S08.E07: Trouble In Paradise

[Tara Ariano]

Tensions rise between Jeff and Gage due to the stress of their move and the fact that they didn't adequately mourn the loss of their beloved cat.

[crgirl412]

That damn schedule book has been talked about for years!!!!  It's just one more thing for Jeff to control people with, IMHO.  Why doesn't he just use the calendar on his iPhone so he always has it or load everything to iCloud so that all of his staff has access to it at all times???    

[Bronzedog]

Bet Zoila loved the fight between Gage and Jeff.

[crgirl412]

I wish more people came here to post!!  So much good stuff talk about!  I'll have to just keep checking back from the HW threads. 

 

Zoila loved it, I'm sure!!  I don't get her issue with Gage since he's a much nicer person than Jeff! 

[crgirl412]

Zoila has said several times that Gage is NOT her boss, only Jeff. She resents someone being more important than she is. Wait until there's a baby to watch her head explode.

That won't go well at all.  Jeff needs to get their relationship together for that reason.  Next week it shows her wanting to leave and maybe it's time.  They could hire a real Nanny with the help of Rosie Pope

[biakbiak]

Jeff did say on WWHL that Zoila wouldn't be the nanny but would oversee any help they hired which given how little respect she has for Gage it's still a recipe for disaster.

[Misslindsey]

I am on Gage's side with this one. It did not sound like Jeff was joking. Then Jeff wondering why later Gage is upset and saying he was joking. 

 

I feel like Zoila can dish out all her insults, but cannot take it when people get fed up and throw it back at her. Wasn't there several seasons ago where Jett, who seemed to be very laid back, or maybe it was Gage, said something back to her and she went in her room to cry? If Zoila talked to me like she does Gage, there would be problems. Though, Jeff does not do anything to help the situation and sometimes egging her on.

[LilaFowler]

So I take it Brian Austin Green and Megan Fox are basically getting free decorating/remodeling advice for a flipper?

[rehoboth]

I was sorry to see that Jeff took it to such a personal level with Gage.  Everyone watching who is involved in a relationship could feel how deep that remark cut.

 

I was also sorry to see that no one took Jeff to task over it until much, much later.  Last week Vanina wondered why no one backed her up against Jeff.  The whole culture of that office is to affirm whatever Jeff is saying and keep your head down.  And why didn't anybody put down their drink and leave when it became apparent that Gage was really upset?  I know I would leave if I saw a couple who had a fight and needed to resolve things.    Getting up and leaving might send the message to Jeff that this comment cannot be glossed over. 

[SFoster21]

Jeff is a thoroughly unpleasant person who revels in tearing people down. Period.

What's more, for all his OCD, he's not happy unless there's chaos all round.

No wonder CA has no water if high end properties are subject to the sewage probs on view last night. Is it building in these precarious hilly situations that brings it on?

All that "look at me, I can move in a day" stuff is tiring and irritating. Gage, like Jeff's last partner, should leave this aging narcissist and get out so that he can have a restful life. Jeff is too old to be still nomadic in this way. They will never become parents.

Edited August 13, 2015 by SFoster21

[featherhead]

I couldn't help it, but I was giggling when they were messing with Brian Austin Green. Especially when Jeff said he was going to ask Megan.

[Bronzedog]

I don't think Gage should have a baby with Jeff especially after next week's preview, if Jeff's allegiance is with Zoila, let the two of them live miserably ever after. Run, Gage!

[poeticlicensed]

While I generally don't like Gage, Jeff was totally outta line in that fight over..I can hardly believe I am typing this..furniture placement. Frankly, I have never seen any chemistry at all between the two. Part of me thinks Gage is an introvert and doesn't like being on camera, and part of me thinks that Jeff just likes to suck up all the air in room, so there's nothing left for Gage, so he fades into the woodwork.

 

I find Jeff entertaining to watch on TV, but living with him must be a complete nightmare.   

