On to the agency.. this scene is transcribed by Cindy – Thanks Cindy!!! 
We find Lee and Billy have pulled up some comfy chairs for the afternoon movie titled ‘Weird monks who died’
Billy: A congressman,..
…marine general,…
…and a Nobel physicist.
[sounds like the start of a bad joke!]
…All dead, at approximately the same time. The preliminary cause of death is listed as heroin overdose. For all three.
[Do you think that little sip they had would have been enough? I guess it must have been super super concentrated!]
Oh my.. what a profile!! 
swoony intense! [I’ll ignore how it seems Lee’s ID badge on his jacket is digging into his back!]
Lee: It’s either a bizarre murder plot or a very strange coincidence. [It’s neither!]
Billy: The question is which? (Billy turns off the screen with the remote)
[Haaaa love how the movie screen is covered by that ugly painting.. so high tech Billy! but really, you should have just put on the dvd with the fireplace burning that would have been nicer.. oh wait.. no dvds in the 80s.. shame!!]
… If they were murdered, it could mean anything because they all had defence clearance right up to the top.
Lee: And they didn’t know each other socially, or in government?
Billy: Not according to what we have.
Lee: What do we have?
(Francine enters the theatre err office!)
Billy: Well, we’re still waiting on the coroner’s report from pathology, but we do have a gift here from our friends in the coroner’s office.
(Billy walks over to his office desk– so that’s the layout of Billy’s office? Wow.. seems he’s gotten more space! That’s the same as a promotion! Congrats Billy!)
…They found that in McNeil’s car-empty…
(Billy hands Lee a wine bottle)
…And we have our lab workup here.
Lee: Man, 1945 Chateau Monet, very rare…
…Look at this, McNeil, Stargate and Hallman all signed the label….
…At least they knew each other well enough to share a very expensive bottle of wine.
[yes Lee they all knew each other well enough to share a bottle of wine.. but um.. wouldn’t the immediate thought be they drank from the same bottle of wine??]
Francine: And they all had tickets to the Potomac Services Charity Auction this week. I have friends too.
[she was doing great, till that last line 
Oh Francine.. you come off looking either boastful or insecure when you have to blow your own trumpet!]
Lee: Every mover and shaker in the town buys dozens of those tickets. It’s not going to help us very much.
Billy: Let’s find something that will help us. Let’s find out what this is all about before the metro police or the FBI or who knows whom lets the cat out of the bag.
Lee: If it is a cat.
Billy: Whatever it is, I don’t like it. I want us to have the control…
[what’s he on about?! control? I guess the agency isn’t in charge of the investigation? and if not.. why does he cares so much? when he didn’t want to interfere with the bombing of that Secretary Rawlings in Over the Limit?]
…Check out that auction…
… Take Amanda with you. She’s had experience with charities.
Francine: Experience? Rolling nickels and quarters, running a baked goods concession? Billy, we are talking high society here.
[The Charity even in Charity begins at home was high society.. But then we didn’t see Francine much in that episode no?!]
Billy: What has he got to lose?
Francine: Time, sleep,…
…his flawless…
…reputation.
[I love that Lee is no longer lapping up Francine’s compliments.. he just sees it for what is- manipulation!]
Billy: Take Amanda, she might spot something that you’d miss.
[Oh Billy is awesome!!!! 
Love the big grin he gives Francine!!! Take that Francine!! I love the Kung Fu trophy right behind him – when he just gave Francine a big kick haaaa!!!
Though lol I’m having trouble picturing Billy the Kung Fu champion!!! that’s a huge trophy! Maybe it’s his son’s ]
Francine: (SIGH!!)
In a huff Francine walks past Lee back into the bullpen.
I love Lee’s quiet, knowing smile at Francine 
as she passes him on the way out.. suffer Francine.. ( you can almost hear Lee thinking – concerned for my reputation? cha right!) 
Lee is thoroughly enjoying Francine being put out- especially by Amanda 
ahhh if only Amanda could see it!!! I like to think Lee recounted the story to Amanda later!
(Looks like Francine has SOUR GRAPES!! ) 
Finally, the scene ends with Lee closing the door and giving Billy a wry grin.. love it!!
So, moving on to charity HQ! ! We are back at the Sherman hotel! 
Which this time is not the Sherman hotel – sheesh..
Thanks Debilyn for transcribing this next scene!!! 
Lee and Amanda enter the busy activity of Charity HQ!
