A "Million" Signs That Shane Was "Done"

Maturity, wisdom and strength.

"You were obviously in the oven and I didn't realize you were done..."

Though Nikki spoke this to Graham, it perfectly summarizes the dynamic between Shane and Oliver throughout One In A Million. As we learned from Norman and Rita yesterday, the right oven and the right kitchen make all the difference, but knowing when the "baking" process is finished can be hard. On more than one occasion Shane's words and actions in the film demonstrate not only her growth, but are the long-awaited "ding" that, for a time, Oliver was too deaf and distracted to hear, but was always there in front of him.

Direct Messages

Perhaps the earliest signs of Shane's "baking process" coming to a close is the confidence with which she attempted to directly address certain issues with Oliver.

Honesty starts here.

Beginning in From The Heart, Shane confronted Oliver about not inviting her to dinner directly, about his alternate translation of the lyrics to "The Water Is Wide," and even later on when she asks Oliver point-blank if their dinner was "a date or just our long-promised dinner." This kind of direct communication, even in the midst of Oliver's indirect responses, are further highlighted by Shane's effort to be more candid on issues like Lester and Steve, as well as the vulnerability she reveals to Oliver in wiping away tears at the end of Michael and Sophia's dance. Shane's actions during the dinner are the early signs of a larger shift in her growth, particularly in the wake of she and Oliver's disastrous outing.

Personal Choices

A picture of strength.

Perhaps the most underappreciated reality of Shane's post-dinner disaster is the fact that she didn't run. Granted, she told Oliver in Truth Be Told she had no intention of doing so, but after encountering the gravity of that final Montaldo's performance and Shane's reaction, it's not hard to understand that unrequited feelings as deep as hers might be too painful to carry. Despite this, and likely for an infinite number of other reasons, she resisted any urge she may have had to do so.

This is particularly admirable as Dale re-enters the picture, whom we have already determined was a foil for Holly. In fact, Shane's level of maturity even found her proactively contacting Dale when it became clear she would be needed to help stabilize the situation with Curly. Shane did so before Oliver even had to ask.

Another nod to her growth was Shane's witness of Oliver and Papa O'Toole hugging it out on Curly's lawn. Who could forget her masterful efforts to bring them together in Truth Be Told, which earned her high marks in last year's House Rules check-in?

Lessons Revisited

In the early days of the blog I wrote a post that compared the objects Holly spent time with at Oliver's desk compared to that which drew Shane's attention in From Paris With Love.

In many ways history repeated itself in One In A Million with regard to the Dark of Night award. Where Dale---like Holly---saw heroics, Shane saw Oliver's heart and what means most to him.

A lesson well learned.

Shane not only quotes scripture, but connects Oliver sacrificing his award and her rose cutting as acts of love not to be regretted, even if, in the end, the rose cutting appeared not "to take." This, despite making a big deal of the fact it didn't grow despite her best efforts only two days before at dinner. In the end, we know the love Oliver shared comes back to him---and to Shane.

Relating to Oliver in this way reaffirms Shane's deeper knowledge and understanding of Oliver and his heart, furthering the case that she's ready to come out of the "oven."

Advice & Observation

Shane always shines brightest when imparting wisdom and encouragement on those around her, and did so on several occasions in One In A Million, revealing her values and even some personal lessons.

"You were in love and you took a chance to say so."
Food for thought, this declaration seemed to catch Oliver's attention, and clearly reveals the respect Shane has for Nikki's courage in sending Graham such candid message. It also seems to help plant the seed for Oliver's words to Curly about the importance of delivering letter.

"No matter how much you have won, you can't get back what you've lost."
Shane wasted no time in answering Nikki's seemingly rhetorical question, and one wonders if its a reflection on what she believes is lost with Oliver or merely a reflection on a lifetime spent loving and losing like we all experience to some degree.

Speaking from experience.

"Don't think about it. Go back to work, face the music---you'll know what to do next."
This advice, in addition to being an almost verbatim paraphrase of Ramon's words to Oliver the previous Saturday, carried with it remnants of From Paris With Love. Remember that Shane advised Oliver that forgiving Holly would be the key to discerning his next steps in that film. Here it seems Shane took her own advice in returning to work post-dinner disaster. Despite the temporary awkwardness, by the time Shane dispenses this wisdom she has decisively demonstrated a level of maturity, wisdom and growth that are hard to ignore.

An easily missed aspect of the film, Shane's maturity, wisdom and strength throughout One In A Million prove she is not only "a good [wo]man," but also "the right [wo]man" for Oliver, even if it took him a little longer than it should have to decisively act on it.

Impressed,
~C