19/19 Season Four Episode Two: Stemwinder Part Two

Amanda heads out the backdoor looking around for Lee. There he is around the corner! Stem-II.avi_002701101_thumb
Amanda rushes into his open arms immediately for a massive hug..
Lee: Hi.
Amanda: Hi.Stem-II.avi_002704404_thumb [I like to think this was the hug they wanted to have at the end of the action sequence, but.. they had to wait to be alone].
They move on to a kiss. A proper one! Gosh, compare this to the kiss at the end of All the world’s a stage! There’s no hesitancy here!
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[I like the look of this shot with the shadows surrounding them – very appropriate given the episode’s events, the nature of their relationship, and the spy biz!
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Hooo haaaaa.. Amanda doesn’t hold back – she gives a hearty moan: Is Lee. Is good. Winking smile
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No hands on his chest between them.. they are both – in this 100%!!
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Whoa!!! make that 500%!! Where are Amanda’s hands wandering??!!!! grrrrr….
They seem to have to rip their lips off each other to finish this kiss.. hoo haaaa..  fans self furiouslyStem-II.avi_002709009_thumb
[Now this is really eating each other alive! So long Russian flesh eating bacteria! she is soooo forgotten!!]
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Lee: Ooh. I missed you. [It’s been what.. a whole day?! maybe haaa] Stem-II.avi_002710410_thumb
Amanda: I missed you, too.
Lee: Yeah. Listen—I have a big surprise for you.Stem-II.avi_002712012_thumb
Amanda: Yeah? What?
Lee: Dr. Smyth…Stem-II.avi_002715615_thumb
Amanda: Mm-hmm…
Lee: Never holds a grudge. [He also has no loyalty whatsoever]
(Amanda’s relieved to hear this)
Amanda: Oh, good.Stem-II.avi_002718618_thumb
Lee: He’s so impressed, he wants to offer you a fulltime job.
Amanda: Working with you?
[lol I think she’s more interested in the working with you part!Stem-II.avi_002722722_thumb
I think Lee loves this reaction Smile
Anyone else find it hilarious that Amanda at this point was not full-time? she sure looked it!]
(He teases her a little here as he responds..)
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Lee: I think that can be arranged.
[Hey! this reminds me of when Lee told her the lisbon variation required them to pose as lovers, and Amanda replied: ‘I can make that adjustment.’ Would have been awesome had Lee used the same wording here.. but what we got is also fabulous!]Stem-II.avi_002724224_thumb
Amanda: Oh, good.Stem-II.avi_002725125_thumb
[what the heck is going on with Amanda’s shoulder pads? It seems Amanda’s shoulders have dressed up for this special reunion!]
Lee: So—how is everybody?Stem-II.avi_002728928_thumb
Amanda: Oh, everybody’s fine.
Lee: Your mom? The kids?Stem-II.avi_002730930_thumb
Amanda: Fine, fine.
Lee (flatly): Your ex? Stem-II.avi_002732732_thumb
[Oh Lee, you are too cute.. and totally transparent.. I bet Amanda loves that about him – this secretive spy can’t keep things a secret from her! Smile ]
(Amanda is silent a moment)
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Amanda: He’s fine. [Love the ‘I know what this is’ tone!]Stem-II.avi_002734534_thumb
Lee: Huh..Stem-II.avi_002736036_thumb
Amanda: You’re jealous….
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[rofl at Amanda’s big grin!!]
(Lee doesn’t deny it!)
…Don’t be jealous.
Lee: Ah, heh.Stem-II.avi_002738838_thumb
(Lee gets a little bashful.. but.. he doesn’t withdraw from her embrace.. Stem-II.avi_002739739_thumb
He actually reaches his arms around her even further, and locks his fingers together trapping her in his arms)Stem-II.avi_002740440_thumb
Amanda: I love him. I’m always gonna love him…
[gag!!! ]Stem-II.avi_002741141_thumb
…But I’m in love with you.
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[Meh. okay okay I’ll try and be a grown up. She loves Joe like a favourite pair of old shoes. right?! haaaa..

