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Episode Recap: "Joyce & Sharon Monroe"
Once again, seeing Christian and Sean in their new Hollywood surroundings hit home for me. Our TV Guide corporate offices are directly across the street from Grauman's Chinese Theatre, so we see those celebrity look-alike characters every day. As soon as I saw Fat Elvis appear in this episode, I said out loud: "Yes! Fat Elvis!" Coincidental side note: I shared an elevator with Fat Elvis this morning I swear (but the one used in the show was a different one, played by actor James Price). So having McNamara/Troy treat dueling Marilyn Monroes? Genius. I would've died if it were dueling Spider-mans because we've got them here on Hollywood Blvd., one much more in shape than the other. And yes, Chewbacca is there, too. Susan Griffiths and Merilee Brasch were fabulous as Joyce and Sharon, respectively. But I'd like to point out that they should've switched roles since I thought Susan as Joyce played the better Marilyn, even though they mentioned several times that Sharon was better. Uh-uh.
Last week we only got a brief glimpse of Paula Marshall's character Kate, the female star of "Hearts 'n Scalpels." This week, we found out she's a New York theater-trained actress and a TV newcomer. How appropriate for her to come to Sean for a consult since she knew a nude scene was inevitable. You knew something was up when she refused to disrobe during that hilarious opening scene with Bradley Cooper as Aidan quickly tearing his scrub-shirt off, using it as a tourniquet to stop a patient's bleeding since no one had a necktie: "Oh no it's casual Friday!" Tell me you laughed like I did when he then took his scrub-pants off and stood there doctoring in only his boxer briefs. As soon as he realized he was the only one sans clothes: "Cut!" And how about Sean's face later when Kate showed him her gastric-bypass scars after losing 100 pounds? Anyone else immediately think of Star Jones and Carnie Wilson? Earlier in the episode, Paula did a great acting job after Sean kissed Kate for the first time and she started crying, followed by: "You should go" and she slapped him. After first hoping Sean would say "Kiss Me Kate," I wanted him to borrow Stockard Channings classic line from Grease and reply with: "Some people are so touchy!" Seems Kate freaks out when guys first come on to her because she feels they're only into her because she's famous. Oh, Kate. You should know that Sean is no star f--ker.
I've been enjoying seeing Sean and Christian switch roles. Did we ever think we'd see Christian be so jealous of Sean? Cue Fiona to the rescue. Luckily Christian performed a mea culpa on Fiona after she found out he leaked Carly's face-lift to US Weekly. Last thing you want to do in this town is to cross a powerful publicist. Reminded me of how protective Pat Kingsley was of Tom Cruise. Lauren Hutton is continuing to kick ass as Fiona. What a perfect solution for Christian's inferiority complex: Fiona got him to pose for Playgirl. So many funny scenes and comments come to mind relating to that photo shoot:
At least George on Seinfeld was able to blame it on being in cold water ("I was in the pool!"). Fiona discovered that Christian is a grower not a shower.
Fiona is still good for the growing. She can now add "visual fluffer" to her list of special skills on her rιsumι.
"Don't You Want Me" by Human League was playing while Christian struck his poses. P.J. Bloom, you are my hero.
That was Leslie Bega from The Sopranos as the photographer, but I will always remember Leslie from way back in Head of the Class.
Playgirl needs to change its "Entertainment for Women" motto. The fact that the centerfold spread caused Christian to get loads of new patients was just what he was hoping for. The fact that all of those new appointments were gay men was not.
Nurse Linda said it best when she told Christian he was booked solid: "I guess they want to know who the big d--k is."
More highlights unrelated to Christian being a nudie patootie:
The nicely subtle way they introduced Julia's new love interest... Ollie aka Olivia, played by Portia De Rossi. After four seasons of her frequent whining and never seeming to be truly content in her life with the men she was with, having Julia (Joely Richardson) be a lesbian did not exactly come out of left field. Hearing her say, "I don't know if it's a question of being gay or not I just fell in love with her" was very reminiscent of Celestia, I mean, Anne Heche back in her Ellen days. Ironic much? Ellen's current other half is Portia. Plus, Anne guested on Nip/Tuck two seasons ago. "This week, on a very special episode of Gays of Our Lives.... "
Sean's initial reaction to Julia dating a woman (to Christian): "My wife went from dwarf-humping to carpet munching." Kudos to another terrific Ryan Murphy script.
Speaking of which, how about Christian apologizing to Fiona? "You're right. I'm an a--hole." Fiona: "This town is full of a--holes. What makes you so special?"
That the dueling Marilyns, who only got paid via tips, both wanted breast-enhancement surgery: "Bigger boobies, bigger tips." I bet that was the edited version of the line.
That Kate kept losing out to Mariska Hargitay for all the awards and that "Hearts 'n Scalpels" was beaten by, of course, Grey's Anatomy. Back to Mariska, another random irony is that she is the daughter of the late Jayne Mansfield, who was a dead (pardon the pun) ringer for... Marilyn Monroe.
Christian seeing a parallel between the two competing Marilyns (Joyce being more in the limelight than Sharon after Joyce's boob job), and him and Sean. Sharon: "McNamara/Troy did her boobies. Chewbacca told me so. Help me stay in the game."
