Episodes 511-513
Welcome back to our Season 5 Justin-centric marathon hosted by myself and _alicesprings. This is our final installment and we’d like to thank everyone whose participated or read along so far. We’re ready to continue with episodes 511-513. Summaries of Justin’s scenes and some discussion questions can be found under the cut. And remember that the discussions of previous episodes are still open. You can find 501-502 HERE, 503-507 HERE and 508-510 HERE.
And don’t forget, while the discussion post itself centers around Justin, you are always free to discuss any characters or scenes from Season 5 that you’d like. You can tie them to Justin if you want, or simply discuss an issue/scene/character/relationship that you want to explore in more detail.
511
Justin scenes: 1. The hospital. 2. Justin’s apartment/studio. 3. The diner. 4. The vigil. 5. Britin.
1. The hospital:
Justin, Emmett, Debbie and Ben are all waiting to hear about Michael. Brian shows up and tells everyone that it was a bomb. Debbie asks what kind of sick fuck would do such a thing. And Justin says, “The kind that went to Matthew Shepherd’s funeral with signs saying ‘Your son’s burning in hell,’ the kind we saw driving down Liberty Avenue with bullhorns shouting their hate slogans, the kind that support Proposition 14.”
The TV in the waiting room shows a loudly violent scene and Emmett has to leave. The doctor comes out to update them on Michael’s situation and says he’s cautiously optimistic, but that he expects him to be fine. He advises everyone to go home and get some rest.
2. Justin’s apartment/studio: Justin’s painting as Brian “admires” the decor. And Justin says, “It may not be the country manor of my dreams with stables and a pool, but at least it’s mine.” Justin asks Brian if he’s hungry, but has nothing to offer. Brian says he just stopped by to see how Justin was doing, and Justin tells him he’s fine, thanks. And then Brian says, “I thought if anyone would come through all of this unruffled, it’d be you.” Justin’s response: “When I was bashed, I found out that the best way to survive, to go on, is to make something. A painting, a napkin holder, it doesn’t matter. Just so that you can prove to yourself and to them that they didn’t get you. You’re still here.” And Brian responds as he pulls Justin to him, “I’m glad you are.” Justin’s worried about Brian getting covered in paint, but Brian doesn’t care.
Brian: It doesn’t matter. Didn’t you hear what I said to you last night? Justin: Yes, I heard. You said you loved me. Brian: Then how about marrying me? Justin: [Trying to contain incredulous laughter.] What? Stop being ridiculous. Brian: [Adamantly and a little pissed off.] I’m not being ridiculous. I mean it. Justin: You don’t mean it. How could Mister I-believe-in-fucking-not-love mean it? You detest marriage. You detest anybody who enters into an imitation heterosexual union that, by its very nature is doomed to fail. Did I get that right? Brian: Word perfect. But I’ve changed my mind. Justin: Well, so have I. I have no intention of marrying someone who, by his very nature, is doomed to fail. Besides, you’re only asking me because you’re freaked out about what happened to Michael. Brian: I did have this dream. I was at his funeral, but he wasn’t in the coffin, I was. Justin: “There, you see? Now as soon as life returns to normal, so will you. Back from the dead. Brian: Not without you. Justin: I know you too well. Way too well. Now, thank you for saying it, but the answer’s no.
Justin squeezes Brian’s hand and goes back to painting, but Brian looks quite upset and somewhat perplexed.
Regardless of his motivation, Brian is 100% sincere when he asks Justin to marry him. But Justin brushes it off. He’s right that he does know Brian too well. It will take more than one reactionary proposal for him to believe that Brian’s undergone any kind of transformation. Do you think that Justin doubts Brian’s sincerity in that moment, or is it more that he doubts Brian will mean it going forward?
Also, notice what Justin says about his place. “It may not be the country manor of my dreams with stables and a pool, but at least it’s mine.” This seems to indicate that Justin is more pleased with actually having his own place than he is with the amenities that said place has to offer. Consider this at the end of the episode when Brian presents him with, word for word, what Justin quite off-handedly referred to as an ideal home.
