S03.E10: Incident At Stone Manor

[jhlipton]

I agree that Abbie's return could seem a bit rushed, I also didn't want her stuck by herself for more than one episode. I was fine with the pacing myself.
 

When she pulled the sabre (was it a sabre? I can't remember now.) out of whatever it was my first thought was "she's the one true king!"

 
Galavant had just finished a One True King story, so, yep, totally thought that.

[Miss Dee]

I understand why they rushed it, even though I'd have preferred for her exile to have lasted a few episodes for impact (as long as we saw her ordeal during that time). Even on this board there were rumblings about giving up on the show if Abbie were sidelined for more than one episode, and this is by far the most positive community I've been able to find for Sleepy Hollow (we don't constantly grumble about how the show sucks just as bad or even worse than last year and why don't they put it out of its misery already). TPTB probably didn't want to risk alienation from fans by keeping Abbie out of the action longer than one episode, even if they would have preferred it from a storytelling perspective.

Edited February 15, 2016 by Miss Dee

[topanga]

 

 

I'm still processing all of my feels.  The only thing that would have made this perfect was less filler with Jenny/Joe and a HUG with Crane and Abbie at the end.  But Tom Mison did some epic hand porn sex with Nicole Beharie's hands, so perhaps I will just let it go. 

I mean - dirty, nasty hand porn sex.

Can't. Stop. Rewatching the hand porn. Seriously, that scene was sexier and more intimate than any hug they've shared in the past or any Shonda Rhimes love scene. And they had a friggin audience!

 

Since I called it anticlimactic, I'll elaborate, not that I speak for everyone who found it anticlimactic...

 

I wasn't referring to any touching or lack thereof. They sent her to another dimension or something. It seemed all big and dramatic and worrisome and difficult.

Then we got basically one episode and Crane and the mirror and something that was not even Abbie.

 

Then we got this one. One. Her hair grows out. She draws a map. Then she pulls the sword out of the not-stone and jumps down a well. Huzzah she's back. Great emotional resonance from both actors throughout. I don't think it would've necessarily been interesting or better to drag out the separation, nor to see more of the Adventures of Abbie Alone in the Dark World; but the physical resolution (not the emotional) felt very easy and unearned to me. It dilutes the resonance of their big cliffhangers when it's that quickly and easily undone. I don't even need to worry about "gee, how ya gonna get out of this one". I just know they will, because that's who the star of the show is. There is no interesting "how". It just happens. That was anticlimactic for me.

 

 

I kinda felt the same way. It was almost like the story wasn't given enough weight. One Life felt like it was an episode that could have been pitched as a regular MoTW and then was retooled to deal with Abbie's absence, with Camacho given Beharie's lines. This one just felt a little easy. There was pathos in Abbie being on her own for ten months, but the solution was as simple as "hey, why is that sword in this rock?"' and Crane building a cabinet based on info that we didn't even see them get. Then, Crane loses his tether, but finds his way back after Abbie walks back in the room and speaks to him for five seconds. And that had to share a lot of screentime with random motw and Jenny, Joe, and Sophie bickering.

 

Good points, but here's my personal opinion: The show is essentially nothing without the Abbie-Crane dynamic. Season 2 showed us that. This week Abbie rocked

her "Castaway" scenes, and I've enjoyed previous scenes that featured Abbie and Jenny alone. But I don't want a watch any version of "Sleepy Hollow" that isn't about Abbie and Ichabod solving crimes together, fighting monsters together, being smart-alecky and funny together, and giving good hand porn--or whatever else--together. No matter how exciting the MOW is (and I loved the mysteries and monsters that Pandora conjured up earlier this season), it means nothing to me if the overreaching theme of the episode is not 'The Adventures of Crane and Abbie.'

 

So  I wouldn't have wanted to see Abbie's disappearance drawn out over several episodes, even if that would have been more organic and wouldn't have felt as rushed. This is primarily because the show isn't very interesting to me when Crane and Abbie aren't in it together. Abbie having scenes alone and Crane having scenes with the Scooby Gang aren't enough for me. Even Pandora's scenes with her Evil Significant Other don't do it for me. I need my Crane and Abbie time. And yes, I'm a shipper, but it's not just about a possible romance between the two of them. It's also about the energy and great acting that Nicole Beharie and Tom Mison bring to a scene, especially when they work together. 

