[kabous]

Since I absolutely adore Harold/Rose, I would have loved to see more of them. It's so unusual to see a happy couple on TV. Sure there's not a lot of drama with happy couples but I am sure a good writer can come up with something. Just take Rose/Harold for example. Great couple, great story. Also, Eric/Tami from FNL. Also a great couple with a great story.

I love the fact that the writes never split Harold and Rose up and did something stupid with the pairing. It was nice to see a stable and loving couple who struggle through daily things.

[jediwands]

Originally Posted by kabous (View Post) Since I absolutely adore Harold/Rose, I would have loved to see more of them. It's so unusual to see a happy couple on TV. Sure there's not a lot of drama with happy couples but I am sure a good writer can come up with something. Just take Rose/Harold for example. Great couple, great story. Also, Eric/Tami from FNL. Also a great couple with a great story. I love the fact that the writes never split Harold and Rose up and did something stupid with the pairing. It was nice to see a stable and loving couple who struggle through daily things.

Agreed so much.

Harold/Rose and Eric/Tami are the only two adult couples on any show that I felt were real and convincing in such a stable, long lasting way.

You are so right about how the writers never forced stupid drama between Harold/Rose that was serious enough to threaten their relationship. The writing was interesting, natural, and so very real. Harold and Rose are a perfect example of stability being very interesting and real. Day to day issues, but the core of their relationship was strong and never threatened. It was so refreshing and fun to watch which is why we now talk about wishing we would have seen more of their relationship. It was such a great TV couple to admire and watch.

[jediwands]

My Funny Valentine

One of my favorite episodes of the series. Vanessa Taylor is amazing. She also knows how to write Ephram/Amy so beautifully. She is Berlanti, Part 2.

I will write some comments as I rewatch now.

The opening scene is mind blowing. Irv's "the one" when it comes to the voice-over aspect of this series but hearing Andy Brown enter the voice-over at the start of this episode with the music so beautiful and compelling was powerful stuff. You were sent a signal right away that this episode was going to shine and be one of the most important of the series. You could feel that.

Andy: Don't you see? My heat beats only for you.

^ I get goosebumps hearing Andy utter that line.

I absolutely adore Jane Krakowski as the shrink. LOL Betty, she is one of yours, born about 15 minutes from where you live. Yes, I just google-mapped it. LOL

Anyway, she's outstanding as Gretchen. I love the acting and I adore the chemistry between Jane and Tom. Honestly, it doesn't even matter to me if I am annoyed as far as character interaction and words exchanged, because I am taken away by the amazing chemistry between the actors and I can't stop laughing as a result.

Rose does seem out of character going to Gretchen. It really did seem like it was the character going with the storyline over the storyline fitting the character but it did bring the comedic aspect between the shrink and Harold so I will take it.

Awe, Ephram and Laynie, here we go! I love them in this episode!

The "I hate Everwood contest" was the best!

So much fun! That is what Ephram needed was FUN! I wish it would have continued in season 1 and for sure, picked up again in season 2 instead of Madison coming into the picture!

Jealous Amy when Ephram and Laynie walk into the house is priceless. LOL

Edna breaking down in the bathroom was so sad.

One of my favorite Ephram/Amy scenes of all time takes place in music class. Amy is seething with jealousy, it is so awesome. The best part about it is when Ephram realizes she is over the top jealous so he goes with it and makes her get even more annoyed and frustrated. Also, Amy gets back at him by forcing him to ask Laynie out. Her look of pleasure as he walks away is hilarious. They both are so into each other, they want to strangle each other.

That is such a great scene, I could watch it a million times over and probably have over the years. Notice the song they are singing, too. I know it's in honor of Valentine's Day but of course the "I Love You" line is in there due to Ephram/Amy. Outstanding stuff. The chemistry between Greg/Emily is nothing short of sizzling.

The Andy/Gretchen stuff really does nothing for me as far as liking them together. I love watching Andy all nervous and uncomfortable dating at the dinner, though. He is still not over Julia which is so sweet. I appreciate the dynamic for Andy's benefit I guess as I can understand why they were drawn to each other. I think Andy needed this. He needed to see that even if he's not totally over Julia and never will be, it is okay to be interested in other women.

Irv faking that heart episode was horrible. I understand that he was frustrated over Edna being so careful and serious about his condition but he had no right to fake that heart attack. That was just terrible. I did love seeing Edna head to Harold's house for comfort though and I appreciated that bonding between Harold/Irv and Rose/Edna. I wish both of those pairings would have done more together.

