Back to IFF, Lee is standing in front of a snazzy street map of Washington DC, using a pointer to indicate where he is talking about.
Lee: Nabuti’s motorcade will come down Constitution Avenue and turn right here. This position is Alpha. Beta and Gamma, here and here…
…Omega is in position right here at the mansion.
The shot widens to show they are in a conference room, with Billy and four other nameless agents back from goofy golf to join in by looking interested..
Billy: I want all of you to rehearse the timing of these movements until they become second nature. We have to be prepared for every emergency.
Hey this is interesting.. it is almost exactly what the baddie Tucker was saying – timing is everything.. well almost! The baddies are practicing.. the goodies are practicing.. just who will win?! 
Billy nods to Francine- you’re up!
Francine [placing plus signs on the map]: these are the possible ambush sections. They are also the 
best places to mount a coordinated attack.
[What no pointer for Francine?! these plus signs are too funny!]
Lee points: and of course, right here, at the mansion.
Billy: how are the security systems coming along?
Lee: It’s right on schedule. Jordan’s doing a bang up job.
Seems by all accounts Jordan is a good guy who does a great job.
A nameless agent enters and hands Billy some information.
Billy: This is a dispatch from the Ubondwa government, confirming the fact that the communist 
rebels have hired a mercenary hit squad. Three, maybe four members. [LOL love how they know the number of members!]
Lee: Right under our nose, waiting for the right moment to move.
Billy: well, that’s a moment we won’t give them. Call out all available manpower. [available staff Billy!]
Billy exits, everyone collects their papers and begins to exit. Outside we see Amanda is waiting for them to come out. She’s still wearing that outfit so this is the same day as Byron offered her the job.. looks like she’s come straight back to the agency.
Billy smiles at seeing Amanda waiting..
Billy: Good timing Amanda! (then to everyone) All right people, let’s get cracking!
Francine exits the conference room, entering the bullpen saying to Amanda: Okay, Oh I hope you don’t have any PTA or Goofy Golf tonight, it could be a late one! [whoo hoo! goofy golf mention! 
] Lee follows behind Francine.
Lee and Amanda silently smile hello to each other.
Billy, Francine and Lee are gathered around Amanda.
Lee: Amanda, could you handle these files? I’ll need printouts on-
[LOL I love how Everyone comes out with something for Amanda to do, and fully expecting her to do it. Naturally! they are so use to having her there..]
Amanda hangs on to the furniture here, her fist in a ball. I think she is not looking forward to this..
Amanda cuts off Lee here…
Amanda: No, I’m sorry I can’t. [Amanda nervously clears her throat]
[Whoa! they are not use to this!!! Everyone looks up at her.]
Lee is confused: What do you mean you can’t?… 
…Are you alright?
[I love that Lee’s immediate reaction is concern for her. Not cranky or indignant. Amanda? say no?]
Amanda: Oh yeah I’m fine…
(working for pittance? she wasn’t fine. IMHO! Though I think Amanda appreciates Lee’s caring enquiry here )
… but I just stopped by to say goodbye…
…Well, not really goodbye, because I’ll still be around.
Lee frowning: Wha- What are you talking about?
Amanda:Well, Byron Jordan offered me a job as his executive assistant at double my salary.
Francine: hoooo nice touch.
Francine is impressed! I think Amanda’s expression here is like: ‘it was a great offer, I’d be dumb not to take it.’. I agree with her – I think it would have been madness for her to turn this down! To keep working with Lee? [I see Amanda at this stage as knowing Lee is wonderful- but he is not a future romantic prospect..] Good on her for not putting her life on hold for what at this stage would only be a bit of a dream!
Call me crazy but here- Francine almost seems to say: ‘good one Amanda!’ I think she is impressed.. her smiles don’t seem to me to be a ‘yippee Amanda’s leaving’ you know? What do you think? Of course, this is a great opportunity, but it is sad for Amanda to leave her ‘good friends’.
Lee is stunned silent.
[BB knocks this reaction of Lee’s out of the park here!!]
Billy responds: Jordan’s a good man.
We continue to see Lee and Billy react as Amanda continues: and I think I’m gonna take it.
Lee smiles a tiny bit.. to cover his shock here.. plus he can’t form any words he is so shaken.. But he must do something- after all, they have an audience!
This comment of Amanda’s that she ‘thinks’ she is going to take it? reminds me of Brunettes are in!
Where Amanda said to Lee in their fight: My resignation, I think I should probably give it to Mr Melrose.
Lee says: Well you do what you think is best for you, that’s all.
He doesn’t say- don’t resign..
