JenLily

I noticed that Kaitlyn very specifically said that the money was for a down payment on a house. Maybe the check was just for show and the producers aren't going to release it until they actually purchase a house? That makes more sense to me than just handing them some money and blindly trusting that they're going to a) actually last, and b) use it for a house. But @Refresh raised a good point that maybe the show just needed to spend their budget by the end of the year so they get the same (or more) allocated to them next year. I've spent far more time thinking about why this gift than almost anything else that happened this season. 😄

The bailiff did know. As Stabler was walking in to the bathroom, he whispered to the bailiff, “Thanks. I owe you.” He wanted to talk to Wheatley with no one else present to get into his head and rile him up about Angela.

I loved the episode and hopehopehope that we get a second season! I'm not surprised at all that Reggie and Brittney slept together. She's cute and willing and he's a guy who was (at the time) unattached. Why wouldn't they? 🤷‍♀️ The only thing that annoys me is the pregnancy. As happy as I am that Reggie and Gabby *finally* got together, I really don't need to see yet another storyline about something getting in between them. I laughed at Simon's support of Brittney though: "I said I'd help you take care of it, not [out of the corner of his mouth with significant eye contact] take care of it." Not going to lie, I got a bit teary-eyed when the kids danced with Mike. But I kept giggling at his reaction as one after another came onstage. "Oh, another one?" "More?" "You're everywhere." And then finally, "Thank you." It was so sweet. Also glad that Justin and Simon made up. They're sweet together. And I absolutely loved how excited Justin's dad was throughout the night. And proud. So very proud. ❤️ I hope Nick and Monica make up soon. I hate the whole "eavesdropping and hear something you don't like so stop listening right before the other person says something that completely negates what they just said" trope. Either listen all the way through or don't listen at all. Nick's become one of my favorite characters on the show though. He's funny and evil and I love it. All in all, so glad I gave this show a chance. It turned out to be such fun and I'd love to see more.

I remember reading somewhere a long, long time ago that it's not that the other judges don't see the lifts, it's that it was agreed upon that while lifts had to be acknowledged and counted against the pair, being dinged three points was a little much so one judge would take the hit on their score and it's Carrie Ann. Whether she appointed herself the lift police or production assigned it to her, I don't know. But their logic made sense to me. I'm delighted that Iman and Jojo made it to the finals. I can't wait to see what they do for their freestyles and I won't be upset if either of them take the win. My preference would be Iman, just because he embodies what this show is (supposed to be) about but Jojo and Jenna have been so good this season that I'd be happy with that, too. I'm super disappointed that Suni was eliminated. Her growth from week 1 to now was so apparent whereas Amanda had a horizontal line from there to here. She's fine but I can't say that there was any upward trajectory at all. Even Jojo improved from the beginning to now; her control in the Argentine tango really showed that she listened to the judges' critiques about her frenetic energy in past dances and worked on it. I know Suni wouldn't have won but I think she should've advanced against Amanda for sure. I'm not bummed about Melora being kicked. Strictly looking at this week's dances, hers weren't particularly strong. Although they certainly were stronger than Cody's, which leads me to. . . Well, there's not much I can say about Cody that hasn't been said already. He should've been eliminated weeks ago. In this season with so many good dancers, he's been the worst of the bunch for ages now. I don't even know that I blame Cheryl for this. Potential does not always lead to actualization and maybe this really is the best he can do. I also can't really blame her for her lack of enthusiasm. She has to know that if she wins this season it won't be because they were the best. I mean, Sharna may have a mirror ball but it was with Bobby; Cheryl won't be able to escape the knowledge that the same caveat will be applied to her win (if they get it) for this season.

