Venice: Episode 212 - December 29, 2010 (Season Finale)

It's the season finale. This makes me sad

Sami is trying to call Owen but he's not picking up. He is however about to have sex with a girl he's got laying over a table. Unless he's filming something, but I doubt it. Sami leaves a message telling Owen that she diesn't know what is going on with him but that she wants to and to call her. I actually feel for and like Sami here. I don't trust her yet, but I do feel for her. She picks up the Hippo that Owen gave her as tears roll down her face. :(

The Colonel is working on his hand exercises. Gina tells The Colonel that he can have a cheeseburger as a treat after he finished his exercises. He pulls the letter she wrote to Ani out of her bag and takes it with him on his exercises. Seriously a huge step for him. You could see his internal struggle last season hurting over the fact that he couldn't accept Gina being gay. Now he's had so much time with her in a setting where she isn't his adversary on personal issues, but on health issues and with all of the pretense gone he can see her again like he used to before Katie died. He accepts now that Gina isn't some thing that he has to control or command, that she's her own person and a really great one at that. He is her dad and he doesn't like seeing her hurting so much. I've always loved Jordan, and he's amazing in this role.

Ani is sitting up in bed either reading or thinking, I can't actually see if she's got a book in her lap or not, when Lara wakes up. Probably thinking. If she does have a book she's not focused on it. Lara is facing away from her and starts talking, "Hey." Ah, Ani picked at invisible lint on her pajama pants. So, no book. I wonder how long she's been up because she's been doing some serious heavy thinking. Lara, "I don't know what to say...about last night. I know that I was out of control, and uh. I know that 'I'm sorry' is not enough." Ani is listening but doesn't say anything. Lara continues, "...and please know that I would never intentionally hurt you, okay. Please know..." Ani says, "I don't know anything anymore." and gets out of bed., This scene is brilliant because they never look at each other. Even though Lara turns her head in an attempt to pick up on some reaction from Ani, she doesn't turn enough to see her. Ani doesn't even glance her way. Lara is ashamed of her behavior, but I'm not sure that she fully understands the consequences of her actions or can truly be sorry for them and not just the situation in which she's found herself. She turns enough to see that Ani has gone then faces forward again and cries in self pity not because of the hurt she's caused Ani.

Van tells Sami that Owen got fired weeks ago from the film. Now see if he was working last night and not just engaging in some comfort sex from a random woman then Van has just made things soooo much worse. Yep, he's not a cool guy. :(


Gina has finished cooking the cheeseburger but can't find her dad. She can't even see him from the front door. Maybe he's behind one of the big trucks that the neighbors don't like. ;P

Michelle gets a call from Alan who has gotten the sketches. I don't know what he says, but Michelle says "Shit."

Sami catches up with Owen on the beach. She asks him where he's been and he says that he saw her kissing Van. She confronts him about the movie. She figures out that Van told her. Sami tells him that Van was kissing her and that she pulled away but that she doesn't know what she's feeling now. Owen apologizes, but Sami says, "Thank you for thinking the worst of me" and that they need a break and walks off.

Van is smuggly drinking on a patio somewhere. I think he's at Guya's.

Wow! Ani hit that wall a lot harder last night than it looks. She's looking at her bruised face in the bathroom mirror when Lara comes up behind her teary eyed and apologetic. She wraps her arms around Ani from behind and Ani doesn't resist, but she doesn't lean into her either. They have the conversation through the mirror. Ani says, "I know you didn't mean for this to happen, but it did." Lara says that she's sorry. Ani replies, "I love you. I do, but you need help." She's watching Lara in the mirror and when Lara's voice break on "I promise" you can see the struggle in Ani's eyes for a split second. She doesn't like seeing Lara hurt, but she can't let her off the hook and wrap her arms around her and tell that it's going to be okay. It still seems to me that Lara is more sorry and scared of Ani leaving than she is of what she did to Ani. Ani allows herself to lean into Lara and a single tear rolls down her cheek. Seriously Jessica!

The Colonel is walking to the neighborhood mailboxes. That's why Gina couldn't see him from the porch. He mails her letter to Ani, "Okay young girl. Okay." It's like he's saying, if this is what my baby wants then I'm okay with that. Aaawwwww!

Ooooo Amber is back at Guya's and she is not happy. She keeps screaming "You owe me!" Guya says that she's given her her money back and Amber says that Guya was supposed to be her best friend for life. Guya looks down and sees little flowers painted on Amber's finger nails and says, "Katie" Amber screams "Why did you do this to me?"

Yep. That's the end of the season folks. Sooooo is Guya seeing Katie in Amber or is Amber a manifestation of Guya's guilt? Hopefully we'll find out more in season three. No word on filming dates yet.

Venice: Episode 211 - December 22, 2010

Ani is waiting for Lara to get up. Lara says that it was a nice party. Ani says that it was until the end. She says that she's not a jealous girlfriend or anything but that it's not okay to see her all over Jess at the end of the night. Lara doesn't know what Ani's talking about. Ani asks her if she even remembers the end of the night because she was "a little drunk" Oh, Ani sweetie. She couldn't stand up on her own, that's more than "a little drunk". Lara says that she remembers everything. Ani calls her on it saying that she and Gina "had to haul your ass home because you were completely out of it." Ani brings up that she knows that Lara's under pressure. Lara slams her hands on the table and yells that she doesn't need more from Ani. Ani immediately goes into herself and gets this detached far-away look like she's watching what's going on between them but she's not a part of it. I am very familiar with that look. Ani has been in this situation before. She's got some back story I'd love to see explored! It's emotionally abusive even if indirectly. And then she says it. She's getting more and more freaked out and doesn't know if she can do it. Lara calls to Ani not to leave, but Ani keeps going out the door. She's right to do it. If she stays she'll get emotionally manipulated or she'll say something that she'll regret later. She needs to process away form the situation. Nadia and Jessica both do an excellent job here.

Owen is at Guya's and when she asks him about work he tells her that the director's nephew took his role. Yay to Owen for opening up to family. :) Owen tells Guya that he wants to have a future with Sami but that he can't let her be friends with Van. Guya tells Owen to not let Van get in his way. That is Sami loves Owen then she will forgive him for lying about work.

Gina covers a sleeping Colonel then reads a letter that she wrote to Ani telling her that she's ready now to love her but that she knows that she's happy with Lara. It's a long beautiful letter and Gina's crying by the end. She says in the letter that she'll probably never send it, but she puts it in an envelope and seals it with a kiss. Unbeknownst to her, The Colonel is awake and was listening to her read the letter. This stroke has allowed him to sit back and observe and forced him to not be in control. It's changed him for the better.

Van kisses Sami and she pushes him aware. Owen sees the kiss, but not the rebuff.

Lara is at High Bar drowning her publishing deal loss in bloody marys.

Ani and Gina are on the beach. Ani notices when Gina refers to The Colonel as her dad. It's sweet. :) Ani tells Gina that she and Lara fought. That maybe she's being gun shy after her relationship with.... Gina says, "With me." and assures her that it's okay. She asks Ani what she wants to to. Ani wants her to be okay and Gina tells her that it will be tough but that she'll need to stick by Lara if she wants to help her.

Jamie called a car for Lara and helps her to it to get her home.

Guya is upset and Brandon comes up to comfort her. She had a nightmare last night and started crying when he tried to wake her. I'm glad that he's there to be attentive and help her. He's just what she didn't realize that she needed.

Gina tells The Colonel that "his friend's death was an accident" that it was an aneurysm and she thought he'd like to know. He thanks her. Sweet!

Ani goes to Lara's and finds her lying on the couch drinking. Lara says that she's all talked out and Ani tells her that she knows about the missed deadlines. Lara is upset that Ani read her e-mails. Ani says that she understands the pressure that she was under now. Lara is melting down and Ani is right there for her. Lara says that she expects perfection. Ani says that she knows that but that she thought Lara wanted 'them' too. Ani hugs Lara then Lara freaks and pushes Ani who hits a wall head first. Ani slides tot he floor crying but not injured and Lara is in shock and starts apologizing and crying and leans into Ani. Ani seems to make a decision before putting her hand on Lara's head to calm her.
Ani is going to kill me having to watch her try and be there for Lara.


Another powerful episode with phenomenal performances!

Venice: Episode 210 - December 15, 2010

Owen tells Sami they should go to a movie. She says they should go to The Colonel's and give Gina a break. He says that they should take Gina with them to the movies. He talks about how The Colonel shut down after Katie died. Sami says that maybe it was his way of coping.

