We left Amanda struggling to cope with her mother’s 
shopping habits.. next thing, we see a street shot of IFF.. (looks like spring to me..) and then suddenly we see a marketplace in the middle east somewhere..
We cut from the marketplace to Amanda moving her gun around a bit pointing at it.
Oh boy.. she looks freaked out!!!
She’s on edge.. waiting for something to happen!
A shot rings out in the marketplace.. Amanda’s still aiming but not shooting as she can’t see who the shooter is.. the non-shooters in the marketplace run away, revealing the shooter- a young girl with a really big gun!
Amanda sees it’s her, can see she has a gun.. but doe
sn’t shoot.
Amanda can see the girl is going to shoot- and seems to have decided- I’m not gonna shoot her, she can shoot me!!!
And.. she does.. well it’s not real life! I think it would be different if it really was Amanda’s life on the line..
Amanda squeezes her eyes shut as the girls ‘shoots’ at her.
We hear a voice off screen declare: You’re dead!.. Again! [Lol I love the addition of that one word ‘again’ – it tell us so much!! 
]
Amanda’s eyes are still closed!!!
Amanda: I know, I’m sorry.
Amanda looks so disappointed here.. ah bless her.. it’s sweet that she apologises..
Leatherneck finally steps into view. Have we met him before? Gosh.. I’m thinking this is our first introduction! Welcome Leatherneck!
Leatherneck: Oh for Pete’s sake.. at least fire the thing.. it’s the only way to switch this thing off.
His words are a bit harsh.. but his delivery I think is dripping in good humour This is cute… I bet Leatherneck has never had to deal with anyone like Amanda!
ROFL! To fire the gun.. Amanda still doesn’t point at the screen.. she shoots at the ceiling!!! whahahaah!!
The lights come back on..
Leatherneck: Nice.
Amanda: Ohhhhhh..
Amanda just cringes at the screen.. so disappointed.
Leatherneck tries to make light of it, he points to the screen: Look! You just got the agency’s all time low ball score.
Amanda lets out a huge sigh.. oh poor Amanda! man is she having a tough couple of days! I think if it had been a man she could have had a much easier time of it.. she could have imagined him tell her his ‘friend’ would look grrrrrr great in Amanda’s dress! 
teee heee.. oh what am I saying?! Oh I know.. they should have made it a Rebecca’s fantasises salesperson!
Leatherneck: see the logic of this thing…
…is to fire your weapon at your adversary….
[his delivery here is awesome! so deadpan and cheeky! Anyone got a crush on Leatherneck? I thought he’d be a good foil for Francine someday.. did that cross anyone else’s mind?? I digress again! eek!]
… not the ceiling…
…The ceiling is on our side!
Amanda says flatly: I couldn’t shoot the little girl.
Leatherneck: she shot you! just like the Nun before! 
‘Nun before’? Oh roflmbo!!!! I love it!! great dialogue here! funny.. and says so much with so little! I will say, shooting nun? LOL! whoa.. they really make it hard here for Amanda.. couldn’t she start off easy and be asked to shoot a umm.. bear? or.. umm a haystack??!!!! Here’s a gif of it!
Remember this moment in A Class Act?? The one other time we have seen Amanda packin’ heat! And there.. it was a shotgun.. and part of a sequence to laugh at how inept Amanda was at this spy stuff.. yep.. I wasn’t laughing.. I had steam coming out of my ears! how about you?]
Leatherneck: Okay, we’re gonna try this one more time.
Amanda: Ohhhhhh!!!!
She works herself up (as much as Amanda does! LOL) readying herself for the next round.
Leatherneck: Get ready.
Amanda aims the gun at the screen.
Amanda lets out a deep breath.. and at this moment.. Lee opens the door behind them.
Leatherneck: Leee!
Leatherneck turns to greet Lee.. and we see Amanda in the foreground- she turns part way around.. but not quite..
She seems to me disappointed- that Lee has shown up now?? or at how she’s going? what do you think? or heck maybe both. I don’t know!
Then Lee asks: hey, how’s she doin Leatherneck?
[Given Amanda is still pointing the gun at the screen and NOT looking at Lee – I’d say he’s guessed things are not going well!! He may be clueless about his feelings for Amanda and the dress! but.. he is otherwise pretty attuned to her and how she is travelling- would you say?]
Leatherneck: It’s gonna be a lot of work pal.
[whooo I don’t think Leatherneck knows that’s what Lee calls bad guys! ]
Leatherhead err neck mumbles under his breath as Lee approaches Amanda: .. a lot of work!
Lee doesn’t respond to Leatherneck here.. instead..
Lee licks his lips and looks at Amanda pointing the gun at the screen with a quiet, indulgent smile here..
[Hey- I’m guessing he’s remembering the hairdryer!! What do you think? tee hee.. ]
Amanda to Lee admits: I don’t like to shoot.
Amanda lets out a big sigh and puts the gun down, but she still doesn’t look at Lee…
Lee, now by her side.. looks down at the gun and quietly responds: yeah… I know.
[The quiet way he says that is too swoony for words! Very endearing!! He knows Amanda so well now, and doesn’t judge her for it here.. very sweet!]
Hey I guess this is why there was the weird phone call in Amanda’s kitchen – guess that was Lee she was talking to… Lee knew where to find her, and knew to search for Elizabeth.. Anyway..
Amanda immediately asks about Elizabeth.. 
I think Lee is so gentle with Amanda here as he delivers the bad news – he knows Amanda cares about Elizabeth.
