jediwands

jediwands

THOUGHTS WHILE WATCHING EPISODE



- Bright continues to struggle with what he can and cannot do while kissing Hannah. You can see from miles away eventually they’re going to have a major problem.

- Hannah’s mom is awful. Talk about traumatic… not informing Hannah her father was going downhill, or calling to say she’s flying to Everwood, just showing up coldly telling Hannah her father died and there will be no funeral. Even describing to Hannah what her father was like before he passed away was in poor taste. Hannah hearing everything is so mentally tough. Even Nina’s expression looked painful based on how Hannah’s mom decided to tell Hannah the news. Hannah's mom will never win any mother of the year awards.

- It is really nice seeing Nina over at the Brown’s regularly again. We even received bonus coverage watching Ephram attempting to steal groceries from Andy.

- Poor Andy is very obviously pining for Nina. Ephram remains upset over Amy. You can tell when Ephram tells Andy he will probably work the friend angle for a while Andy wants to say something to Ephram but stops himself. What that is, I am not sure, but Treat seems to play it in a way that has Andy pausing and not saying something he might have thought to say in that moment but quickly changed his mind.

- Andy is hiding salsa from Ephram. LOL.

- Amy is such a good friend to Hannah. Bright is clueless and has no idea how to comfort Hannah which I find a tad unrealistic because when the four of them ditched school a year ago Bright naturally hugged and comforted Hannah when she was upset over her father. Now a year later as her boyfriend he’s clumsy and awkward, letting Amy take the lead. This is certainly in best friend territory which Amy hit out of the park, but Bright needs to naturally be there as her boyfriend. Some of his hesitancy could be because he knows he tried more physical touching while kissing and then immediately Hannah's mom shows up giving the horrible news.

- Interesting the medical case has the male patient actually saying… “It’s my body, my choice.” Given what is currently going on in this country I just found it really interesting (and somewhat maddening).

- Amy and Reid kissing and Ephram witnessing the kiss is so sad. Ephram set things up during the last part of S3, so it did not have to be this way... but I still feel sorry for Ephram right now.

- Ephram is so mean to Reid in the morning, asking him why he walks around without a shirt. The way Greg plays Ephram's internal frustration/anger is spot on.

- Ephram has 7 students (8, including freebie Kyle, according to Ephram lol) he teaches. He is doing just fine for himself which is great. But Ephram, you need to drink coffee since coffee is Heaven. Hoping he just said he doesn't drink coffee because he didn’t want Reid’s coffee. LOL.

- Bright obsessing over marshmallows is hilarious and so very Bright Abbott.

- Ephram wants Reid gone as Bright calls Reid “Aladdin.”

- Bright knew instantly Ephram was pissed and jealous of Amy and Reid.

- What rotten luck, the daughter not having two kidneys.

- Amy letting the house go while Rose and Harold are in Africa is a very cute storyline in an otherwise very serious episode.

- I mentioned in a previous review how many more Amy and Bright scenes we are getting in S4, possibly due to Emily and Chris. Here’s another one.

- Bright telling Amy that Ephram knows about Reid… go Bright! But then again, Bright lied and said Ephram was fine with the news. Bright knows Ephram was anything but fine.

- At least Bright felt sad he was trying to get to “second base” with Hannah and two seconds later she finds out her dad passed away.

- Amy to Bright: First, don’t say bases, you’re not six, and a woman’s body is not a sports field.

- Jake is overworked. Nina mentions Hannah’s mother is her best friend.

- Hannah’s mom and the lack of communication with her daughter is terrible.

- Louise talking about a past job is so funny! I wish Andy wouldn’t have cut her off. She claims she was fired for being sweet on a client as a masseuse. Her expression as they all walk into Andy’s office is the best.

- What a twist in the medical case. Of course that’s why he didn’t want his daughter doing testing on her kidneys since she only had one, and we find out her mother left due to the loss of her sister she didn't even know she had. Talk about not being told the truth: Stacey only has one kidney due to a sister who lived a few days and their mother left because she couldn't handle what transpired. What a terribly sad story. Imagine Stacey now thinking she was not enough for her very own mother, or maybe her mother blamed her for her sister not being saved. The father did not tell Stacey all of these hard truths over the years and now she is expected to digest everything and be there for her father. Not knowing she only had one kidney is also very cruel because she might have been watching her diet and protecting that one kidney all of these years but she never knew. Devastating.

- Ephram looks so annoyed and pissed off, really insulting Reid about his shirtless ways, putting his coffee away early, making fun of his “step down” in colleges. Then Ephram tells Reid to stop dating Amy due to the guy code. What a powerful moment when Ephram tells Reid to stop dating Amy.

- Reid is right… Ephram should tell Amy how he feels or else it is pointless.

- Hannah was not sent away, she wanted to go. Trauma caused Hannah to forget this fact.

- This Bright/Hannah scene is quite possibly their greatest scene of the series for these two. I love it. Bright is talking intuitively and spiritually, making Hannah feel better, and the philosophical discussion is amazing. The I LOVE YOUs were perfect! I typically do not feel super strong chemistry between these two (average but not fantastic) but I certainly feel very strong chemistry between them in this scene.

