Venice: Episode 10 - February 19, 2010

Okay, I'd like to take a second to say how much I love the theme song! Venice Beach by Jen Foster.
All right, continuing on with the show. This is going to be a long one people. Lots of stuff going on under the surface.
First shot of the front of the restaurant is Susan Feniger’s Street If you have the means please throw a little support their way. They are listed on the sponsor page of Venice.
"Mmm." "Right?" "This food is amazing, and I have been dying to eat here and I couldn't get a reservation. So I don't understand why it's so empty right now." I listed to dialog to illustrate a point. We are three, count them three lines, four sentences into the scene and there is already so much to be gleaned, or surmised depending on your viewpoint.
First point is that Ani is comfortable. Whether she wants to be or not, she is comfortable enough with Lara to have not been hyper sensitive of her surroundings, she noticed the place, that was popular enough that she could never get reservation to, was empty, but it didn't unsettle her, or throw her off or distract her from 'Mmmm'ing the amazing food. Second point is that Lara is very attentive to Ani. She replies immediately to the 'Mmmm.' But she's not uncontrollably attracted to her. Most of the time that Ani is doing her cute ramble about food and reservations Lara is looking at her own plate. This could also be that she's hiding something. Either way, if she's on a date with Ani, I would think only quick glances to make sure you're not spilling in your lap or bringing and empty fork to your mouth. I mean, have you seen Ani? I mean captivating and intriguing even if you're not romantically attracted to her. Third point, there are candles on their table. Their aren't candles on the other table in view. With the fourth line, "Well, I just happen to know the chef, and she opened early for me." We find out so much more, but have more questions too. Lara is trying to make Ani feel special. Having the restaurant open early, getting candles on their table, if they opened early then was the chef their waitress too? How does Lara know the chef, and what would make her open early for her? Those are some awfully big stops for a first date too. Either Lara is completely smitten with Ani, or she's trying too hard either to cover something up or to 'win' her over. I am very curious about how Lara knows the chef. Surely not an ex-girlfriend? The way Lara glances away right after she says it could indicate that she's uncomfortable and she's lying or maybe just that Nadia needed to actually see the glass she was picking up. Lara needs to stop over explaining because it sounds like she's trying too hard to cover now, like she feels the need to defend Chef, and it looks like that how Ani takes it too with her amused smirk, then her eyes get all contemplative and her face goes thoughtful and serious for a minute. Then she pulls out of it and makes a choice to change the subject and learn about Lara. I'm not sure if it's just Nadia take on Lara or if it has to do with Lara's character, we haven't seen enough of Lara to know yet, but I'm not sure that I completely trust her. I can't tell yet if she's just apprehensive about sharing her personal childhood and emotional baggage with Ani, or if she's trying to remember or make up on the fly character history. Parents yelling all of the time to the point where it drives you to seek escape in books as a child is a bold thing to share on a first date, unless you're completely over it and brush it off, but it doesn't play like Lara is over it. Ani looks at once, concerned and a little taken aback maybe? Like she doesn't really know how to process what Lara has shared or the fact that she felt comfortable sharing it. It also explains why her favorite book is her favorite book. Story-time was safe, she felt loved and protected it was the one constant that was a good thing. A part of her is always going to cling to that. Even as an adult the book is going to bring back happy memories and an emotional security that is very deeply rooted. (If I ever come across a little flat padded yellow gingham duck like the one that I had in the pocket of my red corduroy overalls, I'd buy it.) I think I may have read Goodnight Moon once, when I was like 13 because I was waiting in the orthodontists office and didn't feel like reading RedBook, Field and Stream or Hot Rods and I'd gone through all of the Timbertoes comics in the Highlight's magazines. It didn't leave a huge impression on me, but I do know that it's a popular book as the reason I picked it up was that I'd heard it referenced several times in movies and television. Ani thinks that it's cute and endearing, she is however a tad bit uncomfortable with Lara going back to commenting on the yelling. However, if she's going to bring it up, then obviously she wants to talk about it, so Ani dives right in and asks. Ani does the internal dialog, always contemplating thing a lot. It makes me wonder if she's trying to figure out Lara or if she's just trying to figure out if she's in a place where she can handle everything that Lara brings with her. Ani's still emotionally attached to Gina, she wouldn't want to jump right back into a relationship with someone else much less someone else with issues. Or, she could just be bored and trying to think of a question to ask next, but I'm thinking that she's evaluating. Aw, Ani's an Annie Leibovitz fan. If you haven't seen it, the photo that Lara refers to is in the gallery on the PBS American Masters page along with other breathtaking images. Just click the link. It says a lot about Ani, she's moved by the spirit of the image and probably gets disenchanted in her job when a project has heavy technical specifications. She's probably more of a 'how does it make you feel in the end' person as opposed to a 'make sure you hit every check point along the way' person. I have to agree, I'm a 'Paul' girl too. Ani and Lara are adorable during this part of the conversation. With the mention of the photo, Lara has intrigued Ani. Here is where she secured the second date. Just an fyi for those keeping score. ;) Now Ani's questions are more off-the-cuff and she doesn't have to 'gear up' for them. I love the line about Lara having to share a bathroom with two other sisters and Ani says, "That's, not okay." Cute.
Okay, Ani's comment about her brothers beating her up is disturbing. She kind of plays it off with a smile, but it's only her mouth that smiles and even then it's more self deprecating for actually letting that little piece of info out. When she cuts her eyes to the side it looks like she's warding off getting teary eyed, then she looks down and takes a second to compose herself. I am not liking Ani's brothers. They really beat her up?!? That's what's not okay. I'd rather she had to share a bathroom than get beat up. She's still a little shaking when she says, 'They just tried to scare away anyone I dated." Can I go and beat up Ani's brothers now? She tries to laugh it off, but she's still hurting. Ani needs hugs! I like how Ani has family issues, but she doesn't let them define her. Her parents may be, "Pretty cool with it,"but I'm betting that Ani's glossing over a lot. Notice that she never once said, 'they are supportive' or 'they love me and just want me to be happy' she's taken what she was given and made the best of it and tries not to let it affect her personal life too much. The little giggle and eye twinkle after, "I would really like dessert," was great. So cute!
Sami is going to be good for Owen I think. Even if she turns out to be a bad person, the fact that she makes him aware and appreciative is a good thing. Her line, "I'd give anything for that," is a prime example.
I do like that Gina is a little skeptical and protective though. She is a little too perfect. It doesn't mean it isn't the truth, but it's a flag raiser.
I think it's cute that Ani and Lara were almost more awkward after the kiss than before. That was sweet.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the episode. Except of course where my protective streak kicks in and I want to beat up Ani's brothers.

