This episode was okay. It was definitely better than "Soup's On" but it was kinda disappointing b/c everyone felt sorry for themselves (Eric, Martin, Sandy...) so it was getting a little repetitive there. Let's break it down:

Kevin/Lucy: Their argument reminds me when Roxanne was on the show. Come on writers...with this being the last season, let's see some new more interesting stuff! It really seems obvious that Kevin doesn't mind being around other women at all though, and that bothers me. I can see where Lucy's coming from -- her sister DID just get a divorce from her husband for practically the same reason (except in that case, it was a nanny, not a Mommy and Me mother). Anyway, Bev did a great job as always, the storyline was just kinda too repetitive for me. I wish those two wouldn't fight all the time; they rarely spend much time together, but it seems lately when they do, they're arguing about something.

Martin/Meredith: Meredith was on Martin's side for a moment and then bam! She suddenly turned against him and started yelling at him. It's what Martin deserves, but I'm glad because I'm still hoping for Martin/Ruthie, NOT Meredith/Martin, and it seems like these two are breaking up right now. And if I were Martin's father, I dunno what I would do if my son talked to me that way. Very impressed that Bill just walked away, although the 3 men in bed together, and Kevin's line with the word "playdate" was beyond weird, in my opinion.

Simon: His financial problems. Well I think Simon is working too hard. It would be interesting though to see a hard-working Camden who isn't brought into wealth, like the other 3 were when they got married. And I know I'm in the minority here, but I understand Rose's feelings.

Rose, so far, has not been unfaithful to Simon. She loves him. Simon, on the other hand, is entertaining and helping Sandy. Sandy wants Simon. Rose is also under the impression that Sandy is still her friend. See what I'm getting at...? Sandy is not only asking Simon for help 24/7 with a baby that's not even his (as far as we know), but she's also made it quite clear she is not friends w/ Rose, yet she continues to ask Rose to pay for her apartment? I mean, I cannot stand Sandy. I think she's just as bad as Rose, and I really just want her to go away. I have no sympathy for her, just boredom seeing that she's so desperate for everything to be done for.

Ruthie: It was nice to see one Camden become ill, besides Sam and David's little stint. Speaking of them, they're getting smaller screen time as each episode progresses, which is a good thing. Back to Ruthie -- I wonder what Jack's secret is? I know it can't be anything good, and I hope she dumps him and soon and hooks up with Martin. I also think Ruthie needs to stop yelling at everyone who's trying to protect her from a jerk. She did the same thing to Martin concerning Vincent! I mean, doesn't she know that Martin and her parents care about her and are just trying to help?

Sandy's parents: I totally understand where they are coming from. Sandy is not Martin, who made one mistake and regrets it terribly. Sandy is now making the moves on Simon, as far as I'm concerned, which implies to me that she hasn't changed like she says she has. First, she wanted to marry Martin in the premiere, now she confesses that she only had sex with Martin b/c of Simon's relationship with Rose...hello? That's messed up. I can understand why Sandy's parents want nothing more to do with her, if I had a daughter like that, I would probably do the same. Granted, I'd probably have enough heart to at least see the birth of my first grandchild, and possibly send a birthday and Christmas card, but that's it. Sandy has obviously screwed up her life WAY too much and I, for one, am not totally convinced at all that she's sorry. I'm actually sort of glad that for once, the parents of a teen child refused to support their daughter. Corey Conway's mother helped her, so did the girl Lizzie's (who wasn't pregnant but still...), and probably more that I'm forgetting. I think it's important to know that not all parents are willing to help their kids, especially ones like Sandy.

Eric: It was great seeing Julie again, but come on? Why only for 3 minutes? Well I guess I shouldn't complain but I wish Julie and Hank would return with their own storyline. And not surprising, but the writers now say that Julie has two girls. Typical. Anyway, back to Eric...I just don't see the big deal here. I can understand if he was just upset that he was the last to know, but jeez, it happened 50 years ago! His parents are still together aren't they? His parents still love him, don't they? So, I just don't see the big deal with this whole feeling sorry for yourself thing.

Annie: I miss Annie. I wish Catherine would just agree to work more than 2 hours a week, I mean it's the last season, just work extra hours now and you can be done later. Also with the show officially ending this May, I do hope (keep your fingers crossed everyone!) that the elder siblings, Matt and Mary will make an appearance in the two-part series finale. Now THAT would be a good series finale!