I’m in for new lieutenant. I have a soft spot for the actor from his Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. days. I liked him shutting down Gallo’s childishness and it was hot as hell when he saw Boden grabbing the child, realized he wasn’t wearing protective equipment and ran over to shield (heh) the both of them. I hope he sticks around for awhile. I’m extraordinarily tired of everyone new being someone nefarious trying to take down the house (they go to the same well on this over at PD, too) so I’d be really happy if he turns out to be a competent fireman who just wants to do a good job. ETA: Wrote this before watching episode 8 so don’t know if I’ve already been proven wrong or not. 😄

I am. Its gross. I’ll be into this if they play it as Crockett and daughter are interested in each other/mother is interested in Crockett/Crockett doesn’t realize it. That dynamic could be really fascinating, especially considering Crockett seems to be interested in pursuing mother’s field. As long as it doesn’t turn into mother being unhealthily obsessed with Crockett, à la the abysmal Connor/Ava storyline, which I still despise with the heat of 1,000 suns. (Writing this before watching episode 8, so forgive me if this is already being addressed somehow.)

I adored this subtle shout-out. I still think of Jay R. Ferguson as Ponyboy. 😍 Their interaction in this scene reminded me of why I actually liked them as a couple. Their sharp banter always appealed to me and it's why I was rooting for them to make it. Still kind of am, to be honest. When I was a freshman in high school I knew kids who were having sex, and I'm a good couple of decades out from that. I would imagine many of you out there know 14-year-olds who are having sex, you just don't realize it. Fourteen sounds young because it is young but it's not unusual and it hasn't been for a long, long time. Kids have thought they were more mature than they are since. . . well, forever.

I loved this. I also loved when he and Shamiah were commiserating over how "cringe" her parents are. As they're dancing and chanting "Cringe, cringe, cringe, cringe": Shamiah: See? Connor: Yeah. It's hard to watch.

He strikes me as someone who would hit on a woman at a bar and when she gently turns him down, would say to her, "Well, you're a dumb fat bitch and I just asked you out because I felt sorry for you." I'm genuinely surprised he didn't have a talking head saying something along those lines, especially considering what he said to the producer during his little sidebar.

Sounds like I may be in the minority on this but I absolutely loved the Mickey Dance Challenge. I loved seeing how the pros incorporated the same dance move into their specific genre and I loved seeing the stars' eyes light up when they got to that part of their dance. There was something really fun and charming about it and I wouldn't be upset if they incorporated some variation of that challenge every season. I thought everyone did a great job last night, with the exception of Brian. I don't know if it's a fear of looking stupid or if he just isn't a good dancer or what, but every time he's on the floor it looks like it pains him to be there. It stresses me out watching him. I hope he gets eliminated tonight just to put him out of his misery. I wasn't super wild about Alan and Kenya's dance but it wasn't really their fault. This is the third time the show's had a couple dance to that song and for me no one has held a candle to Sasha and Simone. It was a perfectly acceptable dance and I did notice her opening up and relaxing into it partway through (right at the Mickey Dance part, no less) but it wasn't anything to write home about. Was it just me or did she look like she panicked a little before jumping into that last lift? Also, I really need to reiterate this: are there no other Moana songs the show could use? None? As soon as Matt came out in his Frozone outfit I thought to myself, "That is going to highlight every move he makes so he better be spot on." He wasn't but I didn't really care that much. He looked like he was having a great time, and I appreciate that he seems to be pretty game for anything Lindsay throws at him. I had so many favorite dances last night, I can't even narrow them down, nor can I even rank them. I had to rewatch JoJo and Jenna's on YouTube because there was a little glitch on my DVR that blinked out part of it and it was so pretty. I'm glad she had a slower dance this week because I think it was a good way to kind of force to her to control her moves. I hope she applies that to any quicker dances that are to come as I felt that as good as she is, her earlier dances were a little frenetic. I adored Jimmie's paso, and it was my favorite interpretation of the Mickey Dance as well. He's quickly becoming one of my favorites to watch. Suni's salsa was so fun. She's so technically good that I can't wait until she lets herself really feel the music and goes all in. She is going to shine. Melora was SO GOOD last night! Talk about breaking out and shining. So impressed with how she threw herself into that quickstep. I must have watched Iman's dance like 10 times last night. I don't know what it was about it because it surely wasn't the best of the evening but gosh, I just loved it. He had that same moment as Kenya (again at the Mickey Dance!) where he just lit up and really embraced what he was doing and there was something so gorgeous about that. I saw the rest of the cast were already on their feet cheering and even the judges were all beaming. Len's 6 on that was bullshit. At the very least, it deserved a 7. Olivia's samba was great. She's really an excellent dancer, and I love watching her (even though it freaks me out just how much she looks like her mother). I've said this before on these boards and I'll say it again: I would feel like a hypocrite if I bitched about "fan favorites" getting votes and advancing when they shouldn't and then in the next breath said I was withholding my vote from someone who is legitimately good. As long as she keeps doing well, she'll keep getting my votes.

