7th Heaven

Lucy says that she is going up to see Simon. Everyone else thinks that she's lying. Matt, Kevin and Eric follow her up there. They see her talking to Sandy and Eric and Matt notice that she looks pregnant. Sandy wants Martin to be a big part of her life. Lucy finds out about Rose's engagement ring. Meredith thinks that Martin might be dating someone else because he never carries his cell phone. He tells her that he's not, but he had sex with Sandy and he wished that he didn't.



This episode was great! I loved seeing Matt again! I really like Meredith! I still wish that Martin and Sandy hadn't had sex. I like Sandy though. This episode gets a 10 out of 10!

I must say that this was a mighty fine episode. It's been a while since I really thought that about the show. "Home Run" was pretty good, but I liked this one more. That one was better written, but this one was more entertaining. Season 10 has been a pretty bland season so far, so this funny episode was a breath of fresh air. It was easily the best episode so far this season. Then again, that isn't exactly saying much. With this ep, and the upcoming holiday ones, season 10 might turn around and the middle part might be an improvement with the slowness that the season started out with. I still have no feeling for Rose or Meredith(although I don't mind her), and I don't feel a whole lot for Meredith either. But it was the return of Barry Watson that elevated this episode to higher standards. Barry Watson and the character of Matt has always been a favorite of mine. The best comedic relief this show has had in it's run has mostly come from him. The show is just better when he's on it. If only they would actually give him a storyline of his own, then all would be right. Like in past episodes, he just comes home and gets involved in whatever is going on with his family, without anything of his own. How's Sarah?. Work?. New York?. I want to know these things. And where is Sarah Danielle Madison anyways?. She can't come and make a quick appearance or two?. Anyways, it was great to see Matt and have Barry Watson back, even if it is only for one episode. I hope there is more, but I am not counting on it. Anyways, what was going on this week in Glen Oak?. Read on...



Matt is back for a family visit, and he is pretty much with Kevin the whole time(poor guy). Kevin is dressed up as Roscoe, a rat that has his own hit show with the younger crowd. Kevin is going to a children's birthday party dressed up as the character while Matt is supposed to babysit Savannah. The two learn that Lucy is going to drive up and pay Simon a visit. Since this is the Camden family, this starts off the nosiness. Why is she going off to see Simon?. There must be something wrong. Of course, it never occurs to the family that maybe a sister is wanting to visit her little brother. Naturally, she is up to something, but still. This sparks Eric's interest as well. He cancels a meeting with lou to follow her to Simon's college(nice to see you putting your priorites in check, Eric). So far, everything about this has been funny and well put together. But it gets better...and funnier. Simon learns that Lucy is coming and he had no idea, which makes Matt and Kevin more interested in what is going on. Lucy gets to the school and doesn't see Simon, but has a talk with Sandy. Last week, Martin told Lucy everything, and now it's Sandy's turn. She is sure that this is Martin's baby. She tells Lucy that she wouldn't drag this guy into all of this if she wasn't sure. After all this drama, it better be his!. Matt and Kevin show up on campus, with Kevin still in his rat costume. Lo and behold, there's Eric sneaking behind a tree and spying on the two ladies as well. This whole scene was hysterical, and the first time I have laughed at 7th(intentionally, anyways)in a looooong time. Once again, Matt makes a funny situation even funnier. Lucy catches on and the three are reprimanded and go back home. Eric tells Annie that he believes Sandy is pregnant, but reassures Annie that he doesn't think it is Simon's baby. Matt and Kevin have this same talk.



This whole storyline was hilarious, and the comedy aspect of it was actually funny and pulled off very well. Normally, 7th's comedy is not funny at all, and usually seems strained and forced. Not this time. Like I said before, this was the first time I had laughed with this show in ages. I have always said that Barry Watson, more than anyone else who is, or has been, on this show, has a naturl flair for light comedy. I'm glad Matt was back, and I'm glad he was funny. Some decent laughs came from Kevin, but it was because of his costume, because we know Kevin, or George Stults, wouldn't be able to be funny or pull off a comedic line. The Lucy/Sandy/Martin part of the storyline was the first time since this started that I didn't mind it. It was actually pretty decent. Lucy is handling things very well, and Beverly Mitchell has been doing a good job as of late. Plus, she has been looking great this season. The caper portion was classic 7th Heaven. With Matt involved in it, it felt like old times. I was going to mention about Eric's spying and all that, but I forgive them for their nosiness because he said it was wrong and he was ashamed. This wasn't church duty. This wasn't a reverend thing. This was a dad thing. He didn't know it was about Sandy until he got there. If it were my kids and I felt something was going on, I would probably be nosy as well. Granted, I probably wouldn't drive up to my kid's campus, stalk around like a stealth operative, and hide behind trees, but I would do anything I could to get some info. Besides, Eric has been like this for years. Why is it such a big issue for people now?. It was all a set up for something fun and comical, and it pulled it off.