I love how Andy thought Ephram was going out with Amy on V-Day evening. It's those subtle things that mean so much to what the story is trying to tell us.

Harold's napkin tucked in always cracks me up. LOL

I absolutely adore the conversation at the ice rink between Amy and Laynie. I love how Laynie is shocked Ephram is single. I love Amy asking her what she likes about Ephram and Laynie's response is so awesome. Amy's expression shows how her heart is bleeding because she has such deep feelings for Ephram. Goose bump-worthy.

Also... Emily's hair all wavy at the ice skating rink is absolutely gorgeous. Emily looks so devastating in those scenes. She looks so beautiful.

One of my favorite lines of all time from Harold:

Harold: I've bored Rose since the day we met. I think she makes shopping lists in her head while I'm talking.

Ephram and Laynie are so cute! I love how Ephram falls and Laynie kisses him. So adorable. Jealous Amy looking on is fantastic. LOL Colin is no dummy. I feel sorry for him here. He figured it out, he knows something went on between Amy and Ephram. No matter how Amy tried to act, he was going to figure it out and I think Amy knew that which is why she acted so paranoid before this time. She knew no matter what he was going to get it. She didn't know how to handle it so she freaked out. Colin also said it right... the first kiss in the mine makes sense but the fact that it happened again on Thanksgiving is big. He knows it, Amy knows it. I do love what Amy said to Colin as far as what she went through during the time that he was in a coma. But the reality is Ephram and Amy have fallen for each other and now it's out in the open for good. I loved this huge fact.

Colin to Amy: The only problem is, you haven't been able to take your eyes off him all night.

I love how Nina gives Andy advice about romance. It shows how much they are building something together. No doubt, Nina has feelings for Andy beyond friendship but she's still that amazing friend to him. It's really beautiful.

So awesome how Gretchen told Andy to write a letter to Julia. Everwood, classic Everwood, showing how the episode perfectly comes together.

Last Ephram/Amy ice skating scene! Awe! So adorable! And of course, it is Amy who teaches Ephram how to skate. I love how they are touching and hanging onto each other. Man, their chemistry is just... of the charts fantastic. They are so adorable, so, so adorable. Greg/Emily, thank you for bringing to life my favorite couple of all time in Ephram/Amy.

This episode is one of a kind.

[everwoodfan52]

I absolutely adore Jane Krakowski as the shrink. LOL Betty, she is one of yours, born about 15 minutes from where you live. Yes, I just google-mapped it. LOL

What town, Michelle?

Anyway, she's outstanding as Gretchen. I love the acting and I adore the chemistry between Jane and Tom. Honestly, it doesn't even matter to me if I am annoyed as far as character interaction and words exchanged, because I am taken away by the amazing chemistry between the actors and I can't stop laughing as a result.

Tom is such a good actor that he seems to have chemistry with everyone!

Rose does seem out of character going to Gretchen.

It was out of character. As I said, Rose had no complaints. Gretchen should have referred Rose to women who have REAL complaints.

Awe, Ephram and Laynie, here we go! I love them in this episode!

I know!!! Soooooooooo adorable!! I love this exchange:

EPHRAM: So um, what are you ah, what are you doing this week? LAYNIE: This week? EPHRAM: Yeah. LAYNIE: The usual. EPHRAM: Cool. Cool. [Beat.] LAYNIE: What are you doing? EPHRAM: You know, I don't have any big plans. Just, whatever. LAYNIE: Well, this has been thrilling. [Laynie starts to head out.] EPHRAM: Laynie. Would you maybe wanna do something sometime? LAYNIE: Could you be more specific? EPHRAM: With me. I mean, you know, would you like to do something with me? LAYNIE: Like a date? EPHRAM: Yeah. LAYNIE: Any particular sometime or just... EPHRAM: Tomorrow? Tomorrow night? LAYNIE: Valentine's Day. EPHRAM: Oh, no... no. I forgot sorry, no. LAYNIE: Are you trying to back out? EPHRAM: No, I just, I didn't think that... LAYNIE: Good. 'Cause I'm in.

So much fun! That is what Ephram needed was FUN! I wish it would have continued in season 1 and for sure, picked up again in season 2 instead of Madison coming into the picture!

I agree with you here, Michelle. Ephram needed to be recognized and needed some fun. Laynie would have been perfect for the job.

