Returning Returners
Perhaps the first most obvious connection to From Paris With Love is the reappearance of Ramon Rodriguez. And, as in the former film, he goes head to head with Norman, but this time Norman has a firm grip on his role as Rita's significant other. Unfortunately, that doesn't keep Ramon from inducing a bit of panic in Norman. We always love to have Ramon on the scene, but preferably as far away from Rita as possible! |
Loved You Then, Love You Now
What is so great about these kisses is that they mark the beginning of new phase in Rita and Norman's relationship, and at the same time ending in Impossible Dream an exchange that began in From Paris With Love. It was the initiation of that relationship with Rita's declaration of "I love you" in From Paris With Love, which Norman then reciprocated in his actions in Impossible Dream.
The Words That Brings you Home
Each Oliver and Steve wrote a letter to their wayward women, prompting their return---one much quicker than the other. But, as discussed in Transfer Report, Part II, Steve's letter to Shane took on a distinctly different tone that Oliver's letter to Holly, which made all the difference when it came to Steve and Shane's interactions. What's important here is that this year's arc started with Oliver bringing resolution to his relationship with Holly, and ended with Shane finding resolution for herself regarding her feelings (or lack thereof) for Steve.
The Outside Looking In
The value of Shane's situation with Steve is that it gave Oliver a taste of what it was like for Shane to navigate Holly's return. History can be a powerful thing, and sans an official relationship, each were traversing some tenuous territory.
Interestingly enough, they each handled that space differently. Shane shied away from the situation, where Oliver chose to address it directly. In both cases however, the party in question left the other with the impression that perhaps they weren't at the top of the others' dance card---at least for a time.
The End In The Beginning...
In a lot of ways we truly only just met Holly this year, learning of how she and Oliver met, and getting a chance to see her for ourselves. By Impossible Dream, we were watching Oliver finally close this chapter in his life, and perhaps even get a glimpse into his future.
...And The Beginning In The End
Remember, the first thing he did after ending things with Holly was to buy her a porch swing at the end of From Paris With Love. Of course, the natural next steps was to buy Shane a house---her house---in Impossible Dream. Let's be honest, it really is for her, even under the guise of a foundation purchase!
With every end comes a new beginning, and, trust me, there are a ton of new and exciting things ahead for our Postables. No doubt 2015 was a year for transition and change, one can only imagine what 2016 will bring!
What other 2015 connections can you make? Let me know in the comments!
Making Ends [And Beginnings] Meet,
~C