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Meet the Parents
Welcome to another episode of Men in Trees [Thursdays at 10 pm/ET, on ABC]. This week's installment, "The Indecent Proposal," was written by our creator, Jenny Bicks. She is also a great blogger, so you should check out what she says about this one on the writers' blog at ABC.com. I know it sounds like I'm plugging the ABC website every week, but I promise I'm not some shameless promoter for the network. I just enjoy reading what our writers are thinking.
This episode was exciting for me because it's the first time I have a scene with Jane (Seana Kofoed). In fact, this will be the first time that our characters ever speak to one another on the show. Seana and I were always saying to each other, "Wouldn't it be hilarious if Jane went out to Queens with Annie and met her insane family?" Well, Jenny Bicks must be a mind reader, because that's exactly what happens! Annie is bringing Patrick home to meet the parents and announce their engagement, and she tries to set up Jane with her cute stockbroker brother (Josh Randall from Ed). We shot all the O'Donnell house scenes at a real home in West Vancouver. Luckily, they never show the outside of the house, because I've lived in Queens, and let me tell you, the house we used doesn't look like anything that was ever built in Queens. The inside, however, was perfect. It's always so interesting to wander onto a new set, because the people who decorate and dress it always add such interesting details. There was a bowl of nuts and a nutcracker, lots of lacy doilies, and those funny mint candies that you always see at grandmas' houses. Even a lot of the books on the bookshelf were about Ireland!
This week we also meet Annie's parents, and they couldn't have chosen two more incredible actors. You'll recognize Annie's dad, Colm Meaney, because he's been in basically every Irish movie ever made. And if you are a big nerd like me, you'll also recognize him from Star Trek. [He played Deep Space Nine's Chief O'Brien]. My family and I have been fans of his for years, so I was a little star-struck having him come on our set. There's a scene where he and Patrick (Derek Richardson) have a little late-night, man-to-man talk, and both of them are hilarious. And Annie Potts needs no introduction. She's been in countless series, like Designing Women, but I must admit that one of my favorite performances is her turn in Ghostbusters. I'll have to wait until she comes back on the show to ask her about that movie, because I was too shy this time around. Working with Annie was really great because her character is very similar to Annie on the show, so we got to work off each other's gestures and mannerisms.
I'm sure you're all wondering about the big news between Lynn and Jack this week, and I will remind you that this episode is entitled "The Indecent Proposal." Take that how you will. However, I will say that if you are surprised by what transpires between those two this week, you will be in shock at what happens with them next week. The love lives in Elmo are becoming quite complicated. I, for one, was absolutely heartbroken that Jane and Plow Guy broke up. I do have it on authority that this isn't the last we'll see of Plow Guy and, of course, Jane, so I'm hoping they might find each other again, or at least have a little "ex sex" at Annie's wedding. And we have a brand-new budding romance this week when Sara (Suleka Mathew) meets Eric (Nicholas Lea), the hunky guy from her EMT class. This story line is especially endearing because Suleka and Nick live together in real life. They were so adorable their first day of work together because they were both really nervous. Suleka kept saying, "Nick knows me so well, he'll know if I'm not on my game," and Nick was worrying, "What if we don't have chemistry?" Well, I got to see a little bit of them together, and I don't think they have a thing to worry about.
Well, I must go. It's almost cutoff time for FedEx, and I have to make sure my man down in L.A. gets something for Valentine's Day. I can't get all my romance from watching Men in Trees!
Series creator Jenny Bicks answers TVGuide.com readers' questions about Men in Trees in Interviews & Features.
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Feb 14, 2007 11:29 AM
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Hi Emily,
I just LOVE this show and so appreciate you taking the time to blog to us fans!
I'm looking forward to yours and Patricks wedding and meeting the parents should be too much fun!
I too am bummed about Jane and Plow Guy but I know this is far from over.
Unlike many fans, I don't hate Lynn and understand the deep bond she and Jack have for one another. But I'm a firm believer in love and Jack and Marin will find their way back to each other. Though he will need to grovel a bit...
Happy Valentine's Day to the whole cast of Men In Trees!!
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Feb 14, 2007 12:38 PM
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Happy Valentine's Day, Emily. This upcoming episode sounds so exciting. Like another blogger, I don't "hate" Lynn per se, she just irks me because she is so "blah". I am hoping that the father of the baby shows up and they get back together. I thought that it would bug me now that Anne and James are together in real life, but so far it hasn't bothered me much. Some times those situations take away something from the show. It's suppose to be ACTING, not living out your real life. Anyhoo, sorry to get carried away. I like that you do your blog before the week's episode without giving anything away. Is there a blog for people's opinions after the show airs? Thanks, again, Emily!!
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Feb 14, 2007 12:51 PM
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Thanks for your blog Emily! I always enjoy it.
I can't picture the actor playing your Dad, so I will have to with-hold judgement on him until after I see the episode. But I think picking Annie Potts for your Mom is pure genius!! I just love her... and I can SO see the two of you as mother and daughter! I can't wait!
I was sorry to see Plow Guy and Jane end. But they did a great job of showing that relationships between two complete opposites is really hard. But I hope they will eventually drift back together and work things out.
Have a Happy Valentines Day. Too bad you and your man have to be apart. 
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Feb 14, 2007 3:09 PM
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Wow, sounds like we all will be getting some of our Valentine treats a few days late with the next episode of MIT. I cannot wait. I am a fan of Colm Meany, having lived with a Trekker for almost 30 years, one cannnot help it.