- I swear, the more casual Emily VanCamp looks, the more beautiful she is. She has such natural beauty. Amy in a tank, sweats, hair up, cleaning and she just glows with beauty.

- Ephram and Amy talking Peanuts is everything to me! It is love.


- Ephram and Amy have always had the romantic banter down to perfection and we see this clearly throughout the episode.

- Ephram and Amy have endless awkward romantic tension. Everything is meant to be but it almost feels like a very subtle point is being made that Ephram should have been the one with Amy at the hospital. But Ephram made his choice, he bailed, so Reid appears and was there instead. Now Ephram has to struggle with this reality.

- Amy is very sweet being so nice and looking out for Ephram's feelings. Ephram chickened out obviously from telling Amy his feelings.

- Ephram leaving the Abbott’s and going right to the Brown’s saying he’s staying there indefinitely while confiding in Andy is beautiful.

- The medical case with the father and daughter is a parallel to Andy and Ephram even though the medical case is way more serious since the betrayal is endless. I love that Andy told Ephram he still has trouble forgiving himself for what he did to him but Ephram immediately responds that he forgave Andy a long time ago.

- Hannah’s mom calling Harold The Legendary Dr. Abbott means Hannah must really have talked positively about Harold to her family.

- Ephram talking to Stacey is so perfect.

- There’s Edna and Irv with the Abbott family, Nina, Hannah and her mom.

- Edna calling Harold a moron is so funny.

- Rose praising Amy for how clean the house looks with Bright rolling his eyes is outstanding.

- Great golden nugget finding out Harold and Rose met Linda.

- What a hurtful shock for both Bright and Amy hearing Hannah say she’s going back to live in Minnesota.

- Hannah’s mom comes across as so blunt. I get such a bad feeling from her mom, almost like she takes pleasure in announcing this news to everyone. Bright looks so shocked and heartbroken.

- Andy watching basketball is awesome.

- Ephram found another way through the medical case to realize Andy wasn’t so bad not telling him about the pregnancy. Exactly right, Ephram. A parent not telling a child she had a twin for three days, she doesn’t have two kidneys and the real reason why the mom left was always known when you thought otherwise is certainly much worse.

- The Ephram and Andy couch scene at the end is perfection. Ephram certainly likes that brand of salsa. Andy allowed him to have some in the end. Salsa, the alcohol Ephram bought for Andy, they share it all together. They are communicating so beautifully. I love that they’re talking about Amy and then the transition from Amy to Nina, as Andy tells Ephram about Nina… the parallel as they both yearn to be with the ones that they love while making it known Andy still struggles for hurting Ephram but Ephram says right back Andy has been forgiven for a while means Father/Son are healing.

- The shot at the end as the camera pulls back outside the window showing Andy and Ephram with the nature elements shining upon them makes the scene powerful and very majestic.



THEME: SHOCKING TRUTHS


The theme circles around shocking truths that occur in life when you least expect it:

1. The medical case involving the daughter not knowing she only has one kidney since she gave one to a sister she never knew who died three days later and her mother she never knew left suddenly (couldn’t take what happened) and her father never told his daughter why her mother left and always knew.

2. Ephram finding out the guy Amy is seeing is Reid and he is shocked and heartbroken walking in on Amy and Reid kissing.

3. Hannah finding out her father passed away and she didn’t even realize or remember (through trauma) that she was the one who wanted to be sent away.

4. Hannah announcing to the group she feels it is time to go back home to Minnesota with her mother.

5. Ephram demanding that Reid stop dating Amy.

6. Ephram realizing what Andy did by keeping the pregnancy a secret is not nearly as terrible as what happened to Stacey and all that was kept from her since birth.

7. Even Louise revealed she was fired from a past job for being sweet on a client or being accused of being sweet on a client while working as a masseuse.

Some very shocking revelations our characters had to endure in this one.



THOUGHTS AFTER WATCHING EPISODE


Andy/Ephram

I love all of their scenes together. It was a perfect episode for Andy and Ephram. Ephram attempting to steal salsa but receiving some in the end (the little things), Ephram helping out with the medical case while realizing once again Andy not telling him about the pregnancy was not as bad as other things that happen to many people. Both confiding in each other about Amy and Nina, and the very best exchange was Andy telling Ephram he is finding it difficult to forgive himself for not telling him about the pregnancy while Ephram immediately lets Andy know he forgave him for this a long time ago. They are healing and growing closer than ever.


Ephram/Bright

They are always there for each other. Bright even told Ephram he was keeping an eye on the Amy and Reid situation and would have told him if they were getting serious. Bright told Amy that Ephram knew. They look out for each other like true best friends.


Bright/Amy

Their banter is so much fun. I loved Amy coming down on Bright for his wording about physical intimacy with women, encouraging him to be there for Hannah and Bright rolling his eyes when Rose praised Amy for how clean the house looked thinking she kept it clean the entire time when it was a disaster until the last minute. They have gotten closer over the years and it is really nice to see. I think Hannah is a big reason why.