Lee: Check any connection between the dead men and the auction, then we’ll pay a visit to the McNeil place.
Amanda: Right.
Lee: Now, (sigh) since we really don’t know what we’re after, I think we should just make a list of the things that are being auctioned and the names of the donors, hmm?
(Amanda spots something and quickly turns Lee around to look at that something)
[lots of touching nice!]
Amanda: Lee, that’s Jill Hulsman…
…..She’s the auction coordinator,…
…and she’s probably got an inventory list right on that clipboard.
[Ahhh the all important clipboard! Amanda knows what it’s like to lose that! ]
Lee: Yeah.
Amanda: Hello, Jill.
Jill: Amanda King. Long time, no see.
I think it’s still a long time no see- Jill doesn’t take her eyes off the studly man Amanda is with Hilarious!!! Of course Amanda picks up on this right away and uses it to her advantage – go Amanda!
Wow.. Lee does not seem to be enjoying her attention – Is it just me or is this a new thing for Lee? In the past he’s been very comfortable with women fawning over him! [Even if it was just charming him for his money!]
Amanda: It’s nice to see you. This is, uh, Dr. Stetson. 
Lee turns to look at Amanda – reacting to Amanda giving him a cover as a ‘doctor’.
Amanda knows the lay of the land and here she’s calling the shots and Lee needs to go along with it! whooo hooooo!!! Which he does (with trepidation!)- wise move.. Amanda knows this is exactly what will make Jill go crazy for him and all his money!
……Doctor.
(Lee clears his throat) [get ready Lee, Amanda has just thrown you as Jill’s bait! haaa!!]
Amanda: this is uh… Jill Hulsman.
Jill: A doctor? Well, I hope you brought your checkbook. (In Australia, we’d spell it: Chequebook!)
Amanda: Heh.
Jill: I can show you some lovely pieces.
Lee goes to say something but Amanda gets in first..
Amanda: Jill, it’s Dr. Stetson’s-
We hear Lee try and protest (lol!): Well, actually, uh-
(Amanda ignores Lee’s attempts-she knows this is the best way to go!)
Amanda: … first auction….
[Look at Lee’s hands! too cute! He’s a little flustered me thinks!]
…Maybe you could preview him.
Lee seems to grin wryly.. drat.. this is a clever way to go.. I just don’t really want to do it! eek! He is too cute when he is all bashful
Jill: Of course, I’d be delighted.
(As Jill says this, she hands the clipboard to Amanda- genius!)
Lee: Uh, huh.
[love how Jill walks between Lee and Amanda separating them and then basically shutting Amanda out- Just like I’m sure Amanda knew she would.. leaving Amanda all alone – with the all important clipboard! ]
Jill: Doctor, let me show you something over here.
Love the last look Lee gives Amanda looking back. Lee Amanda is not paying attention to you- she’s got the clipboard! whahahaaa! Love it!!
Amanda calls back to them as they walk away: I’ll just take care of this for you.
As I’m sure Amanda expected, Jill pays her no attention at all.. so Amanda is free to get the information they need. Kudos to Amanda such a great job!
I love the big smile Amanda gives when she turns back around (all my pics are blurry of it! grrr) but she knows she’s done good! Then.. she’s straight onto business and focused on the info. What a pro!
Is it just me or does this moment seem like a bit of a role reversal? Early in the show Lee was comfortable with using his charm on women – even in front of Amanda.. whatever! and Amanda was a bit scandalised by it all. Now? Lee’s the one looking like he doesn’t want to do this and Amanda? She’s using Lee and his charms to get the clipboard! whahahaa.. no jealousy or anything going on here. Amanda is so comfortable and on the job- I love it! both Lee and Amanda have changed quite a bit! So what are you all seeing here in this scene guys??
Moving on we find a baddie with one of the cases of wine.. he’s opened it and tested all the bottles – but there is no trace of heroin. Seems he has gotten the wrong case- the one without the red label- when he should have been given the one with the red label. So far so good!
Bad guy talks intermittently on phone: I’m telling you. The case he brought me is nothing but wine…. All of it. I’d searched most of his house when his daughter showed up with the cops. Nothing….. Yes, I’m going back. I’ll search the car first. The police have it in their impound yard….. [whoa- look out for Gino- he’s mean! Or do the police have the same impound yard as the agency? I don’t know! Guess we’ll see ]
…That’s easy for you to say, but I’m the one who’s risking everything!
