Save Me Review

Okay...so it needs a little work, but it's suitable for now.  I won't have time to work on it till next week and I wanted to get it posted before the new episode.

So here you go.

I liked this episode. I had mixed thoughts after seeing it. After watching it three more times I still had mixed thoughts, but I definitely enjoyed the episode.

I felt like there was a ‘how our society see and reacts’ theme (Nate’s story) that portrayed a realistic view. On the same note the actual case was a ‘non-attention-grabbing’ case and I had guessed the outcome five minutes into the episode. As Lara says though, sometimes it’s not about the case, but the theme or message it portrays. I agree with that, but at the same time I like to be entertained, kept guessing, feel some suspense. I loved last week’s episode for that. So that’s why I’m a bit divided. I loved Nate in this episode but I felt the episode lacked any real tension. And I think if it had that tension (along with Nate’s story) it would have made the episode that much stronger.

I liked this episode. I had mixed thoughts after seeing it. After watching it three more times I still had mixed thoughts, but I definitely enjoyed the episode.

I felt like there was a ‘how our society see and reacts’ theme (Nate’s story) that portrayed a realistic view. On the same note the actual case was a ‘non-attention-grabbing’ case and I had guessed the outcome five minutes into the episode. As Lara says though, sometimes it’s not about the case, but the theme or message it portrays. I agree with that, but at the same time I like to be entertained, kept guessing, feel some suspense. I loved last week’s episode for that. So that’s why I’m a bit divided. I loved Nate in this episode but I felt the episode lacked any real tension. And I think if it had that tension (along with Nate’s story) it would have made the episode that much stronger.

I’ll say, that while the murder investigation kind of dragged on for me I have to give credit to the episode. The issue of how society deals with mental illness I thought was well portrayed and believable. The comments the neighbors made and Woody’s own comments are not uncommon. That’s not saying they’re right or okay to say, just that people do react this way.

Jordan and Kayla: It’s not about quitting, it’s about letting go. Once again Jordan loses another person in her life. This might not be quite as dramatic as her mother being murder, James jumping off a building or Max leaving, but it’s still a heartbreaker for Jordan. Jordan loved Kayla. In a short amount of time those two bonded. They both needed each other. And for once Jordan had someone.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Jordan would have made a good mother to Kayla. Sure there would have been trying times, and mistakes made. What parent doesn’t encounter these moments? Jordan would have stuck it out seen it through: she’s not a quitter. When she marched into that room and said she wanted Kayla back she meant it—joys, heartache and trials. I understand why Jordan wanted to fight Kayla’s mother. In the end she realized it wasn’t her right.

Letting go, Jordan did, but at what cost? Mentally this is another crack in the stronger ‘new’ Jordan we’ve seen this season. Her world is falling apart in many ways. A failed relationship with JD, opening herself up to Woody only to be rejected, memories of her mother resurfacing and now the lost of Kayla. That’s a lot for anyone to handle. Especially and emotionally fragile Jordan. The writers are setting the table up nicely for Jordan’s ‘break down’ (reverting to the Jordan of season one).

A few words on Kayla. She’s a strong girl. She’ll be okay. Jordan isn’t ‘completely’ gone from her life. And her mother wants to be there for her. When you have people who care for you, things usually turn out okay. Kayla will adjust just fine with her mother.

Jordan and Garret: Initial thought of most people seemed to be “Pot calling the Kettle” when it came to Garret’s blatant objection to Jordan becoming a parent. I don’t think that’s the case. I think his actions were completely within his character right now. Granted it didn’t exactly win himself any brownie points, but it was totally believable. Yes it was mean, but that’s the frame of mind Garret is in right now. He’s not going to sugar coat anything he says.

Garret’s never had a great relationship with Abby, so I’m sure some of his doubt comes from his own inadequacies as a parent and his inability to relate with Abby. He sees the ‘worst’ (the pessimist) rather than the ‘best’ (optimist) that Jordan is seeing. In reality it probably would have been somewhere in between. Either way while his reaction might irritate me on a personal level I don’t think Garret was out of line. Sometimes friends are the ones who have to tell you what you don’t want to hear.

It’s not about quitting, it’s about letting go. (yes I'm repeating myself) Perfect words. I was glad in the end that Garret did show support for Jordan. He might not have been in favor of Jordan being a mother, but he was there to offer some sage advice when things fell apart.

Jordan and Woody: I can’t wait to see Jordan blow up when she learns Woody is dating Lu. At the same time, Jordan’s gotta have some inkling of an idea that something is going on with Woody. If nothing else the “I’ve got plans” has to sink in (after she’s digested Kayla leaving) and she realizes he’s probably got plans with someone.