I’d rather here Amanda tell Lee she loves him, without having to listen to her say she loves Joe – in any way!
I complain that she loves her ex.. lol but I’d take this over the usual ex who causes dramas too!
It’s fabulous to hear Amanda again say she’s in love with Lee Smile ]
(We hear Dotty call out from the kitchen)
Dotty: Amanda? Did you get him? [grrr!]Stem-II.avi_002746613_thumb
Amanda yells back: I’m workin’ on it. Stem-II.avi_002748415_thumb[Lee, Good dog!]
They share massive smiles..
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A lovely final frame to this episode, to this double episode!!!

I cannot wait to hear from you all about this tag and about this episode, or these two episodes! We have a lot to talk about!

Hey do you want me to create a post for us to talk about how changing the order of Unfinished Business changed things? Do you guys have lots to say about that? Let me know if you want me to. I don’t have the time to write up for/against- but if anyone is interested in doing this let me know. 

A huge thanks to KC for the massive effort of transcribing this two parter – we salute you for all your hard work and for sharing it with us all! [and miss you!]

Thanks also to Learjet for formatting the dialogue of both episodes and reducing the time I need to spend putting these blog posts together – every bit helps- Learjet I salute you too!!

I’m sure the first time I saw this I was completely caught up in the glow of love here in this tag.. This time around, while enjoying all this romantic wish fulfilment, I find the comments about IFF here interesting, and pretty vague and underwhelming! Especially given the events of the two episodes!

There is no conversation about whether they should continue to work at IFF, or if they can after everything that happened.. I would have liked to hear that conversation. I would think it’s only natural their desire to make a difference in the world, through their work at IFF would be shaken..

What was it Lee said amongst all that swoony stuff? Dr Smyth never holds a grudge, and he’s so impressed, he wants to offer Amanda a fulltime job. That’s it???!!!!

Okay so we know there will be no vendetta from Dr Smyth because he was wrong about Lee and Amanda, but I find this statement worrying still. Why? Dr Smyth is fickle. History doesn’t seem to matter.. This works in the positive as well as the negative. For me, Lee and Amanda’s success will also be as quickly forgotten as any potential grudge. It could all be disregarded just as easily all over again the next time something looks suspicious. There is no loyalty with Dr Smyth. Not reassuring to me.. though I understand others may view this differently.

Then again, we also have Billy. Billy proved himself to be a true friend to Lee and Amanda. Knowing Billy is at the agency and has Lee and Amanda’s back does help ease the concerns… somewhat.. but.. I would have liked to see the dark nature of IFF acknowledged and dealt with. It was such a big part of the stemwinder story – and it seems to be brushed aside by Dr Smyth not holding a grudge and being impressed. Whooop de doo. Doesn’t mean I’d want to work for him. I would have liked to see Lee and Amanda talk this through..

I appreciate they did briefly have a conversation while hiding out, where Lee said he had put up with the agency because he felt he could make a difference, I guess we are left to assume he still feels this way?.. Amanda had a massive eye opening experience with the agency’s dark side in this two part episode – but I don’t feel that we really saw the ramifications of what she learned and experienced. To me, until they were able to prove their innocence and bring down the baddies – Amanda was in ‘let’s get this done’ mode- and it wasn’t time to ponder her future plans too deeply.. but now that it’s all over – how does she view the experience? We are only given hints.. she seems to want to continue working there, and she is happy to work with Lee..
Oh! oh! and she is given the privilege of being allowed to work full time for this place that tried to kill her and ruin her life! oh hoorah!
I think it should have been directly addressed given the seriousness of what took place.. so it feels a bit off to me. Is it just me? I’ll see what happens with this in future eps- maybe this will be addressed in an ongoing way. I hope so.. 