This guy’s accent is hilarious.. and welcome back Lazlo from Sudden Death!! [Or is that Coach Lazlo!! ]
I don’t mind when they recycle baddies.. it’s better for the sustainability or something tee hee.. but when they try and recycle a baddie to then be Amanda’s ex-husband?! that’s crossing the line!
Ah okay. So seems McNeil brought back two cases of wine from Paris. One with a red label which was suppose to go to this bad dude (laced with Heroin) and the other case was to be donated to the charity auction. So McNeil decided to keep one of the wines from the case which was for the charity – they wouldn’t miss it.. so he thinks.. and then he must have given the other case to this guy somehow before meeting with his monk friends to drink the wine from the case that went to the charity auction. I think I’ve got it. Have I?!
Back to Charity HQ and Lee err Dr Lee, is handing over a cheque to Jill..
I am encouraged to see that Jill is wearing clothes that are not unlike what Amanda wears these days.. maybe not the same colours but similar style, as I am sure Jill is suppose to be a lady about town.
Lee: There we go.
Jill: Oh. Doctor, thank you. We can certainly use this.
Lee: Uh, it’s my pleasure.
(together they walk back over to join Amanda.)
Amanda: Here you are.
Jill: Thank you. (Jill takes back the clipboard and leaves)
Lee: Got a cure for shark bite?
Amanda: Lee, at least, it’s for a good cause.
[Awesome pun there Amanda!!]
Lee: Huh.
(Learjet adds-I so want to put, “Yeah, right.” Cause we all know that’s what Lee is thinking.)
Amanda: Look, McNeil, Hallman and Stargate are not on that list…
…But there are 11 bottles of that same wine that was found in Congressman McNeil’s car.
Lee: Eleven bottles of Chateau Monet?
Amanda: Chateau Monet, that’s right.
Lee: It’s gotta be from the same case.
Amanda: I don’t know.
Lee: Was McNeil the donor?
Amanda: I don’t know. The donors are all anonymous and the wine is not here yet.
Lee: Maybe we can find a receipt at the house….
[Is Lee touching Amanda’s hand with his finger?]… Come on.
They leave together and the scene ends there.
These two just look like more of an equal team now don’t they? it’s so great how they manage to convey that while just talking about a case!
Soooo looking forward to hearing what you all make of this part of the episode!! Thanks again to Cindy and Debilyn for helping with the dialogue transcript!!!
byeee for now!
"Just walk with me.." 
this might have been discussed, but what do you all make of the look Lee gives Billy about Francine’s huffiness when she brushes past him.
To me it looks like he is all like “Billy, you’re so bad!” but in like a “I am amused by it” way.
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IWSOD, I love the little cow picture you placed after Francine’s snarky remark about Amanda not being right for the job since she had only ever rolled nickels and ran a baked sale….too funny!
Talking about Amanda’s parachute skirt….Her style of clothes seems to make her look frumpy and motherly….BUT…I looked at some of my photos from the 80’s and had to laugh, they were similar…let’s face it the 80’s were full of frumpy, cotton blends, wide belts, big sweaters with scrunched sleeves and it was all frumpy…Francine wasnt much better!
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I just had to say:
“I love the Kung Fu trophy right behind him”
I love the fact that it’s a different trophy to the two he had in his office in A Lovely Little Affair…
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I have to say this here. I see this episode as after UN and the “not exactly” and I view a lot of Lee’s interaction as a response in answer to that “not exactly” so it is hard for me to view any of their time together with out that perspective… OK, enough said.
I love the way Lee responds to Francine here and the way he and Billy share that look.Francine is still back in season two, Billy has always known that Amanda was an asset to the Agency and to Lee, but now Lee is on board, YAY!!!
And I love those screen caps of Lee trying to avoid shark bite. I love this new outward reaction to forward women and the way that Amanda is all about the job. She is so comfortable with their partnership and their friendship and somehow it seems as if Lee is the one who is a bit anxious about go off on his own, it is kind of a reversal of that party scene in Times. I love the way they work of each other. Lee really listens to Amanda’s thoughts and she is free to share them with him. They are more and more two halves of the same whole. Aaaahhh…
It is nice to be back. Camping was great, but home is nice, home and JWWM 🙂
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First of all, welcome back, Morley. Glad you had a good time and yes, it is always good to be back home. Secondly, I agree with you about UN and its placement, but didn’t want to jump ahead and I won’t. Just wanted to say that I agree with you and will wait till we get there to comment further.