Edited August 13, 2015 by poeticlicensed

[TaxNerd]

Disappointed in the lack of design in this one. This one was kind of boring, so my husband and I just googled Meagan Fox and Brian Austin Green's net worth because we were curious about their house.

It does sound like it's meant to be a flip, was that new onfo or did I just miss it?

I wish more people came here to post!! So much good stuff talk about! I'll have to just keep checking back from the HW threads.

I think it hurts that it only runs one night, and almost never is in reruns. The HW shows are on all the time, but FO is hard to find. Plus I always think it is on Tuesdays.

[bichonblitz]

That damn schedule book has been talked about for years!!!!  It's just one more thing for Jeff to control people with, IMHO.  Why doesn't he just use the calendar on his iPhone so he always has it or load everything to iCloud so that all of his staff has access to it at all times???    

I think Jeff is technology challenged. He runs his office in an old fashioned way. Also, why does the guy keep running his company out of his house with everybody crammed in one room? It's so unprofessional. What does he do when clients or vendors/contractors want to meet in his office? Jeff, rent some nice office space in a professional building and leave your personal life (and Zoila) at home where it should be. Talk about blurred lines. 

 

All that complaining last night about becoming bored with his relationship, tired of always staying home, feeling suffocated,etc...does this sound like a man ready to have a baby? Gage really needs to think this through,  he must have been extremely hurt when he saw this episode.  

[sheetmoss]

I think Jeff is technology challenged. He runs his office in an old fashioned way. Also, why does the guy keep running his company out of his house with everybody crammed in one room? It's so unprofessional. What does he do when clients or vendors/contractors want to meet in his office? Jeff, rent some nice office space in a professional building and leave your personal life (and Zoila) at home where it should be. Talk about blurred lines. 

Most likely  better tax avantages by doing so.

Or maybe it's a wash finacially between the two, but working out of home is just more convienient  for Jeff.

 

Also, I know the sofas weren't the issue in the arguemt, but either way I thought they were too big/overscaled  for that room

Edited August 13, 2015 by sheetmoss

[biakbiak]

Again it wasnt the issue but Gage was right, particularly because it was just a sitting room and there wasn't going to be a tv or as Gage pointed "we aren't even going to have a stereo system in here" and "are we just going to stare at the tile?" I hated the couches but the only way that didn't look like a doctor's office or a casting agents lobby is how Gage and Vaniva wanted them.

Edited August 13, 2015 by biakbiak

[LilaFowler]

Here is the mansion that Megan Fox and BAG had been living in: http://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hotprop-megan-fox-20140808-story.html

I personally loved it and would never move.  The view!

 

They sold it in 2014 presumably to buy the home in Toluca Lake, which is what Jeff is working on.  I don't know where they happen to be living now.

 

http://www.trulia.com/blog/celebrity-homes/brian-austin-green-and-megan-buy-house/

Edited August 13, 2015 by LilaFowler

[mojito]

I don't care if Jeff was joking or not; his comments were tasteless and insensitive.

 

If Gage made dead mother remarks and then slapped the label "joke" on them, do you think Jeff would find it funny? 

[bennyblue]

What drove me INSANE was when Jeff kept insisting he was "joking". Like ok, you were joking, but it deeply hurt someone, you are such an asshole to keep belaboring the point, just apologize!!

[Irritable]

For once, I have no support for Jeff.  I don't know why I tend to be a Jeff apologizer, because I do realize he's an ass in a lot of ways, but I've always felt that I would be able to handle him and just appreciate his sense of humor and the other side of him that can be so kind.  That comment to Gage was too much, and his apology wasn't good enough.

 

Wait, did Jeff's mother pass away?  Was it on the show?  I was wondering if we were going to see her this season.

[LIGirl]

Jeff's mother passed away when he was a teenager.

