S01.E09: Authentic Flirt

[mandigirl]

I unabashedly enjoyed this episode. Tv trope? Yes- but a little levity looks good on this show. Even the 'WTF?' moment when Jane didn't know what WITSEC stood for (??) couldn't dull my enjoyment. 

 

I thought the quick glimpse we got of Reade in a tux was infinitely better.

 

Any glimpse of Reade is always better. I've seen that actor before but for whatever reason, he looks amazing on this show. Patterson's hair was also looking fabulous.

 

Was that Moriarity's house from Elementary? The house Sherlock and Watson found her in? It sure looked like it.

 

It DID look like it, but I didn't connect them together until you mentioned it! I don't know if it was the same house though-- the layout looked different. But maybe the show has the same location person!

 

Again, I'm probably alone but I still think Kurt and Jane actually have chemistry 

 

I think Kurt and Jane have good chemistry, I'm just not sure it's the RIGHT chemistry. Weller always looks like a hungry wolf around her while Jane, as soon as she's alone with him, reverts to what I call 'Kindergarten Jane'. She regresses to this weird, scared little girl. The combo of 'smolder' with 'doe-eye' is kind of off-putting. At least for awhile, when they were undercover, she couldn't go all Kindergarten Jane, and it was quite pleasant to see them as a couple. 

 

Monochrome Flashback Jane has better hair than Present Jane, and a pint of Brylcreem doesn't help.

 

I loved Jane's dress but I wasn't sure why they slicked back her hair in this episode.  J A mentioned in an interview that apparently people are copying her hair style? Go figure. I also liked that she was wearing sensible wedges under her gown. Many other shows would have put her in 3 inch heels. A small, but appreciated detail.

[Netfoot]

J A mentioned in an interview that apparently people are copying her hair style? Go figure.

 

That's a style?  I thought there'd been a domestic accident involving a gas barbecue.

[jhlipton]

I liked Rich.Com -- best character they've had in a while.
 
When David was in the library, I was hoping he'd go to the books the Red-Headed Girl (cf Charlie Brown) was marking, write the message then make up something weird of his own.  Instead he had to play spy.  If his tail was sent by Mayfait, he did a piss-poor job of protecting David.
 
When Jane came out in slo-mo, I thought "All dressed-up as still ugly-as-f***!"
 
I loved the fight in the rumpus room: Fight with Weller.  Now fight with Jane.  Now fight with Weller again.  They make such a great team! [eyeroll]
 
Assassins like the Bulgarian couple don't set up meets every day, or even every week.  Jane's tattoos were applied by tie-travelers -- that's the only explanation.

 

Reade would have fit better as the other assassin than NeckBeard McGrumpy.

[penelope79]

David was confirmed dead as soon as he was onscreen, but my poor cutie. It isn't Tree Guy who found him, right? If so, then I think the Redhead might actually be a red herring and Tree Guy did him. My money is still on "he's a bad guy" shocking twist.

 

Guerrero, I didn't expect him to die until, as said above, I saw the muscular janitor conveniently posted there. But yeah, too bad that he can't recurr.

 

I'm so glad that Zapata said no to Evil CIA Man, but now I'm worried she'll end up as some unanounced but "shocking" death.

 

You're still not alone. I enjoyed the shippy moments, including the fact that it included a good part of the TV trope directory. At least, the writers are clear on their intentions and don't play coy; the audience knows what to expect.

I also like that Jane mentioned her flashbacks of Tree Guy (hopefully, she'll give the tattoo detail, too) not because of the personal dimension, but because it's relevant to the Tattoo Mystery.

And I did love to see them play dress-up -Patterson was wow!.

I also wish the housewarming scene was longer, with a look at more different interactions outside of work, but on second thoughts maybe it had more impact as part of a montage; and yay, Weller smiles more and more. Although poor Patterson's grief is probably going to damper it.

 

It's only a few episodes into the show, so I don't think it's too late on a pure development standpoint -some shows that I won't name are still trying to revamp the same character several seasons in. Oh, of course, I don't mean to imply in the least that it shouldn't be too late for you, because it's the way you perceive the character and I wouldn't argue on this.

For me, it works, particularly because I see it more as an inflexion than as complete personality transfer. Weller is supposed to have "walls" as his ex reminded the audience (with the lightness of an anvil, yes) and to be that stern/closed off/emotionally impaired individual. I would have had a hard time buying the description/concept if he didn't give that first impression to the viewers, too, and was Mr.Sensitive or Smiley Jack from the start. The way I see it, he's been revealing little by little other more relaxed and warm aspect of his personality for a few episodes now, so I buy it as a natural progression. Again, my views only.

