jediwands

Who did you watch Everwood with?

Alone? With family members? Friends? Significant others?

I feel like this show had a strong tendency to bond people together given how amazing it was due to the strong themes, storylines, beautiful characters and topics it covered. In addition, it was never afraid to tackle controversial topics either and that made it all the more priceless.

As for who I watched it with, initially I tuned in and watched with my mother and good friend. The three of us often watched together and sometimes even my dad joined us as well. Then around mid season 3 whenever I met Angela we would often watch together on AIM so I would do that with her while my mom, friend and sometimes dad were in the room as well. It was a wonderful combo LOL

In addition to answering the question of who you watched with, another question you could answer is was there a storyline you can think of that hit home in a strong way that caused extensive discussions with those around you?

Madisongate was a huge topic discussed with those close to me and of course that seems very likely given the material but I remember how it was divided as far as if Madison or Andy was more to blame. For instance while my mom didn't necessarily ever love Madison (she highly disliked her in fact) she did see why she might have been hesitant and followed what Andy was asking her to do even if technically it was the wrong choice. My one friend blamed Andy the most while another friend completely blamed Madison for everything while Angela also had wonderful thoughts and opinions on the subject (check out previous episode discussion threads LOL) as well which given her brilliant mind were not cut & dry and quite detailed and awesome to hear

I really do credit this show for creating such wonderful times with those close to me as it was nothing but pleasure tuning in with people I care about so very much.

So what about everyone else?

Who did you watch with and did you ever have extensive discussions with those close to you on a particular storyline or episode in general?

buffyannAlex

THat's a really interesting topic.

Unfortunaly, my boyfriend always refused to watch Everwood with me so it was always an alone experience. Which initially drove me here, on the boards, where I could discuss storylines with others. During late season 3 and season 4, I did talk endlessly about Everwood with Summer but she couldn't watch the episodes so I was sending her clips and we would discuss them all night after that. When I think about it now, it seems insane but it was just a show that you just wanna discuss, it's not just entertainement, there's definitely more to it.
And yeah, I remember talking a lot about the Madisongate, Ephram and Amy. Before season 4, Summer kept telling me "they're dead. it's over alex" and I was like "no, no, that can't be, have faith my friend"
I think Ephram and Amy is definitely what I discussed the most. heh.

After the show was over, I did make my parents and sister watch and they got hooked and we talk about it now, whenever I go see them. Since they haven't seen the while show yet, it's very fun to talk about it

jediwands

He's seen Emily right? Couldn't you persuade him based on the beautiful EVC angle?

Everything happens for a reason so I'm glad you BF didn't bite and watch with you otherwise you wouldn't have come here LOL

So nice of you to send the clips and so cute how you discussed all night after that. And absolutely SO TRUE this show is something you naturally feel the urge to discuss. You just do. It's not a show you watch and then move on. Once those credits roll it's like you replay what just went on in your head and you feel compelled to share your thoughts or listen to what others have to say about it as well.

That's you and Summer to a tee, both your personalities that is, the glass is half full aka Alex and the glass is half empty aka Summer

No really? What a shock

That's so awesome Alex and another way for you personally to relive this show and not only that but introduce and share it to those near and dear to you

jediwands

Double so instead of editing I'll talk about a time when my friend and I discussed Episode 20 and how powerful that storyline was whenever Harold performed the abortion on Kate because Andy was unable to, mostly due to Julia's death. Such intense, controversial stuff being shown and I remember when my friend and I first saw the episode instead of our usual banter even while the episode was airing (we always rewatched anyway LOL) we sat in silence and just soaked in the episode in an individual manner and it really wasn't until the end of the episode where we talked about it. Seeing Harold at church at the end is always the thing about this episode that I think of immediately as far as eye catching moments and of course the irony of conservative Harold doing the abortion while the typical liberal Andy couldn't do so.

