It’s night time now.. What a long day it’s been.. switching in and out of outfits has been terribly exhausting for our fave couple.. 3 times in one day! 
The yacht is moored and the sun has set..
We cut to inside of the yacht where both Lee and Amanda are having a glass of wine.
Oh my!!! there are CANDLES!!!! you know what candles are code for in SMK!! Romance baby!
So ahhh does the Mata Hari II not have lights?! I can see one.. but me thinks they chose to use candles.. and they know this is special.. and they are just enjoying, comfortable with each other and their slow pace.. maybe the table between them puts to rest any wondering about them gettin physical!
Who would have thought we’d see them enjoying an evening by candlelight anytime soon??!! I’m amazed!!!
Too cute how they are so in sync – both drinking their wine at the same time, stopping at the same time..
Lee: You know, I figured on the off-chance that we might get stuck, and – well, I wanted to make it as pleasant as it could possibly be.
Love how Lee is so casual in saying this.. IMHO he is putting Amanda and maybe himself at ease about all this – because it could be a little scary. what do you guys think?
I love that this little meal here shows such forethought on Lee’s part. It hints that he was in fact looking forward to spending time with Amanda, and wanted to make it special.. he went out of his way to make the evening ‘pleasant as possible’ – Lee is being very considerate of Amanda these days huh!
Best of all, to me it screams that Lee is now actually starting to woo Amanda 
He tries to sound casual but there’s no hiding he thought ahead.. and what that means No cover story to hide behind.. or excuse.. I love it!
I can’t wait to hear what you all make of this
Not wanting to ruin the moment or anything. but umm you know Lee, I saw you arrive on the boat with nothing (except Amanda’s life jacket) When did you bring this stuff?? You and Amanda arrived together?! Must be the romance pixies.. [think I care about this plot hole? not really! ]
Amanda: Well, you did, thank you.
Amanda responds as she pops a last mouthful of cheese? in her mouth..
Again, understated.. casual.. and lets Lee know she’s enjoyed it and she’s thankful.. everything is so relaxed.. but special..
I love how when Amanda thanks Lee and confirms she enjoyed it – Lee can’t help but give a big smile – we just see it as he takes another sip of wine.
Lee enjoys knowing that he pleased Amanda Oh my.. this man just keeps getting more and more attractive.. when I keep thinking he can’t possibly be anymore attractive! What a gorgeous quality – it’s no wonder Amanda falls for him
The phone rings! gah! there’s a world outside this boat? Oh yeah!!!!
Love how Lee gives Amanda a look.. like do I have to answer it? 
oh man..
then he picks up the phone and is not impressed at the interruption..
Lee: Ohhhhh!!!
He raises the aerial on the phone.. he frowns at Amanda – he’s not happy at this interruption. It better be good!!!
Lee: –Yeah?
Billy: (off camera) Scarecrow, I haven’t heard from you. Any activity on the Sea Chance?
[Sea Chance? what’s a Sea Chance?! ]
Oh yeah! work! we’re here to work!
Lee: Uh, yeah, Billy.
Billy: Well, it’s getting late. What about Mr and Mrs Cummings?!
Lee looks at his watch..
Lee: We put them to bed about 10:30
Billy: Alright, let me know if you spot Stoller.
As Billy says this, Lee motions to Amanda – look at my watch! 
Look at the time!!! lol.. We’re in a time warp!! or .. may watch is broken!
Lee seems shocked at how much time has gone by
time stands still huh Lee?! Nah.. logical Lee thinks there’s a problem with his watch!!
We see Amanda look concerned and.. she checks her own watch.. 
can’t believe it either huh Amanda!!!!
Amanda looks at Lee and motions that yeah his watch was right!
Lee: Yeah. Yeah, will do.
Billy: I’ll check back with you.
Lee: OK, bye.
Lee hangs up.. and puts the phone down.. Amanda re-corks the wine.. it’s clear the night needs to come to an end!
Lee: It’s 12:45, I didn’t realize it was so late. [too cute that he says this!!]
Amanda (at same time): We better get some sleep.
Sorry guys.. I’m going to stop here for the moment.. back with more of this scene soon! Short and sweet is my new motto! Isn’t this scene adorable?! I can’t wait to hear what you all make of it.. err so far! do any of you remember seeing this scene for the first time?
Okay byee for now!!
"Just walk with me.." 