Still, they were probably aiming for the light and romantic happy ending to this pretty intense two parter.. I can see that.. and they gave us a wonderful tag. So who am I to complain??!!  I’m loving seeing Lee and Amanda in a loving, mature romantic relationship.. I guess I can’t have it all Smile 

Oh and Francine’s lack of belief in Lee and Amanda? I didn’t really see that be addressed either!! Hmmm.. hoping I’ll learn more about this in the future too!

Can’t wait to hear what you all would like to share with us all!!!!

42 thoughts on “19/19 Season Four Episode Two: Stemwinder Part Two”

  1. I know we probably should feel bad for Sonya, but I just can’t. For me she comes across as too cold, like she’s not much different from Rostov or her grandfather. Yes she’s being used but she doesn’t act like it bothers her at all.

    Whereas I can’t remember specific examples or whether there were other incidents like this on SMK or just other shows, but it seems like used characters act in some way like what they’re going through is difficult in some way. The only time Sonya shows anything like that is worry for Alexei’s health and even then, she has no qualms double crossing him to Rostov.

    (And I know the script spelling has no e but I can’t use SMK spellings. 25 years of following gymnastics have made me a stickler for Soviet name spellings!)

    I think all three belong in American prisons where they can’t escape and keep plotting revenge. Actually correction. Rostov and Sonya belong in prison. Alexei belongs six feet under.

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  2. Pingback: 3/7 Season Four: Episode Eleven- Santa’s Got a Brand New Bag–Scarecrow & Mrs King | "Just walk with me.."

  4. This tag is just perfect, IMHO. Well, perfect would’ve been if it was longer. But still. How lovely to see them like this after 3 years and especially after the wringer that was Stemwinder. They are completely at an open and free place to enjoy each other, and it is fabulous. The joy and chemistry BB & KJ express to each other here feels so authentic as they begin to explore this new love and level of openness and comfort with each other. What a satisfying point in the series for those of us who love this show!

    As for IFF, I think Amanda says to Dotty in the previous scene that Mr. Melrose was probably “just doing his job”. I genuinely think she thinks that. I think as long as Billy is there, she can see the agency beyond the Dr. Smyth’s. Billy’s actions of loyalty to Lee & Amanda I think help her see what could/should be the tone of the agency, despite other people only out for themselves, and I think that is something she and Lee, too, can both get behind and support and continue.

    Thanks to everyone for indulging my binge-comments through the Stems. I feel way more educated than when I started, and love how everyone’s different insights can really make a difference in how an episode is understood!

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    1. Thanks to everyone for indulging my binge-comments through the Stems. I feel way more educated than when I started, and love how everyone’s different insights can really make a difference in how an episode is understood!

      It’s a blast reading your thoughts and having yet another excuse to re-visit episodes as we wait for the walk to continue.

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        1. My vote is to stick with Just Walk With Me, iwsod, because I fear my joints will freeze up if we don’t keep moving! Besides that, it’s nearly impossible to wait and simultaneously stay out of too much mischief.

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    2. I just did exactly the same thing! 😁 The binge commenting made watching 2 episodes take the ENTIRE day, but it sure was fun!

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  6. This whole tag gets a serious rewind on my DVDs just to watch all the goodness that is Lee and Amanda. From the awesome kiss Lee blew at the window to the searing kiss outside, there is just some serious swooning going on. I remember watching Amanda’s hands go lower during that kiss and knew that she couldn’t resist any longer.

    I haven’t always been a Joe fan, still not. But I”m glad that Amanda is at least being honest with Lee and how she feels about everything. She knows that Lee needs some assurances and it’s best to be open, up front and honest about it.

    I think that Dr. Smyth is only spouting all this grudge nonsense and offering Amanda a job is because he knew that he could be in trouble if Lee and Amanda decided to make more out of the situation. I’ll bet that Billy went back and went off on him again and possibly threatened to report all his machinations. I’m thinking that Billy is the one that made him offer the full time job to Amanda and told him to let everything go. Smyth is just trying to save face and hope it all doesn’t come home to roost.

