comes out in theaters?" (Assuming it does and not on streaming.) I love biopics, but when I know who the subject is. I love Rocket Man, because I love Elton John's music. Bohemian Rhapsody is OK, but I went to it because I know who Queen is. But, I do acknowledge biopics also can depict the life of a person who changed things. I'm sure not many people outside of her area knew who Erin Brockovich was until the movie, but this movie is about something. Norma Rae is also based on a real person. But, again the reason why their stories were filmed (and not by them) is because their actions changed the lives of many people. However, it seems like Rome's story is about being able to overcome depression and anxiety (because this script would not have this adoption struggle in it. There has been practically no time between the greenlight for this movie and the adoption drama). OK, that's a great story, but why would I, someone who has no clue who Rome is, want to watch this movie? (Again, assuming this is really happening in our reality). Frankly, Eddie, even before this accident, would actually be make a better subject for a biopic. Not that he'd be an ideal subject, but he was the frontman of a middling rock band (popular enough that they were able to tour and be opening act of some pretty popular groups), overcame an alcohol problem when his son was born, and wrote a fairly popular song that got some airplay a year ago.

So, yay for Eddie's accident being only an accident. Very anti-climatic, but glad that this story arc can be dropped and we never have to hear about Dead!Alex again, right? But I figured Eddie would start taking the pain killers and will become addicted. Which, sadly, is also believable, even for people who aren't originally addicts. And David Giuntoli keeps knocking this out of the park. And while I'm not exactly happy about the prospect of Maggie and Jamie getting together, I do like Maggie letting go. And trying new things. Something I can relate to. See, 12 years ago, shortly before I turned 30, I had a blood clot in my brain. I'm much better now. But I keep wanting to try new things. To celebrate life. Not skydiving or anything like that, because that's a waste of a perfectly good plane. But I would absolutely try doing the trapeze if I had something that offered it. Indoor skydiving? I would absolutely try it. On my 42nd birthday this past August, I went and threw axes around. I've done mystery rooms. So I identified with Maggie wanting to try new things. But, girl, why didn't you shower and change before doing your podcast, because I completely understand trying to new things and celebrating life. But I wouldn't sit in a vomit-stained shirt while doing so. Everything else, eh. Gina and Rome... I don't know if this is awfully quick to be getting on the same page or awfully slow. That seems anti-climatic as well, somehow. I can't quite put my finger on why I feel that way. I'm really not interested in Rome's movie. At all. I think I'm really supposed to hate the character who is playing Movie!Gina, but I can't bring myself to care. My quick two cents. 🙂

I'm the same way. That doesn't bother me. Why be reminded of the state of the real world? This is a way to escape reality.

I could be wrong, but I think I do remember when Eddie was able to finally answer his phone, he "explained" that he dozed off and missed her calls. Of course, if I couldn't get a hold of my recently paralyzed husband, I'd be calling the police, paramedics, fire department, or friends (at the very least) and tell them to please check up on him. He's not answering his phone and I'd want to know why!

I'll go along with that. 😄

So, I'm calling this post "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" (Cue the music.) While I did like this episode, I still had some issues with it. The Good: 1. David Giuntoli is acting the hell out of this plot point, and I'm interested in seeing Eddie's journey through navigating this life-altering, devastating event. Of course, this is the kind of plot line that is prime for an actor. His performance is keeping me invested. 2. I liked Maggie in this episode. I like her with Jamie. And I got a kick out of them bonding going through the former roommate's stuff. Maybe that's just me, but I found it relatable. Now, hopefully, they will just keep Maggie and Jamie as friends, but I highly doubt that will happen. It will develop into something more. 3. Liked the basketball game. The actors do really have good chemistry together, as others have also pointed out. The Bad: 1. Yeah, if I never hear about Dead!Alex again I'll be just fine. Eddie has enough to deal with right now, but this storyline must be on-going. As opposed to other storylines that were dropped. My prediction: Dead!Alex's father will attempt to drown Eddie (probably not in next week's episode) so he can experience what she felt. 2. Likewise, I'm tired of the Regina/Rome baby drama. If I had to choose sides, I'm choosing Regina's. A baby isn't a goldfish that you can replace, no big deal. She's grieving the loss of a child, even if it wasn't hers for very long. While I thought their discussion at the end was very realistic, I'm ready for them to either move on or break apart. Breaking up would be realistic. Many marriages don't survive the loss of a child. 3. I'm not looking forward to the movie plot. Can you imagine watching this show crammed into a 2-hour format? 4. I'm tired of Delilah's boy toy. He wasn't in this episode, obviously, but I'm tired of the melodrama with it. I actually was OK with her to start to remember Jon again. And I was pleasantly surprised that he didn't pop up again to give her his blessing. But, yeah, tired of it. 5. I wasn't feeling Sophie's storyline. Nothing really wrong with it. Just wasn't feeling it. The Ugly: 1. Katharine, you've had a month where your son was racing around in your husband's wheelchair. A wheelchair that he needs, and may actually save his life at some point. I get it that you were running around like a chicken with its head cut off that morning, but you've had a month being at home, witnessing it (I'm getting the impression that this isn't the first time this has happened). Heck, your son took out a couple carts at the hospital bringing the wheelchair to your husband. Learn to discipline your son!!!!! A wheelchair is not a toy, and it's not a racecar. If Eddie can't put his foot down (metaphorically speaking), you do it! 2. Gary, I really like you. I do. But, why wouldn't you think that maybe someone who's whole life has been drastically altered, who has gone from being able-bodied and athletic to someone who can't even go to the bathroom without either help from someone or from his wheelchair to take him to the bathroom might be having a problem adapting to this whole new life? It's been two months since the accident. No matter the brave face that Eddie puts on, you would just kind of think that he probably isn't the happiest with this new arrangement right now. The Huh????? 1. Was I the only one baffled at the timeline in this episode? This day had 36 hours in it, didn't it? Probably got that impression because apparently Oxford and Boston are in the same time zone. 2. Apparently Sophie's Harvard friend is one of her best friends? Has she been seen before? Who is she? 3. I love Darcy. I do. And I get where she's coming from--even if she's not as busy as she says she is with her physical therapy patients (And I got the feeling that she said that to stop Gary's questions,) I get that she wouldn't want to take on Eddie for personal reasons. If I had a friend whose husband cheated on her and then had a baby with his mistress, yep, I wouldn't want to do anything for him either. But, my question is--is she really that close to Katharine? She said that she was the only one who was there for Katharine during that time (absolutely more than the central group), but I don't remember seeing her or hearing about her. Katharine went to her mother's and didn't want to come out. Afterwards, I don't remember her mentioning Darcy until Gary met her. Plus, going back to the last episode, Darcy left the hospital. Even if she doesn't like Eddie (and I get that), wouldn't you stay to support your friend who's grieving?

I'm easy to please, but I mostly liked it. Though I did think Maggie was an idiot. Like usual. But this one really took the cake. And honestly I was happy to see. Of course she and her new roommate will hit it off in upcoming episodes. I did think that Eddie would not be up for a second wedding immediately after getting home. But I know that's the way this show rolls, so I rolled my eyes and went along with it. I loved Gary staying with Katharine. I was pretty disgusting at everyone else. Because if you really cared about her and Eddie, you would stay! No matter if she says to go home, you'd stay! And whenever Gary is not with Maggie, I love him. What a great, supportive friend (when he's not with Maggie). But I'm definitely interested in what will ultimately happen with Eddie. I knew he wouldn't die, but this will definitely be an adjustment. But Gary and Eddie are my two favorite characters, so still on board!