Jerry Lacey’s acting is still not ringing my chimes. It is incredible to think that he will eventually become a scene-stealer in another role. Tony’s a gruff guy, eh? I don’t remember if he ever softens up. It will be interesting to see the changes in Lacey's Tony Peterson further down the pike. Peterson must have some sense of sympathy toward Hoffman because he puts up with quite a bit from her. I wonder if it’s all sympathy or if he believes her on some level. He states that he won’t pretend to understand what’s going on with her, so why is he “helping” her? Oh, yeah, she’s paying him - duh - but still. Random observation: The 'papers' in Tony’s briefcase are blue.
I love the opening shot of Julia passing in front of TP’s shingle outside his office during the voiceover. Julia looks so put together for someone who is falling apart. Hall is using every physical trick in her book: The sniffling, nose rubbing, glove tugging, etc. and all while looking fabulous in her trench coat and perfectly placed matching scarf. Julia finally thinks of asking Sarah for help (I never thought of that!). Unfortunately, Sarah is not so inclined. That caught me by surprise. And her throwing Woodard up in Julia’s face was a surprise to me also. I expected Sarah to be sympathetic and understand the circumstances, well, I was hoping she would – but she’s just a (ghost) kid.
OMGoodness, Joel Crothers looks hunky in dark colors and a turtleneck & straightened hair. I enjoyed KLS (as per usual). I liked the whole Maggie/Joe/Julia scene. I think I enjoy the Maggie & Joe relationship so much because it represents normalcy. I felt a little cornfused about Julia blatantly talking about Sarah as a ghost but then Joe brought it up and put my puzzlement to rest -- I hadn’t remembered that everyone thinks Sarah is, or might be a ghost. I appreciated the “giggle” moment in the middle of all the heaviness when Maggie insists Joe go to the cemetery with Jules to look for Sarah and he reluctantly acquiesces, but mercifully Jules spares him of the chore. I very much liked the two scenes between Joe & Maggie after Julia leaves the Evans’ cottage. Everything moves along realistically and in character (IMO). I love it when Maggie gets the blank stare going while whimsically proclaiming eminent danger. What a difference in the writing as compared to yesterday's ep.
I have to mention that the print of this episode is beautiful. So much so, that I got a very strong sense of nostalgia, harkening back to watching the show on TV as a kid in the Sixties. It feels the same.
Is the caretaker really necessary in this episode? I have to wonder why writers write the things they do? ‘Why not?’ I guess. Julia’s gone through a whole lot 'today' to get absolutely nowhere, except to know that the notes are still safely tucked away.