[cynic]

Oh no, don't get me wrong. I totally agree that Crane/Abbie's relationship and interaction is the heart and greatest asset of the show. I didn't want them to drag out the separation either for exactly that reason. I just didn't find the the storyline that effective in the form they presented it. Perhaps it would have worked better for me if they ditched the stupid gargoyle story and made the whole hour about saving Abbie and then saving Crane, it would've worked better for me. Since they only had two episodes to deal with it, devoting so much time to B plot seemed silly.

I understand why they rushed it, even though I'd have preferred for her exile to have lasted a few episodes for impact (as long as we saw her ordeal during that time). Even on this board there were rumblings about giving up on the show if Abbie were sidelined for more than one episode, and this is by far the most positive community I've been able to find for Sleepy Hollow (we don't constantly grumble about how the show sucks just as bad or even worse than last year and why don't they put it out of its misery already). TPTB probably didn't want to risk alienation from fans by keeping Abbie out of the action longer than one episode, even if they would have preferred it from a storytelling perspective.

Then maybe they should have reconsidered this particular storyline if they felt they couldn't do it justice. And if they originally planned on a longer arc, but then decided to cut it short based on fan feedback, they are dumb as rocks. The exact same thing happened last year. It's not like the reaction could have come as a surprise.

[HalcyonDays]

Can't. Stop. Rewatching the hand porn. Seriously, that scene was sexier and more intimate than any hug they've shared in the past or any Shonda Rhimes love scene. And they had a friggin audience!

 

It's addictive, isn't it. I think this was all Mison (who has said many times that he convey's Crane's emotions via his hands). God I love this guy!!

 

[topanga]

 

It's addictive, isn't it. I think this was all Mison (who has said many times that he convey's Crane's emotionals via his hands). God I love this guy!!

Is Tom Mison really married? I know, I know. Shut up. Actors act. It's stupid fan-girls like me who try to make a fictional TV show more than what it really is. 

 

And who is Crane giving the side-eye to in the middle frame? Or he is just staring into the middle distance?

Edited February 15, 2016 by topanga

[DearEvette]

I personally don't think the plan was to ever have Abbie & Crane separated for more than one episode.  Goffman posed that idea last year and Fox shut that down real quick.  That is why Abbie was out of Purgatory in the second season premiere.  If Goofman had his way Abs would have been in Purgatory much longer.  That is why we saw pre-season pics of and Ichabod stand-in in the pink dollhouse.  Those scenes never came to pass.  So no I don't think her quick trip back from Where-the-hell-ever was based on fan reaction.  I think it is a way to give NB a bit of a showcase because I do think it is clear by now her fans are vocal.  Also I think it is a way to hedge the bets re: an actual  ichabbie romance because clearly these two need something to prod them into admitting their feelings out loud.

 

 

And who is Crane giving the side-eye to in the middle frame? Or he is just staring into the middle distance?

 

 

I think he was looking at Joe.  My interpretation of the scene (and obviously the way Tom is playing it) he was about to say something way more profound and Joe being there stopped him.

Edited February 15, 2016 by DearEvette

[catrox14]

Good lord. That gif needs an NSFW warning.

 

And FWIW, Abbie kind of started with the hand-sex to begin with when she was holding his hand in both of hers when she was trying to guide him back from the ether....and correct me if I'm wrong but...I don't think they ever let go of their hands until the very end.

 

Can someone confirm my observations?

[topanga]

Oh well, catrox14, I guess I'll force myself to watch that scene again when I get home from work. *Sigh* The things I do for my Internet friends...

[catrox14]

Oh well, catrox14, I guess I'll force myself to watch that scene again when I get home from work. *Sigh* The things I do for my Internet friends...

 

I've looked it at a few times but I fear I might be projecting my own head!canon into the show(more than I probably already do).