Jealous Amy when Ephram and Laynie walk into the house is priceless. LOL

OMG....that was perfect. "What are you doing here?" lol

One of my favorite Ephram/Amy scenes of all time takes place in music class. Amy is seething with jealousy, it is so awesome. The best part about it is when Ephram realizes she is over the top jealous so he goes with it and makes her get even more annoyed and frustrated. Also, Amy gets back at him by forcing him to ask Laynie out. Her look of pleasure as he walks away is hilarious. They both are so into each other, they want to strangle each other.

I just love it! Yeah, Amy is concerned and wants to help Ephram find somebody. Sure she does!! lol

. The chemistry between Greg/Emily is nothing short of sizzling.

Yes. And I love watching Ephram not sing.

He needed to see that even if he's not totally over Julia and never will be, it is okay to be interested in other women.

The problem is..Gretchen was into Andy and would have wanted more.

Irv faking that heart episode was horrible. I understand that he was frustrated over Edna being so careful and serious about his condition but he had no right to fake that heart attack.

There was no excuse for that. This was beyond cruel.

I absolutely adore the conversation at the ice rink between Amy and Laynie. I love how Laynie is shocked Ephram is single. I love Amy asking her what she likes about Ephram and Laynie's response is so awesome. Amy's expression shows how her heart is bleeding because she has such deep feelings for Ephram. Goose bump-worthy.

Amy's expression also showed that she was a little surprised that someone was validating Ephram's attributes that she didn't admit to herself or anyone else.
I like the way that Laynie appreciated Ephram unconditionally as soon as she met him.

LOL Colin is no dummy. I feel sorry for him here. He figured it out, he knows something went on between Amy and Ephram. No matter how Amy tried to act, he was going to figure it out and I think Amy knew that which is why she acted so paranoid before this time. She knew no matter what he was going to get it. She didn't know how to handle it so she freaked out. Colin also said it right... the first kiss in the mine makes sense but the fact that it happened again

Yes, Colin is no dummy. He definitely knows what's going on and it's going to be no more Mr. Nice Guy from from now on.

[jediwands]

Originally Posted by Betty What town, Michelle?

Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. What's it like?

Tom is such a good actor that he seems to have chemistry with everyone!

You hit it. He is just great with everyone. He does both comedy and drama so perfectly. I eat up his comedy. For example, the scene in season 3 when Harold was talking about sex with Amy had my gut hurting from the laughing. Tom and Emily were magnificent. lol

You are right, he could have chemistry with a wall, he really could.

It was out of character. As I said, Rose had no complaints. Gretchen should have referred Rose to women who have REAL complaints.

Harold was right, even something like mowing the lawn shows her how much he loves her. It's all about the simple things and they had a very comfortable relationship. Definitely odd how she threw a fit in this episode.

I know!!! Soooooooooo adorable!! I love this exchange:

I love how she knows he's asking her out and she allows him to squirm a bit. I laugh so hard when she asks him to be more specific. Haha

I agree with you here, Michelle. Ephram needed to be recognized and needed some fun. Laynie would have been perfect for the job.

She really would have been. Honestly, you know how much I love Ephram/Amy so it means something when I totally would be on board with Laynie for that time period. Just look at how happy Ephram is. He's not like all smitten or anything but he's very happy and at peace with Laynie. He finds her dry wit and personality very appealing, he find her attractive. She is the perfect girl for him at this time. I really wish they would have even casually dated in seasons 1/2. Imagine the back and forth dry wit and exchanges we would have received from them. They would have had so much fun together. He wouldn't have been pining for Amy and certainly wouldn't have been spastic, out of control, depressed and impregnating Madison either. Laynie would have made him have some carefree fun. It is just like Ephram told Andy... it was nice to just hang around a girl. That is what Ephram wanted and when he was being totally honest with Amy at the end of this episode, he meant it... he was glad that he could hang out with Laynie because she was fun and he had a great time.

OMG....that was perfect. "What are you doing here?" lol

She looks so miserable! LOL

I just love it! Yeah, Amy is concerned and wants to help Ephram find somebody. Sure she does!! lol

Ephram totally knows the score, too! LOL!

Yes. And I love watching Ephram not sing.

You know what? I have watched this scene endless times, even like 10 times in a row sometimes over the years and I never noticed how he never sings. LOL I am into the scene too much and didn't notice this. Outstanding.