Then there is the Martin/Ruthie/Meredith part of the show. This was the part that really did nothing for me. Meredith is a nice girl, and Megan Henning is lovely, but I wish the writers knew what they were going to do with this triangle and get it started already. I am not a fan of the Martin/Ruthie hook-up, but if they are going to do it, then I hope they get it going soon. This has been going on for too long. Anyways, Martin and Meredith have a pretty good talk in the car. Meredith finds out about Sandy, and Martin tells her that there is nothing going on between them. He isn't seeing her, and never really was. Meredith seems to be happy with this, and Henning was pretty good in this scene. This was my least favorite part of the episode, but it was done pretty well, and was the first time there was a Martin/Meredith/Ruthie/Sandy story that didn't bore me to tears.



In the end, "The Rat's Out Of The Bag" was a very satisfying episode of 7th Heaven. "Home Run" was better written and done overall, but this one was funny, entertaining, and was actually kind of interesting. I can't even remember the last episode where I thought that. This was the best episode so far this season(but it wouldn't be hard to get that praise), and I hope the show keeps it up. And the ending?. Pretty interesting. Who was Lucy calling?. Someone with some alcohol on the night stand and a flashing red light in the room?. Someone drinking in a cheap motel room?. Was that what it was?. Who in the world was that?!. Sandy's dad?. Can't wait to see what becomes of that!. Annie, however, was practically non-existent in this episode, which was a shame. Seriously writers, there must be a number of storylines for her to have as her own. I would also of preferred a little more info on Matt and his home life. With Barry Watson getting his own show now, who knows when we will see Matt again, or hear anything from him and Sarah. I hope they figure out some way to get him back. Some people complain that the show doesn't know if it's a comedy or soap opera. How about a drama?. Dramady?. Who says a show can't incorporate different things?. So, this was a very good episode of the show. I hope it's not a fluke.

Oh yeah! Here's a perfect example of a drama that has comedy too! This was one of the best episodes of 7th Heaven I have ever seen! If there really IS a cartoon called "Roscoe Riverton", I'd sure like to see it and find out more about it! Barry Watson guest-stars in this episode, which features some of Barry's best acting as my all-time favorite character, Matt Camden. Gee, it makes me wish that MY first name was Matt! But there's nothing wrong with my real first name. It suits me just fine. This episode deserves a 20; 10 points for drama and another 10 points for some good, zany comedy!

Unbelievable episode. Seeing Barry Watson act his usual Matt-self was stellar. Ever since episode one, Matt has always been an adventurous and witty character. I love his shoot from the hip plot lines and his episodes are great.



Making "The Rat's Out of the Bag" even better was having him direct. I definitely take this episode as the best one of the season so far.

I want Martin and Ruthie to get together so I am not too thrilled about Martin falling in love with Meredith.



Lucy is starting to be a better reverend - what a relief!



Rose is really annoying! I want her out of the picture. She makes my blood boil. I hope that the real reason why Rose's character is there is because it's a lesson on pushy people in our lives and how to get rid of them or deal with them.



This episode is average. It didn't deliver the answers or drama that I was hoping for. It's taking so long to get to Martin-Sandy solution to their situation.

Everyone except for Ruthie and the twins know about Sandy. I'm surprised Ruthie hasn't figured it out yet. Ususally she is the first Camden to know everything not the last.



I don't know how to feel about Martin and Meredith. If Marting really is the father of Sandy's baby, then I think it would be really hard for the two of them to stay together. But who knows I guess we will have to wait and see.

Ok, so for all of you people who thought "this was the best episode ever", I'd suggest you don't read this because rest assured, I do NOT feel the same way.



