The Maria

from thewb.com

Ep 304 "The Birds and the Batteries"

Andy (Treat Williams) finds himself at a loss over what to do when Delia (Vivien Cardone) naively stumbles upon Nina's (Stephanie Niznik) vibrator and starts asking questions. Meanwhile, Ephram (Gregory Smith) attempts to write Amy (Emily VanCamp) a love letter to show her the extent of his feelings; Amy makes it her mission to make new best friend Hannah (Sarah Drew) popular; and Harold (Tom Amandes) and Rose (Merrilyn Gann) question Bright's (Chris Pratt) euphoria over being selected "employee of the month" and decide it's time for some parental intervention.
Debra Mooney, John Beasley and Vivien Cardone also star. John E. Pogue wrote the episode directed by Michael Lange.

The Crow

Only 7 more hours to go. This one looks to be pretty funny (although The WB has fooled me with promo's before), so I can't wait.

Jamie Witter

I can't wait! Hee. It looks really funny but I agree that the WB is bad with promos.

Jake: What's with the two of you? Did you two ever hook it up?
Andy: Hook it up?

~AnastasiaGrey~

I thought the episode was pretty funny overall....

Nina/Andy was pretty hilarious especially with the whole vibrator thing, andy expression was pretty funny.

Eprum/amy: cute scenes, not as many but it was pretty cute.....

amy/hannah: I like their friendship, but its coming off as being forced somehow, at least on amy's part i think that she is doing a too much pushing the whole friendship on hannah and i believe that it should be tone down a little because it seemed like amy wanted nothing to do with hannah just because hannah didnt want to share her journals with her. with hannah i hope they open her up a bit more too, and not have her too closed up by amy less and less.

Jerry D

I really enjoyed this heartwarming and moving episode, which stressed how important a loving bond between two people can be, and how so much can be lost when that bond is severed, but that somehow, people can survive through the help of their friends.

I thought that it was funny when Delia found the vibrator under Nina’s bed, and it was hilarious when Nina embarrassingly tried to explain what it was, calling it a foot massager. I especially thought it was funny when Andy said to Nina: “What is it about your house, Penthouses, foot massagers, it’s like living next door to Larry Flynt,” and it was especially hilarious when her and Andy attempted to cover up their conversation when Delia walked in the room, and Delia wasn’t buying any of it. I thought that Andy’s later argument with Nina after Britney’s stepmother yelled at him revealed his tendency to stick his foot in his mouth and say hurtful things when he’s angry, especially when he told her that he didn’t want to think of her as a woman, ever, but I was glad that he later apologized for his insensitive and boorish behavior, and that him and Nina later talked to Delia about the questions that she had together.

I thought it was great that Bright was taking such pride in the job he had gotten, and although Harold meant well when he pulled some strings to get him an interview for a job that he felt held more promise for the future, he was wrong to not talk to Bright about it first, and I especially thought it was wrong that he held Bright in such low regard because he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do yet. One thing that has always disappointed me about Harold is his lack of belief in Bright, and although I can understand that Harold doesn’t want Bright to just settle for things, I don’t think that he gives him enough credit, and this episode really illustrated that for me once again. Still though, I was glad that Harold acknowledged that he had made a mistake, and that Rose told him that they were in this together, and I loved it when Harold kissed Rose's hand in such a tender and loving way.

I still don’t like Jake, but it was comical when him and Andy hugged, and although he had a point that their mission as doctors was to save lives, he simply didn’t want to listen concerning why Andy had “caved in” to Mr. Hoover. The scene between Andy and Mr. Hoover was absolutely heart wrenching, and I could totally understand what Mr. Hoover told Andy: “I know that life will go on when she’s gone, but it won’t be the same. It won’t mean what it meant when she was in it,” and it moved me to tears when she said “We’ve been partners for every bump along the road and every mountain and molehill alike. When she’s gone, I’m gonna need a new heart anyway, because this one will be broken to bits.” I could so relate to that statement, because my father’s heart was broken after my mother passed away, and although life did go on for him, it never was the same. Obviously, Mr. Hoover’s poignant statement to Andy hit home for him as he remembered the loss he felt, and still feels, when Julia died, and his later conversation with Nina about that loss was very moving, and I was especially touched when Andy told Nina how much he missed Julia, and how he really needed her in times like this, and how they were a team, a theme which echoed throughout this episode.

