Great
10
"Perfect"
Man, what an episode! Wow, this was a terrific episode in my opinion in an unintentionally funny way---but I knew many people wouldn't like it at the same time. This was either a "love it" or "hate it" episode. Brenda, oh Brenda!
Man, what an episode! Wow, this was a TERRIFIC episode in my opinion in an unintentionally funny way---but I knew many people wouldn't like it at the same time. This was either a "love it" or "hate it" episode. Brenda, oh Brenda! Once the discussion of politics and the war in Iraq came up between Roxanne, Betsy and Bill (and that kissing scene, why?) I knew there was going to be quite a number of unhappy fans. The only other thing in this episode I found quite weird was that scene with Annie and Lucy (eewww). I think no matter which way Brenda wrote this episode I think it was obvious many people were going to interpret it in their own way and people are going to get offended no matter what.
This episode. I think the problems many fans are having with the show is that too many fans are missing Matt, Mary and Simon. It's to no one's surprise since they were pretty much centers of the show since it started and now they only make guest appearances here and there. Even though it's agreeable that the show is different from what it used to be, it's still made a pretty good transition overall for a show in its 8th season! Let's break this episode down…
Eric and Annie: It really surprised me that these two were not in the episode this much, especially Eric too. A big portion of the episode had them off-screen in the basement having (I'll use their term) "adult relations," but why not in their bedroom? I mean the house is crowded but no one should be in your bedroom and you can lock your door. Of course we all know that Eric did a wonderful job of trying his best of trying not to butt in, but offer guidance for Martin and his father. His conversation in the car with Bill was gentle, yet not morally scolding and preachy at the same time. Other than these aspects Eric and Annie didn't appear much in this episode---a shock, since I enjoyed most of the episode.
Martin and Bill: Wow, in the past two weeks we have really gotten a lot more in depth with Martin and into Tyler's acting and I must say he's doing a good job, both the character and his alter-ego. I already like him more than Cecilia, Sam and David, Chandler and quite frankly the rest of the non-Camdens on this show. It's obvious that these two do have a few communications problems, but that's expected since Bill is away most of the time in Iraq to fight the war. They've spent so much time away from each other that they don't know each other anymore and it's hard for them to come out with their feelings, especially on the matter with Martin wanting to join a professional baseball team. They pretty much tried to avoid the issue, and each other, because they didn't know how to. Luckily, Eric approached this in a good way with him not interfering, but pushing things along with them. The two of them talking at the baseball bleachers was nothing less than touching, which is what 7th Heaven is about all in the end.
Roxanne and Bill: Wow, did these two people get the most buzz in this episode in their scenes over the comments in the war in Iraq. I think the scenes would've been more satisfying towards the overall audience if the writers didn't add all the kissing in between Bill and Roxanne as he was trying to convince her over his view of Pres. Bush and the Iraq war. I mean, even I must admit, was that really necessary? It just showed that it just took a strong man to convince a woman on his beliefs and ideas by kissing her. Brenda, you don't solve problems like that! Other than that, I did think the facts that she presented on each side was fair. As much as I know she was not trying to be un-biased it felt a little more like she was a Bush supporter and believes it was necessary to go into Iraq. I wouldn't be surprised if she felt like this---hope I'm not wrong.
Peter, Paris and Vic: The more I know Vic, the more I like him. It does seem that this family is in the process of reconciliation towards the end of the season. Even though Chandler is still kind of hanging on to his relationship with Paris it's quite obvious that they're over. They weren't a bad couple in my opinion, but I knew they wouldn't last, as much as most fans knew. But now getting to Vic it's obvious these two got some chemistry and it was a terrific first step for Vic to going to Alcoholics Anonymous. Although there are Alcoholics Anonymous meetings that are open all night? Anyway, it was quite refreshing seeing that particular family in their kitchen talking over the family matter. It was also quite interesting that Peter seemed to change his mind over Chandler and Vic as Peter tried to hide the rest of the phone message that Roxanne left over Chandler still caring for Paris. Peter really is seeing his dad in a different light now, and sees no longer a future with Chandler being a part of his life and Paris as he was more than willing a few weeks ago. That will be very interesting to see where this takes off more in upcoming episodes. Also, even after hearing that message I thought Vic would go back into his old anti-social habits and yet again, the writers surprised me by having him go to a second AA meeting that night. I like Vic more and more.
The Others: One big complaint I have of this episode is that completely weird (and a little nasty) scene between Lucy and Annie when they both come into the kitchen from separate corners after having "adult relations" with their husbands (and they both realize it) with their hair messed up and everything---and then they eat chocolate cake! That's just--- Eeewwww! Brenda, please, that scene was a little unnecessary. Also that was quite unnecessary in this episode was Chandler. With the exception of his scene with Kevin of discussing his deteriorating relationship with Paris---which I know leads into his reconciliation with Roxanne---he was not necessary in this episode.
Overall, as much as I praise Brenda for trying to bring out the discussion on war and politics without trying not to be bias and expressing different points of view---I wish she left it alone. I think Brenda Hampton really took a bold move in discussing the current issues of the world in a fictional family drama---it was bold—but I think she should avoid doing it again because people will get the idea your being one-sided to a party. I wouldn't be surprised if many people thought did Brenda ask Pres. Bush to write this episode. But if I really had to guess I'm pretty sure Brenda is a Democrat who likes President Bush.
Grade **9.5 out of 10**
Notes and Bits:
*The lighting in this episode was quite better than in the last previous episodes. So far this season a lot of the episodes scenes have been a little too dark and not well lit enough.
*Please Catherine, if you're reading----Please, Please fix your hair!
*Wow, do those twins know how to brush their teeth? It didn't look too pretty watching them do it.
*That was a good song choice at the end of the episode, but it would've been more special if we didn't have a similar ending like it was done in the episode Charity Begins at Home earlier this season.
*I love Happy the dog. But why was her only scene looking at Bill and Roxanne talk and make-out in the dining room?
