Queer as Folk Recap - Season Two
I'm writing this now because
i) ennorwen's currently going through it (*glomps*)
ii) I'm feeling nostalgic, now that I'm (very) slowly approaching the series finale
iii) This is an excellent yet still semi-productive way to procrastinate (it's deadline time on the Plaza)
Though this is calling for some serious multi-tasking... currently trying to make and eat corned beef sandwiches, watch Episode 308 (LOVE!!!) and post this at the same time...
Unlike my recap for Season One, I'll actually mention each episode in Season Two. Particularly memorable ones will have a mark like this (
) on them. Most will have icons/ photos for drooling over visual aid. I've tried very hard not to give out actual spoilers, even for things that happened in S1; these really are just my reactions and thoughts on each episode. The second half of the season are still missing pics, because I haven't gotten the screencaps for them yet.
QUEER AS FOLK RECAP - SEASON TWO
All pictures and icons from episodes 201-211 use screencaps from:
General Overview
At a slower pace than Season One but still maintaining the same drive in the plotlines, Season Two has a greater focus the relationship between the main characters of Brian and Justin. Early S2 is heavily affected by the momentous cliffhanger event in the S1 finale, especially 201-205. There are a good number of memorable moments, like the ending of 204, a visit to a church in 209, and the beautiful 211 (which left me in tears). Being a Brian/Justin shipper, I do tend to be more interested in the B/J relationship than anything else, but this is such a great series that one can't help but love the other characters and keep track of their storylines as well.
The Relationships
I didn't think it at first, but looking back on it I've realised that S2 was very much focused on developing the relationships between the characters. Centre stage, of course, is the Brian/Justin relationship, which in S2 is vastly different from the one they had in S1, due to the aforementioned S1 finale. The Brian-Michael friendship is still there, but less prominent than in S1, because of Justin's new role in Brian's life and complications in Michael's love life. Ted seems to be the comic relief of the season, but nonetheless discovers what might be his 'true calling', thanks to Emmett's help. Emmett gets involved in a relationship that lasts for more than one episode. Lindsey and Melanie go through a bumpier road than what one would expect of the happily domesticated pairing in the series. Debbie demonstrates that even the biggest fag hag is capable of finding love.
There's also a strong theme of family in S2. Not just the 'family' that is the gang, but other figures like Brian's mother, Lindsey's parents, and Debbie's ex make appearances and stir up trouble for our favourite folk.
Now on to the episodes...
Episode 201 & 202
"The worst part is standing there, helpless. Do you know what that's like?" (Jennifer Taylor to Brian)
I really can't watch 201 without continuing it onto 202. One of my favourite episodes in the whole series, though one of the most painful as well; I can watch them over and over again without getting bored. I think I (and ennorwen *g*) fell fully and irrevocably in love with Brian here. Unforgettable scenes in 201 include: Michael watching Brian just before he takes a shower, the corridor outside Justin's room in the hospital, the scene at Woody's and back at the loft. 202 is just generally a great episode, but of course the ending is the winner, being touching and beautiful and sexy all at the same time.
Episode 203
"You're my hero, no matter what anyone says." (Justin)
This episode seems to be very focused on the subject of hypocrisy. I also learned that BB does not necessarily stand for 'Body Builders' ^_^ Love the conversation between Deb abd Michael at the Diner, and of course the 'walks' along Liberty Avenue *sighs happily*. I always like all implicit parallels between Gus and Justin, because it ties in with that first night in 101. Lindsey demonstrates that one should not underestimate a blonde woman on a sugar high, and Emmett finds himself in a compromising position at work.
Episode 204
"I promise you won't forget this one." (Brian)
Pride Week!!! Need I say more? This is one of those episodes one can really just enjoy, because there isn't too much heavy angsty stuff (though there is some, like a most unexpected meeting in the AIDS hospice). Melanie rides a dyke bike, I never saw Michael in quite the same way ever again, and the endings scene is just LOVE.
Episode 205
"It ain't the end of the world, kid, unless you want it to be." (Adrienne Bennett to Justin)
Justin starts college, but a certain injury forces him to reconsider his future as an artist. Thought-provoking conversation with a fellow artist friend of Lindsey's. Michael finally makes a decisive move on his life and career; I was giggling through that scene with Michael and Debbie and Brian shouting at the computer *g* Another nice ending scene, though of course us B/J shippers wish it'd gone on a little bit longer. Still, yummy Brian moment there.
