Back to the old Cumberland..It’s now night time..
Does anyone not remember this little scene? It’s totally burned on my brain – I wonder if I’ll see anything new this time as we walk through it together? I look forward to exploring it with you guys!
We see an exterior shot that shows up Amanda and Lee are on the top floor. Funny how their apartment is the only one with a balcony..
You’d think a room with no balcony is more secure..but meh.. what do I know?! [probably about half I think I do!]
We find Lee and Amanda quietly enjoying the evening under a lamp!
Cue the magical romantic smk theme..
They’re both flipping through their magazines..
Lee pauses and looks up at Amanda..
I guess he’s thinking about her.. or about them.. and the magazine is forgotten..
We cut to the close up on thoughtful Lee..
come on guys.. someone write us an interior monologue for what Lee is thinking here?? or heck.. will that be Morley’s Scotch thoughts for this ep?! If anyone wants to have a go- go for it!! 🙂
Lee turns to look directly at Amanda… He looks.. Pensive.. pondering life? pondering Amanda? Pondering his relationship with Amanda? What do you think?
Actually, he looks like he is plain desiring Amanda in this moment!
He continues to calmly watch her as Amanda flips through her magazine, unaware she is being studied.
After a moment or two, Amanda suddenly looks up.
We quickly cut back to Lee who in a second goes from checking out her legs…(HOO HAA!)
to looking up to meet her eyes..
to panicking – gah!!
Lee tries not to let it show and plays it casual.
Look away man!
Your feelings are written all over your face! Too powerful for Lee to be able to look at Amanda and hide them 
Not only does he turn his head, he puts his hand up to cover his face? this is too cute!!
Add to that a throat clear and Lee is well and truly struggling to quickly recover his thoughts here!
Amanda watches as Lee turns his face away..
She smiles quietly to herself..
And then goes back to reading her magazine. [Oh come on!! Surely Today’s Collectables isn’t that fascinating!!]
What do you think Amanda saw? How much?
I’m getting the vibe that she didn’t see the true extent of how much he was enjoying looking at her nor how deeply he was feeling his emotions about her pretty good emotions
When Amanda looks at Lee, I get the vibe that she is thinking to herself that she is happy he is with her and not much beyond that..I think she’s too anxious to think beyond that… What do you all think?
We cut back to Lee running his hands through his hair and still blocking his face..
I like to think he is telling himself to snap out of it!
He almost got busted checking out Amanda and looking at her like a man who is utterly madly in love with her! gah!!
Lee lets out a massive sign..
And slowly..
casually.. like he can’t help it
– he turns to look back at Amanda again.
And.. to check out her legs again 
He looks up at her face again with a little smile.. or is that more of a look- hmm. I need to do something about this?
We cut back to Amanda still flipping through her magazine, she truly does seem oblivious to being watched..
We cut back to Lee still watching Amanda..
and he looks away.
He seems to have made a decision…
I do get the sense that Lee is feeling here that he needs to get a move on here with Amanda.. but still as in the previous scene this isn’t the time or the place for it.
Lee looks at his watch.
Lee: Uh, Amanda, it’s getting late…
Amanda looks up from her oh so fascinating collectibles
…Why don’t you, ah,…
…take a rest;…
…I’ll go in the other room.
I guess Lee was thinking of what should happen next here huh.. what arrangements he should suggest.. and me thinks he was thinking of what arrangements he wished he could suggest but he couldn’t and wouldn’t
That big bed is still looming
Amanda: Well I’m really not tired…
…and I’m probably too nervous to sleep.
LOL Lee’s reaction is immediate and completely open!
He looks thrilled to hear it! I think Lee made the offer, but deep down he was wishing this lovely moment of quiet togetherness would never end
What do you all make of this? I can’t wait to hear your thoughts everyone!!
Lee: OK. I can stay.
Amanda: That’d be nice.
Amanda gives a massive smile in response.. When Lee opens up to Amanda – she always gives him plenty of encouragement
Amanda was playing it cool earlier maybe.. but here she doesn’t hide her own feelings – it’s wonderful to see Amanda responding openly to Lee
Lee: Yeah.
Lee smiles at Amanda for a long moment..
