You don't wanna get me started on how I feel about the ep now.

Deb

Yeah, it broke my heart to find my client was actually guilty.  I honestly felt betrayed, like he'd lied to me.  Almost like he was a real human being, and not a fictional character.

That was really cool Shrams!  Thanks for posting.

Deb

Current mood:     hopeful

Joan Girardi vs. Adam Rove & Former Fans vs. Adam

Warning, spoilers ahead for the next Joan of Arcadia episode, "Trial and Error" to be aired 4/1/05, a most unfortunate date.

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I'm here on behalf of my client, Adam Rove. Since, as you know, the American judicial system allows every defendant representation, I am here as Mr. Rove's defense attorney.

It seems as though my client has been put on trial without a sufficient amount of evidence. The defendant is accused of committing infidelity with one Bonnie Nolastname, a student at the same school attended by Mr. Rove and Ms Girardi. There has been much supposition and speculation, based on hearsay and circumstantial evidence. We are here to look at the facts.

The facts as we know them, are these: Mr. Rove and his girlfriend, Ms. Joan Girardi, have been dating for a little over a year. During that time, they have had many difficulties, individually and as a couple. They come from different socioeconomic backgrounds, and different family structures. They have only known each other for approximately a year and a half. Ms. Girardi is 17 years old, as of last November. Mr. Rove turned 17 very recently.

In the past Ms. Girardi destroyed a piece of artwork created by Mr. Rove, with no explanation ever given. This caused a rift between the two that lasted for several weeks. Despite Ms. Girardi's many attempts to apologize, without a sufficient explanation of her actions, Mr. Rove was not able to forgive her for this act of vandalism. Ms. Girardi has admitted to doing other things that have appeared to be done for the sole purpose of hurting Mr. Rove, though she claims to have a good reason for doing so. She has not provided an explanation or motivation for any of these actions, just pleaded for forgiveness.

Mr. Rove has suffered emotional damage and separation anxiety due to the suicide of his mother. He has been extremely patient and understanding towards Ms. Girardi's often eccentric behavior, and put his own feelings aside unless a traumatic memory is triggered. In such events the need for self-preservation overcomes the need for love and acceptance.

Both Mr. Rove and Ms. Girardi have been observed on numerous occasions, in front of witnesses, arguing or disagreeing passionately. Witnesses have claimed that both are prone to overdramatization and histrionics over offenses that seemed to the witness to be trivial or not warranting each such strong reactions. Ms. Girardi has several times accused Mr. Rove of being unfaithful, and on one occasion, provoked a physical fight in the school hallway with her best friend, accusing her friend and Mr. Rove of cheating on her. Mr. Rove was one of the people attempting to break up the fight.

Ms. Girardi was suspicious of Mr. Rove's motivation in hiring one Stevie Marks, female, as his assistant at his work at a design studio. Ms. Girardi's chief objection was that Ms. Marks was too blonde and perky to be able to do the job she was hired to do. Mr. Rove later admitted that, despite his general aversion to perkiness, he hired Ms. Marks more for her ability to provoke jealousy in Ms. Girardi than specifically for her qualifications as an artist.

On a recent occasion, both Mr. Rove and Ms. Girardi lied to their respective parents, in order to spend a weekend together attending a concert out of town. Due to a regrettable lapse in communication, neither of them inquired deeply enough into the nature of the sleeping arrangements, and whether such accommodations were intended solely for the purpose of sleep. Each had different plans for how the evening would go, and the combination of their lack of communication and mistaken assumptions led to a very upsetting, frustrating and disturbing weekend for them both. Mr. Rove claimed later that he didn't know the reason for his actions, and regretted his behavior. It was suggested to him that perhaps his hormones had overbalanced the logical functioning of his brain, a condition sometimes known as "testosterone poisoning".