Episode 206
"Say to him what you could never say to Michael." (Debbie to Brian)
All the B/J shippers in the world say YAY! The dinner scene at Deb's is in my Top Five Fluffy Faves for the entire series; I'm sure my expression matched the gang's after Justin and Brian no-so-subtly left the room. Michael was a bit of a twat, but as he facilitated the process to its lovely ending, I forgave him. Lindsey is a bit of a prude, and Melanie pulls out a few photographical proverbial skeletons from the closet. What is it about this series and brilliant end scenes? Never knew negotiations could be so enthralling. Oh, and Michael meets Ben Bruckner.
Episode 207
"What happened to your tits?" (Brian to Lindsey)
I like the fact that HIV comes to the fore at this point, because it certainly is a big issue that's commonly associated with the gay lifestyle. Interesting play of family dynamics between Deb and Vic, and Mel and Linds and the Petersons. The discussion about doing it raw between Brian and Justin is strangely on my Top Five Fluffy Faves list. And note to self: do not invite Brian to a party where he is likely to get bored (at least, keep him away from the punch bowl).
Episode 208
"I met his father in junior year, but before that I did some pretty wild things." (Jennifer Taylor to Brian)
Brilliant scene near the beginning, when Justin comes back from shopping with his mother. Makes one realise that Brian and Justin really are just kids sometimes. A nice counterbalance to the bit of angst at the end; one could say interpret this as the point where the troubles start, but personally I feel that the dischord comes in later, and this is just a 'sobering up' episode for Justin. Mind you, like ennorwen said, this is where we clearly see Justin "turning into" Brian, in a way (the conversation outside the Diner remind anybody of anything? *cough*outsideBrian'sloftinS1*cough*)
Episode 209
"Our sex life isn't what it used to be. We're down to, like, four times a day." (Justin)
Another personal favourite, because this chapter's got everything: humor, wisdom, and hot sex. Poor Ted, drugs just never seem to agree with him. Of course, it led to a hot Brian/Justin scene, so I'm not really complaining. Religion is one of the topics of this episode, along with honesty. There's a Memorable Michael Moment at Woody's. I'm obviously tip-toeing around the point of this episode (because it's a big spoiler), but let's just say that Brian discovers that fate probably has a twisted sense of irony, and Joan turns up at the loft.
Episode 210
"You've known the Captain your entire life; you never laid eyes on Dumpster Boy until this morning. So how upset are you supposed to get?" (Brian to Michael)
DUmpster Boy episode! Great scene at Babylon, with Brian and Justin at play, despite a depressed Michael. Absolutely hot scene back at the loft, later on, and if one can tear one's eyes away from the action, one might catch Brian giving some insight on an aspect of tricking and a promiscious lifestyle. Yet another one of those scenes you really wish they'd continued.
Episode 211
"Have a safe trip." (Lindsey and Melanie in unison, to Brian)
Wedding bells are ringing!!! Call it my sadistic side, but I found Lindsey and Melanie's ordeal very amusing ^_^ Giggled at the scene in the loft where Brian puts on a bit of a fashion parade to the background of Justin's unsubtle whining. Absolutely love how the day is saved, and the conversation between Lindsey and Brian had me tearing. Which only grew to full-on sobbing by the time it got to the actual event. Fortunately Michael and Ted provide a bit a comic relief, so I didn't get too emotional.
Episode 212
"This is Pittsburgh. There's zero degrees of separation."(Michael)
Haven't had a Brian-Michael-centric episode in a long time, so this is a nice change. Also settles a number of important issues in their relationship. May also explain why Brian isn't as hostile to Ben as he had been to Michael's previous extended relationship, but that's just my interpretation.
Episode 213
"There was a time when I thought this would be the reality." (Lindsey to Brian)
Big squee for the car ride scene between Brian and Justin! I just love Brian in 213 and 214. A person from Debbie's past comes back to Pittsburgh. Lindsey and Melanie have trouble getting Gus into preschool, which of course leads to Brian putting on a bright red fireman's helmet in a school playroom (nothing sexual, amazingly). Delicious scene in the loft, darn Linds and Mel for disrupting it! *shakes fist*
Episode 214
"Thank you, Brian, you've just saved me years of therapy." (Ted to Brian)
For once, it's actually Justin who's misbehaving, instead of Brian. It's nice to see Debbie get some spotlight, too. Michael goes through another phase of twatness, ending in them speeding down the highway in Brian's jeep. The scene with Emmett, however, is one of those shockers that you'd imagine and hear about but would never expect to see on TV (and I thought that this show couldn't shock me anymore). *gaspdroolfaint* at the end scene (only one expression fits: OMG!).
