3/12 Season Three, Episode 04: Tail of the Dancing Weasel- Scarecrow and Mrs King (Morley’s order: Episode 03)

34 thoughts on “3/12 Season Three, Episode 04: Tail of the Dancing Weasel- Scarecrow and Mrs King (Morley’s order: Episode 03)”

1. Okay help! When does Lee say he wants his own office?

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   1. I’m fairly certain he never said it on the show, but it makes total sense. Lee seems to be Billy’s top field agent, and really, who wouldn’t want their own office? For that matter, I am rather bemused that Lee is not jumping up and down with joy over the fact that he actually gets an office with WINDOWS and a lovely view to the outdoors. That would certainly be my reaction. I would hate working in the Agency’s windowless lower levels, and the cubicle situation down there makes it even worse.

      Putting aside the “extra work” that the Q-Bureau apparently entails, I think perhaps Lee is one of those people who wants to be in the middle of things, and he is worried that he will be “out of the loop,” sitting upstairs away from his coworkers.

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      1. Plus he might miss the camaraderie of working in the bullpen. In the Q Bureau he’s basically alone. Lee strikes me as the kind of person who would enjoy being able to walk past a coworker’s desk and chat a bit.

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         1. I’m sure you’re right! Yet I still can’t help thinking how much better the upstairs office is compared to Billy’s office, or anything else down in the lower levels of the Agency. A huge room, two windows providing great natural light, a couch and a fridge… Plus, no matter how “light” the security is upstairs, at least you can evacuate it quickly!

            But I am decidedly less social than Lee and have always loved having my own office — the more secluded the better, LOL.

            As for Lee — I guess he will just have to find himself an officemate! 🙂

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2. “If he lives, help him straighten things out.” Hahahahahaaa!!! “Not sudden interest. Sudden asking.” Omg so funny! This episode has a lot of good lines… and I like that Lee is moving upstairs and will have more privacy…

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   1. that is a genius line thanks for reminding me of it!!!

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      1. The sudden question is said by Amanda on the way up the stairs after she asks Lee about Harry’s portrait. He asks “why the sudden interest?” And she says “Not sudden interest, sudden asking”.

         The other line is said by Billy after Lee complains about his new office in the Q Bureau and he says that now he knows why they were issued cyanide capsules. So Billy says to Amanda, “If he lives, help him straighten things out.” And leaves.

         S&MK has such great comedy. I’m enjoying the humor so much more this time around!

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3. You know, I am almost positive that we have seen Lee in this “Q Bureau” before this episode. I am going to have to do some research on this. I think the emphasis on locking the door was actually to kind of set the audience up for juicy possibilities down the road (no spoilers).

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4. Ahh, Mrs. Marsden again. Love Mrs. Marsden…. I want to be like her when I grow up.

   Lee has an awfully big grin on his face…hmmm. Billy too. Only to be wiped out with that ‘scooch’ word. What is the big deal about saying scooch? The way Lee stops and Billy looks at him, you’d think that Lee had said a reeealy bad word in front of naïve, innocent Amanda. What’s up with that? I don’t get it. It bugs me. At this point Amanda is not really so naïve or innocent.

   I have a theory as to why there are ‘game’ references…I think it’s because of all the ‘games’ Lee and Amanda will be playing. Perhaps it is a bit of foreshadowing. As much fun as it can be to watch, I don’t like ‘games’ and don’t like to play them with other people. I think that may be why S3 is not my favorite. In fact, now that I’ve gained a much greater appreciation for S2, I think S3 may be at the bottom of the barrel for me. Yeah, I’m weird that way.

   Love the screen cap comparisons, iwsod!! And I really like Lee’s hair in SAAB much more so than here!

   Is it just me of do Lee’s pants look a little high waisted here? Maybe it’s the solid red tie. I don’t know. Something just strikes me funny…

   Hahaha!! Goood TGTN reference!!

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5. I am finally getting a chance to watch this episode.