Lee: In a way,… she’s got some more trouble.
What trouble? Amanda knows better than to ask..
she lets Lee lead her out of the shooting range as he quietly takes Amanda by the arm: come on.
Oh my.. Lee pretty much has his arm around Amanda as they turn to leave!
At the door, Amanda turns back to Leatherneck and gives him a last look. What do you make of this look? 
To me, the look is: determination! She’s saying- this isn’t finished! I’ll beat this!
I love it!!! So Amanda.. she’s had a set back this time.. it’s gone badly – but she isn’t giving up. In typical Amanda style, she’s going to keep trying until she gets there.. I love Amanda’s tenacity! It’s a quiet tenacity.. unlike Francine’s hey everyone I am woman hear me roar! you know?
Lee notes her final look and chuckles quietly to himself as he follows her out, shaking his head too haaa! [Last time I remember Lee doing that?? after the super sweet and intense moment where Lee tells Amanda her being in hospital will give him peace of mind in OOADP!]
Whooo see the map on the wall? seems Billy’s map has found a new home!
This scene for me shows Amanda is on the road to being a professional agent.. separate to Lee- good to see he isn’t the one training her! She’s got her own battles to fight, fears to conqueror and difficulties to overcome! But she approaches it with honesty, and determination.. she isn’t giving up!!!
I also get the vibe here from Lee that he isn’t judging her for it either.. he accepts her as she is.. and quietly supports her struggle here. He was wise to stay silent when she lamented she didn’t want to shoot IMHO – it was just a nice silent camaraderie and non-judgement.. Lee has come a long way here!!! but.. I liked too how focused on Amanda he was – his first question is how is she doing? Not how are you leatherneck.. nope he’s concerned for Amanda.. she is his focus. ain’t it wonderful?? he seems to be attuned to the vibe of the room – things aren’t going well – and he knows Amanda really doesn’t like guns!
I can’t wait to hear what you all make of this scene! A couple of very superficial comments before I finish up! I loathe this sweater of Amanda’s!!! the red section in the middle makes it look like she’s been shot – and it went straight through! maybe the Nun and the young girl were successful!!!! [No.. I will not comment on any possible future injuries to Amanda.. I won’t I won’t! eek!!]
Aaaand Lee.. lovin the jeans.. always lovin the jeans.. but.. ahem.. the jacket?? with the sleeves rolled up?? 80s central! He looks so dated. I’m sure at the time all the ladies were swooning in their living rooms.. and vowing to go shopping the next day and buy their husbands a brown vinyl jacket – where did Lee get it from? did he make it himself? I doubt it!!! so they were probably in with a good chance. LOL!!!!
I’m not sure why.. but to me Lee suddenly looks older. He’s still gorgeous.. but he no longer has the boyish thing happening – he’s definitely a grown man.. could this be because of his maturity?? or.. is it the really deep tan (and sun damage wahahaha) after the summer break in filming? Thoughts?
Ahhh yes.. I like to go deep and get all Freudian.. but.. there are also the superficial things in life to chatter about no?? How about you?? Go as deep or as shallow as you like I say! I am looking forward to having a discussion about this shooting range scene – bye for now!
"Just walk with me.." 
I love Leatherneck. I don’t know why but I always felt like he was one of the ones who saw the true nature of the developing relationship between Amanda and Lee even before they were ready to acknowledge it. Even though this is our first experience with him, I don’t believe Amanda didn’t know him before. And the way he talks to Lee when he walks in… he knows this isn’t just some person who helps Lee out. He knows Amanda is a very important person to Lee. I kind of felt like the ‘this is going to be a lot of work’ line represented both the obvious work of developing Amanda as an agent but also the relationship between Lee and Amanda.
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whooooo like this Allofakind!!
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I actually don’t mind the jumper so much, I love Jestress’ description of it being like Neapolitan ice cream. I love that ice cream 😉
But oh my word. The sleeves. The crime of the 80’s. Just sooooo dated.
Lee licking his lips when he’s seeing Amanda with a gun…..is it a bit of a turn on watching her with a firearm? 😉 I love his sweet little smile as he comes in the room, very cute. I do find it interesting that Amanda doesn’t really turn round. I feel normally she would be more enthusiastic, even when she’s not doing so well (as in Class Act) she doesn’t shy away from Lee. But here her reluctance to turn her body to face him…..just feels a little off.
As for Leatherneck. He’s such a sweet guy. Looks tough a nails but is a real gentleman. I may have a wee crush on him, he seems such an uncomplicated guy 🙂
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Appearance wise, I like late season 2/season 3 Lee the best.
We are also introduced to the best recurrent characters this season. We have TP and now Leatherneck. Season 3 the show really hits its stride. Can’t wait for more!
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Might as well keep it shallow 😉
To me Lee looked best early to mid S2 with the European episodes – OMIT, TLODG, TTTAAC, etc.
The shorter, better styled hair cut and sharp clothes make for a very handsome man.
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Oh yes, the European episodes Lee is hot hot hot. Sharp suits, nice shirts…..definitely his sexiest look 😉
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There are a few isolated scenes in other episodes where Lee makes me blush, but those episodes together are where he looks his best in every scene. Great call you two! !
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oh yeah!!!! I agree with Jenbo (bitsybeans) and Kiwismh – European Lee is swoony.. err except for AABH and those IMHO awful turtlenecks!!