My last comment is that the Campbell's Soup Label thing is really annoying. I mean for one episode was okay, but two in a row is getting a little boring. Oh well.

I give this episode an 8.5/10. Next week's looks so much better though! I definitely can't wait for that one! Ruthie finally figures out the truth!

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!

Overall this episode was much better than I expected. At this rate, I expect that there will be an 11th season...this show is still going strong, even though it wouldn't hurt for it to end after this great season (so far). This week's was by far better than last week's.

I'm just going to do a short review b/c I find that my long reviews are tedious and not many people read them anyway:

Simon - David Gallagher is getting too much screen time. Anyone else agree? I mean I'm very glad that he's back full-time, very glad that Simon's not just focusing on sex anymore, but it's still too much for some reason. It's like every other scene has Simon in it these days. Simon or Rose that is. I love the character of Simon, but let's focus a little more on Daddy Kevin (even though I can't stand George Stults; the guy is barely getting any screen time), or Ruthie! I mean I know last week's episode was devoted to Ruthie, but it seems like the past four episodes have been devoted to Simon and Rose! Let's use a little bit less Rose; a little more Kevin, Ruthie, Eric/Annie perhaps?

The engagement ring was so farfetched and unrealistic. And Rose didn't even say thank you, jeez. Rose was much more annoying in this episode. She was almost starting to grow on me, and then she just had to act all...like Rose. I didn't like that.

Ruthie - Not much, but man did I like that scene w/ her and Annie! It's about time for a mother/daughter talk. And Annie finally got to the root of Ruthie's problems, something Eric couldn't do. So that's why Ruthie's obsessed with Jack...to get to Martin. I have to say I honestly didn't see that one coming. I thought she really liked Jack, even though I couldn't understand why. But now I do. And I love the storyline; and Ruthie was so much more tolerable in this episode. But what was with the ending where Eric nearly choked at the idea of Ruthie and Martin dating? I thought he wanted those two together. They would make a good couple.

Lucy/Kevin - Well Lucy was really amazing in this episode. The father/daughter scene was so well done. Lucy's counseling session w/ Lizzie went so much better than I expected, probably better than some of Eric's counseling sessions.

As for the Lucy/Kevin argument, it was way too short. Arguments don't get resolved that easily, especially since Kevin did technically lie to her by hiding important news from Lucy. I really wish they had expanded this storyline and reduced Simon and Rose's role for once. We need to see Kevin and Lucy working things out as a couple, not always individually.

And why not show Savannah crawling? That would have been a great scene.

Martin - The end scene was so touching, in my opinion, and Tyler Hoechlin did a fantastic job, better than usual, I must say! I think we're all getting the idea now that Martin in fact DOES care what's going on, he's just very disappointed w/ himself that he can't even bring himself to say what he's done. Like I said in another thread, Sandy needs to chill and give him some time. She always has the option of getting an abortion if this pregnancy is so inconvienent for her.

I'm really glad the writers are redeeming Martin's character a little bit, by finally suggesting that he does care. Martin has always been my favorite character since the 8th season b/c we're the same age and we used to have the same personality. Now I can see where the writers are going with this...Martin seems genuinely sorry, whereas Sandy seems to think this is a game or something, by forcing Martin to be there for her every step of the way. Hello...give the guy at least two weeks before you force him to marry you and attend birthing classes with you! Jeez.

Anyway, overall I thought this episode was VERY good. The twins storyline, however, was completely lame. Honestly is relationships all they have on this show? Is it that hard to show the twins doing some kind of sport, or in school, or something besides dating? Gosh, they're six years old for crying out loud! I understand the confusion about marriage and wanting a girlfriend to be w/ for the rest of your life, but not at 6 years old. Maybe 9 or 10. This storyline was completely a waste of time, in my opinion. And David really needs to get his hair cut, b/c the long shaggy hair isn't good at all.

I'm personally glad Meredith wasn't in this episode; and I hope that when Martin and Ruthie DO get together, she'll be out of the picture. She's a fine actress, but completely irrelevant as a regular.

As for next week, Matt's back! Yay! Hopefully w/ an update on medical school and Sarah. It would be so nice to see Carlos again, and have a family episode again. Anyway can't wait for next week's episode! Looks very dramatic!