So Amanda says: well, I will then I guess.. I’ll turn in my resignation.
Here again – we are talking of her resignation.. Whereas in Brunettes they were both mad, here they are not- but I do think Amanda is again putting it out there with this statement of hers: can anyone give me a reason not to take the job?? She’s thinking not.. but hey.. It’s like a last little check from Amanda before she makes that leap. Because if she had a choice, she’d prefer to stay at the agency and get a raise. Problem is.. Lee is still stunned and can’t think much less talk.. He isn’t in the position to offer her a raise.. and Billy isn’t offering.. and there is the dramas of the Nabuti threat which has just been confirmed to be real in the last scene.
Amanda looks at him and shrugs.
Amanda to Lee: I need the money.
IMHO Amanda communicates here- that she wishes she didn’t have to go. But she needs to. The agency isn’t able to offer her the money she needs to look after her family and her future. This is not about Lee.. It’s about Amanda and her family’s financial security.
Amanda gives Lee a smile.. IMHO asking him to understand why she needs to do this.
Lee doesn’t seem able to look Amanda in the eye- there’s so much chaos going on beneath that still exterior.. I can almost hear his racing thoughts from here! 😉
He nods and looks down at his paperwork.
Cue the close up on Amanda: (looking at Lee): I guess this means…
(then looking at the others speaking more loudly and 
looking at Billy) …I’ll be resigning from the agency.
[the agency can’t offer what Byron is. it’s settled..not one Lee can fix. (yet! )]
Finally.. a Lee close up!
Lee, nods, looking sad- so heartbreaking!!! and so powerful after everything they went through last week in Burn Out!!
wryly smiling: Oh.
[I can only guess this big: POW!!!! Lee feels here is scary- very scary!!! Amanda is so important to him now – being faced with losing her here reveals to Lee just how important she is to him. Plus, being surprised he was unable to prepare himself for it in any way and so he was hit with the full force of his attachment to Amanda.. Ouch!!! poor Lee!! ]
I think Lee’s thinking – ohhh crap.. I’ve just lost the best partner I’ll ever have! But I can’t argue.. this double salary is great for her future!
Lee looks back down at his paperwork. [what’s with the wry smile here? Lee maybe thinking: I should have known. Everyone leaves eventually?? how did I let her get so close to me?? ] thoughts anyone??
The scene closes with a final close up on Amanda, who raises her eyebrows, bites her lip and sighs very audibly. Amanda’s sad too.. Amanda seems to tell herself: there, I gave it one last go.. it wasn’t meant to be.. it’s done. I’m resigning.
A sad moment here huh! Well I am really looking forward to hearing your take on it guys! I suspect I may differ with some on this because I don’t see this being directly about romance (though in a way it always is as it’s all connected 😉 ). It’s about the practicalities of life. Amanda is looking after her family here. It’s not about wanting to leave the agency or anything to do with Lee IMHO.. and I see her as pleading with her eyes for Lee to understand this.
I think early Lee would have gotten angry here as a reflex- because this hurt him and that seemed to be his immediate response. But the lack of anger here to me shows greater maturity in Lee.. You know, I don’t think we’ve seen Lee be angry towards Amanda since Car Wars – where in hindsight it seems Lee finally managed to learn to control his anger when dealing with Amanda Hooray! I think Lee sees this resignation is not about him and he will need to come to terms with this decision because it is best for Amanda and her family. By not demanding Amanda stay or accusing her of anything- IMHO Lee puts Amanda and her family ahead of what he wants. He doesn’t want her to go. what do you think?
Such a bittersweet moment this.. This episode and it’s plot raises some really interesting ideas at this point huh.. about life, priorities, connection, acceptance and wanting what’s best for another.. and Lee and Amanda parting ways for pragmatic reasons outside of either’s control (at this stage – okay try not to jump ahead: I’m trying too! ) is a great way to raise these issues without pushing the relationship too far.. because IMHO neither are ready for that.
BTW – I love Amanda isn’t wearing the ear buttons! And has her diamond necklace back!
Wow.. it really shook up Lee here didn’t it.. Amanda leaving.. Remember what Lee was like in Double Agent? when there was a possibility they might be separated?? Interesting to compare his reaction then and now – back then.. he was able to keep up a front of yeah so whatever.. here? He’s not able to keep up this facade at all it hits him so hard- maybe it is also that it is so sudden here.. whereas in Double Agent he had a chance to mentally close himself off from what it all means before he had to deal with Amanda (hmm fan fic?!).