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All this discussion about BB’s/Lee’s hair and grooming has made me think of a couple of scenes where he was being just ever so about his appearance. In I Am Not Now… he told Amanda he was late in getting to the drop because they didn’t get him out of the Jacuzzi on time and this was after his Eucalyptus Steam. He was looking pretty dashing at the time and he and Amanda were matching. Then there was OMIT where he found his manicure so fascinating while fussing at Amanda about how he had to leave Jillian to come get her. Again he was pretty suited up.
Maybe this casual attire and the breaking away from all the suits is a sign that Lee has become more relaxed and open. Maybe his suit was a part of that Scarecrow facade and the more Lee comes to the fore, the less he needs to have that suit and be so well polished and manicured. Even at the beginning of the episode he comes in carrying the jacket and his tie is loose. I think I mentioned before that I don’t think he has ever arrived at the Agency in such a state other than TFT after a scuffle and during Burn Out. To use another episode title…The times, they are a changing…
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Good point, Valerie! I love Lee in IANN after the eucalyptus steam…it makes him look extra good 🙂 And there’s the time in ITCK when uber-cranky Lee needs the “perfect comb” for his hair – the one with the two missing teeth and Ace stamped on the side! Bwa hahaha! This man is particular about his hair!!
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Thinking about this scene some more…. Here is more evidence that Lee cannot have just a work relationship with Amanda. He is too attuned to her, empathetically. He can feel her emotions, he is aware of them and he cares about how she feels and about her. Could you imagine him treating Francine like that? Not that Francine would want him to. But I just don’t think that Lee and Amanda can pull off this only work relationship, can they just be friends while the other pursues a personal relationship with others? That remains to be seen.
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Two interesting questions, Morley.
I don’t think Francine would want Lee to treat her like that, not unless Francine were in a position similar to Amanda’s. Up to this point, Francine has been every bit of Lee’s feminine equal. So I don’t see Francine welcoming emotional support because she hasn’t needed it. The biggest difference that plays into Lee’s relationship with both Francine and Amanda is their professional status and how they were brought into the Agency. Because Amanda came in by accident, at Lee’s pleading, and continued to work with him on occasion, it became necessary for Lee to look out for her, to be her hero and save her from the bad guys. He does not need to do that for Francine – she can handle herself. As a result, Lee and Amanda have grown much closer as friends than I think he would have with any other agent. They’ve been in so many tight spots together and had to rely on each other, that they’ve developed a very strong bond whether they meant to, wanted to, or even like it.
I’ve watched many other cop/detective shows and it seems like those who are partnered become extremely close as a result of their working partnership. They become like family members, especially if one or both are married to other people. I would think there is always potential for romance in a partnership, though I’m not saying it would always take that turn. But with Lee and Amanda, it seems as if all the growth and change we’ve seen in them over the past 2 years is certainly pointing them in that direction. He no longer treats her with condescension and disrespect like he did at first. He is now tender, respectful to a much better degree, and understanding of her. Amanda’s gone from being a feisty, with a hero-worship crush to being focused on growing her skills to now really trying to pay attention to Lee the professional and learn as much as she can from him. If either of them can keep this relationship of theirs professional, it’s Amanda. IMHO.
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I really don’t think Francine would want Lee to treat her like he treats Amanda. She was the only other woman I can think of that Lee would work with. But it makes me think… uh oh. There is something about Amanda that is a very feminine quality that brings out that sweet caring masculine side of Lee. She is strong, but she is feminine… I don’t know how else to explain it, but I do think Lee responds to it, I see him responding to it here.
Francine just doesn’t have that.
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“She is strong, but she is feminine… I don’t know how else to explain it, but I do think Lee responds to it…”
Strong and nurturing. Francine is not nurturing… 😀
shrug
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Yeah! definitely not nurturing!!!
I see Lee and Francine as being in competition – Lee and Amanda don’t have a power struggle going on..
I was thinking an easy going guy like leatherneck could maybe cope with Francine and balance out her aggressive personality.. Lee and Francine are too alike in some ways..
but lol these are not real people right?! tee heee.
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True Amanda is nurturing, but I don’t think that is what I am referring to. Nurturing would draw Lee for sure, but would it bring out that desire to be a better man, or to protect her and change the quality of man that he is? There are some women, that, like Francine would want to over power or compete with a man. But Amanda can be a woman, a strong and determined woman, and yet call that better man in Lee to come forward. I still don’t know what that quality is called?
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Supportive? 😀
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Inspirational?? supportive is good too! 🙂
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Why does this commercial pop into my head, “I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan. And never, never let you forget you’re a man! Cuz I’m a woman…” and I forget the product this jingle was hawking. Is it that Lee never, never forgets he’s a man around Amanda, whereas with Francine the man/woman thing would try to be put aside by Francine at least?
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Yes, BJo, I think that is close to what I am grasping at. But Francine would remind Lee that she is a woman solely by using her sexuality. Amanda just is a woman. Maybe “just” is the wrong word. She IS a woman, in every sense and that makes Lee want to be a man in every sense. I just see that in that shooting range scene.
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I think Amanda allows herself to show her vulnerability, Francine? I think she’d see this as a weakness.
When I think Amanda’s emotional honesty is a strength of hers.. Plus it helps Lee to know he is needed – Francine sends off vibes that she very rarely ever needs anyone..
Maybe it’s that team vibe that is missing with Francine. with Amanda – she looks to Lee for support and supports him, they are a team.. whereas Francine wants to take on the world singlehandedly.. or at least the IFF office 😉
am I making sense? I don’t know!
