jediwands

THOUGHTS


I like seeing Amy with a large smile on her face walking around campus. When is the last time Amy has looked this carefree? Amy is strolling around while observing clubs and organizations at A&M, feeling like life is fresh, new, exciting with limitless possibilities. I love this moment. Amy deserved this moment.

Amy and Reid admittedly have a cute chemistry. Reid noticing Amy taking organic chemistry first semester of college might be hinting that Amy is going into medicine like family members on her paternal side. At the very least, she is thinking some type of field requiring heavy science. I understand this, because my scientist sister was doing the same thing as a freshman in college. My sister is a lead scientist at a major corporation in Minneapolis with ties to Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. My sister, Kris, Double Majored in Biology and Chemistry with a Minor in Physics and received her Graduate Degree in Biochemistry. She also got into medical school, physical therapy school, but her heart was with research science so she pursued research in Biochemistry and many other subspecialty areas. Bottom line, my sister took organic chemistry immediately freshman year. It was a must and you do not take organic chemistry as a freshman unless you are very serious about science in some form. Even Reid seemed shocked and he is in medical school. Reid offers to help Amy if she needs assistance while also giving more hints about being unhappy even this early on... Reid jokingly tells Amy he has not felt smart since medical school started. Everwood is really like a mini-mystery series. The show is so well written, foreshadowing is everywhere. I feel like I am reading a Harry Potter novel while watching Everwood which is definitely a good thing. Reid checks the time and says that he has an appointment with Ed, his new cadaver. Amy says that that’s what she’s looking for: “friends who don’t talk back.” Reid tells her she’s funny. They do have cute banter. As he walks away, Maura comments on how “hot” he is. Amy: “And gay. Hot and gay.” Maura says that "all the good ones are.”

The Ephram and Bright banter is back. Bright cannot pronounce words. Yes, writers, we get that there is a theme of "sex" throughout the episode so the slight X-rated thing you did there did not go unnoticed. I love how Bright called Ephram “a social black hole.” Ephram trying to keep busy because he doesn’t have piano or Amy anymore… you blew it, dude, even if I still love you. Ephram, it is clear you are meant to feel lost right now since you deliberately threw away your gift and spiritual romantic everything at the end of S3. I will say this... I am in the minority... I like Ephram's long hair. Ephram talking light and consciousness is super cool, too. It is kind of interesting Bright didn’t initially want to go to the party because he’s trying grow up but at the same time, poses for a picture that makes him look like an extroverted hardcore partier. I also did not notice the parallel until now… at the beginning of S3 Bright was lost, attempting to get Ephram to go to parties but Ephram was with Amy, consumed by piano and school. It even temporarily messed up their friendship. In the beginning of S4, it is Ephram feeling lost, trying to get Bright to go with him to parties but Bright is with Hannah attempting to be serious about his life. Ephram still has academic excellence though even bored with college at the moment because what he needed to study was material he already read in high school AP English. Bright reminds Ephram that he told him AP classes were a waste of time. LOL.

Go away Jake. Nina loves Andy even if she feels like she should be with you. You can tell Jake wants to punch Andy at Sam’s. Andy looks over the coffee selection, noticing “Vanilla Swiss Almond” and “Chocolate Macadamia Nut.” Nina states that it sounds more like an ice cream parlor than a coffee shop. I guess this means some of the Townies are adjusting a little bit to the LA-style Everwood restaurant. Andy says that business seems to be booming, slight passive-aggressiveness indicating that it must be why he never sees Nina anymore. Nina admits that she practically lives in the restaurant now. Right on, Nina, you lie. Andy’s poor jaw looks like it's in a terrible state due to tension and stress.

Rose and Harold have a discussion… even breakfast conversations at the Abbott’s are quite important. Rule in Everwood: Always pay close attention to the Abbott meals... breakfast, lunch and dinner. I love how Rose cuts Harold off when he’s trying to give a scientific explanation. LOL. I guess this scene was meant for Sexy Dessert Metaphors.