And then.. Uh oh.. There’s a knock at the door.
The world has been knocking the whole time they’ve been at the Cumberland! – making this not the time nor place to act on their feelings, or finally say some of those romantic words they have in their hearts no?
Lee looks over at the door.. Who could it be? Are they in danger? It’s a little sad to see Amanda’s smile replaced by fear…
Back to the wide view.. and Lee and Amanda share a look.. regretful of the intrusion?
Lee: Oh, man.
Lee gets up and opens the door. LOL.. Umm he undid the chain and opened the door without knowing who it was?! He didn’t have his gun ready?
Lee: Hi.
Francine: Hi.
Lee: Come on in. What are you doing here? You’re not expected ‘til morning.
Francine: Didn’t Billy call?
Lee: No. Why?
Francine: Oh, the phones must be acting up. I had a really bad connection too. He wants us to trade shifts—needs you back at the Agency.
Lee looks back over to Amanda..
Lee: Hmmm. That’s odd…
[awh they both look disappointed! no?]
…He say why?
Francine: Like I said, I really couldn’t hear him but, uh, he wants you back there ASAP.
Lee: The recognition codes are in order?
Aha! So Lee’s spy senses are screaming something is wrong here huh! Yes why didn’t anyone call Lee on that phone that is on the coffee table?!
Francine: Yeah .
Lee: Huh. Well, I guess, uh…
[Gah!!! Just when I thought Lee was completely losing is scarecrow traits.. they already know King Cobra is working with someone in IFF, and that he was given the correct recognition codes when he visited Amanda’s house to pick up the cheque!!! so why would they now assume the recognition codes mean all is fine? when it’s all so strange, and the phone lines were oh so bad that Francine couldn’ t hear everything?! Big clunker.. but.. I shall continue! focus of adoring Lee iwsod]
Lee again looks over to Amanda.. resigned that he needs to go.. 
Amanda responds with a surprised and disappointed look of her own..
Ahhh at least the disappointment is mutual
…then I’d better go.
Amanda: Yeah.
Check out Francine in the background.. totally trying to take in absolutely everything she is seeing!!! Even though (IMHO) I think Francine can’t interpret the data correctly because she has already concluded it’s not possible something is developing between these two that’s romantic. Denial!!
[why in this moment above am I reminded of Lee being busted by Francine in the hallway failing to come up with an excuse for why he had opened his door and was looking down the hallway to Amanda’s room? You know in Fast Food for Thought?]
Lee: Uh… Well, uh, you be sure to lock up after me, OK?
[Francine seems stunned by Lee’s behaviour here.. telling me to lock up after?! what is with him?! tee hee.. it’s hilarious to watch her trying to add things together!]
Francine: Yeah.
Amanda: Yeah.
[Lee really only has eyes for Amanda here He barely looks at Francine! and Francine is just- shocked!!! 
like this emoticon!]
Lee: And, uh… see you later.
Lee gives Amanda one last little smile..
Amanda: Good night.
[I think Amanda does a much better job of restraining her reactions in front of Francine!]
Lee: Good night.
Finally Lee starts to leave the room. lol!
Francine: Good night.
Lee (to Francine): Remember to lock up.
Francine: OK, OK.
Francine literally has to close the door on his face to get him to leave lol!!
with lots of noise and drama Francine locks the door. LOL.
She lets out a massive sign and turns around to Amanda and sits in the chair Lee had previously occupied..
(to Amanda): Well, well, well, isn’t this quaint… and cosy.
LOL Francine said the same thing in Fast food for Thought – when she found Lee and Amanda hanging out in his hotel room!
Francine takes a seat and does a little studying of Amanda of her own!
I think Amanda offers her magazine to Francine? maybe?
Francine: Want to play Hearts?
LOL.. great gag with the subtext! Do you think Francine means it? do you think she sees that there’s been a heart game going on?? I’m not sure.. but then she does love to tease even if she thinks it can’t possibly be true!!! She’s so conflicted!
In contrast, it seems Lee and Amanda are pretty much without internal conflicts at this point! They seem to be teetering on the edge of changing everything!
I must say, this post, and focusing on choosing so many romantic love sick puppy dog eyes Lee images was a really tough assignment. I hope you guys know the sacrifices I have made here!!! (whahahahaa! who am I kidding?!)
