Lust for Life (Sorry, I couldn't resist!)

[quaggy]

So, I have a new show. I don’t just like this show… I adore it. It holds a place of honor with West Wing, Sports Night and Dead Like Me. It’s amazing and it’s all thanks to marymary that I even know about it.

I watched all of Season 1 on DVD. I wrote down all my impressions after each episode and then I went back and expanded on my thoughts afterward. The result is a cross between analysis and liveblogging. As long as this is, it still only scratches the surface of these wonderfully detailed episodes. I love mysteries, but they generally aren't shows that you can watch over and over again. This show is.




Episode 1: "Merit Badge"

It took me all of 4 minutes to get hooked on this show. I don’t have as many observations here because I’m just trying to soak everything in, that said…

I love the line about living in the future. It’s so easy to forget how much technology has advanced in the past 12 years…. Or even in the last five!

I must have watched Charlie hugging Dani at least 23 times!! It was so perfect. It’s not patronizing or sexual or obnoxious. Charlie hugs Dani like a little kid would, just completely open and happy. It’s hilarious!!

And that kid’s laugh was fantastic. I would rewatch that scene for the kid’s laugh alone.

In the final moments of the episode, you can HEAR Charlie thinking “I am NOT attached to my car.”



Episode 2: "Tear Asunder"

I didn’t catch this the first time, but Dani is very suspicious that Bobby will accidentally-on-purpose shoot Charlie while he’s in the water.

Charlie’s fascination with fruit continues to amuse me. But the horned melon is Dani’s moment to shine. Without one single word being spoken, you can see her think:  No, do not even react… Oh what the hell… Now, how should I put this…. ”That’s an interesting fruit."

The grandmother! This why this show is so smart… and treats it’s audience as smart. Early in the episode there is a scene where Charlie and Dani are having a conversation in the hotel elevator. The shot is perfectly framed so that your attention is on the sweet little old lady in the back of the elevator as she looks back and forth between the two detectives. It's a pretty common television device... a sweet little old lady overhearing a conversation she probably shouldn't because of its unsettling topic, but we never get the full effect. The discussion is more about the theoretical implications of presumed innocence than it is about shocking or inappropriate details. The old lady’s reaction is more subdued as a result. The show doesn’t hold up to our subconscious expectations… because that's not what the show is going for. It's a set up for the scene with the shuttle bus when the same old lady wants to know if they are going to find out who did it! She's even dressed differently, but the show expects you to be smart enough to recognize her. If I wasn't already in love with this show, that would have been the moment it won me over!



Episode 3: "Let Her Go"

Charlie watches as his cell phone vibrates of the desk. I love how they were able to wordlessly convey Charlie’s continued fascination with technology.

I love how Charlie has Dani’s back without question and he does it in a way that does not diminish her own power or control.

Charlie and his knife… you can tell this guy survived prison. There is no doubt that Charlie is a cop through and through… but he learned the language of a con and that just makes him more formidable. But as Dani later shows, it’s not necessarily a good thing. I like how she protects him by making him giver her his knife and then adds a little humor to show that they were still cool. It’s really clear in that moment (if she hadn’t already proven it by stonewalling her commander the past two episodes) that she and Charlie are already partners in the truest sense. And the fact that Charlie gives her the knife like he’s being cuffed is just excellent.

I do not know what to make of the fact that Charlie just couldn’t bring himself to introduce his partner to his lawyer… except by making them introduce themselves seemed to highlight how important both women were to him. (Though the little grin that Dani had when she walked away was adorable!) I later realized that it's more significant that Constance knows who Dani was. Dani could have found out who Charlie's lawyer was from the news. The only way that Constance would know who Charlie's new partner was would be from Charlie himself... which means he's been talking about Dani. this was almost a hand-off scene. Connie had been the most important person in Charlie’s life… and now it’s Dani. Connie gave him his life back, but it’s Dani, as his partner, who is proving to be the one that supports him as he tries to deal with his life.

The silent look between Charlie & Ted, when he realizes what that stupid chain link fence was reminding Charlie is just wonderfully done. I love this show doesn’t feel the need to hit you over the head with a sledgehammer to make its point.




Episode 4: "What They Saw"

I’m almost sorry that they have the “Previously on Life” instead of the documentary style opening. Actually, I am sorry. The documentary is one of those things that sets the show apart.

The crime scene teaser is just wonderful on so many levels… mostly because of every single one of Charlie’s lines: “Hey! Do you not see the gun?” “What do you have up there? A Costco?” “Oh jeez, I just bought this suit.” “He threw a toaster at me!” And then how he was so happy that Dani referred to him as her partner.

He stole her pen!! And Charlie noticed!

I’m loving their partnership. All Dani had to say was “All rich people are crazy. It’s not just you” and Charlie knew enough to give his card. I actually thought that was going to be a plot point, but it still is cool as a minor detail.



Episode 5: "The Fallen Woman"

This about where I stop toying with shipping Charlie/Connie and outright started shipping Charlie/Dani. Connie's beginning to annoy me with her whole "You're mine but you're not mine" drama. Either leave your husband and try with Charlie or just deal, but please do not whine about it. I actually think her marriage is just an excuse and there are deeper reasons why Charlie and Constance can’t be together.