Once again I must say, if 7th Heaven keeps this up, the chances of an 11th season are VERY high. Not one episode yet has been even close to terrible, whereas this time last year we were watching a crappy bird storyline and Aaron Carter on our screens. What a BIG difference. Keep up the good work, 7th Heaven!

Quote:

Notes:
- Simon, once again, please dump Rose. No one likes her. We all want her to go.

- I can't express how much I LOVED the scene at the end b/w Martin and Lucy. It was great job, especially on Tyler Hoechlin's part.

- Savannah's crawling now? Come on writers, SHOW this stuff! Stop w/ the dialogue, start showing this stuff.

- I can't wait for Matt next episode! The next episode looks like it's going to be really good.

I was looking forward to the return of 7th Heaven and it's 10th anniversary season, especially after a long summer. Imagine the disappointment when I didn't see Peter Graves or Barbara Rush's name in the credits, and when I saw not one, not two, but THREE additional female characters to the opening credits? What the hell? Did Brenda not learn ANYTHING from her mistake in season 8? Apparently not. Let's break this episode down:

ERIC: It's nice to see Eric back on track with work at the church again, and taking more of an active role in his kid's lives again. The opening scene was pretty good...I loved the music. But other than that, it's a shame to see that Eric is still hiding news from his own parents, The Colonel and Ruth, just like he did 6 years ago when he tried to hide his sister, Julie's pregnancy. When will the reverend learn? But other than that, I can't find fault with Eric, other than he really should practice what he preaches.

LUCY/KEVIN: The sermon was much shorter than I thought it would be, especially since I thought this was an important storyline, yet they only spent 5 minutes on it. Heck, Lucy probably got the least screen time out of all the Camdens. That was pretty disappointing since I'm sure the storyline would have been good, had they expanded on it. I was upset that it was just dropped after 5 minutes, and it wasn't really mentioned again, until the family started blaming her, which was totally unnecessary. So her sermon ran over 15 minutes. Sunday is one day out of the whole week; and if these people were really devoted Christians, they would know Sunday is the day of rest, so I don't know why they were in such a hurry to leave, unless it was just for lunch. Jeez.

As for Kevin, I'm still not a fan of George Stults' acting. His line, "I have my daughter waiting at home" was so freaking CORNY. Kevin is corny. But I'm slowly getting used to that. I'm really not looking forward to seeing him as a stay-at-home dad but w/e. His lines with Lucy about the apologies and sex though were completely random and weird. Like um, Brenda, no one needs that much information about their sex life. These two were really not show much in this episode, but I'm not a Lucy/Kevin fan anyway so I don't really care.

SIMON: Oh Simon. You didn't learn anything over the summer. You're still with Rose, and you still claim to be 'in love'. Yeah right. I want Simon to dump Rose, as we all do, ASAP. Their dialogue and scenes together are boring and quite frankly, pointless. We all know Rose is a condescending, rude, ignorant, selfish witch, and I for one am tired of seeing her on this show. I let her bug me too much, it's just that Simon can do better and I hate seeing Simon act so vulnerable. But other than that, there was nothing new with them that we didn't already know, except Rose is so evil she is responsible for Simon switching majors to Business Law. I was actually anxious to see Simon become a film director but I can also see him as a business person. He was always good with money.

MARTIN: Ok this storyline is just way too unrealistic, yet it is typical 7th Heaven. We just HAVE to be forced to watch yet another teenage pregnancy on this show, don't we? And not just by anyone, but by Haylie Duff. And if that weren't enough, Martin is the one who had premarital sex with her. MARTIN, Mr. Saint who didn't even think kissing was a good idea last year. This is so far beyond unrealistic. First of all, what happened to Zoe? Secondly, how did meeting Sandy turn into sex? Especially with Martin's dad home, and the fact that Martin was stupid enough not to even use protection?? WTF??

But the WORST part was when Martin refused to help her. Okay, yeah the girl may be a liar, a whore, and much more, but still...don't be such a jerk, Martin. Help the poor girl out, for goodness sake. Not everything revolves around you, and you did make the mistake, so be a man and step up to your mistake and take responsibility for what YOU did to YOURSELF.

I really hate this storyline. I still like Martin's character but I'm not so sure he's my favorite anymore. Is Simon now the saint good boy and Martin's the evil guy who has premarital sex?? Hello, writers? It's called continuity. Start using it.