I really appreciate how comfortable these two are together. I say this as someone just coming off a situation where my comfort with a certain person (NOT a romantic interest!) was damaged, and the contrast really makes me value it more when I see it with Lee and Amanda. Amanda’s not a bit worried about the situation anymore. She’s secure about Lee’s intentions, and she’s just COMFORTABLE around him. I kind of think Utopia Now was a breakthrough with this spending-the-night-on-the-job sort of thing; once going through an experience like that, this one would be a piece of cake.
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They are comfortable, and I do think UN opened something up for them. But I can’t help but ask if Amanda might be wondering if there could be a repeat of that almost kiss. Would that add to the comfort level or create some tension or even suspense. And what about Lee? How come he doesn’t recreate that scenario, or try for another kiss?
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I’m kind of pondering this one too Morley – and finding it especially tricky because I can’t think of what’s ahead and come up with a way to explain it for myself at this point.. to be honest I’m finding it all a little confusing because I don’t know why Lee went in for a kiss in Sour Grapes and now no kiss.. All I can think at the moment is that this ep sees them in a very comfortable place- for now I’ll just take it as it comes.. [whoooo maybe that’s what Lee and Amanda are doing too?!]
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Actually after thinking about this, I have a few thoughts. I do think Lee is very aware of what a relationship with Amanda would entail. If it didn’t work out it could jeopardize his partnership and their friendship. If it did work out it would mean permanence, and with Amanda that means a family. Not that Lee sees that as baggage, because I think he has been working on that for a while, but embracing a family plus his line of work and his own personal history makes it even a bigger thing to grasp. That is alot to figure out and I can see it make a green light very yellow. And I think it should. I think Lee has become the kind of man, especially where Amanda is concerned, who wants to do the right thing, he won’t move forward unless he knows he wants to be and can be “that” man.
I agree the kiss in UN was because of the conversation and the life threatening situation. But that doesn’t explain the one in SG. I think that one was a response with a bit of tease and excuse thrown in to cushion it. I do think he wanted to respond to the “not exactly” and in typical Lee style, that was how he chose to do it. Of course Dotty’s sudden interruption may have just reinforced all the he knew about getting involved with Amanda. And he stepped back from suave Scarecrow ways of progressing and is trying to figure out what to do with this new reality in his life. And actually, Iwosd, that is going to take the rest of this comment over to the episode order discussion at Ned’s 🙂
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Very interesting Morley! hey where have you taken this to on Neds?
I might come back to this idea at the end of flight to freedom.. gosh I wish I could bookmark a comment! I want to explore this big picture more.. but at the moment.. no brain power left!
I’ll try to remember to come back to this at the end of FTF.
Oh and btw – I’m going to have to look up what’s the next ep now.. sort out transcripts for the rest of season 3 but to be honest I won’t be watching the eps or thinking about the content.. so while I’m about to find out what’s next – I don’t really remember much detail! It’s been years since I saw the end of season 3..
Okay bye for now!
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I was going to revisit my thoughts on the episode order at Ned’s but we had to prepare for a blizzard so I haven’t had the time. It has been snowing for 12 hours straight and I think we have another 12 hours to go.
I wonder what you will think when you see what episode is next. I think it is significant.
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Hey Morley – I hope you and your loved ones are doing okay! we heard about that big storm here in oz!
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Just checked I have the transcript for the next ep..(I do!) so I now know what it is.. oh boy! 🙂
So glad I didn’t know.. to be honest, I’ve just gone through the rest of season 3 transcripts and have noted what’s done and what’s not.. but I honestly have forgotten already what’s after the next one!
So don’t worry.. I’ll still not remember what’s coming! 🙂
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Tee hee…Oh what fun we are going to have 😀
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Thanks. We are warm and cozy and it was fun to have everyone home for a day. 18″ of snow and COLD! But we are used to that here in good old New England.
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Wow!! Sounds fantastic!! Man I wish I lived permanently where it snowed during winter! I miss snow!!!
Stay warm!
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“I’m finding it all a little confusing because I don’t know why Lee went in for a kiss in Sour Grapes and now no kiss..”
Yep, precisely why I’ve personally rearranged more than just the first 5 episodes of the season 😉
There are just far too many good kissing opportunities going to waste in this episode for me to plausibly believe it would immediately follow BOTH Sour Grapes AND Utopia Now. Everything makes SO much more sense if it comes right before them.