Amy and Hannah driving together in Amy’s Kia Sorrento. I agree with Hannah about Jack White being gross. Poor Amy finding out about Ephram living with Bright. I love this exchange between Amy and Hannah as it shows how strong their friendship is. Amy is truly happy for Hannah but at the same time feels frustrated they cannot spend a lot of time together and now it’s even more challenging finding out Ephram lives with Bright (and Reid). I love how Amy is truly happy for Hannah, however. You also see so strongly how much Hannah cares for Amy and wants to make sure she’s not in a super sad place even if it’s obvious Amy is struggling. Hannah feels it and really wants to help Amy. I love these two. They are the definition of best friends. I really appreciate Amy’s reaction to Ephram as it’s clear she’s still in love with him. We all know this. Amy: “Ephram moved in with Bright and you meant to tell me? That’s like, ‘Paul Revere, get on your horse and ride’-type information!” The Ephram and Amy spiritual connection is undeniable.

I can relate to the medical case with Ethan and life not being important after losing someone. Unlike the patient, I never went on an antidepressant after my mom passed but in looking back, I probably should have given the PTSD and panic attacks I received for several years. I battled my way back but this psychologist should’ve known better that getting help would’ve made the mourning process at least a little easier by taking care of my mental health. So I can relate to his world crashing down after the sudden death of a loved one. Of course the other part of the storyline I cannot relate to in the least. What I wonder is if he should’ve been seeing a psychologist or a psychiatrist who could have decided if he even needed to be on an antidepressant any longer. It seems clear his clinical depression was due to a very situational tragedy, the loss of his brother. So maybe since he had his girlfriend he wanted to be with for a while (it was like a dream come true), grades were up again, he could try to decrease the dose of the antidepressant, try another drug that wouldn’t interact with his abilities as a young man romantically or even go off the medicine completely and see how he felt. He could have always gone back on an antidepressant if he started feeling sad again. So I don’t necessarily love how it was either one way or the other because I feel like more options were available. I know it's Everwood but maybe Andy should have referred him to a specialist in Denver. I’m not sure who the actor is who plays Ethan but I really like him. He did a great job with the storyline.

Here we are at the apartment occupied by Bright, Ephram, and Reid. Oh Bright, of course you would wonder if there was a difference between Chinese and Thai food. Reid walks in understanding every aspect of Asian food. Bright: “Gay people. They just know so many things.” Ephram, you don’t like these parties and neither does Hannah so don’t push this, please. I guess Bright feels like hiding his real self works better for his relationship with Hannah while Hannah wants to meet him him halfway. Bright even gets mad and walks away while both Ephram and Hannah should have just thought the party wasn’t appealing since neither of them would ever love that scene.

Yikes, Harold bluntly telling Rose they don’t even know if the chemo worked is inappropriately cruel. Although I understand why he seems conflicted, anxious, and unsure but at the same time Rose just wants to live her life again and stop being seen as a patient and instead, a wife, mother, and woman.

Jake having interaction at the post office reminds me of S1 Laynie and Ephram. Jake goes off on Andy, telling him that Nina told him about the kiss and he cannot play games with him anymore, but they will keep up appearances around Nina because it is important to her; however, they are no longer friends, Jake doesn’t like him and cannot trust Andy anymore. Okay, Jake has a right to be rude to Andy since Nina told him Andy kissed Nina but I still want him off the screen. In addition, I don’t think Nina told Jake she responded positively to that kiss since last I checked Andy wasn’t kissing himself. Jake bothers me here because he isn't thinking of the big picture. He is the one who told Andy that Nina was in love with him. Did Jake not stop to think about the possibility that Andy might also be in love with Nina? How stupid of Jake not wondering what Andy felt for Nina. Jake should be wondering if he walked into something already brewing between Andy and Nina, which is precisely what happened. Granted, they weren't at the mutually realizing romantic feelings phase yet but sorry, Jake, you fail to see that Andy and Nina were established as close friends well before you moved to Everwood. So expecting Andy and Nina not to be around each other or pissed off at Andy for returning feelings when you had no idea how he felt is on you. Yes, Andy and Jake are friends. But not best friends, not even good friends. Yes, Andy never should have tried kissing Nina since she wasn't single. The kiss is all Jake should be mad about, not if Andy is in love with Nina as well or making things messy for Nina and Sam. It is pathetic that Delia and Sam barely recognize each other anymore due to this triangle drama. Nina, you should know better. Jake, you should look at the big, damn picture and Andy, you shouldn't have kissed Nina (and Nina, you are lying to Jake, you kissed Andy back!). But Andy did have every right to declare his love for Nina because he was told Nina was in love with him and it lead to evaluating his feelings. Sorry, Jake, you arrived late and Andy and Nina were evolving and have been intensely close for years. Ask Linda Abbott who picked up on Andy and Nina immediately and knew they acted like a married couple even with the friends label. I want Jake off the screen, and Nina to own up to her real feelings and stop being so passive.