Michelle just totally put Gina's name on her own designs. Michelle isn't relaying Alan's messages either because she doesn't wants to bother Gina or she's trying to 'All About Eve' her.

At Ani's party Lara gives a toast and thanks Gina for hosting. Gina is a bit sad seeing Lara and Ani kiss.

Lara and Ani are talking to Michelle. Lara goes to get a refill and Ani and Michelle decline. When Gina comes to sit, Michelle excuses herself (to give Ani and GIna privacy I'm sure). Ani says, "Everyone always leaves." Seriously, Jessica plays Ani so completely adorably! Gina tells her how proud she is and how happy she is for her. Ani tells her that everything is perfect and thanks her. Lara is watching and doesn't look to happy.

Katherine is at the party and sees Guya, then sees a couple of younger women walk by.

Guya tells GIna that Brandon was late because he was working on a case. She says that he found a dead body recently and that she had a very unique ankle bracelet. He says that she probably died of an anuerysm and that she was found in a funeral home. Gina and Jamie are a bit nervous. They go off to the side to discuss it. Gina asks why he took her to a funeral home. He says that she was going to end up there anyway and that he's never doen this before. She asks him how he got her there and we see a flashback. Jamie has the body on her back, legs in the air on a two-wheeler dolly still covered in the red fabric. He's rolling her down the street whimpering, "Oh my god" then yelling, "Why!" so not the calm and collected man that cleaned the living room earlier that night. He tells Gina not to worry that he has her covered.

Gina goes up to Michelle and asks her how she is. Michelle says that she's fine and that she's not staying long. Gina says that she'll be back in the office soon. Michelle seems really upset and distracted. Gina meets Drew who is a fan of her designs. Jamie says that Drew is a rocket scientist.

Gina goes over to Guya who informs her that she's losing her touch and is upset. Gina says that she has a serious gift, Guya says that it doesn't always work. She thinks she see Amber and goes over to the side of the house but she's not there.

Gina asks Jess how Tracy is doing Jess says that she'll be fine.

Lara is drunk and falls into the pool. Ani is completely embarassed. Jess makes a comment about some people having too much fun and Gina looks at her defensive of the rude remark and it's implications for Ani. Gina tells Ani that she'll help her get Lara home. Ani says that Lara just doesn't handle stress well. Gina knows what's going on and says, "Something like that sweetheart." They get Lara out of the pool and home. Gina sees a picture of Ani and Lara at Lara's and teary-eyed acknowledges to herself that Ani is where she's supposed to be. She gets up and sees an old shirt of Ani's calling out, "Ani, you still have this old thing?" She's holding it to her face and taking in the smell when Ani comes back into the room and sees her. They share a look and sadly smile over the past and what could have been.
Such a beautiful scene again.
Crystal and Jessica

Venice: Episode 209 - December 8, 2010

Ani comes into Lara's house the next morning finding the door open with the keys still inside and Lara passed out on the couch still in yesterday's clothes. Ani is not happy right off the bat. You can tell by her expression that she knows what she's going to find and why the door was open, but after she sees Lara a little fire flickers in her eyes. She's beyond miffed. She's angry. I do not envy Lara right about now. Ani just goes up to her, rubs her back and covers her up with a blanket. She then sits on the coffee table and thinks about what she's doing, her place in the relationship.

The Colonel is eating but is giving Gina a hard time. Owen calls and Gina asks him if he's between takes. Apparently he's on set.

Amber shows up at Guya's and Guya tells her that she doesn't have an appointment. Amber begs her to help and Guya agrees to try again.

Jamie runs into Owen and can tell that something is wrong. Owen tells him that he lost the movie weeks ago. I kind of figured he wasn't really on a set when he was talking to Gina. Harrison has pretty eyes. Jamie encourages him to tell his family. Owen says that he's been lying to Sami. Hmm. What about?

Gina tries to get The Colonel to go out for a walk. He asks her what she's doing there instead of living her own life. He asks her if she's between women. She asks if he really wants to have this conversation. He seems genuinely interested. She tells him that she's not between women. That she has recently realized that's she's in love with someone. Someone who is so special that she didn't feel worthy when they were together and that the other woman has moved on and is happy and that now they have a friendship that she cherishes and that she accepts that she'll just have to love her from a distance. Such a touching scene! Bravo to Jordan and Crystal!

Alan calls Michelle because he doesn't have Gina's designs yet. He says that either Michelle isn't relaying his messages or Gina is ignoring them. He give them 24 hours to get the designs to him. Michelle says that Gina will be there.

Sami is on the beach and Van walks up. He says that he's trying to decide whether to keep a secret from a friend. She tells him to take time and consider it, but that he should tell.

Guya and Owen and Gina are relaxing. Guya's cute guy is named Brandon. Gina tells Guya and Owen about running into Richard. Owen asks if she's going to tell him that she's gay. Guya didn't know that she hadn't told him. Guya asks about The Colonel, Gina decides to play a game 'If I were an asshole' in which they get to talk about people without fear of retribution or guilt. Guya says that she would take The Colonel to a strip club leaving him with only his military ID. That hits a little close to home for Gina since that's almost what happened with the hooker (that Owen and Guya don't know about).. Owen mentions the football and it brings Gina to his rehab. Gina tells Owen that he should show up to visit soon. She's really reforming that bond with The Colonel that she's tried to hold onto in spite of herself for all these years. Love it!

Guya is reading her diary. She's reading about the concert and the trip home and that she was busy focusing on Van when she accidentally hit Katie's hand and spilled hot coffee on her causing them to crash into a tree. She breaks down apologizing for killing Katie. No wonder this time of year is hard on her. Guya is carrying around so much guilt and I bet that she's never shared that with another person. That also explains why Van felt slighted (if indeed his story is true) when Guya became over attentive to Owen and Gina out of guilt.

Wow. I so did not see that one coming. Great job from everyone!

Venice: Episode 208 - December 1, 2010

Owen is calling Sami. He went by her place last night and she wasn't there. He's still not happy about Van or leaving voice mails for Sami. Van is secretly following Owen. Hmmm some thing's fishy.

Gina comes down stairs wearing a t-shirt that says "Own It". Awesome! She tries to get The Colonel to exercise by stealing his prized autographed football. He doesn't follow her out the door. :(

Amber comes to Guya again. She's been wandering Venice Beach for years and is lost. Guya has her touch the cards then tries to read her and sees a flowers and a long winding road. She tells Amber that she's in a bad place that she's trapped. Amber screams "Just tell me the truth!" Excellent scene from Liz and Hillary! I can't wait to find out what's up. Is Amber a ghost? She's so distraught. :(

Lara and Jamie and Drew are hanging out and drinking when Lara gets a phone call from Ani. She tells her that she's finished her pages for the morning and was just taking a break before starting back in again. She told Ani that she's not sure about dinner that she'll probably stay at the house and write. Why do I get the feeling that she's avoiding Ani? Jamie asks her about the book and she tells him that she's a little behind. He asks why she didn't tell that to Ani. Lara says that she wouldn't understand. Jamie says that she would. Lara changes the subject and they toast.

Van is at Sami's and they're discussing Owen. Van is telling Sami that he resented Owen because Jane spent so much time raising Owen and Gina after Katie died and he felt left out. She believes him and tells him to stay.

Gina has a football tee set up in the street and sets the ball into it as The Colonel comes out of the house. He walks to the middle of the street and bends down and grabs the ball. Gina is so excited that she does a rather involved happy dance in the middle of the street then shouts "Score!" as The Colonel walks back inside with his football. It's so cute and I'm excited for her because of the huge step and progression that single act signifies in The Colonel's recovery. Gina needs a hug for that clever little move! :) Loving this scene from Crystal so much.

Ani is a High Bar and Jamie comes up asking if she finished early. Ani says that she had a very early sunrise shoot and is done. Now she's waiting for Gina so they can go over some last minute plans for her party. Gina shows up and has a drink waiting for her. She shares her football taunting story with Ani and then they move on to party planning. Gina wants coconut shrimp on a stick and Ani wants pigs in a blanket. Gina tells her, "No." and Ani says, "But I love them." Sooooooooo cute! Gina tells her that pigs in blankets say 'tail-gate' and that Lara was thinking more along the lines of caviar. Ani says that she still want little hot dogs and isn't it her party? Right you are Ani! Gina says, "Apparently not. I'm sorry." So Lara is the one controlling this party that Gina is hosting for Ani? She seems to be awfully controlling for someone who isn't at the meeting because she's blowing off writing and lying to Ani about it. Ani says that she has no business eating any of that stuff anyway. :( Gina asks what she's talking about. Ani says, "You know me. I'm just feeling a little self conscious about my body." Gina tells her that she's got to stop that and Ani start telling her that Lara eats whatever she wants and doesn't work out and look at her body. She says that she and Lara were dancing the other night and all she could think was, "Please...don't touch my love handles." Gina looks heartbroken and catches Ani's eyes and with perfect honesty says, "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met. So stop it. Stop it." Ani says, "You're biased." Then she brushes it off saying that she's back to yoga and boot camp and that should help. Gina looks so sad. Ani says that she loves that song that's playing. Gina asks her to dance with her. The song is Kyler England's 'Clean Slate'. They are dancing and Ani has a look that says that she's feeling so many emotions is not anywhere near over Gina. Gina has a similar expression. She just wants to do anything she can to make sure Ani is happy. Such a beautiful and heart warming/breaking scene. Crystal and Jessica are perfect in this scene! So much emotion and trepidation. Just beautiful.