I also love Plow Guy, and was heartbroken when he and Jane broke up. To know that will not really be the end of them really made my day. Thanks for all your wonderful information.
Looking forward to your wedding on the show...
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Feb 14, 2007 6:27 PM
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Hi Emily, I've been hoping to find a spot to give you a shout out. I knew you in high school -- this is Maile. We were on speech team together and in show choir. I just wanted to say that I am so happy for you and all your success in acting. You were always brilliantly talented, but nice to everyone. I'll always follow your career with great interest - you have my best wishes!
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Feb 15, 2007 1:46 AM
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Hey Emily,
Your blog site has become habit- forming for me. Again thanks for the heads up on this week's show and all the good stuff going on behind the scenes. And thanks for the little hint about Jack & Lynn's big news. You really have a knack on teasing us just enough without giving away too much of the storylines. I try not to speculate too much but I will die if Jack proposes marriage to Lynn.
I really love the developments between Annie & Patrick. I am also glad Sara will be getting more exposure on the show. I really like Suleka Mathew and hope she becomes a more mainstream character.
By the way, ABC TV schedule indicates the next new eppy won't be shown until April 12th. That means reruns for 5 weeks. So we won't see the shocker you mentioned for Jack & Lynn for quite a while!
But please, please, please, keep on blogging until then.
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Feb 15, 2007 10:45 AM
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Once upon a time we had "must see tv."
Now, thanks to quality programming like this we have "feel good tv."
What a breath of fresh air this show is.
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Feb 16, 2007 3:26 AM
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Another great episode! The storyline with Sara and the minister was really touching, and I laughed so loudly at Patrick's confession scene during the intervention! Between that scene this week, and the "power point" scene last week, I must commend him on his comedic acting chops--not intended to say yours are shabby, mind you!
My favorite storyline on this show has to be your character and Patrick. The two of you bring a great spark to the show and it's so cool us viewers have a chance to let the actors know that directly. Thanks again for keeping up this blog and fingers crossed tightly for a season 2!
Also...Amy Winehouse used as the music!? So cool! She's my favorite and just gaining popularity in the states.
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Feb 16, 2007 11:30 AM
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Dear Emily,
Yay!!!!Great episode! Your parents are a hoot especially Colm Meaney.I don't recognize him but now I'll look out for him in credits. You and Derek play off each other so well ; you are the fresh and hopeful couterpart to the depressing Jack/Lynn/Marin triangle. Thank you for your blog ; I enjoy it all week between shows. If you take a break now during hiatus, you have certainly earned it and we'll meet again, I hope in 5 weeks. Enjoy and much success !
FYI..now that you are marrying Patrick, you should probably know tomorrow is Chinese New Year. It is the Year of the Pig ; the symbol of prosperity.Thank Buddha!
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Feb 16, 2007 3:36 PM
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Dear Emily,
Yay!!!!Great episode! Your parents are a hoot especially Colm Meaney.I don't recognize him but now I'll look out for him in credits. You and Derek play off each other so well ; you are the fresh and hopeful couterpart to the depressing Jack/Lynn/Marin triangle. Thank you for your blog ; I enjoy it all week between shows. If you take a break now during hiatus, you have certainly earned it and we'll meet again, I hope in 5 weeks. Enjoy and much success !
FYI..now that you are marrying Patrick, you should probably know tomorrow is Chinese New Year. It is the Year of the Pig ; the symbol of prosperity.Thank Buddha!
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Feb 16, 2007 3:41 PM
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Dear Emily,
Yay!!!!Great episode! Your parents are a hoot especially Colm Meaney.I don't recognize him but now I'll look out for him in credits. You and Derek play off each other so well ; you are the fresh and hopeful couterpart to the depressing Jack/Lynn/Marin triangle. Thank you for your blog ; I enjoy it all week between shows. If you take a break now during hiatus, you have certainly earned it and we'll meet again, I hope in 5 weeks. Enjoy and much success !
FYI..now that you are marrying Patrick, you should probably know tomorrow is Chinese New Year. It is the Year of the Pig ; the symbol of prosperity.Thank Buddha!
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Feb 16, 2007 3:42 PM
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Hi! I love the show, good work!
I would love to know about the coat that Anne Heche was wearing on The Indecent Proposal episode when she walked up to her cabin and saw cash in the tent. I absolutely loved that coat! Where can I get one?
Thanks bunches
Sue
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Feb 18, 2007 8:30 AM
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Hey Emily,
Congrats to you all on being picked up for another season. I miss my Men in Trees and can't wait for the next episode. Keep up the good work (both on the show and with the blog).
Jen
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Mar 21, 2007 5:06 PM
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Hey Bergl...
Is it twoo?? Are you guys coming back for a second season???? if so Woooo Hooooo and YaYYYYYYYYYYY! Can someone pls confirm?
I have been *so* bummed since they put Oct Surprise in your spot.... I couldn't bring myself to watch it last week, then tried to watch it tonight and hated it.... sorry ABC... but juvenile worn out plots don't work for me.
MIT is so refreshing cus it is so different... I have followed it faithfully since the first couple of episodes... and I am not a regular TV watcher.
The acting is absolutely some of the best on the toob, every cast member is terrific, not to mention the quirky story lines...
I realized one night after an episode ended that I was smiling to myself and watching MIT just makes you feel good... one of the few things I can think of that consistently does that.
Long live MIT...
okay, one more questions... when will you guys be back on the air? I was so looking forward to seeing the re-runs (I'm on dialup so hard to watch on the computer...)
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Mar 23, 2007 2:39 AM
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