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« Nip/Tuck
October 17, 2006: Burt Landau
It's been a while since we've gotten an episode with a happy ending. Of course, the heartwarming end came after an hour sprinkled with evil, so it was quite worth it. Let me first say that I was surprised when Christian admitted to Kimber that he was just using her for sex. The "using Kimber for sex" part was not what threw me — it was that he was so cruel about it. All this time Christian's been wooing and romancing Michelle, I’ve been thinking that Kimber is who he's truly in love with deep down inside and that he'd someday get back with her. Yes, he was drunk and upset with Michelle and that's what brought him to Kimber's place, but still. Maybe I'm just too naive? I felt bad for Kimber since she seemed so happy after they had sex, but then she pulled a Christian on Matt and used Matt for sex. Oh, Kimber. I don't think Matt's going to be happy when he realizes Kimber used him to get back at Christian. What will the Scientologists say? What would Jesus do? Kidding.
Sean showed his true colors to Liz by first lying about not being a donor match and then taking it back when he realized Liz was one of the few people on a list he made that he would give a kidney to. What helped was that he didn't want his son Matt to give up his kidney. But then, lo and behold, Dawn Budge came to the rescue. Speaking of Dawn, I was ecstatic when so many of you agreed with me that Rosie O'Donnell kicked ass in her role a few weeks ago. Several of you were pleasantly pleased after having apprehensions, but others (like me) just knew she'd be perfect. I was so happy to see Rosie back (I've been a Rosie admirer since way back to 1988 when she was a VH1 veejay) and now that Dawn's given Liz one of her kidneys, hopefully she'll be back for more visits.
Some great Rosie-as-Dawn moments:
— After Sean said they could use skin from other parts of her body to patch up her "ear-jacked" ear and then Christian said she certainly had enough extra skin, Dawn said (with a "Gonna have to kill ya" facial expression): "Zip it, pretty boy."
— Dawn, asking why Christian didn't come with Sean to see the mouse with the human ear attached to its back: "The man is terrified of our sexual chemistry. No need to lie."
— After Sean told Dawn that Vincent was the mouse's name and then explained who Vincent Van Gogh was: "Thanks, Sister Wendy," and she told him one of Van Gogh's paintings was now hanging on her bathroom wall: "Every time I take a dump now, I feel artistic."
— When she asked to pick up Vincent: "I want to hold him. I want to bond with my ear" and then whispered into the ear: "Thanks, Vinnie." The lab technician, wonderfully played by Tony winner Stephen Spinella: "He can’t hear you through that." Dawn: "Oh." Stephen just played the hateful Miles on 24, so this shows you how versatile an actor he is.
The scene that I predict should get Rosie an Emmy nomination was the scene where Rosie and Liz bonded while in their hospital beds. Awesome work. While we're talking acting noms, let's throw in one for Roma Maffia for best supporting actress. She had one of the best lines in the whole episode when Liz said to Dawn: "Too bad they can’t grow a kidney on the back of a mouse, huh?" Nice writing, Brad Falchuk.
Larry Hagman showed us exactly why he is a TV legend after Burt Landau had his stroke. I really thought it was Michelle who gave him the life-threatening Viagra, but it was Burt who took it himself since he was desperate and feeling risky. Since Burt will be at home recovering from his reconstructive surgery and Michelle says she'll need to take a leave of absence from McNamara/Troy to be with him, I wonder how soon Michelle will be back.
This episode was effectively directed by Charles Haid, who played Officer Andy Renko on Hill Street Blues. And while I'm mentioning former NBC shows, for those of you who watched the series finale of Will & Grace back in May, you probably recognized Maria Thayer as the woman interviewing Christian and Sean to see if they were suitable organ donors. Maria played Grace and Leo's college-age daughter Laila when they flashed forward to the future. Maria was also Tammi Littlenut on the late, great Strangers with Candy, as well as in the film version.
The producers continued to show their Rolling Stones love by appropriately playing "Under My Thumb" when Christian appeared at Kimber's doorstep drunk. But the best usage of a song tonight wasn’t a Stones song. Don McLean's "Vincent (Starry Starry Night)" was played while Dawn was getting the new ear off Vincent the mouse's back. As poor Vincent was losing his life, we heard the following lyrics: "You took your life as lovers often do. But I could have told you, Vincent, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you." Brilliant.