I think this episode has quite a close relationship with Brunettes are In – with the prospect of their working relationship coming to a close.. it’s interesting that both times the personal and the professional intermingled.. it always seems to with Lee and Amanda doesn’t it?!
Can’t wait to hear from you all!!! Share your thoughts.. your questions.. your theories.. your gripes.. whatever you like.. but don’t feel you need to have all the answers to share your thinking: None of us have all the answers right?! least of all me!! Also, feel free to just share what you think: but you don’t have to explain yourself if you don’t want to 🙂
byee guys!!! happy discussing!!
"Just walk with me.." 
I had seen a few references to this ep that hinted otherwise, but after seeing Burn-Out and the S1 ep where Lee goes undercover as an arms dealer, I just read the blurb and said “Oh give me a break. This is another one where they are faking us out! How many times do they expect us to be dumb enough to fall for this?”
Which actually makes airing this when they did kind of clever. We had the S1 ep and we’d just come from Burn Out, so anyone watching the preview is going to be more skeptical because we just got burned. Only guess what, this time it IS real! So they get us all over again!
But when Amanda is saying goodbye to Lee and you see the look on his face I honestly started crying. I knew she had to be back since this was only S2 but still, it just broke my heart! (Which makes four eps and eight different moments that have gotten me crying so far. I’m doing well here!)
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Yay…I’m not the new kid on the block anymore…welcome Lauren, where our obsessions with SMK are openly accepted and encouraged!..
Everyone said everything I was thinking only you said it far more eloquently than i could have…I’m just wondering if I will go into withdrawals once this ep is done while I am waiting for the next one?????? Lol
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Wow am I sorry I missed this post the first time around. There is so much emotion conveyed with unspoken words going on here between Lee and Amanda and even more I think going on below the surface. I wish SMK had more time to delve into Amanda’s decision to leave the agency. We didn’t really get to see the ramifications of it but I bet it was the hardest decision Amanda ever made.
I think in her heart Amanda does not want to leave Lee professionally or personally. I think that is why in the beginning she leaves the door open a little for Lee to stop her leaving by not saying she is leaving the agency but saying she is thinking about it. Amanda and Lee have become so close at this point and I think in the back of her mind Amanda has probably always wondered if someday there would be more between her and Lee than friendship. I am sure he has too(though he would deny it probably even to himself). I think it would be impossible for either one not to think it somewhere in the back of their mind because there has always been such a strong chemistry and underlying attraction between these two.
However, Lee has never been ready to deal with what I think has been between himself and Amanda all along. He knows Amanda is not the type of woman he can treat casually and the idea of getting seriously involved with her is not one he is ready to face yet. He maybe a tough guy in most areas but when it comes to love the man is scared and IMO emotionally undeveloped. And as much as I believe Amanda may wish Lee could give her more she can’t hold on to that wish forever, and she has a family to think about. She needs the money, but despite the reality of that I think she still feels guilty for leaving both the agency and Lee. She almost begs Lee to understand with her eyes.
However, despite all the practical reasons to take the job Byron is offering her I think if Lee just admitted that he needed her Amanda would stay. But he can’t do that, and not just because they have an audience. I think even if Amanda had discussed this with Lee in private he would have had the same reaction. I think how much Amanda means to Lee really just started crashing down on him in the last episode and he is not ready to deal with it yet. Also I think what everyone is saying about Lee feeling like he failed Amanda here because he couldn’t rescue her this time and another man did is absolutely true. He is not going to ask her to stay because he needs her when he feels like he failed her. Also my first thought by Lee’s facial expressions here were what Iswod said in the post, one way or anther the people Lee loves always leave. and now Amanda is leaving willingly. Lee is not going to risk being hurt even more by asking her to stay and then having her still leave.
And as nice as the idea is that Lee is letting her go because he is putting Amanda first knowing she is trying to do what is best for her family I don’t really see that here. I think the man is too overwhelmed with his own emotions. I think he pretends to understand but that is just part of him guarding himself. Other than having to put guards on them, the fact that Amanda has a family isn’t something Lee has to deal with yet. It isn’t front and center to him, shown to me by the fact that he always seemed to think she could drop everything at his beckon call. Short of the fact that she is a mother factoring in to the fact that Lee doesn’t see it as appropriate to get romantically involved with Amanda, I don’t know how much Lee really takes Amanda’s family into consideration at this point. To me that doesn’t come til season 4. I don’t think that Lee is selfish, a family just isn’t something he has ever had to deal with. To me the man just can’t admit he doesn’t want to let her go, and I don’t know how much he would consciously pursue a friendship with her. I think he might find that too painful. However, had Amanda left the agency for good I could see Lee showing up at her back window in moments of weakness.