I really enjoyed all the scenes between Ephram and Amy and Hannah tonight, and although I do feel that Amy was trying too hard to help Hannah be more popular and she was basically almost trying to force her to reveal what she wrote in her journals. Some people just aren't as open as other people about revealing their innermost thoughts, and I think that Amy needs to learn that lesson and not force Hannah to do things she doesn't want to do. Still though, I feel that Amy's heart was in the right place, which Hannah later acknowledged when she wrote a story about Amy and Ephram, and the look of pure gratitude on Ephram’s face when he realized what Hannah had done for them was incredibly sweet.

I thought it was so sweet that Ephram wanted to write a love letter to Amy, partially because he was worried because Amy had said “I love you” to him first, and that Hannah offered to help him out with it. I could understand that he later felt his “gift” to her was inadequate when Amy gave him those tickets for their anniversary, and I also think he was discouraged when Amy said that “everything sounds so lame when it's on paper, don't you think?” so he didn’t give her the love letter that he had written for her, but I thought their final scene was so sweet when he told her he loved her and he kissed her. I also loved it when Amy told Ephram: “You’re the guy that I talk to my girlfriends about, it’s a very crucial role, trust me.” I just think that Ephram and Amy are so sweet together, and Greg and Emily really light up the screen in any scene that they’re in.

Overall, once again, I feel that Greg Berlanti and Co. gave us another great episode of Everwood to enjoy.

Pace & Jo

i laughed so hard when Harold said "Booyah".

Ephram writing Amy a love letter was so romantic. I felt sorry for him when she gave him tickets, and he didn't have anything but that letter. Guys may find this hard to believe, but words are more meaningful then presents.

The couple with cancer was sad.

I loved Delias' last line "Whats the difference between having sex and making love?

I'm still convinced that Hannah and Bright are gonna hook up. A dance will come up and Amy will insist Hannah goes, so she talks Bright into taking her out of pity. But Amy will transform Hannah into something spectacular and Bright will be speechless.

Doublestuf

What I think I liked most about this episode (and that's a tough call since it was really tight) is the developing relationship between Amy and Hannah. What, a relationship that takes work and it's not romantic? On tv? You don't often get to see two women try and bond, and make mistakes in that process, like we did tonight. This is just another thing that makes Everwood so special.

Aquillea

Didn't love it. Jupiter and Mars are no longer aligned, I guess.

There's a fine line between continuity/believability and repetitiveness. I spent some of my time this episode distracted, worrying how much of the same ole thing we'd be seeing in upcoming episodes.

The vibrator storyline was, indeed, a partial rehash of the Penthouse storyline. Delia innocently stumbles upon an embarrassing item in Nina's home pertaining to human sexuality. Andy overreacts and reams Nina up and down... later he apologizes. I was half expecting her to have the coffee cup waiting for him again. I find it unrealistic that the neighbor girl makes such a 'sensitive' discovery, not once but twice. My hunch is that parents tend to either set limits on going in their bedroom or take precautions (or both - ex. my parents). After the Penthouse fiasco, with Nina having a young, curious child herself... I think she'd either make her bedroom off limits for playtime or she'd be more careful where she kept personal items.

The unlikely set-up notwithstanding, I suppose it's realistic that the story would play out so similarly to the Penthouse story. Although people do learn lessons... mature... grow... it's not a fast or perfect process. Perhaps if this was the only repetitive storyline... but...

Then there's Harold. In 3-4 week's time he's taken it upon himself to redecorate the office for Andy; he updated the record keeping system for Edna; and he set up a job interview for Bright... not consulting with any of them. I mean... 3-4 weeks! Yes... I know it's Harold's way. I know sometimes (not always, but sometimes) things happen in spurts. It's possible that all these opportunities for conflict would all happen back to back... but life doesn't usually work out that way. And, as Jerry pointed out, We've seen this pattern of interaction between Harold and Bright before. Overbearing Dad means well but seems to be disappointed in his Son. Son throws it back in Dad's face. Dad feels guilty. Didn't learn anything the last time huh?

At first I thought there would be a new twist. I was proud of Bright, thinking he was being mature in not blowing up at the folks at the dinner table. But all he was doing was postponing the conflict. So Andy hasn't learned anything from the Penthouse storyline and Harold hasn't learned anything from the football scholarship storyline.

Uh, OK. But wait, we're not done. Bright screwed up in school... then he made a goal and worked hard in school... then he gave up on college... then Ephram talked him into trying again... then he got disappointed and fooled around during the summer... then Rose scolds him and he pledges to work on it with her help... but now he and Dad are having friction because Bright doesn't want to face the fact that he still doesn't know what future to work for. Oh, come on. Is this gonna turn into Bright's version of Amy's depression story arc? This messing up with the kids "together" deal is certainly similar to what went on when Amy ran away to Edna's.