   I was reminded of something during this scene. In TGTN Lee comes out of this very closet and surprises Amanda, then he tells her he doesn’t need her and goes back into this close (she pushes him in, but…). In this episode he emerges from the closet all full of wonderful smiles for her, at her, because of her. And he wants her help (I actually think he does want her help , because a tedious job will just be more enjoyable if Amanda is there).
   It was a big contrast from the same kind of scene in TGTN.

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   1. beautiful!!!! thanks for highlighting this for us all Morley 🙂 warms my heart! we really are on to the good stuff huh! 🙂

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6. Ugh, more internet issues. Sure hope they were the last!

   I do love the smiles that Lee has for her. They seem more than just the “smile at Amanda so she will do the job” kind of smiles. I think they really enjoyed there steak and potatoes and no shop talk evening and Lee is generally happy to see his friend. And who better to do a distasteful job with than a good friend, huh? I do think they are going to do it together, no ditching on Lee’s behalf. I need to spend some more time with this post and this part of the episode, because I am going from memory, but I have always enjoyed his smiles.
   Oh I like the comparison between the two moments on the stairs too.

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   1. I agree!! They must have had a very nice evening with their steak, potato, and red wine! They are for sure very comfortable with one another now. I think that when coworkers strike up a friendship outside of work, it definitely shows in how they act toward one another.

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7. I so agree that Lee gives Amanda a special look. Is this the first time they are seeing each other after the “date” or maybe they have spent other time outside of work together? It’s a look not just about her helping him with this project, it is personal. I also agree that Amanda is super enthusiastic to start spying on Lee. She may also be looking to gain some insight of her own (is Lee still seeing Leslie?, is he seeing anyone else?). Maybe she thinks she’ll learn something else about Lee.

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   1. Yes, I have been thinking about where Amanda is at now and what she could be thinking. She still doesn’t know if Lee is seeing Leslie. I think she knows he hadn’t dated anyone for a little while before Leslie, which was another reason why the “new girlfriend” was an upset. I think Amanda had begun to have an expectation or a hope, even if she hadn’t fully realised it herself.
      With everything that has happened, I guess she might also see this assignment Harry has given her as an opportunity to learn more about Lee, and whether Leslie is still in the picture.
      I think it makes her feel uncomfortable to snoop on Lee, especially because of the trusting personal friendship they have, but if she has to do it she might as well take full advantage of the opportunity.

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      1. I really think this episode was intended as the season premiere. If you view it that way, it makes sense. We meet Buck, Lee gets a new office, etc 🙂

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   2. Your comment made me think more about the dinner Lee and Amanda had. What did they talk about? There wasn’t supposed to be any talk of work. As much as I would hate to think this, I do think that it would be natural for Amanda to bring up Leslie. Other than her crush on Lee that she tucked away a while ago, Amanda has wanted nothing other than to be Lee’s friend and to have him trust her and let her help him. Even though it might have been hard for Amanda, I would think that at their dinner, Amanda would have asked Lee about Leslie. So I do think that Amanda is aware to some degree of Lee’s feelings toward Leslie – at least as much as Lee understands them himself and is willing to share with Amanda. I think because I don’t see their dinner as a “date” all this is possible in my mind.

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8. There are two things that I really like about this scene. The first is that “hmm?” response of Lee’s to Amanda. As the show progressed he seemed to answer her more and more like that. It’s just such a casual and relaxed response. For some reason it just speaks to me about where they are.

   The other thing I notice and like is how Amanda takes Lee’s arm to ask him the question about Harry. It’s seemingly a small thing, but touches between these two seem to mean a lot and have such an underlying current between them. It’s like they can’t not touch each other. In OTL the last good touch between them was that hug of relief from Lee after the bomb exploded and Lee realized Amanda was okay. Even at the end in the tag they didn’t touch one another. It’s like there was a wall or barrier between them and now that wall seems to be down as Amanda willingly grabs his arm. It’s something small, but I just like it.

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   1. These small things ment so much… I like it too.