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I like what you said here Misty.
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Where’s that darned LIKE button?
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Oh, I love the interplay between Amanda and Lee here. (Great job, KJ and BB!) I agree that without words it is so much better!
Yes, that WKS (white-knight-syndrome) of Lee’s has taken a bit of a beating here. It’s his job to rescue Amanda, and he doesn’t have the means to do it. In addition, he’s wrapped up in this immediate assignment with a fast-approaching deadline. Lee’s response includes a range of emotions here – he can’t fix it, he’s losing a good friend (though I do think he plans on staying in touch), and he’s looking toward what’s best for Amanda and her family. He’s a little blindsided, but he covers it fairly well. He can’t fully respond because he can’t fully understand it himself. He’s such a sweet person here, so different from Lee in S1.
Amanda shows that she appreciates him for being there and hates to leave. I do think she’s asking for him to continue to be friends, even though she’s leaving. She knows the old Lee wouldn’t have pursued the friendship, but she’s hoping this Lee will. I think she has hopes that their friendship has grown to that point, even though she’s not convinced that anything more could happen. (As so many of you have articulated well.)
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Whoa — how many different ways can Lee be faced with losing Amanda? Death at the hands of the baddies, death because of his own mistake, an empty shell that looks like Amanda but isn’t, kidnapping, drug-induced mental disorder, losing her trust and friendship through his inexcusable behavior, and now he has to lose her because she leaves voluntarily (although unwillingly). Is it any wonder he eventually comes to the conclusion that he never wants to lose her again? This set of episodes is so hugely significant.
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Like this!!
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LOL such a brilliant summary.. so true HappyCamper!! and yet…. Lee still fights his feelings for Amanda!!!! 😉
I was thinking about this..it must have been a shock that Amanda left voluntarily but at least he was in no doubt that it really wasn’t what Amanda wanted. She wanted to stay – so at least he didn’t face that rejection..
Oh yeah! Hugely significant!! Like
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Like like like!
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Love what you say here, happycamperO!
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And there must be huge irony (and perhaps bitterness) in the fact that what ultimately DOES take Amanda away from him isn’t any of those dangerous situations (which he could rescue her from), but something as mundane as financial constraints (which he was powerless to remedy).
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Awww, love the little hello smile Lee and Amanda share. They have a special bond – forged in Burn Out.
I do think Francine is a little bit impressed here with Amanda – almost like she has a teensy bit of respect for her for landing the position so quickly. I think she would give Amanda props for this. And I agree, iswod, Amanda would be mad not to take it and to put her life on hold for what is a bit of a fantasy.
Love Billy’s little side look to Lee – wonder what Billy’s thinking is going through Lee’s head?
I like the idea of Amanda sort of throwing it out there to these three to give her a reason to stay at the Agency. And your analysis is spot on, IMHO. What could Lee really say in front of Billy and Francine anyway? So far they’ve treated her as nobody or as somebody who is not special and could be replaced very easily. Billy and Francine’s reaction to Amanda’s news says to me that those two still think of her that way professionally. Lee on the other hand, may still view her that way professionally, but has gone so far down the friendship path with her that he now has a personal stake in this and is stunned and I think hurt that she will be leaving and not available to work with him anymore.
I love this post, iwsod, such a good job with the screen caps and commentary!!! I just keep nodding and nodding my head over and over!
I’m not sure about that wry smile of his as he looks down at his paperwork. I think it may be a bit of trying to hide his true feelings and to perhaps look happy for Amanda, but he just can’t do it so he has to look down. He can’t look her in the eye just yet. I think Lee knows this is a good thing for her and her family financially so he does want to be happy for her but it’s not so easy anymore for him to push aside his feelings for her that quickly and recover.
I feel so bad for both of them here. It’s as if Amanda is feeling like she is closing the book on her career being Lee’s partner. I think she would very much like to continue doing that, but she can’t do it without help from the Agency. I agree that she is pleading with her eyes for Lee to understand it is purely a practical decision for her and her family.
I’m not sure about Lee not getting mad at Amanda. I can see him being mad a bit later after he’s had a chance to get over the shock of her announcement. I’m not sure about Lee putting Amanda and her family ahead of what he wants although if these two did talk about her decision I do think he would understand why she took the job. I guess I can see him doing that because he’s now known Amanda and her family for almost two years so how could he not put them ahead of his needs regardless of his emotional maturity.
IMHO the only thing that could have made this scene better is long hair on Amanda and a better outfit.