Anyway I remember how my friend and I discussed this episode for a long while afterwards. We didn't have a debate of any kind, just overall discussion of what went on and both of us were in awe over how this show tackled the topics in such a bold and brave way. Only Everwood.

EverPotter

Excellent questions Michelle

My answers are pretty simple. My best friend in the entire world who literally means so much to me, her and I watched this series from start to finish, together. We never missed an episode unless either of us were sick and even then, we watched together when one or the both of us felt miserable physically but oh well, it was Everwood and wasn't going to stop us

So yes, my best friend and I, together, for four years watched this show and it was a beautiful thing as I love her dearly

As far as storylines or episodes we discussed.. Well, Madisongate was huge and since the both of us HATED Madison with a passion we both had the view that Madison, just like when she entered Ephram's life and had sex with a minor, everything else she did after that was all about wrong as well. She was a liar throughout and how ANYONE could remotely like her is beyond me but everyone's entitled to their opinion even if I can't relate

So we were shocked at the Madisongate situation, blamed Madison completely, KNEW it would damage EA in the short term as well as didn't like whenever Ephram shunned Amy even if maybe it was understandable. We both have the feeling that Ephram loved Amy way too much to not need her in his life especially during this moment.

The Madison band lie situation was another storyline that we both despised and it was amazing how we went from loving Ephram especially after EAs first time to almost hating him in the very next episode for being such an incredible unthoughtful prick. Thank God he made up for it but lying to Amy like that sitting in the car as he made the phone call canceling plans with her and claiming he was ill while stalking the place Madison was supposed to sing at was sickening

Another big one was during Amy's season 2 depression storyline and both of us wanted to strangle Harold for being so uncaring and uninformed about what was going on with his daughter. Refusing her antidepressants but saying they were fine for Laynie He claimed to love his daughter so very much but in many ways during this rough time for Amy he was more unavailable to her than ever and how that computed to love is anyones guess. He really was annoying during this time. Yes some could say Amy was annoying too but my God the girl had her reasons and she was dealing with a major mental illness that was overtaking her and her father, the MD, didn't see it or even care for that matter as all he thought about was wanting her to "snap" out of it. Doesn't work that way, Harold and you should have known better.

Okay, that's about all for now outside of stating that I love your thoughts Michelle on Episode 20, agree completely, and again, wonderful thread topic this is, thanks for starting it

jediwands

Thanks Erin and I enjoyed reading your post, it was outstanding, and how precious that you and your best friend shared this show together. Awe that's just beautiful

And I love your comments about how irked you were with Harold during Amy's depression, I couldn't agree more. That was so lame of him but I suppose the reality is sometimes the ones that love you the most are in denial about certain things because they feel like if they deny, they don't have to face it and probably this was Harold's thinking but still, very tough to watch and poor Amy. Man.

The other thing is Bright understood much more than Harold did regarding what was going on with Amy. Interesting to notice this observation.

'Tos

I watched it more alone mostly because I could bawl my eyes out, I think. My best friend watched a few episodes and was really into it, and my Mom would often sit down and watch bits of an episode and enjoyed it a lot too. She was more of a Jack & Bobby fan, though.

For me, it was the online experience that really added to the show and it was the show that brought me online in a big way. I've always just kind of lurked and sat back, but because it's always been a smaller internet audience I felt more comfortable getting in on the posts and such, but also just the show and how I just had something to say and I just couldn't shut up about. Unfortunately I didn't find this place until the series was about over, but I was almost addicted to posting about the show I think.

It's a show that just creates discussion and connection with these characters as Berlanti mentions in the sig. Because of the realism of the show, there was something everyone could relate to and always had something to talk about. As mentioned, the issues it touches on gets us involved, but also the mistakes these people make. I notice everyone talked about Madison and Amanda and Julliard (that was a huge one where I posted) and it's these mistakes and the consequences and watching how they deal with them that get us talking, saying "why?" or "I'd never do that!" but the mistakes are often pretty real because the characters are. Very cool element of the show. Again, stealing most of that from Berlanti on the commentaries.