    Made it to the end of this episode, now on to the next…

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  7. I finally was able to get caught up on the Stemwinders 🙂 I absolutely love this tag! Nice that both Lee and Amanda are excited to see each other. And that kiss…fan, fan….swoon…where are the smelling salts 😍 LOL where Amanda’s hands end up 😂

    Nice that Lee is interested in Dotty and the boys. Not so amused that he would still be jealous of Joe. And speaking of Joe, that peck on the lips is all wrong!!!!

    Yeah, Amanda will be full time!!!!

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  9. This is quite lovely. And I would have been worried if Lee hadn’t been jealous of Joe and that kiss {shudder} I’d rather Amanda said: “I’ll always be fond of him but it’s you I love” – am a bit cynical about the notion of being “in love” being the basis for a long-term romantic relationship. (Don’t get me started on “love is a decision” 😀 )

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    1. This is quite lovely. And I would have been worried if Lee hadn’t been jealous of Joe and that kiss {shudder}

      Me tooo!!!

      Oh gosh. I love the way you put it. so much better. from now on – that’s my head canon!

      – am a bit cynical about the notion of being “in love” being the basis for a long-term romantic relationship. (Don’t get me started on “love is a decision” 😀 )

      oh go on get started 😉
      I’m just relieved that we got to hear Amanda tell Lee she loves him, before we had to listen to her tell Lee she loves Joe!!!!!!! 🙂

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    2. Love the way you put this Learjet! It’s wonderful that Lee and Amanda have a firm friendship and partnership to build their love on. Falling in love is amazing, but, IMHO, long-term relationships need a stronger foundation. I always love my husband, but there are times I scratch my head and other times when I look at him and get that heady feeling again.
      In theory, I’m sure the powers that be wanted to show a warm relationship between Amanda and Joe (having a good relationship with your ex was/is novel on television), but the lip peck doesn’t ring true for me. It doesn’t demonstrate what good relations with an ex is, behavior does. They missed the mark there and I think it takes you out of the moment. Well, I am so overthinking this, am I not! 😁
      Love how Lee pulls Amanda in tighter! does a swoon-thud and heads down the rabbit hole for chocolate to recover(chocolate is good for so many things – it even heads off dementors! Maybe I’ll have more🍫)

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  10. I’ve actually always loved Amanda’s comment about loving Joe, but being IN LOVE with Lee. Amanda is a very loving and caring person. I can forsee a lot of potential jealously on Lee’s part in the future if he doesn’t learn how different those two things are.

    I may be in the minority but I’m not all that bothered by the state of Amanda and Joe’s current relationship. As iwsod said it’s so much better that an ex who is constantly causing problems. And I think if anyone could develop this kind of relationship with their ex, Amanda would be the one to be able to do it.

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    1. I agree it is very consistent with Amanda’s character.

      and. I’m still not a fan of it 😉

      tee hee..

      but good point 2Goldens, better this than the usual high drama ex situation!

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  11. So many loose ends on the work front. Where is HR to complain to geesh! But isn’t that how this series goes? I’ll just say they left it open for us to discuss and write fan fiction about so we could enjoy more of the kissy kissy and butt grabbing. I just listened to an interview that BB and KJ did with Merv Griffin. Bruce was talking about how things were going to be heating up in season three. Kate talked about their near miss kiss and then to the side says something like, “I hope we stop missing!” 😂😂 The way she was going at it in this tag, I think she was making up for lost time. I’ll let you decide if I mean Amanda or KJ 😉

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    1. So many loose ends on the work front. Where is HR to complain to geesh!

      Exactly!!!

      Well, I don’t know how the series goes. I’ve forgotten what’s ahead. and prefer it that way – so don’t spoil me! I’m going to be on the look out for how the workplace is after this whole experience! gah!!!!

