November 20, 2006: Don't Let the Gobblers Get You Down
"Your mom was a stripper?" What a fuzzy-warm opening - a budding relationship that's in the all-smiles phase. I'm excited about Adam and Heather (aka Summer) and her theory about waiting until the fifth date to get down and dirty. Jimmy thinks this is just a rebound thing, but you can see in Adam's eyes it's definitely not. Although, I wonder if his conversation with Jimmy sparked memories of Marjorie.
In the hospital maternity ward, Brian's hair is growing on me, because it's actually done nicely.... Somebody found some mousse! "Are you high?" he asks Nicole when she says working for their father might actually be a good idea. He'd happily switch and grieve for her while she works for Dad. Oh Brian... chin up, buddy. I swear one day he'll be happy.... But we really wouldn't have a show if he found it now.
Working for Dad means having boundaries. "I'm not expecting any favors, and I won't be asking for any," Brian says. And it's straight business from here on out as Dad lays down the company rules. Welcome Bridget (
Krista Allen) into the mix.... Isn't it her lucky day? She comes late to work and is assigned to mentor Brian as he learns the business. Immediate attraction. Immediate trouble. I can smell it from my couch. And suddenly, she's wiping his latte-covered mustache - although, I didn't see any milk lingering on his lip - in a clichéd flirting moment. "Stand there and look cute," she says. Is that code for "I wear the pants in this relationship-to-be"? This should be good.
Deena and Dave are trying to rotate living in their own house with the kids. I just want to hug Dave. He's so genuine. He's a good dad. He's trying. "I am not a complete nimrod," he jokes with her. That one made me laugh out loud, because he's sincere but he's still got his humor tucked underneath. And, wouldn't we just all love a day like Deena's? Massage, shopping, a hike. Good for her. Mommy has a time-out... the adult kind.
Later that night...
Adam invites Heather to his work party. "You don't have to invite me just 'cause I found your cheese," she says in that endearing, nonstripper kind of way. But I think he's a little worried about Jimmy's reaction. When Heather shows up looking more elegant than ever, Summer is nowhere in sight. "I'm a chiropractor," she tells his colleagues. But after a few drinks, Adam gives her away in an embarrassing moment. He doesn't seem to care after overhearing some of the lawyers talk about him not making partner - or at least, he
assumes they're talking about him.
And Deena's struggling with who she really is outside motherhood. Her mommy time-out didn't exactly free her, but only made her think more about her children and her future life.
Dave and Brian kick back with a few beers and reminisce over old video games. I still love their interactions - they have these pacts that are always filled with pride and promise. But often come with risk... when Dave suggests some new concepts for his project at work, he seems lost in the big ocean that is his new company. And Brian returns to the house Bridget tried to sell yesterday, but with a different approach - a sentimental Brian approach (that apparently works on
some women). A job well done leads to an interoffice no-no and clothes being readjusted sloppily. All I kept thinking was, "Typical. Only Brian."
It's a new day....
And Deena's back to mommyhood with trays of cupcakes taking over the kitchen. Does Mrs. Fields have some competition on her hands? I feel for her - she's confused, a little lost, she needs something for herself... just like her husband.
But Dave is doing a lot worse this morning. Something's wrong, and I'm panicking at the thought of this character falling apart. Will an illness bring them closer? Will tragedy continue to haunt the troubled group? At home with Deena, he seems OK, more clearheaded. Was it anxiety?
And in another office, Bridget seems to have gained some perspective. "As far as I'm concerned, last night never happened," she tells Brian in a
Grey's Anatomy-like elevator moment. But at least he's released from under her watch when Dad finds out he's really the one who sold the house. "Hopefully, you'll feel at home here," Dad says. I loved when Brian put the pens and pencils in his mug. Unpacking his bags, finally?
I haven't been that interested in Nic's story line this week, but there's something to be said for
Rosanna Arquette's scene with the grieving group. Her fears pour out, her frustrations are easier said. And we get some relief with Angelo's death, seeing Nicole really smile.
My favorite conversation of the night? Dave and Brian's bonding over their love for cupcakes. Moist, "supple" cupcakes. Who else can ooo and aaah over frosting? Those two crack me up.
But what wasn't so funny to me was Adam and Heather having a shotgun wedding. What was
that about? Somehow I see a clash coming.... Will Marjorie return? Talk about a last-minute twist. I would have titled this episode, "What About Some Self-control?"