As a result of all this, Ephram became one of the highlights of this episode for me. Amy was doing more of what I discussed for the last episode... following in her father's footsteps. Obsessing over someone she cares about and trying to do what she thinks is best for her... whether Hannah wants it or not. At least Amy's directing this type of behavior toward a female friend is a bit novel... plus, we were treated to Ephram's take on it. He was the only one who really displayed any wisdom tonight. Although the show has chosen to play up the parallels between Harold/Amy and Andy/Ephram... there are also times I think I see Julia in Ephram and this was one of them. I liked how he didn't get worried, or angry regarding Hannah or Amy. Except for his "addendum" he was actually a bit amused. Hannah is Hannah and that's fine... Amy is Amy and that's fine too... so long as she'll let him say I love you first once in a while.

I did like how the sad situation of the couple and the uncomfortable situation with Delia had Andy thinking about Julia. Additionally, I was glad we had more Nina this episode and I liked how, even though I think she and Andy could be a couple one day, she's full of empathy and it's actually Nina (I think) who introduces Julia into the conversation. I also liked the discussion about how being a single parent isn't just hard from a practical sense and the parallel drawn between Nina/Andy and Rose/Harold. BUT, do they really expect me to believe that Andy and Julia did any co-parenting... even in the midst of the "big stuff". I'm sorry but nothing I've seen from this show *ever* indicated that was likely. It rang utterly false for me which, sadly, detracted a little from what was otherwise insightful and poignant.

And as an aside... last month I tossed up the suggestion that Bright should be a firefighter/paramedic. This week brings me suggestion #2. I think Bright and Rose should start seeking all kinds of career counselling advice and literature and etc... and eventually, Bright comes to realize that he should be a career counselor. Who would better understand the effort, the uncertainties, and (now) the resources available pertaining to finding one's career path?!

~Aquillea

PS- Anyone have any idea what the episode title refers to?

Sugz

Unfortunately I find myself with less and less to say as the season moves on but hopefully that will change. It sort of seems like they're trying to pass the time before the Madison stuff comes back.

Anyway, the vibrator stuff was pretty funny. I think its good that theyre dealing with Andy being a single father dealing with a budding daughter and showing just how smart Delia is. But I really cringed when Andy said he doesnt look at Nina like a woman. Me and a friend were online asking each other how Andy ever got married in the first place he has severe foot in mouth disease.
But I really dont understand what the big thing was, why was everyone upset at everyone else about Delia finding the vibrator. It wasnt Nina's fault, for heavens sake she's a single mother, she need some action! And its not as if she had the thing hanging on the wall in plain sight. I dont see why Andy yelled at Nina or why Delia's friends mother yelled at Andy. Sometimes it really seems like adults are as clueless as children sometimes with how to handle situations.

That Amy/Hannah thing is almost starting to get annoying. I think what all this is is a transition from awkwardness to Amy and Hannah really becoming good friends. I still see a makeover episode happening. It just came off as really odd to me that Amy was putting so much effort into Hannah and almost all of Amy and Ephrams conversations at one point were about Hannah.

Also, Amy and Ephram are boring as of now. Im sorry, they just are. I dont not like them or anything, theyre just a couple of snoozers.

I think the situation between New!Doctor (still cant remember the guys name, sorry. Wait...is it Jake? Ill stick with New!Doctor) and Andy really showed the difference between a mechanical doctor and a doctor with some human emotion who can assess each situation as it comes.

I think that's it really. It was an okay episode.

jediwands

I don't have the time to write a long thing but I just have to say that E/A were so adorable! Greg/Emily have such intense chemistry. Blows me away! Loved E's I love You and love how Amy had to hold back in saying it first again. LOL They are so freaking adorable and the looks exchanged between the two is too cute for words. Great, great chemistry! I will write more later!

Oh yeah, and love how she hits him at the beginning of their anniversary dinner!
Classic. Hee. Oh, and Emily looked SO beautiful during that scene. Her hair looked so pretty. She really is beautiful.

Jerry D

I think it's a pun on the expression "The Birds and the Bees," because years ago, talking to your children about sex was called "talking about the birds and the bees," and obviously, batteries refers to the fact that vibrators have batteries, hence, "The Birds and the Batteries."

Jerry D

Aquillea, I see your point that Andy saying that him and Julia had raised their children as a team rang false, but still, he did acknowledge that he wasn't there for a lot of it, and I feel that there must have been times when Andy and Julia did indeed make decisions together concerning their children, and I think the whole point of that scene was to simply say that he missed her, especially in times like the one he was facing last night, where he saw that Delia was growing up and he wasn’t sure how he should answer her questions.