Amy/Hannah

Amy and Hannah are the definition of best friends. They are naturally, unconditionally, there for each other. Amy supporting Hannah as she was devastated over her father’s passing was so beautiful to see. Amy’s words were perfect and when Amy didn’t have to correct words she simply listened and hugged Hannah. Beautiful. I really liked the character of Laynie, but this rewatch has taught me that Amy needed Hannah's friendship and it feels so great knowing Amy will always have Hannah's friendship.


Andy/Medical Case

I love how this case went back to Andy’s thoughts on Ephram and struggling to forgive himself. Andy even told Ephram as much and Ephram quickly made it known that he had forgiven him a while ago. The medical case was heartbreaking. Imagine being the daughter not knowing she doesn’t have a kidney because she had a sister who died days after she gave her a kidney and her mom left because she couldn’t handle it. Her father has had kidney disease and she had no idea why he wouldn’t let her help him. What a nightmare of never-ending betrayal. Ephram understood this nightmare made his situation with his father look innocent and tame by comparison. I love that Ephram talked to Stacey. I wish we would have found out if she attended the surgery and did her father survive. I have a feeling Ephram worked his magic and she did attend and he did survive.


Ephram/Reid

Ephram wanted Reid to suffer. I like how passionate Ephram was throughout this entire episode. The guy code thing is stupid but in this case I am letting it slide because I appreciated how Ephram did not hold back and expressed his feelings. When I think of him at the end of last season and how numb and empty he was it was startling. Now, he is feeling again and not holding back. He cares about his father (and isn't afraid to share this with Andy) and is still totally in love with Amy and wants her back. For that matter, he made it known to Delia the minute he came back from Europe he loved and cared about her. He’s there for Bright as a best friend. This has been a big theme for Ephram in S4... growing up, selflessly caring for others like Kyle, making sure all of those around him he cares about understand just how much he cares for them. He is getting there with Amy and telling Reid to back off is a start. Just his presence around Amy, honoring her wishes that she needs time and space to get over the past, shows how much he loves her. He loves Amy with all of his heart and soul. Reid, back off.


Hannah/Mom

I don’t know if it’s the actress or what but I felt nothing for Hannah’s mom. First off, how could she not tell Hannah her father was close to passing on and then just shows up and drops the bomb about his death and there will be no funeral. Then she proceeds to coldly tell Hannah what he was like during his last days on earth, along with reminding her that it was her choice to go to Everwood (which Hannah forgot about due to trauma). Hannah even indicated that her mother has a pattern of not communicating with her properly. So it is not like this just happened for the first time surrounding her father's death. It seems they have had issues for a while. No wonder Hannah wanted to get away from her and come to Everwood which is the best decision she ever made. It almost seemed like her mother couldn’t wait to tell her that her father passed away. I know I’m exaggerating but she didn’t even seem to have empathy or that natural, soft touch most mother's have with their children. She lacked any softness and empathy. When she cried, it was mostly for herself. And then when they were at the Abbott’s it almost seemed like she took pleasure in announcing she was taking Hannah with her back to Minnesota. Very strange. I also thought it was not the greatest way for Hannah to tell Bright and Amy in front of everyone and then twisting her words about there being nothing in Everwood for her anymore. She didn’t mean it but that had to sting for both her boyfriend and best friend. Hannah’s mother was like a cold robot and very weird it was stated she and Nina were best friends when they never had any true interaction for the audience to witness. Where is Hannah’s brother? What a distant, cold, odd family dynamic.


Ephram/Amy

It was heartbreaking seeing Ephram watching Amy kissing Reid. Ephram loves and misses Amy so much. The scene between them at the Abbott’s was so powerful. Romantic banter and tension circles around but Emily plays it in a way where you can clearly see Amy’s natural desire to fully connect again but she still appears bruised and hurt. You can see and feel Amy’s reaction due to Emily’s brilliant portrayal. She’s not all there yet, ready to trust since she remembers the pain quite clearly. Emily is pure gold. Amy will give Ephram a glowing look but two seconds later she slightly frowns showing that while she wants to be taken in again completely by their love, she still needs to protect herself. It’s a constant battle she goes through silently but written all over her face. Poor Ephram feels he has to pine and yearn right now without Amy knowing his true feelings. I love their exchange about Peanuts. There is so much tension between them but both are determined to play it safely as friends. You can feel the energy swirling around as anything but platonic. Amy is so sensitive and careful with Ephram and Ephram does not feel like he has a right to tell her his feelings. So they banter and embrace the tension knowing they have more to say but hold back for now.


Harold/Rose Trip

They had so much fun on their trip together. It was a success and sharing it with family was great, especially Edna teasing Harold. What a nice surprise finding out they met up with Linda.


Nina/Brown Family

It was great seeing Nina (and Sam) naturally blending in with the family again. It would have been nice seeing Delia with all of them but she was there thanks to Sam mentioning his interaction with her. You couldn’t prevent Nina and Sam from being with the Brown’s, Jake. Nina and Sam look so naturally happy around the Brown family... almost like they will be a true family in the not so distant future.


