She had a speech or statement prepared and a set of pictures that we saw in a slide show.  We saw photos of her as a child, with her parents and her brother and sister.  What we didn’t see was any kind of real emotion or feelings for her family, never mind the family of Travis Alexander.  Experts call that the “flat affect”.   As cops, we called it “dead eyes”.   Those are the descriptions we give people who have no ability to connect or bond or experience empathy for the rest of the world.   Everything that happens is all about them, they’re the center of the universe, and Jodi painted a perfect picture of someone who just doesn’t “get it”.   She probably doesn’t get it.  I don’t think she’s faking that.  She may be a consummate liar, but she’s not as smart as she thinks she is, and malingering takes a great deal of effort and real intelligence.  She may be clever and conniving, even manipulative, but she’s not really all that smart.

I believe her when she says that she didn’t understand what her murderous act did to the Alexander family.   To think otherwise, we’d have to believe that she has struggled with remorse for five years, that she can and does know empathy and sympathy, and that she understands that there are people who truly suffer as a result of the actions of someone else.  I just don’t see any of that in Jodi Arias.  If she was as smart as she purports to be she would have, at the very least, been able to feign sadness and remorse but she didn’t – or couldn’t.  This is way out of my experience or expertise but maybe you can’t fake something you don’t recognize in others.  Her tearless crying while on the witness stand looked like an act, a bad one at that, and convinced no one, especially the jury.

When she wasn’t showing the jury her slide show, she told them about her artwork.   If you haven’t seen her “artwork”, I’ll describe it for you.  It’s a series of tracings, mostly taken from advertisements and photographs of other people’s work, which she then transfers to paper and colors in.  If you’re so inclined, you can see some of her pieces at jodiarias.com.  Oh, and you can buy them if you want.  Jodi also showed the jury her tee-shirts which are emblazoned with the word “Survivor” across the front.   These, also for sale, were designed and produced, as she told the jurors, to raise money for domestic violence victims – just like she says she is.  Now, this is where she did something really stupid, you see, because these very same jurors didn’t buy her claims of abuse at the hands of Travis Alexander, so I don’t think this passive-aggressive display did much to win over their hearts and minds.  If that wasn’t enough, she went on to actually tell them that she knows that “some people” don’t believe her but that they’re entitled to their own opinions.  Why yes they are and they’re sitting right in front of you and they hold your life in their hands.  See what I mean – no Einstein there.

Jodi went on to tell the jury how much she could contribute to her fellow inmates if her life was spared.   She could teach them to read, to learn sign language and how to recycle.  She wants to start a reading group – a prison book club, if you will, where she’ll “stimulate conversations of a higher nature”  and keep donating her hair, as she claims she’s done before, to cancer survivors who have lost theirs from the ravages of chemotherapy.  All I could hear from all of that was that she’s better than all those other convicted criminals and that she will improve their lives oh so much.   I hate to tell her, but that air of superiority isn’t going to make her any friends in prison.   A slice of humble pie would go a lot farther behind bars.

When she finally asked them to spare her life, she couched it in terms of her parents and siblings.  It was along the lines of “you, jury, would be punishing them by killing me”.   That was really rich, considering that she’s already done her own damage on that front.   She pulled the “abuse excuse”, a la Casey Anthony, so it seemed more than a wee bit disingenuous to hear her talk about sparing them any further pain.  I don’t doubt that they’re in pain and will be for the rest of their lives.  Whatever happened in the Arias family may never be known, but I’m hard pressed to believe that they set out to raise a daughter who would end up being a brutal and sadistic killer.

She described what she did to Travis Alexander as a mistake.   To me, a mistake is wearing mismatched socks or buying 2% milk instead of fat-free.   She says she’s sorry for a mistake she made and that she’s horrified by what she did.   I contend that she’s only sorry that she was caught and will be made to pay, in one way or another, for her crime.  Sorry, as most of us understand it, doesn’t mean the same thing to Jodi Arias.  It just doesn’t because she has no way of comprehending how the rest of us feel.   Call it whatever you want – sociopathy, borderline personality disorder – it doesn’t matter.   She’s operating from a place none of us want to visit and none of us can understand.

The jury is deliberating on her punishment now.   I don’t envy them because I’m a coward.  I can only imagine the anguish they’re experiencing right now.   They hold the power normally reserved for a much higher being than we mere mortals.   Travis’ brother, Steven, said that he doesn’t want to see the face of his brother’s killer anymore, but if the sentence is death, then he’ll be seeing a lot of Jodi in the future – during the lengthy appeals process and more.   I’ve made my case about how I feel about the death penalty and there’s no need for me to go into it here.   Arizona hasn’t executed a woman since 1930 and Jodi Arias is looking at a minimum of 20 years on death row before her execution, should that be the jury’s decision, even comes close to being a reality – if it ever does.  All I know is that twelve people aren’t sleeping well tonight, despite what you may believe.   I hope, for their sake, that whatever choice they make, they’ll be able to find a way to move on from this five month nightmare.  For the Alexander family there will never be peace or normalcy.   My heart goes out to them.  Someone they loved was ripped from their lives, too soon and too suddenly, and no one ever gets over that.  You put one foot in front of the other and pray that time softens the jagged edges of pain, but that’s about all you can hope for.  Jodi Arias’ sentence, whatever it may be, can’t fix their broken hearts or fill the void in their family.  It just can’t.   I’d say Jodi be damned but, then again, she probably already is.

Empress

May 19 was on a Friday that year and the place was crowded. Lot’s of potential homes for the residents. Lot’s of people looking for puppies or kittens. Many of whom, I suspect, had no idea what they were getting themselves in to. The young little animals, I’m told, are just like babies and have to be taught everything and constantly looked after. Kittens, perhaps less than puppies but they still need a lot of time if they are to become more than just, the cat. I know that every year, a lot of animals end up under Christmas trees or next to birthday cakes. Only to be dropped off somewhere when it becomes apparent that these creatures actually require time, money, and work. I am convinced that The Hound, was the product of one of those birthday parties. It’s fine by me I guess because on a personal level, 2001 really sucked ass. I’m not even referring to world events here, for me, this had to be one of the (but not THE) worse years of my life. He turned out to be the highlight of the year.

I consider myself a loner as I don’t need or want a whole lot of people in my personal life but I do need something breathing and moving to take care of and sometimes, let take care of me. People disappoint me too often and I suppose I disappoint them as well though I’m usually unaware of it or too stupid to recognize it before it happens. I get offended but yet, I’m not suppose to offend. I guess it’s that way for everyone. I’ve never been married and doubt I ever will be. I’m not interested in becoming the bad part of a statistic. I don’t have any kids and, again, doubt I ever will. Most likely that ship has sailed for me. In fact, for reasons I won’t discuss here, it not only sailed at one point but was torched as well. Other than the 4 legged kind that is. Pick out the one you want, train them, and long before you get absolutely sick of them, they die (joking a little there, don’t get too worked up about it). That’s a bit of a rant… sorry.

May 19 also happens to be my father’s birthday. I think I may have mentioned all of this before so if it sounds familiar, there may be good reason for that. That’s probably why I remember The Hound’s anniversary date here in my home. As pets go, he isn’t very demanding, never has been. He likes to be fed on a regular basis of course, and is always willing to accept a treat of some sort. He has his quirks that I’m willing to live with, some of which, he got from his previous family. I don’t think they treated him very well when he didn’t seem to become the model citizen they thought he should be. If his original family ever happens to read this, I’ll just say thank you, and your loss.

By the way… This Saturday (or Sunday) Special feature is now also one year old. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading some of my stories and rants.

In case you have been living under a rock or simply don’t watch the show and somehow just stumbled across this site and recap (welcome, if that’s the case), the two finalists are Kree Harrison and Candice Glover. They are at the Nokia Theater for this finale (as usual) with 7000 in attendance. Ryan polls the audience for who the favorite is and it seemed those cheering for Kree were the loudest but it’s probably a 50/50 split. He calls the show, Country vs Soul and I’m sure you know which is which. They will each do three songs. First will be one chose by Simon Fuller (American Idol creator), second will be the single to be released by whomever wins, and third, contestant favorite from the season. The last girl – girl finale? Season 3. The last girl winner? Season 6.

Either of these two ladies could take it and I doubt the other will just fade away. There was a coin toss after last week’s show to determine who would go first this week. Kree won that toss and chose to go first. Personally, I think this may have been a strategic mistake. She gave up the pimp spot on the show by doing that. I say that because regardless of how great next to last performance is, the Last one always makes the most lasting impression in my opinion. That’s why I call it the pimp spot. By now, people have chosen their favorite and that is who they are likely voting for no matter what so in this case, it may not matter who sings when.

I’m not going to bother with judge’s comments. Thankfully they were few and if you’ve been reading, mean very little to me anyway (except when I think they are attempting to push one singer ahead of the others). I’ll touch briefly on each of the ladies and then we’ll get to the results show (which at this point, hasn’t aired yet).