Episode 215
"There's nothing as sexual as the act of creation... It's the same with Michael and Justin. Nothing, not even the greatest fuck in the world could come close." (Ben to Brian)
The birth of Rage! I'm sure Brian's filed this under: Why you don't leave your boyfriend and best friend alone together when they're high on E. It's great to see Michael and Justin working together, for a change, and it's sweet to see them team up against Brian. Mind you, Justin also does the incomprehensible (I mean, I know he's tired and everything, but is that even possible?). The Twat Trophy's with Brian this time. Lindsey and Melanie with loud wood-slicing thing scare me. I feel really sorry for Emmett, but I wasn't really surprised by it. Lovelovelove the conversation in Babylon between Ben and Brian, because as a fic writer I completely agree with what Ben says.
Episode 216
"It was all your fault... The way you were staring at me was very distracting." (Ethan to Justin)
Uh-oh, this be where trouble begins brewing. To those who noticed that Brian Kinney's character seemed to be undergoing a gradual softening, he's here in full S1 Twat Mode. Poor Justin, and it's all compounded by what Michael does for Ben. This episode is the reason why QAF fic writers give a different treatment to fics featuring special occasions than fic writers in other fandoms. Also contains what I like to think of as the most Random Relationship in the series (does anyone even remember Luke?). The ending is one of those where you're pretty sure things could've turned out different if only a certain person, ahem, had decided differently.
Episode 217
"I'm happy for you. And the partner's assisstant gets to be a raving bitch to everybody." (Cynthia to Brian)
To be fair, when I first saw this I already did think Justin was being a tad bit unreasonable. Looking back post-S3, I think he's stolen the Twat Trophy on this episode, but then Brian could have handled the whole thing better (isn't that always the case with Brian?) Ignorning the angst, it's great to see Brian shine at what he does best. But being the angst addict, I'll just delight in what my favourite characters are doing to each other. Oh, and the Munchers get LBD (which, like Michael, I'd never heard of before). And Emmett gives out pressies!
Episode 218
"Well, you were right. Congratulations." (Vic to Debbie)
Angst goes up a notch for everyone (yay!). A strong Brian-Michael component in this episode, because of Ben, with a brief referance to Michael helping Brian post-122. Though I pretty much knew what was coming at this point, I still really hoped that Justin would do differently. Nothing like Vic to make even Debbie see sense.
Episode 219
"You've sure been taking a lot of showers lately." (Brian to Justin)
Where can be found the infamous "red sweater kiss". I actually saw that scene on YouTube before I ever started watching the series, so it's nice to watch it again in context. Ted reveals his most secret fantasy (even Brian's impressed *gigglesnort*). There be bowling. Michael once again falls back into the nosy bugger role, though to be fair certain persons weren't exactly being discreet.
Episode 220
"It must be cosmic destiny. Everytime I fall in love with someone, he leaves town. This one's even leaving the country." (Michael to Debbie and Vic)
Note to self: starry-eyed Ted is a very scary thing. Finales are never easy, but this is undoubtedly the hardest one for a B/J shipper. Love the scene in the diner. Brian throws a party at Babylon to promote the release of the first issue of Rage. Can't really say much more, except that I was absolutely devastated by the end of this, and nearly went crazy over the two days between watching it and getting the S3 DVD pack. Poor, poor Brian, but I distinctly recall feeling that he deserved it when I first watched this.
Has anybody seen my epiphany?
One of the most brilliant things about this series is how the viewer is able to become very emotionally invested in the characters. Because of my own personal experiences, I was pretty sympathetic towards Justin all the way through S1 and S2, even though Brian was consistently my favourite character. I was completely rooting for Justin at the S2 finale. I'll ramble more about it when I recap S3, but what continues to baffle me even now is how I suddenly switched to being on Brian's side in early S3. It's not sympathy, though I felt that too, but like a sudden understanding of what Brian was doing, why he was doing it, followed by a conviction that Justin's a bit of a twat. I'm sure an epiphany must have happened in there somewhere, if only I could remember when and how.