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Hmmm. Both are women. Both “have” sexuality, but Amanda would be willing to give up the power of it to let Lee take the lead. And I’m not just talking about sex, I’m talking about in almost everything.
Damn, can’t get that jingle out of my head…
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Yes to both of you. BJo, Amanda does let Lee take the lead. I wasn’t talking about sex either… (although, I should pop over to post 12 and make a comment there too) And Iwsod, she does let her weakness show, her vulnerability is a strength as is her emotional honesty. Those are very feminine qualities I think, and a woman who is strong as a woman can have those qualities and be respected by the men in their lives and in a way release the men to be men. Does that make sense?
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That jingle is from a commercial for Enjoli perfume. I started singing it as soon as I saw what you wrote. I don’t even know if they still make that perfume. It supposedly came from a Peggy Lee song.
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I’m still singing it! !! Argh!
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I’m familiar with the song, though not the commercial… although my memory of the original version is far less vivid than the one sung by Miss Piggy.
Yikes. Now it’s stuck in my head.
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You nailed it here Morley. I was thinking this very thing when I was out jogging this morning. I was thinking about this scene and contemplating how Lee and Amanda’s friendship could possibly remain unaffected if Lee was having an ongoing personal/romantic relationship with someone else. I came to the conclusion that their friendship wouldn’t remain the same, and I don’t think they could confine their acquaintance to just being work colleagues without it creating a remoteness between them. They have never just been work colleagues, even from day 1. There was always something else there. – something that they would have to abandon if one or other became romantically involved with another.
I think Amanda is feeling the loss of this something else already, hence her unusual behaviour so far in this episode. Lee is feeling it too, but for now he is still confused and in denial.
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That’s what I was thinking too. I don’t think things would ever be the same if one of them had a even semi-serious relationship going on. I could see their partnership unravelling at the seams because there is so much unspoken at this point.
And yep, Lee is yummy and swoony, especially the way he says, “I know.” helmet time!
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I just watched these last two scenes again. I do agree she is coping with a lot here, part of which is that loss, or perceived loss of that closeness with Lee. Maybe she knew it was bound to happen one day and so she was steeling herself for it. But she has some other odd behavior coming up. I wonder about her responses. I think she may be all over the place. I do think that stuff with her Mom is bugging her too, just because it is change. So much change for Amanda here. The gun right after the scene with her Mom is brilliant. And Lee as he comes in being so tender. And Amanda says focused on the case. I think if I were her at that moment I would desperately need to go for a long walk alone.
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Morley and kiwismh – lovin this!!!! 🙂 you guys make a lot of sense!
I agree.. if Lee had ended up in a serious long term relationship his relationship with Amanda would have had to change for sure.. I think that was the case from SOS onwards.. something changed when he ‘married’ Amanda 🙂 well.. at least that’s the way I’m seeing it right now! 🙂
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Hoo Haa! Iwsod! Loving the reference to SOS! I am working on that one now for stories. He “married” her huh? Some strange things happened on that assignment huh?
Oh, I do think Amanda took a place in Lee’s life that wouldn’t support another persons intrusion unless she vacated that place. I think it was the same for Amanda. But they were so invested in denying that that they haven’t recognized that truth…yet.
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No Morley, it was all ahem ‘just part of the cover’! 😉 poor Lee!! I think ‘cover’ here might refer to Lee covering up how his heart had sprung back to life after being frozen for so long!
He’s so gone! I want to go read those SOS posts again and revisit what I was thinking back then..I saw that ep as a watershed.. wondering if I think the same thing now.
Oh you are working on your stories for SOS? I cannot wait to read them!!!! What fun you must have getting into their messed up heads tee heee!
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Who do you think you’re kidding, iwsod?? You just want to go watch that gif of yours thirty times…. 😉
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shhhh don’t tell everyone BJo!! 😮
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I think they are both kidding themselves if they think they could maintain a real relationship with someone else. I think they both try at times, and I think at times Amanda has wanted a real relationship with another man because she didn’t see there being a possibility of a relationship with Lee and as strong as the attraction between them is I don’t she ever wanting to be in a position of just pining away for him indefinitely. She wanted to find someone to share her life with. That being said by the very nature of their partnership the other is going to come first, that’s the way it works in that business. you have each other’s back no matter what or you don’t stay alive. And business aside these two have a very strong personal connection and an underlying attraction that’s always been there. Where is there room for anyone else, and personally speaking I could not be in a relationship with someone that is that connected to someone else.
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Misty, I agree with you. Amanda and Lee’s connection is so pure and deeply rooted that it is impossible to hide, it would for sure come between any future partners…I would be jealous of that relationship if I was his girlfriend (oh SWOON—dreaming)
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I remember liking Leatherneck immediately. He has such a “down-home” flavor – gentlemanly, patient, kind. “The ceiling is on our side” has always been a favorite line from the series. He and Francine? Don’t know as I see it, though if opposites attract it might be interesting. I can see it now – he tries to open the car door for her and she refuses to budge, saying “I can do this myself, thank you.”
Lee is very sweet here. He knows he’s coming to deliver bad news and does it in a caring way. And, yes, he’s feeling a little awkward here. Perhaps this is a combination of what he has come to tell Amanda, and his internal conflict about his new friend and Amanda. He has come to know and respect so much about Amanda. She has become a special person – a close, personal friend – and he knows she is frustrated about what is happening to Elizabeth. I think he also senses something is different with Amanda, but in his own confusion, he can’t deal with it.