Nina/Jake

You can clearly see the beginning of the end for Jake. He is overworked, going a mile a minute. You can subtly see Nina and Jake growing apart even while Jake continues to be more and more consumed by work which will certainly add to upcoming substance abuse issues. Once again there is Sam to think about and Nina is involved with a man who is never around not because he is gay and cheating, but this time it’s Jake as a workaholic and true addict. Nina, you should have been honest from the moment you found out Andy returned the feelings and had a real conversation with Jake about how much you continue to be in love with Andy. No doubt Nina cares for and loves Jake, but her love for Jake doesn't hold a candle to the love she has for Andy Brown and his entire family.


Bright/Hannah

Initially I was confused over why Bright didn’t know what to say to Hannah after her dad passed but like he told Amy, he felt stupid because he was trying to be more physical with her and then she immediately found out about her dad. He felt awkward and guilty. He made up for it given his philosophy, religion, spiritual conversation with Hannah. He said all the right words and their I Love You’s were perfect. Bright truly is sage-like when he wants to be. We saw this back in S3 when he talked to Ephram about loss and how they all bonded over loss and heartbreak. He’s had many moments just naturally understanding what to say. His talk with Rose about cancer and what a terrific mother and woman she is is another example. Bright has his moments when he is the smartest, kindest, person in the entire room. Bright is brighter than he seems. It truly is too bad looking ahead and realizing what is to come but I will enjoy the present while remembering at the heart of Bright is decency even if he's very flawed. Bright looked shattered when Hannah’s mom almost took pleasure in announcing Hannah was going home with her.


Amy/Reid

Their kissing scene was nauseating. LOL. I was kind of shocked they got there considering they were casual but appreciated Amy saying she had to go which is a clue she was also pulling a Hannah boldly stating she did not want to go further with him physically. Clearly the several kisses before she left were also exaggerated so Ephram could witness and feel heartbroken. Reid did look all giddy and happy. Too bad, Reid. Amy has a soulmate named Ephram Brown.


Edna/Irv

They were cute given what little they received. I love when Irv is happy, joking around and Edna is smiling being her sarcastic and fun-loving self at the same time. I know what you're doing show, however... just like Bright, dark times are ahead for Edna and Irv.


Delia & Kyle MIA

The only flaw of this episode was Delia did not make an appearance even if she was mentioned as being present at the Brown's when Nina and Sam were there. This is unfortunate because Ephram was around the Brown house quite a bit in this episode and it would have been so nice seeing the three them preparing dinner and eating together.

I also missed Kyle not being around in this episode but it made sense he wasn’t in this one given the content. Also, the previous episode was a big one for Kyle so it made sense he was sitting this one out.


FINAL THOUGHTS


I really enjoyed this episode. We are reminded once again that the final season of Everwood is just as strong as the very first season of Everwood. Some heartbreak and shocking revelations transpired, but in unique Everwood style, there was a perfect mix of drama and comedy blended together. I am looking forward to the next episode.

everwoodfan52

Will watch soon!

jediwands

Take your time!

Jerry D

I thought that this was an incredibly moving episode that reflected a theme about the choices people make, and we saw how the choices people make can have long-lasting impacts on others. There were parts of this episode that moved me to tears, and there were other parts where it really struck me how perfectly Everwood blended touching drama and deft humor.

In the beginning of the episode, we saw Bright and Hannah making out, but once again, Hannah stopped Bright from going too far, and they started to discuss what the limits of their physical relationship should be when they were interrupted by the arrival of Hannah’s mother, who brought the tragic news that her father had died, and Hannah was devastated by this news and she was shocked and hurt that her mother already had her father cremated and that there would be no service for him, and that she had to find all this out after he had passed away.

Back at Andy’s house, Ephram asked Nina how Hannah was doing and she said that Hannah was still in shock, and Andy teased Ephram about his taking food from his house to his apartment, and he offered his support to Nina.

I liked the talk that Ephram and Andy had as they were both dealing with parallel situations: Ephram longing for Amy and Andy longing for Nina, and I loved seeing how all the anger and hostility between them was gone now.

We saw Hannah talk to Amy and Bright about how frustrated and hurt she was that her mother didn’t tell her that her father was dying, and Amy cued Bright to say something to comfort her, but Bright didn’t know what to say, and ultimately it was Amy who gave Hannah some true comfort and understanding and a shoulder to cry on as Hannah tearfully expressed the enormity of her loss to Amy while Bright haplessly looked on.

In the medical story of the week, we met a man named Brian and his daughter Stacy, and Brian was in desperate need of a kidney transplant, but he didn’t want to consider having Stacy donate one of her kidneys to him, but Stacy went and got tested to see if she could be an eligible donor, but she discovered that she only had one kidney so she couldn’t help her father. This story turned into an incredibly moving story that tied into the theme of the episode but also tied into Andy’s own life, as Brian had been hiding a secret from Stacy her whole life, namely that she had a twin sister who was born without any kidneys, and so her mother and him made the decision to give one of her kidneys to her sister, who was named Michelle, but Michelle died three days later anyway, and her mother, overcome with grief, left her and Brian. Naturally, Stacy was devastated and angry to receive this news, because her father had made decisions without her and never told her the truth, and just like Hannah’s mother’s decisions to protect Hannah had a negative impact on her relationship with her daughter, Brian’s decision had a negative impact on his relationship with his daughter. We later saw Andy talk to Stacy, but he wasn’t able to get through to her until he related the story of how decisions that he had made had a disastrous affect on his relationship with his son, and then Ephram came and talked to her.