Eric/Annie: I was REALLY disappointed with Eric's character in this episode. How many years have we watched him know things but not tell his family because of the whole confidentiality thing? Yet he goes along with Kevin and Matt to see what Lucy was really up to? Can you say hypocrite? I don't care if Lucy is the associate pastor and Eric is the reverend. Eric should know more than anybody else that when a member of the congregation (or just someone who comes to him for help) talks to him about their problems IN PRIVATE that it should stay between them. Eric is an adult not some immature kid who goes around spying on people, so for God's sake, GROW UP! Thank goodness Annie didn't go along with Kevin, Matt, and Eric. I can't really say anything bad about her because in my opinion, she didn't do anything wrong in this episode.



Lucy/Kevin: Am I the only one who thinks this Roscoe the Rat thing was THE most ridiculous idea EVER? To top it off, Kevin was not only enthused about being Roscoe, but apparently he watches Roscoe cartoons. Oh God! No comment on that. Take that back. I DO have a comment on that. I think that Rhonda's (or was it the other one?) husband was right when he said that Kevin is becoming a woman. Heck, he can't even put two and two together anymore. Again, Kevin should know that Lucy's confidentiality with Sandy and Martin trumps even the fact that Kevin is Lucy's husband. I know couples supposedly don't keep secrets from each other, but just as there are exceptions to rules, there's exceptions to that as well. The ONLY redeeming thing about Kevin in this episode is how he corrected Matt when Matt said that he was a doctor. Put Eric, Kevin, and Matt in one room with you and you wouldn't be able to breathe because their egos are so inflated. Until you finish medical school and all that jazz, you are NOT a doctor Matt, so don't get ahead of yourself there and say you are something that you are not. I guess if anything, this was a Lucy-centric episode, but it worked. I haven't always particularly been a fan of Lucy's character, but I liked Lucy in this particular episode. I thought it was admirable that even though she was probably dying to fill in her family on all that she had found out that she kept in mind that her talks with Sandy and Martin were in private. She may be inexperienced, but personally, I thought she gave some pretty good advice. I applauded Lucy for going off on Kevin, Matt, and Eric when she found them spying on her.



Simon/Rose: To tell you the truth, this episode made me like two of the three girls who are now in the opening credits this season more than I had previously, but Rose was not one of them. This episode made me hate Rose even more. She tried to pull the whole "Everybody hates me" card, but it didn't work. Rose not only got Simon to get engaged to her sooner than they had planned, but now Rose wants to get married this May when their original plan was to get married after they graduate (next May). What do you want to bet she hasn't even discussed this with Simon? Then there's the whole "you would've known this if you hadn't kicked me out" thing Rose pulled. Here I thought Chandler was the most "I'm so full of myself" character in the history of 7th Heaven. I think Rose has dethroned Chandler in my books. Maybe you should try being considerate for a change Rose. That'd do you wonders. Then there's Simon. I was irked by how Simon did a 180 in that before he was blaming himself for Martin and Sandy sleeping together whereas now he said that Martin needs help in an almost icy tone. You'd think Simon would be a bit more sympathetic considering how he went through a similar thing with Georgia last season (the only difference being Georgia wasn't actually pregnant). Simon wanted Martin to rat himself out to Eric, but last season did Simon want Simon to rat himself out to Eric? No!



Matt: While it was nice to see Matt again, I wish he would seriously get some of his own storylines. What about medical school? What about Sarah? We never hear about those things anymore. Again, I know the Camdens are a nosy bunch, but Matt tagging along with Eric and Kevin to spy on Lucy, well Matt should've known better than to do that. Again, even though he is Lucy's brother, confidentiality trumps even that.



Ruthie: For all of you Ruthie/Martin fans, after last night's episode, your hopes of them dating just got shot down in my opinion. Ruthie said that she and Martin are friends and that she would like them to be friends for the rest of their lives. She also said that she doesn't want them dating to interfere with that. I said this in another post, but I don't think Ruthie is willing to jeopardize her friendship with Martin to try dating him.