Oh and so you can participate in discussion and string some thoughts together after all this swoony goodness.. smell this!
I cannot wait to hear what you all think of this scene!!! do tell!!!!
"Just walk with me.." 
I dont think she is as engrossed in that magazine as she appears, LOL. I think the reason she doesnt notice is because she might not think that someone like him (a dashing, handsome, worldly, charming playboy superspy) would ever be interested in her (a ‘boring’, normal housewife and mother, who has never been ‘around’, doesnt speak 10 languages etc … as she sees herself … of course we know as well as Lee does that she is awesome!).
In turn, I dont think before this episode that Lee things someone like her would ever go for someone like him, because of his line of work, and his past track record as far as women and relationships are concerned. Though I think looking back on it and rewatching this show in its entirety as a mature adult, I think Lee was unconsciously looking for something more when it came to romance and love, he just didnt realize it. He would date women, then when they didnt “pan out” so to speak, he would lose them, rinse and repeat.
You can tell he was a slave to his old habit in “fast food” when he tried to use his pick up lines that would have worked on many women, but not Amanda, and I think that is really when he knew she was different and “real” and he would have to be “real” in return if he wanted a chance with her, he would have to abandon the “game” he was running and be real.
Or at least that is my two cents LOL
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“come on guys.. someone write us an interior monologue for what Lee is thinking here??”
I sorta did… one of my adage memes over at Ned’s: http://nedlindgers.proboards.com/post/2485/thread
😀
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A KC sighting!!!! whooo hoooo!!!! So glad you could stop by KC 🙂
Awh.. that smk adage of yours is a beauty! Thanks for reminding us of it 🙂 I can’t believe we are actually there in the walk!!
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Yep — a sighting! (shock, horror)
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I can’t decide if Amanda is as oblivious as she appears. On the one hand she has a lot going on worrying about a killer coming after her and I like the poster (sorry I forgot who mentioned it) points out how she’s not relaxed reading her magazine…..perched on the edge, flicking through magazine rather than really reading it IYSWIM. But there is no way she couldn’t have spotted the look on Lee’s face. It was shining like a big giant beacon. I love how he is looking at her, it’s unlike anything he’s shown before. His eagerness to stay when she decides not to go to bed…..he seems like such a puppy here.
I think Lee is really enjoying his time with Amanda and the disappointment of having to leave is palpable. The fairly long drawn out good bye, Francine couldn’t have missed that so I think her Hearts comment and references to being cozy were deliberate.
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I think Lee is studying her and really thinking about why she does stay in this job. He’s probably also thinking about how far she has come since he first met her at the train station. I don’t really see him thinking romantically right here – more like he’s trying to read her, who she is, and just what it is she wants in life beyond being a daughter and mother. Yes, he’s noticing her physical beauty but I don’t think that is the main thrust.
I agree with your thoughts on what is going through Amanda’s mind. I think she is just feeling happy that he is here with her and not someone else.
I think the second time he looks at her, he is noticing her more – her legs and just how pretty she is. I think he maybe wants to really talk with her, but the seriousness of the situation makes it difficult. Plus Lee may figure that Amanda’s mind may not be on a relationship right now.
Oh look, Francine is all ready to spend the night in her pajamas!
Thank you for your sacrifice, iwsod. We salute you!
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I’ve gotten behind again, but not far this time. We just ended our second quarter of school and I was working on final grades and report cards. We are now half-way through the school year. It’s all downhill from here! Rest assured that this blog and SMK were never far from my thoughts. And I mean that literally. For some reason there was something SMK-esque that kept coming up in every class. We even had a Reading selection that had the word “swoon” in it. I think my students think I’m officially bonkers. I have to work harder at not reacting the way I do.
First, I’m going to try to ignore Francine’s outfit. I was hoping she was wearing it for her “happy hooker” routine, but she’s left it on all day so this was a deliberate choice on her part. The shiny camisole and all white is killing me. Secondly, I know it has been brought up that since there’s a breach in the Agency why put Amanda somewhere that she can be easily found. I would also wonder that since they chose to put her there why telegraph exactly where she is by only having one room of lights on. Why not try something diversionary by having a few rooms lit up? It would take at least a little longer to find her. I’m just saying.