Shortly after that, Ms. Girardi questioned Mr. Rove's lack of attention when she was speaking to him. He explained that he was tired due to spending the previous night writing a paper that was due for school. When further questioned, he explained that he had to finish the paper early, because he had plans to go to a college interview that weekend. The interview would take place in another state. Ms. Girardi inquired whether she could attend the interview with him. Mr. Rove was not enthused about the idea, and tried to discourage her from going with him, citing her mother's likely reaction at the thought of then spending the night together anywhere. Mr. Rove also questioned his own ability to control his hormones, and subsequent reaction to those hormones, should he and Ms. Girardi once again find themselves sharing the same sleeping quarters.

Ms. Girardi later found out that Mr. Rove had not attended the college interview and had in fact, not returned three of her phone calls. He claimed the interview was postponed, and he subsequently decided to spend time alone. He doesn't know why he didn't return phone calls, but didn't think he should have to explain his every action and motivation to Ms. Girardi.  Recently, both Ms. Girardi and Mr. Rove became acquainted with Bonnie Nolastname, who seemed, to witnesses, to exhibit a rather extreme and perhaps unhealthy fixation on Mr. Rove.

These are the facts as we know them so far. The rest of my opening statement is speculation based on the script of a mock trial. At a school event, Ms. Girardi was chosen to prosecute the case in the murder of A. Giant. She suggested Mr. Rove play the part of Jack, the accused killer. During the course of this mock trial, which has not yet taken place, she will accuse him of other crimes in addition to murder. She will accuse him of selling a cow because it no longer produced milk, and stealing a goose from the giant, before killing the giant. The goose is alleged to have produced golden eggs, which would presumably have set Jack up for life, financially. This would have been the ultimate nest egg for Jack's future.

During the course of the trial, Ms. Girardi will employ some imagery that is heavily laden with metaphors designed to have emotional impact. In fact, these metaphors are likely to stir the emotions of not only the defendant, Mr. Rove, but also the prosecutor, Ms. Girardi. Given what we have seen of Ms. Girardi's rather excitable nature, and tendency to jump to conclusions, it is quite possible she will invest these metaphors with deeper meanings that have associations in her mind with her relationship to Mr. Rove. It is unknown at this time whether Mr. Rove will understand the full implications of these metaphors, but given his rather sensitive nature, it is likely he will feel overwhelmed, and since he often has trouble expresses his feelings, he may respond emotionally rather than logically to the accusations.

It is likely that their behavior will provoke strong reactions to any witnesses of the trial. In fact, these witnesses may be confused as to the vehemence of the defense, and may well wonder if both participants are indeed following the script, or are deviating from the script to further their own agenda. It is quite possible that this mock trial will cause errors in judgment on the part of both participants.

In response to the strength of emotions these two individuals have demonstrated in the past, it is quite possible that the emotions stirred up by the mock trial will carry over into their personal relationship. They made both have difficulty separating the events of the case and their presentation at the mock trial from their own feelings, imagination, and insecurities.

It is quite possible that if these two individuals do not learn to communicate their feelings in a timely manner, rather than waiting for a future time to express their thoughts, they will be unable to continue their relationship as it stands now. They are both extremely emotional, perhaps even highly strung individuals, who have very different ways of coping with stress. Neither of them responds well to stress regarding their romantic relationship. There seems to be doubt in both of their minds regarding the true feelings of the other about their relationship. There appears to be insecurity and mistrust, as well as communication difficulties, that would seem to inhibit a truly emotionally and physically intimate relationship. It is also quite possible that these individuals have differing views of their relationship, and mutually exclusive goals.

It might be advisable for both parties to take some time apart, to consider their own needs, and the needs of the other, and determine whether their mutual needs can be met by each other. I ask you to consider the facts, and find Mr. Rove not guilty of the heinous crime of cheating on his girlfriend because she wouldn't have sex with him.

Joan of Arcadia - Secret Service 

I had mixed feelings about this one, but I think it's opened some doors for other things that can be explored.  I found it somewhat amusing that Will, who's usually so competent as a cop, is so bad at handyman stuff.  It was nice to have some lighter moments.  It's too bad Helen was getting so discouraged, but luckily Adam said the right thing at the right time, and I think Helen is a bit intrigued by a student who has a lot of potential but has a very different outlook on life. 