 

topanga,I appreciate you taking one for a fellow SleepyHead, ^5

Edited February 15, 2016 by catrox14

[Clanstarling]

The Joe/Jenny kiss may have been even worse this week.  I'm sorry, he is so bland and no eye candy.

I think mileage varies - I find him pretty attractive. Though I will agree the kiss wasn't that great.

 

It's addictive, isn't it. I think this was all Mison (who has said many times that he convey's Crane's emotions via his hands). God I love this guy!!

 

Thank you for posting this. I guess I was watching Mison's face and not his hands and wondered what the hullabaloo was about. Now I get it.

[topanga]

Last comment, I promise (at least for the next 5 minutes). I totally missed the wrist stroke. When I watched it in real time, I  was focused on the intertwining of the fingers. Thanks, HalcyonDays. 

[catrox14]

Last comment, I promise (at least for the next 5 minutes). I totally missed the wrist stroke. When I watched it in real time, I  was focused on the intertwining of the fingers. Thanks, HalcyonDays. 

 

The wrist stroking and then the stroking of the back of his own hand on her fingers.  JFC, am I going to be compelled to write Ichabbie hand sex fic now? Damn you, Mison with your hand acting.

[cynic]

RE: Abbie's hair.

Joe Webb
‏@JoeWebb13
OK, just STOP THE PRESSES. Do you see @NikkiBeharie - her hair is fantastic!!! And now, neither of our cast has to wear a wig. #SleepyHollow

 

 

 

Good lord. That gif needs an NSFW warning.

 

And FWIW, Abbie kind of started with the hand-sex to begin with when she was holding his hand in both of hers when she was trying to guide him back from the ether....and correct me if I'm wrong but...I don't think they ever let go of their hands until the very end.

 

Can someone confirm my observations?

That is what it appears like to me. They don't let go until the "joke".

 

That joke still irritates me, not just for the tease, but also because they walked out all ha ha everything is fine now, when Abbie was in a hellish situation for ten months. There better be fallout from it for her.

 

Raven Metzner on the joke:

 

 

M. Raven Metzner
‏@mraven257
"Queens Knight 4......!"  Crafty Crane.... what did ya'll THINK he would say.... @sleepywriters @SleepyHollowFOX #nevermore

[HalcyonDays]

Is Tom Mison really married? I know, I know. Shut up. Actors act. It's stupid fan-girls like me who try to make a fictional TV show more than what it really is. 

 

And who is Crane giving the side-eye to in the middle frame? Or he is just staring into the middle distance?

Unfortunately yes. Lucky wife *lesigh*. Crane glances at Joe first, who is silently giving him a look that says "tell her!"

 

II think he was looking at Joe.  My interpretation of the scene (and obviously the way Tom is playing it) he was about to say something way more profound and Joe being there stopped him.

 

I think so too. He was going to - remember a few episodes ago, where Crane tells Joe to "tell her" - Tell Jenny how he feels - and then Joe cryptically says 'When are you going to tell her (Abbie)". That's why they shared that look.

 

Good lord. That gif needs an NSFW warning.

 

And FWIW, Abbie kind of started with the hand-sex to begin with when she was holding his hand in both of hers when she was trying to guide him back from the ether....and correct me if I'm wrong but...I don't think they ever let go of their hands until the very end.

 

Can someone confirm my observations?

 

Nope they didn't. Not at all....

 

Last comment, I promise (at least for the next 5 minutes). I totally missed the wrist stroke. When I watched it in real time, I  was focused on the intertwining of the fingers. Thanks, HalcyonDays. 

 

My pleasure. Knew you guys would like those gifs! ;') Here's another...

 

 

Closeup of Hand Sex for "Educational" Purposes: 

[netlyon2]

Oh, yes, I just rewatched the episode (not even going to pretend it was for science) and the handholding was epic, even before the stroking began (*ahem*). 

• Abbie picks up his hand while he's still unconscious and holds on even when he wakes up.
• Ichabod--disoriented--stammers out his explanation of being lost and following Abbie's voice; still holding hands.
• He staggers to stand and says "No, no, no" when everyone rushes to help him up.  Still holding hands.
• Abbie leans over his vacated seat to kiss Joe on the cheek.  STILL HOLDING HANDS.