I've just always been proud of the Everwood community all over in its ability to have civil discussions without the drama drama and also to have so many intelligent posters that can always wow me with what they post. It's a really special group of fans and of course that's a big part of why this place is so special. It's the fans and this show brought us together.

So a bit more nerdy of a post, heh, but with television I'm more of a lone watcher because I get pretty involved in the shows I watch so I don't want any distractions. Movies are more of the group thing for me.

Fantastic posts you three. Very interesting read from all of you!

jediwands

Tos what a wonderful post

Every post you create catches my attention but man just the first line of your post is like "Wow" and "Awe" You're so right on about this show forcing out so many emotions and crying is certainly a part of it. I'm not even considered a "crier" and I can't list how many times I've shed tears while watching because the number's too high.

And the thoughts you have on the online experience, absolutely agree. First of all FORTUNATELY you finally found us here because we're so happy you have joined us now because the thing is, sure Everwood might be over as far as new episodes being produced but we all know that the show lives on forever in our hearts and right here, we can all keep it alive and more vibrant than ever with our discussions as well as rewatching the series over and over again, then of course coming here and talking about it over and over again

I mean how can I possibly add to your brilliant thoughts right there? Way too perfect so all I can do is nod and agree 100% with you. So well said

Definitely and so true about how mature, civil and amazing the fans are of this show. A while back I thought it was just this board that has collected such mature posters and discussions, then I lurked a bit and found other boards that have close to the same thing going on and it was then where I came to realize there's a pattern going on here! Everwood was so amazing that it attracted mature, intelligent, and special people to watch it. That sounds maybe way too general and even lame but it's the truth. There's something about "an Everwood fan" that is so unique and different than another fan of a different show. The maturity, thoughtfulness, intelligence, in depth discussions that takes place between Everwood fans is simply the best I've ever seen here at FF and anywhere else for that matter. And IMO it's all due to what this show symbolizes. It's like we're all a product of the show and even an extension of it

The Crow

When Everwood first came on, it was a show I watched by myself. In fact, it was a show I frequently didn't watch all of. I watched the California feed, so it came on at 11 pm...usually I was the only one awake then. I forget what show I was watching instead...but it ended 30 minutes into Everwood. I'd watch that show, flipping to Everwood during commercials, and when it ended I'd catch the last 30 minutes of Everwood.

After Everwood sucked me in, much like a pod person, I turned my energy into converting someone else. That person was my sister. We've always been into similar shows, so it wasn't that hard. For the latter part of season 1 and the first part of season 2, she watched the show with me, and we screamed at the screen, laughed, and sometimes got teary eyed together. When she left for college, we still watched Everwood on the same night, just not together. She'd call and we'd discuss stuff...like Madison (I thought the M/E relationship was awesome; she was less enthused) or Andy and Linda (we both loved that relationship) or the controversial Andy/Amanda (both loathed that one)...

The person it was hardest to get to watch Everwood was my father. He secretly likes the show, but he would never admit it. So, he'd sometimes come in and watch, but he'd constantly make snide remarks to cover up the fact that he actually was paying attention. It was only in the later seasons that he'd own up to actually enjoying the show. He was just as mad as I was when Irv died, and he was just as disappointed and disgusted with Andy when he and Amanda got together.

As for storylines...I think that the Andy/Nina, Jake/Nina got the most discussion overall. My sister and I both loved Jake, and we both liked the Jake/Nina relationship. That of course meant we both commiserated over the fact that it was an ultimately doomed affair since Nina/Andy seemed to be predestined. Every week we'd try to decide if this was the week that Jake would do something horrible, or if this was the week he'd fall back into drug use, or if this was the week that he'd suddenly turn homosexual...luckily the show surprised us and kept Jake relatively nice the entire time and didn't stoop to the easy way out. She is the one I first griped to when Nina told Andy that she had left Jake at the airport: I believe my actual words to my sister were "That lying b@*th! That's a little bit of revisionist history there!"