Sean apologizing to Kate in front of the movie-set backdrop that made it look as though they were conversing in a wooded park ΰ la When Harry Met Sally.
Another perfect song choice, Mr. Bloom: "Can't Stand Losing You" by The Police was heard during Kate's surgery. As the layers of fat were removed, we heard: "I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing, I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing.... "
Sean one-upping Christian yet again by being included in People's 50 Most Eligible Bachelors.
Liz's comeback line after Sean and Christian were arguing over the last Yoplait in the fridge (and Sean reminding Christian that he's lactose-intolerant): "I am a--hole intolerant. Take your argument outside."
Christian giving the People's Choice Awards tickets back to Sean so Sean could go with Kate: "She's your's, not mine."
That Kate and Sean skipped the awards and stayed at her place since Kate wasn't in the mood for "actors competing against each other for a meaningless trophy."
That the two Marilyns decided to make their act a duo: "Two Marilyns are better than one."
And can we talk about that closing scene with Christian in bed with both of them, whispering: "Make me feel like a star," followed by the gals singing "I Wanna Be Loved by You"? The camera slowly going in for a close-up of Julian McMahon with that demented look on his face hinted of the dark shape of things to come that I've been reading about. Color me intrigued.
Thanks for your comments last week keep 'em coming. You can check out Nip/Tuck-related videos in our Online Video Guide.
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Nov 7, 2007 1:08 AM
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Excellent blog. Really feels like they are going to make Christian the butt wipe this year. His behavior in the past couple of episodes is starting to remind me why I didn't like him in season 2. He's playing much harder than the last two seasons.
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Nov 7, 2007 6:20 AM
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I am really enjoying this season so far too. I love how Sean is getting all the attention, he deserves it for once and Im really liking him and kate together! The scene at the end with Christian was really sad/creepy, I have a feeling hes gonna start handling Seans new found fame even worse than he already is...should make for interesting TV!
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Nov 7, 2007 9:39 AM
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> Christian seeing a parallel between the two
> competing Marilyns (Joyce being more in the limelight
> than Sharon after Joyce's boob job), and he and Sean.
----------------------------------------
...Christian seeing a parallel between the two competing Marilyns...and him and Sean.
Him, not he. Thank you!
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Nov 7, 2007 10:27 AM
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Dave - is Fat Elvis on last night's epi really an impersonator you see in front of Grauman's?
I loved this epi and I'm glad to see Christian go back to the dark side of the force. I especially like his relationship with Fiona. I think you're right - Christian and Fiona have a real dominant/subordinate relationship. I think this will lead him to seek out Mistress Tight Leather Outfits (or whatever her name is). And cheers to Lauren and her "champagne cups" (which gives you just the right visual!).
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Nov 7, 2007 10:41 AM
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I totally enjoyed this episode. I can't believe that, I liked the first 2 episodes this season better than I liked most of season 3 and ALL of season 4. I thought this show would be dead to me but it's done a 180 and got back to the greatness of earlier seasons.
Once again Kudos to no Matt, that character just really bugs me and brings down the show with his stupid crap. Loving Sean getting all of the attention, stings, doesn't it Christian? Looks like Julian is definitely getting older, anyone else notice the love handles, not horrible but he certainly isn't as cut as he was. He totally creeped me out at the end, makes me think like you all that he is going to a darker place than usual.
Lauren Hutton is fantastic and I hope she stays all season. Bradley Cooper in his undies was the BIGGEST highlight of the night for me, he's just so HOT!
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Nov 7, 2007 11:38 AM
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I laughed till my back ached when the carpet muncher dialogue started! Way too funny and too inappropriate to print here!
This may be the best season yet!
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Nov 7, 2007 11:49 AM
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Color me intrigued also, definitely looking forward to the season. Hope the writers strike doesn't put a crimp in the schedule.
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Nov 7, 2007 12:04 PM
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Great episode and really great blog. I'm going to have to watch it again so I can catch all the great lines. Really makes you appreciate the writers!
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Nov 7, 2007 12:07 PM
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Loved Liz's comment about being a**hole intolerant. Have to remember that line b/c I am too!!
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Nov 7, 2007 12:37 PM
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Omg loved this episode! Christian can be such a d*ck sometimes. he's so underhanded and sneaky. I like how their roles have been reversed and sean gets all the attention now. Carpet muncher had me rolling!! hilarious.
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Nov 7, 2007 3:53 PM
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Great review, Dave! Several LOL moments. I especially loved your Gays of Our Lives comment!! Hilarious.
Another enjoyable episode & I agree that it looks like Christian is getting a bit demented this season.
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Nov 7, 2007 3:56 PM
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The only point in your blog that I disagree with is the comparison you made between Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield. Other than their haircolor and their bustlines they didn't look anything alike - IMO.
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Nov 7, 2007 4:09 PM
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Mansfield was popular BECAUSE she looked like Marilyn Monroe - that is the truth! Just watch Pulp Fiction at the diner and you can see what I am talking about!
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Nov 8, 2007 4:11 PM
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Thanks, Ranger99! When I was a child, I often confused Jayne Mansfield with Marilyn Monroe so I thought Dave was right on the mark.
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Nov 8, 2007 5:53 PM
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