Woody, Woody, Woody! Okay this guy is complicated. This season has developed Woody and made him much more three-dimensional, but a gosh darn complicated 3-D. From week to week I can’t seem to make up my mind about Woody and his actions. The only thing I am consistent on is that this driving force behind this change in Woody is a result of Jump Push Fall. It’s Woody’s LACK of dealing with the shooting—which (in my opinion) has spawned a string of insecurities in Woody that’s been a result of all his actions—from anger to happy-go-lucky. It’s as if Woody doesn’t know who he should be, so he’s being anyone but himself.

That said I believe that Woody’s actions with Jordan were sincere. He never questioned Jordan when she asked for a recommendation or told him she was applying to be a foster parent (he question himself, but not Jordan). He didn’t make any judgements and at Jordan’s comment “You too” he responded no. The letter at the end…well I think it was his was to show his support, to re-establish their friendship, which has kind of been on rocky ground.

Lu and Woody: So I find Lu and Woody FASCINATING. Sorry guys, but I like those two. His relationship with Lu compared to Jordan is so different. Never has he been so assertive with Jordan as he’s been with Lu.

He’s not afraid to push Lu against the wall and give her a piece of his mind, yet he is afraid to tell Jordan how he feels about her? (yes I’m sure Jordan’s issues have something to do with it). Another aspect to this two-sided Woody is that Lu gets Woody. She calls him on his actions and doesn’t seem fooled or surprised by much. Jordan and Woody have played a lets dance around our issues game, where Lu and Woody actually TALK. You’ve seen them (Lu and Woody) work through more problems in the few months they’ve been together, than Jordan and Woody have in four years.

If you watch their interactions and the looks Lu gets on her face when Woody does something…well I feel as if she’s collecting clues and putting a puzzle together. Keep watching her closely. She’s a lot more complicated and interesting than people are giving her credit for.

Nate and Lu
I figured out the outcome of Nate's storyline the instant we met the neighbor and his son. It was okay for me, not brilliant, just ok. Lu impressed me. She’s not a ‘simple’ character. In this episode she was compassionate and understanding with Nate, dealt with Woody firmly and calmly and played the pissed off cop when interrogating Eric at the end. I think she gets people—has a good understanding of them. She knows what attitude and demeanor to use for whatever situation she’s in. That can be lethal, and I see how it makes her a good cop.

Bug, Nigel and Lily: I was surprised at Lily, Bug and Nigel. I know Jordan’s not ‘known’ for her cooking skills, but that they didn’t realize just how serious Jordan was about becoming a foster parent…they should have picked up on it. They’re supposedly her good friends…as they proved when they went to the Social Worker at the end…so that made the joking at the beginning totally thoughtless and, honestly, mean. They know Jordan. She doesn’t do things lightly. My heart was aching for Jordan when they were joking. She’s already got some doubts about taking on such a responsibility and here her friends are reinforcing her doubt.

Okay last thought. Nigel and Lu? It’s got a nice ring to it huh? I was laughing so hard at the Nigel-Lu scenes. Can’t wait to see more. I love Lu interacting with the morgue. Better yet she’s fitting in. There’s an easiness about her now when she’s at the morgue. You can tell she feels more comfortable in this setting, much more so than she did at the beginning of the season.

Episode vs. Arc
I know this has been discussed before, but I bring this up because in this episode suddenly the “Arc” format really stood out. The power of the arc format I think is starting to work for CJ. It took me a while to acclimate to it. Four years of episodic episodes…well an adjustment period is expected. I’ve felt the continuity over the past few episodes that’s pulled the rest of the season into focus. Suddenly it seems as if the first 14 episodes make sense.

And one last thing. I think this arc format has allowed our characters to grow in leaps and bounds this season. Jordan has matured so much it’s almost mind boggling when you think about it. And even Woody had grown because of this continuous story line. I definitely think it’s been a plus for character development.

Notes:

- LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the opening scene with Macy on a warpath and the drums beating in tune. Awesome opening to the episode.
- It was wonderful to have the old Nigel and Bug back. I love those two working together and the music game and ‘Lindsay Lohan’ was hilarious. The banter was fun.
- The way Lu just popped out the random fact about possums was hilarious. And Nigel’s reaction even more so.
- And honey cakes should not be a term of endearment. Yeah I’m not a sappy person. Peaches, sugar buns and ‘honey cakes’ make me groan.

I went back and forth and finally decided on 3 ½ dead bodies out of 5. I just needed a bit more suspense for this episode to really pack a punch. I liked it overall though.

Comments

[Tee]

I know it's probably too late for a comment but I just wanted to know the name of the song in the end of the episode, with Jordan letting Kayla go, and after Woody leaves...

it goes like this :

Why don't you save me?

Anyway, I enjoyed the recap,

Cheers,

T.