Ephram was shocked to see Amy kissing Reid, and the next morning, Ephram wanted Bright to kick Reid out of the apartment, and Ephram was clearly upset with this development.

Back at the Abbott house, which was completely disheveled since Harold and Rose were on their trip to Africa, (and Bright jokingly told Amy that she had turned into him) Bright confronted Amy about Ephram knowing that she was dating Reid, and Amy seemed very concerned for Ephram and she wondered if she should talk to him, and Bright stupidly said “Oh, get over yourself. It’s not like you're his world”, but as we all knew, Amy was Ephram’s world and he was devastated that she was seeing Reid. Amy then told Bright that he should comfort Hannah instead of being totally useless like she had observed him being, and she said to not worry about the “going to Second Base” incident as Hannah obviously had a lot more on her mind now just like they had a lot more on their minds when they received Rose’s cancer diagnosis.

Nina asked Jake to come home because of the situation with Hannah and her mother, and Jake said he was busy with patients and Nina angrily hung up on him only to have Jake literally run home to see her and breathlessly apologize and promise that things would settle down in a few weeks, but Nina reminded him that he had made that “in a few weeks” promise before.

At a very tension-filled dinner at Nina’s house, Hannah’s mother asked her if she thought that this was easy for her, and she said that she wanted to spare Hannah from having to witness her father’s final days (echoing what Brian had said to Stacy about protecting her) and she told Hannah that she had offered her the option to leave the year before, and Hannah took that option, but she told her that, in fact, she wanted Hannah to be there during that time, and she never thought about how alone she would feel. I didn’t like how Hannah’s mother put Hannah’s grief and anger about not being there for her father’s final days back on her, because although the decision may have ultimately been Hannah’s decision, it was the right decision given the circumstances, and she shouldn’t have made Hannah feel bad about it.

We saw Ephram make a condescending remark to Reid about going from an Ivy League school to Colorado A & M, and Reid said that he was acting like an ass and he perceived that Ephram had a problem with him dating Amy, and that he would back off from dating her if Ephram asked him to, and Ephram flat out said “Don’t date Amy,” and Reid responded “Done. But for what it's worth, you might wanna tell her how you feel because otherwise, I really don't see the point to any of this.”

We saw Bright go to see Hannah, and his own simple but sincere and goodhearted way he said that everything happens for a reason, and that she was glad that she came to Everwood, and they said “I love you” to each other in an incredibly moving and heartfelt way.

We saw Ephram go to see Amy at her house and he helped her as she tried to clean up the mess that she had made, but he backed away from telling her how he felt about her, which made me sad.

I loved Ephram and Andy’s heart-to-heart talk about the situation with Brian and Stacy and the damage that withholding information from the one you love to protect them can do, and he said that he couldn’t ask Stacy to forgive her father when he couldn’t forgive himself for what he did to Ephram, and Ephram told him that he forgave him a long time ago, and that scene moved me to tears, and I’m choked up writing about that wonderful scene.

We saw Hannah apologize to her mother, and her mother gave her some of her father’s ashes, and their scene together was very moving.

We saw Hannah and her mom at the Abbott’s house watching a slide show that Harold was narrating, as him and Rose had returned from their trip to Africa, and we got a rare mention of Linda, and Bright hilariously said “this should only take about ten more hours” to Hannah. We also saw that Rose was really moved by the children she encountered on that trip, and we got the first hint of the adoption storyline that would be part of the later seasons of the show. It was hilarious when Rose praised Amy for keeping the house so clean while they were gone, and Amy said “Oh you know, when you clean as you go, it’s not so hard,” and Bright gave her a knowing look and rolled his eyes.

I loved how Hannah’s mother said that the Abbott’s had become a second family to Hannah, but in a shocking twist, she announced that her and Hannah had talked and they were going back to Minnesota, and everyone was stunned and dismayed by this news, especially Bright and Amy.

I loved the final talk between Ephram and Andy as Ephram said that he was happy to help someone out and he told Andy about not being able to tell Amy how he felt and he referred to himself as a loser, and Andy jokingly said he got that from his side of the family, and he could tell him from firsthand experience that sometimes you can tell someone exactly how you feel and it doesn’t change a thing, and Ephram asked him if it was recent firsthand experience, and the episode ended with Andy starting to tell him about what had happened with Nina.

Overall, I really enjoyed this moving episode and I’m looking forward to the next one.

Alexa

I watched 406-408 today, yay. So I am caught up and can even post next week. Ill finish off 409/410 the week we do 410.




Hannah not wanting Bright to touch her boobs is a bit weird to me, I mean, considering they aren’t having sex or doing anything else intimate, I feel like that’s not really a big deal? And what does she mean she isn’t really ready, I mean, they’ve been dating for a long time, shes like 19 now right? IDK, I find it strange. But I guess if she has boundaries that is her decision....