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I need to re watch this scene, but I think it feels like Amanda relaxes a bit when Lee steps in. Not that she is any less frustrated and worked up about the task she is trying to accomplish, but she knows that Lee is there. Leatherneck is great, but Lee is on her side, here, at least. He is attuned to her. He is very sweet and endearing and soft with her. He can’t help it, I think it came rather naturally to him in this moment.
He is also dressed so casually here. This is new right? The jacket wardrobe begins here? We saw a few jackets in season 1 and one at the end of VM, how many have we seen. I wonder if this wardrobe change would show a progression into a personal side of Lee? Maybe the switch from business inly time to more of a mix of personal and business it shown by this more casual wardrobe for Lee? I also notice a patch of white hair on Lee, does anyone else notice that? Maybe part of him looking older.
Amanda is determined and I think Lee likes that. Amanda is all about determination in this episode.
I am going to find some time to watch this scene again and really pay attention to things. All I know is that I love the way Lee talks to her here, but I always feel like it is bittersweet.
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Hmmm, thinking about another wardrobe post??? 😉
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I wish I could get one of those gadgets that could translate my thoughts into a document, then I could do a costume post while I watch episodes, it would save time and I might actually be able to create one.
But their wardrobe changes must mean something! Truly they must!
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Yes go for it Morley!!! and feel free to use any of my screen caps if that makes the process faster for you – but of course no pressure if you can’t do it… just know we love your posts! 🙂
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In June I will have more time free and I bet I could spend some time creating some more costume posts. Can you all wait that long????
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Of course! No pressure! 🙂 It’s got to be fun!!! rushing and feeling pressured does not equal fun.. so take as long as you like Morley! 🙂
I enjoyed Valerie’s wonderful comments on Lee and his wardrobe too! Great thoughts Valerie!!
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I never consciously thought I hated the sweater, but like a bad fever dream, I find myself compulsively trying to line up the stripes every time I watch this; they don’t match, they don’t match, they don’t match!
I would love to see Amanda actually perform well with the gun. I understand the writers’ intent to keep her in touch with her inner innocent, but let’s be reasonable. She’s been in situations where to shoot is to survive, and I think to imply she can’t overcome her inner reservations is to imply she’s essentially, a dingbat. In that case, she might as well keep the visitor’s pass. But that’s my frustration with the writing. I like the humor of the scene, but I wish they’d let us take Amanda a little more seriously.
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Totally agree! (about the sweater and the shooting simulator). It’s not as if she was shooting a real gun for cripe’s sake. It was just a video game!!!!!
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Ha hah! I do the same thing with the sweater, trying desperately to fix it in my mind by rearranging the pattern. Hurts my brain…..
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Just think tangram… 😉
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what is ‘tangram’? me lost!
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Look it up on Wikipedia… you’ll get it as soon as you see the picture !
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BJo – 🙂
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Ohhhhhhhhh!! penny drops
It’s a bit like a Mondrian artwork! cool!!
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A math manipulative that is all over my house. My daughter uses them to make pretend meals for her dolls.
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Hello, Leatherneck!! I like him almost as much as I like Truckin’ Travis!! Leatherneck doesn’t have any fightin’ music though 🙂 He seems like a real sweetheart to me and shows a lot of patience here with Amanda. I wonder what he thinks of her doing this. I like his jokes too – the ceiling is on our side and the she shot you! Too funny!
Francine and Leatherneck? I don’t really see it. I think she would eat him alive. Leatherneck is too nice and seems too down to earth and simple for Francine.
All kidding aside, this hits on a flaw of Amanda’s and makes me feel for Francine. I know, I know it’s just a TV show, but Amanda really has no business being an agent if she can’t shoot at someone who is shooting at her, man, woman or child. Not only could she get herself killed, but she could get her partner or some other innocents killed. It’s nice that on the show Lee is always there to do the shooting and save her, but one of these days her luck may just run out.
The hairdryer!! I forgot! I don’t like that episode, but that hairdryer scene is one of the best moments of it. I bet he is remembering it, especially since he just had a face full of white like Amanda did while shooting the hairdryer.
I like Lee in this scene, he seems back to normal. Back to end of S2 Lee. I think Amanda did as well as he expected her to do on this exercise. I also think he knows that this is not Amanda’s strength and that it will take a lot of time and work for her to be comfortable with a gun.
In this scene, it seems to me here that Lee is almost acting like he is coming to give a report to his superior. As if Amanda were the lead on this case and he was supporting her. A role reversal for them. And in a way I think that really is what is happening. Amanda did initiate helping ES and Lee is helping her. I think Lee really is treating this case at this point as if it’s Amanda’s to run with and he is doing her legwork. If Amanda wasn’t still wearing that flippin’ Guest Pass she could do some legwork of her own. Right, iwsod??? Anyway, I like that this is how this comes across to me, it really shows professional growth for Amanda and Lee’s ability to let her grow and give her the freedom to do so. Even if she isn’t quite ready for a gun.
Lee definitely looks older. I think he only really looks boyish for about the first half of S1. I think once he starts wearing all that hair mousse and crap (in the second half of S2 is it? ) he starts to look older. I am not a fan of his brown jacket. I am a fan of the dimple, the nose, the eyes, the voice, ahem….where was I? Oh yeah, the jacket – I’m not a vinyl fan. And I don’t like Amanda’s sweater either, but I think her pants are 10 times worse.
