March 26, 2007: I Love Ivy Day
Wow. What a finale. I truly hope this isn't the end of this show, but if that
is its fate, I applaud ABC for a touching end that combined this drama's finest elements: humor, jealousy, confusion, sincerity and truth. The last group scene was all we could ask for, and with Brian at Laura's door, we can only assume those renewed vows made him think enough to get it right for once. If we never see Brian and his friends again, I'd like to think the thirtysomething love failure learned enough lessons along the way to settle into the perfect nook.
And I think we owe it all to Dave and Deena. Their journey this week was pretty hectic, but classic in terms of a
Brian situation. But when Dave gave that little speech about going back in time and finding those people they used to be, the cows seemed to agree. And apparently a roll in the grass confirmed their craziness when they were yelling out their love for no one to hear.
Back in the real world, "whoever wakes up Uncle Brian is grounded forever." I think seeing Bri dressed up as Pretty, Pretty Princess was one of my favorite moments this season. But Nasty Natty doesn't want to play. (That's right, I renamed her.) Be a little kind to the children, will you? You had to know Supernanny Adam would show up in this awkward situation, especially after the guys' pact about dating within their circle. Did anyone else love watching the guys take care of the kids? What was better was when Laura showed up (I pretty much have nothing to say about Stephanie). Not only did we get to see the calm, likable person she is, but she pretty much handed it to Natasha. Plus, let out that little Nic secret that apparently
everyone didn't know about. Adam definitely knew how to twist things around to make Natasha crumble.
And it was a good thing he showed up at the cupcake shop with his "no crying in baking" jokes. What a disaster! Frosting everywhere, angry customers. And let's not forget it was Ivy Day. Kind of. "I hate people. I hate cupcakes. I hate sprinkles."
As for me, I could almost sense the sadness these actors might have been feeling while shooting this finale. If you looked closely enough, it's almost as if Barry Watson was saying goodbye with every scene - we got a very serious side of Brian tonight, and I think that transfers over into the idea of letting this show go. Still, I loved Adam's games, Dave's sensitivity, Jimmy adorned in a messy apron and Brian piecing together his life. Thanks for changing my mind, ABC. I wasn't so sure I'd latch on in the beginning, but I might feel a little emptiness on Monday nights now. Maybe I'll fill my 10 pm hour with cupcakes. And piles of sprinkles.