Owen and Sami discuss Van.

Ani is at Lara's and an e-mail pops up on the laptop on the counter. Ani opens the e-mail and read it. It's from Lara's publisher saying that she's missed another deadline, that she can't cover for her anymore and that they are thinking of pulling the book deal. Ani is worried and wonders what Lara's been doing and where she is now. Have I mentioned how much Jessica rocks?

Lara is apparently passed out in her car with a flask in the seat next to her.

I loved how much forward movement we got in this episode. Ani and Gina are killing me. Lara is annoying me. I can't say I'm surprised, but she's definitely emerging from her too-perfect new-relationship self. Nadia's doing a wonderful job making the transition natural and smooth.

And of course Kim and Crystal with the writing and storyline, are bringing about a slowly evolving set of characters and events. I love them soooo much for creating this show!

Venice: Episode 207 - November 24, 2010

Gina brings out a box of photos to go through with her father. She pulls pictures out and asks questions about them but he doesn't respond. She has to leave to go to a party but will be back and make him exercise. After she leaves he looks at a photo and says, "That was our fifth anniversary."

Lara and Ani are on the beach. Ani's got a bottle of Shiner and she's laying across Lara's lap. They are completely cute and when they get up Michelle and Jamie make the same assessment.

Gina runs into an old environmentally conscious friend.

Gina walks up to the group who all manage to leave her alone with Ani. They talk for a moment. Apparently Gina is throwing the party for Ani's gallery showing.
Sami asks Gina how it's going with her father. Gina says that it's an exercise in futility. Van walks up to the and Sami is surprised that he is Owen and Gina's cousin.
Gina goes over to Guya and her cute guy. Cute guy leaves them alone and Guya mentions that she loves "a man in a suit" because he's wearing a bathing suit.

Michelle, Jess and Jamie are talking about Jess loving working outside of London and Jamie's Internet date. Everyone is just relaxing.

Owen and Van chat for a minute then decide to start a game of volleyball. During the game Owen hits Van in the shoulder with the ball. Sami goes to his side and tells Owen that he did it on purpose. Van says that he's alright then walks off.

Gina offers Lara some water. Subtle Gina :) Lara declines and Gina says, "You know if you hurt her, you'll have to answer to me."

Van shows up at Guya's to appologize.

Gina walks up to her old friend. His name is Richard. He and Gina used to date. He and The Colonel seemed to get along, but Richard doesn't know that Gina dates women and asks her about the guy in her life. She side steps the question saying that she's not seeing anybody and heads back to her father's house. Richard looks after he all adoringly.

Venice: Episode 206 - November 17, 2010

Gina is trying to get The Colonel to exercise. He tells her not to be condescending. He says that he's sick of feeling helpless. She tells him that he has control of his recovery. She is so desperate that she says, "If I go out with a man, will you get on the bicycle?" Wow! As much as he's put her through emotionally and as much as she's probably been told by Ani to just walk away from him, Gina loves her dad so very very much to even make an offer like that. It's tough to see her grasping at anything to help a man that has hurt her so much. A part of her really is just a hurt little girl inside that wants her daddy back. The man that she probably looked up to and followed around when she was a child.

Lara is working when Ani comes in with flowers. Ani was gone when Lara woke up, she said Lara looked so peaceful and fulfilled that she didn't want to wake her. Ani went to a yoga class. Lara says that would stress her out "to try to bend my body in all those unnatural poses." She pulls Ani down into her lap and they kiss while Lara says, "Last night was amazing." Ani replies, "I know because I was there." They are being all cute and I still am envious of Jessica's hair. Ani puts the brakes on to make sure Lara continues working. Lara asks what's for dinner, Ani doesn't have anything planned. Hmmm. Perhaps Lara is falling into a habit that Ani isn't too keen to follow her into. Right now she's being good with the subtle swaying and directing of their interactions but she can't last like that too long without it turning to resentment from one of them.

The mystery woman shows up at Guya's again. She is a very lost woman named Amber and she's a little sceptical about what Guya does. Guya starts a session with Amber but loses her focus int he middle. She promises to reschedule and turns around only to find Amber gone again when she turns back and the cute foot massage guy there in her place.

Michele and Jamie are talking about his dating and he brings up this guy he's been talking to online named Drew.

Ani is taking pictures of Lara on the beach. At one point she tells her to take her top off then laughing says, "Just kidding" and walks up to and kisses Lara. She kisses her after each of the next few shots causing Lara to say that she likes getting rewarded for posing.

Guya is talking to Katie about her new guy.

Lara and Ani are having a picnic and when Ani pulls out baby carrots Lara takes notice. Being very attentive at the moment Lara manages to pull a story out of Ani about her Aunt Carmella's 80th birthday party and being mortified by becoming the subject of Carmella's vocal comments about no longer being pretty. Lara does a great job here of reassuring Ani. Ani says, "I really like you!" I'm glad that Lara was able to be a positive force for Ani's self image. (Still makes me uncomfortable when it's brought up though. Just sayin'. (: )

Venice: Episode 205 - November 10, 2010

Guya and Gina are at High Bar talking about missing each other, needing a sleepover with Owen and that Guya has been thinking about Katie a lot lately. Gina wonders how things would be different if her mother were still alive. Guya talks about how different he was when she was alive. Gina can't grasp her mind around him being so much different than he is with her. Guya tells GIna that maybe she can use this opportunity to move forward with The Colonel.

Ani is preparing to make dinner at Lara's. She opens the trash to trow away a paper towel and sees 2 beer bottles (Bridgeport Breweries: India Pale Ale?), a wine bottle and a liquor bottle (looks like E&J brand Brandy) Ani kind of frowns and contemplates then looks like she makes a decision. She's noticed Lara's drinking and seeing the bottle in the trash just made it that much more urgent.

Sami thanks Owen for helping before he leaves. She again reminds him that she's unavailable by telling him that she's got a date.

Gina gives herself a pep talk before going into the house to deal with her father.

Owen is frustrated because Sami is late and he's left her voice mail messages already.

Gina brings soup but The Colonel wants a burger. She's frustrated and he's frustrated. She tells him that if he works hard he'll be able to flip her off. When he final starts eating she watches him and a small smile creeps in. She can't help but be happy that he's making some progress.

Ani is feeding Lara empanadas and cleans up crumbs on Lara's mouth by kissing them away. Lara suggests wine and Ani distracts her with kisses.

Guya is upset that she's lost her aura. The last time that happened was when her ex ran off with "that dirty skank ho bitch". She grabs her journal and starts reading an entry from Katie's 30th birthday. She talks about John having planned a surprise party and the kids having planned a skit. She's gotten them tickets to The Greatful Dead.

Ani and Lara are taking a shower together. I can't help but think that Ani has decided to offer herself as a disctraction to Lara's drinking.
I also can't help but think that this scene is the sole reason that so many who have slighted the series from the beginning have praised this episode as the best yet. The writing hasn't changed, the scene structure hasn't changed. They are both as wonderfully layered and real as they've always been. The only thing that is different in this episode that I can see is the naked women in the shower. If I'm missing some other brilliant piece of writing that has just now come to the surface in episode 205 then please point it out to me. I'm not saying that the shower scene is a bad thing, just that it's the only difference I can find from previous episodes that might garner the praise that it recieved from otherwise historically dissappointed vocal viewers. Not that there is anything wrong with that either.

Venice: Episode 204 - November 3, 2010

Guya is getting a foot massage from a cute guy (Shawn Christian) who she apparently met while 'riding a bull' presumably in a bar. She leans in to smooch the cute guy and the framed photo of her and her sister falls over. Hm? What does that mean?