Kree Harrison. Simon’s choice for her, I thought was a good one, Sarah McLachlin’s “Angel”. You all know the song.. It’s the tear jerker that the ASPCA uses for their commercials showing all the sad abused and abandoned animals. Without the animals though, this song doesn’t hit me the same way. Next song, “All Cried Out”. This is the one that will be released as a single if she wins. Last song, her favorite from the season, “Up To The Mountain” by Patty Griffen. This is a staple song for Kree. If you’ve checked her out on YouTube you will see it quite a bit. It’s the song that cinched her spot on the show when they were in Las Vegas. When I heard they would be rehashing their favorite performance, I hoped, that it would be this song because I think, it’s when I really fell in love with her singing. I don’t know what genre I would place the song in but it’s a go to for singing contestants when they want to church it up a bit. The song was written about Martin Luther King Jr’s “I’ve Been To The Mountain” speech given the day before he got shot in Memphis. The song has also been covered on Idol by Kelly Clarkston and Crystal Bowersox. I love my Kree but, for my money, Crystal’s version really blew me away and in fact, I think she’s released her own version. Overall, I think Kree did what she was there to do with all three songs. She didn’t go over the top with any of them, she just gave them that Kree tone, and sang the songs. Something that I really appreciate.  Now it’s in the fingers of the voters.

Now for all you Candice Glover fans… Simon’s choice for Candice was “Chasing Pavements” by Adele. The song is new to me. I will say this, if anyone can pull off an Adele song, it’s Candice. No denying that. I’ve seen some singing contestants attempt it with painful results. Like Kree, I thought the song choices fit their style so, thumbs up to Simon for getting it right. Her winner’s song was called “I Am Beautiful”. Again, good fit (for both of them).. I can’t really say however, that I cared for either (winner’s single) song. Maybe it’s I who has no taste in music. Candice is an R&B singer and this one seemed a bit poppy. Last song, “I Who Have Nothing”. Apparently this song is older than dirt. Or at least as old as I am and it has been covered by everyone and their grandparents. Including, Ben E. King. Kind of a surprise to me. I thought it was a more modern song but until writing this recap, never looked it up. Doesn’t matter I guess, You Candice fans know she did her thing with it. Watchers of the show would expect nothing less from her.

At this point, I would say it’s anybody’s game and it will come down to preference of genre. That is, do the voters want a country blues type singer to win (Kree) or do they want a R&B-Soul type singer to win (Candice). You already know my choice. Unless you have a strong preference for one or the other, there is no clear cut winner here. That wraps the show and the competition. A question raised by my YT recapper, Janet at Madrosed, is an interesting one. What happens to the single from the runner up? Actually I don’t think they’ve been recorded yet but if they have, what happens? I know there are miles and miles of tape on a shelf somewhere with (good) music that we’ll never hear. There are billions of bytes and bits of digital recordings, that we’ll never hear for one reason or another. But, with those, likely we don’t know the ‘artists’. Personally, I think both should be released, though the winner gets the Interscope contract. Let’s see who that will be, Shall we?

Results Show

Here we go… Disclaimer: I don’t know the names of any of the songs done on the show and this is going to be a little bit out of order. They’re back. All 10 of them and the show opens with that never die a deserving death kidsbop song. It went on forever and for me, wasn’t fun to watch. In fact, just about every performance went on forever and just about every one was pushing some artist’s new stuff. Just about…

The opening number wasn’t the only group sing there was to endure. Both the top 5 guys did one and the top 5 girls. Both of these went on forever. The songs (yes, plural) the guys were doing sounded a bit familiar and then it happened.. They staggered out Frankie Vali. Why? I get that he was once some sort of heart throb and I also get he’s still working (I think) but the guy looks like death warmed over. Later in the show, the girls did a thing with Aretha Franklin, via satellite from New York. Seems she won’t or cannot fly. I didn’t catch which. The girls were her backup singers and we really didn’t get to hear much of them. Normally I would have been excited about this performance but Aretha is getting on and she isn’t sounding very good. Maybe it was an impromptu thing and she wasn’t fully prepared. They did the Aretha classics but she clearly can’t hit the notes anymore. She seemed to drop out (sound) whenever there was to be one. Those of us listening to Aretha all these years, know where they should be. The whole thing was just a little bit sad to me. It reminded me of watching Elvis Presley’s last concert film. If you saw it you’ll know what I mean. Instead of Elvis the pelvis, we got a knee wiggle as he walked around passing out sweaty scarves and I’m not so sure that isn’t because his knees weren’t about to collapse from under him. Enough about the dead man and back to Aretha.. It was just sad to me to see the ‘queen of soul’ losing her stuff. I think her years of weighing 400+ pounds have taken their serious toll on her. As I said, we didn’t hear anything from the girls except backup and I could barely hear that. Enough about the Geritol squad part of the show.

Other performances were done by Janelle Arthur with The Band Perry. Amber Holcumb got her chance to shine again as did Angie Miller. Angie did a duet with Adam Lambert for one song and then they were joined by Angie’s idol. Jessie Jane (?). I guess this woman is doing a new album and will be touring the UK to release it and invited Angie to do her winner single (if she had won) with her at one of her shows. That or do a youtube video or something. Angie chose the show. Candice Miller did a duet with Jennifer Hudson. Again, don’t know the song but for space filler, it was a good job.

There was a bit from the guys about why there were none of them in the final 5 (because they didn’t deserve to be). Sabotage. Kree talked Curtis Finch into wearing that ridiculous jacket and he got eliminated. Hint from Curtis… Anytime Randy Jackson likes your jacket, Change it. Janelle changed the notes on Lazaro’s sheet music so that’s why he couldn’t sing in key. Devin’s drink got dosed with sleepy time meds. One of the girls told Paul Jolly to make jokes on stage. Boom, gone. The one behind this conspiracy against the guys, Jordan Sparks… Why? None of them play guitar (as the last 5 winning guys do).

There was also a bit about the judges from the contestants. They nailed all of the judges quirks. Randy’s sayings, Mariah’s sleepiness and over use of the word, Dahling, Keith’s over zealous enjoyment of the songs, and Nicki’s, style. Their spoofing Nicki was the funniest part. The wigs and outfits. It ended with Devin in the interview chair wearing a blue wig and then when he got up to walk away, wearing leopard stretch pants with a huge butt implant. This part of the show was worth watching for that part alone.

Both Kree and Candice got to ‘invite’ their mentors to the final show. Candice brought her grandmother and Kree brought her friend who performs with her quite often. Both were given Ford Fiestas. Last week, voters were invited to decide what cars, Kree and Candice would get. Each got a Ford Escape (later in the show).

I don’t remember what point of the show it happened and it doesn’t matter. For some strange reason, they wheeled out Jennifer Lopez and Pit Bull to do some number. Why? Of all the performances of the night (Including Aretha’s satellite, and Frankie Vali drooling all over the stage), this is the only one that had me going, OMG, Did That Ever Suck. Hell, Give me Lazaro instead (and you know how I feel about that guy).. At least he was a contestant on the show.

Three of the judges took the stage. One did not. Guess which one? Mariah stood on top of a platform doing a medley of some of her songs with Randy playing guitar with the band (at least he doesn’t try to sing I’m not even sure this was live. The dress she had on, I’m certain she had to be carried out and placed on top of that platform. Complete with her bedazzled microphone and mic stand. I guess we were supposed to see how a pop diva does it. If you like Mariah’s music, you may have enjoyed it. I didn’t. Keith and his band did one of his newer songs and I gotta say, it didn’t suck. Later, Kree got to perform with Keith (guitar), Randy (bass), and Travis Barker (drummer from Blink-182) as her backup band. She looked like she had fun with it and was the only one singing so I won’t trash the idea. Nicki, remained seated at the judge’s table during the entire show. I wonder why (yes, that’s me being sarcastic)? For all of the performances from everybody during the night, I have to say that Keith’s were the only ones I actually enjoyed.

It’s official folks. After 12 years, the last holdout from the original set of judges, Randy Jackson, is leaving the show. I’ve heard all of them are as well as Nigel Lithgo (sp) but Randy is the only one who got a sendoff montage. Maybe no one gives a shit about the other three. I know I don’t. I’ve busted Randy’s chops for years for holding on too long but I guess you could say he’s had a good run and milked it for all it was worth. I hate to admit it but, the panel won’t be the same without The Dawg. Who am I going to slam? I’m sure Idol’s producers will provide me with someone worthy of my weekly venom. For now, I’ll just say, Goodbye Randy.

I think that’s about it and if I missed anyone or anything, Oh well. Click the AI Banner to watch the shows. Let’s get to the reason we are here. Kirin, for the last time this season, Dim the lights, Here we go….. The winner is? Candice Glover. I’m not shocked or even a bit surprised. I don’t think Kree was either. I said above I think this vote would come down to genre preference and though I cannot verify that it did, one won out over the other. Both of them deserved to win but only one can. At least this wasn’t an Adam Lambert – Kris Allen moment. Congratulations, Candice. After 3 years (she’s been there twice before), you’ve finally made the show and won.

There you go kids. Another season of Idol in the can. Thanks for reading along. See you next time.

Peace, MTH.