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   2. I like this comment about the touches and the “hmm.” So true. The comfort has returned between them, has even increased wouldn’t you say?

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9. One of my favorite lines of the series is BB’s cyanide threat. This is a particular favorite scene, for just the cozy humor, as well as the possibilities of a new environment, the dangers of less security “up top”. It was probably a good move, too, just because of the focus the show took on Lee and Amanda’s changing relationship at this point. They needed more alone time to let things ferment more where the audience could see, and where Francine et al could not. 🙂

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   1. Yes, BB is particularly good with humor. I do think the writers or PTB moved Lee and Amanda up into the Q Bureau on purpose. It opened up a whole new world in terms of being able to easily separate them from everyone else while at work.

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      1. Indeed.. I think it was an inspired move!
         being the pragmatist that I am though – I can’t help but think they did it to cut down on costs – the bullpen would have been a nightmare production wise, with all those extras and activities going on in the background, they would have had to coordinate that and pay those extras.[which might be why Jill felt the need to go work/volunteer for the Save the Bay office in Over the Limit- whahahahaaa!! or why a Duffy look alike worked at the rest home with aphids in Over the Limit! times are tough at the agency 😉 ]

         Now here in the Q bureau, the agency doesn’t need to show any other staff even exist ha! [which makes sense given Lee, Amanda, Billy and Francine are really the only people who actually ‘work’ 😉 tee hee]

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10. I always get a kick out of this scene. It’s charmingly funny; seeing Lee so happy and then act like a kid who’s favorite word had just become “no” puts a big ol’ grin on my face!

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11. The Season looks very Spring or early Summer to me. Ms Mellow Yellow is certainly dressed for warmer weather.
    What exactly does Mrs Marsten do all day? She doesn’t have a computer on her desk. Phone calls and visitors to “IFF” certainly wouldn’t keep her busy all day? I guess she’s just part of the cover.
    Love that big smile on Lee’s face as he comes through the door, and the fact that he keeps smiling. I think his smile and his pleasure at seeing her are genuine. This episode always fit well after OTL IMHO. I think Lee has opened himself to the possibility of something more than friendship with Amanda even though it’s still a scary thing for him to be considering this. Agree with you Iwsod, Lee doesn’t like change, most of us don’t, especially sudden change. Which is why I think he is just “open to the possibility” at this stage. He’s not going to rush into anything. I think he is just content to keep seeing Amanda out of office hours and see where it leads, if anywhere. He’s definitely not dating anymore, I think he wants Amanda to know he values their personal friendship and wants to spend more out of work time with her, but he’s not prepared to push it any further than that safe ground for now. Wonder if he has considered how he might feel if Amanda were to start dating someone else, or is he content for now (after her reactions in OTL) that she has some interest in a closer personal friendship with him too?
    Anyway, right here, right now, he is clearly very happy to be with her and this shows. Looks like he is totally checking her out as she puts her badge on too! 😉
    I think Amanda trusts what Harry has told her but she is savvy enough now to double check by questioning Lee about him. I think this shows professional growth in Amanda, and that she has lost a great deal of the naivety she had at the beginning. There may have been a time when she might have taken Harry more at face value and not followed up with her own discreet enquiry.
    I guess the portraits on the wall are of previous Directors of the Agency, although why they would have these in plain sight of any visitors that came in I’m not sure. I guess IFF doesn’t really get any visitors who aren’t in the know about the Agency, even the occasional Russian (Operation Possum?).
    Like to think that Billy is doing his little bit here to throw Lee and Amanda together in a more private setting – the Q Bureau. Okay, Amanda doesn’t have a desk up there (yet) but I get the feeling Billy thinks this office will be good for Lee in more ways than one.
    Lee’s been asking or his own office? Guess he’s getting sick of having rub shoulders with the great unwashed down in the bullpen. 🙂 Seriously, maybe he is. He has matured a great deal in the last couple of years and whether he realises it or not, he may be ready to spread his wings and take on more responsibility.
    I also think Billy is looking to the future – ultimately Lee is becoming too valuable to be in the line of fire and doing the grunt work all the time. He is now of an age and mature enough to start taking on more responsibility and a more supervisory role. Eventually this could lead to a higher position in the Agency or in Intelligence work.
    One thing I don’t enjoy about this episode is Amanda spying on Lee – it has the potential to put a kink I their trust and friendship. I think this is a big part of why Amanda is not comfortable with what Harry has asked her to do. Still, it’s all part of the journey.