 

Happy Harpy, I know I can count on you by now: we basically watch the same shows and even share the same views, EVER! :)

[Tara Ariano]

In case you missed it, here's the Previously.TV post on the episode!

 

Rules Of Engagement
Jane and Weller go undercover to catch a Darknet crime lord, and the show suffers an unacceptable loss.

[paigow]

Show, I do appreciate the visuals of Francois Arnaud (Tree Guy)... 

He can get a spinoff- One Tree Hill

[blackwing]

I really loved this episode.  It felt like an episode of the old Mission Impossible TV series, where the characters would dress up and go undercover.  I am still liking both Weller and Jane but that may be because of my fondness for both actors.

 

Glad that David got killed.  Didn't care for him at all.  He was trying way too hard with Patterson and he was just utterly stupid tailing red haired lady all day and all night.  His death was thoroughly deserved.

 

Loved seeing the team at the end in the silent scenes at the end drinking beer and eating pizza and laughing.  Why can't we have more of these scenes, but with actual sound?

 

Regarding Sullivan Stapleton's neck beard:

 

For me the combination of the length (not fuzz, not full, exactly the same as on his head) and production's fondness for extreeeeme close-ups create the impression that Weller is covered in fur, sort of like a wolf- or caveman.

 

Have you seen Strike Back?  He pretty much is.  

[Xantar]

I haven't seen anybody mention this yet, so I'll just talk about my favorite little touch.

 

(Jane and Kurt are escorting Rich.com out when they are confronted by two guards)

 

Rich.com: HA! You're stuck! Well, I guess you'll either have to let me go or else they'll kill you. What's it gonna be?

 

Me: Wait a second. There are two guards. One each for Jane and Kurt. So why don't they just...

 

Jane and Kurt: *BLAM*

 

(Guards die)

 

I admit. It made me smile.

 

I haven't minded the Jane and Kurt relationship up until now. It's clear that they are supposed to get together and are probably the end game, but up until now the writing hasn't forced it.

 

I say "up until now" because man that was anvilicious. Let's cut that out, ok?

[Free]

Glad that David got killed.  Didn't care for him at all.  He was trying way too hard with Patterson and he was just utterly stupid tailing red haired lady all day and all night.  His death was thoroughly deserved.

 

He was warned repeatedly and chose to ignore them each time.

[Texasmom1970]

Maybe it's just me but .I thought Jane looked much better before she got dressed up. I think the hair was throwing me, like it better down.

When Weller was protesting about them patting Jane, a.k.a pretend wife down was the only time I felt chemistry from his side. He said he was just playing the role of jealous husband. He seemed actually jealous.

Super sleuth boy wonder got what ge deserved. I liked his character but he just couldn't leave well enough alone.

[krimimimi]

There's something almost implicitly insulting in David's treatment of the sleuthing. Like he's been told it's classified and dangerous and very much none of his business, but by gum, if Patterson can work with this, then surely he can, too. There's a tacit lack of respect, even if not willfully mean-spirited, for her and her work. Of course, the groundwork for that was laid in the past in his pushiness about the tattoos or moving in, so good characterization there.

And still i'm sorry to see the NerdMuffin go. *sniff* Enjoy Witsec, David. I'll miss you.

[saber5055]

Regarding Sullivan Stapleton's neck beard:

 

Even Rick Grimes kept his neck shaved while sporting a full beard. Then he shaved it all off in S5. If someone can do that during the zombie apocalypse, SS can at least manage half a shave being he has a full-time residence complete with bathroom, mirror and running water.

 

What, he can't? Oh.

[wrlord]

I think David got caught because of his bright purple lipstick (I know that wasn't just my tv).

And I don't understand the whole tux/failing to groom thing. It's like putting perfume on a pig.

[Dowel Jones]

GAH! David's gone, but Weller's neck beard is still alive and well!

 

I'm waiting for the episode where a thorough examination of one of Jane Doe's tattoos reveals a razor.

 

(Guards die)

 

I often wonder at the hiring practices of criminal top dogs such that their bodyguards/henchmen/assassins are willing to die in an unfair fight.  All that money last week doesn't mean squat now; why are you still there in the middle of a gunfight?  Oh well.  Order up some more redshirts.

Edited November 20, 2015 by Dowel Jones

[Free]

There's something almost implicitly insulting in David's treatment of the sleuthing. Like he's been told it's classified and dangerous and very much none of his business, but by gum, if Patterson can work with this, then surely he can, too. There's a tacit lack of respect, even if not willfully mean-spirited, for her and her work. Of course, the groundwork for that was laid in the past in his pushiness about the tattoos or moving in, so good characterization there.