Amy's expression also showed that she was a little surprised that someone was validating Ephram's attributes that she didn't admit to herself or anyone else. I like the way that Laynie appreciated Ephram unconditionally as soon as she met him.

^ Wow, that is such an excellent take. Absolutely agree.

Yes, Colin is no dummy. He definitely knows what's going on and it's going to be no more Mr. Nice Guy from from now on.

Indeed.

[everwoodfan52]

Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. What's it like?

Lovely town. My daughter had her first teaching job there.

She really would have been. Honestly, you know how much I love Ephram/Amy so it means something when I totally would be on board with Laynie for that time period. Just look at how happy Ephram is. He's not like all smitten or anything but he's very happy and at peace with Laynie. He finds her dry wit and personality very appealing, he find her attractive. She is the perfect girl for him at this time. I really wish they would have even casually dated in seasons 1/2. Imagine the back and forth dry wit and exchanges we would have received from them. They would have had so much fun together. He wouldn't have been pining for Amy and certainly wouldn't have been spastic, out of control, depressed and impregnating Madison either. Laynie would have made him have some carefree fun. It is just like Ephram told Andy... it was nice to just hang around a girl. That is what Ephram wanted and when he was being totally honest with Amy at the end of this episode, he meant it... he was glad that he could hang out with Laynie because she was fun and he had a great time.

Ephram is naturally happy when he's with Laynie...carefree and himself. There's no angst. No awkwardness. There was no angst because this relationship did not have the love that he felt for Amy. With Laynie, it was like having good times with a friend..with no complications.


I am definitely watching the episode tonight! Hopefully I can find something to add! lol

[jediwands]

Originally Posted by everwoodfan52 (View Post) Lovely town. My daughter had her first teaching job there.

Oh really? Awesome. 15 minutes from you roughly?

Ephram is naturally happy when he's with Laynie...carefree and himself. There's no angst. No awkwardness. There was no angst because this relationship did not have the love that he felt for Amy. With Laynie, it was like having good times with a friend..with no complications.

^ THIS. Precisely.

I am definitely watching the episode tonight! Hopefully I can find something to add! lol

You had excellent insight commenting on my thoughts so there you go. I probably won't have insight following up on yours! LOL

Take your time. There's nothing against you waiting until tomorrow to comment. Heck you can comment on both this one and 1.17 together. No pressure. You have been commenting on others! LOL

[Taryn74]

Coming in at the eleventh hour as usual but I finally watched this one tonight.

You know, there's times I wish I could go back and just tweak the writing a little bit to make stories make more sense and/or keep the characters in-character. This ep is one of them.

Rose was out of character (as has been discussed), Irv was out of character, and to some degree both Harold and Edna were as well. It bugs me because otherwise this is such a fantastic episode.

I'll start with Rose and Harold. I wish to goodness Harold would have explained to Rose that pink roses have always been her favorite, or that he knew that she loved that her father always gave her pink roses (since she's his "Rosebud") or that she one time expressed that imported Swiss chocolates were the one thing she always wanted from a guy on V-Day, or something to show that he gave her the gifts he did for a reason and not out of "thoughtless routine" as she implied. Because sometimes I think it's Rose that takes Harold for granted and not the other way around, and sometimes she needs to see that and not always be "right" about everything. Does that make sense?

I've been thinking about Irv's little prank and how it could possibly have been written to seem like something Irv would actually do (because...no. just no.) and the only thing I can come up with is if Edna had come out dressed for dinner in something especially fetching and he pretended to be all 'be still my heart' and in her fear over his health, she took it the wrong way and overreacted. Because Irv is just not that cruel, and neither is he so effing clueless that he wouldn't know that "joke" would upset Edna. I honestly don't know what they were thinking when they wrote that.

I know the Ephram/Amy angst can get really frustrating, but episodes like this one are what shows how strong of a couple they really are, especially for ones so young. It's like they're at the place right now where they both understand the depth of their feelings for each other, but that it's simply not the time to act on it and they're willing to wait. It's amazing that a couple of 16 year olds can have the maturity to make a decision like that, you know?

And again with the parallels - I think at this point Andy and Nina both realize there's a real attraction between the two of them, and they're both willing to push it to the back burner (perhaps indefinitely) because Nina is married and they're just not going to go there. They're still comfortable enough with each other to remain friends in spite of it, too, just like E/A.

I also really like that Ephram doesn't try to kid himself into thinking he feels things for Laynie that he knows he doesn't. She's just someone that he's willing to casually date and have a good time with, nothing more.

