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« Tell Me You Love Me
Episode 10 Recap: "Happy Endings?"
Having spent 10 weeks with characters searching for answers and trying to make the best decisions they can, I find it hard to stop watching. So tonight's first-season finale (there will be a second season) had me gasping nonstop.
The biggest surprise was watching Jamie avoid Hugo at the minimart, then eventually slap that wedding invitation on his windshield and end up at the notary public's office waiting to marry him. Jamie is so energized by Hugo that in her session with Dr. May, who was very distracted by the death of John, she explains that it was fate that brought them together. Though seemingly inattentive (asking Jamie questions about the gas station), May is still perceptive and unintentionally antagonizing Jamie by telling her she's working hard to convince her of her never-ending love for Hugo. But nothing is holding Jamie back when she snaps, "You're wrong. I'm sure sometimes that happens." (Oh, no she didn't!)
Carolyn, disturbed by Palek's decision to leave, was spewing venom first when blocking the door and calling him a coward like his father, then saying in front of Dr. May he'll never see the baby that will hate him. (If May was distracted, this sure got her attention.) I can understand the hurt of having someone you love leave, but Carolyn, who is smart enough to see the warning signs, was too self-absorbed to think this would happen. Even though Carolyn retracts and apologizes, it doesn't bring Palek back until she has her miscarriage. Carolyn repeatedly says she's fine, but with her glassy-eyed look we know she's not. So does Palek, who holds her while lying on the bed.
The restaurant scene was my favorite and it was one awkward moment after another. While Dan goes on and on about how miserable he is and how happy Rita is now that she left him, Katie spots dessert. She takes one look at Hugo and gives him a lingering stare. I initially thought they might have had a past connection until he tells Jamie that a "lady is checking me out." Then as Katie leaves, still glancing at their table, I had to laugh when Jamie thinks Katie was actually looking at her.
If Jamie felt weird when Hugo revealed he heard about her screwing the cook, it was immediately trumped when Anya came to the table to wait on them.
The scene we've been waiting for all season happened when Dave went to the kitchen to kiss Katie and they ended up having sex. Or were they just releasing pent-up frustration? (And Katie was on top, just how Dave likes it.) But the clothing left between them shows that there still is a barrier to overcome and they must take care of themselves before they can help the relationship.
This was all after a few nasty words are exchanged and Katie, thoroughly disgusted, snaps, "Then leave me, Dave." In therapy, Katie mentions she learned that not having sex isn't what's wrong it's that they don't really know each other. (This is emphasized when she gutturally responds to Dave, "I don't want to be who you see!)
In the end, all of the couples are together, but did any of their problems go away? Katie and Dave made the most progress in understanding what's not working. Carolyn and Palek are probably done, and how long before Jamie and Hugo end up in another soul-shattering fight? I think these stories can continue into Season 2. Do you?
Some of May's words of wisdom:
Dr. May to Dave and Katie: "The one thing a therapist can do, perhaps, in times of darkness is to turn a light on
. The trick now is not to be so stunned by the glare that you want to turn it back off."
The dedication in her book Bed Dread: "To Arthur, for listening, and to the men and women who have the courage to be happy."
Final thought:
Thanks to those who regularly read this blog and especially those who took the time to comment. It let me know I wasn't the only one absorbed by these complex stories.
This show worked on every level: exceptional acting, thoughtful writing and detailed direction, particularly by Melanie Mayron (who directed several epsiodes, including the last two). Centering more on character motivation than plot, the show could be especially challenging for those who found it to be a mirror that they just didn't want to look into. Everyone brings different experiences with them while watching and those who stayed were rewarded with a rich viewing experience. I can't remember when I was last so glued to the screen.
So until next season, to use Carolyn's words, I think I'm done.
For more Tell Me You Love Me, check out our Online Video Guide.
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Nov 12, 2007 1:12 AM
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Wow, what a great show this is. All of the acting in it was just superb and the writing was utterly fantastic. The finale did not disappoint me and I can't wait for the next season of this. Plus, every song at the end of the show was so dead on for the episode. All I can say is hurry up for the next season!
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Nov 12, 2007 8:20 AM
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Great season finale!! Can't wait for next season.
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Nov 12, 2007 9:09 AM
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Okay- hold the phone. Perhaps I need to rewatch this episode. You stated that katie and Dave had sex but to me it seemed to me as they were enjoying mutual appreciation of their bodies hence the clothing. I do realize this is considered sex but not to the level of intercourse. I thought it was handled really well by saying Katie had to learn how to come to terms with who she was as a woman before they could come together as a couple. Like I said, I kind of have to watch the show on the sly with kiddos around and could be mistaken.