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This has been alluded to by several others here, but for me, one of the reasons Lee is so wounded by this moment is that he has always been the fixer and protector for Amanda. He’s the one that makes sure she’s all right. But he’s helpless in this case to ride to her rescue – but some other man is able to be her hero. Lee feels he’s let Amanda down.
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whoooo more chills!!!! Love this Kgmohror!! It’s a number of punches in the gut or Lee all at once isn’t it?!!!
A fabulous plot device this.. okay I’ve gotta go byeee for now!
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Ooooh! Never thought of that, kgmohror – Lee’s let Amanda down. That’s a tough pill for him to swallow. I don’t think Amanda sees it that way though, do you?
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Still looking for that ‘like’ button! You all make me think and reevaluate my own thought process constantly. It’s exhausting! Must find some chocolate…. 😯
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I pretty much agree with IWSOD’s take on this (excellent screen caps, so much more gut wrenching when seeing them like this).
Amanda is gutted, torn between necessity and what she really truly desires. Not suggesting Amanda has any notion that their relationship would go any further but they like each other (although suspect Lee is coming a little late to this party). It seems to me she although she might not be able to have Lee romantically, for her friendship is the next best thing and she desperately doesn’t want to let that go 😦 so tragic.
And poor Lee. Although hes come close to losing Amanda before he never expected this. Even her resignation in Brunettes was on the back foot of an argument. But this…..it’s different. He’s not pushing her away, she’s not in mortal danger……she’s having to make a choice. A difficult one which KJ manages to convey so well. Her eyes are begging him to understand and he seems shaken to his core.
Am I really glad Francine looks genuinely impressed rather than snidey. Love how Billy looks over at Lee, he sure doesn’t miss much 😉
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“Call out all available staff“?? ROFL – sounds like a rallying call to organise tea and scones for the Agency’s mid-Summer picnic. Sorry Iwsod, “manpower” is the right word here for a man of Billy’s generation and for the culture of the organisation they work for.
It’s probably a generational thing but words beginning with “man” don’t offend me. I’m not that ancient – we’ll just say mid late 40’s and leave it at that 😉 – but the word “man” in that sort of context I always understood to be a catch-all meaning man and/or woman, not meant to exclude women.
PS. I would put in a link here to a Billy Connolly You Tube video that thoroughly deals to PC talk, but it would definitely fall outside the PG rating of this site so I will resist the temptation. Anyone who wants a good laugh and isn’t easily offended can check it out if they wish.
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Ah yeah don’t mind me.. I know!!! I think I’m especially aware of it in the 80s context of the show.. you’ll hear more gripes like that from me no doubt.. don’t mind me 😉
Ah yes thanks Billy Connolly is probably not PG rated 🙂
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Cindy even if it were true that it was just a mild and nostalgic interest….at least you have heard of the show. I never have anyone to talk to about the show because no one has ever heard of it!! It’s so sad. People are missing out. My husband only knows about it because I watch constantly. He even suggested we dress up as them for Halloween next year…but he said no one would probably get it! lol
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I know what you mean. None of my friends has ever seen the show . . . but I’ve been working on subtly getting it into their heads. Muahahaha! 😉
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I mentioned to my old neighbour about my SMK obsession. Her reply……is that the show with the really fit guy in it? What can I say she got it right 😉
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Most of my coworkers weren’t even born when the show was on. I get blank looks in response to almost everything I say. It’s hell to get old (but we had the best TV. Neener Neener, whippersnappers!)
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This probably belongs at Ned’s, but I’m curious to hear which Lee and Amanda outfits you’d wear? Pirate Lee? Black jumpsuit Lee? Chauffeur? Tux? Amanda never gets to wear any good costumes does she? Reporter or photographer Amanda are it, right? Station 1 Amanda?
Sorry to go on. Welcome to the blog Lauren! You are now in with the crazy, SMK-obsessed people! Hope you enjoy the walk!
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Welcome Lauren, you have come to the perfect place to enjoy your obsession with SMK. I hope you feel free to join in the discussions.
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I meant to put that as a reply to Lauren, If either of you moderator types wants to fix that go for it.Thanks
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Hey Morley! sorry that is one thing we can’t do behind the scenes for ya! But.. you can always repost the comment in the right place and ask us to delete the original comment.. hope that helps! 🙂
Hey everyone! 🙂
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Having checked out the script at Petra’s site, it is interesting that this scene is fleshed out a lot more in the final filmed version. The dialog is overall briefer in the script and aside from mentioning that Lee and Amanda stare uneasily at each other, the essence of the more poignant silent conversation between them that was filmed is not conveyed in the script.
