501 – In Debbie’s kitchen late at night: Carl tells Emmett he’s sorry to see him move out. When Emmett replies that when most straight men see him, they head for the hills – except his father, who ran him out of town – Carl’s compassion is palpable. It was Em’s father’s loss, says Carl, and he tells Em that he’s a good man, and asks him to stay. It feels like Emmett has a new father figure in his life now, and I love the possibilities for how their relationship will develop over the years to come.
502 – The final scene, with the hot reunion sex and the sweet reveal of the Empty Drawer of Love.
507 – Oddly, one of the most painful scenes is also one of my favorite s5 memories. In the loft, Brian comes home to find Justin waiting; Brian takes a bottle of water from the fridge, and Justin remembers that first time he watched Brian do that. They talk; Justin tells Brian he’s made some decisions about his life and what he wants – and that he accepts the Brian can’t (or won’t) give him those things. There is something so exquisitely beautiful and dignified about Justin in this scene; soft-spoken and direct – wise and mature beyond his years.
This feels like a new beginning. Like something has shifted in Justin – like he’s claiming power over his own life in a way he never really has before, and I love seeing this – for Justin’s sake, and also for Brian’s, for many reasons. Mainly, for the sake of the future B/J relationship.
When Justin closes the loft door this time, my thought is always the same: Justin has left for the last time. When they reunite the next time, no one is ever leaving again. Not the relationship, at least.
510 – Brian finding Justin in the wreck of Babylon; Brian finally saying “I love you” in so many words.
513 - In the diner – When Ben and Michael give Hunter the journal and he agrees that they should adopt him. It makes me cry in a good way.