We start off with some bad dancing at the Blue Whale - Elaine Benis bad. Willie zeros in on Maggie and gives a first rate example of being a masher. Maggie handles herself well in trying to fend him off, but since she refused a drink before he walked over, you'd think the bartender would be watching for trouble. Maggie and Sam are regulars, whereas Willie is a stranger. Willie doesn't take the hint when Joe shows up and only backs down once Jason arrives. Despite his seeming eagerness to mix it up, Willie reeks of bravado. His crossed arms and hunched shoulders have the feeling of someone who's been chastised. It's interesting how Jason is able to get Willie under control. Is this
[spoiler]a foreshadowing of what's to come in the Barnabas/Willie relationship?[/spoiler]
Jason and Willie converse. Maybe it's just me, but Dennis Patrick's energy seems low during this bit. Hall's delivery is often halting and pause laden, as if he's thinking. I don't think it serves the character or the Jason/Willie relationship. Jason is a fast talker and thinker and it seems he'd partner in crime with someone who runs a little more at his speed. I can't help but imagine how this episode might have played with a certain other actor. Regardless, Jason is sleazy and Willie is skeevy. Quite the duo.
Back at Collinwood, Jason plays to the manor born and helps himself to Roger's cigars. This is curious, since we've never seen Roger smoke one or even mention it, unless I'm mistaken. When talking to Carolyn, Jason opens his mouth and, true to form, spews some gilded blarney about Paul. Willie worms his way into Collinwood. His approach was rather clever; knowing Jason didn't want him there, he says Jason invited him. The gravy is in having a witness, Carolyn.
Willie introduces himself as "Willie Lowmiss," which is conclusive proof to me that this is not the real Willie Loomis.