s3e08: Review

Episode 8 was written by Ilene Chaiken and directed by Angela (D.E.B.S.) Robinson. The quality of the writing and directing is apparent from start to finish, and is in stark contrast to the poor quality of episode 7, which was written by Elizabeth Ziff. I'm surprised there wasn't more swearing in that episode because judging by her comments on her myspace site (which plays the highly annoying theme tune when you visit), she's got a potty mouth. The only good scene in episode 7 is the one between Helena & Dylan in Helena's office. Characters and situations that I found annoying in episode 7 are much more enjoyable with Ilene at the helm, even Max is not annoying in this episode (no doubt helped by the absence of Alan Cumming as Billie Blakie). This episode has it all, I suspect it will be my favourite episode of season 3 for the Helena & Dylan scenes alone. It's hard to imagine that this peak can be maintained though, especially now I've seen the preview for episode 9. Helena & Dylan are in 14 scenes in this episode, 8 of which are key scenes in the development of their relationship. From episodes 4-7 they only had 8 scenes in total, so this is particularly pleasing. The rest of their scenes are ensemble scenes with the rest of the cast, at the recording studio and going to San Jose with Dana & co for the basketball game. Scene #1 - I think you're amazing This is their first meeting since Helena told Dylan that they should try to be friends. Helena is parked outside of a coffee shop, she is by her car talking to Alice on her mobile about meeting at the recording studio where Kit is recording, just as Dylan exits the coffee shop with 2 coffees. Helena finishes her call, they greet each other with a chaste kiss on the cheek ('let's be friends' is going well so far) and Dylan tells Helena how excited she is to meet Nona Hendryx (who I discovered last week is one of us). Helena asks Dylan if she minds her making one more quick call, as she wants to check that she has the jet for tomorrow. Dylan asks if it's for the trip to San Jose tomorrow. (Helena is taking Dana & co to San Jose to see Dana's favourite basketball team the San Jose Lightnings) and Helena asks her if she thinks it's too much. Dylan pauses and Helena thinks for a split second that she does but Dylan reassures her, telling her that it's an amazing thing to do for her friend who's sick. Underlining her feelings by telling Helena 'I think you're amazing'. Helena thanks her and Dylan tells Helena 'I'm getting in the car now', which causes Helena to laugh and then get that look in her eyes. 'Let's be friends' is going to be an uphill battle. Scene #2 - I thought you guys were just friends Tina, baby Angelica, Helena & Dylan arrive at the recording studio and Helena asks Kit if she can introduce Nona to Dylan as she's a huge fan. Kit calls Nona over to meet her friends and 'your biggest fan'. Tina has already sensed the sexual tension between Helena & Dylan, and says to her 'I thought you guys were just friends'. Helena protests a little too loudly 'We are', and repeats her protestation when Tina replies 'Yeah right'. This exchange provides a funny moment but as much as I love Laurel Holloman, Tina is becoming the new Jenny i.e. she's downright annoying. The scene ends with Dylan & Helena talking to Kit & Nona. Scene #3 - Hot to trot This is a very short scene that shows Helena & Dylan sitting very close together on a sofa in the recording studio, while Nona sings 'Transformation (which includes the rather appropriate line 'Hot to trot', which Helena & Dylan definitely are). They look at each other and smile. Tina is holding baby Angelica sitting on the end of the sofa, casting the odd disapproving glance in their direction. Scene #4 - Extreme is the New Season Alice & Shane arrive at the recording studio, and when Kit remarks on their new hair styles Shane replies 'Extreme is the new season', before introducing the new look Dana (complete with shaved head and eyebrows). Everyone congratulates Dana on what Kit calls her new chemo-do including of course Helena & Dylan. Scene #5 - Transformation Back on the sofa Dylan looks at Helena before sliding her hand down to grasp Helena's, which causes Helena to gasp and start hyperventilating much to Dylan's pleasure. Tina is thankfully out of shot in this scene. Scene #6 - Fucking Insane The scene starts with Helena and Dylan (presumably still holding hands although their hands are out of shot). Helena is breathing heavily and finding it difficult to maintain her composure. Dylan is watching Helena enjoying watching the effect that she is having. Suddenly Helena sits forward and announces that she's going to make some tea. Dylan looks surprised but then Helena gives her a come hither look as she gets up to leave for the kitchen. Dylan just manages to get out the words 'Do you want some tea' to Tina before following Helena, no doubt suffering dry-mouth fromn all that heavy breathing. In the kitchen Helena is stirring her tea as Dylan looks like the cat that got the cream because she knows what effect she is having on Helena. They are rudely interrupted by Alice & Shane who have come down to see Kit. Dylan looks very awkward but Helena manages to exchange some small talk with them about Dana before hilariously glancing across at Dylan and back at Shane & Alice as if to say to them 'leave us, we need some time alone'. Alone again, Dylan makes the bold move of grabbing Helena's hand and says 'Come here', as she leads Helena to the bathroom. Helena locks the bathroom door behind them and they stand apart from each other then Dylan suddenly exclaims 'This is fucking insane'. Helena quickly replies 'Come here, I'll show you how fucking insane it is'.