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Nov 12, 2007 11:57 AM
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I have to agree with roy, however it really doesn't matter in the end. This series was raw and emotional. It is very unfornate that more people didn't give this show a chance because this the type of quality that HBO was built on.
I think because of the treatment of Deadwood and Rome, the sudden time change and finale of Six Feet Under, bad shows like Louie and Mind of the Married Man and the long breaks between Sopranos has really hurt them as a brand.
I hope this show returns for another season...its a difficult and uncomfortable experience sometimes but really good!
I've never been this happy and emotionally invested in seeing two people finally getting together!
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Nov 12, 2007 12:20 PM
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I really got drawn into this show. I loved how they showed relationships in different stages and how they dealt with their problems. I felt the last two episodes really tug at you emotionally especially when Palek told Carolyn that he wanted to separate.
I feel as if Palek & Carolyn's marriage may be over. Dave & Katie are on their way to happiness. Jamie & Hugo - it's too early to know what may happen to them. Their relationship is based on love but they have no clue how to communicate with each other. They have a lot to work on the next season.
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Nov 12, 2007 1:28 PM
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Great series! Sometimes painful to watch, but what exceptional acting and writing. A grown-up mature show that treats the audience like mature grown-ups. I had not heard that it had been renewed by I will trust what you claim, Mario, in your blog that there will be a second season.
I wonder if they will bring the same couples back? I would want to continue to see the incomparable Ally Walker. This has got to be one of the best roles she has ever done. Like the other bloggers, I found it insightful that Dan and Katie's first round of sex was more about pleasuring themselves, albeit in synchronicity, with their clothes on. But what a first step, especially for Katie, who has shown discomfort with her own body before.
As for Carolyn and Palek, I wonder if having a miscarriage was an easy "plot out" for their issues. What would it have looked like for Palek to have had the opportunity to explore parenthood, to have changed from self-absorption to being required to pay attention to the needs of another? Could there have been an opportunity to express love in news ways for both Carolyn and Palek?
Thanks, Mario, for all your recaps. I don't normally chime in with comments because others say it so much better than me, but I have appreciated reading yours and other viewers insights after the show. Until next season!
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Nov 12, 2007 1:30 PM
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I have never seen a show that so resonated with me. At different stages of my life, I have been a little bit like all of the lead women on the show. Sometimes the dialogue came uncomfortably close to home.
I did think the season ended on a hopeful note for all the couples, but with clear understanding that without more care & attention, they could all go up in smoke. Just like real life.
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Nov 12, 2007 2:16 PM
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It hard to say this series has been entertaining but I have enjoyed it. You don't see raw emotions on TV like this on any other drama series. I will anticipate the second season of this show!!!
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Nov 12, 2007 3:17 PM
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This episode was fantastic.
I loved the way Hugo and Jamie were avoiding eachother at the gas station, but as a viewer we could feel how much they wanted to talk to eachother. I loved that Hugo gave in and called her. But on the other hand, when will he stop chasing her and doing all the work in this relationship....he forgives, comes over, calls. I don't think it was smart for them to jump right into marriage at all, that is just going to magnify their issues.
Carolyn and Palek, how sad it was to see her beg him to stay at the house and he was just so unemotional about it all. I was dumbfounded to see how she attacked him at therapy too, but glad to see May speak up with some intelligence. I don't think I want these 2 back together, Palek is worthless to me and Carolyn is way too self-absorbed. They need people who are going to compliment them.
The most emotional moment of the ep for me was when May found out John had died. I have imagined that myself, finding out that an old boyfriend died and how I would react. May is lucky to have someone who is trying to be understanding by her side. But seeing her pain just tore me up.
And last but not least Dave and Katie. These 2 are so raw and on the money as far as a distant marriage goes, it boggles my mind that they are able to portray it so well on tv. I was elated to see them get together at the end and so proud of them for just going for it. And it made me see that sex is a big part of the relationship. It is a balance (too much for Jamie and not enough for Dave and Katie). I hope that this is going to bring them on the road to happiness though. I will miss this show and hope it doesn't take a year to see more new eps. Until then...
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Nov 13, 2007 8:33 AM
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Love this show!. Can't wait for the new season, thanks for the great recaps.
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Nov 14, 2007 2:43 PM
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