As she said, if she feels there's nothing more she can teach Adam, it might really help her to have another student to mentor.  I thought the old physicist in the bookstore was God.  I was convinced of it, till Luke saw the picture.  Still, it's a good example of how God can sometimes work through people who don't even realize they're sort of working as an agent of God.  So not only was Joan performing 'secret service' in not recognizing the ripples, but so was this physicist.  He did seem to be trying to help Luke, but I doubt he realized how much of an influence he was.  Loved Grace and Luke at the steakhouse.

Lilly and Kevin are interesting together, and amusing, but I thought the kisses at the end of the ep happened a little too soon.  She's an intriguing character, but somehow I don't see Lilly and Kevin as a long-term couple.  Good thing that wasn't a more serious accident, or it might have really upset Kevin.  As it was, he seemed to handle it fairly well. 

Oh, and Friedman and Glynnis need to just become an official couple.  Friedman is getting irritating again, and I like it when I could actually like him somewhat.  Adam and Joan...I still don't quite get what was going on.  Did he really have the interview at Rhode Island?  I think he did, and it was rescheduled.  Instead of calling Joan and telling her he had the weekend free after all, he decided to take some time for himself.  He should have returned her calls, even if just to say, "Hey, plans changed, but I'm sorry, I'm just not in the mood to talk right now.  I need some time to think about stuff."  She might not have taken it well, but neither of them handled the conversation well. 

They're just not very good at talking to each other, most of the time.  Adam also needs to figure out whether he can be alone with Joan without have a sudden attack of hormones.  It seems to me most guys learn, in one way or another, how to deal with it, without having to avoid their girlfriend until she's ready to have sex.  I think they've both changed, but they're going in different directions. 

I wish Joan weren't quite so insecure all the time where Adam is concerned, but it doesn't help when he actually lies, or won't return her calls, or can't explain what he's thinking.  Things don't look too good for the two of them unless they can both spend some time alone figuring out what they want, then talk to each other.  And yes, the God conversation absolutely has to happen at some point if there's going to be any real trust and security in the relationship.  If Joan doesn't volunteer the information, Adam should bring it up and insist they talk about it.  Then watch the sparks fly.

Loved Goth God and Tough Guy God; loved Lilly totally dissing Homeless Guy God with no clue who she was talking to.

Not liking what I've heard of upcoming episodes, but maybe they'll work out better than I think.

I just checked, and I did read some of them a couple of weeks ago, I think.  I've now read through 1-11.  I'll check the rest out as I have time.  I'm not used to reading recaps of just the Adam & Joan stuff, but it does at least cut to the chase!

Deb

I need to read the recaps for No Bad Guy and Requiem.  I read the one for Double Dutch.  I think that's all the recaps that are up at the moment.

I've been swamped with working on my novel, and I'm involved in several other fandoms -- this one is lower on my list than it was two years ago, or even a year ago.  I'll need some time to catch up to speed.  There's a lot of stuff here I haven't read yet.  Once I get some obligations taken care of, I'll have more time.

Deb

Oh yes, I looove the pimply pubescent horndog scene. It's somehow so un-Adam, but that's what I like about it. He's certainly coming out of his shell a little more. I love backboned Adam. What I hated about this scene (or rather about the writing in the episode to follow) is that Grace tells him he's a "decent, upstanding guy" and he agrees. Aaaaank! Proven wrong just one week later. To everyone's dismay. <sigh> But I positively love Chris's rubberface action in this scene.

Yeah, I like that scene too.

Yes, I also loathe ID. And just like you, Shrams, I hated it that we don't even get to hear the apology. Makes me wanna write it. Well, at least it used to. But I'm wrapped up in so many other things right now... Maybe one day I'll get inspired. I think actually someone at FFN wrote a little something about it, I'd have to look at up some time.