As for Dani and Charlie, I’m shipping them the same way that I ship Daniel and Betty from Ugly Betty which means I can easily see them together many years down the road, after they've reached a different phase in their lives, but not just yet. For both couples, I enjoy their interaction together right now as it is to have a romance coming along to mess it up. I've always been a sucker for best friend ships. It's like a weakness! And there are some seriously wonderful exchanges between Charlie and Dani throughout the entire episode. (“Now you sound like me.” “Take that back!”)

Dani’s “No one is no one” and “No one is no where”, while inadvertently zen-ish, also show a lot about Dani’s character. Everything has an answer. Every mystery can be solved. All she has to do is work hard enough and she’ll find out what she needs to know.



Episode 6: "Powerless"

I love that Charlie immediately knows that something is wrong with Dani when she doesn’t respond to his usual blathering and, without changing his expression, suddenly becomes serious and solid.

Charlie’s criticism that Dani’s case is circumstantial is really significant when you consider that it’s being leveled by an innocent man who spent the last twelve years in prison due to circumstantial evidence. She can’t dismiss it the way she might have if it had been anyone else telling her that.

Ted and the baseball bat was just a fantastic scene!

Dani is a strong as nails. So often we see characters who have a backstory like Dani’s who are very ansgty and trouble. Dani has her demons, but she’s trying to deal with them the best that that she can.

My favorite moment was how when Dani made eye contact Charlie she let out this little sigh of relief, like she was holding on until he got there. As soon as he was, she could let go.



Episode 7: "A Civil War"

I think I might be shipping Ted and Charlie’s new almost stepmom. They are very cute and Ted casts a better light on a character who could be annoying just because of what she represents.

This is the first time I’ve had a real criticism of the show and it’s about the case’s storyline. I think they should have ditched the idea of Mary Ellen and Ahmed being in love, it was just to complicated a plot point to get across in the limited amount of time left. (And it’s too Law & Order-y of a twist. Predictable in its unpredictability.) What would make more sense was that Mary Ellen had mothery feelings for Ahmed, who she had known for years, which would only further her son’s grudge. She may love her son, but he had to know that she as disappointed in him… and if she had another son, a surrogate that she COULD be proud of, wouldn’t that just make things worse. Changing the backstory wouldn’t give the twist away when the two mothers met. I actually think it would have been more heartwrenching if instead of mother of the victim and the mother of the perp (and secret lover of the victim), it was two women who had been in each other’s lives for a long time. When they realized that the other party wasn’t faceless, it was someone they knew and were close to. Just a minor detail and any other show I wouldn’t even notice, but with a show this good, a less than stellar detail sticks out more.

On the plus side, the video game details were completely awesome on very many personal levels for me.



Episode 8: "Farthingale"

The scene were the two wives talk about their husband was so well-choreographed.

From the way Dani covers her face, you can tell she’s thinking that “But there was only one person here” is not exactly the best way to explain to two grieving widows that their husband was a bigamist, but is no longer surprised by anything Charlie does.

I love how Dani uses the case to distract Charlie from the ongoing investigation.

Not for nothing, but how Charlie’s voice got really low when he asked Dani how many caps were in front of her and told her how many bottles he was seeing gave me shivers. That, my friends, is the textbook DEFINITION of a bedroom voice.

I love how Dani stops mid-stride at the sound Charlie’s voice… just in time. And I love that now it’s Dani vouching for Charlie’s toughness with this little bit:
“I WILL shoot you.”
“He WANTS to shoot you.”



Episode 9: "Serious Control Issues"

“You’re with Crews.” Not in the romantic sense, of course, (dammit) but in every other way and form. She’s changing because of him. She’s becoming stronger and more stable.

“Yeah, Reece, why did you take away my knife?” You can see in this scene how much Dani has changed CHARLIE, because it’s more of a flashback to who he was when he was a newly released prisoner. He’s calmed down, because Dani has stabilized him.

Charlie is so sincere and horrified with his “I wouldn’t have gotten them so riled up!” I love the exchange whole exchange between him and Bobby.

Dani has a fear of cats?!!! That’s sort of precious!

I like Charlie’s little muffled reaction to Dani’s refusing to change partners. He’s happy but he doesn’t want to show it.

And then there’s the scene in the abandoned apartment…

“You’re not one of the bad guys.” Awww, Dani.

“Do I look like I tan?” Awww, Charile.

Okay from now on, I want this series to end with Charlie and Dani on a beach somewhere. Seriously, I’m like teetering on the edge of writing fanfic about it! *shakes head* It’s an illness, I tell you.

Dani gives him back his knife!! That’s a bigger symbol of trust than wanting to stay his partner.



Episode 10: "Dig a Hole"

Okay, first of all, this is probably my favorite episode of the series.

I like how Charlie’s eyebrow quirked at Dani’s “Are you suggesting we do something else?” It’s like he's enjoying that Dani will just take his weirdness at face value and dishes it right back. 

