S01.E02: Devil May Care

[tessaray]

Quote

With this being Martin's week in the house to take care of the kids, he discovers that daughter Mae finds his parenting skills to be lacking and a bit sexist. Meanwhile, Lena's time in the garage gives her time to contemplate going out with a handsome doctor and perhaps taking the relationship to the next level.

[AnnaRose]

Hmm, I really liked that!  It was funny and thoughtful, and I'm thinking I was a little too harsh on the pilot last week.  So far, this series seems like it has a lot of potential.  I like this family quite a bit more than I was expecting too, so I'm in for a while.  I still don't like the best friend couple though.  Eh, maybe they'll grow on me.

[ItCouldBeWorse]

I liked the episode, but the boys being out of clean clothes 1 or 2 days into Dad's week means that Lena left him with all the dirty laundry. Now that might be reasonable if the kids have only 1 week's worth of clothes and laundry day always falls out right after the switch, but not only do I not believe either of those scenarios, I also don't believe that Lena would leave the house without leaving plenty of clean clothes for the kids.

And Martin was right about the comforter. It belongs in the house, not the humid garage, which must be too warm for a comforter anyway.

It's a garage. Is it heated in the winter? Are they in California?

Edited April 4, 2018 by ItCouldBeWorse

[readster]

9 minutes ago, ItCouldBeWorse said:

I liked the episode, but the boys being out of clean clothes 1 or 2 days into Dad's week means that Lena left him with all the dirty laundry. Now that might be reasonable if the kids have only 1 week's worth of clothes and laundry day always falls out right after the switch, but not only do I not believe either of those scenarios, I don't believe that Lena would leave the house without leaving plenty of clean clothes for the kids.

And Martin was right about the comforter. It belongs in the house, not the humid garage, which must be too warm for a comforter anyway.

It's a garage. Is it heated in the winter? Are they in California?

I can't get that Martin is that "old fashion" he doesn't know how to do laundry or that Lena would have left no laundry finished. Of course, we are suppose to believe that Martin while not having sex with Lena in 2 years never saw her getting undress or ready for bed or going to take a shower. As she put it: "The squirrel is the only man to see me naked in 2 years." They keep acting like neither one of them have common sense or it only works when the plot needs to point it out. Martin realizes a comforter in a humid garage in the middle of California is too warm. Yet, he doesn't know how to do laundry? Or Lena knows the dehumidifier needs to be on in the garage to avoid insects and other problems. Yet, can't realize she is going to be too hot with a thick bed blanket or knowing Martin doesn't do or wants to do laundry because he's sexist at times so leaves nothing for the kids? Ummm... huh? This a great cast of characters and comedic timing, but the plot has to not make sense to get the story from point A to B. 

[rho]

I know it's stupid but the joke about the card reader sold me. Those fuckers are so aggressive!

[biakbiak]

A closed skylight doesn't block the sunshine. Do kids not do chores anymore? The twins are way old enough to be doing laundry and cooking the occasional meal.

Edited April 4, 2018 by biakbiak

[bros402]

This episode was better than the pilot. I hope the next episodes are also good.

 

3 minutes ago, biakbiak said:

A closed skylight doesn't bloke your sunshine. Do kids not do chores anymore? The twins are way old enough to be doing laundry and cooking the occasional meal.

How old are the twins? 13? I don't know any 13 year old who cooks anything from scratch. Frozen stuff, heating up leftovers, sure - but making something from scratch? No way!

[biakbiak]

7 minutes ago, bros402 said:

How old are the twins? 13? I don't know any 13 year old who cooks anything from scratch. Frozen stuff, heating up leftovers, sure - but making something from scratch? No way!

Was standard for me and my friends and yes from scratch, they tons of simple dishes they could handle and most definely the laundry since Mae knew that her dad was doing it wrong.

Edited April 4, 2018 by biakbiak

[ItCouldBeWorse]

53 minutes ago, biakbiak said:

A closed skylight doesn't block the sunshine. Do kids not do chores anymore? The twins are way old enough to be doing laundry and cooking the occasional meal.

There were 3 separate pregnancies, so no twins.

[biakbiak]

4 minutes ago, ItCouldBeWorse said:

There were 3 separate pregnancies, so no twins.

Ah thanks. I misread someone elses post. Regardless the two older kids shpuld be capable of helping out.