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I am thinking that the reason there is no attempt at a kiss is because they are working a case. Lee’s attempt in SG was after the case had ended. Amanda’s blackmail was after the case was over. Their discussion in the elevator on RFTS indicates that they have some more personal discussions either outside our purview or when they are socializing with one another. During the wine and snacks they may have been having just such a discussion. The handholding and touching are more personal, but are pretty much in keeping with how they have always been with one another even as part of their professional life.
With UN it was a life and death situation for them personally and there was the fear of not making it out of that situation alive. So the near-miss kiss came out of that situation. They were sharing some honest feelings and one thing led to another. This is not one of those life and death situations for them and they are still in work mode. I think if this were a dating situation there may have been another attempt at a kiss. I think that Lee wanted to make sure it was a nice evening for Amanda, but still maintain his professionalism at the same time. At least that’s how I’m seeing this.
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Like this was of thinking, Valerie.
I also wonder if after SG and being caught by Dottie if Lee felt embarrassed or something and was working his courage up to try again. I wonder if getting caught in the suburbs with a mask on nonetheless but Amanda’s mother sort of rattled him into wondering just what the heck he was thinking. And here on the Mata Hari, this hardly seems the time or the place. They are in the middle of a case like you say and it’s not a this may be our last night on earth situation.
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I like everyone’s thoughts here. I also like the fact that these two have somehow both ended up with blankets, while Amanda’s is draped around her, Lee’s is off to the side. And here is where my mind goes off on a tangent. Could this somehow be an indication of where they are in what they are ready to express to one another? Lee has become more and more uncovered in what he is feeling and in what he is showing to Amanda about where he is. Amanda is still sort of holding back and keeping a bit more to herself. She is still in sort of a wait and see mode with Lee. At least she is getting to see more and more of where he actually is and what he is feeling. That “not exactly” was a great motivator. And Amanda knew just how and when to say it.
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Interesting comparison! Or is it a metaphor? I don’t know. But I agree, that “not exactly” certainly got Lee moving in the right direction!
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Hey guys! I just realised I’ve forgotten an outfit!
Amanda hasn’t changed 3 times today – she’s changed 4 times! rofl!!
I forgot the opening scene with Amanda fixing the sink at home – in jeans and a blue shirt.
Then she goes to IFF in her lightning cardy..
then off to the hearing in her checker board sweater
then lightning strikes twice with her cardy again down by the marina..
and then she switches into her suitably yachty outfit of Jeans with a white shirt – all in one day! rofl!!
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Funny that Billy (the Boss) didn’t request that Lee and Amanda check back in with him in a few hours. Rather, he said that he would check in with them. Maybe he thinks that they may get…er…distracted again and forget? 😉
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Lee’s facial expression (when he’s on the phone to Billy) are hilarious. He looks like he’s about to have a tantrum 😀
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Amanda must have been wondering how he managed to organise dinner with wine beforehand too, hence the reason for Lee’s explanation at the opening of this scene. I presume as a precursor to what we see in this scene she asked about his “preparedness” an evening alone with her and a very nice dinner for two. I think she is happily curious. There is no hint of the “You should have told me beforehand” that we saw in SOS and other S1 and 2 episodes. She’s more than happy now to have any excuse to spend some off-duty alone time with Lee.
Seems odd that they left this part of the discussion to the last part of the evening. I would have thought that would have been the first question out of Amanda’s mouth on seeing the dinner and wine. Or maybe they spent the better part of the evening just talking and being together before Lee produced a late supper. Or perhaps they have been lingering over “supper” for some hours… 😉 It is very clear that both of them have completely lost track of the time and how long they have been enjoying their alone time together. Wish we could have seen more of this sort of thing in the series! 😀
I like how Lee is also so engrossed in enjoying Amanda’s company that he completely forgot to check in with Billy. Billy Who?