Part 1

New York’s still in the dark, thanks to Carrion, but it’s not just dark – there’s no electricity, no internet, no cell phones – everything that would drive any self-respecting teenager to the brink.  Nolan, Aiden, and Amanda are at NolCorp trying to figure out how to get around the situation when Nolan comes up with the idea to tap into a satellite that he happens to be on speaking terms with.

While he works on a connection with his orbiting BFF, Charlotte and Daniel, fresh on the heels of sharing the baby news,  are headed through the crowded streets on their way to Conrad’s campaign headquarters.   Victoria has spent the night at The Stowaway drinking up all the brandy that Jack has in stock.  Victoria isn’t so sure that the recording Jack has really implicates Conrad in (fake)Amanda’s death.   Jack figures that’s the Grayson side of her talking, or maybe it’s the brandy, and asks her if she was in love with David Clarke.  He also believes that everything they need is on Conrad’s computer which is locked in his home safe.

Conrad is at his campaign headquarters, sending volunteers home and telling Ashley to arrange for a helicopter to take him home in the morning.   Victoria and Jack have made their way to the Graysons’ to take a look at the contents of Conrad’s safe.  They find a gun, she spots a file with Jack’s name on it and hides it from him, but hands him the one bearing Amanda Clarke’s name.   Victoria suggests that they call Ashley and ask her about Conrad’s laptop but Jack blurts out that Ashley doesn’t know where it is.  Uh oh, he shouldn’t have let that slip out because now Victoria is giving him the side-eye.  He stumbles over some lame recovery attempt but it’s too late – the amateur Jack is no match for the experienced Lady Grayson.   He tells Victoria that he’ll just hand over his recording to the press in the middle of Conrad’s big speech the next day.

Nolan manages to hookup with the satellite and is trying to help Aiden.  He’s having a bit of a problem because The Falcon has programmed Carrion to ignore his prompts.  At the same time, Daniel and Charlotte have made it to Conrad’s headquarters and, after sending Charlotte to the suite upstairs, Conrad tells Daniel to steer clear of Grayson Global.  The Initiative has targeted a slew of critical infrastructure and the Wall Streeters will be charging down the street with torches and pitchforks.  The best they can do to deflect the whole thing is to pin it on Aiden.   After he gets home, Victoria tells Conrad that Jack knows about the laptop and that Ashley is in Jack’s corner.

Amanda and Nolan go looking for Takeda and find his body.  In a flashback, a much younger Amanda is seen meeting Takeda for the first time, at her Revenge school hazing by the headmaster.  He tells her that David Clarke is a bad man who killed a lot of people.   Just as he’d hoped, Amanda goes crazy and tries to fight with Takeda, but she hasn’t taken  any of his classes yet, so he just throws her to the ground.  She says that she wants people to pay for what they did and Takeda is the one to show her the way.   Back to the present and Amanda and Nolan find Takeda’s own Infinity box which has a picture of a man with one of those Red Sharpie circles on his head.  They wonder if he’s Takeda’s killer or the next one to be killed.  Nolan’s worried that she could be next.

Victoria is taking out the garbage – really? Lady Grayson actually knows where the garbage can is? – and finds a home pregnancy test.  Now she’s dumpster diving – priceless.

The power’s come back on and Declan and Regina leave the bank’s ATM area.  Regina has been a complete tool and, apparently loves Charlotte.  No wonder she can’t stand Declan – he’s the competition.  When they see Charlotte, Regina tells her how Declan roughed her up and stole her money.   Declan tries to explain what really happened but Charlotte doesn’t want to her it.  Then again, she doesn’t know about the video that Regina has of the two of them kissing.  Regina’s creepy, really creepy, a stalker kind of creepy.

Daniel is at Grayson Global and there’s some weird IT guy there who’s supposed to be getting their systems up and running, at least within the next 24 hours.  Victoria shows up at the office and shows Daniel the pregnancy test.  She assumes it’s Amanda’s because Amanda is just the kind of gal who would pee on a stick at Grayson Manor and leave it in the trash for Victoria to find.  Daniel says that it isn’t Amanda’s and Victoria realizes that it belongs to Charlotte.

Amanda and Aiden are at her house and she tells him that Takeda’s been murdered.  She shows him the picture of the guy from the Infinity box and asks him is he looks familiar.  Aiden says that he wants them to go away, just disappear and forget about all the revenge stuff.  He even has passports for the two of them with new names and all – he was going to be Noah Campbell and she would be Diane Miller.  She sees the cuts and bruises on him and jacks him up against the wall, knowing that he killed Takeda.  He tells her that Takeda’s fiancée was on Flight 197 but wasn’t listed among the dead because she was a flight attendant and the jump seat was never recovered.    He says that he couldn’t tell her about Takeda’s own revenge plans because her own was important to her.  Just then, Daniel calls, but Amanda’s cell phone keeps breaking up.  She tells Aiden that she has to stop Daniel from implicating him, then says that she isn’t running away but he should.   Amanda arrives at Grayson Global and Daniel says that all of the countries Aiden invested in are making huge amounts of money in the market.  Amanda then notices the IT guy and recognizes him as the man in Takeda’s photo.

Jack gets a text from Ashley’s phone, but it isn’t from Ashley.  It’s really from Conrad and it says that Jack should come to campaign headquarters to get Conrad’s computer.   Nolan walks into his office at NolCorp and sees Aiden sitting there.  Aiden wants to fix what he did and hands Nolan an envelope for Amanda.  Nolan tells him how Amanda walked away once before, for Jack.  Aiden’s surprised but tells Nolan that he’s become an unexpected friend.

Charlotte and Regina are arguing about Declan, and Charlotte isn’t quite convinced that Regina is telling her the truth.  Regina, desperate to keep Charlotte, tells her that they can raise the baby, without any help from Declan.  Anyone want to take bets on that one?  Declan calls and tells Charlotte to look at the video Regina’s been saving.  He also says that he knows about the pregnancy, thanks to Victoria.  Her phone breaks up, too and when she asks Regina about the video, Regina hesitates.  Charlotte says buh-bye, girlfriend.

Nolan is trying to find a match for the guy in the picture when Amanda walks in.  He tells her that Aiden just left and hands her the envelope.  Inside is a picture of Takeda’s fiancée.  Jack calls and tells her that he’s going after Conrad’s computer at his HQ, but when Amanda tries to stop him her phone breaks up.   Nolan finally hits on a match for the picture and it’s an assassin named Gregor Hoffman.  Not only does he have access to all of Grayson Global’s computers but Jack is walking into a trap.   Amanda and Nolan take off after him, but Jack’s already in an elevator on his way up to the offices.   Conrad’s giving his big pre-election day speech about the perseverance of New Yorkers with Victoria and Daniel by his side.  Hoffman is standing in the crowd and suddenly every cell phone in the room starts going off.  I guess service was restored.  Everyone has a text message – “LONG LIVE DAVID CLARKE”.    A second later, the offices of Grayson Global blow up.

Part 2

Nolan and Amanda are on the street with debris raining down on them.  She heads into the building while he calls Aiden and warns him not to come, sot that they can’t pin this on him.  Conrad is IN CHARGE – that required capital letters.  He’s announcing that he and his campaign staff are the first responders and will save the injured if they have to perform CPR and surgery right there in the middle of the street.  Amanda is stumbling around in the rubble that use to be Grayson Global and hears someone moaning.  Before she can get to him, the real first responders get her out of there.   Jack’s okay, though, and he’s sitting in Nolan’s office.   He says that he got Nolan’s message and wants to know how Nolan knew about the bomb.  He wants the truth and he wants it now.  Nolan says that it started when Victoria asked him to look for her first son, how she hired The Falcon to obliterate his records, but how the angry bird picked up a new gig with a bunch of terrorists and helped take down Flight 197.   Jack wants to go after Conrad, but Nolan says that Conrad will finish the job if he sees him. Smashing his cell phone, Jack says that he won’t if he thinks he already got it done.

Jack finds out from Ashley that Conrad sent the ext message and that he knew about the bomb, then dashes off.  Daniel spots Aiden on the street – Aiden chose to ignore Amanda’s advice to stay the hell out of there -  and starts yelling  “Hey, over here.  Police, police,  help, help!  This guy’s the bomber!  I’m a Grayson.   You have to believe me.”    The firefighters have found the victim inside the building and it’s Declan, who was looking for his brother.   Ashley calls Jack to let him know and Amanda walks in while he’s on the phone.  He gives her the cold shoulder but Nolan tells him that he trusts her with his life, (fake)Amanda did, and it’s about time you did.   Amanda takes Jack to the hospital and gives him some scrubs and a mask she stole – a talent she learned during her juvie days.  She says that she understands why he’s angry with her and he tells her that he wants her to keep on being Carl’s godmother.   Jack gets into Declan’s room and tells him that the bomb was meant for him.  Declan lets his older brother know that Charlotte is pregnant.

Aiden is waiting for Amanda at her house.  He tells her that he’d like to apologize but she says that he should go and save himself.  He wants to save them both and take her away to a villa in Capri, that her life of revenge is an empty one.   She won’t go and he wishes her all the best, hoping that she gets what she’s looking for.  After he leaves, Nolan comes over and says that he walked away from you.  Amanda says that it’s partly because Nolan told him about her and Jack.  Nolan says that he deserved the truth.   When he wonders where Jack is, Amanda says that he probably went after Conrad, or all the Graysons.