I agree about these screen caps and being able to see more detail in some of their actions. I love that they can sit in companionable silence as they read through or pretend to read through their magazines. I like to tell my talkative students that every moment of silence does not need to be filled. Sometimes the silence is enough. I remember when Amanda told Lee in ROTP that being at her house like that was probably a good experience for him. He didn’t need every night at a club or restaurant. And it’s nice to see that he is not antsy or champing at the bit to be relieved from his watch.
I was also thinking about Lee’s attire and how much he has transitioned from wearing his typical Scarecrow suits to being more casual and relaxed. Of course, to our dismay that also means less tuxedos. It’s almost like those suits were his protective Scarecrow facade. He needs that facade less and less.
At the same time his outside looks have changed so have his other looks, the ones he gives to Amanda. He started with the look of desperation in TFT and transitioned into those looks of irritation when they were early partners. He then segued into looks of admiration and amazement like in Possum and RFTS. And of course those looks of fear when any man speaks to Amanda or when Joe returned. I’m not going to go through all of them because there are more, but his look in this wonderful scene seems to be a combination and culmination of all of those, along with a true desire for this woman on all levels. He truly admires, appreciates, and adores Amanda and you can see it all. Amanda is distracted by all that’s going on, but I think she has continued to get a better and better sense of where Lee is and what he is feeling. She can’t deny it, but it’s not the right time to act on anything yet. So very much is still unspoken, yet spoken. It’s just such a lovely, lovely scene and it too gets a continual rewind on my DVDs.
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Just quickly.. as for what is going through Lee and Amanda’s minds throughout this hotel stay – I’m pretty much on board with what everyone has said – all views.. because I think it’s likely there would be many chains of thought running through both their minds – there’s a lot in play here..
As for whether Amanda is playing coy – I ‘ve always found this one a tricky one. I think it’s very much left open to interpretation.
but.. I think if Amanda had fully seen and read what was in his eyes – I don’t think even she would have been capable of going back to her magazine and acting like she hadn’t noticed. IMHO – just not possible!
Sooo I conclude that Amanda did not fully grasp what was happening in Lee while he was watching her.. because he hid it.. and because she is preoccupied by her current situation.
I get the feeling that this is a particularly worrying situation for Amanda – and this is something new for her. She’s not worried for the safety of her family, but she knows she is in a lot of danger. She’s been in danger before – but I don’t think she’s ever been the No 1 target of a highly trained killing machine like the King Cobra – to be hunted by this guy is a whole new level of danger…. I think Amanda would perceive it this way – because of all she knows about this assassin… just sayin..
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I think Lee was struggling inwardly with how to handle those overwhelming feelings for Amanda and the intimacy of just the two of them alone….I don’t think it was an, “Ahhhhhh, Im in love”, moment, but a moment of putting all those swelling feelings into perspective….
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I love this scene. The way Lee looks at Amanda here… totalllly swoon-worthy!
I have always wished that this scene could have lasted a little longer, or even overnight. I didn’t want any forward movement in their relationship at this point, but I would have loved to see Lee comfort and be there for a scared Amanda! Don’t get me wrong… what we got was pretty special. That look says so much, without saying anything at all!! But I just wanted more… (I know, I’m being greedy!) 😀
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Hiya Hollywoodi!
really? you didn’t want forward movement in their relationship? You are a fan of great self control! Me? I wanted forward movement from the first episode whahahahaa.. and had I watched this ep as a teen I would have been throwing cushions at the tv and yelling – Tell her!!! Tell her already!!!!
I’m so glad we got what we got in the end though 🙂 and as an adult I can see that the scenes in this hotel room are actually forward movement – it’s just not a jump straight into : we are a couple now together forever territory.. IMHO of course 🙂
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You know what I just realized iwsod? These are my thoughts, as an adult, re-watching the series now, knowing what already happened, and being greedy and wanting more UST before the… well, I can’t say it now, but you know 😉 Of course back when it originally aired, I was doing the same thing… saying “COME ON ALREADY, KISS HERRRRR!!!” Hah. No, I was all about them getting together ASAP! 🙂
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I think that Lee is gazing at Amanda and wishing he knew what to say or do to comfort her. I think he may also be debating sitting beside her and taking her in his arms and holding her close. I also think he’s thinking about how much he loves her.
