|
Post by forte on Nov 7, 2011 15:34:07 GMT -8
{{I wonder what's going on with Mary (as far as her priorities are concerned).}}
I kept this in the back of my mind as I watched today's episode and I think you are right. Even though Mary was more interested in LJ today, she still didn't make it THE priority which you would typically expect of a close family member. She really drew out the story about Jack when talking with Faith, for instance. I would have thought that journalist Mary would have known that missing toddler was the real headline.
Okay, I had to wonder if Bob had temporarily forgotten LJ's name. Twice he said we "found the kid." Huh? The kid? I realize that the Ryans and Bob believe that LJ, by benefit of being a Ryan, is heads and tails above the rest of the population, but really, the kid? The only other reason I can think of is even more disturbing to me. That is, that he wasn't using LJ's name in order to protect Frank from the press. This disturbs me because I would hope that LJ's family would be more focused on him than on his father's campaign at a time like this. But then, I guess that's why I've never had the loyal, some would say slightly fanatical support from a group of people all in the name of getting me a prestigious job.
I wonder, if Frank was so concerned about LJ being cold (and who wouldn't be in that situation), why he didn't wrap his jacket around the little guy. Frank comes in wearing his jacket, holding LJ, and reporting how cold he is. Frank needs a little practice in problem solving in my opinion. And then, LJ gets tucked into bed. He's had no food for how long and they just put him to bed with a little juice. Riverside Hospital is a little impractical sometimes. After all, as Johnny said, LJ is "THE CHILD OF FRANK RYAN." They couldn't locate a little apple sauce or pudding for the heir apparent?
I'm worried about Dr. Wolfe. He seems to be on Mary's hit list. He's making her want to hit him - can a slap be far away? I hope they've warned the doctor so that he knows to stand back when he next visits Mary "The Chin" Ryan (fenelli.)
|
|
|
Post by originalbunnymom on Nov 7, 2011 18:07:13 GMT -8
I <HEART> Forte!!
Most EGGSELLENT post, IMHO!
It made me think and smile and cringe all at once -
It also deserves a Puca <heh heh> - again, just MHO...
Marianne
|
|
|
Post by forte on Nov 8, 2011 15:36:40 GMT -8
I <HEART> you right back!
|
|
|
Post by forte on Nov 8, 2011 16:20:07 GMT -8
OK, just saw today's episode and I have a few questions.
1. Does anyone else worry that Tom may be lurking outside Mary's door a little too frequently? He definitely did not look pleased when Mary was talking with Sister Jo about Jack coming by. I was a little concerned for the teddy bear he was playing with during the phone call. Also, he seemed to pop up from nowhere when Johnny came out of Mary's hospital room and what is the coincidence that he just happens to have an in with a piper? It seems to me that Tom may be auditioning for the role of Johnny's new son-in-law before the role has been officially vacated.
2. Does anyone else think, like our dear sweet Pat, that you can cure low blood sugar with a little cold water? I have some experience with diabetes and let me confirm to you all that cold water will not elevate blood sugar that is so low you are close to passing out. (I guess this one qualifies as a Public Service Announcement. Sorry; getting off my soapbox now.)
Dee, the Damsel in Perpetual Distress, is still in search for a champion. She wanted Johnny to stand up for her with Frank; she wants Pat to stand up for her with everyone, all the while she continues to put forth her own case quite frequently.I think one of her lowest moments in the entire show was when she stated to Pat that other babies get lost. While that is a fact, I can't believe that most mothers would be so cavalier about the situation, even after the child is found safe.
We're now in the period where I think Dee becomes almost a caricature of herself. And Pat becomes a shadow of himself. And Seneca just looks at himself in the mirror a lot.
|
|
|
Post by faithcoleridge on Nov 8, 2011 17:22:48 GMT -8
Hi Forte,
I love your description of Delia as the Damsal in Perpetual Distress. It fits her like a glove. Yet, as Delia proved in manipulating the Ryans into forcing Pat to marry her to provide for "the babe" she can be very calculating in getting what she wants.