One matter the script does detail more than the filmed version is Amanda’s explanation as to why she is leaving. As filmed it was simply, “I need the money.”
The scripted dialog is, “I wouldn’t even think of this, but the boys’ schooling costs more and clothes, not to mention food. . .” It seems to me the writer’s intention was to convey that Amanda absolutely does not wish to leave the Agency.
The script has Lee asking Amanda at this point, “So what are you going to do?”, and Amanda simply replying, after a deep breath, “I’m quitting the Agency.” Interesting that the filmed version conveys so much more here without Lee asking that question.
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kiwismh I read this late last night and it gave me a chill!!! I don’t read all of the script of an episode, nor do I compare everything – I just don’t have time – so I LOVE that you shared this insight with us all.
It gave me chills because I got all that the script said just from their eyes and expressions!! (I hadn’t read this part) – I think that is a huge testament to what an amazing job BB and KJ did in this scene..
Hmmmm.. I think JWWM should start handing out our own version of the Emmy or something.. An Oscar the grouch? tee hee.. Ideas anyone? How about an Aluminium Sun to BB for this amazing performance??!!!! [Or is the Dean connection too icky?!- anyone??]
I don’t know!! but just wanted to let you know kiwismh that I am so glad you shared this part of the script with us. Soooo true what you say kiwismh- the filmed version conveys oodles without a word – sigh… bye!
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“Oooh! An aluminum SUN!”
How about a framed portrait for the sidebar? A la Dancing Weasel. Or a Tibetan ram’s horn?
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Love the idea, iwsod! Oscar the Grouches for the best baddies, Aluminum Suns for the best nitwits (not Lee – icky Dean connection) and Harry V.’s for the best good buys.
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Maybe a teacup or a bronzed baddie phone for the best baddies?
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Haaaa!! Yes a teacup!! good one LASinLA!
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ROFL! Perfect! I think SMK was the only TV show I’ve ever seen where so many of the bad guys are tea sippers!
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Those screen caps of Lee and Amanda’s faces are perfect!. The way Amanda has a two way conversation is brilliant. She talks to Bill and then she sends her own personal messages to Lee as well. She is asking for understanding and for him to not take it personally ( because a part of her knows instinctively that he might) and she is asking him how he might respond, could he do anything to change the circumstance, would he continue to be her friend outside of work. Poor Lee is completely blindsided, by the fact that she is leaving, by the fact that he couldn’t fix it, by the belief that is imbedded in his heart that anyone he loves leaves him, by the fact that he just categorized Amanda in the “one that he loves” category ( I don’t know if he truly articulated those words to himself, but that is the gist of where his little boy heart just went to), Oh there is so much going on here and it is all conveyed with some eyes and heads and mouths. Amazing!!!
I am so glad the episode is only beginning!
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Love this, Morley!
Poor Lee is right!
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I’d like to think that Amanda didn’t rush straight over to the Agency without taking at least a couple of hours to really think the situation through.
Agree with your analysis Iwsod but I still think Amanda also has the added burden of having to make the decision to leave knowing that she loves Lee as more than a friend, but as you say the reason she has made this decision is not about Lee, it is about the practicalities of life. How she feels about Lee would have just made the decision that much more difficult.
She seemed to me to have really steeled herself to get through what she knew was going to be a really tough conversation. She is the one looking really strong here, even though she would rather do anything than leave her job at the agency and Lee. She knows the security work won’t be as satisfying for her as her work at the Agency, and she’s got to be worried about not being there for Lee as his partner. She knows her work at the Agency and with Lee has made a difference. Ugh, what a crap decision to have to make.
For the first few moments I bet anyone could have knocked Lee over with a feather he was so stunned – I think not only stunned that she was leaving but also by how it made him feel. It’s a gut wrenching experience for him. He can’t even begin to process the feelings but to his credit he does handle the situation maturely and he does understand why she has to make this decision, but that look of loss and sadness in his eyes says everything about his inner turmoil. Amanda sees all this – what does she make of it? still thinking about that one – but still she stays staunch in her decision. Still, at the end we see in her eyes and tight-lipped expression that this conversation has taken its toll.
And one more wee point – I tend to think more time has elapsed than a week between this episode and Burn-Out. Even thought the episodes aired weekly, in my mind if SMK was happening in real time it could be 2,3,4 maybe as much as 6 weeks since Burn Out. What does everyone else think?
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Hey kiwismh, I never really thought that all these things were necessarily happening a week apart. I always figured it could be more than one week. I don’t think I see it being as many as 6 weeks apart though because I do think they all happen collectively over a year, if that makes any sense.