 

During the second phone conversation in the car when Gage was hanging up without saying good-bye, did anyone else but me think that when he said, "You know what, Jeff?" he was then going to say, "Fuck you! Good-bye!" and then hang up?  I totally didn't expect Gage to say, "Have a great day!"  LOL  I kind of have to give Jeff a nod on that one because that would irk the shit out of me for the same reasons Jeff mentioned.

[Irritable]

Oh, that's right - it's his grandmother we see on the show sometimes.  On the previews for the season I heard a woman's voice say "it doesn't look like my house anymore" and I had thought maybe it was her, because it seems like Jeff is always forcing upgrades and new styles on her when she's perfectly happy the way things are.  I know it's his way of showing love, but maybe grandma would just like some nice flowers occasionally instead. 

[Misslindsey]

I was okay with not saying goodbye in that instance. Jeff said something like call the person and call me back, which I too, took to mean they were done and Gage would call back after he reached out to whomever. It sounded like that was all that needed to be said and Jeff did not have anything else work related to say. It would bug me though, if often I had more to say and he just hung up. I think what makes it awkward for me to watch is that when someone screws up or does something Jeff does not like and he gets mad, his cutting remarks and anger are on full display of everyone who works there, or he vents to the various people who work for him. It is never approached one on one, and rarely in a calm manner. 

[SFoster21]

Oh, that's right - it's his grandmother we see on the show sometimes. On the previews for the season I heard a woman's voice say "it doesn't look like my house anymore" and I had thought maybe it was her, because it seems like Jeff is always forcing upgrades and new styles on her when she's perfectly happy the way things are. I know it's his way of showing love, but maybe grandma would just like some nice flowers occasionally instead.

How about using his key to visit Jenny's place and rearranging her kitchen cabinets. He always goes too far!

Too much Jeff the asshole and phony storylines about babies (no more real, imo, than several similar storylines on HW shows) and not enough real estate porn.

[breezy424]

I never really liked Gage all that much but after this episode - Gage, get out...  You're young.  You have potential.  Why do you want to stay in a relationship where you'll always be second class?  You ask Jeff how much the teak furniture cost?  Jeff's response - why do you want to know.  You're not paying for it.  He will always have control and that's the way Jeff wants it.  He tells you that his comments about having the young guys lined up is a joke.  It's not.  His comments are about control.  He has the money and he will never let you forget it.  Zoila should never speak to you the way she does but Jeff allows it because it's just another way of Jeff letting you know that he has control.  You'll never have self esteem unless you stand up to him and if he truly does love you, he'll understand that a relationship is an equal partnership.

[racked]

It is kind of depressing to see how Gage is treated. I often thought this during the Jeff and Jenny spinoff Interior Therapy, because It was utterly ridiculous when Jeff would offer advice to a domineering half of a couple.

There's a difference between a comment you're not serious about and a joke. Jeff may not seriously plan to line twinks up in his living room, but he wasn't saying it as a joke. He was saying it to hurt and control Gage and remind him that Jeff will always have other options if he doesn't keep in line.

Anyone else see joe in that kitchen shot? Guess tonight's epode was filmed before his firing.

Edited August 15, 2015 by racked

[pasdetrois]

Like a surgical air strike, Jeff pummeled Gage in all the places it hurts: age, boys, money. Those comments revealed everything about Jeff that Gage needs to know. That kind of disrespect and nastiness will always be hanging over Gage's head, and Jeff will absolutely play the financial card when he gets mad enough.

 

And we saw a master class in passive aggression: "I was just joking!"

 

AND I don't think Jeff is attractive or appealing. He's aging and pudgy. (Normally I wouldn't go there but Jeff's behavior doesn't deserve respect.) He's essentially a miserable human being.

 

I don't know...sometimes I think Gage has been using Jeff for money and "prestige." Getting that baby might seal the child support deal. So maybe they deserve each other.

[SFoster21]

Like a surgical air strike, Jeff pummeled Gage in all the places it hurts: age, boys, money. Those comments revealed everything about Jeff that Gage needs to know. That kind of disrespect and nastiness will always be hanging over Gage's head, and Jeff will absolutely play the financial card when he gets mad enough.