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Amanda is definitely not her usual self in this scene. Lee at least appears relaxed (yet vigilante) in his chair. In contrast, Amanda is sitting forward on the edge of the sofa. Damn, she just has too much else on her mind at the moment to return or dwell on Lee’s interest.
She is aware of it though. Maybe filing it away for future contemplation when (if) this mess blows over. 🙂
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I have always loved this scene but walking through it like this with in this post and the last has made me wonder if there isn’t also part of him mulling over the whole “territory” conversation they had earlier.What if she has gotten tired of the whole thing? If she was fed up, would she walk away from him as well as the job? That has to be preying on his mind if he’s just coming to terms with how much she means to him, so his relief is almost comically an over-reaction when he offers to leave her alone and she immediately turns it down. And then giddiness ensues in both of them. ❤
Awwww.
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I think this is really interesting Janet – and it relates to something Morley said in the last post (I think it was post 10 where they actually talked about the territory) – Morley mentioned it would be natural for Lee to have a moment of doubt.
My response was that I couldn’t see any evidence of Lee having a doubt.
I’d give the same response here in response to this comment of yours Janet – for me, I don’t see Lee being afraid Amanda would walk away for a moment (though feel free to disagree heartily 🙂 )
Why would Lee not be afraid?
because he knows and understands Amanda’s commitment to this work and building a safe future for her boys.
Plus, Lee is not focused on himself at all here – he has let go of fear of losing Amanda at this point (IMHO) he loves her selflessly.. and if, on the off chance, she chose to get out of the business he would want her to do what is best for her – regardless of what that meant for him.
At the same time though, he knows her too well to think that is really what she is thinking of doing – he is certain now that they are in this together (for better or worse 😉 ha!)
Amanda’s just having a moment where she needs some support and encouragement. She’s being honest about how she feels and the price they pay in doing this job. But she chooses to do it because she values justice- not because it is easy or without a cost.
I think this ties in hugely with the triumvirate and their striving for justice also.
Lee and Amanda together also strive for justice – but.. the means are very different.. and I’ll look forward to exploring this fascinating little story with you all.. okay enough rambling from iwsod.. 🙂
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You know, I think we saw a little of that in MBF, when she was all like “I am sorry, I didnt want to leave, but I need the money” and he was devastated, but also determined to be happy for her and supportive. I think that episode speaks volumes for Lee’s character, and how far he has come, partly I think because by MBF, I think (and this is just my personal opinion) that Lee was well on his way to falling in love with Amanda by that point.
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I like the way Morley went over the things that might be running through Lee’s mind in this scene. 🙂 I’ve always been kind of undecided about what he’s really thinking, and I kind of wish I had a transcript of his actual thoughts (or at least a summary). 😉 I don’t think I realized until I saw Iwsod’s wonderful screenshots, which help slow down the scene, that Lee was kind of studying Amanda’s legs at one point. Thanks, Iwsod! 😀 (Subtle, Scarecrow, subtle. XD)
Another thing that I wonder when I see this scene is why Lee was assigned to Amanda for the night shift. I mean, they are partners, but I would have thought that Francine would have gotten that assignment in the first place for the sake of professionalism and Amanda’s reputation. I’ve had a theory, which might or might not be true, that Billy assigned Lee to the night shift on purpose because he’s been working to get them together from the beginning and he couldn’t resist the opportunity to arrange a “quiet evening” for the two of them — there’s really nothing for them to do right now but to sit and relax and maybe talk . . . 😉 A lot of interesting things might have happened if they hadn’t been interrupted.