Sami and Owen are making dinner and she's trying to give him advice on interacting with his father. He doesn't take to her advice to swiftly. He tells her about how the rift formed between he and his father. She suggests that it's time to bridge that gap. They move on to another subject and she brings up having met a guy that talked with her about Africa. Owen gives her a little hippo figurine. Gina calls him to say that The Colonel has run off all of his nurses.

Ani calls Gina to check on her and Gina tells her about having to step in to nurse her father back to health. Ani says that it would make a good reality show and they brainstorm possible titles. Gina asks what Ani is up to tonight and finds out that Ani is cooking for Lara. Ani offers to bring Gina some chicken picata. Mmmmm. :)

Guya has a very distracted and unproductive session with Katherine. She gets a phone call on her private cell from some one leaving her shaken. She tells Katherine that she won't charge her for the session.

Gina tells The Colonel that she's his nurse now and tries to get him to do some hand exercises. He stares her down and drops the ball from his hand.

Lara is on the beach working and gets a phone call from Christa her editor. She is frustrated and annoyed as she always is when she ends a phone call with her editor. She takes a couple of drinks from her flask.

Van shows up at the soup kitchen and helps Sami clean up.

Gina is jogging on the beach and comes across a sleeping Lara. Gina spies her flask and Lara notices then hides it and excuses herself telling Gina that Ani's making dinner so she has to get home. Sooooo Gina is cluing in to Lara having a drinking problem but I seriously doubt that she'll say anything right away. She's trying very hard to not interfere with Ani's life and new relationship.

Venice: Episode 203 - October 27, 2010

We open with the last scene from the previous episode. Ani walking up to Gina on the beach. This time after Ani says, "Of course I am." there is only a small pause with meaningful looks before Gina asks Ani how she found out. When Ani says, "Jamie." Gina says, "Of course he... he told you. He's a good man." Ani prods Gina to talk about how she's doing and what she's feeling. Ani says that she won't let anyone know that tough Gina has a mushy center. The line is delivered with expert cuteness of course, but there's a moment right after Gina's reply when Ani looks like she desperately wants to fall back into her old habits of being there for Gina in all of the unhealthy, all consuming, self-depriving ways that she used to, but to her credit she looks down, away from Gina and breaks away from the mental ledge. Gina using her newly established awareness of Ani's needs asks about Ani, and Lara. It's a huge step in a seemingly tiny un-noticable act for Gina to conciously ease the tension and ask about Ani's current girlfriend. It shows that Gina has leanred from what Ani has been telling her and that Gina isn't going to take advantage of Ani's concern for her in this situation. Ani says that it's easy and they're getting to know each other. When Gina asks if she's happy, Ani replies that she is. Then Ani asks Gina about Tracy and Gina tells her that Tracy went back to London, that it was bad timing. Ani takes a moment to let that sit. Flashlight by Adrienne is playing under the scene. It's beautiful for two reasons, it fits the new friend status that Gina and Ani are trying so very hard to maintain and it's the song that was playing on Guiding Light when Natalia grabbed Olivia's hand to lead her out of Gus's house. (Nov. 10, 2008 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBRXUv7aSsY ) They both miss talking to each other like they used to. Such a sweet sweet scene! ::sniff::

Guya is trying to get The Colonel to allow people to help him heal. She's the only one who calls him John. Also a nice scene.

Gina has a flashback of her and Ani. She's taken Ani to the beach to tell her that she wants to take her away on a vacation. Ani is excited and they kiss. Gina comes out of the flashback and is on the beach alone. :(

Michelle is talking to Alan on the phone and is frustrated. Jamie shows up and tells Michelle that he needs to find a man. Michelle tells him he needs to try the internet. He says no. They are cute together.

Gina comes up to The Colonel's house in time to see his latest nurse leaving. She tries to bribe the nurse to stay by offereing to design a house for her. Apparently that was the last nurse as Gina tells her father that they've gone through 3 nursing companies and numerous nurses. He doesn't say anything as he watches her clean up the living room.

Guya is meditating when Van comes up and spooks her. Wes Ramsey is sooooo cute! Guya is sad that Van isn't staying with her, he's staying with a friend. She tells him about The Colonel's stroke. Van mentions again that he wants to bridge the gap with Owen while he's here.

Ani and Lara are having a picnic on the beach. Lara starts to go off about her editor and then decides that she's done talking about it. Ani says, "Yay!" She talks about being stressed about having to be around "wiaf thin models" who "need a fucking cheeseburger" she says that she coudl stand to lose a few punds and Lara jumps right in to tell her that she's perfect and that she doesn't want her to lose any of it and tells her to eat more. This is a profound scene in many ways. It feels like Lara is the more controlling of the two with her seemingly ignoring Ani's weight concerns and blowing them off by telling her that she thinks that she should eat more. It makes a comment on the world of modeling which has and I'm sure will alway be scrutinized for it's affinity towards dangerously thin models. It's also something that makes me uncomfortable and/or sad personally because I've read comments and seen video where Jessica has mentioned that she's not comfortable with her own weight since her pregnancy. I don't know if she was ever as self conscious about it as Ani, but it still makes me a little sad to be reminded of it. I say that, keeping in mind that I am fully and personally aware of image and weight expectations placed on actresses. It is a plot device that is difficult for me to watch mostly because it's Jessica playing the part. She is adorable and funny and sweet and I don't like to be reminded that she's not happy with her body even if it is completely understandable. The way she's playing it with Ani is absolutely perfect!

Gina is walking around The Colonel's house contemplating while he sleeps.

Venice: Episode 202 - October 20, 2010

Owen and Sami wake up in their South African Village. I have Owen's sleeping bag!!! :) They are cute. Owen tells Sami that they built a cell tower last night in the village. So he now gets all of the messages that Gina left for him telling him about The Colonel's stroke.

Ani shows up at Lara's with soy latte and tells her that she has to go meet Gina because of The Colonel's stroke. Jamie called her to let her know, she hasn't talked to Gina yet. Ani is looking beautiful. Okay, Jessica looks beautiful always and by default Ani is also breathtaking. Ani asks Lara if she's okay with Ani visiting Gina. Lara says that Gina is Ani's past, and that she herself is Ani's "here and now".

Owen and Sami and Gina are talking about The Colonel's stroke. Owen tries to figure out why Gina was there when it happened. She's evasive for obvious reasons and Owen finally backs off when Sami steps in. Sami suggests a round-the-clock nurse so that neither Gina nor Owen has to stay with him and he doesn't have to go to a rehab facility. Sami leaves and is being watched/followed by someone in grey shorts.

Guya tells Gina that Van is coming home and looking to work things out with Owen. When she hangs up with Gina she turns around and sees the mystery woman from the previous night. She asks if she's there for an appointment and turns around to check her schedule. When she turns back around the mystery woman has disappeared without ever having said a word.

Katherine is at High Bar and sees a young woman there. She starts talking to herself and practicing many different pick-up scenarios. She's not doing well working up to asking the woman out, but Alan walks up to her and distracts her. Apparently Alan calls her Elizabeth and is the only one to do so.

Gina and Jamie are walking on the beach debriefing each other about the event of the last night. Jamie tells Gina that the dead hooker wasn't from a service but someone that The Colonel was seeing exclusively (although the same wasn't true for her). Jamie also tells Gina that the woman's alias was Candy Cane. They share a laugh before Gina takes comfort in a hug from Jamie. It's been a long few hours. .

Sami is approached my Van on the beach and they share stories of world travel she tells him that she volunteers at a soup kitchen and suggests that he try it too. She makes sure to let him know that she has a boyfriend.

Gina is sitting on the beach and Ani walks up and sits next to her. Gina is surprised and comforted and grateful that Ani is there. Ani says that "Of course I am (here)." and takes Gina's hand in both of hers. They are both killing this little scene without doing much of anything because Jessica and Crystal can rock the unspoken conveyances.

Venice: Episode 201 - September 29, 2010

I could have sworn that I had already written a review of the first episode of the season, but if I did I have no idea where it went so......


The episode opens with a recap "Previously on Venice" for which I am grateful. Not that I haven't watched the season one episodes recently, but it's a great way to introduce new viewers to the second season.

Gina and The Colonel are arguing over the dead body that he's just shown her. He's telling her that she's going to help him and she says that she's not. That he's only thinking of himself and not about her career or life. Personally I was surprised that she even showed up when he called at the end of last season, but I know that I would do the same thing in her situation. Just as GIna is going to open the door and leave, The Colonel collspes and GIna calls 911. She then calls someone to help her. Her voice is calm and measured so you know she's calling for help with the dead body.

