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« What About Brian
November 13, 2006: "This Isn't Life.... It's Limbo."
After an extra week to digest the news of Angelo's death, What About Brian returns in a somber state. We open at Angelo's service and with Dave trying to remember the lighter moments of his friendship, mixed in with a little lesson for everybody: Life's too short. But sadness quickly turns into the quirky tone that usually resonates in this show, as Karen creates a schedule for the friends to rotate looking after Nic. Despite Brian breaking up with her after the service, I have an unsettling feeling that she's not completely gone. But how long is she going to stick around? Because I'm really missing sweet, levelheaded Julie from Felicity while I'm watching Amy Jo Johnson play this irritating part.
William Devane is stirring the pot as Nic and Brian's father. Their family history is slowly unfolding — the mental health of their mom, the blame placed on their dad. Brian clearly still holds a grudge, and I'm quickly reminded of the sometimes-rebellious Matt we used to see on 7th Heaven. Gladly, I don't think we'll see Reverend Camden resolving this one.
But leave it to the writers to tastefully blend in some humor during this tragic story line. When Dave finds Angelo's urn in Nic's closet, we get a classic exchange between him and Brian. I really love the combination of Brian's seriousness and Dave's sarcasm. Cut to the business partners playing with plastic guns like children and contemplating their new business plan to salvage all their hard work.
Adam's handling the legal side of Angelo's death gave us this rare moment between him and Nic, and we got a sweet scene as they reminisced about Angelo and his goofy golf hat.
Dave's speech didn't just hit a nerve with me but apparently with Deena as well. "Life is short." But just when I thought this was headed toward reconciliation, she suggests they see a lawyer. I guess wasting time in "limbo" with Dave isn't really living life to the fullest for Deena. But when they go to Jimmy for a legal consultation about getting a divorce, he tries to convince them to rethink their decision, as a friend (in my opinion). I think Jimmy still saw some hope lingering between them and didn't want to believe they couldn't make it work.
In a less matured relationship, Summer is flipping through Adam's yearbook and he's reminded of the things he's always wanted to do, things he set out to do way back when.
But uplifting thoughts soon turn sour when Brian discovers Nic looking at Angelo's urn in her bedroom. It's the first time we really see Nic grieving — she's remained a rock thus far while everyone else was falling to pieces. She needed to flip out. "Shut up, Brian. Just shut up." She lashes out at him, going as far as saying that he's never known what it's even like to love someone at all, not even Marjorie. It's a great scene for Rosanna Arquette — she really got inside the character and made me believe that she's so sad she's become angry.
While everyone is mourning Angelo, I am mourning Dave and Deena — the air around them gets more tense with every scene. Confiding in Brian, Dave lays down the news of his divorce, but probably weighing more heavily on their friendship is the news that he took a job with another company. Once again, Brian gets dealt the loner card. "It's time for me to grow up," says Dave. So Brian goes to the last place he wants to go — his father's company. A safe choice, but probably a smart one considering he's got no savings left and no partner to work with anymore.
In another office in town, Adam finds out he didn't make partner, and Jimmy — who did get the title — tells him he needs to watch himself, stay out of bar fights, and maybe he'll have more of a chance next time around. Hard to hear, clearly, as Adam quickly leaves.
But back to the central story this week: Nic is afraid of shutting everyone out like their mother did. She finally cries. She finally accepts she's alone. But when a package arrives from Angelo, it sent chills up my spine. The eerie timing of Angelo's gift for the baby and Nic's abnormal pains brings some preterm contractions, according to the Doogie Howser on call. And after Nic's scare, it seems there was a shift between Dave and Deena ‐ a nostalgia, a love that isn't over. I don't know if one night together will resurrect their marriage, though.
And even though one relationship is wavering back and forth, a new one is just beginning. Trying his hardest not to be alone, Adam opens up to Summer a little and she has some advice for him: Live a little. Look back at who he once wanted to be. And after some thought... he takes her up on the offer.
The life these friends created is being torn apart at every seam. Losing one caused a continuous unraveling of relationships and our tight-knit group is suddenly more disconnected than we've ever seen them. But even though this episode made me sad for almost everyone — even Karen when she was obviously let down by Brian's words — I thought the story lines made the show stronger and created more controversy to deal with and more interesting turns for the writers to take.
Bravo to the producers for the close of this episode. Everyone together on the pier, Angelo's favorite Ferris wheel as a backdrop, well-chosen music, and my favorite part — Adam slipping on Angelo's ugly golf hat as they truly say farewell to their friend/husband/brother-in-law. Goodbye, Angelo. I'll miss your good looks and sexy smile... and the calming affect you had on the rest of your crazy friends. Without you, they're bound for tangled love and loss.