Harold and Andy bantering with Harold asking Andy what was wrong (assuming Nina) and then Harold telling Andy about his issues with Rose once again shows that they are so in sync in S4 and the real definition of best friends. Harold realizes that he’s been trying to detach from Rose, since it might be less painful if something happened to her. Andy urges Harold to tell Rose about these feelings, but Harold doesn’t know how to tell Rose that he’s afraid she might die which is so sad; she’s already spent the past several months hearing bad news and worst-case scenarios (which is even worse than chemo) and does not want to add to that with his own anxiety. Andy tells Harold that whatever he’s thinking, Rose is as well; he should be less worried about the conversation they’ll have than the ones he could be having with himself for the rest of his life, because those are the ones that will kill him. This right here is why I love Andy Brown. What perfect advice which is not only intellectually sound, but based on life experience and mistakes/regrets of his own.

Hannah is trying so hard to do the right thing which means making Bright happy and Bright, for whatever reason, believes if he does go with who he really is, it is almost borderline dangerous as he wants to grow up and focus on Hannah and his relationship with her. Hannah says she’ll be the designated driver and that if she feels uncomfortable, she’ll tell him and they’ll leave. Bright says she is the “coolest girl in the world” and Hannah fully agrees that he is “very lucky.” They kiss and it is actually really cute even if you feel the set up of this party will not go as planned. You can see how much these two care about each other. The constant issue is they are just so very different.

Poor Amy when she meets these girls. The second they find out she lives at home and does not have a fake ID she was almost marked as useless. Ellie thinks it’s “harsh” that Amy lives at home. Amy sarcastically says that it’s not that bad, “once you get used to the ‘harsh’ thing.” What idiots and give Amy's stuck up high school friends a competition on who is the worst group of girls Amy has had to deal with.

Nina, just quit being so damn passive. Lying that Jake is sick because he can’t handle your friendship with Andy? Stop. Then Nina gets all pissed off after finding out Andy wondered who prescribed the medication for Ethan and maybe it was another doctor. What else would he believe at this point since Andy knows he did not prescribe it and certainly Harold, already aware of the situation, never would either. That leaves Jake if he received an actual prescription. On top of it all, she knows Jake has a history of prescribing inappropriately since a boy died essentially due to Jake’s carelessness. She is in denial about everything. Nina getting mad was annoying even if Jake wasn't at fault in this case. Nina, you are not being honest about anything right now.

The Bacchanal. Ephram is ready to get wild, although you know immediately it’s really not going to happen. Bright even reminded him he hates beer as he’s asking where the keg is. Bright was still hesitant until Hannah seems like she is fine with the situation. Bright looks like he entered a heaven on earth once he thought the green light was received. Bright kisses her and he’s ready to dive into party mode.

I love how both Ephram and Amy are miserable. There’s a parallel for sure insinuating they are better off together even if they need a break right now.

Abbott living room. Amy lies on the couch, watching television. Harold and Amy scenes are great even if Amy wasn’t going to be watching a movie with her father this time. Amy told Harold to go torture Rose. LOL. Amy: “Oh, that’s just great. My mother, who has a lower T-cell count than I do, has a better social life than I do. That’s just awesome.” Amy saying Princeton was out because Colorado A&M was tough enough seems like the writers finding a way to let the audience know Princeton is officially out of the picture.