Lara is annoyed with her editor and is not in a good mood then turns around to find Ani making her a nice snack . Lara has given her a key to use anytime she wants. Lara is ranting about her editor and gets up to take a shot of something harder than wine, then comes back to pick up her glass. Ani is watching with concern and a bit of shock. When Lara sits back down Ani moves in behind her to massages her shoulders and relax her. Lara asks about Ani's work and while Ani is having problems with jobs being postponed and rescheduled she's not nearly as angry about them as Lara and kind of brushes them off. She tells Lara that she Googles the New York TImes bestseller list every morning and sees the picture of Lara and says, "That's my girlfriend!" Lara says that Ani is adorable and who can argue with that, because in fact Jessica is playing her so very very well. They get up to dance and kiss. The look in Ani's eyes seems to say that she's trying to distract Lara from her bad mood. She seems to get the drinking issue and is instead offering herself as a substitute. While sweet, that tactic doesn't work well in the long run and can end up being just as detrimental to Ani, causing her to lose herself.

Guya sees a woman outside and is stunned but turns away for a moment and when she looks back the woman (Liz Keifer) is gone. Guya gets a phone call presumabley to tell her about The Colonel collapsing.

Owen has created a little African Village for Sami where there is no cell service, but there is a picnic. They make love on the sleeping bag he's set out in the living room.

Jess (Venice fan "bidforvenice" on Twiter, Anita) is filling in for Tracy and meeting with Michelle. We learn from this conversation that Gina and Tracy are over and that Tracy has thrown herself into her work.

Jamie is 'The Cleaner' and is taking care of things at The Colonel's house. He wonders what he's gotten himself into, and we wonder the same thing. Poor Jamie.

Gina is looking through a box of photos and comes across one that has to have been her mother and father and herself when she was an infant. Then she comes across one of her and Ani (one of the photos of Crystal and Jessica at Crystal's CCnFriends fan luncheon in October of 2009) and breaks down into sobs. Poor Gina.

Hugs to Jamie and Gina!
Crystal, Jessica, Jordan, Harrison and Nadia really turned in great performances for this opening episode. That's not to says that anyone else sucked mind you, just that those five characters had much more layered scenes emotionally in this episode.

OLTL: Thursday, August 12, 2010 (Inez)

Nate shows up at Dani's and starts ranting about Inez and how he never wants to see her face again. Um, Dude? A little sensitivity here. You're talking to your girlfriend who is slowly losing her mother to a terminal illness. I hope Dani smacks some sense into him.

Inez stops back by Bo's office to tell him that she's found temporary housing and that she'll see him in the morning to start work. He tells her that things at work are going to be chaotic. She says that's nothing compared to what she's just been through.

Bobby and James are at home and James is upset that Bobby is just going on like nothing happened. Bobby tells James that he'll never see Inez or Nate again. James says that he'll see whoever he wants to see.

James doesn't like being controlled or 'protected' as Bobby calls it. He brings up Nate and the money and says that Nate was only concerned with giving it to his mother. James says, 'She's our mother.' Aaaawwwwwwww!

Bo figures out that Inez is talking about the boys. She says that she's just made things worse.

Dani is crying and interrupts Nate's rant. Her mom has moved out of the house to stay at a hospice. She's managed to make Nate forget about his own worries for a bit.

Inez says, "I took Nate to his brothers' apartment and dropped my bombshell." She's not happy that Bobby hates Nate now by association, and that Nate's furious with her. She's hopeful that they will start to wonder about each other and form their own relationship. Bo tells her that she doesn't have to sacrifice her relationship with them in order for that to happen. She says that she's afraid she already has. Aww, Inez really needs hugs but she's being all strong and matter-of-fact.

Bobby and James are discussing what kind of person Inez must be to have not contacted them. James says that she's trying to reach out to them now. Bobby isn't giving in. No slack will be cut for Inez if he has anything to say about it. He's so hurt. He needs a really good let it all out breakdown with his mommy. Bobby needs Inez hugs.

Nate uber angry again. Dude! 0 to 60! He's telling Dani that he has brothers he didn't know about. He really should be careful. All that anger can not be good for his blood pressure I don't care if he IS a healthy teen. Plus one of these days his head may literally explode.

James calls Bobby on his insecurities. 'You don't trust chicks because Dad didn't trust our mom.' He says that Bobby's afraid to get close to girls because she's afraid the girls will leave. James then tells him that he doesn't remind him of Inez, that Bobby reminds him of their dad. See, Bobby really does need mommy hugs.

Dani is shocked to learn that Nate's brothers are the Ford boys. Dani tells him not to hate Inez.

Inez wonders if Nate will ever let her back into his life. She's convinced she's lost Bobby for good. She says that maybe James is the lucky one since she was never a part of his life. Bo points out that she is now. She says that she'll just need to see how it plays out. Then she tells him that it's the last he'll hear about her personal life. Bo tells her that she doesn't have to stop talking to him. She says that she's working for him now and that she's supposed to make his work life easier, not complicate it. Bo looks like he's kind of taken with her. Not in a creepy way, but like he admires her courage and conviction and wants good things for her. Jessica is playing this with just the right amount of sadness. A lot of the shots in this scene are close-ups too. Wow! She is really stunning, and I'm so very very jealous. My skin is rebelling and has decided that if it can't be that beautifully flawless then it's going to give up and go all crazy on me. :D Note to self: Drink more water. Oh, and don't even get me started on the hair. I love my hair, we have been together long enough to have formed an understanding, but I would like for it to at least have the option of growing as long and full as Jessica's. Just once. Then I'm sure I'd feel the need to cut it just barely shoulder length again.

Ooooookkkkkkayyyyyy. Sorry, for that little side trip. :) Back to the show....
James tells Bobby, "I'm sorry that you bought Dad's bull about how all girls are 'evil bitches,' but Mom's side of the story? About how she was run off by our violent abusive dad? That makes so much more sense to me." I'm really liking that James is so open and receptive to Inez that he's actually calling her 'Mom' around Ford. Aawwwww. James wants mommy hugs too. :)

Dani tells Nate that she didn't know about Todd being her father until last year and that she was angry with her mom about it too. She says that she understands it now. Nate's actually listening to her, so that's a good thing. She tells him to go find Inez and talk to her.

Inez tells Bo she'll be there promptly at 9am. He's going to have dinner with the family. Inez stays to set stuff up at her desk. She pulls out a framed picture portrait of Nate, then she pulls out a framed snapshot of Bobby as a little boy holding a tiny baby James and sets them on her desk. Aaawwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So sweeeeet! You just know she's had to keep that photo hidden in case Nate found it and asked questions. Putting that on her desk had to have felt very freeing and bittersweet too.

James is really getting Bobby to look at himself and why he does the things he does concerning relationships.

OLTL: Monday, August 9, 2010 (Inez)

Ford asks what she's doing there. She says that she needs to talk to him and his brother. Nate thinks that Ford is upset about the money and she tells him that it's not about the money. Ford lets her and Nate in and she tells Bobby that it's time and that James and Nate deserve to know and that he can't stop her.

Ford asks to talk to Inez for a second and they go into another room. He asks her why she wants to do this now. She tells him that she got a new job and that her new boss and she were talking and he told her to just tell the boys the truth. (Side note: The lighting and coloring of Jessica's close-ups in this scene are very similar to an early 1080's movie or prime time show. Like it's almost a 'Dynasty' shot except not as grainy. :D They've got her wearing beige with a wheat/ivory crocheted or macramé belt and the walls are brown with cream accents then they've got Jessica's make-up darker and more earth toned than usual. Could it be that the 70s are back again again, again? She tells him that they need to be a family and heal. Bobby says that you can't heal scars and start to walk away. She says, "Not until all three of you know who you are." He says that who they are has nothing to do with her. She looks over at James and Nate standing in the living room. 12 feet from the alcove (with no door) where she and Ford are and whispers to Bobby's now turned back. She says that it does because they're her sons and she prays for them everyday. He is playing it cold, but barely chokes out, "That's touching." She was hoping that he'd give his blessing and be able to help his brothers through it. He tells her to leave and leads her away by the arm. When he steps out of the magic sound proof alcove Nate grabs him by his shirt and leans him backwards over the kitchen counter. James is on Nate trying to hold his arms back and Inez is trying to get herself between Nate and Bobby and stop Nate from swinging. It the bustle and panic Inez gets out that he's his brother. And when Nate clams a little she says it again. Then as she's still laying across/guarding Ford she says, "He's my son. Bobby's my son." Then later that he and James are Nate's brothers. Ford is not really happy, James is stunned, Nate is in shock. James asks Bobby for validation. Ford says that it's true. James is upset that Ford threw their mother out of his hospital room. Nate says that it can't be true, but Inez explains that their father was a charming man when they first met, but he became possessive and jealous and abusive and that he doubted that Nate was his and then threw her out. Nate is upset that Inez lied to him and never told him about his brother of the father she 'stole him from'. Bobby tries to says that James had a worse time of it but James interrupts and tells Bobby to give Inez a break. Nate asks if he's defending her. James recounts that their dad said she left with a man who didn't want Bobby and himself (those poor boys). Ford points out that she left James. James points out that Bobby did too. Ford says that maybe if she hadn't left then their dad wouldn't have beat them too. James says that he was told to hate her. Inez steps toward him and says that their dad has a serious problem. Bobby is angry and yells at her for leaving her two kids with him. She's between James and Bobby and yells that she didn't have a choice, but that she loves them. She tells them that she used to hide and watch them play at school. That she had to move to keep them safe and that when she found out that they were in Llanview she brought Nate to meet his brothers. Nate screams at her and storms out. Inez asks Bobby to not be hard on his brothers and says that Nate won't talk to her, but that maybe Bobby can get through to him. James and Inez are opening crying when Inez tells them that their father would have killed her if she'd stayed. Ford says that Nate needs time to think, but that he won't hold anything against him. Inez leaves. Ford starts to talk to James and James tells him to stop. That Nate isn't the only one who needs time and then walks away.