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BJo — I’m with you on the hair being one of the things making him look older… in the earlier episodes (up through S2E5 – CBAH) his hair hangs down at the sides more. It gets the swept back look around S2E6 – BAI. However, another thing that happens at that time, I think, is that his hair colour changes. It’s a richer, deeper brown in the earlier episodes, until the sweepy-do, then it gets more flecked (did BB get highlights?). Also, something I’ve mentioned before about early Lee that I wasn’t so keen on… he had darker brown, very manicured eyebrows in the early episodes, which also lightened up and got more… uhhh… free(?) at the time of the sweepy-do.
OK. Analysis over. 😀
I also like more supportive Lee, and I love Leatherneck.
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Hi KC! Hope you are well!!! Great to hear from you!! I need to head over to the memes thread for some laughs.. life is too busy at the moment!
one more day to go and I should have time to get back here and respond a bit more to comments about the content of this scene..
Hope you are all well 🙂
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Hey Iwsod! I hope things settle down a bit for you soon. 🙂
I took a bit of a break from memes, but I have put up a few again recently… (I’ve been spending more time on transcriptions instead of memes. LOL.)
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Love your hair analysis, KC!!! Maybe you can write up a post on the many varieties of Lee’s hair when we’ve completed this walk through? LOL. I laugh when I think of Lee getting highlights. Think he goes to Mr. Emilio’s? hahahaha And just how much time does he spend on his hair in the morning??
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Wah hah hah hah! Loving the visual of Lee at Mr Emilios! (Actually I already did a meme to that effect, but it referenced his sideburns… hmmm…)
Now I’m wondering–since the colour was so strong in the early episodes–whether he was colouring his hair (and eyebrows) in the early episodes and then stopped at the sweepy-do… instead of getting highlights with the sweepy-do. Meh. Whatever. It doesn’t matter… just amuses me when I’m doing tie comparisons, etc.
😀
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You know, I was wondering the other day about whether or not BB colored his hair when he did SMK. Part of the reason was because sometimes his hair looks a little lighter and sometimes a little darker. However, I also have a cousin whose hair lightens and darkens depending on the season. Some people’s hair is just more sensitive to sunlight than others. Some people also start dying their hair in their early 30s, though, so coloring his hair is also a possibility.
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Does any one else see the gray in his hair? I always see it during the last two seasons on the right side of his hair. I kind of like it. Lee is almost 40 here. I like it that they are older characters and the bit of gray is realistic. Maybe he was coloring it during the beginning of the series?
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Yep–the little patch in the middle of the side… not the temples… which always made me wonder whether it might possibly be a highlight patch. (More artfully/skilfully done than the white temple paint on Zinoiev in SBTB…)
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oh, good. I am not seeing things. Thanks. My mother had a white streak there very early on in life. I wouldn’t be surprised if BB was just starting to go gray.
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Hi Morley.. I have wondered a few times if BB was a bit gray but I brushed it off as sun bleached streaks.. Is there a picture you can direct me to where it is particularly noticeable? or if one comes up please point it out! 🙂
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When I see a good clear picture with the gray showing I will try to shout it out, but I don’t think I see it in season 2, it starts now. I am thinking of one scene in a later episode especially… but that one may be a year away at the rate we walk here. I guess I think that Lee looking older is on purpose. He is maturing in lots of ways.
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that is a nice slant to put on it! 🙂
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Oh, I guess I notice it because I have the same thing happening to me. Trying to take it with grace, just like Lee. 😉
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I don’t know I think Leatherneck might surprise you. yes he is a sweet charming gentleman, but he is also a fully trained agent I am sure of taking out any enemy man, woman,or child. I am sure he could handle the likes of Francine if he had to. Just because he doesn’t walk around acting all macho doesn’t ;mean he is a pushover either, and who know maybe he could soften Francine a little bit like Amanda did for Lee. I always thought Lee and Francine were birds of a feather until Amanda came along and made Lee really care about someone again. I personally always thought Francine needed the same thing in her life.
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There are a series of fan fics somewhere that put Francine and Leatherneck together, they are a bit racy though…
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It is interesting to ponder, Misty. I agree that Leatherneck could handle Francine if he wanted to. He definitely looks more cut than Mr. few extra pounds there in the picture. And from the way he handles “Mrs. King”, it makes me think he is a bit like a male version of Amanda. I could see her being like that with someone at the firing range if she were playing the role of Leatherneck. So I do see what you mean about them being like Lee and Amanda and softening each other. My initial thought though is to still think Francine is way more in sophisticated, stylish men with money. She wants only beluga caviar and Leatherneck seems like he’d only eat Texas caviar. I keep thinking of her attitudes in TGTN and Gift Horse. Anything is possible though – maybe I’ll check out a fanfic or two to see what the authors have done. If Lee and Amanda can change from how they were in TFT to now, then so could Francine and Leatherneck.
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All true what you said about Francine. She definitely may be too much of a snob to appreciate Leatherneck right away if did show interest in her. But Lee was also kind of a snob when it came to Amanda in the beginning. He didn’t see any way a wholesome suburban mother who lived on a budget and probably cut coupons could be exciting or alluring but over time she definitely proved him wrong. Ended up holding his attention longer than any woman he’d ever been with, and that’s saying something.
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Francine and Leatherneck could have been a 1980s taming of the shrew!! 😉
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Oh, I would like to see that play
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First I think it’s great that others have noticed the potential for a letherneck/Francine relationship that he show obviously missed. I had always thought these two would have been great together. I always really liked Leatherneck, and I thought maybe if Francine had found her own exciting spy to love maybe she wouldn’t have continued to be quite so bitter about whatever went down between her and Lee.