Mr. Lily asked me what I would do if he did that to me and I said, "Stake you right in the heart, buddy. No hesitation." I've watched too many vampire shows/movies for that to even be a question. 😄

I'm wondering if the Liam thing was pretend and they're going to be faking his death to. . . I don't know why? Lull the killer into a false sense of security so they can trap him/her?

I just saw a commercial that Chrisley Knows Best and Growing Up Chrisley will both be returning on August 12.

I was telling Mr. Lily last night as we were watching that I don't really like the dynamic of having Tayshia and Kaitlyn participating in the show. During the group date, it did feel very much like they were making fun of the guys which really brought to mind an us vs. them mentality. And when Katie has individual conversations with the girls, I feel like the girls (whether intentionally or unconsciously) are influencing the decisions that Katie is making. Chris had an element of neutrality when the Bachelor/ettes approached him with questions or issues that I don't think Tayshia or Kaitlyn have managed to learn yet. They're very much in "support the new girl" mode, which is nice but maybe not ultimately helpful when it comes to Katie deciding who she wants to marry. I'm getting really tired of the Merry Band of Wrong Reasons Spotters going after men they think aren't right for Katie. They're just moving from one target to another, pretending they're doing it in the best interests of Katie and with no acknowledgement of their personal gain when they manage to get someone ousted. I'm with Andrew S. Let Katie suss out the dickheads for herself. It's extremely patronizing, acting like she's this damsel in distress in need of protection from the Big Strong Men around her. Side note, I *really* didn't like what Katie did to Thomas at the rose ceremony. Her publicly chastising him like that didn't display strength or confidence to me, it smacked of emasculation and bullying. If she had walked him out and said that to him privately, I would have had less of an issue but I am not here for any lead singling out a contestant for humiliation in front of the others like that. Talk about teaching the guys that the best way for them to get ahead is to vilify one of the others. I've fallen off the Katie train, and I had a tenuous grasp to begin with.

They're MARRIED???? Good lord, how did I make it four episodes in without realizing that? And here I am thinking, oh look how cute they're flirting with each other. I'm an idiot. 🙄 I really like this show. I was telling my friend that this show seems to be good for my soul. I like seeing someone taking up for the underdog, especially for no other reason than that it's the right thing to do.

I can't say that I warmed up to the show so much as I got used to it. And as others have said, if it's renewed I'll continue to watch it. But I'd really like it if they dialed back the breaking the fourth wall thing in the second season. They seemed like they were headed down that path the last couple of episodes and I appreciated it as I didn't care for it in the original and I don't care for it here. If they limited it to the beginning, where Kat catches up the audience with what's been going on and where her headspace is (like a live-action "here's where we are now" like Miranda did), and did the occasional side-eye (when someone else says/does something ridiculous) or facepalm (when she says/does something ridiculous) then I'd probably be okay with it. I just don't like being chattered to by the main character as if I'm some imaginary friend. It always makes me wonder what the other characters think she's doing when she's talking to us. I'll miss seeing the cats though. They were so sweet.

I watched the scene a couple of times and noted that the guy's back was to the camera at all times. I also saw what looked to me like his left arm moving sharply (hand out of sight) right before he was shot. It seemed to me like he may have been going for a gun tucked in his waistband. I know they made a point of saying they didn't find a gun on the guy's body but considering they apparently didn't realize there was a whole second person there filming the entire thing, it seems completely reasonable to me that the amateur filmmaker could have retrieved the gun while the guys were in the other room.