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  12. I’m so glad for the the screen caps and commentary because I never before realized that when Amanda calls Lee on his jealousy that he actually pulls her tighter and locks his fingers, trapping her. Thank you so much for pointing that out as it makes an already swoony moment WAY more swoony. His admitting his jealousy is so nice compared to how he always denied it in the early days.

    Dr. Smyth doesn’t hold a grudge. Ugh. But I’m sure Scarecrow was well-versed in Dr. Smyth’s methods before this and doesn’t seem to be a bit surprised. Hostile work environment, indeed.

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    1. Awh how wonderful! I’m so glad this lovely touch has been revealed by the walk!! 🙂

      I found it a very moving little observation – I hadn’t noticed it before either.. and it is so telling that he doesn’t withdraw – he pulls her closer.
      SWOON!!!!

      Dr. Smyth doesn’t hold a grudge. Ugh. But I’m sure Scarecrow was well-versed in Dr. Smyth’s methods before this and doesn’t seem to be a bit surprised. Hostile work environment, indeed.

      yeah it’s all a bit uneasy… I figure Lee always knew the agency didn’t have his back and never would. It’s a new knowledge for Amanda, and it must be difficult to accept..
      Then again – the two parter has shown us that Lee and Amanda have each other and that is enough – maybe that is how Amanda can be okay with uping her work commitments and going fulltime – because it will be working with Lee.

      I guess her professional life doesn’t have to be tied to his.. but the knowledge he is there and will back her up no matter what must be enough for her to want to continue (evidently). Hmm quick butt grab just to check he is really ‘there for her’ – yep.. he’s totally there!!
      Ahemm.. err where was i? I just totally blanked. bhaog’ghwhqphqhp

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      1. “I guess her professional life doesn’t have to be tied to his.. but the knowledge he is there and will back her up no matter what must be enough for her to want to continue (evidently).”

        Yeah that message sure came through loud and clear in “Wrong Number,” didn’t it? Our Agent of Record …oh how those words, coming from Lee, warm my heart every time! Still waiting for Amanda to officially give Lee the hypothetical Security Review rating he request of himself! How much more information does Amanda need?

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    2. I have yet to see the series finale, but I continue to hold out hope it involves Dr. Smith being dragged behind a moving semi over gravel. Just saying:)

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  13. “[Meh. okay okay I’ll try and be a grown up. She loves Joe like a favourite pair of old shoes. right?! haaaa..
    I’d rather here Amanda tell Lee she loves him, without having to listen to her say she loves Joe – in any way!”

    Don’t like her saying she loves Joe either, iwsod, but it makes me wonder if she does this for Phillip and Jamie’s sake. By saying she’ll always love their father (and you never know when kids overhear adults talking so she stays consistent!), Amanda is trying to give her sons the gift of feeling secure and promoting in them a good self-image. To say she still likes their father or respects him isn’t as powerful for vulnerable kids, who have good reason to question Joe’s love since he chose to move far away for much of their childhood. For way too many years, Lee’s been starved for love and the security of a loving family. Sure hope Amanda explains this to Lee, whose childhood tragedy also caused him to be vulnerable.

    “It’s fabulous to hear Amanda again say she’s in love with Lee …”

    Yes! Lee really needs that reassurance and he gives that reassurance to her as you wrote: “but.. he doesn’t withdraw from her embrace.. He actually reaches his arms around her even further, and locks his fingers together trapping her in his arms)”

    Great teamwork and job well done honors to learjet and KC and iwsod!!!

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    1. It is a gift you are right. I just find being the grown up is sometimes over-rated 😉 haaaaa…

      Great teamwork and job well done honors to learjet and KC and iwsod!!!