Martin/Sandy/Meredith: By process of elimination, you should know that the two of the three new females that appeared in the opening credits this season, I liked Sandy and Meredith more after this episode. I mean by some of my posts of mine, you could tell that before I just saw Sandy as some young woman who just goes around having casual sex with any guy she can get in bed with her. I saw Sandy before as not being the relationship type. However, after this episode, I feel different about her. I actually (I can't believe I'm saying this) feel sorry for her. I mean she doesn't have a good relationship with any of her parents (her biological father appears to be an alcoholic). I don't think she has any close friends. It has to be scary for her to go through this "alone" like she said she is doing. I was surprised that Sandy doesn't see Rose as a friend. I thought Rose and Sandy were friends, but apparently Sandy doesn't think so. As for Meredith, well I actually liked her more after seeing this episode as well. When she figured out that Martin had sex with Sandy and that's why he doesn't answer his cell phone nor carry it around with him, I was like "she's good". I loved the scene between Martin and Meredith in Martin's car (van, whatever). The whole fight then makeup scene was well done. Since I've virtually given up on Ruthie/Martin, I'm rooting for these two to stick together. I still think it's so cute how they act kind of nervous around each other. Although, I don't know why George (Meredith's father, and Cecilia's too) would disapprove of Martin. I mean it's not like George hasn't met Martin before (he DID date Cecilia). I'm sure George knows what kind of a guy Martin is even if he did have one slip up of character.



Did anyone else like how in the credits they showed Happy with an American flag in her mouth? I might be wrong, but I think it's the first time where it didn't show Happy barking or raising her paw (in a handshake fashion) in the opening credits. I guess I just thought this episode was ok. I mean I both loved it and hated it. This episode reminded me of why I didn't like last season's episode of "First Date". Like I said in a thread, I know the Camdens are a nosy bunch, but they act like they have a God given right to stick their noses in other people's business, and THAT is what I can't stand. If people want to tell them something, great. If not, then don't press the issue any further. In other news, next week's episode looks interesting. Rose and Sandy butt heads over Simon it seems. Apparently, as some of you had thought, Sandy does have feelings for Simon. I think she said in the previews something to the effect of "I'm jealous that you're marrying Rose when you should be marrying me" Well IF Simon has to choose between Sandy and Rose (he has no other options), then I hope Simon picks Sandy and dumps Rose. I assure you Simon breaking up with Rose will make my day. Ok, well I think I've said everything I wanted to say about this episode, and as you can see, I didn't think this was "the best episode ever" or anything remotely close to that.

The Rat’s Out of the Bag



I must say this episode was entertaining, at times and I can’t find too much fault with it. Really I can’t. There were some funny parts, and there were some cute family/relationship parts. But overall, this episode wasn’t appealing to me for one reason – the lying and deception. I understand this is a family drama; I understand this kind of thing is a “Camden thing” and has been going on since the beginning of the show. What I don’t understand is why the Camdens, or anyone on this show, for that matter, lies about EVERY single damn thing. Let’s break it down:



Eric/Annie – Reverend, you have a lot of growing up to do yourself. I can’t believe you would waste Lou’s time and cancel the meeting, especially for your intentions – to spy on your daughter. Pretty unbelievable, even for you. Your daughter is a minister, respect the work she does. Also, start at least trying to act like you tell the truth 90% of the time. I think Eric reflects so badly on ministers. Ministers do not keep things secret and hide news from their wives, or anyone for that matter. If anything, some ministers are completely open and are willing to help in any way they can, and are usually honest with their spouse about their intentions. Anyway, I’m pretty tired of Eric lying to anyone about something. It’s getting ridiculous. As for Annie, way to go, Annie! I loved you telling your husband off like that. I just wish Catherine Hicks would appear more so we could get more of Annie’s ideas and opinions sometime.



Lucy – I did not like the fact that Lucy and Kevin continue to keep things from one another. Lucy, you lied to more than one person saying you were going to see Simon. Gosh, why didn’t you just say you were taking the day off, for crying out loud? I am well aware that this was all supposed to contribute to the story, but the fact is the lies are getting old, especially from Lucy, a minister. You want to be treated like a minister, Lucy? Grow up and act like one. A minister does not lie about stupid issues like going to visit someone on a private matter. Honestly, you could have at least told Kevin it was related to your work, and then they probably would have left you alone. But you had to go and get Simon involved. Unbelievable. Lucy is the nosiest person in the Camden family aside from her father. Do you remember the episode where she went crazy trying to find out what her friend Roxanne was up to, thinking he was dating Captain Michaels? (“Don’t Speak Ill of the Dead or the Living”) Or how about the very next episode where she went crazy trying to figure out why Matt was in town? You have ALWAYS butted into people’s business, so you are completely hypocritical to say that others’ spying on you is uncalled for. If you want your privacy, here’s a hint: Give other people their privacy, especially your husband and both your brothers. Oh – and Mary too. Start acting like a minister, and stop lying. It’s ridiculous; this show does a horrible job portraying pastors and ministers. The minister at my church is one of the most honest and respected men I know in our community. He wouldn’t lie about this stupid matter; and his parents and siblings would understand if he said he had ‘church business’ to take care of. It’s really not a hard situation like the Camdens are making it. I know this is just a show, but it’s really getting to me anyway.