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I know, I know… patience and control…
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Oh and welcome back! 🙂
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Good answer Valerie! 😉 hang in there Morley!
The whole order of SG and UN is in the back of my mind – but I haven’t seen UN for ages.. and want to walk through them before I begin to address it (maybe we can discuss this at the end of UN?) – for now, I’ve decided to just go with the flow, note what’s happening.. and whooo ‘that’s different’! and.. maybe I’ll need to hold off a little on what it could mean in a wider sense.. does that make sense?
I can definitely see already that Lee and Amanda are behaving differently 🙂 squeee!! If that’s after ALLA.. or after UN – we can explore in time 🙂
Just finishing off the next post and will publish it soon!
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I promise to be good, I just wanted to make that little footnote so that my comments could be read in that light (even if I won’t mention it again). I am prepared to “go with the flow” and enjoy Sour Grapes 😉
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I don’t want to belabor a point we are not suppose to be discussing, but I hope we do explore the placement of SG (after UN or b4) because now I am intrigued. 🙂 Never really thought about that switch. You have my vote for the discussion!
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Howdy everyone!
iheartsmk, I responded earlier to say the ep order is in the back of my mind – and we’ll be discussing it after Utopia now – I think it’s a good idea too! I’m just taking the episodes as they come till we have finished Utopia now – it’s good to experience the show as it would have been experienced as it orginally aired – and then.. we can go back and explore how a different order would have made more sense (or not if that’s where your thinking is 🙂 )
Hope you are all well!! I’m reading comments.. and still moderating, but little time for replying.. I’ll try and get on tomorrow to reply to a few comments more fully -especially Newbie Danni’s comments – so glad to see you guys giving her a warm welcome – you guys rock!! 🙂 Oh yeah.. and I need to write the next post.. 🙂
byeeeeee
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Like all the comments so far but lament that Amanda is back to a dowdy over-sized shirt and parachute skirt again in the oh so exciting (not!) beige on beige colourway. Maybe it’s another one of Lee’s shirts 😉 which would liven the scenario up a bit, but of course it can’t be since the buttons are on the wrong side. Drat!
Francine obviously spent a lot of time this morning concentrating on getting her hair just right, that’s why she didn’t notice the abject awfulness of that outfit. Moo-cow in over-patterned teal! 😀
The easy interactions between Lee and Amanda fit well after the events of ALLA. It’s the kind of comfort level you get only after you’ve got to know someone on a more personal level.
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Kiwismh, I’m with you on Amanda’s awful outfit. I’m not too wild about Jill’s “blouse” either. At least we’re never subjected to Lee in a pink shirt and white trousers…
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Oh I agree Kiwismh and learjet – not liking any of the women’s fashions so far.. but I figured they were better than some monstrosities so I’ll live with it – Amanda’s shirt doesn’t seem dressy enough for work.. it’s like one she’d wear at home with jeans. but I do like Amanda in pink.. Oh well..
What do you all think of Lee’s tartan-ish tie? I don’t think we’ve seen one like this one before!
parachute skirt? rofl!!! I love it kiwismh!!
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I actually like the tie…Not sure that I’d want my other half to wear it though.
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I agree Learjet, I quite like it too- though it’s a different look for Lee..
Hope your having a good weekend- I’m signing off now byeee!
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I do love Amanda’s belt, though. [Feel like maybe I’ve said this before . . . Sorry if I’m repeating myself.] She has several colors of this buckle-in-back-with-a-V-in-front style. Wish I had the waist to wear one of those!
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Funny how everyone has different taste – the belts with the buckle at the back of the belt isn’t to my taste. I think they make her look too cinched in at the waist and over-emphasise her shoulder-padded shoulders. But maybe I’m just jealous of her tiny waist. More sour grapes 🙂 – that pun just keeps coming in this episode…
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Poor Lee – Amanda has no compunction about throwing him to the shark to get what she needs. Turn about is fair play, Spyboy. 😉 And I love how she sprung the Doctor cover on him. Way to think on the spot!
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OH–the greatness that is season 3. Amanda is being put on assignments by Billy and being willingly accepted by Lee! Francine has always been a bit catty toward Amanda, but this must make Francine a bit jealous. I agree with everyone else. I love that Amanda has no problem throwing Lee to the “sharks” and now Lee is uncomfortable in that position. After ALLA, Amanda realizes that sometimes an agent has to use themselves to get what they need. (ie–her getting involved with Alan and here Lee being taken by the shark). It truly shows how much has changed. Lee is out of the game and only has eyes for one woman now! Like seeing Amanda confident!