Of course Ephram and Hannah are both drinking pop/soda. Man, Bright makes the word extroverted seem satanic. Ephram looking out for Hannah was sweet. He truly wanted Hannah to leave with him and go to the movie. Even if I’m glad Hannah said no because we wouldn’t have gotten the famous movie theater Ephram and Amy scene I felt for Hannah so much. Bright literally was the biggest party animal there. He didn’t need to let loose that much. Hannah and Ephram and how they reacted told the story. This episode is clearly showing Bright and Hannah as way too different and foreshadowing what is to come.

I like the Rose and Harold scene. I think it was clever of Rose to go to Edna and Irv’s. I love that Harold is finally listening to Rose now. This cancer storyline sort of gave new life into Harold and Rose. You hardly see them so affectionate and fun in the past.

We have arrived at the classic, moving theater Ephram and Amy popcorn moment. Ephram and Amy are so spiritually connected. We see this in the Pilot and it only becomes more and more obvious as the series moves along. Think about how many things had to happen in order to get them to the precise midnight showing at the theater. They are a prime example of written in the stars. The universe finds a way. Pure magic, the energy is magnetic. Written in the stars always finds a way.

Chemistry. Unspoken Love. Ephram is literally saying high school was everything because of Amy, just like telling Amy in S1 he was home in Everwood or the “I thought New York had everything?” and Ephram tells her “just about” meaning it doesn’t have her.

It always goes back to Ephram and Amy. They have an unstoppable connection filled with eternal love.

When Ephram reaches across the aisle and gives Amy popcorn… my face flushes. It is the most adorable moment of the episode by far and one of my top five Ephram and Amy moments of all time. This moment reassures the audience that Ephram and Amy are finding each other once again. Pure Gold.

I like the Andy and Ethan medical case. This is a reminder to Andy that he’s learned many lessons along the way… never lie to the people you love. Andy stands in his doorway stating that “sex really does kill.” Listening to Ethan explaining how he got the pills is a reminder of how easily this still happens. Andy says he was probably given speed or veterinary medicine instead which is so scary to think about. Andy offers two pieces of advice: first, “Never lie to the people you love,” and if Karen rejects him after hearing the truth, then she doesn’t deserve him. And second? “Never buy medicine off a porn site.” LOL.

Amy looks adorable in the hat, sweatshirt and jeans. Emily pulls off any look. Actually that’s totally how I dress 5 out or 7 days.

We receive more Reid foreshadowing:

Then Reid said sometimes you have to pretend like everything is going great even when it’s not…

Amy tells Reid she is considering reuniting with Ephram. Even if the point of the conversation is to show that life shouldn’t always be easy because you don’t learn and grow that way, and was more of a hint that right now she is meant to be on this path, I just love that Amy spends one brilliant moment alone with Ephram at the movies since fate set it up that way and she’s remembering them romantically even while slightly pausing… unbreakable connection.

Andy telling Nina it is not Jake he needs to win back, it is Nina and their friendship is such a heartwarming moment. I like what he had to say to her. The only thing in Nina’s defense is I keep remembering how much he ignored their friendship at times when he was with Amanda and Linda. Of course we know both Linda and Amanda picked up on the closeness between Andy and Nina. Also, things are very different right now since they both understand they are in love with each other. Andy is not consciously using friendship to be near Nina because he’s in love with her even if essentially that is what’s going on. He’s not manipulating it, in other words. But he definitely misses her and says as much. Nina just comes across as so passive in this scene with Andy. She’s controlled by Jake basically inside her mind. You were friends with Andy well before you knew Jake, Nina. She has Sam to think about which is why she took the easy way out and picked Jake in the first place. But Andy is showing that Sam and Delia have a family connection so why is she ignoring this? Nina is in a terrible spot. And I truly believe the writers boxed her in due to her professional life and made her choose Jake in order to delay Andy and Nina a little longer. But at the same time given her history and failed marriage that greatly affected her son, she has to understand making the right choice is extra important not just for herself but for Sam as well. The choice is clearly Andy.

I love how Andy calls Jake “Tiny Tim.” LOL.