I thought the conversation between her and Sandy was too short. But at least they traded some good thoughts and opinions. However, Lucy was acting totally rude towards Rose. I know Rose is rude and annoying, but Lucy is also extremely judgmental. When Rose asked her if she was really a Christian, I was about to answer that for her. My opinion is that Lucy may study God’s word, but she definitely doesn’t live her life that way sometimes. Lucy does not know Rose well, yet she, Eric, and Annie have no problem making it evident that they hate her, or strongly dislike her. The Camdens have not seen Rose like we have seen her in her scenes with Simon. The Camdens weren’t there when Rose pressured Simon into buying a ring for her. And rather than blaming ‘poor innocent Simon’, who apparently can’t stand up for himself and make his own mind about her, they are acting completely rude and un-Christian towards Rose. I know Rose is mean and extremely selfish. But that’s Rose. I expected different from the Camdens.



And guess what, Lucy? You did marry too young, and I think that’s why you were upset with Rose bringing it up. Lucy was just like Rose, desperate to get married so she wouldn’t be alone. And she did want the engagement, does anyone remember season 7? That’s what half the season was devoted too…jealous Lucy pushing for an engagement! In that sense, Lucy is NO different than Rose. Yet Lucy seems to think she is holy and nice, and that Rose is...not. That is not Christian at all of Lucy. Like I said, it’s one thing for Rose to be rude. We all don’t expect much different from Rose. But the Camdens need to grow up and leave Simon and Rose alone. It’s THEIR life, it’s THEIR decision, and it’s THEIR relationship. Lucy and Kevin didn’t do much different, except Kevin was wealthy, and for some reason or other, he got the approval of Eric and Annie and Rose has not. I do not like Rose, nor am I sticking up for Rose. But I’m pretty disappointed with the lack of respect the Camdens and Lucy in particular in this episode had for Rose.



Kevin – Let’s move onto Kevin, or should I say, Roscoe? Well this ‘rat’ costume was pushed way past its limit. It wasn’t so much the silly costume or the lame reason for even wearing one, but this was completely insignificant, seeing as NO ONE let ‘the rat of the bag’. This episode’s title doesn’t even reflect the episode. Lucy already knew about Sandy’s situation, and didn’t tell anyone else. So because the title doesn’t even reflect the episode, the rat costume was unnecessary and silly. I think Kevin is enjoying this Mommy and Me class a little too much. I don’t mind seeing Kevin as a stay-at-home dad, but he’s not only gotten lazier but he is acting childish. Kevin is not a clown (or rat in this case), he is a grown adult and former police officer, and husband and father. I’m having a problem seeing him act like a kid all over again. This Mommy and Me class may be beneficial to him and Savannah right now, but when Savannah grows up and turns into a teenager, I’ll bet she wishes that her father ‘did’ something with his life other than hovering over her every minute. Kevin’s not even taking care of things around the house; he’s hanging out with other single (in most cases) mothers. I just don’t like that. Not to mention, Kevin is completely corny, especially in this episode. Oh well.