Gretchen still annoys me. I don't think that's going to change. Heh.

"Don't you see? My heart beats only for you." That will always be a bone-chilling line, with Irv lying in the snow. Lord a'mercy.

[jediwands]

Excellent thoughts, Taryn!

You came in at the last moment but you certainly made a lasting impression.

I know, there really is no excuse for Irv no matter how you slice it. Having said that, he didn't do it because he's a mean prick, either, so no idea why the writers went there.

Rose/Harold were used just to engage in dialogue with the shrink. I really feel like this relationship is so strong and natural, it was the wrong relationship to throw into the fire to spin around in a heated way when that simply didn't make any kind of sense.

Totally agree about Ephram/Amy. You said it, the maturity they have at age 16 is unbelievable. They completely understand what is going on between them. They know it's okay to love each other right now but circumstances cannot allow them to be together in that way. However, they mean so much to each other, they will be friends because their connection wouldn't allow anything less. It is so beautiful. That ice skating scene at the end is precious.

Yes, Andy/Nina, same thing as far as understanding their romantic feelings but knowing it has to be friendship right now. Berlanti was so consistent creating a perfectly placed parallel between Ephram/Amy & Andy/Nina. I loved it. This was his subtle way of showing that they were getting the ending, stay tuned but until then, I will give both pairings beautiful moments as I build their relationships in the meantime. He was fabulous with this.

LOL About Colin not knowing who Amy was but then suddenly liking her. I mean, I am the biggest Amy fan on the planet but outside of her looks, was it her paranoia and intensity while he's trying to heal that attracted her to him? He's not that shallow to only like her for her looks yet I cannot see why he would suddenly fall for her given her scattered behavior up until this point. I guess her loyalty and dedication is something. That makes sense.

[jediwands]

We can of course continue on with the discussion but I wanted to put up the new episode since I'm weird and it's bothering me because I go by a stop watch so much of the time. LOL

It was difficult to find some good pictures for this episode. Maybe that's because to many, it could be the weakest episode of the series. lol

Everwood Confidential

Season 1, Episode 17 - Air Date: 2/17/2003

When Dr. Abbott's dementia-plagued, elderly godfather confesses to a murder that took place 30 years ago and reveals that Abbott's father was his accomplice, Abbott and Dr. Brown join the investigation in an attempt to find out what really happened and clear the men's names. Meanwhile, Ephram can't seem to keep Amy far from his thoughts, causing major problems in his burgeoning relationship with Laynie; and Andy and Ephram's new piano teacher butt heads over what is best for Ephram.

[Taryn74]

Originally Posted by Mich1111 (View Post) LOL About Colin not knowing who Amy was but then suddenly liking her. I mean, I am the biggest Amy fan on the planet but outside of her looks, was it her paranoia and intensity while he's trying to heal that attracted her to him? He's not that shallow to only like her for her looks yet I cannot see why he would suddenly fall for her given her scattered behavior up until this point. I guess her loyalty and dedication is something. That makes sense.

HA! You just made me snort out loud.

You make a very good point though. At that point Amy wasn't doing much to be the great girlfriend that she had the potential to be. And Colin still didn't have the old memories of her to base his feelings on. Interesting.

[jediwands]

Originally Posted by Taryn74 (View Post) HA! You just made me snort out loud.

LMAO

You make a very good point though. At that point Amy wasn't doing much to be the great girlfriend that she had the potential to be. And Colin still didn't have the old memories of her to base his feelings on. Interesting.

I know, seriously! Amy was literally like the anti-great girlfriend. So with that, along with zero old memories, he was better off going for Ephram romantically since he was much nicer/patient with him.

[Taryn74]

Well that would have been a twist, for sure.

[everwoodfan52]

HA! You just made me snort out loud

I think I heard that all the way in Jersey!

I know, seriously! Amy was literally like the anti-great girlfriend. So with that, along with zero old memories, he was better off going for Ephram romantically since he was much nicer/patient with him

.

I agree! Amy was pretty much a nag! Definitely not something a guy usually goes for!

[jediwands]

Seriously, poor Colin if you think about it... he inexplicably falls back in love (or like) with Amy without having much to go on yet she is into Ephram. Then he doesn't have much time left on earth to live. That is sad. Though of course, the trio of Amy/Colin/Bright did have their time together just like how it was in childhood before he passed. Still, such a heartbreaking story.