Conrad and Daniel are just getting the news that all of the Amanda Clarke Foundation money is gone, leaving them penniless.  No, Daniel didn’t cash that check in time.  Conrad’s been smoking funny stuff and says that it doesn’t matter.  They have everything the need because they’re Graysons.  Daniel says that he’s still going to run off to Paris with Amanda and live happily ever after.  He’s been smoking the same thing his dad has.   Conrad is seeing things that aren’t there and says that what he did with the bomb was a way to mitigate damage – a triumph for The Initative.

Victoria and Amanda are having a chat about the future.  Victoria tells Amanda that they share more than she even realizes.  They’re both going to endure lives of regret, disappointment and misery – a charade and a sham of a life.  Amanda says that what Victoria won’t admit is that her children don’t want her.  On the television is news of Aiden’s arrest.   Daniel is packing for his getaway when Victoria walks in to tell him about Aiden.  Daniel says that Aiden didn’t blow up the building, The Initative did and Conrad knew about it, and maybe she did, too.

Conrad is home now and he’s prouder than a peacock about his jump on the polls.  Victoria says that he was in on the bombing with The Initiative and that’s why he opened his campaign headquarters where he did – so that he could he the first responder and look like a hero.   Conrad announces that there never was an “Initiative’, just a bunch of savvy businessmen who profited from people’s fears.  The plan was to create and control chaos, forcing people to spend money in an attempt to stop evil doers, and, by playing God, the ones who designed the mess could become very, very, filthy, filthy rich.   A flashback to Helen Crowley’s visit with Conrad while he was in jail showed that she offered him a deal.  The deal was that Conrad could join their exclusive club of greedy bastards if he was willing to create his own disastrous events.   Victoria is spitting mad, no kidding, she spits on him, but Conrad tells her to be a dutiful wife or he’ll send her back to the squalid life she came from.

Jack sneaks back to the hospital to see Declan, but his bed is empty.  Nolan is there and he’s crying.  Declan suffered a ruptured aorta and died.   He shows Jack a farewell video that Declan made, asking him to take care of his baby, Carl’s cousin.  Nolan tells him to take Carl and disappear but Jack wants payment from the Graysons for what they’ve done.  Get in line, Jack.  Get in line.  He heads over to Grayson Manor and gets Conrad’s gun from his desk.  Victoria walks in and practically begs him to kill her, right there.  He says that she should live a long and tortured life, unlike what he planned for her husband.

Aiden’s in jail and wants an attorney, but the FBI tells him that he’s not going to get one because their investigation has changed.   They raid NolCorp and arrest Nolan.   They take him in and start asking him about Carrion.  He tries to tell him about Edith, The Falcon, but they show him a video of Padma implicating Nolan in all of the events that the non-Initiative did – in fact, she names him as The Initiative.

Conrad is getting ready to make his acceptance speech as the newly elected governor when Ashley tells him that he shouldn’t go out to the podium.  He tells her that he’s going and nothing’s going to stop him.  Victoria is at home and wakes up a sleeping Charlotte, who’s been looking at a website called Teenage Mommies, but doesn’t tell her about Declan.  She goes back downstairs to watch Conrad’s speech on television when the doorbell rings.  It’s her son, Patrick.  He says “hi, Mom” and she drops her drink on the floor.  Jack is in another disguise, hiding at Conrad’s campaign offices and he has a gun trained on Conrad.  Amanda runs up the stairs and stops him before he can shoot.  He tells her that this has nothing to do with her.  Oh no, she says,  this have everything to do with me.  “I’m Amanda Clarke.”

So Jack knows the truth, but I’ve got more questions than answers.   That’s why they call them cliffhangers, and this finale gave us some good ones.

Empress

This year I realized I have been a mom half of my life.  I vividly remember the deer in the headlights panic when my child was about three weeks old.  The realization that I was not babysitting and no one was going to pick her up had me asking out loud who the hell let this happen.  Me, large and in charge and I wanted a recount.  I no longer had to ask for permission in regards to this child, I was chief cook and bottle washer.  Her first birthday came and I could now actually touch, taste and especially smell what 365 days meant. Internalizing how time does pass in a blink kicked my desire to parent effectively into over drive and proof a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.  My poor kid is an example that sometimes there is such a thing as too much love. Like when your veterinarian tells you to stop feeding your dog people food or give them too many treats because you could love them to death.  Yes, I just compared babies to dogs, we only want the best for both.  The one difference is dogs don’t speak back, giving them a slight edge over raising a child.

As a city mom, I sought out the best nutritionist, the best chiropractor, best developmental specialists and the best pediatrician. I was so pro active I just about Mommy and me’d myself into a stroke.  I soaked her crib bedding in vinegar for 2 days then washed them in baking soda.  Only because of the off chance she might have allergies, at the time what I considered a horror.  I switched to all anti-fragrance products in an abundance of wasted caution.  After watching Meryl Streep on Phil Donohue I joined “Mothers and others against Pesticides”.  Shopped in organic markets only and made all her food . I was supplementing her home made applesauce with powdered vitamins three times a day.  The entire floor of apartments always smelled like little house on the prairie, so I was told.  I can hear the groans ladies and you are not wrong.  Looking back I wonder what I would change had I gotten that special amnesia it takes to have another child, lasting only until your water breaks. I reflect if I would be so fanatical.  Resoundingly, no way, no how. I made myself crazy, a zealot all for naught.  A child drips from every orifice it has for years and whose sole purpose is to get over on you.  I realized quickly I had bigger fish to fry.

I was raised in what I refer to as the “how does that make you feel?” generation.  While I understand as an adult that society was evolving to reflect the importance of emotional health in children, I was given too many options.  I learned early how to manipulate my parents by talking about my feelings.  I searched for inspiration to how I was going to parent my child and run my home.  I found it from the most unlikely source, Imelda Marcos.  I was going to run a dictatorship and shop for fabulous shoes while doing it. As my child grew older I learned why we don’t negotiate with terrorists.  I refused to be turned into Monty Hall.  I decided not to pay for good grades. I realized as a kid I could steal more than I could ever earn making straight A’s.  School was her job and if done well her life didn’t skip a beat.  I didn’t give allowance because you don’t get paid to participate in the running of our home, I don’t.  It is done from a place of love and respect.  If she complied and needed money it was given to her.  She cooperated and I am now ahead of the curve, thanks Imelda.  When she turned ten, she asked to be given a larger parameter while out on her bike.  I told her it was against the law to not know where your kid is.  Did she want me to go to jail?  Conflict resolved and I am not the bad guy, life according to Imelda prevails again.

I knew I had picked the right home girl when we entered the teenage years.  The smell of a teenager could be bottled and used to torture enemy combatants.  A smell that makes you wish for water boarding over one more request for a cell phone or worse, a boy friend.  The over the top, the sky is falling drama lasts for years.  I was going to need the same stamina Imelda had to keep an entire nation oppressed.  I was ready for the challenge, sorta. Would my reign survive?  Would there be a coup?  Like Imelda, only time would tell.  I am happy to say I made it and my reign was still intact, collateral damage to a minimum.  My child loves  herself and treats herself accordingly.  She created access to all the options the world has to offer.  I was still able to speak in complete sentences.  We both win.

I spent years thanking my mom for not killing me.  She wanted a princess and instead she got a scrapper, her words and they still make me laugh.  The mutual love and respect I had with my mom I now have with my daughter.  It may have been hard fought, but it has come to be what I hold dearest.  She will be an even better mom than me.  As long as it happens after law school or I will want that refund.  My biggest source of entertainment is messing with my child.  If it were an Olympic sport, I would take the gold.

Twenty five years later, I am packing up all my shoes and running like the wind.  I over threw myself, ending my own regime. In search of a place to land to live out the rest of my life in peace.  Oh, that’s right, unlike Imelda I still have my home.  It is my child who left to start her own life.  Now that is what I call success.  I managed to one up a world class dictator.

Happy Mothers Day to all who love a child unconditionally no matter how they made their way into your life. We are leaving the world a better place than we found it.  Shouldn’t that mean more than one holiday a year?  Not really, watching your child live their life to the fullest is genuinely the gift that keeps giving.  The biggest diamond in the world can’t top that.

The picture is my daughter when she was six years old.

Lisa Renee

What is on my mind, is Mother’s day. You all know the day.. It’s the one day a year set aside to pay tribute to the people who gave us life. The one thing, regardless of where we come from, who we are, what color we are, gender, lifestyle, we all have in common, is we all have a mother and a father. If we are lucky, we are blessed with good ones. I consider myself among the lucky ones to have had such parents. Good ones. Another thing we all have in common or will have at some point in our lives, is that our parents have departed this blue marble and we’ve had to say goodbye whether we were ready for it or not. We simply don’t have the choice.