Hannah’s father dying was so sad but tbh Hannah chose to move away and remove herself from the situation, so what did she expect? She knew her father was going to die and frankly, she should have been there. I do agree though that if her mom realized he was dying earlier then she should have told Hannah earlier. I could see both sides, but if Hannah’s mom needed her there she should have told Hannah that much earlier. Brights pep talk to her about it all was pretty sweet.

How could Hannah say there is no reason for her to stay in Everwood? It makes no sense, her family, friends, school, is all here. It would make more sense for her mom to move to be with Hannah or at least, they could wait another couple of years for her to finish school. Hannah is an adult now, so why is she going back home anyways? I find it very weird. That whole storyline doesn’t really make sense to me.

CRINGE ALERT when Ephram saw Reid and Amy kissing, yikes. I hate that. But it didn't give Ephram the right to want to kick her out or be a dick to him. Reid was nice to say he would stop dating Amy, but it was so rude of Ephram to ask that of him. Not cool Ephram. If they were roommates, and he knew Amy was Ephram’s ex, I feel like he probably shouldn’t have gone there, but Amy knew Reid first, so it’s not really the same thing and not fair for Ephram to request that of him. Then Ephram goes and talks to Amy and doesnt even act like hes bothered? So he should have gone back to Reid and told him he was wrong but instead he just leaves it??? WTF.

The medical case this week was interesting. I can’t believe the father didn’t tell the daughter that she had a twin and that she had one kidney! wtf! But with that said, I felt that storyline was too deep to just be done with so quickly.

Loving the Andy/Ephram moments and talks lately! So cute. I just wish Delia was included in the family time.



Top 5.
1. Reid, for being so mature when it came to Ephrams idiocy
2. Bright, with how he handled the situation with Hannah and her father dying. He was sweet.
3. Andy, just in general has been great lately. Love the scenes with Ephram

dont really have a 4 or 5 tbh, no one really stood out in this episode but I would probably say Hannah just because the storyline revolved so much around her, and then I guess Amy. No good reason, she was barely in the episode but she didnt annoy me lol.

Jerry D

Excellent review as always Michelle.

Andy and Ephram's scenes were really the highlight of this episode for me, and I loved seeing how far they've come, and I especially loved it when Ephram told Andy he had forgiven him a long time ago, and how he agreed to talk to Stacy.


I've really enjoyed Ephram and Bright's friendship in this season and how they're always there for each other.


I also liked seeing Bright and Amy grow closer this season and their teasing banter is a lot of fun.


This episode really illustrated, once again, what a great friendship Amy and Hannah have through the best of times and the worst of times, like this episode.


I thought that this story was very moving and it really paralleled Andy's own guilt over withholding the truth about Madison. I actually could understand why Brian withheld that information from his daughter, but as Andy learned, and Brian learned in this episode, the truth always has a way of coming out, and when it does, the consequences can be devastating.

Ephram was really mean to Reid, and some of his remarks to him were really uncalled for, but Ephram just loves Amy so much that he doesn't want to see her with anyone else, let alone one of his roommates, so I understand why he reacted the way that he did. As a side note, I think it's weird how they show Reid shirtless in almost every episode.


I didn't really care for Hannah's mother much myself and I thought that her making Hannah feel guilty for being at Nina's while her husband/Hannah's father was dying was just plain cruel, especially since she had offered Hannah the opportunity to go and stay with Nina. I also thought it was wrong for her to tell Hannah that her father had died until after he died, because if the end was near, she should have called Hannah and allowed her to see her father before he passed away even if her father wasn't really there toward the end. I remember my mother never forgiving one of my cousins for not informing her of her aunt's death (who she was very close to) until after she had passed away, and I was grateful to my sisters for telling me that my father was dying so I was able to get home and be there when he passed away, and I feel that Hannah's mother took that opportunity away from her.

It was so heartbreaking to see Ephram see Amy kiss Reid, and I found it more heartbreaking that he couldn't bring himself to tell her how he felt, but at least they're communicating and the concern they have for each other is so touching.


It was nice to see the episode end with Harold and Rose back from their trip and that they had a great time and they met up with Linda.

I was really happy to see that too.

Yes, the signs were clearly pointing to Jake's addiction storyline, and we would see that storyline come to the fore very soon.

I liked Bright and Hannah's scenes in this episode and how, after listening to Amy, he was there for her in her time of need, and I love that they both said "I love you" to each other.

I pretty much ignored Amy and Reid's kissing scene and I was more focused on how heartbroken Ephram was witnessing it.

I liked Edna and Irv's brief scene together and how they teased each other (and Edna teased Harold) but knowing what was to come, it seemed so unfair that they would end up killing off Irv.

I missed Delia much more than I missed Kyle in this episode!

I really enjoyed this episode too, and I also loved seeing how Everwood blends touching drama with genuinely funny comedy, and I'm also looking forward to the next episode.

Jerry D

I could understand why Bright was confused about their boundaries, because I think that Hannah was a bit confused herself, and giving him mixed signals.