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Oct 18, 2006 5:07 AM
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WOW...the first one, that's insomnia for you! I am a new watcher of Nip/Tuck...probably thanks to Rosie. I think the show if terrific! Agree that "Dawn Budge" should earn Rosie an Emmy nod. I hear that there's a spin-off in the works. Can't wait!
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Oct 18, 2006 5:49 AM
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What did Kimber expect from Matt, an 18 yr. old male, after her behavior in the sauna??? Even Dawn Budge (the overweight straight character, not Rosie the gay actress) would've thought Kimber was coming on to her.
Christian and Shawn were despicable again despite their reaching out to Liz.
We need more of Liz on that show, and more actresses like her who weigh over 125 pounds and are over age 40.
I don't buy the "love" between Michelle and Christian. Zero chemistry.
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Oct 18, 2006 9:12 AM
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Not to nitpik, but Charles Haid's character on Hill Street was Renko, not Reno! Sorry, but I was totally in love with him back in the day and it pained me to see his name misquoted! I really must be getting old!
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Oct 18, 2006 9:17 AM
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I cannot believe what a dog Christian was to Kimber! We all knew he was there to use her but for him to throw it in her face like he did totally turned me off and I've been a Christian fan from day one! I hope this is not how the writers plan on taking his character for the whole season because while it's great to see Nip/Tuck get back to how it was when it first premiered, I thought Christian had matured more than what he's shown all season. So far him being this big scumbag has been a major turn-off!
And have to agree, I was doubtful about Rosie guest starring even though I've always liked her and her character has made me want more and more of Ms. Dawn Budge! It would be nice to see her pop up some more as the season goes on...just to have some coffee with her kidney!
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Oct 18, 2006 9:58 AM
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I liked this ep..not the best of the season but still good.
Christian turned up the mean this ep huh? I feel bad for Kimber but then I dont. How many times is she gonna let Christian hurt her? But Christian said sum pretty nasty and uncalled for things to her. Some things are better left unsaid Christian. On the other hand using an 18 yr old to get bak at sum1 is bad as well.
Sean...I sumwhat can understand him not wantin to give his kidney bcuz any type of surgery is scary...but sean isnt really mr. nice guy is he?
Rosie was great again and yea they are makin a spin-off show for Dawn. Long as she doesnt make whoppie w/ Christain again I'm good.
Roma is awesome!! They really need more of her in the show and she def deserves an Emmy. I'm thinkin Rosie will get a nom too.
Awww..no Michelle in the next ep. I'm lovin seein Sanaa w/ Julian...looks like a cute couple to me. And Christian sharin sum kind of lovin emotion is also nice to see 
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Oct 18, 2006 10:00 AM
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Still love this show! Tonight was not the best ep ever, but still solid.
I was so pissed at Christian - he totally did not need to go that far with Kimber. Granted she should know better, but he took it WAY too far!
Matt....so conflicted....so is he still a Scientologist?
Sean continues to disappoint me, but maybe that's a good thing...a flawed character. He wants to be good and do the right thing, but ends up screwing it up half the time (sleeping with the nanny, lying about his results, etc.)
Rosie proved she is a good actress....although I don't think I could handle an entire show of the Dawn Budge character, but I wouldn't mind her showing up now and again.
I usually love Sanaa Lathan, but her Michelle character is starting to DRAG! Just when I thought it was getting interesting with her removing the kidney, she has just gotten so dull. I saw no look of anything in her eyes in the OR when Christian was about to save Burt.
Still love the show and am a faithful watcher.
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Oct 18, 2006 11:02 AM
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Christian deep down loving Kimber?? C'mon! That relationship, from the beginning, has been built on nothing but who has the upper hand and who is controlling whom. There is no love involved, just deep-seated dysfunction. Kimber has known all along that Matt has feelings for her and has been playing him all season long, most likely to keep connected to Christian. And as for Christian being mean to her, whenever Christian does something really good, like offering his kidney, the writers always balance it with his nasty behavior to women, usally sex partners or strippers. He is really quite a piece of work. BTW, I think Julian's chemistry with Sanaa is very hot, some of the best on tv right now. I still do not trust her character, though. I think Christian wants to posess her (as do many on the show - her inaccessibility is her true talent), but he does not love her - he is incapable of knowing how to truly love women. His least toxic relationships have been with unavailable women: Michelle & Julia.