And we saw a master class in passive aggression: "I was just joking!"

AND I don't think Jeff is attractive or appealing. He's aging and pudgy. (Normally I wouldn't go there but Jeff's behavior doesn't deserve respect.) He's essentially a miserable human being.

I don't know...sometimes I think Gage has been using Jeff for money and "prestige." Getting that baby might seal the child support deal. So maybe they deserve each other.

If Gage "married for money," it's hard work. Years ago, when Ryan (?) left Jeff, Jeff insisted that R had "stolen" some good will or something and wouldn't let go of him anyway, constantly hanging about in the guise of caring about R's child. (He didn't; he mercilessly teased that baby). I think that Jeff was a different person when he was "courting." Gage came to care for him, and he is repaid for all the work he does--because Gage works--in this nasty and soul-destroying fashion.

(As to "child support," prob murky legally with no marriage. Not a sure thing.)

Jeff has a bad way of burning bridges. This furn catalogue is not the first time he has blown a lucrative deal through bad behavior.

He's 45, not a good age for a vain man, Gage is at least ten years younger. Jeff resents him, and it shows.

[LillysPad]

I do not think Jeff will marry Gage, even for a child. In the episode where they were collecting their sperm (can I say that here?), Jeff told Gage he would have to adopt the child once it was born, so it had Gage's last name also. That is control.

Some things I think Jeff says and does because the camera is there. This weeks fight over the couches was not one of those moments. In his rage, Jeff totally forgot the cameras were on. You could see the split second terror look in those women's eyes.

Unless Gage loves angry make up sex, he needs to ruuuuuun before they bring a baby home.

[biakbiak]

I do not think Jeff will marry Gage, even for a child. In the episode where they were collecting their sperm (can I say that here?), Jeff told Gage he would have to adopt the child once it was born, so it had Gage's last name also. That is control.

No that is standing operating procedure for gay or lesbian couples when one of them is not genetically related to the child. If neither of them were genetically related they would both have to adopt and if they go the two kid route that was discussed Jeff will have to adopt the baby that used Gage' s sperm.

[car54]

I think Jeff doesn't have a good sense of boundaries.    He is a very detatched person emotionally and he doesn't get it when he steps over the line with others and it causes real pain.    I get his joking but if I was in a personal relationship with him, I imagine it would upset me.

 

He needs to live in a place with a little guest house for Zoila so that both sides have some privacy.  I think it must be a challenge for Gage to live in the house with her if indeed she is so resentful of him.     To be honest, I think Jeff always makes his homes beautiful, but they don't feel very home-like to me, so I am not sure how comfortable I'd be living in his place and working there.

Jeff said on WWHL that the baby is happening any time now.  I think he'll be a very responsible dad, given the devotion and responsibility he's shown for his pets, but I am not sure he'll be the traditional warm, loving dad.   Hopefully the kid will grow up with a strong sense of humor so they get his personality.    Originally he planned for Zoila to be the caregiver for a child but I think she may be past that and I bet he hires a young nanny to be the main person who helps them.

[SFoster21]

I think Jeff doesn't have a good sense of boundaries. He is a very detatched person emotionally and he doesn't get it when he steps over the line with others and it causes real pain. I get his joking but if I was in a personal relationship with him, I imagine it would upset me.

He needs to live in a place with a little guest house for Zoila so that both sides have some privacy. I think it must be a challenge for Gage to live in the house with her if indeed she is so resentful of him. To be honest, I think Jeff always makes his homes beautiful, but they don't feel very home-like to me, so I am not sure how comfortable I'd be living in his place and working there.