Another topic we discussed was Madisongate. She was one of my few allies in defending Madison. When I'd come to the boards and read posts where Madison was getting torn apart for telling Ephram (even though he was a big loser baby about the whole thing and basically forced her to tell him), she was the only other person I knew that understood, and even agreed with my point.

jediwands

Alan your post just flowed, so interesting and fun to read

That's so interesting how you first got started watching the show and how you ended up watching it while you had another one you were watching as well, so amazing that you ended up getting hooked that way and more proof how easily you can get hooked on this show.

That's so great how you and your sister watched the show together and even continued on with the discussion whenever you weren't physically able to watch together.

And LOL regarding you father. That's so awesome how he loved it and hilarious how he was shy to admit as much until later on LOL

And that's good to hear how you had support at home regarding Madison and even Jake/Nina to an extent considering this board was rather harsh on both at times, Madison of course much more I was an Andy/Nina person but I didn't like Nina at the end whenever she was so passive and indecisive and left Jake for Andy. Truth be told I still don't know who the hell she wanted in the end, I know the intention was that she ultimately wanted Andy but honestly if Jake wouldn't have made the decisions for passive Nina who was too frustratingly weak to speak up, I bet she would have gone to LA with him, that's what was so weird with that entire situation. Jake saw the light while Nina even argued with him that it's not what she wanted, he leaves and she's all about Andy. It was a strange situation even if I thought the Andy/Nina pairing was destined and meant to be from the start, and I did pull for them but still... the way things were handled with the Jake/Nina/Andy triangle wasn't exactly a clear cut and perfect resolution.

Anyway, outstanding thoughts, Alan, what a great read and I loved hearing about your journey with the show

'Tos

Thought I'd bump this up considering Michelle's post in the OT2 thread, plus, this one hasn't been posted in for two years now, so posters have changed, and it would be neat to hear from those posters.

Thief Of Love

Old thread. Interesting.

I watched the show with my mother, but I can't say as I have any strong memories associated that; basically, we watched and did other stuff at the same time, heh (probably homework in my case, since the show overlapped with my college career, and cross-stitch in her case). We did discuss the show after the fact, though, and, while I was always more invested in it than she was, she still had her opinions. She liked Ephram, Bright, and Hannah a good deal; disliked Madison, Eyebrows, Colin, and S3 Andy; and was even less fond of Amy than I am, which...yeah.

everwoodfan52

I moved this over from the OT thread.

Quote by Michelle on watching Everwood with her mom.


I definitely agree with your mom on her Ephram/Amy feelings. I also was furious and disliked Amy for a time when she mistreated Ephram.

I agree with everything except the Madison situation. I did tolerate that and welcomed it at the time for reasons I have already stated many times!
Of course I hated the final development of their relationship.

ETA:Believe it or not....I am the only one in my family who watched Everwood. I began watching it on ABC family in the kitchen while I was preparing dinner. I was instantly hooked. I enjoyed watching it alone. I don't like distractions while watching something like that. It's the kind of show in which you don't want to miss a minute! Every scene is so precious.

jediwands

What was your take overall about Madison separate from the Ephram/Madison relationship?

So true! I had to have dead silence while watching or else I went crazy even if I was taping it. It didn't matter because I was so engrossed in the series any little distraction was beyond annoying.

When did you precisely start watching it, Betty?

Taryn74

First time through (when it aired on ABCFamily) I would record it on the DVR and watched it all alone.

I netflixed the first season a few months ago and had hubby watch some of the more "important" eps with me. His comments most of the time were along the lines of - "How can you watch this show? It's TOO DAMN SAD!"

Now we own seasons 1 and 2 and hubby and I are watching thru them together. It's slow going since he's gone so much (works 2 hours away, 10 - 12 hrs a day) but he's enjoying it. He still thinks it's too sad though. Heh.