My Season One Recap
i) ennorwen's currently going through it (*glomps*)
ii) I'm feeling nostalgic, now that I'm (very) slowly approaching the series finale
iii) This is an excellent yet still semi-productive way to procrastinate (it's deadline time on the Plaza)
Though this is calling for some serious multi-tasking... currently trying to make and eat corned beef sandwiches, watch Episode 308 (LOVE!!!) and post this at the same time...
Unlike my recap for Season One, I'll actually mention each episode in Season Two. Particularly memorable ones will have a mark like this (
) on them. Most will have icons/ photos for drooling over visual aid. I've tried very hard not to give out actual spoilers, even for things that happened in S1; these really are just my reactions and thoughts on each episode. The second half of the season are still missing pics, because I haven't gotten the screencaps for them yet.
QUEER AS FOLK RECAP - SEASON TWO
All pictures and icons from episodes 201-211 use screencaps from:
General Overview
At a slower pace than Season One but still maintaining the same drive in the plotlines, Season Two has a greater focus the relationship between the main characters of Brian and Justin. Early S2 is heavily affected by the momentous cliffhanger event in the S1 finale, especially 201-205. There are a good number of memorable moments, like the ending of 204, a visit to a church in 209, and the beautiful 211 (which left me in tears). Being a Brian/Justin shipper, I do tend to be more interested in the B/J relationship than anything else, but this is such a great series that one can't help but love the other characters and keep track of their storylines as well.
The Relationships
I didn't think it at first, but looking back on it I've realised that S2 was very much focused on developing the relationships between the characters. Centre stage, of course, is the Brian/Justin relationship, which in S2 is vastly different from the one they had in S1, due to the aforementioned S1 finale. The Brian-Michael friendship is still there, but less prominent than in S1, because of Justin's new role in Brian's life and complications in Michael's love life. Ted seems to be the comic relief of the season, but nonetheless discovers what might be his 'true calling', thanks to Emmett's help. Emmett gets involved in a relationship that lasts for more than one episode. Lindsey and Melanie go through a bumpier road than what one would expect of the happily domesticated pairing in the series. Debbie demonstrates that even the biggest fag hag is capable of finding love.
There's also a strong theme of family in S2. Not just the 'family' that is the gang, but other figures like Brian's mother, Lindsey's parents, and Debbie's ex make appearances and stir up trouble for our favourite folk.
Now on to the episodes...
Episode 201 & 202
"The worst part is standing there, helpless. Do you know what that's like?" (Jennifer Taylor to Brian)
I really can't watch 201 without continuing it onto 202. One of my favourite episodes in the whole series, though one of the most painful as well; I can watch them over and over again without getting bored. I think I (and ennorwen *g*) fell fully and irrevocably in love with Brian here. Unforgettable scenes in 201 include: Michael watching Brian just before he takes a shower, the corridor outside Justin's room in the hospital, the scene at Woody's and back at the loft. 202 is just generally a great episode, but of course the ending is the winner, being touching and beautiful and sexy all at the same time.
Episode 203
"You're my hero, no matter what anyone says." (Justin)
This episode seems to be very focused on the subject of hypocrisy. I also learned that BB does not necessarily stand for 'Body Builders' ^_^ Love the conversation between Deb abd Michael at the Diner, and of course the 'walks' along Liberty Avenue *sighs happily*. I always like all implicit parallels between Gus and Justin, because it ties in with that first night in 101. Lindsey demonstrates that one should not underestimate a blonde woman on a sugar high, and Emmett finds himself in a compromising position at work.
Episode 204
"I promise you won't forget this one." (Brian)
Pride Week!!! Need I say more? This is one of those episodes one can really just enjoy, because there isn't too much heavy angsty stuff (though there is some, like a most unexpected meeting in the AIDS hospice). Melanie rides a dyke bike, I never saw Michael in quite the same way ever again, and the endings scene is just LOVE.
Episode 205
"It ain't the end of the world, kid, unless you want it to be." (Adrienne Bennett to Justin)
Justin starts college, but a certain injury forces him to reconsider his future as an artist. Thought-provoking conversation with a fellow artist friend of Lindsey's. Michael finally makes a decisive move on his life and career; I was giggling through that scene with Michael and Debbie and Brian shouting at the computer *g* Another nice ending scene, though of course us B/J shippers wish it'd gone on a little bit longer. Still, yummy Brian moment there.