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It’s odd, but I like this scene, that last part I mean. There is such angst from Lee and he has just been blindsided. He knew Amanda had been struggling and it wasn’t within his power to do anything about it. Now, someone else has come along and fixed it and now he has to figure out how to go on without Amanda’s day to day presence. He is just struggling so much with this and yes, he is handling it way more maturely than he has in the past. I wonder how this would have played if it had only been he and Amanda and no Billy or Francine.
There have been some recent close calls with the possibility of the loss of Amanda but this is for real. For some reason I’m thinking back to OOADP when Lee handles the snake and says to Amanda “I’m here now”. He has been able to rescue her in these life and death situations and here is something that he can’t fix. So much has to be going through his mind and he doesn’t really have time to process it all. At least in Brunettes he turned around to go back and try to fix it, but this?
Lee has dealt with a lot of loss and those losses were pretty traumatic, this one doesn’t have all the drama and isn’t a death. Amanda will still be around, but she just won’t be around him. How is he going to deal with that one?
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I know it wasn’t a death, but I do think that Lee’s unconscious reaction would have been almost as if it was because of his past experiences. When there is a pattern of loss, especially when the first one is at such a young age, I am not sure if a person can have a normal, well adjusted reaction. Often someone with that kind of history steels themselves against more hurt. At this point I tend to think that Lee would not have gone out of his way to pursue a friendship with Amanda outside of work, it might have been hard for him, but in a self protective way that is how he would have handled it. I think up until this point he relied on their working relationship to keep their friendship growing. I also think that some of the growing and changing that had started in Lee would have stopped, if not forever than at least for a while.
I think part of what Amanda is feeling here and trying to communicate with Lee is that she knows that the things I mentioned above are a possibility and I think she would like him to not react that way.
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Valerie and Morley I am loving this discussion!!!
There’s so much I’d like to say but- not time right now! eek! and I don’t want to rush it 🙂
I’ll try and come back to this later today! 🙂
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Morley, I like what you say and quite agree, especially about Lee not having an normal, well-adjusted reaction. We know that he hasn’t been emotionally well-adjusted and seems to have gone out of his way not to be hurt anymore, such as not wanting a partner, serial dating, etc. And here he finally starts to get close to someone and allows a deeper kind of connection and it sort of comes to an end without warning.
And it’s so true that the working relationship led to the friendship and keeps it going. While he has made it from the backyard to actually being in the house from time to time it was pretty much work-related. I also agree that Amanda knows about all the losses he’s suffered and how he has handled them (or not) and would be concerned that he would end up rebuilding that emotional wall. She does indicate that it’s not really good-bye and that she will still be around, possibly hoping to leave the friendship door open, but I think they both know that it just won’t be the same.
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Nicely put, Valerie. After reading this, I’m thinking this episode is begging for some good fan fiction!! Did anyone find any out there for this one?
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I think I read one where Byron was around longer and about how Lee handled the whole thing, but I’m not sure where I read it. I’ll have to check.
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My plan tonight is to watch this episode non stop, because I haven’ in a while. I am sure I will have more to say after I do. But for now, I want to sit in silence with a heavy heart and hear the pin drop. Ugh, what an awful moment, especially after the preciousness of BO. But those two (BB and KJ) do such an amazing job with their expressions. Oh, and I most definitely hear Lee’s thoughts, “of course, they all leave eventually…” Poor, poor Lee. Sigh… have we ever seen expressions like that on Lee’s face before? I don’t think so.
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You captured a heart wrenching scene so well with your screen caps, IWSOD! Brilliant acting job done by everyone involved, so poignant and subtle.
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This feels so sad. Amanda’s leaving part of her heart behind when she said yes to the job. Deep inside she has to know that things will never be the same on a day-to-day basis. She’s been changed by her experiences since the day Lee said “Just walk with me.” In essentials, she remains the same but has become a more multilayered and vital person. In many ways she’s coming into her own. And Lee, he looks devastated, his face says it all, doesn’t it. He appears to barely be able to speak. This has got to shake his foundation to the core. Something he never expected from Amanda, the one person whom he felt would never leave him. She’s not withdrawing her friendship, but it had to feel that way to Lee, if not rationally, emotionally.
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Like!!!!
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I love Lee’s telescoping pointer… ah, the days before laser pointers!!! 😀
“I want all of you to rehearse the timing of these movements until they become second nature. We have to be prepared for every emergency.”
See… I understand that… but can’t it also have the opposite effect? If they practise until it’s second nature, then they know what to expect so can recognise something out of the ordinary, but then they can also lapse into habit and not react quickly enough if something unexpected does happen. Whatever.