[EdnasEdibles]

10 hours ago, readster said:

I can't get that Martin is that "old fashion" he doesn't know how to do laundry or that Lena would have left no laundry finished. Of course, we are suppose to believe that Martin while not having sex with Lena in 2 years never saw her getting undress or ready for bed or going to take a shower. As she put it: "The squirrel is the only man to see me naked in 2 years." They keep acting like neither one of them have common sense or it only works when the plot needs to point it out. Martin realizes a comforter in a humid garage in the middle of California is too warm. Yet, he doesn't know how to do laundry? Or Lena knows the dehumidifier needs to be on in the garage to avoid insects and other problems. Yet, can't realize she is going to be too hot with a thick bed blanket or knowing Martin doesn't do or wants to do laundry because he's sexist at times so leaves nothing for the kids? Ummm... huh? This a great cast of characters and comedic timing, but the plot has to not make sense to get the story from point A to B. 

The whole "Not getting undressed in front of each other" thing could very well happen. Very easily. Don't ask me how I know this.

The garage still seems like a shitty place to live without some work prior to someone moving out there. 

I have a few issues with the show:

-The friends: They're largely assholes. If I told my closest female friend how I had been sexually rejected/ignored for the past two years and how I was really excited about dating someone and feeling desired again an she was like "I think you should get back with your husband, you know, the devil you know" --- I would not consider that person to be a friend. Like I'm sorry this has upended your social life but you're being an asshole to a friend who needs support. Even her "Would you even WANT someone to tear your clothes off?" - Oh go eff yourself, happily married friend.

-The hints at reconciliation. I do not want this show to be about a divorcing couple who decides they were better together. I hate that. 

[Whimsy]

A couple of thoughts: 

1. I thought Lena was going to realize that leaving the skylight open would show that each of them can do whatever they want during their weeks in the house.  I would've kind of preferred that to be the takeaway rather than a whole bunch of squirrels in the shower.  I will say, though, I don't know anyone who opens the skylight.  It's there for LIGHT, not air....

2. Lena is a nightmare.  Why would she give so many instructions on a first kiss?  Just let him go at it.  If it's bad, then you know not to continue on.  Who else is guessing that guy at the bar will be back? 

3. I did think she looked very pretty for her date, though. 

4. I still can't warm up to the daughter.  I think it's the fact that she acts like she's better than everyone because of her "budding feminism".  I can understand the overall message of that story line, though.  My husband went through it with our daughters, too.  As soon as they got older, he was completely hands off and didn't really know how to interact with them.  Luckily enough, he came around and learned to just hang out with them and talk to them like regular people.  

5. The ending song is about abortion, so that was a really weird choice to me. 

[ItCouldBeWorse]

Will it turn out that Martin has ED and was too embarrassed to talk to Lena about it (or seek medical help)?

[EdnasEdibles]

52 minutes ago, Whimsy said:

 

5. The ending song is about abortion, so that was a really weird choice to me. 

YES! I thought that when the kid started playing. Who is teaching this child a child a Ben Folds song from 2002 about taking your girlfriend to the abortion clinic? 

I also thought the kiss instructions were unrealistic. Yes, she's a control freak - that's been established. But she's also desperate for attention and love so I think she would have just welcomed the kiss. 

[TV Diva Queen]

I like this show, I'm just having a hard time seeing what the end game is.....Is every episode going to alternate from his week to her week, and then they each get their life lesson and say sorry to each other?  Just seems to be like there's an expiration date on how long the hi-jinks can continue and how can they draw out this story.  YMMV

Edited April 4, 2018 by TV Diva Queen

[mccartygirl]

I'm actually liking this show a lot. Jenna F's character is bugging me. But I'm the only one on the planet who got sick of Pam on The Office. Towards the end, I found her annoying. I'm liking Oliver H's character a lot. He seems like a good dude. Does anyone wonder if she ever talked to him about the sex and everything else or just screamed orders at him like the kissing doctor? 

[Bazinga]

2 hours ago, TV Diva Queen said:

I like this show, I'm just having a hard time seeing what the end game is

The game will be this...

7 hours ago, EdnasEdibles said:

The hints at reconciliation.

...that they really belong together and do love each other and should get back together but wont for "reasons."  Reasons being the whole premise of the show of splitting up while still living together.  They aren't learning how to live apart but to be together.  It will be a constant will they or wont they/jealous of other relationships/rehash of things done wrong in the past/forgiving the other.  Show should be called Getting Back Together While Staying Apart.  Just my opinion.  Does not sound like a fun or long-term ride.  I am here for Jenna Fischer cuteness and that is it.  I don't enjoy the premise or the supporting cast. 

Edited April 4, 2018 by Bazinga

[BoogieBurns]

As a life-long feminist, I would like to make it very clear that I am amazing at rough housing with my dad. Even at 13. She's just cold, it has nothing to do with her feminism. However, I did threaten to stop wearing my shirt when it was hot outside since guys didn't have to. It seemed unfair since we all have nipples. I hope they give her some more layers, because right now she is a stereotype. I forgot her name. Lil Jessie Spano.

