To me at least, the energy level was low again in the first scene with Jason and Willie. It was almost painful to watch, being so leaden. Things pick up though, when Mrs. Johnson enters. We get a glimpse of how Jason and Willie probably worked together in the past on whatever cons or scams they pulled. Jason knows how to get on Mrs. J's good side, raving about her cooking, and Willie doesn't miss a beat in reinforcing the good will. Hall's performance wasn't bad during this exchange. When Mrs. J mentions her late husband was a seaman, J&W know how to work that commonality to their advantage. The info also reveals Sarah's partiality for seafaring men; married to a sailor and her unrequited love for Bill Malloy.
Willie: Is the food really good here?
Jason: It's atrocious. The woman burns everything to death.
How does Mrs. J keep her job if the food is that lousy? The Collinses are either very forgiving, order take-out or have damaged palates. After Jason, acting like he owns the place, sends Willie to the study, he employs the sleazy tactics with Liz. A nice contrast to what we just saw with Mrs. Johnson. With Mrs. J, it's honey, with Liz, vinegar. Poor Liz. I kind of wish Bill Malloy was still around, I'd have loved to see Bill and Jason square off.
In the study, Willie's in full-on masher mode. Vicki had a pretty good sized, hard cover book in her hand, but I guess it didn't occur to the sweet ingenue to bash him in the face with it or jam a corner of it into his eye.