3. Diner: Justin is sharing a booth with Mel, JR and Gus while Lindsay orders food for Dusty’s partner, Marie. Mel talks about the bombing and how it hasn’t sunk in yet. Justin says to give it time as he supervises Gus’ drawing. They all pack up to leave as Mel discusses the fact that Marie has no legal rights to Dusty’s kids, and that if Prop 14 passes, she won’t be allowed to adopt them. Justin says it’s a good thing that they are both Gus and JR’s legal parents, but Mel isn’t sure how long adoptive rights will last. Lindsay then imagines how they would have felt if it had been one of them instead of Dusty and they’d wasted the last year apart. Justin says it’s good that didn’t happen. And Mel says, before kissing Lindsay, “We realized what we lost before it’s too late.” The expression on Justin’s face at that moment shows that this statement clearly had an effect on him. As the scene ends, you can see how deeply he’s considering what Mel has just said.
It’s pretty obvious here that Justin is thinking about his situation with Brian and the fact that it could have been one of them. The way he reacts to Mel’s statement shows that he probably hadn’t allowed himself to think along those lines before. But now that he has, it’s pretty enlightening. Thoughts?
4. The vigil: Drew is speaking about heroes and true heroics. True heroes stand up for the rights they deserve, regardless of the consequences - like the victims of the bombing. After a moment of silence (and flashes of Ted at the baths), Debbie speaks about Michael, and how he’ll be alright, but there are others that weren’t so lucky. An asshole in the crowd, one of a group of hate mongers who’ve come to disrupt the vigil, yells, “Your son should have died. Your son should burn in Hell.” Ben steps forward, and the asshole continues his hate speech until Ben takes him out. He’s furious and totally lost in rage as he continues to punch. Emmett helps out by punching out one of the haters who goes after Ben. Ben doesn’t stop until Brian pulls him off. Carl tells Brian to get Ben out of there as the cops show up.
5. Britin: Brian’s taking Justin somewhere mysterious that’s, “less than half an hour out of Pittsburgh.” They pull up to a humungous house. Justin’s impressed and Brian tells him to wait until he sees the tennis court, and the pool and the stables. Justin asks who lives there. And Brian says, “We do.” Justin is understandably confused as Brian tells him he bought the house. They go inside. Now Brian is reminding Justin that he has said his studio would have to do until his country manner came along.
Brian: I’d hoped this would be all you dreamed of. Justin: And more. But I told you, I… Brian: You won’t marry me. Who could blame you? I am, without doubt, the worst candidate for marriage alive, but conversely, that’s also the reason that I’m the best candidate. Justin: And how’s that? Brian: Because, as strongly as I was opposed to the idea, now that I’m behind it, I am as fervently and passionately committed. Justin: Uh huh. And what changed your mind? Brian: I finally thought of one good reason to do it. Justin: And what is that one good reason? Brian: To prove to the person that I love how much I love him. That I would give him anything. I would do anything. I’d be anything to make him happy. Justin: [After an incredulous moment and near tears.] You’re fucking unbelievable. Brian: It’s true. I am. Justin: You… you bought this… You bought this palace? Brian: It’s for my prince. [Pause] I’m also selling the loft and the club. Justin: Without even knowing what my answer would be? Brian: I’m taking a chance on love. [They both smile.] Justin: Then you mean it. Brian: I’ve never meant anything more. Justin: OK. Brian: OK? Justin: Let’s do it. Brian: Say it. Justin: Yes. Brian: Yes, what? Justin: Yes. Yes, I will marry you. I will marry you. [Strokes Brian’s hair.] What? Don’t tell me you’re already having second thoughts? Brian: Not one.
They kiss as Justin can’t seem to keep his hands out of Brian’s hair, and Brian looks… relieved. We cut to them naked in front of the fireplace, kissing tenderly and looking completely in love.
What must Justin be thinking as Brian unfolds what he’s done and why? In his studio earlier, his comment about a country manor seemed off-handed and less than serious. But now, Brian’s offering exactly that.