Episode 206
"Say to him what you could never say to Michael." (Debbie to Brian)
All the B/J shippers in the world say YAY! The dinner scene at Deb's is in my Top Five Fluffy Faves for the entire series; I'm sure my expression matched the gang's after Justin and Brian no-so-subtly left the room. Michael was a bit of a twat, but as he facilitated the process to its lovely ending, I forgave him. Lindsey is a bit of a prude, and Melanie pulls out a few photographical proverbial skeletons from the closet. What is it about this series and brilliant end scenes? Never knew negotiations could be so enthralling. Oh, and Michael meets Ben Bruckner.
Episode 207
"What happened to your tits?" (Brian to Lindsey)
I like the fact that HIV comes to the fore at this point, because it certainly is a big issue that's commonly associated with the gay lifestyle. Interesting play of family dynamics between Deb and Vic, and Mel and Linds and the Petersons. The discussion about doing it raw between Brian and Justin is strangely on my Top Five Fluffy Faves list. And note to self: do not invite Brian to a party where he is likely to get bored (at least, keep him away from the punch bowl).
Episode 208
"I met his father in junior year, but before that I did some pretty wild things." (Jennifer Taylor to Brian)
Brilliant scene near the beginning, when Justin comes back from shopping with his mother. Makes one realise that Brian and Justin really are just kids sometimes. A nice counterbalance to the bit of angst at the end; one could say interpret this as the point where the troubles start, but personally I feel that the dischord comes in later, and this is just a 'sobering up' episode for Justin. Mind you, like ennorwen said, this is where we clearly see Justin "turning into" Brian, in a way (the conversation outside the Diner remind anybody of anything? *cough*outsideBrian'sloftinS1*cough*)
Episode 209
"Our sex life isn't what it used to be. We're down to, like, four times a day." (Justin)
Another personal favourite, because this chapter's got everything: humor, wisdom, and hot sex. Poor Ted, drugs just never seem to agree with him. Of course, it led to a hot Brian/Justin scene, so I'm not really complaining. Religion is one of the topics of this episode, along with honesty. There's a Memorable Michael Moment at Woody's. I'm obviously tip-toeing around the point of this episode (because it's a big spoiler), but let's just say that Brian discovers that fate probably has a twisted sense of irony, and Joan turns up at the loft.
Episode 210
"You've known the Captain your entire life; you never laid eyes on Dumpster Boy until this morning. So how upset are you supposed to get?" (Brian to Michael)
DUmpster Boy episode! Great scene at Babylon, with Brian and Justin at play, despite a depressed Michael. Absolutely hot scene back at the loft, later on, and if one can tear one's eyes away from the action, one might catch Brian giving some insight on an aspect of tricking and a promiscious lifestyle. Yet another one of those scenes you really wish they'd continued.
Episode 211
"Have a safe trip." (Lindsey and Melanie in unison, to Brian)
Wedding bells are ringing!!! Call it my sadistic side, but I found Lindsey and Melanie's ordeal very amusing ^_^ Giggled at the scene in the loft where Brian puts on a bit of a fashion parade to the background of Justin's unsubtle whining. Absolutely love how the day is saved, and the conversation between Lindsey and Brian had me tearing. Which only grew to full-on sobbing by the time it got to the actual event. Fortunately Michael and Ted provide a bit a comic relief, so I didn't get too emotional.
Episode 212
"This is Pittsburgh. There's zero degrees of separation."(Michael)
Haven't had a Brian-Michael-centric episode in a long time, so this is a nice change. Also settles a number of important issues in their relationship. May also explain why Brian isn't as hostile to Ben as he had been to Michael's previous extended relationship, but that's just my interpretation.
Episode 213
"There was a time when I thought this would be the reality." (Lindsey to Brian)
Big squee for the car ride scene between Brian and Justin! I just love Brian in 213 and 214. A person from Debbie's past comes back to Pittsburgh. Lindsey and Melanie have trouble getting Gus into preschool, which of course leads to Brian putting on a bright red fireman's helmet in a school playroom (nothing sexual, amazingly). Delicious scene in the loft, darn Linds and Mel for disrupting it! *shakes fist*
Episode 214
"Thank you, Brian, you've just saved me years of therapy." (Ted to Brian)
For once, it's actually Justin who's misbehaving, instead of Brian. It's nice to see Debbie get some spotlight, too. Michael goes through another phase of twatness, ending in them speeding down the highway in Brian's jeep. The scene with Emmett, however, is one of those shockers that you'd imagine and hear about but would never expect to see on TV (and I thought that this show couldn't shock me anymore). *gaspdroolfaint* at the end scene (only one expression fits: OMG!).