Rainbows, Susan
|
|
|
Post by forte on Nov 9, 2011 14:17:09 GMT -8
That's one of the intricacies of her character. She can be so helpless at times (and even more interested in being viewed as helpless) yet when there is something she wants she is a dynamo. All intention and effort and no conscience. I guess that's why I'm still interested several decades after the initial run.
|
|
|
Post by faithcoleridge on Nov 11, 2011 23:11:06 GMT -8
I wonder...did hospital personnel move Mary to a different room? In the episode where Jack came to her room, but he didn't enter because Tom Desmond was there, and he overheard part of what Mary was saying about her father, the room was right across from the elevator, and we saw Jack turn around and head for the elevator. In later episodes, 500 and 501 I think, when people exit Mary's room, it faced a corridor, and we saw a framed print on the wall.
Rainbows, Susan
|
|
|
Post by forte on Nov 13, 2011 17:25:33 GMT -8
I didn't catch this but I think you're right. Maybe Mary figured out that she would have a better chance of actually seeing Jack if he couldn't get to the elevator easily and so asked to be moved to another room. Of course, what she should really do is somehow get Tom distracted so that he no longer stalks outside her room. Perhaps she could talk Igor into waving something shiny in Tom's general direction and then leading him to another part of the hospital. (For some reason, the hospital dungeon comes to mind. Kenneth did such a good job decorating it; it's a shame that no one gets to enjoy it any more.)
|
|
|
Post by faithcoleridge on Nov 13, 2011 23:20:30 GMT -8
I didn't catch this but I think you're right. Maybe Mary figured out that she would have a better chance of actually seeing Jack if he couldn't get to the elevator easily and so asked to be moved to another room. Of course, what she should really do is somehow get Tom distracted so that he no longer stalks outside her room. Perhaps she could talk Igor into waving something shiny in Tom's general direction and then leading him to another part of the hospital. (For some reason, the hospital dungeon comes to mind. Kenneth did such a good job decorating it; it's a shame that no one gets to enjoy it any more.) LOL, Forte! I love your idea of Igor or Woody luring Tom down to hospital basement that Kenneth so lovingly decorated for Faith. Doesn't Tom have a job he's supposed to be doing instead of always visiting Mary, who is still married to Jack?
Rainbows, Susan
|
|
|
Post by forte on Nov 14, 2011 14:19:29 GMT -8
Supposedly Tom is involved in public relations or something similar, but all I've seen him do is try to pimp out a nurse to distract Jack from suing the hospital for almost killing him. That, and helping out Mary's Da with the piper. I don't think Riverside Hospital is really getting their money's worth from him. Couldn't they drop his position and hire another doctor or nurse? It would seem to be a better use of their limited funds, IMO.
|
|
|
Post by forte on Nov 14, 2011 15:08:31 GMT -8
Frank made me laugh today during his conversation with Jill. "Were you in love with me or was I a friend you loved?" I can see where he might have difficulty telling the difference. That's one thing he and Seneca have in common. Although Frank may want to reconsider referring to Edmund as "the kid" in front of Jill; it sounds like he can be bothered to remember his name. Not the way to curry favor with the child's mother.
Jill needs to move to an apartment building with a doorman. She has drunk Frank at her door today; before it was drunk Seneca and Bucky at her window. I wonder if her neighbors consider her white trash because of all the men in various stages of intoxication that come to her door noon and night? With any luck they may take up a collection and offer to buy her out. She's bringing in the riffraff right and left.
Roger cracked me up with his "Mrs. Beaulac enjoyed my company." I'm sure she did, Roger. Bucky better stop antagonizing him or Roger may take a trip to Boston to have a little talk with Mrs. Carter. I'm sure she would enjoy Roger's company as well. ;o)
|
|
|
Post by seasonedrefinement on Nov 15, 2011 8:16:26 GMT -8
forte said, "1. Does anyone else worry that Tom may be lurking outside Mary's door a little too frequently?...It seems to me that Tom may be auditioning for the role of Johnny's new son-in-law before the role has been officially vacated."
