Double Exposure
Updated 2008-06-20 09:01:16
Kudos to this show for consistently highlighting the subtle cultural differences between different socioeconomic strata. This week's arena for the class of cultures: Susan's housewarming party. Janet tries to rise to the hostess duties that Susan bestowed upon her (really -- this was not a burden, as Janet lives for a chance to break out the Tupperware), and Trina tries to lure the Millers over to the swingin' side with fondue and friends. At the end of the evening, Susan makes it clear that she's going her own way and doing her own thing. And while she and Janet may have made up, Roger's discovery that the Millers are now swinging appears to have thrown him for a loop.
Laurie opts out of the party, choosing instead to sort books with hot Teacher Doug. Somehow, they are able to stay after hours, the better to spend time all alone reading the letters of James Joyce to one another. Eventually, to the strains of that great sex machine Bob Dylan, Laurie plants one on Teacher Doug. He does not back away shrieking, "Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!"
Finally, the kiddie subplot: Samantha shows up at the Millers' housewarming, bobbing in her mom's wake like a neglected buoy, and boy, is Ricky threatened. After some words with B.J., he storms back home to clean the basement (his punishment for the porn stash). Samantha astutely tells B.J. that Ricky feels like he's being left behind. B.J., bless him, heads over to the Thompsons' and hangs with his old friend, while his new friend curls up in his bed.
MVP of the night: the initial rip in the wallpaper. So symbolic! And such a catalyst for the party.
Line of the night: "Fondue, anyone?" -- Trina, taking over Susan's party.
Runner-up line of the night: "You might want to get your camera for this..." -- Tom, sotto voce , to Bruce when Susan attacks the wallpaper. I find Tom more charming week by week.
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