Though it was originally my
intent to discuss episode 2.08 of Out With Dad on this post, I find it
impossible to think about ep. 2.08 without thinking about ep. 2.09 also.
There’s just so much in both about Claire, everyone’s favorite new
character. So this review is just going
to have to discuss both episodes together.
Now—on with it!!
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| I've been waiting to talk about this scene since I first saw the picture, so long ago... |
“Out With PFLAG, Part II”
begins with Rose talking to Claire on break from the group discussion. There is just so much good stuff (meaning
well-written interactions) in this conversation. First, I just love Claire’s personality! She has a “talk first think about it later”
attitude towards life! (In episode
2.09, “Chatting with Claire”. We see this even extends to “type first think
about it later”!) The contrast with
Rose’s quiet, contemplative manner works great. I also love the way Claire
doesn’t know why Rose is at the PFLAG meeting, and guesses it has something to
do with her dad and Johnny. Such an
assumption is in character and understandable I think. Rose mentioning her mother was a touching
moment, too. Rose and Claire seem to
have a nice chemistry. Ah, but how much
chemistry?? (By the way, Claire, as
portrayed by Caitlynne Medrek, really is
adorable.)
Maureen’s story reminded me of something I was
commenting on recently (here),
about how someone’s life can take a very tragic turn when there’s a lack of
support from family. And knowing this
is not a fictional account, but rather a dramatization of a true account shared
by a viewer makes it even more tragic. I’d like to especially thank the people
who were willing to submit such stories.
I know that if they affect me so much, they must really mean a lot to
people who are going through situations like the characters in this drama.
It was nice to hear a light story like David’s. I think for every person who treats someone
badly because of their sexuality there are many more of us who treat such
persons as we would anyone else: with dignity and respect.
Rose was true to character, with her hesitancy to
speak. Nathan was excellent, saying all
the things he needed to say (though I keep thinking he still needs to tell his
daughter he’s dating!). When Rose did
speak, her words were profound. Her
desire to put the Genie back in the bottle is sad but understandable.
The portrayals by the actors in this episode were
fantastic. Just fantastic!
Chatting with Claire was a lighter episode, but still
very compelling. As I’ve noted before,
my favorite thing about this series is how it makes me think about things. It’s amazing how much a little 7-minute
story had me thinking! The details put into this little episode with very
little spoken dialogue and only one character present are amazing! And I’m not just talking about the cameos by
other Toronto web series on the Facebook page!
The little things like Rose deleting half of what she types while Claire
types away then apologizes for what she has said are the little things that
make this show so engaging. Even Rose’s
hesitancy when befriending Claire is so spot on and so well acted by Kate
Conway! I love the focus on her wringing hands. Allow me to digress a bit while I gush about how well Kate does
in this episode with very little actual dialogue! You can see everything Rose is thinking and feeling! Just a wonderful job! I even think it’s worth mentioning that many
times in movies and television when a character types the character says aloud
what they are typing. Director Jason Leaver doesn’t use this convention,
though, and I think the episode is more realistic and dramatic because of it.
The two main plot threads of this episode are setting
up the trip to the museum next episode and Rose’s Facebook information. Claire notices that Rose’s info says Rose is
interested in men. Certainly something
Rose entered before she realized her own sexuality. In the end Rose decides not to mention who she’s interested
in. I like her decision. I don’t see a reason for her to have to be
public with such information.
I really like the relationship between Rose and
Claire and it will be interesting to see how it progresses. I know there are many people out there who
want them teamed up romantically instead of Rose and that other girl…you
know…what’s-her-name…the redhead…
In conclusion, both episodes were great! I’m really looking forward to the next
episode, coming May 3rd! The
show is wonderful. In fact, It’s
totally….dare I say it??
Awesomesauce!!
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