Epic, y'all.

 

I had more post-rewatch ideas, but HalcyonDays distracted me with pretty GIFs and pics.

 

PS

I think Metzner thinks he has more goodwill with the audience (namely, me) than he actually does.  And he shouldn't go using that hashtag unless the writers actually mean it.

[cynic]

....

PS

I think Metzner thinks he has more goodwill with the audience (namely, me) than he actually does.  And he shouldn't go using that hashtag unless the writers actually mean it.

 

What does the hashtag mean? I never read Poe.

[Clanstarling]

I rolled my eyes when Betsy showed up. The only reason I could see for Betsy Ross to be shoehorned in is for her to brandish a sabre - which Crane would then identify later on. The bit about the gargoyle could have been anyone, since they didn't have any useful clue that I can remember, given that the letter ended before they dealt with it in the past. While I was grateful that she was covered up - I did find it amusing that she leashed up the girls in France - the one place her cleavage wouldn't have been particularly noteworthy.

 

I actually like Sophie (used to hate her) and don't see her past as retconning, since she didn't have an established past to begin with. Her background in archeology (her own, not her parents') is a useful tool to have in the set. And while it's a bit coincidental - I think it puts her past on par with Joe's  pre-Windigo past - parents connected to the supernatural.

 

This is the first episode I actually liked Pandora - I agree her scenes with Abbie were really strong and she seemed somehow more interesting to me.

Edited February 15, 2016 by clanstarling

[Sparkling Beth]

Completely and totally off-topic here so I hope I'll be forgiven for a very brief departure from the subject at hand, but since topanga mentioned Tom Mison being married, I remembered David Boreanaz saying in an interview that Tom was a new father and wondered if anyone knew the sex of the baby.  I've googled "Tom Mison baby" several times and can't find any details.  Just curious. 

Edited February 15, 2016 by Sparkling Beth

[kieyra]

GAH shallow note. I'm one of those rubberneckers who has been here for the behind the scenes drama more than I've ever been here for the show, and I haven't paid much attention to it this season due to SBR and whatnot.

But I loaded up this last week's episode and about thirty seconds later: Good GOD I forgot how gorgeous Nicole Beharie is.

[topanga]

I remembered David Boreanaz saying in an interview that Tom was a new father

I read that this was a false rumor. But I read it on the same gossip website that originally wrote the article about Tom Mison's wife being pregnant.

 

 

But I loaded up this last week's episode and about thirty seconds later: Good GOD I forgot how gorgeous Nicole Beharie is.

I agree. I like her wild, curly-haired Chaka Khan look best. And what impressed me was her subtle, "almost gone mad" performance. Nicole has really grown as an actor. I recently saw a movie from several years ago where she played a woman with some serious mental health issues. The character was quite over-the-top. I'm sure her performance was guided by the movie's director, but I also see a maturity in Nicole's performances on SH that I didn't see in that movie.

Edited February 15, 2016 by topanga

[kieyra]

I read that this was a false rumor. But I read it on the same gossip website that originally wrote the article about Tom Mison's wife being pregnant.

 

I agree. I like her wild, curly-haired Chaka Khan look best. And what impressed me was her subtle, "almost gone mad" performance. Nicole has really grown as an actor. I recently saw a movie from several years ago where she played a woman with some serious mental health issues. The character was quite over-the-top. I'm sure her performance was guided by the movie's director, but I also see a maturity in Nicole's performances on SH that I didn't see in that movie.

Yassss, that too. I complained earlier this season that NB was playing it too cold, and I thought maybe she was just "over" this show, and I wouldn't have blamed her. Her spark seems back now.

[Miss Dee]

Wow. Usually you remember the shipping moments as being way hotter than they actually are. I think this is the first time I've seen a shipper moment tha increases in temperature the more you look at it. I actually have to pull my eyes away at times, it feels so damn intimate.

[topanga]

Wow. Usually you remember the shipping moments as being way hotter than they actually are. I think this is the first time I've seen a shipper moment tha increases in temperature the more you look at it. I actually have to pull my eyes away at times, it feels so damn intimate.