At what point do you think that Justin “gets” that Brian is serious? Also, note the nervousness from Brian as he basically pitches his idea as if he were selling an ad campaign. He’s incredibly sincere, but falls back on his talents to make the most important pitch of his life. Does Justin see this and how does it affect him?
By the end of this scene, Justin looks incredibly happy. Do you agree that he believes, 100%, that Brian meant every word he said? Do you think that this is what he really wanted from Brian? And if you don’t think he specifically wanted the mansion and the proposal, why do you think he said yes, and how do Brian’s actions translated into Justin’s wants that caused him to break up with Brian in the first place? *****
This episode is all about the aftermath of the bombing, the individual difficulties that people face. And beyond that, it’s about how everyone deals, in their own way, with what happened. Ted refusing to see Michael, Emmett refusing to leave the house, Brian with the proposal, Ben completely losing it and Mel and Lindsay with their reconciliation and the first stirrings of the idea to leave. Among all of these reactions, we have Justin, who, as Brian says, came through it all unruffled. What do you think this says about him that he could be involved in such a violent event, for the second time in his young life, and react the way that he does?
512
Justin scenes: 1. The loft – engagement sex. 2. Kinnetik – planning the wedding. 3. The loft – Jennifer’s open house. 4. The loft – more wedding plans. 5. Justin’s studio – with Lindsay. 6. The loft – wedding talk.
1. The loft – engagement sex: The scene opens with Brian and Justin basically fucking on every available surface. They both appear incredibly happy and um… very enthusiastic. As they collapse from round 424354656, Brian asks Justin if, once they’re married, he’ll still blow him. Justin says, “Ever the romantic,” and then says that it depends on whether Brian will fuck him in every room of, and he stalls wondering what to call the new place. They discuss names, and Justin is brilliant and so of course comes up with “Britin.” Justin is amazed that the marriage is really happening and Brian ponders with glee the looks on their friends’ faces as they get their invitations.
Considering that invitations have already gone out, and so a date and location have been selected, there’s been some passage of time between the proposal at the end of 511 and what’s popularly called “engagement sex” in this scene. Do you suppose they’ve done any talking at all about “how” they’re going to be married? Have they actually talked about monogamy or anything else that either of them might expect from the other? Thinking about the reasons that Justin broke up with Brian in the first place, were Brian’s actions at the end of 511 enough to convince Justin that Brian will give him what he wants? And do you think he’s ever clearly defined that to Brian?
As for Brian, he looks genuinely happy about the wedding and I don't see any cold feet or second thoughts from either of them at this stage.
2. Kinnetik – planning the wedding: Brian and Justin are discussing the wedding with Emmett, who’s the wedding planner. Emmett has reviewed their wish list and has a question about one of the items, golden gardenias.
Justin: There’s a Chinese legend that once your lover breathes them, that he’ll love you forever. Emmett: I’ll call the florist, order a crate. Justin: They only grow in the Xishwang Banna mountains in southern China. Emmett: How about some petunias that only grow in southern Pittsburgh. Brian: Hey, if Justin wants golden gardenias… Emmett: Alright then, he’ll have golden gardenias.
Michael appears, and Justin and Emmett say their goodbyes to allow Brian and Michael some time alone. They reconcile and Brian asks Michael to be his best man.
Justin is as happy in this scene as he’s ever appeared throughout the five years we’ve known him. And Brian seems quietly content and obviously wanting to do everything in his power to keep that smile on Justin’s face. Thoughts?
3. The loft – Jennifer’s open house: Jennifer’s just finished showing the loft to a prospective buyer when Justin walks in. Jennifer is quite cold to Justin. He hands her a wedding invitation, and she’s left speechless and emotionally overwhelmed. They hug. Justin makes sure to point out that it’s for two and to bring “anyone” she wants. He promises not to make any rude comments about Tucker’s age, or Jennifer’s. And then Jennifer tells Justin she expects to dance with him first at the wedding, after Brian of course. They then proceed to dance around the loft. It’s a beautiful and touching moment.
Notice how Justin has suddenly gotten over the Tucker issue. Do you think this is because he’s realized how rude he was being before? Or, based on recent discussions in our 508-510 post, is it because he’s back together with Brian and is no longer projecting his unhappiness onto Jennifer and Tucker’s situation?