      Thanks Nancy, and thanks so much for acknowledging KC and learjet’s massive contributions!!! 🙂

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  14. The smiles, the kisses, the butt grab, the being completely comfortable in complete physical proximity… sorry, I’ve completely forgotten what my comment was going to be…

    I will wait to see if there is a separate UB discussion post for my thoughts on that but I will pause to say “Dr. Smyth doesn’t hold a grudge”????? Whaaaa? What would he be holding a grudge for? Being shown up as an idiot?

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    1. “The smiles, the kisses, the butt grab, the being completely comfortable in complete physical proximity… sorry, I’ve completely forgotten what my comment was going to be…”

      May I your club? Been waiting a long time for this, too!

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    2. The smiles, the kisses, the butt grab, the being completely comfortable in complete physical proximity… sorry, I’ve completely forgotten what my comment was going to be…

      Clagjanet, how can you put all that swooniness into a sentence and expect me to respond with any kind of rhyme or reason?! ha! see you couldn’t even finish your own!

      Be careful… all that smiling, kissing and butt grabbing is very powerful stuff! 🙂

      I will wait to see if there is a separate UB discussion post for my thoughts

      I confess – I’ve not given it any thought. eek! Umm I guess I’ll need to put one together.. okay I’ll get to work on that! Now I know clagjanet is holding off i’m motivated!

      “Dr. Smyth doesn’t hold a grudge”????? Whaaaa? What would he be holding a grudge for? Being shown up as an idiot?

      Yep! For being talked about over coffee and croissants! 😉 booo flippin hoooo maybe Dr Smyth should be termed ‘Dr Snowflake’!

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      1. “… maybe Dr Smyth should be termed ‘Dr Snowflake’!”

        With all that smoke puffing out of his fancy cigarette, iwsod, that snowflake will surely melt. Then who will he be? [Dr. Drip?]

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    3. “Dr. Smyth doesn’t hold a grudge”????? Whaaaa? What would he be holding a grudge for? Being shown up as an idiot?
      Ha! Yes, probably. Also, from a business perspective, I suspect the Agency didn’t appreciate Lee & Amanda running off like that, hiding, forcing a chase, using so much manpower, etc. The more acceptable response would have been to talk it out and follow the standard protocols. (you know, like going through more interrogation, further disbelief, and probably ending up in prison.)

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  15. Very, very swoony screen caps and I thank you!
    When I first saw this (and maybe a few more times) I yelled at the scene “Dr. Smyth doesn’t hold a grudge? Really!?! Well I sure do!!!” and I was convinced he was going to turn out to be a massive baddie and Lee and Amanda were going to exact MY revenge and have to take him down. I also was really intrigued to see how the sour taste of the Agency turning on Lee and Amanda was going affect their working for it.

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    1. “’Dr. Smyth doesn’t hold a grudge? Really!?! Well I sure do!!!’ and I was convinced he was going to turn out to be a massive baddie and Lee and Amanda were going to exact MY revenge and have to take him down.”

      I’m with you in being massively aggravated by Dr. Smyth. Also want to point out that what went down (a) without Dr. Smyth’s consent and (b) in spite of his sinister sabotage, demonstrates to me that Dr. Smyth is still “a massive baddie.” However, he can’t exactly punish Lee, Amanda, Billy and Francine because that foursome nailed 5 — count ’em FIVE — KGB operatives, including 2 big fish — all with Dr. Smyth and his goons actively working against them! So the devious, self-aggrandizing Dr. Smyth will swoop in, take ALL the credit for this amazing roundup in his report to the President and bide his time for another opportunity to disgrace them. Why did he offer Amanda a full-time position? I consider that akin to Dr. Smyth (the spider) inviting Amanda (the fly) into his web of sticky goo. My consolation in all this is that Dr. Smyth is a brown-noser, who has no field experience, so Billy’s elite team will outfox them every time!

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        1. “I think the least Dr Smyth could do was to offer Amanda a huge apology, not just a long overdue job offer…”

          You’ll be waiting a loooooong time for an apology from him! Maybe an eon or two after hell freezes over?

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So what do you think??? :)

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