Venice: Episode 9 - February 12, 2010

Aw, Ani's bad day is sooo familiar to me. :)
Love how Lara just unabashedly checks out Ani, then smiles.
I too have gotten to the cashier with an order (dinner to go while running to a rehearsal) and realized that I didn't have cash or cards on me. My encounter didn't turn out the same though, the manager just told me I could have the food since it was already made and bade me a good night. If for no other reason, the fact that Lara just automatically handed over money for the coffee not expecting anything in return, makes me like her.
This whole conversation and scene with Lara and Ani is perfect. Ani is completely flustered and yet Lara manages to calm her and take her focus off of the little mishaps of the morning. I love how Lara is immediately comfortable and flirty with Ani. Sometimes with some people you just feel that it's okay to be in their personal space right off the bat, seeing that makes me happy. Lara being confident and not arrogant by asking about a 'special someone' was very nice. I think I like Lara very much indeed.
Heehee. Ani, "...I have to shoot someone in an hour," and Lara's look in response, funny! It's the kind of thing that you know sounds bad, but you're so used to using the terminology that you don't think to censor yourself. I have family and co-workers who know what I do and they still get a squeamish look when I use shoot or shooting, I can easily see where Lara who has just met Ani would be a little taken aback at first. (Side note: Jessica and Nadia look beautiful in this scene.) Yes, Ani. You do owe Lara a drink ... or something. :)
Lara teasing Ani about losing or spilling something on her phone number killed me! I love her even more now.
Haha. "I'll stick with my Blue Cow." I can't believe that Red Bull wouldn't want to endorse this show! They get so much free advertising from Crystal anyway, why not just let them use the name in the series. :D
What was in the chair that Gina just ate? Actually, never mind. I'm pretty sure that I don't want to know. :)
Hm, Guya drunk dialed the guy she's been seeing? I'm thinking that maybe Guya's new found 'enlightened' persona may be covering hurt and self doubt that she hasn't gotten over yet. I like that she's able to be there for Gina. Gina needs that someone who can be silly with her, and still give her advice without judging her. Gina has enough people putting expectations on her. It's good that she's got someone that she obviously looks up to and whose opinion she respects. When she thanked Guya for being there, it felt like she was fighting crying. It's very emotional when you realize, acknowledge, accept, know that someone loves you and cares for you that much. Even more so when it's someone who chooses to be there when people who should be there aren't.