 

 

Closeup of Hand Sex for "Educational" Purposes:

I think those educational efforts would be wasted. No one can hand-act like Tom Mison. But maybe he could teach a course. A private one. Just for me. 

[netlyon2]

What does the hashtag mean? I never read Poe.

It was used Friday on Twitter to encourage the writers to stop separating the Witnesses.  After a little Twitter-fu, I think it was actually started by Joe Webb (who wrote "The Art of War" aka Norse Berserker episode) as a play on Metzner's name, and then was adopted by fans (as one person tweeted "#Nevermore should she be separated from her other half!").  Here's Webb's tweet, which was the earliest usage I could find:

Does witness separation remain in store? Quoth the @mraven257, "Nevermore." #SleepyHollow, incident at stone manor tonight! @SleepyHollowFOX

PS - I always advocate reading Poe!  Then again, I was totally THAT KID in junior high/high school, so take it for what it's worth. ;-)

 

 

[1] I rolled my eyes when Betsy showed up. The only reason I could see for Betsy Ross to be shoehorned in is for her to brandish a sabre - which Crane would then identify later on.

 

[2] I actually like Sophie (used to hate her) and don't see her past as retconning, since she didn't have an established past to begin with. Her background in archeology (her own, not her parents') is a useful tool to have in the set. And while it's a bit coincidental - I think it puts her past on par with Joe's  pre-Windigo past - parents connected to the supernatural.

[1] Wow, you're more perceptive than I am; I totally didn't make that connection.  In my defense, though, I don't even question the Betsy Ross flashbacks anymore.  I just grit my teeth and hope they'll be over soon. 

 

[2] Yay, come sit with me!  Sophie's past makes total sense to me, given her character's introduction.  When she first mentioned her parents being archaeologists, I thought "oh, okay, that's why she was qualified to go undercover with Nevins."  It also fits that her background would lead to being more open to believe in the supernatural.  I'm always happy to call the writers on characterization-related chicanery (cue horror music as I flash back to Season 2), but I have no problems with this one. 

[Miss Dee]

My pleasure. Knew you guys would like those gifs! ;') Here's another...

Closeup of Hand Sex for "Educational" Purposes:

Dammit, Abbie's face when she gets like that is the youngest and most vulnerable I've ever seen her look. How Crane resisted throwing himself on his knees and professing his undying love there and then is a mystery. I damn near did it myself right there in front of my TV.

And I cannot see for the life of me how that hand job (heh heh) could ever be seen as platonic. If one of my platonic friends ever tried that with me they'd be finding out what for *real* fast.

All that said....

I'm really not expecting to find out they slept together or made out or even talked about this further by the next episode. I do think the writers are writing any romance between Abbie and Crane very much in the vein of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Which I'm fine with, *if* we get another season. If this one is it, I really need to see the buildup to the romantic climax here (and you can take that any which way you like), and not have everything take place off screen or in subtext only.

[cynic]

Thanks for the explanation and research, netlyon2!

 

Poe just seemed a bit dark for my tastes in school. Of course, now  I watch stuff like this so maybe I should give him a chance.

 

I just rewatched the episode and realized something. What happened to the rope? In a world where the sun never moves and Abbie's biological processes are suspended, it doesn't seem likely that it would decompose. 

 

I like AV Club's review.

http://www.avclub.com/tvclub/abbie-through-playing-games-sleepy-hollow-232206

Edited February 15, 2016 by cynic

[HalcyonDays]

I think those educational efforts would be wasted. No one can hand-act like Tom Mison. But maybe he could teach a course. A private one. Just for me.

 

He's a pretty brilliant actor all around. But sorry topanga. you'll have to fight me for the spot in that course!! ;')

[Sparkling Beth]

 

 

I remembered David Boreanaz saying in an interview that Tom was a new father

I read that this was a false rumor. But I read it on the same gossip website that originally wrote the article about Tom Mison's wife being pregnant.

Here's the article to which I was referring.  It seems to be a conference call between David, Tom, and USA Today, and toward the end Boreanaz clearly says that they talked about their lives and Tom just had a new baby.