Aquillea

Oh yeah... I got what the point was and, as I said, I considered it thought-provoking and touching. But there's no way Andy was involved in the small and medium crises while Julia was alive. OK, fine... he seemed to suggest he was in on the "big stuff". But Delia was, what, 8 when Julia died? How much "big stuff" was there? At the ages his kid were when Julia was alive, 'big stuff' often involves health problems. Do you think Andy was going to work with anyone as part of a team on issues touching medicine? No way. Ephram was discovering girls ala the Gwen Steffani waitress. Do you think Andy knew much about that? I suspect that Julia became the kind of mom to keep Andy out of the loop about some things... more below.

Certainly Andy and Julia talked about the kids. I doubt it was in as open and vulnerable way as Andy talked to Nina... but yeah, they talked. But even if they came to any mutual decisions, do you think they went to the kids together like Andy and Nina did? If he ever did, I bet it tapered off after Ephram rejected him as a youngster (forget the details but it was something like Andy bought him a pinball machine after standing Ephram up one too many times). By that point, if Andy and Julia sat down with Ephram the way Andy and Nina just sat down with Delia, Ephram would have been hostile and resistant. Andy would have decided consciously or not that it would be 'better coming from Julia'. And as I indicated, above, I bet there were some things Julia kept from Andy to prevent any further erosion of the Ephram/Andy relationship. Let's not give my husband more opportunity to anger or disappoint his son.

I think it still could have been poignant and not rung as false if they had contrasted Andy, Julia and Nina to Harold+Rose. Andy could have talked about how hard it was to be a single parent and felt guilty that, when they were married, Julia herself was, in essence, a single parent. Nina could show empathy because, to some extent, it may have been the same with her and Carl. He probably tried more than Andy did, but since he was so often on the road, running away from himself, he was running away from parenting in the process. It would actually add some complexity to the issue. The notion that sometimes there are "single parents" operating within the context of a traditional nuclear family. Then contrast that with Harold and Rose who illustrate that, being in a strong nuclear family isn't a panacea for all ills... but it can make it a little easier to get through the hard times.

Now, I'll admit... it is possible that Andy was speaking the truth... not some nostalgia-twisted reinvention of the truth. But if that's the case I wish we'd had some flashback or conversation somewhere along the line to support Andy's involvement in parenting prior to coming to Everwood.

Aquillea

PS- Ah. The Birds and the Bees. Got it. Thanks! Wish they had chosen a title more reflective of all the storylines rather than just Delia's. Something more related to growing pains perhaps?

Jerry D

Lazy writing is probably a very accurate assessment of that scene, and I agree that a better approach would have been for Andy to acknowledge that Julia practically raised the kids by herself, as did Nina, but I think the theme in this episode, through the story of the Hoovers, and also through Harold and Rose’s story, was the concept of a husband and wife being a team, and in Andy and Nina’s case, it was the concept of feeling a sense of loss when one member of that team was no longer there.

Houston

Hmm I am going to have to agree with Aquillea about this episode.

A lot of it was repetitive. That is not to say that I did not enjoy it. I just was not enthralled with the episode and my mind actually wandered a couple of times with while watching it.

Since I always start with Ephram, no sense in changing my habits. I love this boy. I liked how he doesn't try to change people and just excepts them for the way they are. His and Amy's scene at the end was adorable which is turning about to be the permanent state with these two.

Hannah- Still like her and really would like to see some interaction with Bright.

Bright- Very glad he had a bigger part in this episode than in previous episodes. Poor guy is just lost and confused right now. I think a lot of kids his age aren't sure what they want to do with their life. But on teh other hand he needs to have a goal to work towards. Tough situation to be in.

Harold & Rose- Like usual with Bright, Harold may love him, but I don't think he identifies with Bright or can relate to Bright. Not like he does with Amy. And it came through in his reaction to Bright being so excited that he was Employee of the Month. Harold was putting on an act. Of course his real feelings came out when he got Bright the interview and the argument afterwards. But Harold just wants what is best for Bright so you can't be too upset for him. He needs to not worry so much right now and let Bright find his way. Love his and Rose's relationship. So normal.

Andy/Delia/Nina- Poor Nina. I think I would have died from embarrassment. But her reaction and telling Delia it was a foot massager was funny. And of course Andy is clueless on how to best go about the situation. BTW, loved the end scene where they still did not tell Delia what it was and how Andy explained to her she was not ready to know what it was. Nina actually looked proud of Andy.

Doc Hollywood- Still do not like him.

B Medical Storyline of the week- very touching and a great way to bring about the fact that Julia's death still impacts the Brown family deeply.

Did not see any promos for next week. But I am sure it will be a good episode.