Yes, Hannah chose to move away, but I think her mother should have told her when the end was near like my sisters did for me so she could have been there when her father passed away just like I was there when my father passed away.

I agree that Hannah saying that made no sense, and I think that she was just trying to be there for her mother.

I felt bad for Ephram when he saw Amy kissing Reid, but he really crossed the line with Reid, and even if we knew why he did that, he was still wrong to take his hurt and frustration out on Reid and he should have told Amy his true feelings like Reid said.

I agree that this story, like a lot of the one and done medical stories that were featured on this show, was too deep to be over in one episode and I also didn't like that we didn't know if the daughter forgave her father.

I really loved all the Andy and Ephram scenes in this episode and I wish that Delia was included in them also.

Good choices and a good review Alexa.

jediwands

Sometimes even choices you don’t remember making as is the case with Hannah, due the trauma, not remembering she made the choice to go to Everwood.

Yes, over the past two episodes you are strongly reminded of the unique blending of drama and comedy. This is heavily featured in S1 as well (another S1, S4 parallel). No matter what is going on the series finds a way to insert some comedy (even with heavy drama) which only makes the episodes stronger. I have never seen a series do this so flawlessly.

I’m not sure why Hannah’s mom didn’t find a different way to tell her instead of showing up at the door. The entire cold speech was bizarre. It’s not what she said (since you cannot deny reality) but how she said it.

I love the running theme of Ephram asking to sell Andy’s stuff earlier in the season and now he is trying to steal food. LOL.

It was wonderful seeing Andy and Ephram truly heal their relationship in S4. I am thankful we received this because it was a must before the series concluded.

Amy was so naturally sweet in this scene.

Outside of the son dying due to accidentally being shot at the hands of his father while hunting (Chris Penn, 3.17) I can’t think of a more heartbreaking medical case.

Greg did a fabulous job of showing Ephram’s reaction.

Emily’s comedic lines were hilarious. I wish Bright would have told Amy that Ephram was very upset.

You can feel Nina and Jake starting to crumble.

Hannah’s mother was awful.

Ephram telling Reid to stop dating Amy was shocking. I liked it because he was showing passion and emotion finally compared to the end of last season. But logically analyzing I have to say it was pretty cruel of Ephram to go there.

It was a beautiful scene.

Their Peanuts exchange was so cute. Yes, Ephram didn’t tell Amy how he felt. But if you listen closely to what is being exchanged and their banter, you can tell how much they both yearn to be back together.

It was so beautiful.

I just did not like Hannah’s mother and was shocked she was supposedly Nina’s best friend. The way Hannah’s mother reveals shocking truths to Hannah, the Abbott’s, makes it seem like she was an unfeeling sociopath going there. Very strange. I felt so sorry for Hannah and then Bright and Amy.

What a scene.

Ditto.

Excellent thoughts as always, Jerry!

jediwands

Right back at you.

The best. Pure Gold. We needed this in the final season. True healing. Imagine if we wouldn't have received this healing between father and son? The entire premise would have been damaged and incomplete.

It is a pleasure watching these two, thinking about how far they have come in order to receive this genuine friendship.

They barely talked in S1. It seems weird they didn't just heal from and mourn Colin's death together in S1/S2. They couldn't. They were not close enough as siblings. They had moments (Bright replacing Colin during the homecoming moment at school) and they were part of the trio with Colin growing up. But it was always featuring Colin. They were never genuinely close siblings. Not until later on like they are now. It is too bad because they both could have leaned on each other due to Bright driving the truck and Amy developing bad depression, losing Colin in general. S2, they not only couldn't help each other, but they had major issues/fighting. Maybe a part of them realized they should have been close enough to help each other but they couldn't because they were not close enough. Now in S4, they are very close and can talk to each other about nearly everything which is so great to see.



Everwood comes with the layers always. One of a kind. Seems so silly ever putting so much time and energy into a show like Dawson's Creek after watching real quality in Everwood.

Exactly. I hate it as well and cheered when Ephram made the crack that Reid spent so much money on coffee it must be why he doesn't have enough to spend on shirts so he walks around shirtless instead.

100%. Absolutely. Hannah's mom was awful and good that your sisters allowed you to have time to get home for your father.

Yes no matter what, Ephram and Amy are moving forward together even if the title of their relationship right now is named gray.

I smiled when Linda was mentioned.

They really set up the storyline carefully. It even started early S3. This show is layered and so perfectly constructed.

That said, a case can be made too much time was wasted on Jake, even if it involved Nina and Andy/Nina (which is why I guess the writers felt the need to use Jake for so long).

Very sweet.

Same. I think that is precisely what the writers wanted the audience to do as well.





Me too but my reasoning for missing Kyle is he helps Ephram with his career options/becoming more nature, grounded. Kyle helps Ephram tremendously without even trying.

jediwands

This is great news.

It was such a confusing situation and one that they really needed to discuss, maybe even before officially making the decision to exclusively date. In an earlier episode, she told Bright she was not into anything with the word "sex" involved. Touching other parts should be fine and fair game based on her definition and the understanding between them. Like you pointed out earlier, it wasn't just about religion for Hannah and she even says as much in this episode. She said something about putting the bible aside (paraphrasing) it doesn't automatically mean you are ready. It is very confusing and you can see why they are destined for bigger issues in the future.