I’ve told you in the past about mom’s professional life as a building contractor (look up the ‘man’s world’ posts under the Saturday Special category to your right). Here is a little of what made mom, mom outside of that. Until my sister started school, she was a stay at home mom. She went to work partially out of necessity but I suspect also to get some of her identity back. I’m sure you moms know what I’m talking about. She never wanted to be ‘rich’ but she also didn’t want to be digging through old clothes hoping to find spare change (which happened at least once). Some of you, quite likely, would have hated her because she was conservative. Both fiscally and socially. In fact if I’m to believe election results, probably half of you (statistically) would have hated her. She believed that people should pay their own way and that’s the way she (and dad) raised me. Don’t get me wrong here, she also believed that people who really need help, should be able to get it (so do I). Her parents were depression era and refused, ‘relief’ (as they called it – we call it welfare) and that’s the way mom was. Even though, at times, early on they may have qualified for it, the folks never took it. Yet somehow, we were never homeless, naked, or hungry. The power and other utilities always stayed on and they always had some sort of vehicle to drive back and fourth to work.

Mom wasn’t a fashionista, wasn’t impressed by big diamond rings and other fancy stuff. It just wasn’t her taste. In fact, she (and dad) was the type that if someone volunteered the dollar amount they paid for whatever they were wearing, carrying, or driving, would write them off. She wasn’t impressed by name brands either. She liked to have nice things but wasn’t going to break the bank to have them. I am not saying she begrudged anyone having ‘high class’ type stuff or lifestyles, she just didn’t feel the need to be told what they paid for it and if that’s all that was important to them, she didn’t have any time for them.

She quite likely would have slapped the teeth out of the mouths of every one of the bravo housewives. If not for living beyond their means, for their bullshit drama. She didn’t suffer those kinds fools, hated drama queens, and didn’t hold any sympathy for any of them. Most specifically, she would tell people who constantly complained about their life to quit their bitching and do something to change it if they were so miserable. She did, they should be able to as well.

Growing up chasing her older brother around the neighborhood, mom was a bit of a tomboy. You would sooner see her riding a dirtbike tearing across trails in northern Michigan than see her in a salon having her nails and hair done. Rather than going shopping for the latest fashion trends, she would rather be hanging siding off of a 30 foot ladder. She was a bit of an artist in her younger years. She liked to paint and draw. Horses were a favorite subject. She always wanted one but it was never really meant to be. Who knows.. Had my parents lived longer, maybe it would have happened. Maybe she’s up there on horseback galloping along right now. How much of a girly girl she could be, you would have to ask my father. Between this and other posts, I think you get the idea.

Someone said to me today, that I seem distant. I denied that there is anything wrong but that was a lie. It isn’t personal towards anyone, it’s that Mother’s day has hit me particularly hard this year. My aunt, moms oldest sister, is coming next month and we will be celebrating her 80th birthday. Mom was the youngest of 4, and she was the first to go. One would think that at 49 and 4 years after the fact, I would be able to accept that (I do) but I still haven’t completely wrapped my mind around it.

Next to my house is a lilac bush/tree. Mom loved these and every year around mother’s day, they bloom. Typically, probably because I’ve destroyed my sense of smell, I cannot smell them. This year however, the scent is particularly strong. That may be a large part of what really put me in mind of my mother this year. They always look the same but the scent has brought back a flood of memories for me. Even from my youngest years of my sister and I fighting over who got to sit in the front seat of the car when we went somewhere (sister usually won that argument as mom basically told us to just get in the car). Maybe that’s why it’s hitting me so hard this year.

I’m not writing this post for a pity party. I don’t want one so please don’t. I’m writing it to pay tribute to the woman who both gave me life and and in large part shaped the kind of man I would become. I hope, beyond hope, I have done her proud. Call me a mama’s boy if you like but I did love and do miss, my mother. That’s her in the top photo by the way, 2003 at a family reunion.

Peace, MTH.

In a large nutshell, this particular show bored me to near tears. Maybe it’s stuffy in my house or I’m growing allergic to my dog but there were no thrilling moments in this show for me. Due largely in part to my own tastes (remember that as you read on), there were no ‘wow’ moments for me. No part of the show made me want to rewind and listen again, over and over. I could spend time spewing a lot of venom on songs and song choices (regardless of who made them) or I could just give my overall impressions of the show and that’s what I intend to do here. I’ll talk about each of the ladies on her overall showing on the episode. As is typical, I don’t know most of the songs they sang and the one I do know, I don’t like the genre though, Candice did a great job with the song “Somewhere” from West Side Story. I’ll get to that in a moment.

Angie Miller – I’ve never been able to put my finger on why but I’ve never warmed up to this girl. To me, she’s always trying too hard and she’s become the Colton Dixon of the season for me (for those of you new to sharing this show with me or who don’t remember, I didn’t like him last season and in fact, hated the contrived way he was put on the show. I don’t mind singers being invited to audition and in fact, I believe they are all by invitation, however, I cannot stand these production crews and producers trying to play us all for fools). She has a rock solid voice and when she gets into her own zone, she looks nearly unbeatable. However, with her, most of the season, I’ve seen many of the idol tricks that I so despise. I don’t think she has squeezed out any tears on the live shows but I am recognizing many of the others. The mugging for the camera at every chance is one of them that annoys me the most. She didn’t do much of it tonight but for the most part on the rest of the season, it’s been little but that. It stands to reason for her, she’s a theatrical singer and it’s just what she does. However, for me, I like to listen to a singer sing. I don’t give two rat’s fat asses what they look like doing it or any of the theatrics behind it. I cannot see people on my car radio and it’s been so long since the MTV type stations have played actual music videos, I barely remember what one looks like. Unless for some reason I’m up at 4am watching (not going to happen). I also have better things to do than chase these people around the YouTube type sites all day. So, hold my attention with the voice and style or move over for someone who can. That’s about when I change the station or simply turn the radio off.

Kree Harrison – You all know, if you’ve been following along, this is my girl. Sorry if that sounds condescending, I don’t mean it to but I simply love listening to her. To me, she seems the most genuine of the three. She has a country blues church tone that I absolutely enjoy listening to. She hasn’t been perfect all along and in fact, far from it. Just like Angie, when she gets it right, it’s solid gold to me. This is the only one who has been able to raise the hair on the back of my neck, just from the sound of her voice. When she is doing her own thing, it just sounds so natural. When she tries the theatrics like her cast mate, Angie, she falls flat on her face. I don’t know who is making some of these decisions for her but I doubt in many cases, that it’s her. An example of what I mean is tonight’s show. Jimmy picked a Pink song for her and I don’t know what that was that the Idol production staff picked for her was but both, clearly, did not fit. She did her best with them of course but it became very clear to me that the powers that be, do not intend her to win this season. During the last song, we could see Keith bouncing and bopping in his chair but when she was done, he said he didn’t care for it. Keith, WTF? Just sit there, be quiet, and be the eye candy you were intended to be. I’ll note her hometown visit for two reasons. Her parents. I did not know that her mother died in a car crash nor that her father died in a plane crash. I don’t know any of the details of either one but after it played, she did the judges pick  song and as far as I’m concerned, it’s the only one that was properly chosen and done at the right time. She is still my pick to win.

 Candice Glover – There is no denying, this talent. Absolutely none. She really is in a class all her own, closely followed by Kree, IMO. There are times when Kree betters her in my mind but that’s more a matter of style. Candice is an R&B singer and while that covers a lot of ground, Kree’s style is just preferable to me. I get the impression she is very confident in her ability but she does a good job of hiding it when she’s talking about it. I think like Kree, she hopes to win but may not necessarily expect it. Maybe I’m wrong about her being humble. If I actually knew what goes on in the female mind, I would be a very rich man. I don’t know what her first two songs were but the one the production staff chose for her was “Somewhere” from West Side Story. I hate musicals. I’m just going to push that out there. However, due to popularity I suppose, I’ve heard this song a number of times.She gave a very solid performance which, I would expect nothing less from her. Jimmy called it best of the night. Even against Kree, I have to agree.

 The judges.. I have tried to be kind to these people this season but it’s been rough. I’ve said before that the one I find myself agreeing with the most, is that crazy looking one on the left, Nicki Minaj. This is the group of people, that is there, in my opinion, paid to blow a lot of hot air. I also believe they serve the purpose of pushing one candidate ahead of the others with their ‘critiques’. This is also the group of people that I believe could be easily replaced by 3 or 4 people off of the street in front of the theater. Hell, pick 4 of the tweenies from that annoying moshpit in front of the stage and you’ll get just as much hot air for a lot less money. Between the 4 of these people, there is enough hot air to raise a zeppelin off of the ground. Am I making my point here? I know, I’m blowing a lot of my own hot air but, I’m not on a singing competition with the belief that the show is about me. Here is why I’ve mentioned them. I read a rumor today that American Idol is getting a complete facelift, including all 4 judges. I’ve been bitching for quite some time now about Yo Dawg Jackson and it appears, that he may finally have to get a real job. May I suggest drive through fast food order taker. He has a big mouth, people should be able to hear him on that shitty speaker at the order station. Ever since Simon left (Some would argue Paula), this show has been slipping in the ratings. They’ve recycled the judges panel a couple times but it doesn’t appear to have helped. Perhaps, Just maybe, it’s the contrived nature of the show. Think about it.. No guys in the final 5 and the ones who were in the top 10 and even top 20, never had a real shot. This was the girl’s season to lose. I heard the Dawg say it and I don’t think he meant, in that moment when he was talking about whatever contestant he was talking about but, the entire season.