CARLOS: I'm so glad we saw Carlos, but come on...show more Carlos and Charlie than Simon/Rose in like every scene. I'm really anxious to see more Carlos this season, and also get to the bottom of his reasons for the divorce. See...why can't Carlos become a regular over that Meredith girl? No one cares about her, and come on...at least Carlos is (or was) part of the actual Camden family! Of course there's no point in asking Jessica Biel to return, b/c I pretty much know the answer to that statement.

RUTHIE/JACK: To me, Jack looks like 21 years old; and Ruthie has always bad taste in guys. First Peter, then Vincent, now this guy, whom I don't think looks good with Ruthie at all. He's way too old, and even with the new bangs (which I hate by the way) Mackenzie Rosman still looks only 15. Anyway, this little subplot of Ruthie and Meredith 'trading' Jack and Martin is weird. Like what world is Brenda living in? Real people don't act like this. "I'll be there when Meredith breaks up with him..." and "He's free and I'll take him." Seriously who talks like that? Is this the dating service all over again? Plus why are Jack and Meredith even part of this show? What relevance do either one of them possibily have to this show? I'm glad Ruthie has a friend, but it's not a necessity, especially now that we have THREE additional new female characters, and Meredith is the one that is NOT important to the show. The actress is fine, but the storyline is not. Get rid of Meredith, soon. She can make guest appearances, but that's it.

I still can't believe they have yet to resolve this Martin/Ruthie relationship, if there even is one. I've pretty much given up hope of ever seeing one, although I hope there is one, just to get rid of Meredith and Jack.

OTHERS: As for the Brinos, David is doing better...Sam's still a little harder to understand. But I don't really care about them anyway.

But the biggest disappointment of all was the lack of The Colonel and Ruth. Every synopsis I read; every summary I read, all of them said they would appear. Imagine how I felt (and others, I'll bet) when see that neither name is listed in their guest starring list. VERY disappointing.

Finally, the Mary-talk. Enough all ready. She and Carlos got a divorce; stop treating Mary like she's the spawn of Satan and you can never pick up the damn phone to find out why she even got the divorce in the first place. I'm so tired of them talking about Mary...if it's talk about her job, her independent life, or updates on her life...then great. If it's to continue to criticize her, or to make yourselves feel like a failure b/c she got a divorce, like so many couples do nowadays, then don't even bother mentioning her. It's that simple. Keep your thoughts to yourself.

Also, I did like Eric's musical scene in the beginning. Great way to start the 10th season premiere. I don't like Ruthie's new look at all, although I guess she does look a little older. Finally, it's nice to see that Mary still is looking out a little for Charlie's needs. So she's not so terrible after all. They really need to tell us why they got the divorce, b/c I'm getting the distinct impression it's more than Carlos is telling. Great way for Jessica Biel to return, but I know she probably won't.

The ending was okay...if only Martin and Sandy had more chemistry. I guess we have to wait to see what happens next week. Speaking of which, it looks actually decent. However, it's a Kevin-centered episode, so I'll hold my breath until next Monday.

QUOTE:

NOTES AND TIDBITS:
- No Matt in this season premiere. I miss Matt. I hope Barry Watson returns, but this time, with an actual storyline.

- Three new characters to the credits is absolutely ridiculous. Neither three are bad actresses, but come on...

- The twins still do not impress me yet. Maybe I'm just hard, but by 7, you'd think they could at least talk a little bit coherently.

- Brenda Hampton, if all you can come up with nowadays is teenage sex and pregnancy, then it's time to call this show quits. This show isn't a PSA not to have sex, it's supposed to be a family drama. Please start taking that into consideration.

This episode was easily one of the best episodes for November sweeps, and this is the second great episode in a row! I hope 7th Heaven keeps it up, as they go into their 10th season. So in this episode, the theme was gratitude and being thankful, as each of the Camdens displayed throughout this episode. Let's break it down:

LUCY: So in my opinion, Lucy really had the biggest and most interesting storyline in this storyline. I loved seeing the relationship between Lucy and Matt. Both are so different, yet it's great to see they still do stuff together, even if it's something as simple as grocery shopping. Lucy was a little annoying in this episode at the beginning and I wasn't crazy about a lot of the dialogue, but in the end, I have to admit Beverley Mitchell did a great job. But Barry Watson...wow! I will admit I never cared much for Matt's character in the earlier seasons, but these past few years he's become one of the characters I've grown to like. Barry Watson did a superb job in this episode. I think he definitely did the best acting in this episode; unlike the others, he didn't seem fake, I could actually picture the scenes between him and Lucy as happening in real life. I'm so glad Matt's finally growing up and taking responsibility for not only himself, but his siblings. Now if only he would try harder to fix marital problems with him and Sarah, but for now I'm just happy Matt was there.