OLTL: Friday, August 6, 2010 (Inez)

Nate shows up with a delivery for Bo and asks Inez what secret it is that she's keeping from him.

Inez says that she had a meeting with the commissioner (that's her way of alluding to that being the secret she was keeping from him) Nate thinks that the meeting is because something is wrong. He tells Bo that whatever it is then he did it. It's his fault. Then he says that his mom's never done anything wrong in her life and as he's continuing to talk Inez kind of mumbles in the background, "That's not true. So just...Shh...be quiet..." Jessica does the cutest little expressions here. Nate continues with, 'So whatever she said, it was probably me. Is she under arrest?" Bo says, "No." Nate asks what the problem is and asks Inez why she looks like she's in trouble. Her eyes get really big, and she shakes her head like, 'What do you mean?' Sooooo cute!

Inez tells Nate that she's not under arrest which he has to confirm with Bo who says that it may start to look like it since she's working for him. Nate's very excited and he and Inez hug. Bo tells Nate to see if he still wants to thank him when his mom starts putting in all the overtime. Nate and Inez look at each other and mouth "overtime" and share a little moment of celebration. It's sooooooooo cute. Inez tells Bo that she's going to be the best assistant he's ever had. Bo asks if she can start tomorrow. Nate wants to know why it was a big secret that Inez got the job.

Bo sends Nate out of the office for salt. Inez tells him that he's good and Bo tells her that it looked like she needed a minute. She says that he's not going to let it go, but that she needs to figure out something that isn't a lie. Bo wants to know why she doesn't just tell him. Inez is contemplative again. I like happy Inez. Worried Inez needs a hug!

Inez asks if Bo thinks she should just drop it on him. "By the way you have two brothers I never told you about." Bo points out that Nate was willing to confess to any crime to protect her. They discuss it and Bo says that she needs to decide if telling Nate will hurt him, hurt both of them, or make them both stronger.

Bo walks Inez out of the office and tells her to come in a little early in the morning and they'll get paper works and benefits forms squared away. She's surprised and grateful that she gets benefits right away. Nate finally returns with a handful of little salt packets. Inez tells Nate that she has to show him something and leads him out of the station.

Inez has taken Nate to Ford's apartment. When Ford opens the door Inez looks like she's ready for battle and Ford looks like a giant blob of alien slime has just handed him a pot of gold.

OLTL: Thursday, August 5, 2010 (Inez)

Inez shows up at the station. Bo thinks that she's there to take him up on his offer to help her. She says that she's there to see his boss.

Inez is applying for a job that she read in the paper. "Assistant to the Police Commissioner." Awww, she so cute she doesn't know that it's Bo. She thought he was a regular cop, not the person in charge of the police. Bo starts to tell her that when they met he forgot to introduce himself, but she starts talking about having fallen apart and spilling all of her personal life to him. She doesn't stop though, she keeps on talking about Nate having stayed in a 4 star hotel with his girlfriend's family and that last night he slept in a shelter. Oh, no. :( They didn't even get an apartment? But I have to say that Inez's hair looks AMAZING!!! Inez says that Nate never complains and Bo says that he's a good kid. Inez says that he shouldn't have to protect her, that she should change their fortune. She says that she hopes it will start to change by her getting the job with the commissioner. Funny point/director's choice: Over her left shoulder you can see Bo's name on his office door with the title of 'commissioner' right under it. Inez says that she wants to make a good impression so if Bo really wants to help her then he'll tell her what kind of man the commissioner is. He looks like he's thinking about it.

Bo says that the commissioner is tough, but fair. She asks Bo if she's being naive to think that she can work with the police department after all of the trouble her son's been through. Bo assures her that it will be fine. He tells her to wait for the commissioner in his office. Then holds his arms over his name as he holds the door open for her. He follows her in and shuts the door. Then he takes her application and sits at the desk. Inez looks at him then looks back worried that Bo will be caught at the commissioner's desk. Then she asks him what he's doing and he tells her he's looking at the application. She asks if he'll get in trouble if the commissioner sees him. He says, "I doubt it. You see..." he points to title plaque on his desk "I am the commissioner."

Inez stands up surprised and embarrassed that she's asked Bo questions about the commissioner. He goes over her resume and asks if she's ever worked with circus animals. When she says, "Excuse me?" He lets her know that he was referring to the squad room being organized chaos.

Nate is delivering food to James and when James casually calls him "bro" as Ford is walking in. Ford thinks that Inez told Nate about them all being brothers.

Bo is more than impressed with Inez's resume and skills and hires her. She is a little uncertain and asks him if it's charity. She says that she can start right away and he tells her to call him Bo. She says that she feels like her luck is changing.

Crisis averted. Ford doesn't spill anything and Nate leaves after having a few words about Ford saying things about his mother. The secret is still intact.

Inez asks Bo if they can forget that they met before she walked in today. She lets him know that she doesn't want Nate to know that he has two brothers that don't want anything to do with him. He tells her about his son Drew and that he regrets missing all of the childhood things that she mentioned before. He lets her now that they became father and son to each other again before he died. He says that maybe she'll get another chance with her son too.

Bo is getting ready to show Inez around the station. She thanks him for the opportunity and for keeping the secret for her. Nate walks in and wants to know what secret she's keeping from him.

OLTL: Thursday, July 29, 2010 (Inez)

Aawww Jessica is starting out great today. Inez is giving a look to Bo that's slightly contrite and flirty and sad and a little confused all at the same time. It's like 'I'm-cute-and-upset-please-don't-give-me-a-ticket-if-I-act-like-I-don't-know-why-I-got-pulled-over-he'll-have-sympathy-on-me' which has never worked for me by the way. :) He tells her that he break light is out. She's crying again and says, "You stopped me for that?" Aawww Inez needs a hug! He says that he's been following her for quite a while and she was all over the road and that if the road had been any busier... Inez is scared and doesn't want to deal with this she says, "Look, I'm sorry. I was distracted. it will not happen again. I'm sorry. Me too. Thank you though, for letting me know about the brake light." and she starts to turn the key to start the car and he stops her. He asks her to step out of the car. She looks terrified and I think she's about to break down.


Bo asks her to walk a straight line. Inez is a little taken aback. "You think I've been drinking?" He repeats that she was driving erratically and she says that she distracted and she's been having a really bad day. She had to take a huge breath to finish that sentence too. She's trying to keep from completely breaking down in front of Bo. I think she should just do it. He asks her if she's refusing to comply and she just stops. Stunned for a second and turns and walks along the line. He's not even watching her. She asks if she should close her eyes and touch her nose which she does as she says it. Then she starts the alphabet backwards in that frustrated on the brink of tears 'please leave me alone/what do you want from me?' kind of way. "Just give me a breathalizer. I can jump through a hoop too." Bo tells her that he wants her to calm down before she starts driving again. Inez is just saying anything that pops into her head. She scoffs, "Calm down?... I should have a drink though. Calm my nerves. Take the edge off. Maybe then I could handle the fact that my son hates me. Maybe then I could deal with the fact that I abandoned him and his brother."