“Good on her for not putting her life on hold for what at this stage would only be a bit of a dream!”
Yes! Amanda is a practical woman. She knows she has priorities… like her children and paying the bills. It would have been more than dumb to turn the job down… and Amanda is not dumb.
And yeah–I think Amanda is getting support from Francine. I think that Francine can appreciate the work that Amanda does, and can appreciate that Amanda was offered an executive assistant position. However, I think she would not have been so supportive had it been an actual security job that Byron offered Amanda (similar to how Francine doesn’t appreciate Amanda acting as an Agent).
I don’t think that Amanda saying “… and I think I’m gonna take it…” is completely due to her waiting for any possible input from the others. I think that’s part of it, but I also think that it’s just who Amanda is… she feels sad and apologetic at moving on, probably disloyal to the Agency and to Lee and Billy and maybe even Francine. She can see that there’s a flap on at the moment, and she’s needed… so she makes her announcement as more of an option than a fact, to help soften the blow. Does that make any sense?
No, Lee doesn’t want her to leave. He’s distressed, and doesn’t know what to do. (And yes–he’s matured. He doesn’t just lash out angrily, like he one would have.) The wry smile might have something to do with everyone he’s close to leaving him, but I think there’s more to it… I think it relates back to him wanting Amanda to have been able to get a raise at the Agency, and remembering Byron’s words outside the Bullpen: “you know, things have a way of working themselves out.” This time, Byron’s her White Knight, not Lee. 😦
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I am so happy I found this site! With my obsession with Scarecrow and Mrs. King, how am I just learning about this?? I seriously think I would be justified in taking a week off work just so I can sit around and catch up! 🙂
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Work, smurk, who needs work when it’s SMK-time! It’s worth every minute! Welcome Lauren 🙂
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Welcome Lauren! Yeah, I think a week off is totally justified!
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Hi Lauren and welcome aboard. I think a week’s mental health leave is well in order for you to catch up with all the good stuff that has occurred on this site. Enjoy! 😉
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Whooo hooooo! Welcome Lauren! so glad you found us!!! Do spread the word to your smk friends- we are entering a very interesting time in Lee and Amanda’s journey! 🙂
If you do catch up on earlier posts – I’d love to hear your thoughts on those too! You are obsessed with smk?? you are in fine company here! 😉
Iwsod
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PSSST! I think someone should explain to Lauren that a) she is very welcome here but b) the rest of us are not obsessed with SMK, we just like to explore our very mild and nostalgic interest in the show.
LMBO! And I was almost able to type that with a straight face!
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ROFL! No, Cindy we’re not obsessed. We just have a healthy interest in the life of two fictional characters from the 80s who never existed. dives back down into the rabbit hole with her morning coffee piled high with whipped cream, cinnamon and chocolate shavings and continues read the rest of the comments while ignoring the fact that she is supposed to be getting breakfast ready figuring we can have lunch instead
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rofl!!!! You sad delude obsessed fan you 😉
Teee heee.. maybe it was cheeky of me to say you are obsessed.. I can say I’m obsessed but I shouldn’t say anyone else is.. ahem.. sorry! You are umm dedicated! Is everyone who stops by obsessed and proud of it? do tell! I know I am!!! 🙂
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Iwsod, we’re all clearly just a hair’s-breadth away from being certifiably insane but the fact that we recognise that means we’re okay. Let’s face it, it’s a healthy, non damaging way to de-stress – a healthy happy place. Some people smoke or drink to excess, we just do SMK to excess. Much better for your health, doesn’t hurt anyone else, and lots of fun to share with like-minded people.
PS. The fact that SMK and JWWM can be enjoyed even more accompanied by moderate doses of fine dark chocolate and Pinot Noir is a bonus. 😉
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I am glad I am in such very good company.
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Actually, iwsod, I take back my earlier comment. We do not have an Obsession. That’s just a perfume. We have a fanatical fixation!
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Speak for yourself, Cindy!! I’m obsessed and damn proud of it!
Well, maybe not damn proud.
Okay, okay so I’m a closet obsessed fan…but according to kiwismh I’m still healthy! Phew!
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Welcome Lauren 🙂 Obsession? Non of that here……just a terribly healthy interest in a TV show that’s 30 years old 😉
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I think anyone that sees Lee Stetson in a tux is under no illusions about why we were hooked 😉
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Welcome Lauren! Always great to get to know another SMK fan. Glad you found this awesome blog!
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Yay! Nice to have another fan join us, Lauren. Glad you’ve found our lovely home-away-from-home. 🙂
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