 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2015/10/28/sleepy-hollow-bones-crossover-episodes-halloween/74691524/#

[catrox14]

He's a pretty brilliant actor all around. But sorry topanga. you'll have to fight me for the spot in that course!! ;')

 

Nope. The line forms behind me.

[HalcyonDays]

Nope. The line forms behind me.

 

[wisteria]

When the camera initially zoomed out to show the gigantic pyramid thing that Abbie emerged from, I thought oh, no, she's in the vampire thing in From Dusk Til Dawn?

 

Ha! It was actually the very, very cool Bellwood Quarry, also seen in S1 of The Walking Dead, the singing scene in Mockingjay, and half the other movies/shows filmed in Atlanta. I tried to take a tour last May, but it was shut down to film Captain America. 

 

Re: Betsy Ross. I posted in the spoilers thread that I went to the ATVfest screening of this episode last week. In attendance were Greenwood, Appelman, Camacho, and Reed. Nikki said that she actually filmed four separate scenes with the Lafayette character, and she even spent hours learning French pronunciation so she could say her lines properly. It sounded like most of her scenes this season have been edited out. Reed sounded a little disappointed (though NOT bitter, for the record) but said that it's just the nature of the business. She also said that from the start the writers intended the Betsy-Ichabod relationship to be platonic -- even if it didn't always come across onscreen -- and that aspect is more clear in some upcoming episodes.

 

Overall, the screening and especially the Q&A were a lot of fun, and it was neat to see the actors' camaraderie; I only wish Beharie and Mison had been there too. And yeah, they do apparently have a standing date to watch the episodes at one of their houses. I'd love to finagle an invite one Friday night!

Edited February 16, 2016 by wisteria

[bethy]

Reed sounded a little disappointed (though NOT bitter, for the record) but said that it's just the nature of the business. She also said that from the start the writers intended the Betsy-Ichabod relationship to be platonic -- even if it didn't always come across onscreen -- and that aspect is more clear in some upcoming episodes.

She sounds like a nice person, who is making the best of a difficult situation, but the "even if it didn't always come across that way on-screen," makes it sound like they couldn't control their chemistry. They had her kiss him and bat her eyelashes at him while wearing a bustier. It was only their anti-chemistry that made the relationship "platonic." I think it's more clear in upcoming episodes because they dialed the writing back when they realized that relationship was a dud.

Edited February 16, 2016 by bethy

[phoenics]

It's addictive, isn't it. I think this was all Mison (who has said many times that he convey's Crane's emotions via his hands). God I love this guy!!

 

*dead*

[phoenics]

Also - I memorized Poe's "The Raven" when I was in 7th grade... so when I saw #Nevermore I thought Metzner was pimping himself since he's M. Raven Metzner.

That's kinda cute of a fan to apply that to him and he loved it so much he picked it up - except if he doesn't intend to make good on it, then shame.

I can still quote almost the whole poem verbatim. I devoured Poe stuff. Which is weird since scary stuff terrifies me... some of his short stories were scary. But I love Poe. Still have his books. I might go back and reread some stuff... especially that one of the stranger on the road at night? I just remember something about that and the person disappearing or being a ghost, etc.. Maybe I shouldn't go back to read that, lol.

Edited February 16, 2016 by phoenics

[Happytobehere]

This reminds me of something I read a couple of years ago about NB. She had a SH event in the UK between S1 and S2 and was nervous about the event because she didn't know how they would respond to her or even if she was a draw for the audience. Imagine her shock and joy when the audience was ESTATIC to see her! They absolutely LOVED her. She was completely floor and overwhelmed. It was a great moment...

To add to this, NB was told not be be surprised if fans didn't show up to see her because of the race thing. The showrunners could not conceive of the fact that people who are not of color would want to see the black girl. This misunderstanding of people in general and their audience in particular was the cause of the show's downfall. They could not read their audience and tried to create the Katrina show because that's the show they wanted. Too bad NB and TM and I guess OJ, who dared to speak up paid the price.