[srpturtle80]

I am enjoying it after two episodes. I will keep watching, which is probably not a good thing as every new show I seem to enjoy doesn’t last. I’ve been in love with Oliver Hudson since he played Joey’s boyfriend on Dawson’s Creek, so that is why I’m here lol.

I also noticed that someone involved with the show must be a big Ben Folds fan, as that is now two of his songs that have been featured in as many episodes. 

Edited April 5, 2018 by srpturtle80

[bluebox]

This show feels like an hour long dramedy trying to make it in a half hour slot.

[thesupremediva1]

I like this show. I like Jenna Fischer. I love Oliver Hudson and I've never seen him in anything before.

And all I have to say is this: Lindsay Price has been in hiding for about 17 years, and emerged younger and more beautiful than when she played Janet Sosna and married Steve Sanders on 90210 back in 2000. That woman has found the fountain of youth!

[Whimsy]

15 hours ago, srpturtle80 said:

I am enjoying it after two episodes. I will keep watching, which is probably not a good thing as every new show I seem to enjoy doesn’t last. I’ve been in love with Oliver Hudson since he played Joey’s boyfriend on Dawson’s Creek, so that is why I’m here lol.

I also noticed that someone involved with the show must be a big Ben Folds fan, as that is now two of his songs that have been featured in as many episodes. 

Could be Zach Braff. He’s a real music enthusiast and picks really good songs to fit scenes in the movies he’s done. I just thought that last one was an odd choice given the subject matter. Maybe he figured most people wouldn’t know. 

[BoogieBurns]

2 hours ago, Whimsy said:

Could be Zach Braff.

Is he involved with this show?

[Whimsy]

3 hours ago, BoogieBurns said:

Is he involved with this show?

Lol.  No.  I was reading the board for Alex, Inc and then this one and got confused which show I was posting in.  Oops!!  Sorry.  Disregard my comment. 

[BoogieBurns]

1 hour ago, Whimsy said:

Lol.  No.  I was reading the board for Alex, Inc and then this one and got confused which show I was posting in.  Oops!!  Sorry.  Disregard my comment. 

I was just really proud of his multitasking skills!

[chaifan]

On 4/5/2018 at 11:08 AM, BoogieBurns said:

As a life-long feminist, I would like to make it very clear that I am amazing at rough housing with my dad. Even at 13. She's just cold, it has nothing to do with her feminism. However, I did threaten to stop wearing my shirt when it was hot outside since guys didn't have to. It seemed unfair since we all have nipples. I hope they give her some more layers, because right now she is a stereotype. I forgot her name. Lil Jessie Spano.

I think the wrestling scene was a little stiff, but other than that I don't think Mae is a one-note pre-teen feminist.  I thought the scene where the guys are all wearing pussy hats was hilarious.  And I liked her response at the first table scene, where they boys are shirtless and Martin's talking about "playing mom" and Mae says (something along the lines of ) oh, so it's "playing mom" if you're taking care of your family, it should just be called "dad".  Sorry, it just irks me that in 2017 men who cook and clean for their family still refer to it as "playing mom" (or even worse, "babysitting").  I still hear it from grown men with kids.  ugh.

ETA:  I just looked up the kids on IMDB, and this is almost the first TV/film job for Mae and the younger boy.  Kid actors usually really bother me, but I like all three of these kids (so far).

Edited April 7, 2018 by chaifan

[readster]

16 hours ago, chaifan said:

Mae says (something along the lines of ) oh, so it's "playing mom" if you're taking care of your family, it should just be called "dad".  Sorry, it just irks me that in 2017 men who cook and clean for their family still refer to it as "playing mom" (or even worse, "babysitting").  I still hear it from grown men with kids.  ugh.

I know what you mean, my son doesn't say that at all. He just goes: "Dad is is doing his 'dad stuff'."  I cook and clean, do laundry and there are many co-workers of my wife who say: "Can we switch husbands?" Sad to say how stereotypes still exist, but many men and women do still fall into that category. In this case I just wanted to go: "Of course, because Martin was shown and talked about how he is a "man" that is why he can't do laundry. Cook, clean or avoided seeing his Lena naked for over 2 years. Because you know, he's a guy who doesn't know better. They depict him as a typical teen who has a helicopter parent who knows how to google something, but doesn't know how to make a grill cheese sandwich. 

[Nessie]

23 hours ago, chaifan said:

I think the wrestling scene was a little stiff, but other than that I don't think Mae is a one-note pre-teen feminist.  I thought the scene where the guys are all wearing pussy hats was hilarious.  And I liked her response at the first table scene, where they boys are shirtless and Martin's talking about "playing mom" and Mae says (something along the lines of ) oh, so it's "playing mom" if you're taking care of your family, it should just be called "dad".  Sorry, it just irks me that in 2017 men who cook and clean for their family still refer to it as "playing mom" (or even worse, "babysitting").  I still hear it from grown men with kids.  ugh.