Simon – Really, I don’t have much else to say, except that I didn’t hate Rose in this episode at all. I don’t see how you could. The “Oh your family hates me” line was true, and she’s catching on. It must be kinda sad that your family, who is supposedly Christian and accepting, hates you. As for Simon…seriously this guy is also getting lame, and pretty emotional. I have no idea why Simon was getting so upset about Lucy coming up here. She was doing him a favor; she was actually dealing with the situation at hand, unlike him, who told her to keep giving Martin some time. I mean, I for one, don’t want to see Martin and Sandy together, but just sitting back and doing nothing about it isn’t going to solve anything. I’m pretty disappointed with Simon’s lack of judgment lately, which is the main reason I don’t care much for his character anymore. If he really is in love with Rose, he shouldn’t let what his parents say get in the way of that. He is an adult, almost 21, I think, and extremely capable of making his own decisions and not having Mommy and Daddy making them for him. This goes back to the last episode, really, but I felt like expressing my opinions about Simon’s character lately. However, the fact that Eric and Annie also jump to the conclusion that anything bad is now Simon’s fault is also absurd. Hello…don’t you guys learn anything? What…since Mary’s gone, it’s time to pick on Simon now?



Ruthie – Oh boy, Ruthie, Ruthie, Ruthie. You’re still on a quest for that ‘hot’ boyfriend. Good luck. I honestly don’t see why they just don’t bring back Mac, instead of Jack or Sam. I thought Kyle Searles was a decent actor, and at least already part of the show beforehand, rather than introducing yet another character to be a recurring star. Anyway, back to Ruthie. I wish she would just make up her mind about Martin. This goes back to the lies, except this time it’s not so much lying, but just not saying the truth. Unspoken truths aren’t technically lies, but come on. Ruthie, you like Martin. We’ve all known that since last January. Don’t deny it, you like him. You admitted it to your mother, but yet in a week, you changed your mind? I don’t buy it. Stop beating around the bush. I’m tired of this “Will they get together; or will they not?” It’s been dragging out since LAST SEASON. Come on…this is getting ridiculous. Ruthie can either be with Martin, or she can’t, but it’s highly unlikely that both characters are going to stand around waiting for the other to make the first move. That’s not real life, and if it is, I have yet to see a real relationship like that. Anyway, I didn’t have a problem with Ruthie in this episode, she seemed more friendly, in my opinion. I just wish she would be honest with her family for once, or at least give us the real answer – whether she likes Martin or not. I’m tired of this back-and-forth, it’s just too much. The cell phone storyline also didn’t amuse me too much. I think Meredith was pretty smart to deduce that Martin had sex with Sandy just because he ‘lost’ his cell phone. This brings us to Martin…



Martin – Oh boy, I have a lot to say about him. First of all, Martin, the “I’m in love with you” is completely old and worn out. You said the same thing to Cecilia before you broke up a month later. Honestly, is love the only thing the writers have going for these characters? I’m starting to like Meredith’s character a little more, I just wish she weren’t a regular. Their conversation in the car, though, was okay. I don’t really believe Martin when he said he was in love with her, but whatever. I give up trying to understand this Martin/Ruthie relationship, or whatever it is the writers have going for them. I am also tired of Martin’s lying. Sandy is the girl you impregnated, Martin! Stop the lies. Gosh, you of all people. I know no one’s perfect but your irresponsibility lately has really gotten to me. You got a girl pregnant, deal with it! I know last week I said otherwise, but now I’m getting angry just because you’re moving onto Meredith without so much as a second thought of what you did to Sandy. Even if it’s not your child, Martin, you owe her the right to at least call her back and see how she’s doing. And denying the fact that you two slept together…gosh, it’s just all so unbelievable. I really hate what they’ve done to Martin’s character, but I’m slowly getting used to the fact that a guy can’t turn 18 without thinking about or having sex. On a different note, hootchie mama? Excuse me? I never even heard of that expression, so either that expression is really old, or…I don’t know, something. I’ve never heard that word, and I find it really hard to believe that Meredith would blame Sandy, and not Martin. After all, Martin is the one she wants to date. I just can’t believe Martin. I hope these two don’t last, just because I feel like Martin should at least do something about what he did. He can’t escape the fact that he had premarital sex and possibly impregnated this girl. He just can’t ignore that fact.



The twins – Just a really brief note…Brenda, I have been, for the most part, patient with your Opening Credit scene right after the first commercial break. But the twins bouncing up and down to use the restroom about does it for me. That’s disturbing, especially the fact that Eric and Annie walked past them and didn’t even do something about it. Only Matt cares. Isn’t that a bit sad? Also, Brenda…by the time a kid reaches six-years-old…they know that only one person can go to the bathroom at a time. This is not a school bathroom with multiple toilets. There was one toilet, and the fact that one probably used it while the other bounced up and down some more…is just disturbing. That’s all I’m going to say about that.