Not only is Tom auditioning for the role, but he has a big in with the casting director. In fact, Tom's so desperate for the part that he'd probably be willing to change his last name from Desmond to Ryan (which would be a little difficult for the baby -- which he'd surely try to adopt -- as her name would be Ryan Finelli Ryan, or Ryan Squared for short).
And, for what it's worth, I wonder about the veracity of a comment Tom made while he was in Mary's hospital room (for the umpteenth time). As she began to talk about her situation with her estranged husband, Tom (the guy who's calculating as to how he can become the next Mr. Mary Ryan) says, "I think I've stumbled into something that has nothing to do with me".
Oh well, he's nothing if not persistent. I don't know how anyone can keep coming through a door only to see a face on the other side registering distinct disappointment because he's not someone else (in this case, Jack). Every time that door opens, Mary thinks it may be Jack. Given the fact that Mary has been told that it was Tom's presence that drove Jack away when he really was at the door, I'd think Mary would ask Tom to leave a note with the nurses' station if he has anything (or more accurately, nothing) to say.
forte said: "2. Does anyone else think, like our dear sweet Pat, that you can cure low blood sugar with a little cold water? I have some experience with diabetes and let me confirm to you all that cold water will not elevate blood sugar that is so low you are close to passing out."
Hee hee (in reference to your comment, not diabetes). My husband has diabetes, and I remember when he was scheduled for a medical test and had to fast. As a matter of routine, he injected himself with insulin in the morning. After the test, he skipped lunch, went over to Office Max, got disoriented, then dizzy, and finally passed out from dangerously low blood sugar (knocking over a huge display of something - he always does things in a big way, lol). The manager called an ambulance. Geez, if he had only known that cold water was the answer....
|
|
|
Post by Fia on Nov 15, 2011 12:19:19 GMT -8
Hee hee (in reference to your comment, not diabetes). My husband has diabetes, and I remember when he was scheduled for a medical test and had to fast. As a matter of routine, he injected himself with insulin in the morning. After the test, he skipped lunch, went over to Office Max, got disoriented, then dizzy, and finally passed out from dangerously low blood sugar (knocking over a huge display of something - he always does things in a big way, lol). The manager called an ambulance. Geez, if he had only known that cold water was the answer.... Ha ha, that story cracks me up. Not because your husband is diabetic, but just the whole string of events.
I can relate as I've been diabetic since I was 10. I've actually been on an insulin pump for the past several years. It helps me keep better contol. I wonder if your husband could benefit from a pump. They're costly, but if you have insurance, they pay for a good part of it.
|
|
|
Post by forte on Nov 15, 2011 14:48:20 GMT -8
What a coincidence. My oldest child has been diabetic since he was four.
|
|
|
Post by forte on Nov 15, 2011 15:45:59 GMT -8
I wonder if anyone has ever said the word "bagpipes" with quite the same gravitas as Jack. He made it sound like the most serious word in the entire language. Great acting; he portrayed such complex emotions for Jack and all with one little word.
I wonder if Jumbo knew that Jack didn't like him playing with Ryan's toy. He gave him the stink eye for a minute there. Jumbo should have remembered that Jack has a little issue with sharing, anything and anyone. I liked that Jumbo was dressed in a baby blue suit. I wonder if that was intentional to make Jack think about babies. Poor Giovanni; he is definitely outmatched by Jumbo, CIA Super Secret Agent. (That would be a show I'd watch; Igor could be his lab geek / friend / assistant.) As Jumbo says, "I got all day and tonight, too." Great tagline, Jumbo.