ETA:  I just looked up the kids on IMDB, and this is almost the first TV/film job for Mae and the younger boy.  Kid actors usually really bother me, but I like all three of these kids (so far).

Oh God yes!  I can't count the number of times I told my ex it wasn't "babysitting" when he was spending time with HIS children...thank God he never tried that "playing mom" garbage, at least not within my hearing.

[readster]

24 minutes ago, Nessie said:

Oh God yes!  I can't count the number of times I told my ex it wasn't "babysitting" when he was spending time with HIS children...thank God he never tried that "playing mom" garbage, at least not within my hearing.

I hate it when parents say: "I'm babysitting my kids." No, you are PARENTING your kids. 

[BoogieBurns]

On 4/8/2018 at 4:29 PM, Nessie said:

Oh God yes!  I can't count the number of times I told my ex it wasn't "babysitting" when he was spending time with HIS children...thank God he never tried that "playing mom" garbage, at least not within my hearing.

I had a very hands-on Dad, so it is always weird to me when mom's have to carry far more than their share of the parenting. My friend (who is possibly separated now) never got to sit and eat a meal at restaurants because her husband would hand her the baby when the food arrived and tell her she needs a diaper change. I was like "why can't he do it?" Apparently I was out of line and no Dad has ever changed his own kid's diaper by the reaction of everyone at dinner. I ended up changing her diaper because my poor friend was being pushed around!

Edited April 10, 2018 by BoogieBurns
past tense is a thing

[msrachelj]

On 4/3/2018 at 11:36 PM, ItCouldBeWorse said:

I liked the episode, but the boys being out of clean clothes 1 or 2 days into Dad's week means that Lena left him with all the dirty laundry. Now that might be reasonable if the kids have only 1 week's worth of clothes and laundry day always falls out right after the switch, but not only do I not believe either of those scenarios, I also don't believe that Lena would leave the house without leaving plenty of clean clothes for the kids.

And Martin was right about the comforter. It belongs in the house, not the humid garage, which must be too warm for a comforter anyway.

It's a garage. Is it heated in the winter? Are they in California?

the garage was skeeving me out. with the bugs in the dehumidifier etc. no way i'd stay in there. from the look of that very gorgeous house....use a guest room , jeez! 

[Cherry Cola]

I like this so far! The littlest kid reminds me of Macauley Culken...and i probably spelled that wrong.  

Mae would be such a downer in real life! 

[ItCouldBeWorse]

On 4/13/2018 at 12:06 PM, msrachelj said:

the garage was skeeving me out. with the bugs in the dehumidifier etc. no way i'd stay in there. from the look of that very gorgeous house....use a guest room , jeez! 

But then they're living together, and they would revert to their old ways of Lena taking charge and Martin opting out of responsibility. 

Edited April 18, 2018 by ItCouldBeWorse

[Toothbrush]

On 4/18/2018 at 8:43 AM, Cherry Cola said:

I like this so far! The littlest kid reminds me of Macauley Culken...and i probably spelled that wrong.  

Totally agree. If it were 25 years ago I would think the actor was a Culkin.

A 14-year old learning to play a song about abortion is so very inappropriate. What were the writers thinking? 

[readster]

6 hours ago, Toothbrush said:

Totally agree. If it were 25 years ago I would think the actor was a Culkin.

A 14-year old learning to play a song about abortion is so very inappropriate. What were the writers thinking? 

I had a music teacher who tried to teach my then 11 year old niece to play: "teenage dream", but in a clean up version. Let's just say after the concert, the music teacher was told to remove that for good. Even though they saw the list and saw the edited version before approval. The parental stakeholders didn't like it. 

[Guest]

I’m fine with the use of Brick.  It’s about the feelings of loss and powerlessness, not an anthem to abortion.  People use Angel, about those same feelings surrounding anothers’ heroin overdose, for all kinds of things including those ASPCA commercials.   Teens know what abortion is and for most people it’s not some abomination relegated to whispers as if it doesn’t exist. 

I hate how on TV any single woman seems to meet a hot doctor within ten minutes of separating.   

[Nessie]

On 4/28/2018 at 9:29 AM, Winston9-DT3 said:

I hate how on TV any single woman seems to meet a hot doctor within ten minutes of separating.   

Isn't that why we have children?  So we can meet a hot pediatrician after the inevitable split with our husbands?

j/k

Edited April 30, 2018 by Nessie
figured I should clarify that I was kidding just to be on the safe side.

[Toothbrush]

On 4/29/2018 at 8:58 PM, Nessie said:

Isn't that why we have children?  So we can meet a hot pediatrician after the inevitable split with our husbands?

j/k

As the wife of a pediatrician, I sure hope not!!! :)