Jeff said on WWHL that the baby is happening any time now. I think he'll be a very responsible dad, given the devotion and responsibility he's shown for his pets, but I am not sure he'll be the traditional warm, loving dad. Hopefully the kid will grow up with a strong sense of humor so they get his personality. Originally he planned for Zoila to be the caregiver for a child but I think she may be past that and I bet he hires a young nanny to be the main person who helps them.

I disagree that loving your pets translates to raising a child. I just do. There will be no baby.

[Gam2]

I also disagree that loving your pets translates into loving a child. Pets don't demand much more than shelter, food and a yard/litter box. Children are MUCH more demanding on a 24 hour a day basis. I have two children and two grandchildren (that we've spent A LOT of time with) and there is no comparison. I think Jeff is way too selfish to share his life with a child who will be more important than he is. That's  what being a parent is, Jeff --putting your child above yourself, your needs, your desires-always. If he's not willing to do that, then do not have a child. Run, Gage. This is your biggest red light from Jeff.  I'm so adamant about this because I've seen too many children who were "accessories" (or raised by nannies) who had almost no real personal relationship with their parents because their parents had no relationship with their parents, etc. Boarding school, summer camps for the entire summer, servants taking care of the kids in Europe/the Hamptons, etc. No wonder they grow up unable to have close relationships with their family members. It never ends well. The only hope is that this is a "reality show" and not real at all. End of rant.

[Gam2]

Of course, animals need love, pats, attention, walks etc. I thought that went without saying. We've had pets all of our lives and our son is a veterinarian. However, you can't leave children alone at home while you get a manicure, hit the gym, go to the grocery store, meet a friend for lunch or have date night with your husband. They require much more time and energy than pets do. Jenni has a husband and child of her own. A child will know who loves him/attends to him/is devoted to him. And Gage cannot be the only responsible parent in that household. If Jeff treats a child the way he treats his employees and especially the way he treats Gage, their child will be very aware of the criticism/put downs/sarcasm and never being good enough. I've seen enough of Jeff to believe that he's too selfish and self involved to put a child's needs above his own. He won't miraculously become a better person when that baby is born.I hope that explains my point of view.

[Gam2]

Oh, I know lots of people are raised in one parent homes. That wasn't my point. If this child was raised by Gage alone, he would probably be just fine--loved, secure and self confident. But Jeff would be there to undermine all of Gage's efforts. That was the point I was trying to make. Sorry if I didn't make that clear. And I totally agree that Jeff wouldn't be the center of the universe and he'd hate that child quickly. That thought makes me sick as a mother, grandmother, aunt, great aunt, etc. Every child deserves to be loved, disciplined and lifted up throughout his or her life. I thought I explained my viewpoint in the previous post. 

[mojito]

 

AND I don't think Jeff is attractive or appealing. He's aging and pudgy. (Normally I wouldn't go there but Jeff's behavior doesn't deserve respect.) He's essentially a miserable human being.

He walks like his diaper is full.

[LIGirl]

How the hell is this week's episode the finale already??  This season feels so short, and certainly went by way too quickly.  :(

[Kellyee]

They talk about whether they should get donor eggs from a super model, but they never talk about whether they should bring a baby into a family where both parents are 80 hour a week workaholics.

 

I also noticed that Jeni still stays for cocktail hour when she has a small child waiting for her at home. Mother of the year.

[gunderda]

I don't think this is spoiler but on What What Happens the other week Jeff said they were starting the baby process within the next week or so which i think is right about now.

 

I have full confidence that Gage knows what he's dealing with when it comes to Jeff.  They have been together a very long time and honestly I think Jeff was waaaaaayyyyyy worse when this show first began.  His anger was off the charts.  Not that what he said should be brushed off but Gage did admit that it was likely caused from Jeff bottling up too much grief. 

[Gam2]

I can't remember how long Jeff and Gage have been together. Unless Jeff has participated in intensive psychotherapy over the years, he's not changed much at all, IMO. Unless this is reality television. Oh. Yeah. This IS  reality TV. Never mind. 