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I didn’t notice Lee was looking at her legs either, until I saw these pictures. That’s a great thing about this walk. These pictures say a lot more when you see them and also discuss them. 🙂
Billy saw her as they were going into this place. Maybe he thought Lee would have an easier time helping her relax? By morning, she’s probably settled in and less nervous. And I’m also thinking Lee volunteered before any assignments were handed down. I like your idea too, though. 😉
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I’m always on board for theories where Billy is pushing them together, but the more likely explanation is a combination of Billy knowing Lee wouldn’t see this as a job for anyone else but him and the fact that they don’t know who they can trust in the Agency. And of course, by this time L&A have been out overnight together so often her reputation would already be shot so that’s not really a problem. 🙂
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You’re probably right. I could also see Lee volunteering for it, telling Billy that Amanda’s on edge and that she might feel better if he stayed with her for awhile. Although, I could still see Billy kind of grinning to himself about about that. 😉
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Let’s just say, Billy would have been all over any opportunity that so neatly presented itself ❤
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I can completely see Billy’s knowing grin…
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Interesting line of thought, it also makes me wonder if Billy had the same train of thought when he let Lee take Joe King’s case in TWWH.
But OTOH, I dont know, because Billy seems to me like a man with a strong sense of professionalism, and he also answers directly to Dr Smyth, so I dont see him as pushing for an “office romance” btw Lee and Amanda. I think Lee requested night duty, or maybe Francine was busy or something, or maybe on another case?
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I am of the opinion in TWWH even though it was a huge conflict of interest on several levels, that Billy knew there was no way Lee would not involve himself in this case. I also think he realized that Lee was his best shot to get to the bottom of this because Amanda trusted him and she would share things with him she wouldn’t with another agent. Maybe a tiny piece of his mind figured that with Lee and Amanda forced together, it could minimize any misunderstandings or hurt feelings that could arise Joe suddenly turning up. I don’t think he put Lee on this case figuring if Amanda was tempted to reunite with Joe, having Lee there would be a reminder of what she was giving up.
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That’s a good point! I never thought about it like that!
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Glad to help out Jestress! 😉
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Oh…wow. Does it get any better than Lee Stetson with love-struck eyes? No, probably not. I’m not done with the smelling salts yet, but here goes…
I really like Iwsod’s and Morley’s take on this. Yes, Lee seems a little in need of smelling salts himself. I don’t think he’s encountered feelings like this before, or at least this strongly. On the way home from work yesterday, I heard that song “All of Me” by John Legend and thought that was nearly perfect for these two here. Even the bridge to that song, “Cards on the table, we’re both showing hearts…” is sort of cute, given Francine’s comment.
As for Amanda? I’ve drifted between thinking she’s aware of ‘something’, but not as tuned in to Lee, so she may not be getting the full brunt of his feelings, which is what Morley mentioned. Or she’s fully aware and pushing it aside under the circumstances. Amanda’s not going to react any differently here, regardless.
Okay, back to the smelling salts. 🙂
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These screen caps are amazing. I love the blow by blow! Yes I worte a paragraph about what Lee might have been thinking… but its in the context of the episode as a whole and well that would be going ahead… so, you will have to wait.
But what I can say is that I don’t think Lee has ever encountered this type of desire before. I think that by this stage Lee’s feelings for Amanda are pretty well developed and matured and yet he struggles. He struggles with whether or not to go forward, he struggles with the timing and I think he knows he has got to find a way to tell Amanda how he feels before he makes any sort of move. I can imagine him wondering what it would be like to be with Amanda in a room like this under different circumstances. I can imagine him thinking how much he enjoys sitting there having a quiet domestic evening with Amanda just like this one could be if they weren’t in the “territory” that they were both stuck in. I can imagine him noticing how her skirt is not pulled down completely over her knees. I can imagine him studying every aspect of her face and thinking how precious it has become to him. I can imagine him thinking that never before has he ever been at a loss as to how to proceed when it came to being alone in a room with a woman he desired and how completely at a loss he was with this situation with Amanda.
And Amanda? I don’t know. She has got to know that there is something brewing. I wonder if she knows how much? I wonder if she could even fathom it. But she has got to be aware to some degree. It is just that the amount of that degree I still think would shock her. And I think she is disappointed that she won’t be able to find that out tonight, for the most part. I wonder if there is a part of her too that may be a slight bit relieved that tonight is not the night to find out what Lee might do, alone in a hotel room with her and that bed…
And I do love Francine here. That look on her face… Is she wondering if someone is going to tell her next that the sun really does revolve around the earth? “Want to play hearts?” indeed. Maybe she is looking at Amanda with some new eyes now. Just what exactly do you have Ms. King, that can do that to the Scarecrow?