In a way, this show has shaped some of my musical tastes. I said at the beginning what I like to listen to and that hasn’t changed. Nor has what I do not like to listen to. Many of you may disagree with me here as far as preference goes and that’s fine. I certainly know my preference does not match that of the 12 year old tween, the crowd I still believe votes on these shows. I’ve said repeatedly, that I hate, pop diva power ballads. It isn’t that I don’t think they show skill but it is a Waaaaaaay overdone genre in my view. Here is what I mean. I stopped eating french fries several years ago. In fact, I don’t remember the last time I even bought them. At the time, I had had so much of that type of food, I actually got sick of it. The very thought of it made me ill. Too much of a good thing sort of deal. Same thing with the likes of donuts, candy, and a few other choice foods. These singing comp shows, with all of the diva ballads done on them, have made me sick of that genre. Period. If I never hear another Whitney Houston type song for the rest of my life, I will be perfectly happy. Back in the 80s, some metal rock hair band did a power ballad. Couldn’t tell you who it was but before too long, every single group also had a power ballad. The first one was good, the rest were too much of a good thing making it really sour. Get my point?

Results

Well, Now that I have put a WTF look on all of your faces, how about some results? After all, that’s what the show is about. Who is moving on to the final round. Top two. Here we go.

The show opens with some animation type stuff to promote some movie. The animated character is running the control room and there is a reason I’m even mentioning it. We have the kidbop song by the three ladies, a song called “Who Says”… I think the animated guy really was in the control room because none of their microphones were turned on when they started. Oops. Live TV.. Like all the other opening group numbers on results night with this show, I didn’t care for it but that’s because the guy in the sound booth was either asleep or drunk.

Then is the Ford Fiesta Mission. They ‘drove’ to meet up with some high school choir and sing some song that I’m sure Fox or AI is promoting as part of something though, I have no clue of what it is. Next.

Now it’s time to review the previous nights performances, one round at a time. First round was songs chosen by Jimmy. I’m not even going to bother with the judge’s comments, at this point, they mean nothing to me. The person Jimmy took most to task on round one, was Angie. Even though he says she won the round, she blew what could have been a ‘moment’. He gave her an Elton John song to sing and she chose not to play the piano. Tailor made for her but she blew it. I think at that very moment, Angie peed herself a little bit. He says he challenged all three of them with out of their comfort zone songs because that’s what record labels do. They push, sometimes hard, for what they want rather than what the artist wants. Further, he says, whoever wins this contest is going to have a record deal with his label, Interscope Records, so he wanted to see how they handled being pushed out of their comfort zone. (so, Nicki and the others telling Jimmy to stfu, take notice, this is the guy paying the check at the end… Like I said about the judges… Hot Air).

Next they trot out season 10 runner-up, Lauren Alaina. She’s there to do a song titled “Barefoot and Buckwild” from her new album. She’s moved to Nashville and has a nice career going for herself and she’s even won best new artist at the AMA (?). Personally, I think she should have won that season but what do I know.. I’m not a 12 year old girl. In the case of this song however, I thought it would never end. ‘Nuff said.

Round two is now reviewed by Jimmy. This was the judge’s pick and the hometown visits. He says the judges sure were proud of themselves.. Well, Randy was, about the songs they had chosen. Between her hometown visit package and her performance of the song she sang, very emotional, Jimmy gave that round to Kree.

Now, we get to look at a scantily clad Mariah writhing around on the back of a motorcycle with someone named ‘Miguel’ (sp?).. Why? I don’t know but it’s par for the course these judges, or at least the ones still working, always finagle a way to get their new wares shown on the show. Watch it if you want, I’m saying no more about it.

Time for the Idol Flashback and then another performer pushing her latest stuff. Adam Lambert. You all know who he is. He’s been touring the world with his own brand of glam music and says he couldn’t have done it without sharpening his chops on the AI stage. Then, Alicia Keys is singing whatever her latest song is. Another song I thought would never end. Not a contestant and not results. Next.

Let’s review round three (yes, I know I didn’t really recap it). This is the producer’s pick round (I think I said production earlier). Whatever song they gave to Kree to sing (I couldn’t catch what or who this was from), the judges hated. Nicki said that whoever chose that song for Kree should be stoned (in the biblical sense). Jimmy however says that the people want to see attitude from her and that’s what she gave. The star of this round was Candice. I mentioned it earlier. “Somewhere”. Jimmy says after that, if She goes home, he’s going with her.

Okay.. Let’s get to the real reason we’re here. The actual results. I’m beginning to wish that instead of all this bullshit on this part of the show, they would just post the results online in their website and let this second day results show die a deserving death. With that, Dim the lights, Here we go. First on the finale, in no particular order is, Candice Glover (shocker). Next and finally, the one competing against Candice…… Kree Harrison. I think she was shocked especially after most of the judges panned her for the past few weeks. Angie cries through her swansong. Didn’t hit a single note correctly but it doesn’t matter at this point, does it? I’m sure good things are ahead for her. Best of luck, Angie..

There it is kids. 35 episodes down, 2 more to go before the next winner has a lot of torn and cut up paper dropped on her. Click the American Idol banner to watch the shows if you like. See you next week,

Til then, Peace. MTH.

Pete, Bert and Joan are in a clandestine meeting with a banker who’s crunching the numbers for SCDP’s IPO.   The banker thinks that SCDP is worth about $9 a share but Bert would like to see the number closer to $12.  Either way, this is some really big money for a company in 1968 – taking inflation into consideration for 2013, that would mean somewhere in the range of $60 to $80 per share.  Pete tells Joan that her piece of the company would make her a millionaire.  The three are sworn to secrecy, hoping to keep the information to themselves until the public offering is a reality.  They’re also worried about how Don will react to the plan.

Roger isn’t at the meeting because he’s in bed with a sweet young thing by the name of Daisy.  Her romp with Roger isn’t just another fling for the senior partner, though.  Daisy is a stewardess who works in the first class lounge for an airline, something that becomes more important as the story plays out.  As she’s getting ready for work, Roger manages to get her back into bed by telling her that it’s Mothers Day and his mother just died.   Oh yes he did.

Pete’s back at home, and is climbing into bed with Trudie.  He’d like to rekindle a little something under the covers, maybe as his idea of a Mothers Day gift to his wife, but Trudy’s doing her very best to adhere to the no-touchy, no-feely rule.  When Pete throws a tantrum, asking her if their marriage is going to be maintained in every aspect but the one that matters, Trudy asks him if he means their daughter.   She makes a dramatic exit from the bedroom as Pete tells her that she has no idea what big things are coming his way.

Megan Draper’s mother, Marie (Julia Ormond), is visiting and she’s her usual, wonderful self – full of French irony, sarcasm and judgment.   Dr. Arnie stops by in his bathrobe, looking for a gift that his son can give to his mother for Mothers Day.  Marie flirts with him and then warns Don about keeping an eye on the handsome, talented doctor and Megan.  Later, after a shopping trip, Marie and Megan are in an elevator where two women ask for Megan’s autograph, having recognized her from her soap opera role.  Marie isn’t impressed or proud.

Peggy and Abe have apparently bought a brownstone and moved into an apartment that offers all that diversity Abe wanted in a place.  That means that Peggy has to step over poop, presumably from their junkie tenant, walk past some scary kids on the front stoop and listen to loud music emanating from other apartments.  She’s not as thrilled as Abe, but he’s trying to fix the fixer-upper, despite his lack of handyman skills.   The partners at Peggy’s agency, CGC, are holding a meeting and the talk is all about cars.   They’ve resigned from Alfa Romeo and would like a shot at Chevrolet.  Frank doesn’t care one way or another.  He’s tired of it all and tells Ted that he has pancreatic cancer, but he’s afraid that the news will ruin the company financially.  Ted steps up and tells him not to worry about anything but his health.  The agency will survive somehow.   It makes you wonder how that news would have been received if he was a partner at SCDP – what would Don do?  Lane Pryce would know.

Roger’s stewardess friend calls him to tell him that there’s an auto executive stuck  at the airport – she’s been recruited by Roger to keep an eye out for him.  Roger makes it to the airport in record time and tells Daisy to see to it that he’s on the same flight as Mike, the auto exec.

Pete is at the office railing about his being uninvited from the dinner with Herb the Jaguar dealer that evening.  The dinner was planned as a get together with wives and dates to make it less business-like and more social.   As they’re getting dressed, Megan and Marie have a mother-daughter talk about marriage.  Marie can see that Megan isn’t happy and that Don may have a wandering eye.  She tells her daughter “Don’t dress like his wife. The only thought he should have at his meal is how fast he can get between your legs.”   Whoa – pretty good advice but who has a mother like that?   Must be some French thing.

