Editorial: The Anger Management
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Okay, so the fight didn’t happen. Insert me using my computer as a punching bag. Remember how I love fist fights? No fist fight, no happiness!! Actually, I thought this episode was pretty good. Of course, you know what would have made it even better…
1: Kirsten and Sand
[Quote] “No, I’m your wife.”—Kirsten [End Quote]
Finally some good Kandy time! Kirsten was plenty busy with the charity auction, and I liked how Sandy was treating her fragily. It is only natural and I expected him to. Although, and don’t hurt me, I would have liked to see some temptation on Kirsten’s behalf. We all know how much those Newpsies drink and just one longing look might not hurt. She did just get out of rehab. Trust me, I do not want to see another alcohol problem, but I want to see a little bit of drama on her part that has nothing to do with random ex-lovers or bearded co-workers.
Now, about Sandy and his emotional moment. I really felt for him. And I really wanted to slap him. That new kid is playing him! His intentions seem good, but no newcomer’s intentions are EVER actually good! Hasn’t he learned anything? I know, I know, the focus was on how Sandy doesn’t know if he is cut out for the job. Nicely scripted was the last scene between Kirsten and Sandy. Cute, touching, and setting a tone for future doubts.
2: Julie and Kirsten
[Quote] “This town’s really only big enough for one manipulative bitch.”—Julie [End Quote]
I refuse to believe that Charlotte is gone. Is that it? How can she just leave with a simple “Go home, bitch.”? Denial is what I think this is called… This storyline was okay, but a little predictable. Thank heavens the writers decided to make Julie somewhat human, although it would have been interesting to see what would have happened had she gone along with the scam. Friendship may get Julie a lot of things, but it won’t get her money. Next episode looks good with her standing in front of a mobile home. While I don’t want to see Marissa leave, it will be interesting to see Julie back at her roots.
Goodbye Charlotte. You were loved dearly. Actually, no you weren’t. But you were, after Oliver of course, the best villain this show has seen. And one of the best actors to boot.
3: Ryan and Marissa
[Quote] “You really wanted to hit him, didn’t you?”—Marissa [End Quote]
Ah, yes, Ryan and Marissa. What else is there to say except that “I’m proud of them.” Seriously, that line drove me crazy. I know how important it is in a relationship for each person to vocalize their support, but I thought that was just too mushy. The second time around was nauseating. Call me cold-hearted or what have you, but deep down you know it bothered you too.
Okay, now on to the part you all know is coming (and if you don’t then you obviously didn’t read the last editorial or the beginning of this one). There was no fight. Still, the almost-fight was pretty intense, in an obviously-not-going-to-actually-fight way. (Say that three times fast.) When you break it down, it is a lose-lose situation. Half of the people want to see more fists of fury, others want to see more…thought. Guess which one I’m in. Bet you guessed wrong. I am right in the middle, meaning I can never be satisfied. Sometimes I want to see bashing, other times I want to see head scratching and chin rubbing. Tonight (or rather Thursday) I wanted to see bashing. Simply because Volchok really is a jackass. Had it been, say, Johnny, I would want him to use his head.
Enough with my confusing thoughts. The almost fight scene was, as I said, intense and the zoom between the broken bottle and the beam was great. I love good camera work. What I also love are feelings that bring tears to your eyes and make your heart melt a little.
The punching bag scene did just that. I have only watched this episode once, but I have watched that scene ten times already. It showed all the anger and frustration Ryan had, and how no matter what he says, all he really wanted to do was bash Volchok’s face in. And it was just…touching. If you weren’t touched, then you missed out.
4: Seth and Summer
[Quote] “Sucks for Angelina. Then again, I bet Brad and Jen used to be a ten.” –Taylor [End Quote]
One moment of glory for me: Summer overreacted, just as I had predicted. Victory lap! Unfortunately, this lap is cut short by the fact that this all that ever happens. Not to say that Summer doesn’t have reasons not to trust Seth. Shall I remind you of Vegas, Florida, LA, and Reed? I can understand why Seth lied to Summer, but where it was going was obvious.
The bitch slap was great and all, but I was expecting something more dramatic. There are so few slaps in this show (surprisingly) that when they happen I expect something more. Although, I have to say that the lines that went along with them were great.
Once again, I loved Taylor. Her little talk with Ryan was absolutely hilarious. But I also pity her at the same time. Seth is the greatest, even though he is falling headfirst into a trap that will ultimately result in a brief break-up with Summer and him going off on Taylor. When she squealed when Seth said they were friends, I was saddened. That poor girl with no friends… “It’s happening!” That is so junior high when the guy in your science class winks at you and your whole day is brighter. (And no, I’m not talking from experience. I’m simply forced to witness such acts.) After that trip down memory lane, I don’t think there is much else to say.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10. It wasn’t as blurry as the Perfect Storm, but it was still quite blurry. In all honesty, I can barely remember what happened less than a week (okay, almost a week) later. That is not a good sign. Still, I though this episode was the right balance of thinking, love, and whatever else the hell makes it the perfectly balanced episode.
Random Thoughts to End With:
So shoot me, it’s late. I am actually sorry it is so late. My excuse? Homework. So much homework. Can’t they even give us the luxury of no homework to be thankful for?
Both Taylor and Seth are into Japanese movies? Wow. All she has to do is confess her love for Death Cab and their fate is sealed.
How come Casey was not in this episode at all? They DO go to the same school. Yet another classic case of O.C. guest stars.
How good were the Subways? I’ve never even heard of the Subways. Their song was really good, even though they didn’t get much play time.
Being this late is still bothering me. You should be thankful that The O.C. isn’t showing tomorrow, because then you would have to read two of these, back to back. Which I’m sure would kill you.
Why the hell isn’t there an episode this week? Reunion is playing. ER is playing. OC needs the ratings…And it’s sweeps! Idiots.
Here is something scary about ratings: Marta Stewart’s Apprentice is not being brought back because it only averages about six million viewers. The O.C. averages about six and a half million and is one of Fox’s biggest shows.
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all enjoy the day of food and no commitments other than not letting the old bird get the best of you. I know I plan on it.
--Jenni
Comments, suggestions, or simply a desire to fill up my inbox? Email me at perfectionisty@gmail.com.