Episode 215
"There's nothing as sexual as the act of creation... It's the same with Michael and Justin. Nothing, not even the greatest fuck in the world could come close." (Ben to Brian)
The birth of Rage! I'm sure Brian's filed this under: Why you don't leave your boyfriend and best friend alone together when they're high on E. It's great to see Michael and Justin working together, for a change, and it's sweet to see them team up against Brian. Mind you, Justin also does the incomprehensible (I mean, I know he's tired and everything, but is that even possible?). The Twat Trophy's with Brian this time. Lindsey and Melanie with loud wood-slicing thing scare me. I feel really sorry for Emmett, but I wasn't really surprised by it. Lovelovelove the conversation in Babylon between Ben and Brian, because as a fic writer I completely agree with what Ben says.
Episode 216
"It was all your fault... The way you were staring at me was very distracting." (Ethan to Justin)
Uh-oh, this be where trouble begins brewing. To those who noticed that Brian Kinney's character seemed to be undergoing a gradual softening, he's here in full S1 Twat Mode. Poor Justin, and it's all compounded by what Michael does for Ben. This episode is the reason why QAF fic writers give a different treatment to fics featuring special occasions than fic writers in other fandoms. Also contains what I like to think of as the most Random Relationship in the series (does anyone even remember Luke?). The ending is one of those where you're pretty sure things could've turned out different if only a certain person, ahem, had decided differently.
Episode 217
"I'm happy for you. And the partner's assisstant gets to be a raving bitch to everybody." (Cynthia to Brian)
To be fair, when I first saw this I already did think Justin was being a tad bit unreasonable. Looking back post-S3, I think he's stolen the Twat Trophy on this episode, but then Brian could have handled the whole thing better (isn't that always the case with Brian?) Ignorning the angst, it's great to see Brian shine at what he does best. But being the angst addict, I'll just delight in what my favourite characters are doing to each other. Oh, and the Munchers get LBD (which, like Michael, I'd never heard of before). And Emmett gives out pressies!
Episode 218
"Well, you were right. Congratulations." (Vic to Debbie)
Angst goes up a notch for everyone (yay!). A strong Brian-Michael component in this episode, because of Ben, with a brief referance to Michael helping Brian post-122. Though I pretty much knew what was coming at this point, I still really hoped that Justin would do differently. Nothing like Vic to make even Debbie see sense.
Episode 219
"You've sure been taking a lot of showers lately." (Brian to Justin)
Where can be found the infamous "red sweater kiss". I actually saw that scene on YouTube before I ever started watching the series, so it's nice to watch it again in context. Ted reveals his most secret fantasy (even Brian's impressed *gigglesnort*). There be bowling. Michael once again falls back into the nosy bugger role, though to be fair certain persons weren't exactly being discreet.
Episode 220
"It must be cosmic destiny. Everytime I fall in love with someone, he leaves town. This one's even leaving the country." (Michael to Debbie and Vic)
Note to self: starry-eyed Ted is a very scary thing. Finales are never easy, but this is undoubtedly the hardest one for a B/J shipper. Love the scene in the diner. Brian throws a party at Babylon to promote the release of the first issue of Rage. Can't really say much more, except that I was absolutely devastated by the end of this, and nearly went crazy over the two days between watching it and getting the S3 DVD pack. Poor, poor Brian, but I distinctly recall feeling that he deserved it when I first watched this.
Has anybody seen my epiphany?
One of the most brilliant things about this series is how the viewer is able to become very emotionally invested in the characters. Because of my own personal experiences, I was pretty sympathetic towards Justin all the way through S1 and S2, even though Brian was consistently my favourite character. I was completely rooting for Justin at the S2 finale. I'll ramble more about it when I recap S3, but what continues to baffle me even now is how I suddenly switched to being on Brian's side in early S3. It's not sympathy, though I felt that too, but like a sudden understanding of what Brian was doing, why he was doing it, followed by a conviction that Justin's a bit of a twat. I'm sure an epiphany must have happened in there somewhere, if only I could remember when and how.
My Season One Recap