In regard to ditching her family duties at the last minute, my take is that she and Lee don’t get many evenings alone, or much personal together alone time at all apart from when they are working. I imagine they lunch together regularly on work days but this time is necessarily limited by work commitments. They would talk and share a great deal during lunches but it isn’t really the scenario for advancing any intimacy such as a night together alone on a boat might be. 😉
I figure they probably share an evening together once a week, or sometimes even less frequently when things are particularly busy with work and family. My impression is Amanda is not feeling too guilty about her last minute change of plans and Dotty is probably happy to cover for her on this basis, especially if she thinks Amanda might have a romantic interest in someone. I think Dotty is a lot more astute than the show lets on, and she probably realises that there is more of interest to Amanda at IFF than just the work. She will have noticed how much more relaxed and confident and happy Amanda has become, and I think she would be keen to support Amanda in whatever it is that is contributing to her happiness and confidence. I also think Amanda has probably got considerably more efficient at managing her work and home life over the last couple of years and doesn’t have the chaotic family vs work scenarios she has had in the past.
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I like seeing the quiet moments that Lee and Amanda share. You can just tell how much Lee likes being able to surprise Amanda with nice extras, like the wine and snacks that he somehow brought on board. (Maybe he got to the boat before Amanda and put some supplies on board before meeting Amanda on the dock?)
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Oh I sooo agree!!
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Am I a cynic or a realistic when I question whether there are many (or any) RL men who would think to do that? But it is a lovely thing to see
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I think a plan who is intent on showing a woman that they really like and value her are capable of that, especially at this stage in a relationship. Lee seems to be a man developing a plan. You can see it coming together even during this episode. What may have been accidental or because of a moment of stress or a brush against each other turns into a sustained hand hold. Then what seems like a slight surprise of an assignment turns into an opportunity for candlelit evening of wine and cheese and pleasant conversation. What will happen next?
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I have to say that I have been on the receiving end of this kind of thing a few times. What was something seemingly minor ended up being a major swoon because of how it was planned. I was more affected by the fact that the guy(s) had actually paid attention to some things I had said in what I thought was a passing conversation.
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Guys, Valeries? You must be very special for more than one guy to do this for you 🙂 . The planned outing has only happened to me once, ever!
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I don’t know about me being special and they weren’t outings but there was definite planning involved and with one or two situations there was some definite crying on my part as I was pretty touched by it. Maybe there should be a new post on Ned’s about swoony things guys have done for us.
Quick example: One of my former colleagues and I had a ‘thing’ for a while. For my birthday one year he had made some homemade birthday cards and for each hour of the day I got a different card that he hand delivered to my classroom. It was so sweet and so unexpected. Although we are no longer together we are still friends.
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Please start the thread, Valerie. I’ll share my one ( 😀 ) experience over there
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Thread posted over at Ned’s, Learjet. Check it out.
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I think this is what Lee was thinking about when he made that improvise crack in the scene before this. I bet Amanda was thinking all sorta of improvisational scenarios and Lee was chuckling to himself the whole time.
I love it that they both lose track of time. How tellingis that? They are just shooting the breeze too. Again, how many couples can just wile away the hours talking (with a table between them)?
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Like this Morley as an explanation for that puzzling earlier comment. Maybe the basis for a short fanfic. More hints to all you talented fanfic writers. 😉
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Maybe Lee called ahead and had all the arrangements made for their ‘pleasant as possible’ stakeout. SWOON! So incredibly sweet that they both lost track of time. It’s a good thing Billy decided to call rather than have a swat team swarm the boat to make sure our dynamic duo weren’t in trouble. That would have been awkward. 🙂
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That’s what I was thinking Cindy. Lee has a lot of contacts and people who owe him, so maybe he cashed in on a few favors 🙂
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I like your analysis in this post, iwsod. Not that I haven’t liked all your posts, but I love it when it really makes me think about these two in a new way. Walking through this episode slowly makes it seem like there has been a step-change in Lee and his thoughts on a relationship with Amanda. I agree – he does seem to be wooing her here in this episode. Perhaps that is the reason for that first hand-hold? Is he trying to send her signals?
Yeah, no lights on the boat, but there are his and hers matching towels on the back wall of the “dining room”. I realize that you have to be very efficient with your space on a boat, but why on earth would you put towels there? Is there a sink back there we can’t see? Who decorated that set? Random.
This candlelight dinner is a little surprising. I don’t remember seeing this for the first time, but I’m sure I was quite excited when I did. After that tag in JEG and now this? Surely a kiss isn’t too far away? That’s about the only thing I know I kept waiting for – along with everyone else on this blog, yes? We were all wondering when it was going to happen!
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Yes ma’am. A step change for Lee. I think it began when the little bell went off in Agnes’s apartment when Amanda said that little ditty about talking about love …
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