Inez is leaning up against her car and looks back at Bo's car, "You're a cop. You're a decent man. Probably a family man. Wife and kids. You, you don't even have to say anything I can see it's written all over your face. How much you love them. How much you've always been there. The last thing you ever would do would be to abandon a child of yours, and make him feel like he wasn't worth anything. Make him feel like he wasn't good enough. Or worse that you never gave a damn." Bo tries to stop her, "Uh, Ma'am..." but she's on a roll. "I left my sons when they were small, and now my oldest son won't let me anywhere near his little brother, and he won't listen to my excuses and why should he, because I am guilty. Guilty as charged." Bo tries again, "Ma'am please." but no. She keeps going, "You pulled me over. I want you to just close the deal. Arrest me, because I am guilty of the most indefensible crime on earth. I abandoned my sons."

Inez starts walking toward Bo's car. "I destroyed their lives. They deserve a little payback. Maybe then they could understand how sorry I am, and maybe they can finally be happy."

Bo: "I don't think it works that way."
Inez: "What doesn't?"
Bo: "Love. Loss. When someone hurts you, you think that you want payback, but it doesn't make the pain go away."
Inez: "Well my son thinks it will. He wants me to suffer the way that he and his brother did."
Bo: "He doesn't mean that."
Inez: ::voice breaking again:: "Yes he does. And if that's what it takes, if locking me and making me pay is what will finally make them happy, then just do it. Just arrest me." She turns toward him and raises her arms with her wrists together.
Bo: "No, no no. I'm not gonna to do that."
Inez: ::looking helplessly at her wrists and imaginary handcuffs:: "Oh my God." she breaks down now. Everything that was on the verge that she was keeping at bay with rationalizations and explanations and recounting comes out now. "What have I done?" She turns to walk away and go back to her car, but Bo stops her and pulls her to him and lets her cry on his shoulder. He looks very affected by her and her story. Inez needed that hug, and Jessica needs tremendous kudos! Very very well done scenes from her. Not unexpected mind you, it's just nice to see her again.

Inez and Bo are sitting on the curb now. She's much calmer and has dry (non-teary) eyes now. :)

Inez: "I can't believe I just unloaded all of that on you. I'm so sorry."
Bo: "Eh, don't worry about it."
Inez: "No, I had a fight with my son and I overreacted."
Bo: "I've had a little experience with sons...and fights."
Inez: "Probably not like this."
Bo: "Last year my son sued his mother and me. But after a while, you know. Everything is okay now."
Inez: "You're fortunate."
Bo: "Well I know that your sons beef is uh, is more complicated, but maybe one day he's gonna be able to forgive you."
Inez: "First I have to take care of the one son that doesn't hate me. If I don't find us a place to live I could lose him too."
Bo: "Uh, are you Nate's mother?"


Inez: "You know about Nate from the papers, right? The boy who took that money and got in all that trouble."
Bo: "I know all about that, but I met Nate earlier today and he told me you lost your house."
Inez: "Oh my God. We both dumped on you today?"
Bo: "I don't know about your other sons, but Nate seemed like a good kid.:"
Inez: "Thanks." ::small smile!:: "Please don't tell Nate about his brothers. He would be heartbroken if her knew that they didn't want him in their lives. "
Bo: "Your secret's safe with me."
Inez: ::smiles appreciatively and then does a little double take to Bo:: "Wow. It's amazing how a complete stranger can turn your day from a total disaster to something almost okay."
Bo: "Well, that's a start, okay, but I told Nate this earlier. I'm gonna tell you right now. I can help. You call me." He offers her his business card.
Inez: "Thank you, but I am gonna be fine. I know I came off like a basket case before, but I'm usually much more together. Really. And this is a situation that I can fix. As for what's going on with my other sons. There's nothing you can do about that."

Inez is getting ready to leave. Bo is holding her leaning on her open car door.
Bo: "Are you sure you're okay to drive?"
Inez: "After inappropriately unloading on you? Yes, I think I'm a hundred percent.
Bo: "It happens all the time. but usually it's someone trying to talk their way out of a ticket. "
Inez: "I really am sorry."
Bo: "There's nothing to be sorry about. Look I know that you don't want help, but if you change your mind you can find me at the LPD."
Inez: "Thank you. For everything."
Bo: "Drive carefully. Get that brake light fixed."

OLTL: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 (Inez)

The spoiler/episode description for today's episode is "Inez gets pulled over for driving erratically." Keep that in mind. :D


Inez is at the safe looking at/contemplating a letter when Nate walks in. She gets a HUGE smile on her face and shoves the letter in her purse. He brought her a Statue of Liberty crown headband and she asks him if he had fun in the Big Apple. I love that Inez lets Jessica play some humor. Natalia was funny, but it was always deadpan and you didn't get to see her enjoy her own humor. With Inez you do, even though it seems that her humor is more of a deflection while Natalia's was more of a right-back-at-ya kind of thing. Nate asks what Inez put in her purse and she says that it's junk mail. "I don't want you to get your hopes up, but we may have already won ten million dollars!" dimples everywhere. :) He asks her to please show it to him and she hands him an eviction notice.


The notice says they have to be out today. Inez says that they already gave her an extension. Nate asks what they're going to do about it. Inez says, "WE aren't going to do anything." Nate doesn't want her to handle it alone, but Inez says that she'll figure it out. Inez gets a phone call from Ford. He's asking her to meet him at the hospital. She calls him Bobby I wonder if Nate will ask questions about that? :) Nate asks who was on the phone and Inez says that it's a job she applied for. Nate's excited for her. Oh, Nate, she's so lying to you.


Inez walks into James's hospital room, but he's not there. Ford is waiting for her. James is having more tests done. Inez asks to make sure that he's okay and Ford dismisses her concerns. She tells him that she does care (sounds very much like, "Wha...? How can you ask me that? I would die for that kid.") Ford reminds her that James doesn't know who she is and never will. She asks the question we all want to know, "Why did you call me here?" He wants to 'talk' to her about Nate. Ford is being intimidating, but Inez is very confident and looks him straight in the eye when she confirms that Nate is his brother.


Wow! Okay, this scene just gets right to it.
Ford: "All these years, Dad told us what kind of a slut you were, now I finally have proof."
Inez: ::angry face:: "Bobby, listen to me..."
Ford: "So wait. What happened? Did you leave your protection inside somebody else's hotel room?"
Inez: "What?"
Ford: "Or wait, maybe you wanted to get knocked up? I don't, I don't know. Maybe you wanted to go off and start a life with the kid's real father."
Inez: "Eddie IS Nate's real father. Nate is your full brother. Yours and James's."
Ford: "Huh? If you say so." He's turned away from her now so she's trying to convince him of what really happened.
Inez: "I didn't want to leave you. Eddie threw me out. He called me ... that. What you just said, and worse things. But I was never unfaithful to him."
Ford: "Because the old man was such a lovable guy."
Inez: (She's got teary eyes through this whole next part by the way. :( ::sniffle:: )"Even if I wanted to cheat, the thought of what he'd do to me....? Once the thought of something got in his head there was nothing I could do to convince him that the child I was carrying was his. And then before I even knew it I was being dragged across the room by my hair, kicked out the door, and when that door closed I could never see you and James again."
Ford: "So you didn't call the cops, the courts, anybody?"
Inez: "I had a friend who knew a lawyer. We had just filed the custody papers when I got a knock on the door in the middle of the night, and there was a picture of Nate with a 6 inch butcher knife through it." Ford rolls his eyes.
Ford: "So you dropped the suit."
Inez: "I was worried for my son!"
Ford: "I was your son! Okay? And my father didn't have to put knife through pictures of me to get to me!"
Inez: All upset and teary. Jessica and Inez have run the emotional roller coasters today. "Don't you think I know that? I thought about you everyday. I went to your school everyday just so I could see you getting off the bus. James and his little red jacket that was a size too big, and you and your yellow windbreaker, and... I was there everyday no matter how cold it was, and I wanted to grab you and I wanted to take you and keep you warm and..." She's fully crying now and her words are in between soft gasping breaths. Jessica is doing a wonderful job here!
Ford: "No. You wanted proof."
Inez: "Of what?"
Ford: "We were our father's sons."
Inez: "I never thought that you..."
Ford: "No. Why didn't...why didn't you come back for us? You didn't even give us a second thought. No until James shows up with our father's money and then all you can think about is revenge."
Inez: "Revenge?!?"
Ford: "So you had YOUR kid steal OUR cash..."
Inez: "No. Bobby!"
Ford: "...and you don't even care about James. Just as long as you get even with Dad. You wanted payback!"
Inez: "I want a family! You and James are my sons and I love you just as much as I love Nate!"


