509 On a broader scale, this episode focuses on relationships. Not only do we have the Jennifer/Tucker issue. We also see Mel and Lindsay try and navigate their in-house separation, Ted attempt to find a partner, Michael and Ben as a family, Emmett and Drew as they deal with Drew’s coming out, and Brian and Michael as Michael closes the door on their friendship. And we catch a glimpse of the non-relationship that Brian and Justin now have during the art show scene. Thoughts?
I honestly have a hard time watching Justin act like such a brat in this episode, but there are some fabulous scenes with the other characters!
One of the one good things that came out of Brian's disastrous relationships with Michael and Justin in S5 was the development of his friendship with Ted, which I find really interesting and rewarding. That bittersweet scene at the end of the show, in which Ted takes Michael's place, is really moving to me. The mournful music speaks to the end of an era, not only for Babylon (since we know what's coming next) but also for Michael and Brian, and really for the whole gang. It's very telling that there are only two of them there. I think that Brian and Ted do find some sort of comfort in each other's company; Brian has learned to respect Ted (because Ted has learned to respect himself) and Ted has seen the human side of Brian.
Speaking of the human side of Brian, I really love the scene with him and Debbie at the loft. Brian seems to have dropped his hard shell a bit now that the stupid competition with Brandon is over, and he looks truly vulnerable at the end of that scene with Debbie. While I don't think his apology to Michael was very gracious (it was pretty classic Brian), it was clear he was making an effort and that he really did want to patch things up, and it hurts to watch Michael brush him off.
But on a more positive note: Emmett and Drew! I must say that kiss in the studio puts the biggest, goofiest smile on my face. Love love love.
Also well worth a mention: Mel and Lindsay's angry, desperate sex scene. I think that's the hottest moment those two had in the whole series! *fans self*