4. The loft – more wedding plans: Brian hugs Justin from behind while Justin works on the seating plan for the wedding. Justin hopes that Mel and Lindsay don’t leave before the wedding or they’ll fuck up his entire seating arrangement. Brian’s mood changes, and he says he doesn’t think they’re going anywhere, because Michael won’t allow it.
Justin: I’d hate not seeing them, or the kids, especially Gus. I was there the night he was born. I even named him. Brian: I forgot about that. Justin: I’m not surprised. You were stoned out of your mind. Brian: And yet, I have a vivid memory of the subsequent events. Justin: [Laughing.] I’m sure you do. Brian: [Contemplates.] What the fuck. It’s their lives. It’s their decision. Justin: You know, you amaze me. He’s your son, and you’re acting like you don’t give a shit. Brian: They’re his parents, not me. I’m just… Justin: An uncredited guest appearance. I know. You should give yourself more credit. I see how you are when you’re with him. It’s like nobody else on earth exists. And when he looks at you… Brian: You know, I don’t think you should seat your mom’s boyfriend next to Debbie unless you’re trying to scare him away. Justin: Will you listen to me? Are you listening. Brian: [Aggravated.] Yeah, I’m listening. Justin: You’re not your father. You love your son. Now, what’s it going to take for you to admit it? Another bomb? Brian: I’m gonna go take a shower.
How much do we love Justin for having this conversation with Brian? And he’s absolutely right. It seems that he’s really trying to force Brian to face his feelings for Gus and for what this move will ultimately mean in terms of his relationship with his son. Justin doesn’t want Brian to let them go without fully acknowledging his own feelings on the subject. Also notice that, even though Brian is flippant and irritated, Justin is getting through to him, as will be seen later when Brian and Michael again discuss the move with Mel and Lindsay. Brian is paying attention, and he does hear everything Justin is saying. There’s real communication and support – like a true partnership.
Note, Contrast Justin's supportive words about Brian's fathering skills with Michael's earlier words, which basically say Brian is an absent father and not there for Gus. Agree? Has Justin taken over from Michael as Brian's “best friend” his supporter?
5. Justin’s studio – with Lindsay: Lindsay has the latest issue of Art Forum magazine and tells Justin that the critic from the show wrote an entire article about him. He seems hardly phased at all. Lindsay says that this has created a lot of buzz and she’s already getting calls from galleries and collectors. Justin says that’s nice.
Lindsay: Nice. Artists work for years, their entire lives and never get this kind of attention. Critics are raving about you. People want to buy your work. Justin: Great. You can sell it to them. Lindsay: Well, that’s true. I could. But this is a chance for you, to move up. Take the next step. Justin: Where? Lindsay: New York. Justin: [Laughs.] Lindsay: No, I’m serious. It’s the center of the art world. Justin: I know. If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere. Lindsay: You’ve practically made it already. All you have to do now is show up. Justin: I can paint in Pittsburgh. Lindsay: You think Warhol would have become Warhol if he’d stayed here? Justin: If it’s so important, why didn’t you go? Lindsay: Because I didn’t have your talent. Justin: I know how much this means to you, how much you believe in me. You always have. But New York isn’t my opportunity of a lifetime. Brian is.
Justin seems hardly phased at all by what really is a major event in his career. Clearly he’s more interested in creating than he is in career success. The article, the critics, the buyers – all have very little impact on him. And this is well before Lindsay even mentions New York. So, at that point in the conversation, his apathy has nothing to do with a choice between Brian and New York. Agree or disagree?
And Lindsay. Remember that she’s a professional in the art world. She knows talent, and she also knows about artistic success. She didn’t have either, but recognizes it in Justin. And she’s pushing him here to maximize his chances of success. Is there jealousy involved? Or is it much more likely that, as Justin’s mentor and friend, she has an obligation and a strong desire to make sure he’s fully aware of what this all means and what he needs to do?