The last Bright and Ephram scene is good. Bright even says it’s typical that Ephram bumps into Amy. Ephram tried telling him that he was an ass last night, Bright asks Hannah, who lies. More foreshadowing that Bright and Hannah are way too different. Hannah needs to be strong here with Ephram clearly having her back but she cannot go there, to Ephram’s great disappointment. Bright even mentions there’s Thai in the fridge like he’s clueless about it when at the beginning of the episode Hannah mentions she loved Thai and that’s what they got for lunch. Insinuation is Bright just doesn’t get these things, or shares similarities with Hannah at all. Bright even starts rapping the thing about bouncing again. Hannah grabs a few ibuprofen, dry. Bright's rap continues annoyingly even over the closing screen showing the creator/producer credits. Oh, Bright.



FINAL THOUGHTS


Definition of put on a happy/brave face:
to appear happy/brave even when one is not

1. Hannah acting like parties and Bright being a hardcore partier in her presence is just fine.

2. Ephram acting like partying is something he wants to embrace and his “friendship” scenes with Amy are nice communicating but he clearly wants to reunite.

3. Reid in general given what we know happens to him literally is the textbook version of this title.

4. Amy and college life, missing Ephram, and wanting to spend more time with her best friend Hannah but faking so much of it overall.

5. Andy acting okay with his strained relationship with Nina (until the end).

6. Harold not telling Rose true fears like he told Andy.

7. Jake not okay with Andy but having to act like he is in public.

8. Nina in complete denial about nearly everything in her life.

9. Ethan not wanting to tell his girlfriend about his intimacy troubles.


Reid’s storyline continues to be very foreshadowed. The irony is his sexuality was teased as the biggest mystery but we soon find out the actual biggest mystery is still out there. There are many moments showing us that Reid is living a life that is fantasy as he is crying out for help.

Bright and Hannah are too different and trying to make it work regardless of this sad reality. It really is frustrating because love exists between them but their differences are vast. Poor Hannah not speaking up with Ephram trying to help her out is disappointing. It is possible Bright doesn’t cheat if Hannah demonstrates some strength this early on. I am not blaming Hannah, of course, but if Bright and Hannah tackled their differences and how to exist with his extroversion and her views on sex right away it would not have gotten to the cheating moment quite possibly. At the very least, Bright would have broken up with her before he cheated if they were communicating properly. It seems their communication was excellent as friends but once they entered a romantic relationship when you need even more communication, it does not exist.

Ephram and Amy are spiritually, powerfully connected and always find moments together even during difficult times. They have this bright light of hope that shines down on them no matter what is happening between them. You feel it as this warm, eternal hope understanding their meant to be tag is never leaving. Right now, they are both trying to find their way yet their paths merge, leading them back to each other for strength and reassurance until they truly come back together as one in every way.

Harold and Rose are communicating better than ever post-cancer and it is so refreshing. They are a prime example of life throwing you a curveball and finding a way to hit a home-run. The diagnosis seems to have only made them stronger. Rose is listened to by Harold in a way that did not exist in the past. It is beautiful.

Andy wants his friendship back with Nina but Jake’s anger, Nina’s continued passiveness and denial of what she truly wants keeps getting in the way. I love Nina but watching her in the final season is challenging. Jake also is infuriating at this point. As mentioned, he had every right to be upset Andy went in for the kiss but he doesn't understand or care to explore the big picture. He never has. He told Andy almost jokingly that Nina was in love with him without stopping to think about if Andy knew or returned the feelings. Now he is still ignoring the bigger picture. If he noticed for a second that maybe he walked in on something that was already in the works he might not be so quick to hate on Andy and kindly walk away after finally Nina speaks the truth. But as usual, Andy needs to be the punching bag. Go away, Jake.

The Andy and Harold friendship is a highlight of the final season. I am convinced that is why they had Harold so harsh at the end of S3. The writers wanted to show what stupid Madisongate as well as Rose's cancer did to this friendship pairing. It put a dark strain on them all season long. It finally came to a head at the end of S3 and now in S4 we are seeing them healing together, growing together, confiding in each other and it is just as gorgeous as watching the energetic, spiritual, romantic bond between Ephram and Amy.

No Edna, Irv or Delia in this one.

I am really satisfied the final season of this precious series named Everwood is so strong with endless high quality and a S1-feel.

Looking forward to the next one.