The physicist professor. Charlie is EATING. THIS. UP!!!! You think the next time that Charlie is stuck in a bed recovering from a gunshot wound, he’ll yammering on and on about string theory? (Dani would SO be C.J. in that scene, especially with the leaving the phone off the hook and walking away as he continued to talk.)

Dude… the creepy video guys are totally Beavis & Butthead! I’m so disappointed the show didn’t even make a passing wink in that direction!

I don’t know what’s funnier Charlie’s “PWUHEEZE?” or Dani’s “What the hell is with you?” reaction.

AND…. now Charlie’s on reincarnation. Are you surprised? I’m not. Okay, I’m a little surprised that Charlie wants to be a bunny. A whale is better on many levels.

“Is it quiet down there?” Come on, Dani! You know he’s just gonna follow you no matter where you go or what you both are reincarnated as!!

“I bought my ex-wife a horse” Why does he tell Dani this stuff?! It’s like he want to tell her… but he knows he really shouldn’t.

I like Charlie’s double take at the kiss that Dani got.

Words can’t convey the perfect delivery of these lines:
“Dating was simpler when I was younger.”
“This isn’t dating.”

Have I mentioned yet how much I love the scenes where Charlie and Dani interrogate a suspect? (“She’s shy.” “I am.”) Because I so DO! Charlie and Dani don’t really do the good cop/ bad cop thing. It’s more like the Crazy Cop and… I don’t even know. But it’s like Dani just enters into Charlie’s strange world as if that is what normal is and let’s the suspect just flail about trying to figure which way is up.

Speaking of suspects… “But I was such a good suspect!” HAH! He sounds almost disappointed!

So, what’s up with the dating, Connie? If you’re trying to tell Charlie that you’re available to get him to make a move, just tell him you’re available and make your own move.

The geek in me loved this bit:
“Charlie, I’m not Robin, am I?”
“Like in tights? No, Ted. You are not Robin.”
Any Batman reference is ALWAYS welcome. I, of course, started wondering if he was Alfred.

MEDITATION SCENE!! GACK! I just have no freaking words!! This might possibly be my favorite scene in the entire series. (Though it faces stiff competition from the pilot’s hugging scene.)

Dani accepted bunny reincarnation, but is skeptical about him wanting to be a panda?!

Dani was like Charlie when he questioned the wife. She’s normally more aggressive. Instead she’s the hyper-blabbermouth. It was fun to watch.

As always, I love Dani’s reaction when Charlie alludes to his past. It's the look she shoots him when he says “I’ve had some experience with DNA” and how she mouths prison number when he announces that he remembers his number from ten years ago “But it wasn’t a phone number.”  

Okay, this equation is quite simple: HORSE + CEREAL + TED + COYOTE REFERNCE = GOLD Again, I have no other words, except to mention that I didn’t even notice that Charlie had finally bought some furniture until I watch that scene for the fourth time!



Episode 11: "Fill It Up"

“You shouldn’t have killed my friends, Kyle.”
Right now, in this moment it’s not about Charlie and what was done to him—it was what was done to THEM and you can see the subtle signs of Charlie’s grief.

I love how Bobby’s KNOWS that the snake is behind him just by the look on Dani's face. And how Dani goes from defensive straight into protective mode.

I’d also like to compliment the very good use of the snake to keep us from knowing what’s in Dani’s head.

Now Ted’s worried that he’s ALFRED!!!!!!!!! It’s like they read my mind! My inner geek is totally loving this!

“But we took your gun.” But they didn’t. They took his service weapon, not his gun. If they had been real cops, they might have noticed that before. Cops wear their guns.  I also love how Charlie was very careful not to use his service weapon when he's not acting like a cop.  I mean, there's the fact that anybody he shoots will immediately be traced back to him, but there's also the symbolism.  He is physically putting his inner cop aside so that the con can come out. (Same thing with throwing out the Zen tape.)

I finally figured it out. Connie doesn’t think she can be with Charlie until he’s put his past behind him. But he can’t. It’s a part of him and he can’t turn his back on it like it never happened. I think Dani is the only one that really understands this, because she had darkness that she’s living with as well. During the documentary interviews (in different episodes), both Connie and the ex-wife say something about how they hope Charlie will live his life. It’s such a strange statement and in many ways a helpless one. It’s the statement of a spectator, not a participant.

As for the Rachel reveal… Kyle said during his claims that he had turned his life around that he had “made myself a family.” No, dude. You STOLE one. She’s not Rachel Seybolt because of you. You killed her father! How dare you let her call you “daddy”!! That alone should show that he’s not truly repentant. Not to mention the fact that he’s more concerned with his own hide than he is with protecting his so-called daughter. She’s bright and quick thinking, even as she’s suffering through a mountain of pain. How was a monster like Kyle even allowed to go near her?! It’s an absolute travesty! Only a couple of episodes before we saw a child imprisoned by a monster claiming to be the child’s father… and now we find that Rachel wound up in a very similar situation. I can’t wait until Charlie finds her.

Comments

[quaggy]

*shakes fist at notnetflix*

I hope the disks get there soon, Ally! You're going to love this show!