Finally, what do you think Justin dreams of at this point in terms of his art and future career? Is it success, but he just wasn’t expecting it or prepared for it so soon? Or has he never really given much thought to the business aspect of art as a career? Does he do it solely because he’s driven to create rather than driven to succeed?
6. The loft – wedding talk: Justin suggests that perhaps it would be better to register at Pottery Barn than Prada. Brian doesn’t agree. He then begins reading aloud from the article about Justin in the Art Forum magazine that Lindsay has given him. The last line he reads is, “New York is waiting to be conquered.”
Brian: That’s some review, Mr. Taylor. Justin: I don’t even know why Lindsay showed you that. Brian: Because you didn’t. Justin: Just because some art scene fairy, who probably admired my ass a lot more than my work decides to write a fawning review doesn’t mean I should pack my bags and grab the next Greyhound. Brian: He could have admired your ass without writing a fawning review. And you have never been on a Greyhound in your life. Justin: No. But I have been to Hollywood. They gushed, too. Remember? Made a bunch of bullshit promises. What makes you think New York would be any different? The only one who never broke a promise was you.
They kiss as we focus in on the magazine and then fade to black.
Recall how devastated Justin was over what happened with Rage. He was truly enjoying his success in Hollywood. And when it ended, he was pretty directionless for a while. In fact, it hasn’t been too long since he’s gotten back on his feet from that. So, is it understandable then that he’s not just a little bit skeptical that New York holds any better promise for him?
But let’s be clear here. The article is very significant. We can see this from Lindsay’s reaction, and now also from Brian’s. Brian is a businessman. He knows about bullshit and selling. But he also knows how to see through all of that to the truth. So, there’s really no question that this article and the resulting buzz are major in terms of Justin’s talent and career. And yet, Justin is still refusing to take this seriously and get excited. It’s partially the Rage disappointment and partially his relationship with Brian. Do you see any other factors holding him back? And is he right to remain skeptical? Do you see New York as the great opportunity that it’s being touted as? *****
There’s quite a bit going on in this episode including the backdrop of wedding plans, which appears in almost every Justin scene. Communication between Brian and Justin is clear and strong here, first with Justin talking to Brian about Gus and then later with Brian talking to Justin about New York – even if Justin doesn’t seem as affected as Brian was. Neither one of them is argumentative or pushy, and there’s no fighting. Instead they communicate with each other in ways that they know, from experience, will be effective. Justin is perhaps more so at this point. But Brian’s never been one to go overboard when trying to guide Justin.
Also notice how completely happy that Justin is when discussing wedding plans. Look, for example, at his demeanor in the scene with Emmett in Brian’s office. Now contrast this with his reaction to the Art Forum article. There’s quite a difference. Thoughts?
In the scene with Lindsay, Justin says that New York isn’t his chance of a lifetime, Brian is. And in the last scene with Brian, Justin says that Brian is the only one who never broke a promise to him. Obviously this is significant. Justin is intelligent and insightful. For him to completely miss the importance of the New York issue seems at odds with this. Do you agree? And if so, is that then saying that Justin thinks a lifetime with Brian is more significant than a shot at artistic success in New York? Is Justin being practical, or is he operating with blinders?
513
Justin scenes: 1. Trying on wedding suits. 2. Mel and Lindsay’s – packing. 3. The loft – Brian’s reviewing ad layouts. 4. The stag party. 5. The loft – lounging in bed. 6. The rehearsal dinner. 7. The loft.
1. Trying on wedding suits: The tailor is assisting Brian with his suit, but leaves as Justin walks out wearing his. Brian is taken aback.
Brian: Holy shit. Justin: What? Brian: You look… Justin: Good? Bad? Laughable? Brian: [As he gazes at Justin.] Beautiful. Justin: [With pleased surprise.] I do? [Justin walks to the mirror and Brian follows.] Brian: It’s not a question. It’s a declaration. So, try and be more emphatic when the minister asks you if you want to go through with this. Justin: [Turns to Brian.] I do.
They kiss and their image is repeated infinitely in the mirror behind them.
Such a beautiful scene and the happiness from Brian is palpable. They both seem so completely in love here. Comments?