[LIGirl]

I also noticed that Jeni still stays for cocktail hour when she has a small child waiting for her at home. Mother of the year.

 

I have a feeling that she does this mostly when they're filming; I doubt she stays late for cocktails that much, if at all, when they're not filming.  I also think that she doesn't work as much when they're aren't filming, too.

[Kellyee]

 

Unless Jeff has participated in intensive psychotherapy over the years, he's not changed much at all, IMO.

 

I think Jeff has become less openly aggressive, and more passive aggressive. Making nasty jokes to make a point is now his calling card. Although he has yelled multiple times this season.

[meisje]

Disappointed in the lack of design in this one. This one was kind of boring, so my husband and I just googled Meagan Fox and Brian Austin Green's net worth because we were curious about their house.

It does sound like it's meant to be a flip, was that new onfo or did I just miss it?

 

I wonder if what led up to this was the real reason why plans changed suddenly? I was actually surprised to see this news, but the switcheroo on the show was so odd that this is possibly a good explanation -- better than the "success" of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

[JocelynCavanaugh]

I wonder if what led up to this was the real reason why plans changed suddenly? I was actually surprised to see this news, but the switcheroo on the show was so odd that this is possibly a good explanation -- better than the "success" of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

 

Wow… It says they decided six months ago. How does that compare to when these episodes were filmed? BAG definitely seemed standoffish about Megan, but I thought that was just his natural personality. He comes across as still trying to live down the dorky early-seasons-of-90210 persona, even though he turned out pretty handsome.

[psychoticstate]

Here is the mansion that Megan Fox and BAG had been living in: http://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hotprop-megan-fox-20140808-story.html

I personally loved it and would never move.  The view!

 

They sold it in 2014 presumably to buy the home in Toluca Lake, which is what Jeff is working on.  I don't know where they happen to be living now.

 

http://www.trulia.com/blog/celebrity-homes/brian-austin-green-and-megan-buy-house/

 

I am totally and completely in love with that Los Feliz property.  That is a dream house to me, from the 1930s exterior to the grounds to the view to even the interior décor.  I could very happily move right in.   Interesting that Jeff and Gage's Gramercy property was also in Los Feliz and responsible, per Jeff, for their lack of a social life ("Nobody wants to drive all the way out to Los Feliz.")

 

The Toluca Lake property is a big fat meh to me in comparison. 

 

I love the original 90210 so I love the BAG man as David Silver.  I thought he had a great sense of humor over the pics they showed him and the ribbing.  Sad to hear that he and Megan have split but not surprising, all things considered.   Given that most of the other celebs have appeared with their spouses or SOs on the show, the fact that Megan did not make an appearance was telling. 

 

Hard to remember a time when I disliked Gage because I find him thoroughly likable and authentic now.  Jeff definitely hit way below the belt with that comment but he's keeping true to history.  He's very much like a petulant child who throws a tantrum and then immediately forgets what he's said and expects to be loved and given a cookie.  Everyone in that house, except maybe Gage at times, enables Jeff's every move. 

 

Does Jeff have Aspberger's?  He says things that are so inappropriate at times and is just indifferent to what he's said.

 

I liked Zoila in the beginning but man, she has gotten on my last nerve.  Even if she dislikes Gage with the fire of a thousand suns, she's totally in the wrong with how she talks to him.  And in front of the other employees.  Zero respect.  Jeff shouldn't tolerate it, I don't care how long she's been working for him.  But of course I think the vast majority of the issues they discuss in mixed company is inappropriate.

 

Sad that tonight is the season finale - - I love this show.   

[Gam2]

Ditto everything you wrote! Well done.

[TV Diva Queen]

I wonder if what led up to this was the real reason why plans changed suddenly? I was actually surprised to see this news, but the switcheroo on the show was so odd that this is possibly a good explanation -- better than the "success" of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

I heard this on the news this morning, as actually said out loud "Movie money my ass".  (because I'm too old for TMNT, then and now)