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    1. Love all those smiles (and that lockable door!) Lee does act like a petulant child here though – BB’s facial expressions are spot on (did he copy his own kids?!)

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       1. You know Learjet, you got me thinking..

          Would season 1 Scarecrow have behaved like a petulant child infront of other agents? I imagine he was too proud for that.. but here?? he freely expresses himself in a childish way infront of Billy and Amanda- another indication of how Billy and Amanda are so trusted by Lee 🙂

          I don’t know why but I’m always so surprised when BB is funny.. and he is! often!! some of my fave funny moments are BB being hilarious!

          I think you are on the money there Learjet, chanelling his own kids for sure! 🙂 tee hee.. I love though how he sounds so childish but is actually saying very forceful words – wipe that smile off your face! get back here!!!! I think this contradiction makes it even more hilarious!!!

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          1. Yes in Season 1 he tends to just lose his temper rather than sulk and be petulant

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    2. Kiwismh, I agree that Billy may be doing a little push of his own here – for Lee to come in and be a valuable leader and move up in the agency, and toward moving Amanda and Lee forward. I do think the friendship he and Lee share allows him to recognize Amanda’s value both at the agency and for Lee personally.

       I, too, enjoy this scene for the light jokes and fun of watching Lee be a little childlike in his frustration. The “cyanide capsules” is one of my favorite lines, too. And the delivery of all these straight and funny lines between Lee and Billy are just right.

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    3. Like what you say here about Amanda becoming a bit more savvy to check what Harry V. is telling her. She needs to do a bit of investigating herself before she trusts him fully.

       I’ve always thought that Billy figured the Q Bureau would be a good fit for Lee now that Amanda is really a partner. The Q Bureau needs a lot of work, and it is work that Amanda can jump right in and do without any special training. As Amanda gets more training, it’ll just be icing on the cake.

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       1. True, Lee would have made an even great disaster of the Q if Amanda hadn’t been there with him. But with her presence he handles it very nicely

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    4. I definitely think Over The Limit and even A Lovely Little Affair had to be before this.

       In ALLA, Lee starts working with the congresswoman in the bullpen, then moves upstairs for the scene at night and then you see her in the background again the next day in the bullpen while everyone else is in Billy’s office. Plus the Q Bureau is arranged slightly differently. Lee seems to be closer to the wall with the vault and is sitting on the “wrong” side of the desk. I think Faber decided they were getting too many interruptions downstairs from Lee’s coworkers and talked to Billy, who said “Look, Crawford’s gone home for the night by now — if he even came in today. Why don’t you both go work up there?”

       On OTL, Lee comes down to the bullpen when he arrives at work and it seems like that’s where he was expecting to report that day. Francine seems to be expecting him and when Billy asks to talk to Lee, it seems to be news to him. Not like Lee came in and Mrs. Marston said “Mr. Melrose wants to talk to you before you go upstairs.” We see later on a couple eps where Lee and Amanda arrive first thing they go straight up to the Q Bureau when they arrive, even if they have to go see Billy later.

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12. Billy is the perfect foil to teenager Lee, I love how unmoved he is to the childish protestations 😉
    But I am secretly excited at seeing the Q bureau woo hoo!!!!
    Love how Amanda doesn’t have any hesitation at searching Lee’s pockets. She sure is adapting to the spy biz 😀

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13. I always attributed Lee’s super mega watt smile to seeing Amanda more to the fact he know she is super organized and will do most of the grunt/cleaning work (BAD LEE!).
    Billy is superawesome here and I love the exchange between him and Lee.

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