I thought this episode was really pretty good. As Ms Blue Jay said, it really looks like most of them are having some pretty serious breakthroughs that give me hope they might be able to salvage their relationships. Not Erica and Kendal though. I despise Kendal in the worst way. The man is an ass and a half. But I appreciate that Erica is seeming to realize that and that she's been working herself to death for the approval of a complete and utter scumbag. It boggles the mind that he thinks he can do whatever he wants and Erica will be cool with it. It really demonstrates how little regard he has for her, and how the only thing that matters is him. He is id personified. I think Erin and Corey have a chance. She really seems to be coming to terms with how she's been treating him, and he's starting to realize that he has worth outside of what Erin thinks of him (hello, Erica!!!). I think if they get some pretty extensive therapy (both together and apart) they might be able to make it work. However, I wouldn't blame either of them if they decide that kind of work isn't worth it for each other and want to split to take some time for themselves. I still think they need therapy individually though, so they can be aware of their patterns and attempt to head them off in any future relationships. Julian and Kristen are the ones that I have the highest hopes for. They both are coming to grips with the damaging mindsets they have and if they can take those realizations with them off the island, I think they can really grow from this. It's really telling how strongly both of them reacted to seeing each other's pain in the bonfire videos. There was some real anguish at not being there to help each other. Compare that to Kendal seeing Erica crying and basically going, "That's terrible she's so upset but NO RULES, I'mma keep doing what I'm doing." 🙄 I don't think Tom and Chelsea are suited for each other at all. Tom is kind of worse in my eyes, because his whole attitude seems to be, "This is who I am, she's not accepting me for who I am, I shouldn't have to change for anyone." Even his connection with whatshername (Sophia?) seems to be centered around her not wanting to change him, which. . . okay, dude. EVERYONE changes a little for their significant other. EVERYONE modifies their behavior somewhat to accommodate the person they love. She's not asking for him to completely overhaul his entire personality, just maybe draw back on the flirting a bit. Introduce her to people as his girlfriend when she's with him. To me, that's not that big a deal but if Tom centers his entire personality around being a flirt, then they won't be able to make this work. She's just too insecure for that. As for Chelsea, I'm weirdly okay with *her* flirting with Blake, mostly because I'd like her to realize that a little flirtation doesn't have to mean you don't love your SO or that you're heading down a path to cheating. I do wish she'd dial down the whole "I think I'm falling for Blake" because she's not. She just likes the attention he's giving her. Which is great! It sounds like Tom's not giving her the attention that she needs (no kissing? really?), which honestly probably feeds into her paranoia about his flirting with other women. A little attention from another man might boost her ego a little bit. I seriously doubt she and Blake are the stuff of dreams -- I still am a bit suspicious of him -- but I really don't think she and Tom are either.

"Who's the nutcase now, Ray? WHO'S THE NUTCASE NOW?!?!?" 😂

Bow's eyes getting really big when Dre said they'd have to walk to the school absolutely knocked me on my ass laughing. I rewound it three times. 😂

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Someone above said the word "charming" and I wholeheartedly agree with that description. I'm eager to see how the rest of the season goes.

This episode actually made me laugh quite a few times. I think my favorite line was Erica telling Geoff he should wear the hat because "[t]his is the 80s, Geoff. People are going to look back on our fashion and say, 'They got it right.'"

She was hilarious in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Loved her character and hope she pops in again.

Sigh. I just don't think this show is very good. The biggest problems for me are her kids. I actually like the rest of the cast and would've been fine with this being a fish-out-of-water show for Kyra's character, moving from a small town in the Midwest to LA and meeting all sorts of new people. But the kids are dragging her down. I bet if the show wasn't so hyper focused on the kids being frustrated with their "needy, pathetic old mom" the writers wouldn't feel the need to dumb down Kyra's character so much. I wish they'd just get rid of the kids somehow.

Me, too! I spent hours in all three when I was a kid. I don't know why, but Barnes & Nobles just isn't the same.