(S03E03) This is shaping up to be a pretty dark season. Not to say that the first two were all sunshine and lollipops but we're on course for some pretty big confrontations. The one that has me most interested is Mike. His "probie" status is coming to an end and we know he's been tossing around the idea of transferring to another house. As many had correctly speculated, we found out at the end of the episode that Mike is indeed gay. At least it seems that way. He has some sort of a boyfriend and the two of them like to drink beers and cuddle at the end of the day... so, I'm not sure how else to interpret it.
It would seem then, that his decision to file for a transfer has more to do with his fear of everyone finding out his secret. And they will. We know that this isn't the most tolerant group of guys, but I'm thinking that when they find out, they might cut Mike some slack. He really respects these guys and I think it's killing him that he might lose that respect. Here's to hoping that Tommy and the rest of the crew don't let Mike down.
The rest of the episode, while excellent, played out pretty much as I expected. Franco has been spending a lot of time with Alicia (Susan Sarandon) but he's starting to get weirded out by the expensive gifts she gives him. That and Lou started calling Franco Alicia's "boy toy."
Lou is continuing his downward decent, and fast. But he finally got caught in the act. Franco saw Lou pissing all over the sidewalk in front of a bar, incredibly drunk. After he told Tommy about it, Tommy went to say something to Lou but he wanted none of it. From Tommy's point of view, this must be hard to watch because he's been there. A lot. Fortunately though, Lou seems like he's willing to look for some guidance. Just on his own terms. He steals a copy of The Tao of Pooh after Mike turns him on to the philosophies it presents.
Tommy had some great storylines. He made an agreement with Mrs. Turbudy. He'll start sleeping with her on a regular basis if she breaks it off with Damien. Funniest part about their first night together? Tommy can easily go at it multiple times in one night... he just needs sandwiches in between to keep him going. Priceless. That and she won't let him call her Nell. He can only call her Mrs. Turbudy.
Tommy also went to see Teddy for the first time since the premiere. His uncle suggests that Tommy donate at a sperm bank so that if Tommy's dad were to go anytime soon (which he might), he could die knowing that there's a chance that the Gavin family name could live on. When he gets back from the jail, Tom continues to screw around with Garrity. He knows about the relationship with Maggie and Sean is going nuts with all the questions Tommy asks. He even enlists Franco to help with the harassment. I can't wait until Sean breaks down and tells Tommy... that'll be good. Gavin has also taken to ignoring Janet. She calls and he simply deletes any messages. I really don't blame him. Johnny made a good point when he explained to Katie what happened. He said he would have been worried if Tommy hadn't reacted in the way that he did.
We finally met Bud, Jeanie's estranged brother. Apparently he's loaded and owns a few car dealerships. With all that money though, he still won't help Jerry with the cost of Jeanie's home. So it looks like Jerry is going to take on a second job and start bartending. This could lead to some good stuff, especially if the whole crew starts hanging at the bar frequently.
Quotes of the Episode:
Jerry (after witnessing a horse get hit by a bus): "Sean, Probie - get a coupla shovels and start scraping Secretariat off the street."
Franco (addressing Garrity's girlfriend problem): "Sean, no offense, but being careful for you is like tempting fate for most people."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-14-2006 @ 12:07PM
johnnymac said...
That scene that you have captured in the post photo was priceless. I lost it when he asked for a sandwich, he was such a "little" boy.
Reply
6-14-2006 @ 9:33PM
Fullman said...
The scene with Miss Turbudy... does Tommy have shaved legs?! LOL! When I saw the TV spots for the "comedy short" I was thinking he was half in drag or something!
As for Mike... I'm not sure they're going to go the gay route with him... and I'm actually hoping they don't, seeing is how as of late, anything that develops that way on TV ends up becoming cliche'd and cookie-cutter.
IMHO, I think Mike is just simple-minded, as his little chat with Lou and his example with Pooh, who just goes about his business and doesn't care what people think or worry about anything.
Seeing is how this scene took place very soon after "The Tao of Pooh", I'm thinking he may just be acting on what he's picked up from the book... looking for comfort where comfort may be available, without attaching a label onto it. Metrosexual, anyone?
Mike could possibly be lonely, hurting and just wants comfort. In his mind, leaning his head on that other guy (where on earth did he come from, is that his friend from the other precinct?) is just his way of trying to get something back.
His look on his face, worry and contemplation gave off this message, and when he smiled a smile of almost relief, that sparked the idea that he may not be gay, or bi or whatever...
Of course, he could just be trying something new out and exploring things... but geez, please FX/writers, don't let this become another soapbox speech oppurtunity like ER has done time and time again.
Either way, Mike is one of my favorite characters along with Tommy and Jerry, and all three are developing quite a bit in this season. All good things.
Can't wait to see next week's episode, it looks like a lot is going to happen!
Reply
6-14-2006 @ 9:35PM
Fullman said...
The scene with Miss Turbudy... does Tommy have shaved legs?! LOL! When I saw the TV spots for the "comedy short" I was thinking he was half in drag or something!
As for Mike... I'm not sure they're going to go the gay route with him... and I'm actually hoping they don't, seeing is how as of late, anything that develops that way on TV ends up becoming cliche'd and cookie-cutter.
IMHO, I think Mike is just simple-minded, as his little chat with Lou and his example with Pooh, who just goes about his business and doesn't care what people think or worry about anything.
Seeing is how this scene took place very soon after "The Tao of Pooh", I'm thinking he may just be acting on what he's picked up from the book... looking for comfort where comfort may be available, without attaching a label onto it. Metrosexual, anyone?
Mike could possibly be lonely, hurting and just wants comfort. In his mind, leaning his head on that other guy (where on earth did he come from, is that his friend from the other precinct?) is just his way of trying to get something back.
His look on his face, worry and contemplation gave off this message, and when he smiled a smile of almost relief, that sparked the idea that he may not be gay, or bi or whatever...
Of course, he could just be trying something new out and exploring things... but geez, please FX/writers, don't let this become another soapbox speech oppurtunity like ER has done time and time again.
Either way, Mike is one of my favorite characters along with Tommy and Jerry, and all three are developing quite a bit in this season. All good things.
Can't wait to see next week's episode, it looks like a lot is going to happen!
Reply
6-16-2006 @ 12:10PM
jp said...
Well, I definitely took it that Mike is gay AND in a long-term and loving relationship. Come on--2 straight guys don't CUDDLE like that.
That ending added a whole new subtext to the Tao of Pooh conversation. Lou thinks Mike is upset that he is being called "probie." Mike is actually worried about them calling him "faggot."
Great show--this series just keeps getting better.
Reply
6-19-2006 @ 12:13PM
Chris said...
And how did the "probie" not even know how old he is?
He had to call and ask his mother.
He really is simple-minded
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