I am torn between the slow burn and concerns that we will not get a fourth season. I hope Fox lets the showrunners know one way or the other while taping is still going on, so the show can have proper closure. Also mixed in this is concern about whether the show runners want Ichabbie -- I said back when the behind the scene changes were happening that far too many of those there under the Guffman reign were left in place to poison the well of the new writing team.

[Three]

I enjoyed the ep. I like where it seems to be heading.  The Betsy Ross thing still perplexes me. So clunky. So far my theories have been: Some PTB has a crush on her and she’s been foisted on them, she has an unbreakable contract (unbreakable!) or the network is testing out whether to create a Betsy Ross action show a la Agent Carter. She is annoying me less now that the wardrobe, the delivery and the alt-leading lady vibes have settled down. Also she earned some goodwill for not trampling on/inserting herself into ichabbie in interviews. I see you Lyndie Greenwood! But as soon as BR is on I’m checking my phone, or whatever. It’s not even conscious, just disinterest.
Also hoping for satisfying end if there’s to be no season 4. Cannot believe they thought no one would be there for a NB appearance. She’s amazing. Kind of sums up the whole problem really, no idea.
And, the hands were enough for me in that episode. She had just made her way back from 10 months alone in a quarry. Time and a place and all that.

[DeLurker]

So last week, it was always the MoTW who wrote Help Me on the mirror? But what about Abbie's camisole he found on the stairs?

I've gotten myself confused...

I think if TPTB tried to separate Crane & Abbie, they'd get more Katrina and Betsy Ross level ardor by TM with him and NB smoking up every scene they had together.

I didn't mind Betsy Ross in the flashback until she spoke. I'm resigned to having her as part of every ep, but for I have to listen to her too?

[Three]

Yes, I was wondering how the monster managed to shift the camisole if it was trapped behind a mirror. Also very good backward writing, monster! (Wrong week, sorry.)

 

I'm sort of expecting them to bring in the camisole again. This time for good reasons.

[Three]

Ok. Last one and then I'll go. Looking at the gifs above, they end up holding hands in a very handfasting-ish way there. Swoon.

[LeeLeePanda]

I enjoyed the ep. I like where it seems to be heading.  The Betsy Ross thing still perplexes me. So clunky. So far my theories have been: Some PTB has a crush on her and she’s been foisted on them, she has an unbreakable contract (unbreakable!) or the network is testing out whether to create a Betsy Ross action show a la Agent Carter.

I'm going with unbreakable contract. Nikki Reed has been around for years, and made a bit of name for herself. I'm guessing she's on contract for the entire season even if she's only on screen for 10 seconds. One one hand that's not a bad way to make some change. On the other, she's not going anywhere.

[Snookums]

PS - I always advocate reading Poe!  Then again, I was totally THAT KID in junior high/high school, so take it for what it's worth. ;-)

 

If you're interested, netlyon ( and phoenics  and cynic too!) There's a marvelous one man play called I Might Be Edgar Allen Poe that'd you love. It's basically a guy in a mental health facility mentally channeling Poe to deal with the trauma that put him there.  Here's the actor/writer's web page that has some of his performance posted on it:http://www.dawsonnichols.com/poe.html

 

I rolled my eyes when Betsy showed up. The only reason I could see for Betsy Ross to be shoehorned in is for her to brandish a sabre - which Crane would then identify later on. The bit about the gargoyle could have been anyone, since they didn't have any useful clue that I can remember, given that the letter ended before they dealt with it in the past. While I was grateful that she was covered up - I did find it amusing that she leashed up the girls in France - the one place her cleavage wouldn't have been particularly noteworthy.

 

Well, to be fair, I believe they were fighting the gargoyle after the entire bell tower had been brought over from France and re-installed in America. That has happened both in real life (google the original London Bridge--it's in Arizona!) and in Poe's fiction (The Fall of the House of Usher.)

Edited February 16, 2016 by Snookums

[jhlipton]

So I wouldn't have wanted to see Abbie's disappearance drawn out over several episodes, even if that would have been more organic and wouldn't have felt as rushed. This is primarily because the show isn't very interesting to me when Crane and Abbie aren't in it together.