Inez: "Nate finding that money had nothing to do with me."
Ford: "So you're telling me it was just a coincidence?"
Inez: "Yes! he doesn't know about you and James. he doesn't know he has two brothers.
Ford: "Because he doesn't!"
Inez: "Don't say that."
Ford: "I was your decision, not mine. You wanted Nate away from us so bad. Lucky you, you got your wish."
Inez: "No, I never wanted that."
Ford: "As far as James knows you don't exist, and if he ever finds out anything about either one of you, I'll know who to blame."
Inez: "Bobby please, we're family!"
Ford: "No. We're done here."
Inez: "You can push me away all you want, but I'm not going anywhere this time. I gave up on you and James once. I won't ever do that again." Aw, now Ford is crying. Way to go Inez, you're breaking him down! :) Seriously there was several times in that scene where Ford looks older than Inez.


Inez gets pulled over and is still wiping tears from her eyes when she rolls down the window for Bo.

A very informative spoiler/episode description that was, don't you think?

OLTL: Thursday, July 22, 2010 (Inez)

Inez is looking in the newspaper for apartments to rent when Nate walks up. He makes a comment about James' older brother and Inez has a flashback to their run-in at the hospital. She tells him that if they end up in a one bedroom then she'll let him have the room and she'll sleep in the living room. Nate asks again if Ford was hard on her at the hospital. She says, 'it was nothing' and that she took the money to accounting. Nate rags on Ford a little more and Inez gets more uncomfortable. Inez leaves Nate in the park. She reminds him that he has plans with Dani. Seriously, LOOOOOOOOVE Jessica Leccia, but all of Inez's sons look like they could be her boyfriends.

When Inez left Nate it was apparently to go and see James. He wakes up and she apologizes for waking him. She introduces herself as Inez, but lets James know that there isn't any reason for him to know who she is. He figures out that she is the person that Bobby was yelling at earlier. She tells him that her son is the one who stole his money. When James says that Bobby blames Nate for him being in the hospital, Inez jumps in and says that it's not true. She tells James that he can blame every bad thing that's every happened to him on her. Aaawww. Inez needs a hug!

James figures out that Inez is the one who paid his hospital bill. When she tells him that it's the money Nate stole and that she got it back from the 'person who was going to lose their house' he says that maybe she shouldn't have, because a bank will take a house, but what is a hospital going to do 'put the bullet back in?' Inez is immediately in uber 'Mom' mode when James mentions the bullet, she gets a frown on her face. :( Then she says that he shouldn't have to worry about things like people losing their homes. She says that he should be thinking about high school and college and having fun. He says that that makes a great movie, but that it's not him. She apologizes again and he asks her why she does that. She says, "Force of habit." Ya think? He says that if her were Nate he would have taken the money too, but that he doesn't know anyone who would have given it back. She gives him the receipt and tells him that is there is anything left over to make sure that they give it to him. She said she would have given it to Bobby, but... James finishes, "He would have bitten your head off?" She mentions that Bobby seems protective of James, and James says, "When he wants to be." Inez, gets 'Mom' tone again and says, "Not always?" Any kid knows that when the parent raises their pitch just a tad, their eyebrow a smidge and cocks their head a skosh that they are not happy with what they just heard and you better be prepared to back pedal or fix it. Luckily for James he's not the one in trouble here. This particular higher pitched, raised eyebrow, tilted head, Mom question is centered on Bobby's behavior. James says, "Bobby did his best. I wasn't easy around our house." Ah, James caught the Mom tone too. Inez looks guilty again. Not that she shouldn't feel a little guilty, but Jessica is killing me with these sad contemplative looks Inez is giving. James shakes Inez's hand and says thanks. She holds his hand a little longer than normal and he asks if there is anything else. She apologizes again and he says that he stole the money first so she can stop apologizing. She mumbles, "I wish" and leaves but turns to say, "I'm glad you're getting better." before walking out the door. Ford come in and James is at the door trying to chase Inez. James tells Ford that he found out that Inez is the one who paid the bill and that she's Nate's mother. Ford is NOT happy and steps out of the room to catch his breath and process the new information. His mother had another child after she left them. :(

OLTL: Friday, July 16, 2010 (Inez)

Nate and Dani are in the park talking about Ford. Inez turns the corner at Nate's back just as he says, "I did almost get James killed. My mother almost murdered ME when she found out."
Inez: :You're lucky you're still alive." She's like all kinds of old school mom. She's got the threats of bodily harm and death, but at the same instant she's loving and protecting you for all she's worth.
Nate: "Mom, you can not still be mad at me." Seriously? Why can't she. Dude, it's not like you stole a pack of gum. You stole $50,000 and almost got someone killed. That's not the kind of thing one stops being angry about within a couple of weeks.
Inez: "I'm furious. And I'm returning that money."


Nate: "So you're not gonna pay the mortgage?"
Inez: "I'm not gonna use stolen money Nathaniel Q. Salinger." And that is probably the exact same look that he got as a child. Mom is NOT pleased with him.
Nate: "When the 'Q' comes out you know I'm in trouble." Inez grabs his arm and pulls him away from Dani. Seriously, Mom is very upset with him. This isn't the gently pulling him away for more privacy. This is the pulling him away from a dangerous situation kind of grab and yank. When you think about it, it kind of is the same thing. I mean he's not in immediate danger right now, but he is definitely dismissing the situation and not acknowledging it's seriousness along with basically dismissing his mother in front of his girlfriend. He needs a little Mom-talk pay-attention-to-me experience right now.
Inez: ::As she's grabbing him, and through her teeth.:: "You are in trouble." ::Normal louder voice and as she's pulling him away.:: "Lying to your mother about winning the lottery. I can't believe I bought that ridiculous story."
Nate: "So are we gonna lose the house?"
Inez: "There are worse things. Like stealing, and lying. To me!" Oh yeah, she's way angry with him. I'm thinking that it has a lot to do with his father too. Like maybe Inez fears that his behavior is indicative of him turning out like his daddy. I'm sure that's a thought that terrifies her.
Nate: "How many times do I have to say, 'I'm sorry.'?"
Inez: "Did you apologize to that poor boy?"
Nate: "I tried, but his brother wasn't having it."
Inez: "What room is he in?"
Nate: "Mom, are you sure you want to..."
Inez: "WHAT ROOM?" She's at the end of her fuse with Nate on this issue. I really get the feeling that Inez could be someone to be feared. She seems like she's a step away from smacking him upside the head. (Way to go Jessica!)
Nate: "Four oh three."


Inez walks into a waiting area of the hospital and turns right into Ford. She looks stunned. She recognizes him. He recognizes her, and is not happy to see her.

Inez: "Bobby, oh my God." She's reaching out to him and he's avoiding her. "How are you? Are you okay? Because I heard that you were in the hospital and I really wanted to see you..."
Ford: "Why?"
Inez: "I'm your mother." Aawww. Jessica's making her look so sad and hurt that Ford can't fathom why she wouldn't want to see him.
Ford: "You may have given birth to me, but you lost the right to call yourself my mother when you walked out on us."
Inez: "Bobby, plea..."
Ford: "I told you when you came into my office. I don't want to see you. I don't want your phone number. I don't want any part of you."
Inez: She looks so hurt! She needs hugs! "But I moved here to be close to you. You have to give me a chance to..."
Ford: "I have to? I'm a grown man now. I don't need you any more."
Inez: "We both missed out on a lot..."
Ford: "Yeah, but I didn't have a choice in the matter."
Inez: "Neither did I!"
Ford: "So you left us to, to deal with that man all by ourselves? You know what. You're right not to visit me here. And you're not gonna see James either."
Inez: "James? James is here in the hospital? What happened to him?"
Ford: "He got shot.", being the sweetheart that he is
Inez: "Oh my God. He's okay, but he stole fifty grand from Dad." And something clicks in Inez's head. She now knows that it's James from whom Nate stole the money. "And Dad, being the sweetheart that he is, sent one of his thugs to beat it out of him. James would have given it back, but some stupid high school kid found it first and took it." Now Inez stunned and sad and worried for all of her boys. and Jessica gets a for her excellent visible thought process facial expressions.


Inez: "He's my son. If he's hurt..."
Ford: "You're gonna what? Kiss it and make it better? He doesn't even know who you are. He was that little when you left him."
Inez: "I thought he was in Ohio with his father."
Ford: "You are not going to see him. Now get the hell outta here!"


Ford is walking away and Inez calls out, "Bobby!" but he doesn't turn around. She sits down crying and covering her face trying to control herself. A nurse comes up and Inez asks to be taken to the accounting office she's going to pay James's medical bills. The nurse tells her that James is still here and in his room. Inez says that he won't want to see her, and the nurse leads her to the office.