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Oct 18, 2006 11:08 AM
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I cannot wait till Michelle is gone. I don't buy all this stuff between her and Christian. She's so wooden. Why would she have feelings for Christian when he blackmailed her into having sex with him the first time, she's to weak for my tastes, way to weak. Then the way Christian acted towards Kimber, the guys are just asses this season.
I did understand a little bit about Sean's doubt, but come on. Even Sean has been an ass this season.
Don't get me started on Kimber. What, Matt wasn't supossed to get turned on by Kimber being half naked and moaning in front of him? Kimber hasn't changed at all, now she's using Matt. Just like whe she got back at Christian in season one by sprayp ainting his car and boat. I thought they all grew up just a tiny bit in season three.
As for Matt, he's used by every woman. First season he's got the lesbian girlfriend who's using him to hang onto her girlfriend, who she's nuts about. Second season, he's taking in by older woman who used to be a man. Third season, he's got a racist for a girlfriend who's father tried to kill him. I'd give up on women at this point if I were him, lol.
Rosie rocked, nuff said.
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Oct 18, 2006 11:41 AM
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A good episode but not the best.
So, was Matt just being interested in Scientology to get into bed with Kimber?
Christian was too cruel to Kimber-I was waiting for the Matt/Kimber pairing but I didn't want to see it like that.
I thought Dawn was funnier the first time around though she had some good lines this time.
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Oct 18, 2006 11:48 AM
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i also loved this episode. Rosie as Dawn budge cracked me up. To me was the look on everybodys face after she spilled the beans that those to slept together. that was funny. i do hope that we get to see more of her during this season. i might just watch her show when it comes out. and i do see rosie getting a emmy nomination for guest actress in a drama series.
anyway christian is just christian. i wasnt all surprise how he acted to kimber. kimber should not of let him in her house. she knows how he acts.
plus i was so surprised at sean. i would never believed that sean would be so selfish about not giving his kidney to liz. i would accept that kind of behavior from christian. but not from sean. but i understand why he acted that way.......cause i guess i would of acted the same way.
i have always loved roma maffia as liz on this show. this time i loved her anymore. she defianlty deserves an emmy nomination for this performance. i also love liz and christian together as good friends. they always have the funniest insulting comments to each other. but their insults are out of love.
and dave i also remember rosie on vh1 as a vj. that just proves to how old i am.
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Oct 18, 2006 12:03 PM
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Thank you thank you thank you to those who are getting annoyed with how much Christian has regressed ... there is no growth to his character and without him changing even a little, this show is starting to get stale ... ditto with Matt and his strange relationships and with Sean and that stupid, pained expression he gets when he's conflicted. UGH! Rosie and her story lines have been the only bright spots thus far this season ... I hope the writing starts leading us in new directions or - gasp! - I may have to break up with these docs ...
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Oct 18, 2006 12:42 PM
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Thanks to all the great comments the last few weeks. And thank you "sabrewer" for noticing the Charles Haid typo. As I emailed to my editors when I asked them to please fix it (and they did - thanks, Angel), I knew dang well it was Renko. I am a perfectionist. But apparently this perfectionist simply needs to get more sleep when he types. 
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Oct 18, 2006 12:44 PM
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Tonight's episode was somewhat heartwarming w/ all the inner conflicts. However, they had to show Christian is still himself when it comes to Kimber...no respect. I knew he was just using her as he has always done, the big problem for Kimber is she truly loves him. Something he's incapable of when it comes to her. I too don't like the Michelle character & find no real chemistry between them. LOVED Rosie!! I hope we get her back before the end of the season & am anxious about the new spin-off for her. She as Dawn Budge is BRILLIANT!
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Oct 18, 2006 1:29 PM
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Tonight's episode was somewhat heartwarming w/ all the inner conflicts. However, they had to show Christian is still himself when it comes to Kimber...no respect. I knew he was just using her as he has always done, the big problem for Kimber is she truly loves him. Something he's incapable of when it comes to her. I too don't like the Michelle character & find no real chemistry between them. LOVED Rosie!! I hope we get her back before the end of the season & am anxious about the new spin-off for her. She as Dawn Budge is BRILLIANT!
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Oct 18, 2006 1:32 PM
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