This episode was definitely superior to the majority of the episodes in February---in fact it's one of the best this season—or maybe the long hiatus made me like this new episode more, but I don't think so. Brenda Hampton you should have Elaine Arata writ
10
"Perfect"
Wow, that was a long torture of 6 weeks of reruns. My goodness WB, stop being so cheap and order more episodes, or at least make the schedule of new episodes flow better and not feel like heartache with so many repeats. Anyway, we're back with 7th Heaven's final 5 episodes of the season and this episode. This episode was definitely superior to the majority of the episodes in February---in fact it's one of the best this season—or maybe the long hiatus made me like this new episode more, but I don't think so. With the exception of The Anniversary episode, the episodes in that month of February were kind of weak. This episode was much better written and flowed better than other recent episodes. Brenda Hampton you should really have Elaine Arata write more episodes for the show. Let's break it down…
Eric and Annie: Out of all the storylines in this episode this one was my favorite—it's obvious since Eric and Annie are my favorites. I'm so glad that after all these years, the issue was finally addressed on Eric and Annie's contemplation over the house and the church owning it. It was well-brought out by the writers with Chandler making a reference in front of the family of Eric and Annie not having the house which finally got them thinking. Being as old as Eric and Annie and not being like most regular parishes that do move often at times between church's and rectories, it's no surprise they want to stay where they are now. I thought it was pretty touching that Chandler would offer the money to buy their house for them. I guess he wanted to be their charity case (although in a good way). I was actually surprised that they didn't take the money. I would've. But I guess that's the difference between a minister and myself. Plus, Eric did come up with a very good reason why. He was right in saying he was never meant to "own the house" and part of his job was to be available when needed as a minister and that could mean moving or when he retires he has to move. He knows that it's all in God's plan for him and his family, despite them having so many memories in that house. But still I wish they took the money. That's just me, but I absolutely understand why they didn't. It was a great scene between the three that ended the episode very well.
Kevin, Lucy and Roxanne: Wow, finally these two made a very well needed step in buying their own place. Even though they didn't buy the house in the end at least they made the effort finally after so long living in her parents garage apartment. Geez! Personally, I thought the house looked kind of beat down. Although I was quite surprised that Kevin would only go $500 above market value. For a house, Kevin is only willing to up that much more money? That's close to nothing, and aren't they supposed to be "financially stable" since they probably do live in the garage apartment for low rent. But my favorite part in the storyline was when Lucy got the much-needed smackdown from Roxanne and her pettiness. As much as I love Lucy she can be annoying at times and can be quite petty. It was totally out of line for Lucy to interrupt Roxanne for whatever she's doing (in this case perming her hair) and convince her to seduce Chandler out of nowhere like she's a self proclaimed "slut" when it comes to Chandler. And the fact that Roxanne brought up her joining the ministry with the behavior she has lately is a welcomed joke, which I think many fans (including myself) took relief that Lucy finally got that point across to her. For that reason alone Roxanne played a great role in this episode. Praise you Roxanne. Oh, and you're perm turned out nicely despite having it in for so long (no thanks to Lucy).
Chandler and Jeffrey: Wow, this relationship between Jeffrey and Chandler is going kind of fast. It was only at the end of the last episode where they started to get to know each other and now they're moving in together as their father/son project progresses. At first glance this relationship between them doesn't look too good. Chandler seemed to get easily annoyed with Jeffrey in the car when he kept asking a lot of questions and for a substitute dad that's not a good sign. Plus, their lack of communication doesn't seem to be that good as Chandler found out last minute that Jeffrey didn't want to move into that house and was easily frazzled by the complicated matter. Something tells me more is going to happen here. I'm staying tuned because even though I didn't particularly like how this storyline was introduced abruptly to Chandler in the last episode, I'm really starting to like how it's complicating things for him and bringing out more of his character. It's better than just a relationship-driven arc of him and Roxanne all last season.
Vic and Julie: Yes, finally a distant Camden relative returns. Boy, Aunt Julie you're always a welcome. But I'd rather have her interact more with the family (preferably Eric and Annie) instead of Vic. Honestly, this storyline seemed rather pointless. Nothing at the end of this storyline was really brought out only to the fact that Vic needs to be a bit nicer to people in general, obviously with his behavior at his and Julie's AA Meetings and the waitress at the promenade. Though I do give credit to the writer's for remembering Julie's soberness and her continuing to attend AA Meetings after all these years.
Ruthie, Peter and Martin: Okay, I did not get Ruthie in this episode. As smart as she's portrayed usually, what's with her and this obsession over the garage apartment. This is not the first time we've seen Ruthie have an issue of the garage apartment and the family. As smart as she is, how can she think that she---a 13 year old--- would possibly be allowed to leave across the yard and out of the house from her parents and the main house to live alone and do God knows what? She had no right in blaming Martin and luckily came into some sense towards the end of the episode. But luckily good old man took the higher road as always and ignored her for a while. But wasn't that a nice little story about him and the house that he loved, and hanging it up in HIS room at the end. At least Ruthie made him comfortable to do that when she came to her sense. Thank you Eric for all the generous and fatherly wisdom to set her adult self straight at the stairwell.
Overall, this was an excellent episode. It really brought out some great storylines on the Camdens and their living situations, but yet kept some character development going equally as well. It sure is on my top 5 best episodes list so far this season. I'm really looking forward to the last 4 episodes as we know Matt (Barry Watson), Simon (David Gallagher), and Carlos return before the season is over. Hopefully we'll get some Mary news. Boy, we really need an update. Jessica Biel, please come back to the show. We only got a little more than a season left for this show.
Grade: **9 out of 10**
Rants and Bits:
*Why is that I felt a sort of glee when Jeffrey sprayed the Camden's with the water hose. It made me chuckle.
*I really like how the way the episode ended with them all falling asleep and panning outside the house to reflect the theme of "home." I gotta say the writers are doing a better job by not making the overall theme so obvious, but rather flowing and accepting to the viewer in what's being told mainly. Keep it up writers.
*Good to see ya again Lou. I love it when old timers of 7th Heaven return.
*Maybe it's me, but the twins acting abilities seem to have gotten a bit better. They're little Cookie Monster impression was rather cute and not cringe inducing. Keep it up guys!
*Wow, Cecilia I know you and Martin are boyfriend and girlfriend, whatever---but geez eat breakfast at your own house Saturday morning with your own family.
*For once, I can say nobody looked bad in this episode. Although Jeffrey might want to get a haircut and not keep that 70's style look with the big hair. But I see many young kids like him who don't care about their hair or appearance.
