Joe & Bill
Inspect the background and it’s clear the “where” is the DLO because of the United States Postal Service baskets strategically placed behind them. Seeing them with cleaning utensils in hand has me wondering if it isn’t Joe and Bill who either clear that alleged “secret room” inside the DLO, or, perhaps on a larger scale, end up actually fashioning it for use by the POstables as the new DLO?
Either way, the end result is some much needed interaction between Joe and another man his age, particularly sets the example of being happily married for decades. Remember that Joe just came out of a not-so-successful relationship in Higher Ground, one, we can assume, he desired reach the marriage stage, or, at the very least, result in a long-term companion.
Rita’s dad is the perfect mentor for Papa O'Toole. Happily married, he can help Joe answer important questions about how to choose the right woman, and what it takes to make the relationship last once he does. Even if their interaction is extends the length of a single film, Martha wastes nothing, so what Joe learns from Bill will no doubt leave a deep, lasting impression and knowledge from which Joe can solidly build. I don’t know about you, but I think it’s time Joe had the chance to settle down with a nice lady. |
Norman & Ramon
Not surprisingly Norman and Ramon’s relationship has always been a tenuous one, most likely to result in comedy. In many ways I see him as a less obvious “Steve”---he does just enough to tap on Norman’s insecurity early on. As his relationship with Rita has progressed, however, Ramon became less and less of a threat. Even Ramon’s behavior, which once seemed underhandedly confrontational as late as Impossible Dream, shifted to more of a catalyst, directing Norman’s attention to what matters and causing him to make decisions that push him forward (Think Higher Ground, and their discussion about potatoes and twins being directly referenced in Norman’s proposal to Rita.)
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Now that Norman and Rita are officially engaged---more sure of each other than ever---I look forward to the dynamic between Norman and Ramon changing in some capacity. He already began to see Ramon’s propensity for wisdom in Higher Ground, but perhaps Norman will start to see Ramon as more of an ally than an adversary. What this looks like, I'm not quite sure, but it's work keeping an eye on! Or maybe their unique dynamic is just too entertaining to change?!
One thing is for sure, we could always use more cake moments! |
Shane & Dale
Similar to Norman and Ramon, Shane and Dale have encountered a similarly tenuous relationship up until this point. Each knowing where they wanted to stand with Oliver, but neither having an idea of the reality of that relationship, it wasn’t until Lost Without You that the lines began to be definitively drawn, solidified in Shane’s favor in Higher Ground.
We already know Dale is back, and while I think her return is in a professional capacity, there might also be room for a personal connection to grow between these two ladies. With Shane finally "know[ing] what [she] has," the dynamic between the women has the potential to transition into a friendship. Finally confident in where she stands with Oliver, Shane can see Dale as an equal rather than a potential threat. They are very similar, and with Shane gravitating more towards faith, it might be time Dale become a bit of a mentor in that realm, helping spur on Shane’s spiritual growth in subtle ways. You can't help but think that there's also the potential for them to work on both sides of the law (hacker v. cyber crime stopper), which could make things interesting no matter what the angle. I have always been a proponent of these two forming a relationship and I can't wait to see how their interactions might evolve moving forward. |
Ready To Observe,
~C
P.S. Taking a little mini-break---see you all here next week!