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Love your peek into their thoughts, Morley! And I agree, that while the “alone in a hotel room” thing is on both their minds, it isn’t all or even most of what is going on in this scene. Maybe, it even makes them self-conscious and hampers real communication, because of the fear of misunderstanding. I don’t think Lee’s mind is really going where it shouldn’t; I get the feeling he’s longing more to say something than to do something here. But after he gets busted gazing soulfully at Amanda, he feels like he has to say something to make it clear that he has no ulterior motives, even if it means breaking up the moment.
He seems to be marveling at how he’s perfectly happy to just sit there with her, not even interacting, just basking in each others’ presence. Such a down-to-earth, companionable thing. Then, he slides into contemplation of Amanda herself; he’s completely forgotten about anything else. How much Amanda reads in his look is a fascinating question. After all, she got caught looking up at him just as much as the other way around, and she looks away as well. For the next couple of seconds, you never saw two people trying so hard NOT to look at each other!
I’m not sure what “other room” Lee proposes he should go into — is there another room? How big is this suite, anyway? And why can’t he sit where he is and watch the door, while Amanda gets some sleep? But at any rate, you can tell he’s doing it to give her some privacy, some distance from the feeling of being watched. And the various conversations they’ve had over sleeping arrangements whenever they have to spend an overnight have got to be in his mind. I love that they don’t have to have that conversation any more, but Lee is letting her know that there aren’t any surprises. It’s her room, and she can go to it when she chooses, and he’s going to efface himself and get as much out of her way as possible.
Oh, man, the look on his face when she tells him (although not in so many words) that she doesn’t want him to go! That’s a priceless smile he gives; that really big Lee grin only shows up a few times, I think. Even though they haven’t been talking in the last little while, she would rather have his presence close by when she’s unsettled. That’s got to be very affirming. And I think, once she makes the decision not to try to sleep, I think they both are getting ready for a little more conversation, maybe more heart-to-heart sharing. After all, they might be reasoning, they don’t get much time free from interruption and without pressing job worries to attend to.
Love how Lee keeps the magazine in his hand when he goes to answer the door. It looks like he’s ready to say to whoever is there, “See? Just reading a magazine. Nothing going on here — just reading magazines.”
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I like the way you brought up the topic of all of their “how do we handle things when we must spend a night together” past. They really have come a long way from Weekend and SOS haven’t they?
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I just came back from taking a look at the script for this episode, and things there turned out very differently for this scene. The scene as filmed was MUCH better; the script lacked every single thing that makes this so lovely a moment, but in the script they do have the sleeping arrangements conversation.
Lee: It’s getting dark. Why don’t you get some rest. I’ll take first watch.
Amanda: I’m not tired. Why don’t you get some sleep?
Lee: Because it’s my job to guard you. Now why don’t you go in there and . . .
Amanda: Lee, I’m not tired. Really, I’m too nervous and upset to sleep.
Lee: Why do you always have to argue with me —
Amanda: I am not arguing with you. I’m justsaying that since I can’t get to sleep anyway, maybe you should be the one who uses the bed.
Lee: Fine. It’s a double bed. We’ll both go to sleep. How’ll that be?
Amanda looks off at the double bed, back at Lee, back at the
bed.
Amanda: You’d better take the first watch
See what I mean? I just don’t see any reason for this at this point in their relationship; I think they understand one another much better than this. And I certainly don’t appreciate the pointless combativeness when it’s set beside the deep caring, trust, and appreciation of the scene we actually did get . . .
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wow!!! soooo glad they changed it!!! It comes across as pretty juvenile!
Exactly – spot on happy camper – hooray to whoever decided to change this scene!! 🙂
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Oh gosh – what we got is infinitely better than what the script says!! Thank goodness!
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I forgot to add, I really appreciate how Lee suggests Amanda get some sleep, but (unlike the script version) he isn’t insisting she do it, or trying to plan things out for her. Instead, it’s the flavor of wanting to do what’s best for her, especially since he doesn’t really want to end the moment. He’s come a long way.
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Beautifully put happycamper!