Matt – Ah the reason I gave this episode such a good rating! Barry Watson is back. For only one episode, as of now, and this looks like it was it. I sure hope he appears again. The Roscoe thing was lame, but at least Matt was there. I love how there was no mention of Sarah, no mention of progress in medical school, no mention of their marriage or life in New York…? And, oh no individual storyline for Matt! Just more nosing into other people’s business. At least Matt was smart enough to figure out that Lucy had tricks up her sleeve, unlike Kevin, who is slowly starting to act like a toddler himself. But I did like Matt a lot in this episode. I really did. Barry Watson adds a lot to this show. I hope he returns.



In all, this episode was decent. While I loved the return of Matt, and I didn’t mind the pregnancy storyline or even the fact that Lucy took matters into her own hands and dealt with Sandy’s situation, I did mind the conversation between Lucy and Rose; Martin’s complete lack of responsibility in handling this pregnancy; Ruthie continuing to deny any true feelings for Martin; and especially the level of lying that these characters on this show do. It’s too much lying. I honestly can’t understand how certain people say this show teaches good morals. Maybe in seasons 1 and 2, but not right now. If you lied to your husband or wife in real life, it would be more serious. Especially the fact that the two biggest hiders of bad information in this show are ministers. Unbelievable. Anyway, that’s all I have to say about “The Rat’s Out of the Bag”. And like I said before, this title doesn’t even reflect this episode because nothing was let out…not Martin’s pregnancy anyway.



Next week’s episode looks decent, but not much better than this week’s.



Quote of the Week: “It’s one thing to put a ring on her finger, marry her, and parent her child. It’s another thing, a better thing, to join her brother in an old-fashioned family caper”.



Notes and Tidbits:

- Barry Watson, despite what others might say, you do make a difference on this show. Please come back later this season.



- Sarah Danielle Madison, you also make a difference on this show. When you’re not here, neither is Sarah nor any mention of Matt’s love life. I miss that; please return soon.



- Like previously stated, I never want to see the twins jumping up and down to use the restroom again. Completely unnecessary, and a little disturbing.



- Kevin, take off the rat costume and go back to work. Some people are meant to be stay-at-home dads, but not you.



I'll give this episode a 9.0. Thanks for reading!

The plot was just stupid and the allusion that ministers are essentially liars and spies who manipulate people to stay on the straight and narrow by their own example is just preposterous. It is nice to see the show trying to laugh at itself, as it so abundantly deserves, but it can't even do that right. Having the "caper" where Matt and Kevin (dressed in a rat suit) spy on Rev Camden spying on Lucy spying on Rose (oh wait, Lucy was very seriously trying to help Sandy) would have suited a Saturday morning cartoon. The whole writing was so uneven it was hard to tell what parts were supposed to be funny, and which were supposed to be heart-warmingm and which parts were supposed to be moral. I think Matt's bedtime story to the twins about the rat that farted well encapsulated the premise of 7H. Throw something together off the tope of your head, make it crude to get some cheap laughs, wear a funny costume, and tack on a dubious moral at the end (friends should lie for each other)

Oh yeah, and use the same story lines year after year.

The premise was ridiculous and the stalking scenes on campus with Kevin dressed as a rat were ludicrous. The whole basis of ministers lying and being secretive and nosy and stalking and spying and never mentioning the name of God, well, is stupid. I get so tired of the plot point that ministers are just junky social workers with no experience or accreditation, who never refer to God or Jesus or the Bible or doctrine. And Lucy with her insecure tantrums and jealousy just doesn't cut the mustard.



But there was something about this episode beyond the bad writing and ludicrous plot points that made it stand out. I think there was something in the direction that was a bit tongue in cheek that somehow transcended the usual awfulness in the show.



Particularly the character of Matt, who was there for no good reason except to poke fun at the show, and since Barry Watson actually directed the episode, I think he had an awful more room to express himdself than he may have had as a simple actor. This episode was ridiculously farcical but maybe not quite as unintentionally as usual.



The scene with Martin and Meredith in the car was almost interesting - and for the first time, I saw Martin as appealing.



So although the episode was stupid and insulting to anyone in the pastoral field, there was an element there this time that moves me to say it wasn't as bad as the others.