Note, Justin said his “I do” even if they don't go through with the wedding later.
2. Mel and Lindsay’s – packing: Justin is helping Mel and Lindsay to pack boxes for their move. He’s talking about Ellis Island and what the immigrants had to face when they came to America. But Mel explains that her cousin has located a house for them to rent close to Starbuck’s and The Gap. Lindsay says to Justin, “Our future’s secure. Yours, too.” Justin says how strange it will be not to see them anymore. Lindsay agrees. They both remind Justin to come visit and that he’ll always have a place to stay. Mel jokes, “If you ever decide to pack your bags and leave.” Lindsay’s a bit shocked, but Justin seems to find it funny as it was intended to be. Mel then says that she knows he and Brian will be happy, that they all will be. And Justin does look genuinely happy as his smile lights up his face.
The last time we saw Justin talking about the move, it was to Brian and he was trying to convince him not to let Gus go. Now Justin seems very accepting of the idea. Why the change? Even though we didn’t see it, do you suppose there was a conversation between Brian and Justin about this once Brian agreed to let them go?
Also, what do you make of Lindsay’s statement, “Your future’s secure,” considering her New York conversation with Justin in the previous episode? She certainly seems happy enough for him. Thoughts?
3. The loft – Brian’s reviewing ad layouts: In an earlier scene, Brian was pitching to Remsen Pharmaceuticals for their new erectile dysfunction drug. His ad was sexy and not at all conservative. But the client thought it was too overt and wanted a much more conservative approach. He’s reviewing those samples as Justin walks in. Brian asks for Justin’s opinion. Justin doesn’t like any of them. He says, “It’s not edgy. It’s not funny. It’s not sexy.” Brian tells him that sex is out, and Justin asks who told him that, as he gets a bit sexy himself. Then Justin says, “Now put on your sluttiest club clothes and bring plenty of drugs, because we’re going out.” To which Brian replies, “I was thinking we’d spend a nice, quiet evening at home.” Justin’s a bit incredulous.
Now, we know that the bachelor party is coming up, so Justin has an ulterior motive for getting Brian to go out, but look at his other comments in this scene. He may want marriage and a future with Brian, but he hasn’t lost his attitude towards sex and having fun.
Also, Justin’s reaction is somewhat surprised when Brian suggests that they stay in. We know he wanted changes from Brian, but did he expect Brian to completely give up going out and partying from time to time?
4. The stag party: Brian and Justin arrive and Brian’s appropriately surprised. A bit later in the scene, Michael, Ben, and Emmett treat Brian to a roasting toast. Next up we have a dancer who seems to peak Brian’s interest and begins to lead him off. But, Brian calls a halt to it, and we have this:
Brian: Wait. The prisoner respectfully chooses not to partake of his last meal, but to be led instead to the gallows a hungry, but happy man. Justin: Come on. Have a little fun. Emmett: It ain’t so little. Justin: Seriously, you have my permission. Brian: I’m content to take my winnings and go home.
Justin looks perplexed, contemplative and a bit surprised. It would seem that he clearly expected Brian to have a last fling with the dancer, and it also appears that he was perfectly OK with the idea of it. He certainly isn’t smiling that sunshine smile as Brian refuses the dancer. And Brian, did he look at all disappointed that he chose not to go? Or is he truly embracing the idea of settling down and giving up his former promiscuity?
What do you make of this scene? We have not heard monogamy specifically discussed in terms of the upcoming marriage, but there seems to be the implication in this scene that monogamy is indeed going to be a facet of Brian and Justin’s marriage. Agree or disagree? Do you think they talked about it, or more that it was implied and assumed by both of them as being a component of marriage? And why isn’t Justin happier about Brian’s refusal?