As for the actual scare, I thought Beverley Mitchell did a great job portraying a mom who might have just lost her baby. So these two definitely get the "Best Actor/Actress" awards this week, without a doubt. Great job!

SIMON: Okay so the next big storyline was Simon's. I wasn't crazy about seeing Simon become a teenage father, and I'm glad that he is not. I cannot stand Georgia, though now looking back, I would almost prefer her after meeting Simon's new girlfriend. But Georgia manipulated Simon and therefore, I hope Simon has nothing more to do with her. She has a sick mind to fake a pregnancy, and make a guy panic like that. And the family center thing, why can't we see any of this on screen? It probably would have been good too. Anyway, Georgia acted terribly in this episode, and thank goodness this is the last she's in. At least I hope it is. And Simon LeBon...what the heck? What was the point of that? Surely most people knew he was lying, since it was Glenoak and he is a minister's son.

KEVIN: Sub-plot and quite frankly, it didn't interest me one bit. The beginning with Kevin trying to look like a drug dealer or w/e looked really lame. Maybe cause I'm not a girl, so I don't think Kevin's glares and nearly shirtless body was anything beyond just lame. Obviously this was added just for teen girl interest. At least the scene before the opening credits when he was trying to look like a drug dealer. I thought he looked rather lame. However, I didn't like Lucy's comment, "Who are you going as...Nelly?" I thought that was a bit harsh, seeing as even Nelly doesn't look that bad. But whatever. I can't say this storyline interested me, and I can't believe Captain Michaels would just let calls go into the station about Lucy being in the hospital and not even have the courtesy to inform Kevin.

ERIC/ANNIE: This was really just a filler storyline. Basically, we know that Eric and Annie are returning from Ginger's after having a nice Thanksgiving with her. The thought was great, but must we always endure the fact that the most interesting storylines happen off-screen? Rather than show us the car ride home which was boring, why not show us the actual pre-Thanksgiving at Ginger's. I mean, Eric and Annie weren't really needed in this episode for much else, except at the end, and it would have been nice to see Beverley Garland again. But I do have to comment about Eric's comment...it seems like Eric and Annie seemed to be nostalgic about the old days when Matt was just a kid. I can understand, especially after that "YMCA" chorus from the twins. I also found most of their lines pointless and would have much rather seen something else besides this ongoing car ride. I know each actor needs to appear in every episode, but this just wasn't necessary. It wasn't bad but it could have been better.

OTHERS: Martin and Ruthie were basically useless in this episode. Why was Ruthie ever sent to Puerto Rico? Were both actors just given a break? I didn't see any point to this storyline unless it was to say that even people without close family members can still be happy and don't need to be surrounded by family to celebrate Thanksgiving. Other than that, these two were completely useless.

In all, I gave this episode 8.5. I couldn't care much about Simon, Eric/Annie, or Ruthie/Martin's storylines in this episode. The only thing that interested me was Lucy and Matt, and both did an excellent job. And Kevin...next time, please try to not look so obvious when you go an under cover drug bust.

QUOTE: "I guess it's time for the Camden kids to grow up." (Lucy to Matt)


NOTES AND TIDBITS:
- Where was Sarah in this episode?? And after that whole Thanksgiving fiasco, Matt didn't even bother returning to work? Nice continuity once again, writers.

- Please don't ever waste so much time in the beginning of an episode again, especially with Kevin. There was much better stuff to focus on. Oh, and on a different note, please don't ever let the twins sing YMCA again. Please.

- I REALLY wish Brenda would use Barry Watson more, without having him return home every other episode. The guy's a decent actor and he adds something to the show. Maybe I'm just saying that now, because he's gone for the 10th season sadly.

- So Simon lucked out and isn't a father after all. So why is he still having sex afterwards? Didn't he learn his lesson?