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Nov 13, 2006 11:25 PM
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This episode was touching and it takes a lot for sumthin to get me emotional. But Nic breaking down to Brian while holding the urn was the saddest thing 
It was nice to see Adam in a more vulnerable state. I kno that Marj left him & he was hurt by that but there was sumthin..I dunno how to put it..mayb harsh about him durin those scenes. Mayb his anger toward her. But seein that he hasnt fulfilled his dreams yet, not makin partner but his friend does, and then finding the energy to start attaining them was nice to see. Made him a little more human for me.
I get the title of the show now: Dave accepts the job offer but WHAT ABOUT BRIAN?!?! I found myself sayin that to the tv LOL. I felt bad for ol Bri, Dave took the job and didnt even consult with him. I hope they get to resurrect their video game dreams one day.
Another great ep
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Nov 14, 2006 9:38 AM
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Was it me or was the picture of Angelo not a picture of the actor who portrayed him? In the church scene, the camera passed over his pic and it totally did not look like the original character.
Other than that, thought this was a good episode. Really hope that Dave and Deena get back together. Love the new character of Jimmy. Hey Jimmy! He brings something great to the show.
Glad to hear this show is being picked up!! Yay! And I can't wait for Marjorie to come back!
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Nov 14, 2006 10:11 AM
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Super recap for a good episode. Nic had me crying so hard! I'm glad they all can pull together when she needs them. I didn't know this show got picked up for a full season, so I am happy to read that here. Thanks! And thanks ABC for giving a good show a little more time.
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Nov 14, 2006 11:20 AM
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Does anyone else think that the Angelo storyline isn't quite over?
I can't remember who was in the scene or the two cities that were mentioned, but, someone asked (it may have been Jimmy) why Angelo would have been in (1st city) when he was actually filming the movie in (2nd city).
I don't know if someone answered the person with an explanation, but, I found that question to be odd and was hoping that we weren't going to find out that Angelo was cheating on Nic or something like that because that would be even more tragic.
heatherlee123, I could be mistaken, but I thought that was definitely Raoul Bova in the picture at the funeral. I was waiting for them to show us a picture since that's probably the last time we'll get to see him and when I saw it I said to myself "oh, there he is". How funny would that be if it wasn't even him?!
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Nov 14, 2006 11:44 AM
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Great show last night, loved it. I will miss Angelo. I did see the picture and to me, it looks like the same guy that played Angelo last season.
I understand why Dave accepted that job, and so does Brian. He has a family too support, married or not married. Deena doesn't work, he's going to have to pay her alimony as well and he can't do that unless he has a job. I'm wondering if they will continue with the divorce proceedings but eventually just not divore. Maybe that was a bit of a hint that Jimmy told them that it would take at least 6 months before the divorce happens.
I love the addtion of Brian and Nic's Dad. It's nice to learn more about their family. Do we know if the Mother is alive or not? I'm thinking not.
Excellent ending, loved it. I really like Adam reaching out to Summer, I think that they are very cute together.
Great to hear that the show got picked up for next year. Someone mentioned Marjorie coming back....I hope that she does!
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Nov 14, 2006 11:45 AM
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someone asked (it may have been Jimmy) why Angelo would have been in (1st city) when he was actually filming the movie in (2nd city).
Yeah, I was left wondering about that too. Seems like they are setting up a storyline for Angelo to have been deceiving his wife. I hope not.
Has anyone heard the "behind the scene" story on where Marjorie has been? I wonder if it was planned from the beginning to have her gone for a while or what? Seems curious.
Just glad WAB is sticking around long enough for us to learn more about the whole gang!
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Nov 14, 2006 1:09 PM
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Angelo was suppose to be filming in Rome. He was in Naples...supposedly on vacation.
If they set it up that he was cheating on Nic..then that will be just horrible. The Angelo from season 1 was way too in love with Nic to do something like that to her.
I'm sticking with me original theory. Angelo isn't dead..he's layed up in a hospital somewhere.
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Nov 14, 2006 3:31 PM
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Marjorie's "behind the scenes" story is that she took a job (in the Midwest somewhere I think?) at another practice. When she went to see Adam after the wedding that didn't happen, she said that she wasn't going to take the job but after all that happened she thought it was better if she did.
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Nov 14, 2006 5:16 PM
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I'm sure this isn't the last we've seen of the pink power ranger.
I hope they explain why Marjorie didn't show up for her friend's funeral. Although, the show is much more focused when not focusing on the Brian/Marjorie/Adam triangle. But...Sarah Lancaster is great to look at. Oh...the dilemma.
That whole Angelo being in another city conversation seemed kind of odd. I'm sure the writers wouldn't have just thrown that in there if it wasn't leading to something.
Dave is the best part of the show, even when he's screwing up. In general, the show is at its best when its focused on humor, with bits of drama sprinkled throughout.
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Nov 15, 2006 3:03 PM
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I love this show and I hope they bring it back next season. There is so much more they can do with the show. After watching the show every week I felt like the hour just flew by and kept me wanting more. There are so many good shows out there and its seems like the only shows that make it season after season are the reality shows. Although I like some of them I also like watching other shows.
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Apr 24, 2007 3:06 AM
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