And I maybe a little sedistic but I always found this scene amusing. When Amanda told leatherneck she couldn’t should a little girl and he said while she shot you I thought it was funny, and endeared me to leatherneck even more. He seemed exasperated but patient at the same time.
One thing that always bothered me about Amanda is she never got over her issues with guns.. Even after this we very rarely see her take one up and only once do I think she actually goes into a case carrying one. I think it sweet she doesn’t want to shoot anyone, but if I had that job I would want my partner to be carrying. Who knows maybe she never did certify. I saw an episode of criminal minds when a character(an FBI agent) didn’t repass the certification one year and though he go to keep his position was not allowed to carry a gun
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I’ll get back here to discuss more comments about this post in a day or so – but Misty, I just wanted to mention – commenting on how Amanda ‘never got over her issues with guns’ – is this referring to Amanda’s journey for all 4 seasons? – this blog is not the place for this discussion (yet!)- it’s a great subject..feel free to head over to Nedlindger’s and start a thread about it – nothing is off limits to discuss – head on over to Ned’s to discuss it there if you like.. Would you like to ask any questions about how JWWM doesn’t jump ahead?? I’m happy to answer questions about it if it is not clear -feel free to ask away 🙂
What we can discuss now on JWWM is how Amanda is now.. what challenges face Amanda now,and in the past. We can even discuss what challenges she may face into the future – which we can anticipate based on what we’ve seen so far – without knowing what lies ahead in the story. Though if you find this tricky to do- feel free not to! I’ve gotten use to staying with the story and not jumping ahead.
Hey what are Amanda’s previous gun references to date?? where has Amanda come in contact with guns so far?? (aside from shooting one in ACA)
There’s a few times so far, isn’t there?? or no?? I can think of a moment where she touched a gun.. at least once.. come on everyone! I think together we can find them all! 🙂
Gah! I want to discuss this scene with you all now!.. I’ll briefly say – I’ll throw a few ideas out there and see if you guys are interested in discussing any of these ideas
– if Amanda can shoot a shotgun at a haystack- and they are very powerful, maybe she can shoot a computer gun?! Maybe she is having a mental block right now because of all the other drama going on for her??
Also- in DOA, while affected by drugs and without her usual restraints – Amanda gets quite gun happy as her John Wayne persona! 😉 She has noooo trouble shooting the ‘gun’ at Retzig!! She gets him in the face!! [heck, she wasn’t to know she got him with powder! 😉 ] can we argue that this shows deep down Amanda can do it?? She just needs to overcome a few fears kind of thing?? what do you think everyone??
I’m also reminded that Amanda glares at Leatherneck with a determined look as she leaves.. maybe this is something she will deal with in the future.. we will see!!! I will definitely be keeping an eye out for clues – I love the story of her professional skills growing..
and BJo I can’t wait to read your professional growth post!!! 🙂
Byeee for now everyone hope you are all well and I am loving ALL your comments and looking forward to getting back here and responding more fully when I can – [why am I suddenly craving neopolitan ice cream with a red cherry on top??? 😉 ]
byeeee!!
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Ok, sorry. I didn’t think i was breaking the rules because I was just speaking in general and not talking about anything specific. I saw others do that in reference to OTSTW so I didn’t think speaking in general was as a big of a deal. I will refrain myself from now on.
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All good Misty – I figured there might be some confusion about it – so I offered to answer any questions about it – truly, if you are unsure of how it works feel free to ask away.
I may not pick up every time someone jumps ahead – I am only one person lol.. so I think everyone can feel free to give a friendly reminder to each other to hang in there and not jump ahead – we can be an encouragement to each other in this maybe 🙂 we are in this together!!
Yes Misty, there was mention of WOTSTW in the last week, I remember that.. eventually I responded and asked that whoever it was (can’t remember now and lol it isn’t important, it’s forgotten 🙂 ) head on over to Nedlindger’s to discuss WOTSTW as it isn’t being discussed yet on JWWM – you may have seen the WOTSTW comment before I had a chance to respond to it, quite possible I’ve been busy! but.. rest assured not jumping ahead is encouraged for everyone equally! Myself included!!
Misty wrote:
Not a ‘big deal’:) but a general comment about the show overall like Amanda never does get over her issues with guns (just to use an example so I am clear) invites comment or questions in response – and this cannot be discussed without discussing the whole show and what’s ahead – which is what JWWM is trying to avoid. It also creates confusion (as the WOTSTW comment seems to have) and takes discussion away from the current post or the story so far. But we can totally discuss now Amanda’s experiences with guns to date and explore that..
Does that help to clarify things for you Misty? and everyone?? If not do please let me know. I’ll do what I can to make JWWM a place for smk fun!!!! confusion isn’t fun 😉
Maybe it’s just me but I think we are getting the hang of staying with the story. Not jumping ahead has for me, opened up a whole bunch of possibilities and new insights into the characters which I am really enjoying!!!
I do see that this time in the show is a particularly intense time for the characters with lots happening – and for me, I find it is very tempting to look forward right now and get some answers to my questions!!! but I leave the questions hanging for now, they are part of the journey.. and I enjoy having the questions answered as the story unfolds and we discuss together 🙂 You guys have lots of great insights which do make the journey much richer!!!
Once we’ve covered the first five episodes of season 3, we can pause a moment and see how it all fits together up to that point – I’m especially interested in discussing with you guys, eventually, your experience of the episode order Morley came up with once we’ve walked through the first five!!