I agree – it’s Lee’s mature selflessness on display.. an element of Lee’s growth which is extremely touching – and IMHO it has to be on full display for Amanda to truly give her heart to Lee 🙂
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Me too! I love the whole “slowly … like he just can’t help it …” OMG so cute!!!
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This scene (including the last post) are so lovely and tender. Sigh….
swoon thud
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Bwahaha – have you managed to get up and stay up yet, jule? 😉
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Nawww, I’m staying down here and just replaying the scenes repeatedly. Got my chocolate and my droll bucket and I’m resting comfortably 😀
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You’re a smart girl, jule 😉 I may just have to join you!
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This scene is so dreamy! Lee’s eyes are positively scrumptious!
So cute how he doesn’t want Amanda to realize he was staring at her, and how she seems to gently dismiss the moment as the unavoidable casual eye contact in a small room. Beautiful screen caps, Iwsod — thank you!
I really believe Francine was adding 2 and 2, and coming up with 4. Her “hearts” line is perfect, and I think very deliberately saying, “I see what’s going on here!” Well-scripted and well-delivered with just the right amount of Francine snarkiness to inject her style of humor without ruining an amazing SMK moment!
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I’m not sure if I agree that Amanda doesn’t recognise what Lee is doing. I think she realises he’s looking at her, is pleased and flattered, but isn’t ready to do anything abuot it yet.
I love the Francine mini-scene here too. MS does a masterful job here of highlighting what’s going on between Lee and Amanda, not overwhelming it, and injecting just a touch of humour to the moment.
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I actually agree, learjet. I think the way Amanda played the moment (“casual eye contact, no big deal”) and what was going on in her head were likely two very different things. I probably should have put asterisks around seemed to!
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Agree, I think Amanda does recognise that Lee is appreciating her attributes, and that his appreciation extends beyond her physical attributes. In another setting without the worry and upset of current circumstances, she might have responded more to his interest I think, or at least dwelt longer on the intriguing possibilities.
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Francine’s “bedside manner” as a babysitter is hilariously clueless, but I do feel like giving her props for trying. Reminds my of DOA where she offers to make Amanda a sandwich. Here she proposes to play a game with her. She just doesn’t quite seem cut out for the caregiver role; for that matter, anything where she has to be just a normal human being. However, I do agree that her offer to play “Hearts” is a jab — Hearts is not a two-person card game, although you can probably play with a dummy hand. Not the game you would suggest to pass the time in this situation.
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I really can’t add to anything, ISWOD, to your masterly dissertation on this scene. It is a classic. Lee’s acting in brilliant, so good in fact that I wonder how Amanda sat there so serenely with her Collectibles magazine!! I think that realism calls for it to have fallen to the floor when she looked up.
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There are not enough smelling salts in the word. Lee is not subtle with his feelings. IT’S SO CUTE. Faints
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A belated welcome Maddi! Yes, the love just shines out of Lee’s face. It’s like his face is transformed from the inside. He’s almost unrecognisable from the S1 Lee.
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Lee;s feelings are not subtle, are they? Welcome Maddi!
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I hope you guys know the sacrifices I have made here!!!
Ohhhh, pooooor Iwsod….. I hope you recover soon 😉
Otherwise we’d miss you and the walk. 😀
Will be back later have to sort my thoughts first. swooooon
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I love this scene for the pure back and forth looks and the avoidance of each other. Do you see the absolute longing in Lee’s eyes? The love flowing from his eyes directed at Amanda is almost a living thing.
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Oh my heck, DeEtta – that is so poetic! And are you new here? If so – a huge welcome!!!! If I have missed your previous posts, forgive me, I have bad short term memory. 🙂 Probably due to all the smelling salts and swooning I’ve been doing.
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Yes! That is some good acting on BB’s part… but, really who is BB? what is “acting”? Yes that love is a living thing, it is so much more than just lusty desire. And I love watching Lee grapple with it.
And I, too, send a welcome greeting to you!
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Hiya DeEtta!!! Welcome back!!! It’s been ages!!! so glad you could stop by and enjoy and share this very special time in Lee and Amanda’s journey with us all 🙂
Chills!!!! I love this!!!! 🙂
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