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I’ve always enjoyed this little Billy – Francine interaction here. I think part of Francine’s issue is that Billy has been a supporter of Amanda from the start. Jealousy, much? Yep!
Lee and Amanda are truly a well-oiled machine of partnership now. It’s so much fun to see. Finally!
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I love how Amanda turns out to be the absolute right person for this particular part of the assignment. Earlier in the show, there would be some weird connection or some accidental nuance that made her the right person at the right time. But here, not only does she “know” auctions, but she is also “known” at the auction; her sphere of experience and expertise on display. I really like that!
The ease Lee and Amanda have with each other is awesome! Love all the touching that’s going on her – little displays of closeness and familiarity that demonstrates how their relationship is maturing. Really special!
And, what can I say about that profile shot … LOVE IT (swoon)!!!
Thanks for pointing out that the baddie is Lazlo from Sudden Death. I totally missed that!! lol Although, I think you might have given a little away when referencing actor crossovers still yet to come?! 🙂
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LOL iheartsmk, the Joe King surprise is truly out of the bag! We haven’t discussed any of that episode in detail but throughout Murder Between Friends it was often lamented that he was recycled.. so I figured it was a safe reference – though yeah not looking to inspire indepth discussion here about that upcoming episode (though hey, it can be discussed on Neds if anyone likes)
Oh the profile shot is dreamy huh..
I love love love your comments on Amanda being of use here and so being intentionally used on the case – it’s not by accident!!! All those episodes we went through at the end of season 2 [edited the typo] where Amanda accidentally got involved in the case or heck – became the case were wearing a bit thin! It’s so great to relish that Amanda’s usefulness is being sought and appreciated by Lee and Billy! 🙂
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I sometimes think that Billy delights in telling Francine “no” and making her take a backseat to Amanda in order to humble her a bit. In some ways, Francine is as brash as Lee used to be, and she could use someone to teach her “patience and control.” Keep at it, Billy, keep at it.
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I’m enjoying the different tone of this episode, and particularly how Iwsod is humorously picking up on the little SMK idiosyncrasies it contains.
I’m with you, Valerie – loving intense Lee – that nose in profile – swoon!
Is anyone else bothered by Francine’s weird downward-pointing arrow necklace? It quite distracts me from her moo’ing.
Also loving Amanda taking charge of the situation at the auction house. Lee just follows her. It’s a great turn around from earlier episodes. Also that Lee doesn’t enjoy the female admiration, even feels desperately uncomfortable with it.
One problem I need to highlight: I do not like Lee’s watch, and it bothers me more than usual in this scene. I’m sure it was v 80s but that square face just isn’t working for me. And it’s right on his wrist joint. Anyone wanting to contribute to a fund to buy Lee a watch that better highlights that gorgeous hand can PM me at Neds 🙂
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Lee in profile..sigh! The man is smokin’!!! I was thinking the same thing about Francine, Iwsod. Sour grapes indeed! She just refuses to accept that Amanda is way more than what she initially tagged her as. She just can’t seem to help but try to belittle and demean Amanda. Does she know realize how it makes her look? Does she not care? Again, if she would quit the grousing and be more accepting of Amanda maybe she would be a part of more of these cases. She is such a social climber. I try to like Francine, but she makes it so hard.
I do love how Lee reacts to her comments. He is so on team Amanda at this point. We are way past the arguing about using Amanda or him partnering with her. At least Billy and Lee know how to handle and deal with Francine’s huffiness…they ignore her and move on. Love Billy’s smile at Francine’s consternation. And Billy’s call about Amanda’s experience with charities was spot on.
I love how Amanda is so in control here. This is one of those situations where Lee is out of his comfort zone and Amanda is so relaxed. She knows what’s needed and she knows how to get the information about what’s needed. Land Shark Jill is so funny how she totally focuses on Lee and barely acknowledges Amanda. Flustered, bashful, out of sorts Lee is a very cute Lee.
Amanda and Lee are so cute together. I like how she takes his elbow after the shark bite question. I also like the little finger tap of Lee’s at the end. I always like those little added bonuses.
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Also that Amanda initiates a lot of the touching when before it was more from Lee
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