I am thinking I’ll do up a little tab on the home page outlining how JWWM doesn’t jump ahead.. and explaining fully why I’ve gone in this direction fully for anyone who would like to hear my full reasoning, and it could be a place to ask questions about it.. could be helpful for newcomers – I don’t want people stopping by to feel they are being told what to think or say.. I hope people are comfortable.. but JWWM does have a structure it sticks to and some discussions are best had over at Neds.
IMHO the structure gives us freedom.. but.. before I go off on a further boring monologue about that I’ll stop myself! and save it for the post I’ll write on it.
I’ll just finish up by saying – we can all help each other in this, encourage each other to stay with the story and not jump ahead.. it takes a little getting use to, but in time (IMHO) it gets a little easier..[what’s your experience been?] plus it’s easier when other commenters don’t bring up future events and tempt us to jump ahead 🙂
Feel free to start threads at Nedlindger’s if there is something you want to discuss that can’t be discussed here because it refers to or takes future events into consideration – that’s what it is there for.. discussion of stuff that isn’t being discussed here..
You guys rock!!! byeee for now!
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Sabrina wouldn’t be caught dead wearing that sweater….
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So true! Maybe season 3 awards should have the 5 worst outfits. I think Amanda might have wrapped up 2 spots already and we are only in episode 2.
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Hey Janetpc!!!! So great to see you stop by!!!!
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Let me add to kiwismh’s shallow thoughts a)Lee is gorgeous b)Amanda’s sweater is g-awful (what is with that red spot anyway? — not a good idea to give a baddie a target to shoot at) c) and maybe why Lee is looking at little – ahem- mature is because he put on a little weight? d) Leatherneck (and I don’t want to know how he got that nickname/codename!) is great! He seems like a real southern gentleman. I would love to read good fan fiction with him and Francine. Anyone know of any?
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“Leatherneck” is a nickname for a U.S. Marine. I looked it up. Old Marine uniforms used to come with a leather collar to force the wearer to keep his head up and to protect him from sword strikes. I’m thinking that our Leatherneck is probably a former Marine. Come to think of it, I’m not sure whether they ever mention another name for him. We’ll have to watch for that.
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Thanks for the info!
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Bwa ha ha ha ha — Word Press just informed me “You are posting comments too quickly. Slow down!” Guess I should pack it in. ‘Night all!
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you’re kidding??!!!!
Gooo Cindy! 🙂 what a lovely error message!!! It means you are commenting lots!! though sorry to hear it made you stop! 🙂
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Oh cool thanks Jestress – I just learned something new!! 🙂
The script lists him as ‘Leatherneck Nelson’ not sure if that means his last name is Nelson.. or his first name! lol!
whooo actually here is the description in the script of Leatherneck:
“The Agency’s hand gun instructor, an ex-Marine southern plow horse named Leatherneck Nelson.” -plow horse?!
bye!
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Kiwismh, I think the same thing in this episode about flashing back to Charlie’s Angels, but mine comes a little later in the episode. I like the jacket on Lee, but some of the 80s fashion I was okay with.
We have this ice cream here called Neopolitan which is a combination of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. But it is in layers, not all mixed in. Every time I see this sweater I think of that ice cream. The white, brown, and pink of this sweater just looks so much like it.
I’ll be back later to comment more, it’s been a long weekend and I can barely stay awake. I need a nap.
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Hey, yeah! That sweater does look like Neopolitan ice cream! 😀
I like the looks people are giving each other in this scene.
Leatherneck is mostly amused. Amanda’s not doing too well at his lessons so far, but he’s not getting angry with her. Leatherneck strikes me as a pretty patient, laid back kind of guy.
Lee’s fond looks at Amanda when he first enters the room are sweet. He knows that guns are difficult for Amanda, but she’s approaching her training with seriousness and determination, and I think Lee really values that. Even though Amanda can get into trouble when she gets “enthused” about things, I think Lee is charmed by her enthusiasm.
That last look of Amanda’s at Leatherneck was good, too. To me, it says, “Just you wait!” Like Iwsod said, Amanda’s determined to master this thing, and she’ll be back later to try again.
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Lee is back to the Lee we know and love here. He is sensitive and gentle with Amanda – although he knows now that he is still in the dog box so perhaps he is just being extra careful. But I think his gentleness and concern here for how Amanda will take more bad new about ES is genuine.
The way he does but doesn’t put his arm around Amanda is a clue to his own inner turmoil as well as their strained friendship of the last couple of days. I think he wants to put his arm around her properly but may be senses some residual distance from Amanda – she still has her defences up around him for now I think. He is probably also thinking about this other relationship he is trying so hard to make happen – is this also stopping him from putting his arm right around Amanda as he normally would?
Their physical closeness has always been something that has come naturally to them but now both seem to be in a space where they are suddenly aware of it (like that moment in Bromfield Hall) and what it might imply.
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My initial thoughts are all shalllow. 😉
I think it’s a leather jacket Iwsod, and to me Lee looks smokin’ hot but then maybe I just have fonder memories of quality 1980’s fashion.
But I will agree that sweater Amanda is wearing is awful. Really “in your face” and not flattering at all, it is a distraction that we just don’t need in this episode when there’s so much good stuff going on.
I also can’t help but flash back to Charlie’s Angels when I see Amanda with a gun. She looks like she should be able to shoot well.I always think, “You know how to shoot, you do! Just channel your inner Sabrina!”
Leatherneck is a great character – shame they didn’t feature him more often. Love his line about the ceiling being on our side.
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