And still i'm sorry to see the NerdMuffin go. *sniff* Enjoy Witsec, David. I'll miss you.

 

It is and it was annoying, he was told this several times and warned about the dangers.

[jhlipton]

It is and it was annoying, he was told this several times and warned about the dangers.

 

And it;s not like he didn't have alternatives.  He knew which books were marked.  Easy-peasy to find the pages, copy the messages and leave a new messgae, just to mess with the other spies.

[Free]

And it;s not like he didn't have alternatives.  He knew which books were marked.  Easy-peasy to find the pages, copy the messages and leave a new messgae, just to mess with the other spies.

 

Exactly, don't try and tail people, especially if you can't even do it well.

[dr pepper]

Poor David. I've been a real fan of that actor since The LA Complex, he does nerd so well. He's still on Grey's Anatomy, but while he is cute, you have be at least pretty, if not smoldering to become a regular on that show. So we might as well start fantasy casting him now.

[Beth64]

I think the ex gave an explanation of Kurt's personality by saying he was an introvert. Lol. If they cast JA first, they needed a tall actor to play Kurt. Limits the options. Maybe SS is bubbly in real life and this portray is acting. ;)

[paigow]

Exactly, don't try and tail people, especially if you can't even do it well.

It reminded me of Daniel Craig in Casino Royale...3 different times in that movie he was tailing people so obviously it was hilarious.

[wineaux]

Why did Mayfair get the call about Patterson's boyfriend?

 

Chain of command, perhaps?  I didn't think it was odd.  It's possible that she is the first point of contact when something like this happens to someone on her team or related to her team.

[damnman]

When I heard that they were going undercover I turned to Mr. D and said, "finally he can trim that neck beard" only to see the "pig with lipstick" makeover. I do not understand the slicking back of Jane's hair, I don't find that fancy or fashionable (A-list celebs do that too and I dont' get it, along with posing with your long hair swept over your one shoulder - looks dumb), but I did enjoy Rich Dotcom, he added some lightness to this otherwise dark show. 

[amass]

Assassins like the Bulgarian couple don't set up meets every day, or even every week.  Jane's tattoos were applied by time-travelers -- that's the only explanation.

My son and I are convinced she's from the future too

[TV Anonymous]

My nitpick is on Dotcom's comment about cognac. Cognac does not have 70% abv. It is usually around 40%, just like other kind of brandy. As well, while cognac is a kind of brandy and eau-de-vie is a kind of brandy, cognac does not equal eau-de-vie. They are completely different.

[John Potts]

How is it that Stubbly can obsess over Jane so much yet completely fail to see her freak out over putting on a ring? I thought Agents were meant to be trained observers! And he's clearly not a skilled undercover agent either, because you'd think he'd learn to chill while security "frisked" Jane (it's not like SHE isn't well capable of decking the guy if he's getting a little too handsy). And did we REALLY need a flashback for how he stole the Security Pass? It was five seconds before, I think most people could work it out!

 

Actionmage Rich.com was slimy, but entertainingly slimy. So pretentious, so "over it", yet he had an ego the eastern seaboard couldn't even hope to contain

 

He also had a degree of ruthlessness the Bad guys rarely show - shooting a guy (wrongly, as it happened) because he was a potential threat, rather than leaving him alive to cause problems. Though a more competent villain would actually keep somebody in their security office so our heroes couldn't just stroll in and trash the place. Though I will never understand why bad guys insist on moving their people by helicopter. Drive into an underground car park & switch cars - not as glamorous but much harder to track

 

 

Netfoot  Patterson was very pneumatic at the gala.

 

Glad I'm not the only one who noticed! And as pretty much my favourite character in the series, I was gutted for her at the end, even if her ex acted like a complete idiot and really should have tipped somebody off (I hope he left some sort of clue behind).

 

omgsowicked I'm confused, CIA guy had Guerrero shanked because... ? I know he didn't like Mayfair's plan but I can't remember why.

 

Two reasons, really:

1) Mayfair was (I think) claiming the info from "Daylight" was derived from intel provided by Guerrero

2) Because he's EVIL, so he's contractually obliged to!

[MDL]

Due to a weird work schedule, I missed all the eps last fall, and only saw the last few in yesterday's "Blindspot Marathon", but when I saw David and Patterson (?) at the food truck, where he had rearranged the menu board to say lovey things, I looked at him and said "you poor bastard, you're a dead man"....was it that obvious in any earlier episodes that he was in?

[jhlipton]

was it that obvious in any earlier episodes that he was in?

 

Oh yeah.  He pretty much had "Dead Boyfriend Walking" or double-agent status right from the get-go.

[Zonk]

So the FBI had nobody surveiling that book? How incompetent are these people.