Venice: Episode 8 - February 5, 2010

I love how Ani is a little hesitant to answer Gina's phone call. Then when her voice cracks like she's trying not to cry. I want to give Ani lots of hugs. This is so hard for her and she's being so strong and not letting herself fall back into an unbalanced interdependency. Gina's tone at the beginning is very child like almost like she's lost and wants to say, "I don't understand. Why do you have to have to go away?" but she can't find the right words. Everything that Ani says is correct. She does need to not fall into the pattern of being the only one emotionally available, and she's only harsh and rough with Gina because she's just not understanding what Ani is saying she needs. I kind of feel like Gina is trying and wants to be the person that Ani needs, but that she's just not emotionally mature enough to do it. She needs someone to take her hand and lead her through.
The funny thing is that Ani knows how to do it, but she can't be the one to show Gina for so many reasons. She's too close and Gina's missteps will hurt Ani even though unintentionally. She's been patient and it hasn't been working so it's time to take the training wheels off and let Gina try on her own. What if Gina never gets there? Ani can't spend her life living for someone else alone. She has to live her own life too.
Right now Gina doesn't understand what or that anything needs to change, and until she acknowledges that Ani has valid concerns then every apology she gives is going to come across to Ani as insincere.
I like how excited Alan gets over fabric and textile samples for the hotel. It makes me smile.
Tracy and Gina can't keep their eyes off of each other either. Very Nice.
I really love the family-time drinks with Guya and Owen and Gina. Lots of talkign to each other, getting different perspectives and workign things out. I like that Guya is explaining to Gina that she needs to give Ani what she's asking for. Guya's ex-husband's-new-wife Tourette's and the little comments on the subject of the discussions. "He 'soonish'd me!" was hysterical, truly something that seems born from idle, comfortable banter. Then Owen and Gina teasing Guya about having to leave the room. lmao Gina saying she's going to play the triangle... tears. Does Guya just happen to have a triangle lying around? 'Cause that would be awesome! :)

Venice: Episode 7 - Jan 29, 2010

Lots to address in this episode and it goes by fast, sooooooo.
Gina is off balance because she finally stood up to and defended herself against her father. (Many people were nonplussed with the argument scene at the brunch. I tried to explain how it made perfect sense, hopefully now that more background info is out there people are taking a second look at the brunch scene and can see how it was crafted and fit to the characters.) Anyway, Gina is shaken from the experience, not just from having to deal with her father, but from having done something that she's never done before. Now, what? How does that change her relationship with her father, or does it? As long as she was still trying to make him happy (as she says later in this scene) then she at least knew where she stood. She was at least on solid ground, even if that ground was hostile territory. Now, she's got a new dynamic, a new view of what she's capable of, and a new concern for how her father might now relate to her. Will he cut her out completely? She's got all of this going on in her head, and she can't talk to Owen, because he's too involved. So she calls Ani because she's always been the one she talks to about it. But she's not even sure that she can call Ani because she's not on solid footing with that relationship either. When Ani gets to the beach Gina is lost and scared and looking for someone to guide her and sooth her.
Ani's reaction of, "Oh, Jesus Christ" when she learns that Gina told her father off, tells us how big of a deal that was for Gina. Jessica's delivery fills those three words with all of the shock, concern and anger that the situation warrants. Shock that Gina took such a huge step, concern for how she's handling everything that goes with that, and anger at The Colonel for whatever he had to have done to get Gina to that point. Which leads to her next line asking what happened. You can tell that her instinct is to scoot closer and wrap Gina up in a hug, but that she can't let herself get that close and open emotionally, and she doesn't want to take more than Gina is willing to give. You can hear in the way Crystal says Gina's line, "...came bursting out." that Gina just wants to be held and told that it'll be okay. When that doesn't happen there is a slight bit of resignation in her voice as she continues giving Ani Cliff's Notes of what happened.
The way she says, "He didn't deny it." It's almost like she's telling Ani, 'See how bad he makes me feel?' It seems that Ani picks up on that in that her reply is basically, 'If he's hurting you then stop going to him.' It's easy advice to give, harder to practice when that person is someone that you've spent your entire life trying to get to approve of or notice you. It's hard when that person is family. It's even harder when that person is both.
Ani's concern and love is abundantly clear when she gives Gina the reasons that The Colonel isn't a healthy person to have in her life. Gina knows that she has to work through everything, but it's hard to take the long way. Ani still instinctively want to comfort Gina, this time telling Gina what she herself needs, and that she knows that she can't have it. Gina's 'Well, you can still hold me' just about killed me just like it did Ani.