Megan, Don, and Marie show up for dinner and Marie’s date, Roger is missing.  We know that he’s on his way to Detroit but he never bothered to tell Marie.  Herb and his wife Peaches are there, too and Peaches gives Marie every opportunity to takes swipes at her while speaking French.  As the care dealer’s wife drones on and on about puppies, Marie issues her observations of the woman to Megan, saying at one point “she’s the apple that goes in the pig’s mouth.”   The ladies leave the table to powder their noses, and Herb and Don are left to talk man stuff.   Herb starts to tell Don about some kid who works at the dealership and all of the genius ideas the kid has for ad campaigns.  He wants Don to submit some of his own ideas so that the dealership employee can go over them and perhaps tweak the.  Don hands Herb a business card with the name of the new account executive, at another agency, who’ll be handling the account in the future.   The ladies return and Don’s ready to go, happy that he’s finally ridded SCDP of the deplorable man.  Marie’s advice did work, after all, and Don ravishes his wife as soon as their door is closed.

Bert Cooper’s been busy and can’t wait to tell Pete that he got the banker to agree to $11 for  SCDP’s shares.   Pete decides to celebrate by taking ass-kisser in chief, Bob Benson – just what does this guy do -  with him to a house of prostitution.  While Bob waits outside, Pete gets what he didn’t from Trudy and steps out into the hallway.  There he runs into his father-in-law who is also indulging in some pay and play of his own with, as Pete says “the biggest, blackest prostitute you’ve ever seen.”  Now Pete’s in a panic, and stops by Ken Cosgrove’s office in the morning for some advice on how to handle it.  Ken says that it’s mutually destructive situation.  There’s no way Pete’s father-in-law can say anything to his daughter because he was caught in the same uncompromising situation.  Oh, dear, sweet, ever-optimistic, Ken -  if only wishing made it so.  Pete’s father-in-law yanks his account from SCDP, to punish Pete and demonstrate his own hypocrisy.

It’s obviously pile poop on Pete day at SCDP and the final pile is delivered by way of a phone call from Jaguar.   He tears down the hall, looking for Don and starts down the stairs to rip Don to shreds.  First, though, Peter falls down the stairs, giving us the best scene with the little weasel since Lane Pryce punched him and broke his nose.   It doesn’t do much to cool him down, and he lights into Don about how the agency’s chances for a fortune-making IPO just went down in flames.  As the entire staff of SCDP gathers, Joan takes them both into the boardroom to iron things out.   Don, at first, is stunned that he’s just finding out about the public offering, but recovers enough to tell everyone how they have a meeting with the Chevy executives. So, in Don’s world, it’s great news.  He got rid of the lecherous Herb, and can turn it around with Chevy.   Joan doesn’t see the sunny side of this, though.  When Don asks her if she fells 300 pounds lighter she says that no, she doesn’t.  Joan tells him that the “we” he likes to throw around really means “me”, and that what he did with Herb made everything she endured worth nothing.  Before leaving the room she says to Don “if I could deal with him, you could deal with him.”  Why yes, yes he could, but he’s Don Draper, golden boy, and all’s well that ends well.

The competing execs from SCDP and CGC are preparing their presentations for Chevrolet’s new car.  They don’t even know what it looks like, but Stan has some good ideas, and Don is happy.  Peggy is working on her ad and stops by Ted’s office, only to find him sitting on the floor trying to watch “Hazel” on TV.  Ted’s overwhelmed with the news of Frank’s illness as well as the project they have ahead of them.  Peggy stays to talk when Ted kisses her.  He pulls away before she does and apologizes, but Peggy goes home to Abe and fantasizes about Ted while kissing her boyfriend.   Oh no, Peggy – no more Don behaviors.

The agencies meet up at the airport where a third competitor, Dancer, is also waiting for their flight.   One of Dancer’s execs takes a few jabs at Roger and Don, noting that they don’t have a cough drop, a cheap shot regarding the Vick’s account they lost thanks to Pete and his father-in-law.   Roger just laughs and says that Daisy will make sure that their luggage gets lost.

In Detroit, Don can’t sleep, again and goes to the hotel bar, again.  Ted walks in, sees Don and says “Damnit.”  The two start to talk and decide that the only way they have a chance at this account is to join forces.  Chevy wants great ideas from a big agency and a merger is the answer.   Jim Cutler, after hearing the idea, says “I want to make this clear.  Unless it works, I’m against it.”   It works, and the two agencies are now one.  Peggy arrives at work to see Don sitting in Ted’s office.  They tell her to write the press release and that she can choose a name for the new company.  “Make it sound like the company you want to work for, ” says Don, throwing her a bone to show her just how much he values her.

Pete has met with his father-in-law and it didn’t go well.  Dear old dad tells Pete that Trudy is a princess and that Pete doesn’t treat her like one.  Pete waits for Trudy in their kitchen and tells her that her daddy had sex with a “200 pound Negro prostitute”.  She throws her poop-covered husband out of the house.

Empress

Amanda and Daniel are officially engaged again.  She plans a dinner for two on the roof of his office building, surprises him with two plane tickets to Paris and she’s wearing the ring he gave her the first time they were supposed to be headed down the aisle.   The couple can’t wait to deliver their news to the Grayson clan, especially Victoria who took it about as well as could be expected.  She’s hoping that they’ll have a long engagement, but they tell her no, they’re going to be in Paris in two weeks and, oh, by the way, we’re going to live there.   Victoria pulls her son aside to have a chat with him about making the same mistake twice but he reminds her that she’s not the only one.  After all, she has not one but two bastard children.  Ouch.  As long as Victoria is miserable, Conrad is happy, so he congratulates his son but wants to know what his plans are for the future, since Daniel intends to leave Grayson Global and takes his share of the money with him.   He asks Daniel if the next fifty years will be spent eating croissants and jetting around the world, but it didn’t sound like Daniel had any real plans beyond doing just that.   Living on love and a huge amount of dough – life is good.

Luckily for Daniel, his secretary calls right in the middle of the conversation and she tells him that a package has arrived from Takeda with some background on Aiden.  Takeda left nothing to the imagination and provides Daniel with every last little morsel he has on Aiden, including the fact that Aiden’s father was the baggage handler for Flight 197.  Daniel goes a little crazy on him, and then fires him, but not before opening his big mouth and asking Aiden if the whole plan was to get back at “Them”.  Aiden asks him who “Them” is, but Daniel only says that it’s someone he trusts more than he trusts Aiden.

Jack and double-agent Ashley are at The Stowaway working on their plan to take down Conrad and keep him out of the governor’s office.   Ashley says that she doesn’t have much on Conrad and Mrs. Stoddard but that she might have something else.  She asks Jack how brave he is.  Good question, Ashley.

Amanda is hanging around Grayson Manor to ask Charlotte to be her maid of honor and to bug the hell out of Victoria.   Charlotte’s latest bad influence, Regina, stops by with a goody bag and the two make plans to go shopping.  Amanda makes her way downstairs and sees that Victoria is pouring over letters she’s been getting from wannabe long-lost sons.   It seems as if every 40 year old man in the country is interested in becoming the heir apparent to the Grayson fortune.  Amanda, looking as innocent as she can, tells Victoria that she doesn’t understand why her future mother in law doesn’t see the beauty in the planned life in Paris, give the fact that Victoria went to art school there.   They each enjoy a bowl of milk, lick their paws and Amanda leaves.  Jack walks in and shows Victoria the picture of Conrad with Mrs. Stoddard.  She’s smarting  a little from that so she decides to tell Jack that he’s the reason Amanda and Daniel broke off their first engagement.

Amanda’s on the phone with Nolan asking him why Jack and Victoria are talking.  Nolan tells her that she can’t protect Jack forever but she’s adamant about keeping her promise to (fake) Amanda.   Aiden stops by to see Nolan and tells him that he’s been fired but would like some help from Nolan on some other things.  Nolan offers him a job as his bodyguard and tells him that he can be Aiden’s Whitney, because he needs something to do while Amanda finishes her endgame.  Aiden says that there is no endgame.  Killing Trask didn’t do any good and he wants her to stop.   The first thing he’d like from Nolan is to drain the Amanda Clarke Foundation account, but Nolan tells him that the Falcon made it unhackable.  So, Nolan goes to see Edith, AKA The Falcon, in jail.  He promises her that if she helps him, he’ll erase all of the files that got her arrested.  Edith says that Patrick, Victoria’s son, tried to find his mother but she had her henchmen pay him $5 million to disappear, then asked Edith to destroy any trace of his identification.  Nolan asks her what the Initiative has planned for the Carrion program, but she explains that they can’t touch it without her help.   As she says, it’s just a matter of who wants it more, then gives Nolan a riddle for accessing the account – you’ll find it in a place hiding in plain sight.

Victoria pays a visit to Allison Stoddard to find out what’s going on between her and Conrad.  Allison tells Victoria that she’s not interested in Conrad, but is trying to save her own husband’s life.  The governor has a heart condition and she’s afraid that a second term will kill him.  She’s been giving Conrad information to sabotage her husband’s campaign.   She also tells Victoria that is she loves Conrad, she’ll make sure that he only serves one term, too.