-TeeJay

Joan of Arcadia, "Only Connect"
I've seen the episode twice now, so I figured I'd better get my thoughts in order here.  I'll put them under a cut for those who haven't seen the ep yet.

I love the continuity of this show.  It's obvious the writers have some kind of overall plan, which is always nice.  I think Barbara Hall said she's only planning out about a season at a time, but so far it's  working.

I like Joan's new look.  I think the bangs give her face a softer, younger look, and I like the rather old-fashioned dress.  She's trying really hard to suppress the colorful part of her personality.  I didn't like the way she was treating Adam, almost like he was a casual friend instead of her boyfriend.  Her hug was
very brief, and after just a few minutes she said she had to go, and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.  Then he called after her, and she kind of stopped, but didn't turn around.  I did like the way she was looking around at everyone around her, obviously wondering if each person who looked back at her was God.  It seemed like Adam was really trying to let her know he's okay with her the way she is, or at least the way she was.  He doesn't think she's crazy, and I'm sure we'll hear more later about why he came to that conclusion.   The fact that he would use what little free time he had in the summer to research people who claim to have talked to God, that told me a lot about how much he cares about her.  Joan wasn't in a mood to hear it, but maybe she'll think about it later.

I like Grace and Luke, but I'm wondering how long this "contract" she drew up is going to last.  I think she's really afraid of what other people will think, which is at odds with the way she usually behaves.  I loved her talk with Joan in Joan's room, especially when she had the lampshade on her head.  I think Andy's lawsuit against Will is going to have repercussions throughout the season.  I like the idea of Will having a continuing storyline rather than the "cop story" of the week that gets neatly tied up by the end of the episode.  I also like seeing Kevin a bit more light-hearted, more well-adjusted.  Of course, this lawsuit will probably cause all kinds of nightmares for him, literal as well as figurative, but it might also be an opportunity for both growth and healing, for Kevin, and possibly for the whole family.

The scene in the bookstore with Sammy and Joan; he was asking her for help, and she wasn't able to give it.  I think it was too late at that point for her to do anything that would have changed what his wife did, but it seemed to me he had no one he could ask, and thought Joan could offer some insight.  When Heidi showed up in her bathrobe, with the remains of Lucinda, I saw that as a good example for Joan of someone who does have psychological/psychiatric issues.  Later, when Helen showed up at the police station to talk to Will, she was talking loudly and wearing a bright red coat, which really stood out with all the blue lighting.  I wonder if that was supposed to be a parallel to the  inappropriate confrontation with Heidi talking to
Sammy at his place of work.

Joan breaking up with God was heartbreaking, but also slightly amusing, especially since it was Cute Guy God, the first incarnation she saw spoke to.  It's going to take more than flowers or jewelry to win her back, Big Guy.  I hope Joan will try to open up to Adam about all the things she's really feeling, because I think she needs a friend who she can really trust.  I think he'll do anything to help her out; within reason, I hope.  I don't want to see the kind of declaration of love that ends up with someone getting hurt.

I know a fair number of spoilers for the next 7 episodes, so I won't go into those, but it looks like the writers really know what they're doing.  There are very few throwaway scenes or lines in this series.  Or, as PowerWalkerGod said in "Death Be Not Whatever," when Joan is confused about what God is saying, "It's not for now, it's for later."  I think it's the same with a lot of the things that are puzzling or upsetting viewers who don't know what all is coming.  I have faith that it will be explained in time, if we're patient enough to wait.  And if not, that's what spoilers are for.

Tomorrow I'll post the reviews for Secret Service, and something I wrote just prior to Trial and Error.  I'll have to check, but I don't think I actually did a recap of T&E or anything afterwards.  I think I was too shocked and disheartened to spend that much time reviewing or transcribing any of it from then on.

S&L is really special as an A/J ep and also, to me, as a Chris fan.  He got to do everything he does best in that ep.  I love him in every single scene.  I've also watched the one with Helen a million times.  And the one where he bangs his head on the locker. And the one where he comforts Joan in the hallway.  "...I don't really matter right now." Great ep.

The last great ep.

Deb