I do think Hannah felt really traumatized by her father's chronic, actively dying situation. She didn't even remember she was the one who asked to go to Everwood, she thought it was her mother's decision. This is due to trauma, Hannah literally couldn't clearly remember these things. But yes, obviously Hannah wasn't there so these things happened without her being there. Hannah's mom definitely should have told her earlier though. I also thought it was weird Hannah and her mom (I guess?) went on a sunny vacation at the end of S3 while her father was super sick. The entire storyline is just weird.

I thought it was such a gut punch when Hannah said this. I wonder if she felt guilty for not being there with her mom when her dad passed so she just said that because she felt she had to finally go home. But it was weird, this entire storyline was super bizarre. Where the hell has her brother been this entire time? Strange. Exactly. Her brother is on his own/away so why not have the mother move to Everwood. She could be with Hannah and her best friend, Nina. She does not have to stay in Minnesota now that he passed away. Go to your daughter and best friend and start over.

I completely agree. Ephram was totally wrong telling Reid to stop seeing Amy. I liked that he had passion and we see how much he loves Amy but at the end of the day he wasn't correct making this request. The least he could have done was honor what Reid said and TELL Amy and he didn't even tell her. It was definitely a messy situation. Ephram should have told Amy at her house.

I agree! The ultimate betrayal happened to her. I wanted to know what happened! Did she stay for the surgery? Did her father survive? What happened to them? So many questions left unanswered. I loved that Ephram talked with her though.

100%. We know from Sam she was there but never saw her which is disappointing. Andy and Ephram have some amazing moments as they heal together in S4.

Great list!

Reid was really used and abused in this one. He was, and he handled it beautifully. Hell, if Ephram had his way they would have even kicked Reid out of the apartment. Reid handled the situation with class, zero drama or fighting back when it seemed obvious both understood Ephram was in the wrong.

Jerry D

I wanted to talk a little about Ephram not telling Amy how he felt. I think that in many ways, Ephram found it hard to express his feelings, and right now, I think he's just afraid that if he told Amy how he felt, she would reject him (and she did reject him in a way after they had sex and he said "I still love you," so he just lost the nerve to tell her how he felt. I think that Ephram expresses how he feels through, as Amy put it "grand gestures," instead of saying how he feels, while Amy is a very expressive person. Just look back at the Ferris Wheen scene. Amy spoke from her heart to Ephram (while starting everything off with her own "grand gesture," and she said a lot of things to him, while in contrast, Ephram didn't say nearly as much to Amy as she said to him.

I can remember not being able to tell girls I liked that I liked them when I was young, and I also remember getting my heart broken when I did tell a girl that I was crazy about how much I liked her only to be rejected by her, so I could empathize with Ephram not being able to tell Amy how he felt.

As a side note I'm really glad that we're doing this rewatch as I'm catching things I had forgotten about since I first watched the show. At one time, I thought that Ephram's relationship with Andy was never the same after Madisongate, but as we saw in this episode, that's not true at all, and I loved that Ephram told Andy that he forgave him a long time ago.

Jerry D

But Minnesota is such a great place to live! After all, you live there!

I'm glad that Hannah's mother was gone after the next episode. I didn't like her.

jediwands

That’s very true. We even saw Ephram struggling with finding the words in S3 when Amy told him she loved him and he wanted to come up with a creature way to express himself as well.

In addition, I also think he was respecting Amy’s wishes. Amy told him even as far back as the end of S3 she needed space and time. Before he left for Europe she was starting to reject anything emotionally with him because she was so devastated over the break up, she was very upset over her mom, she just could not handle anything serious. Her heart was either breaking or shutting down from the pain. When Ephram returns from Europe and they had the scene at her work late at night she confirms she still needs more time. So he certainly understands she’s running away from fully embracing their connection even in the present. Even in this past episode when they were bantering you could tell Amy still puts up this tiny wall in front of her so he cannot completely penetrate her space. She is still guarding and protecting herself. I know all about this because I experienced something very similar.

So yes, I think Ephram certainly logically should have told her. Reid made sense. But at the same time when you think about their history and how much Ephram is respecting Amy at this moment it does make sense that he’s waiting for the right time when not only is he fully ready but she is ready as well. Yes, as we will see in a couple episodes what happens when he finally does tell her he’s still in love with her. Of course they had sex and I think the scenario might have been different if they were just walking around eating french fries like they were in S2 and he told her he still loved her versus sleeping together once again. Amy might not have freaked out as much if he told her he still loved her after a walk versus sex. That said, I am absolutely thankful Ephram told her when he did. It was the perfect moment because he was clear he wasn’t just hooking up with her due to the past or to just get lucky. He slept with her because he’s still in love with her. It was very important for her to hear this from him even if it didn’t allow the reunion right away.

jediwands

Awe!

I am so glad as well. I didn’t like her either. Hannah makes it clear her issues with her mother was a long-term thing too. No wonder Hannah felt the need to get away.