5. The loft – lounging in bed: This is the pivotal scene for Brian and Justin and their future, so let’s listen to what they have to say:
Justin: I had a dream last night that we were in our new house. Brian: Cooking? Gardening? Sitting in front of the fire? Justin: Not exactly. You were riding me in the stables, diving into me in the pool, slamming me on the tennis court. Brian: Well, that gives a new meaning to US Open. Justin: I better start practicing my serve. [Heads under the covers.] Brian: Wouldn’t you rather just cuddle? Justin: [Appears from under the covers almost in shock.] What? Brian: I said, wouldn’t you rather just lie here and… Justin: No, no, no… I heard what you said. You said, “cuddle.” Brian: So? Justin: So, I have never, ever once heard you even use that word much less actually want to do it. Brian: OK, so can we just turn the lights on? Justin: No, no. Brian Kinney fucks, sucks, rims, rams, but never cuddles. Brian: OK, so I used a word that offends your sensibilities. Forgive me. I apologize. I’ll never do it again. Justin: No, it’s more than just that. Every day we get closer to being married, the person I know gets further away. Brian: I’m right here. Justin: But it’s not you. Looks like you, feels like you. But you, you would never go to your own stag party and not fuck every hot guy in sight. You would never be more interested in gardening than getting laid. Brian: I’m just trying to make you happy. Justin: I want you to do what makes you happy. Not me. Brian: What about you? Yes, you. Not going to New York. Justin: Fuck New York. Brian: Conquering the art world. Justin: Fuck the art world. Brian: Why? Because you’re afraid? Justin: I’m not afraid. Brian: Then what? Justin: I don’t want it. Brian: Bullshit. Justin: I don’t. It means nothing. Brian: Would it still mean nothing if I wasn’t here? Justin: How do you expect me to give you a rational response when the circumstances you presented are completely suppositional, and as such have no basis in reality? Brian: Just answer the goddamn question. Justin: I don’t know. [Flops onto the bed frustrated.] Brian: Well, I do. I don’t want to live with someone who sacrificed their life and called it love to be with me. Justin: Neither do I.
In previous scenes where New York has been brought up, Justin seems genuinely unphased and disinterested. But now that Brian’s pushing him on it, all he’ll say about wanting to go is, “I don’t know.” Brian believes that Justin wants to go or that he should want to go. What do you think Justin really wants?
Up to this point, do you think that Justin at all saw himself making a sacrifice to be with Brian? Remember his reaction to Lindsay when she first brought up the article and also his reaction to Brian when he attempted to discuss it. Then think about his reaction each time the wedding has been discussed. Is he just caught up in wedding plans and not clearly seeing the significance of what he’s giving up? Or does he truly not care about New York and artistic success?
What do you make of Brian in this scene? Let’s consider Justin for a moment and the methods Brian has used in the past to try and persuade Justin. He knows that pushing him doesn’t work. Instead, Justin has to reach his own conclusions. Agree? If so, then pushing Justin about New York won’t really have an effect, will it? But Brian behaving out of character and wanting to “cuddle” caused quite a reaction in Justin – and got him connecting the dots. And those dots look a lot like two people giving up who they are for the other person. So, who thinks Brian genuinely wanted to cuddle?
6. The rehearsal dinner: The scene opens with general chitchat about the wedding couple and appropriate gifts. Perhaps significant is Daphne’s comment, “Justin’s already gotten everything he’s ever wanted.” Enter Brian and Justin to cheers and catcalls from the crowd. Justin thanks everyone for coming, but Brian tells them all that the wedding’s off. There’s uncomfortable laughter until Justin says, “No, it’s true. We decided not to get married.”
Justin looks confident and comfortable in this scene. Brian does at times, but appears slightly shaken when first announcing the wedding is off. However, they both seem to be in complete agreement and there’s no negativity or animosity from either one of them. Thoughts?
7. The loft: Justin’s packing as Brian pours drinks. And once again, we’ll let Brian and Justin speak for themselves:
Brian: When’s your flight? Justin: Ten. I think I finally found a place to stay. Daphne has a friend in the East Village. Finding a workspace is going to be difficult. Apparently everything costs a fortune. Brian: Well, you’ll manage. You always do. Justin: I’ll be back. And you’ll come there. We’re going to see each other all the time. Brian: You don’t know that. Neither do I. Whether we see each other next weekend, or next month, never again, doesn’t matter. It’s only time. Justin: [Picks up the ring box.] You didn’t return them? Brian: I didn’t return them. Justin: [Fingers the rings for a moment and then closes the box with a resounding snap.] We don’t need rings or vows to prove that we love each other. We already know that. Brian: [Trying to get a hold of himself.] You did it. Justin: Did what? Brian: [Voice breaking slightly.] Became the best homosexual you could possibly be.
