Lake Erie Lass

The final routine on the Gordon Ford show was a nice mix of Midge poking fun at the origins of her comedy and an acknowledgement of the difficulty of choosing a career path that was not readily available to women. I loved the response of everyone associated with the show to her routine, from Gordon being wowed and going back to his desk to enjoy her set, as well as the male writers pride in her routine. It reminded me of when she got the last time slot on the telethon, and with nothing to lose, went for it. On the night she made her debut at the Gaslight, when Midge went to the Communist bar with Susie, Susie said “I don’t mind being alone, I just don’t want to be insignificant.” They both achieved their dream of fame and fortune. Midge knew from the beginning that fame would come at the cost of her family. So it was bittersweet to see the juxtaposition of her wealth vs. her solitary lifestyle. I will miss this show. P.S. I LOVED the red suit and hat Midge wore when she bailed Susie out of jail. I hope multiple Emmys come their way this fall for the actors and costume designers.

I don’t think I ever heard Burton sing it, so to me it sounded like Richard Harris (I’ve only ever seen the film version). Thanks for the correction. I didn’t know it’s back on Broadway. Would love to see the live production. So many really good songs in that show.

I forgot to comment in my original post how much I loved the final musical selection. “How to Handle a Woman” from the film Camelot. Richard Harris sang this so beautifully—full of angst and melancholy as he pondered his relationship with Guinevere (who has become enamored of Sir Lancelot). The music plays as Gordon Ford, after being coerced by Hedy to put Midge on the show, watches Midge take a phone call and run out the door. Not sure if the theme is for Hedy, Midge, or both. I’ve had an ear worm all day thinking about this song, as well as its relevance to the final episode.

I loved the epiphanies in this episode. This is the first episode that I actually liked Abe. It has bothered me BIG TIME that he told people he bought their apartment. He has been so self centered and obnoxious that I wanted to smack the crap out of him every episode. I’m glad he acknowledged his mistakes with his children, and expressed his pride in Midge. Arthur’s epiphany about a lifetime of accumulating things for his and his wife’s home, only to look at it all down the line after her death as “stuff,” hit me hard in the heart. I can empathize. We get so attached to things, and they are a burden for our heirs when we’re gone. Joel’s epiphany about his and Midge’s relationship, his reflections and regrets, were sad but instructive. The college roommates looking back on their life choices from a distance of time; most with some regret over missed opportunities to do more than settle for the status quo. And Midge finally knowing that this was the time to go big or go home. Her conversation with Hedy helped her confront Susie to demand that Susie call in a favor. I am enjoying the ability to see how everyone turned out with the time flips and how the lives of these characters we’ve become so invested in progress through the decades. I have a feeling I’m going to cry next week over some of these story lines….

It was hard to watch the aging process continue to hone and sharpen Susie’s personality. But she got what she wanted from life, professionally. She was as addicted to becoming a big-time agent as Midge was a professional comedian. They both had a lot in common in their desire for fame and fortune. But underneath it all was a foundation of love, I believe, for each other. That’s what made the ending so satisfying for me. Once I got used to the juxtaposition of the back and forth between their personal history through the decades, I appreciated the originality of how the writers are leaving us with the closure of both of their stories.

But Midge more than paid them back by supporting their sorry, selfish asses for the next few decades!

Sheldon’s voice and stiff mannerisms are so annoying it’s hard to watch scenes with him talking. The clipped sentence, followed by the head bob, drive me nuts. Plus he went back to the bow tie this week. I thought he finally segued from his childhood “uniform” worn over the past seasons to the layered t-shirt look he wore as an adult. CeCe smiling in her car seat was so gosh darn cute. Georgie suffering from diarrhea of the mouth in the doctor’s office, not so much. No wonder Mandy is hesitating. I love Georgie but he’s not quite the adult yet, even though he’s 18. He fluctuates from being really mature to being impulsive and an over-sharer.

When I made the comment about Sheldon’s acting being wooden, I meant now. The first 4-5 seasons, he was exhibiting all the grownup Sheldon personality traits, e.g. selfish, self centered, know it all, narcissist. But Ian was natural and relaxed as he portrayed those traits. He didn’t stand all stiff and talk like a robot. Not sure if he’s more self conscious as he goes through puberty, but that’s not how Jim Parsons acts. He may be an ass (adult Sheldon), but he always came across as natural. All I can think of when I hear Ian talk now is the robot on Lost in Space. “WarningWillRobinson.” (said in a run together monotone).

Love new sexy Mary! Sheldon’s trying too hard to speak perfectly. It drives me insane. I literally can’t stand to listen to him. When he was speaking to the class at the end, it was like he had marbles in his mouth. His acting is wooden. Oh Ian, someone needs to take you under their wing. Glad Mandy’s coming around. Sorry it took financial difficulties. It’s like the show is having an epidemic of money issues. Maybe Mary will be able to sell her “bodice ripper” to a publisher and make some big cash!

I love seeing Mary act like a normal, flawed woman. She needs to realize she can love God and enjoy life at the same time. Granted, it took a little alcohol to loosen her up, but she’s got a great personality when she’s not acting holier than thou. And I got a kick out of the fact that Sheldon, who considers himself the smartest person in his family, can’t find a way to contribute when they need help. His ideas are too cerebral and/or impractical. Can we assume (please) that Dale’s still out of the picture despite the “talk” in the truck last week? Connie feels a need to have a man in her life All The Time. She talks about being an independent woman and a “hear me roar” kind of gal, but she gets pretty pissy when she’s not with a man. She has zero chemistry with Dr. Linkletter.

I can’t stand the scenes with Sheldon. His acting has gone from sweet and natural to wooden and smug. And I’m glad Mary gave Pastor Jeff the cold shoulder. He could be calling out his congregation on their unChristian behavior, but instead he’s the biggest hypocrite of all. I’m glad George and Georgie were able to bond on the trip home. Still don’t like Dale, but appreciate he helped rescue Connie and Georgie.

I may not love all of their ideas (twig headboard), but there’s something to admire in all of their renovations. The reason this show and Home Town are my two favorites are because the hosts of those shows are 1) creative, 2) don’t follow the same old HGTV boring game plan of white and gray, 3) Erin and Keith both come from art backgrounds that help form their design choices, and 4) the renovations are more budget friendly and altruistic as they try to rejuvenate their communities.

Psych! Good one sistermagpie. That would be so Will. He’s like a fart in a windstorm.

Me too. I imagine a near death experience like Will had would motivate him to make some important life changes, but an “I love you” at the train station and then a marriage so quickly after left me shaking my head. If the series had ended—well, then all things Grantchester were tied up in a nice, neat bow. But now the series has been renewed and they have to work with this new family dynamic. I just don’t feel any chemistry between Will and Bonnie. Their relationship feels forced and lacking that essential spark that makes you believe it can work. The spark is really between Geordie and Will. I love that they were able to vocalize it at the end.

Kathy’s so angry at this point that she won’t look beyond her own issues. One of the things every cop show since time immemorial has mentioned is that for the most part cops are a bad risk in the marriage department. This is primarily because of 1–unexpected schedule changes, (having to work long shifts or come in on days off),and 2–constantly being exposed to the really horrible nature of many crimes. That can eventually lead to depression and emotional trauma. Put that on top of the emotional scars that many men suffered after WW2, and you have someone like Geordie. Don’t know if they had therapists or marriage counselors back in the late 50’s but Kath and Geordie both need to walk a day in the other’s shoes.