IF we hadn't had Abbie sidelined in Purgatory far too long in Season 1 and virtually sidelined most of Season 2, I think there would have been enough good will to seperate them for 3 or 4 episodes. Alas, we'll never know.

 

Oh well, catrox14, I guess I'll force myself to watch that scene again when I get home from work. *Sigh* The things I do for my Internet friends...

 

And we appreciate your sacrifice!

 

In he first GIF, you can see that Abbie starts the hand porn: by rolling her thumb across his hand.

 

Closeup of Hand Sex for "Educational" Purposes:

The way her hand closes around his at the end... I'll be in my bunk...

 

But I loaded up this last week's episode and about thirty seconds later: Good GOD I forgot how gorgeous Nicole Beharie is.

Isn't she exquisite? Such an expressive actress and so beautiful as well.

[netlyon2]

If you're interested, netlyon ( and phoenics  and cynic too!) There's a marvelous one man play called I Might Be Edgar Allen Poe that'd you love. It's basically a guy in a mental health facility mentally channeling Poe to deal with the trauma that put him there.  Here's the actor/writer's web page that has some of his performance posted on it:[url=http://www.dawsonnichols.com/poe.html]http://www.dawsonnichols.com/poe.]

  

 Wow, snookums, that looks awesome! Thanks for the info.

IF we hadn't had Abbie sidelined in Purgatory far too long in Season 1 and virtually sidelined most of Season 2, I think there would have been enough good will to seperate them for 3 or 4 episodes. Alas, we'll never know.

Agreed. In fact, as lovely as the hand porn was, I'm still amazed that the team hired to turn things around proceeded to follow almost the exact same course (Abbie sacrifices herself by jumping into or staying in another place, but manages to get herself out with an assist from Ichabod). I'd mostly let it go, but then they had Abbie shine a big ol' light on it with the whole "I got out of Purgatory; I got out of the 1700s; I can get out of this" pep talk. It just made me roll my eyes (whereas the listing of monsters they defeated together to boost themselves before facing THO/Pandora was actually quite endearing).

[DeLurker]

I hadn't noticed the hand job until reading about it here (and seeing it too, so thank you HalcyonDays (I think that was who posted)) and, um...there needs to be a clever name and award for this non-verbal acting that says sooooooo much.

[DearEvette]

I hadn't noticed the hand job until reading about it here (and seeing it too, so thank you HalcyonDays (I think that was who posted)) and, um...there needs to be a clever name and award for this non-verbal acting that says sooooooo much.

 

I love how this has been variously described on here as "hand stuff", "hand porn", "hand sex", "hand porn sex" and  "hand-fucking" but for some reason DeLurker's "Hand Job" just makes it sound so much more.... dirty.  LOL.

Edited February 17, 2016 by DearEvette

[phoenics]

Trollando has spoken and dubbed it #HandPorn: https://twitter.com/TheOrlandoJones/status/698341386391674880

Well, I actually think I might have said it on twitter first (like right when it happened, lol), but I'll give it to him.

[possibilities]

Wow, Orlando Bloom's twitter is awesome. I never looked at it til now.

[festivus]

Well I don't really have much to say that hasn't already been said but, um, thanks for the "educational purposes" hand porn. 

 

Isn't she exquisite? Such an expressive actress and so beautiful as well.

 

There was one episode last season with Crane and Abbie talking on a porch and I literally gasped. It was like staring into the sun.

 

Regarding Joe and Jenny; I do see a fair bit of chemistry there but for some reason the kisses are coming off bland.

[topanga]

Well I don't really have much to say that hasn't already been said but, um, thanks for the "educational purposes" hand porn. 

 

There was one episode last season with Crane and Abbie talking on a porch and I literally gasped. It was like staring into the sun.

 

"It was like staring into the sun."  Nice metaphor.  -- minus the instant blindness. 

 

One of my favorite Ichabbie moments remains the scene from Season One's "For the Triumph of Evil," when they'd just returned from fighting the Sandman. They're sitting side by side, catching their breath and still reeling over their supernatural near-death experience. Crane and Abbie banter a bit then share a laugh that's so subtle yet so intimate that it made me swoon.