Dee certainly tried to put on her big girl panties today, didn't she? She was accepting responsibility and trying to take steps to address the trust issues her behavior had caused. But of course, that wasn't enough for Frank "judge and jury" Ryan. Of course, Dee lost the high ground when she started talking about "one mistake." I think Dee would truly benefit from both a diary and a calculator. A diary to keep track of all her "one" mistakes and a calculator to do the math so that she can keep a more accurate accounting of her errors. (Not that there aren't those around her who are more than ready to bring them up again, but I think it would be more helpful to have this information communicated in a less emotional charged manner.) In fact, I think there are a few characters who would also benefit from this. Frank, for one. He tends to forget his own little misadventures. Roger would probably keep his in a gold leaf and calf skin ledger kept in a place of honor on his mantle.
|
|
|
Post by faithcoleridge on Nov 15, 2011 16:00:40 GMT -8
"Roger would probably keep his in a gold leaf and calf skin ledger kept in a place of honor on his mantle."
Forte,
You are too funny! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Why don't we have an emoticon for laughing?
Rainbows, Susan
|
|
|
Post by fairplay28 on Nov 15, 2011 18:40:53 GMT -8
Great post, today, Forte. The diary and calculator are exactly what is needed, maybe by al the characters.
|
|
|
Post by riversideresident on Nov 17, 2011 17:46:01 GMT -8
Here is something I am wondering about. Why is it that whenever referring to Jack's home, they must state that he lives on Weehawken Street? "I'm going down Weehawken street to see Jack." " I know Jack will come get me and take me back to Weehawken Street." " Do you think Jack is coming to get you to bring you back to Weehawken Street" Even Jumbo got in to it the other day " Go get Mary and bring her back to Weehawken Street." And when he was relaying to Mary that Jack did show up at the hospital, he said, "he went to take you back to Weehawken Street." Enough already with the Weehawken Street!
Its as if Weehawken Street is like another country, albeit, a country they seem to be able to get to on lightning fast public transportation, as when they go from 168th to Weehawken in a matter of minutes (another one of my pet peeves!).
I can only assume (or in this case, presume), that since that neighborhood (which is now incredibly trendy and expensive) was much grittier, seemingly much more remote, and definitely less "family friendly" back in the 1970's, it is supposed to be some sort of contrast to the Riverside neighborhood which I think is supposed to have a small town feel in the big city. I think we're supposed to feel that Mary is really going far afield by marrying Jack, both literally and figuratively.
Still, it grates on me. I had to get it off my chest!
J.
|
|
|
Post by raggedycheryl512 on Nov 17, 2011 20:23:56 GMT -8
Here is something I am wondering about. Why is it that whenever referring to Jack's home, they must state that he lives on Weehawken Street? "I'm going down Weehawken street to see Jack." " I know Jack will come get me and take me back to Weehawken Street." " Do you think Jack is coming to get you to bring you back to Weehawken Street" Even Jumbo got in to it the other day " Go get Mary and bring her back to Weehawken Street." And when he was relaying to Mary that Jack did show up at the hospital, he said, "he went to take you back to Weehawken Street." Enough already with the Weehawken Street!
Its as if Weehawken Street is like another country, albeit, a country they seem to be ablme to get to on lightning fast public transportation, as when they go from 168th to Weehawken in a matter of minutes (another one of my pet peeves!).
I can only assume (or in this case, presume), that since that neighborhood (which is now incredibly trendy and expensive) was much grittier, seemingly much more remote, and definitely less "family friendly" back in the 1970's, it is supposed to be some sort of contrast to the Riverside neighborhood which I think is supposed to have a small town feel in the big city. I think we're supposed to feel that Mary is really going far afield by marrying Jack, both literally and figuratively.
Still, it grates on me. I had to get it off my chest!
J. I never knew W. St. was a real street until I started watching on S. N., and I began paying attention to the street names. Maybe someone thought it sounded gritty, being associated with the docks? Not a fit place for Mary Ryan, which is why Johnny seems to sneer the word each time he says it. And "Riverside" does have a nicer ring to it than "the street named for a town in New Jersey."
|
|
|
Post by seasonedrefinement on Nov 27, 2011 9:42:40 GMT -8
riversideresident said: "Its as if Weehawken Street is like another country..."
Hahahahaha! Great post! I'm not sure why this made my laugh so much, but it did! Actually, until you mentioned it, I didn't realize how often they use the words, "Weehawken Street", lol.
|
|