They kiss, desperately and intensely. And then we watch as they make love while scenes from the 502 reunion play across their bodies. They look at times content, sad and desperate. But always completely in love. In the end, Brian’s hand caresses Justin’s face as we see the tears there. They cling to each other, and then Justin fades from the scene and we are reminded that Brian is again alone.
If you can stop from crying long enough, here are some things to consider. Justin says, and rightly so, “We don’t need rings or vows to prove we love each other.” Does this contradict what he wanted from Brian before the 507 breakup? Or is it in keeping with the idea that Justin has wanted acknowledgement and commitment from Brian more than he ever wanted a traditional marriage and its accompaniments?
Does this bode well for a future reunion? A reunion where they'll continue their “unconventional” relationship, without the rings and vows?
While it’s understandable that Justin would be subdued in this goodbye scene, he does seem less than enthusiastic to be going off on his New York adventure. Is this Justin trying not to pour salt in the wound? Or is he really not all that excited about going? Perhaps he’s just being practical Justin, knowing that he has a lot of hard work and sacrifice ahead of him. Thoughts?
And finally, Justin says quite confidently that they’re going to see each other all the time. Brian’s being typical, cynical Brian with his response. But, after all that they’ve been through and the recent actions on Brian’s part, done with complete sincerity and honesty, does Justin have any reason to think that the relationship won’t continue?
Given Justin's confident statement that they'll see each other all the time, I'm led to believe they have actually discussed the move, and their future contact in detail. It sounds to me like Justin agreed to go based on knowing that Brian isn't giving up on them and that he'll visit. Agree or disagree? *****
In this episode, we see Justin going from the happiest he’s ever been to questioning what’s happening to Brian and finally to trading one dream for another as he leaves for New York. While it’s true that neither Brian nor Justin would ever want the other to sacrifice who they are in order to stay together, is it realistic for Justin to have to see this as a choice between Brian and his success as an artist? Brian certainly presents it that way, and Justin’s leaving ultimately tells us that he accepts those as the only two choices as well.
It’s also true that Justin can paint in Pittsburgh, and that he’s already been noticed by the art world while still in Pittsburgh. So, why can’t he stay in Pittsburgh and be successful? Does anyone think his leaving for New York has more to do with Brian’s definition of success than his own? And if so, why is Justin willing to accept this? He’s intelligent. Why not just make the argument that he can be successful in Pittsburgh and still stay with Brian?
Is there a case of seeing what's on the other side of the fence? Does Justin want to give New York a shot for himself? Wouldn't anyone who had the sort of “buzz” Justin apparently has want to try? And will it be a good thing to try so there will be no “what if's” later? Do you think Brian agrees? This is perhaps the first time in their relationship that the 12 years' age difference has really affected them. One man is successful and established – the other is not. Does Brian want to make sure Justin has his own chance at success?
Finally, how must it feel for Justin to have finally gotten the acknowledgement and actions from Brian that he’s arguably been after for the last five years, only to have to leave Brian in pursuit of his career?
Given how confident of Justin's success Lindsay seemed - “you just have to show up, you're already a star etc” will Justin have an easy time of it in New York? Or will he be a starving artist living in a shithole? Lindsay made it seem like the former, but is that realistic? +++++
And so we come to the end of our Season 5 Justin-centric marathon. Let’s look ahead a bit and consider what we might find. What do you think the future holds for Brian and Justin? How long before they see each other again? And how will their relationship define itself given the distance factor?
What about Justin? What will New York be like for him? Will he love it or hate it? How will he get established and what kind of success do you see for him? Think in terms of what Justin would want for himself rather than what you would like to see Justin achieve. What will make him happiest? And how will he most realistically shape his life and his future from this point forward?