The engagement party is at Amanda’s place and Victoria offers a toast welcoming her to the family.  Then she asks for a moment alone with Amanda so that she can tell her that she doesn’t look like a woman in love.   Amanda assures that they’ve already discussed having children, Victoria’s grandchildren, then leaves her to stew in her own disappointments and regrets.   Daniel and Amanda have a conversation about Aiden and he lets her know that Aiden’s been fired because of his past.  She knows that the only way that Daniel found out was through Takeda.  Conrad comes over and hands Daniel that big fat check he was waiting for, but asks him to reconsider.  Daniels says that he has plans for it, but that he should remove Aiden from The Amanda Clarke Foundation account ASAP because he can’t be trusted.  Then Daniel gets a call from the cops who’ve picked up Charlotte outside of a club where she’s been staggering around and throwing up.

Amanda spots Takeda out on the porch and the two walk to the dock to have a talk about Aiden.  She’s furious at Takeda for putting Aiden at risk, but Takeda says that Aiden put Amanda at risk.  He’s aware that the Initative is planning another strike, bringing fear, chaos and profit and that it’s job alone to stop it.  After he walks away, Jack approaches Amanda and wants to know why she’s marrying Daniel.  She tells that him that she tried to talk to him before, but then they found out that (fake)Amanda was pregnant, so all bets were off.  She promises to explain it all to him some day but Jack is sick of the secrets, half-truths and some days that never come.   Nolan steps out and after talking to Amanda, has a lightbulb moment, then runs off to solve Edith’s riddle.

Nolan is at the arcade in front the Street Fighter game and knows that Edith’s high score is the entry code for the computer and her password.  He calls Aiden to tell him, but Aiden has a little something else on his plate at the moment.  Takeda is at his house and the two of them take up samurai swords, in a duel  to death – Takeda’s actually.

Daniel picks up Charlotte and she tells him that she’s pregnant, which explain all that puking.  Looks like Jack and Declan are on a mission to populate the Hamptons one baby Porter at a time.  The governor’s wife gives a press conference about her husband’s illness, securing Conrad’s place as the next leader of The State of New York.  Victoria’s having a brandy at The Stowaway and Jack plays her the tape of the plot by Conrad to kill (fake)Amanda.   Nolan and Aiden are just about to access the ACF account when Amanda walks in.  She tries to stop them but Aiden pushes “enter” and the funds are drained from that account into a new, top-secret one.  Within seconds, what looks like the electrical grid for the entire Northeast goes dark.  Edith the Falcon is smiling, and Carrion is working.

The two hour season finale is next Sunday, May 12th.

Here’s a link to a funny ad that Emily VanCamp, in character,  did for Time Warner Cable’s Start Over.   http://www.youtube.com/twc

Empress

Finally!  The trial of Arizona versus Arias has been turned over to the jury.  The clock has been started.  They have begun the last, yet most important step for the guilt phase of this trial.  I have shared what I would like to happen but we are way past my twenty nine minute mark, it was a nice neat wish.  I have found it futile to try to guess how long until a verdict is reached or what the outcome might be.  I do know that much like a tornado, it will show up when it wants to and with very little notice.  Just like a tornado we will brace ourselves for what it might bring and even scarier, what it will leave behind.

Full disclosure, I fast forward through most of the talking heads since HLN took over for InSession. I have been forced to spend way too much time with Jane, Nancy and Drew. I thought I had seen the worst with HLN Afterdark.  When Jane got an al fresco jury box, I was out.  HLN stole the trial and ignored some of the best legal analysts on TV.  I do push play for Beth Karras or Jean Cassarez.  I wonder just how many chins hit the floor when some may have heard for the first time, thanks to Jean and Beth, the back story of the pedophilia allegations.  They reported on them when they surfaced (two years after the murder) and the role they could have played if admitted by Judge Stevens.  During a pre-trial hearing before settling on self defense, the defense was seeking to admit letters, presented as written by Travis, into evidence to prove his attraction to children.  This hearing was very intense and the stakes sky high.  The state fought hard to keep them out. The letters were found to be fraudulent and not admitted.  The defendant tried to perpetrate a fraud on the court and she jammed her attorney up but good.  Mr. Nurmi was the literal definition of being left holding nothing but his dick in his hand.  The defendant and her attorney do not get along, that is just one of many reasons.  Then Mr. Juan-derful turned  around and tried to get them admitted to help prove the lengths the defendant will go to cover her tracks.  The Judge had to decide if these now fraudulent letters were more probative or more prejudicial to the defendant (pesky Constitution) and rightfully ruled them inadmissible.  I thought it was a brilliant attempt by Martinez to flip the script, but it was a long shot from a legal standpoint.  This is why Mr. Nurmi started spitting objections, becoming visibly unglued when the prosecutor alluded to a pretrial hearing during rebuttal when he pulled out the magazine with the secret message written in it.  Explaining what the defendant did in anticipation of that hearing but never divulging the fraud.  It is why all objections from Nurmi were over ruled. Infinitely more interesting than faux jurors and made up smoking gun scenarios for entertainment.  HLN will provide choreographed drama while InSession will provide facts, knowledge and application of the law.

Juan Martinez started his closing and as expected, he did not disappoint. He led the jury through the time line and the law.  To watch him deliver an extemporaneous closing was so very impressive.  Every word carefully chosen, rolling of his tongue in an effortless manner.  Premeditation was his theme and he did not deviate. He was sarcastic when needed, driving home the absurdity of the defendants lies. He pointed out each ridiculous excuse with his anger purposely visible, reminding the jury they have been lied to over and over to elicit their ire. We heard him refer to LaViolette and needing a code book to understand why all the lies weren’t so bad, the disdain dripping from his voice. He got to the gas cans and refuted one was returned. Hitting a nerve an objection was blurted out from the defense citing mischaracterization of the evidence. The judge sustained it. That made me sit up a little straighter. The prosecutor locked the defendant into the gas can being returned at the Salinas Walmart on cross. If the defense refutes the return how were they going to explain it??  Hold that thought, I did for a whole day. He spoke about sympathy having no role in their deliberations.  He called the defendant a liar and a murderer with heartfelt intensity.  He told the jurors the defense experts lied in their faces with no hesitation. He took command of the courtroom and kept everyone’s full attention. He transitioned between exhibits seamlessly. His path was clear that premeditation was the only option the jury should consider, unless they believe her lies. It was a masterful example of an immensely talented trial attorney.

In stark contrast, Mr. Nurmi gave his closing argument. He came off like a bear just waking up from hibernation.  Lethargic in manner and tone from the onset, he did finally gain some momentum as the day went on . He was almost starting to sound like he was advocating for his client.  At least until he slipped and referred to the defendants “theory” of events.  Whoops, he meant version of events.  He kept a straight face as he tried to explain away the state’s evidence and his clients lies.  He sifted through exhibits like he was going through old bills that needed to be thrown out.  He only raised his voice when desperate to convince the jury of the most implausible justifications.  He did stay true to form and replayed the phone sex edited just like at trial to highlight the victims voice.  His agenda to portray the victim as a sexual deviant caused his client to openly laugh when he asked the jury who references a twelve year old girl during phone sex.  Almost as an after thought, he mentioned the gas cans.  He was insistent that the defendant never said it was the Salinas Walmart, implying the return could have happened at any Walmart.  Then he moved on, oblivious by design or incompetence to the fact his client did say it was Salinas. I waited for his explanation and upon hearing it knew he just gave Martinez a gift for rebuttal.  A-Ha! His breakdown of the murder were impossible to follow.  Left hand, right hand, dragging the body, standing over the body, under the body.  All of that only to forget his client was ambidextrous.  He argued chaos and dysfunction.  He asked the jury to believe the defendant was a battered woman who just finally snapped. He didn’t even sound convinced. His client is so smart she would have trashed receipts, shot him instead of using a knife, borrow or just take the gun, use her parents car. All the “why” questions he posed to the jury to debunk the states theory could have been answered with because my client is bat shit crazy. It was an odd approach.  Thankfully he started to wrap it up. Still managing to keep a straight face, he said said if his client is guilty of anything, it is manslaughter.  He didn’t say out loud never mind the self defense but it hung in the air like the smell from  decomposition his client created.  Mr. Nurmi did his job. He was competent but unlikeable.  He tried to convey his belief in his client, it fell flat.

I would like to highlight one person the legal pundits don’t speak about much. An unsung hero behind the scenes. The person the pursuit of justice started with. The unofficial co-chair to Mr. Martinez, Detective Esteban Flores. Clearly a seasoned detective he was methodical in his interrogation of the defendant. The  way he questioned her, we can see in hindsight what he was doing, but because of his delicate style, the defendant never did. That’s a skill and talent that can’t be taught in a class or found in an instruction manual. It is from years of putting together puzzles and trusting that tingle he gets when some one is lying to him.  That is what we got to see in action.  If the victim were my brother I would be grateful it was his turn to investigate the crime.  Job well done sir and thank you for helping the Alexander family through a living nightmare.  I hope he knows that some of us realize how important his work was and still is.

Those of us watching have already decided who did a better job, who made their case best and who we believe.  The one thing both sides do agree on is State’s Exhibit #159 – the last picture of Travis Alexander still alive.  A moment in time indeed.

Lisa Renee