Um, who was Michelle's last date who tried to kill her? That's a little scary. :)

Ani is right to request space and to not be on a tether for Gina to reel back in whenever she feels like it. You can tell that she doesn't want to do it, but that she knows it's the right thing for both of them. If they keep up like they are then Ani will end up resenting Gina for not committing and not letting her move on, and if Gina were to give in and say, 'Okay, you're right, move in.' when she wasn't ready then she'd end up resenting Ani. It's a tough situation since they both really do love each other so much. The picture and goodbye kiss were sweet and sad. Perfectly Ani thing to do.
::sniffle::

Venice: Episode 6 - Jan 22, 2010

I just finished watching the episode and am writing this after only one viewing. We'll see how it goes. :)
First I want to say, "Wow! Really pretty eyes!" The lighting was great and with no glare the close-up shots really showed off Galen's and Gina's eyes. Absolutely beautiful, both of them.
Okay, moving on. That looked to be a very nice little blind date. Sami is quite the catch, isn't she? Owen sure seemed impressed. I do think it's kind of funny though, when Gina asks him later how 'Birkenstock Girl' was, that he didn't mention the Peace Corps.
I can't believe Owen threw the beer can in the hedges! Dude, that's not right. :) Poor Gina, you could feel her nervousness about going in. I almost thought for a minute there that the bottle she had was for her own use, but no. She's trying so hard for The Colonel to accept something about her that she brings a gift to the family dinner. It's not like bringing a bottle of wine to share over dinner. I want to give Gina a hug all through the 'pleasantries' between The Colonel and Gina and Owen. She just looks so scared of what's coming, and she has a right to be it turns out. Kudos to her for standing up to him, and for jumping in to defend her brother.
I'm curious about the lipstick tube that The Colonel put in his pocket. (even if it was back sitting on top of the sideboard when he turned around with the drinks) Is it his late wife's and he's keeping it close to him because, like Guya said, they were doing the family thing because Katie would want it, so he's using it to keep him focused, calm, intent on trying to be accepting? If so it didn't work. (But it wasn't actually in his pocket, so maybe it would have had it been with him)
When Owen turned around and double flipped off the front of the house as they were leaving, the Grim Reaper/Skeleton in the yard next door kind of looked like he was giving an eerie approval, and the cross/headstone yard decoration just made the yard feel as judgmental as the living room did. They did an excellent job of making that room feel small and oppressive when it needed to be and opening and welcoming when Owen and Gina first walked in. When they arrived the only tension/disapproval seemed to feel like it was coming from The Colonel (excellent job Jordan btw), but as the scene progressed it felt like it was coming from all sides. Great use of space and camera angles in this episode!

Venice: Episode 5

This is my response to some postings on the BPD regarding certain elements of Episode 5 of 'Venice' which aired January 15, 2010.

The subjects are the kiss between Gina and Tracy being/seeming hesitant, and whether Venice as a webseries is providing content that we can't get on network television. This isn't a complete review/analysis of the episode, just a reply to the points mentioned above. I felt that there was enough analysis here to warrant posting to the blog. :)

I think the kiss between Gina and Tracy on the beach was exactly what it was supposed to be.
It wasn't supposed to be tied to the make out session they'd had before. That was purely physical and Gina was totally in her element there. This beach date had her in a whole new place. Tracy basically pulled the rug out from under her by asking for romance and for Gina to win her over.
Tracy said (back in ep 4), that she had decided "...that you were going to want me more than I wanted you."
When Gina brought up things about Tracy that she learned and remembered from their first meeting she was totally opening herself up. She was telling Tracy, that she already wanted her and that Tracy was winning. I also don't think that Tracy was ready for Gina to pull out such meaningful stops in the romance department. I think she was expecting Gina to be trying too hard for the big and flashy and was caught off guard by the simple and sweet.
I think that's why they weren't mauling each other on the beach or even using tongues. They may have gone out and made out with each other before, but this was in a way their first time meeting each other, getting to know each other.
Also I don't think that 'things we can't see on network tv' is really about graphic or physical display at all, I think it's more about telling a story that's true to the story and not having to answer to suits and marketing degrees. I think it was always referring to the honest open and uncensored telling of the story without ANYbody getting up in arms one way or another about it being a gay woman who's story is being told.

To learn more about 'Venice' please visit http://www.venicetheseries.com/ you can view the first episode for free. A subscription is required to view the remaining episodes and is $9.99 for the complete season including behind the scenes clips.