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October 10, 2000 Son of Bringing Up Daddy Julie, who just a few hours before had been raving it up with the hipsters, barely makes it to temple in time to meet up with her family. Oddly, this breach on her part provokes no confrontation with her father, at least none that we see. For the rest of the episode, just about every word either Julie or her father utters is grounds for a family feud. When it comes to anger, mes amis, these people just do not know how to prioritize! Anyway, Julie reiterates that her father doesn't have responsibility for her spirituality, her life, etc. etc. What she sees as manipulation and control on par with the "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" is, according to her dad, just him trying to make sure that she's happy. The one thing that these two crazy campers agree upon is that they never talk. Tell that to my eardrums, dearies! They seem to rehash the same old issues over and over again, and if I know my family dynamics, talking isn't going to solve these problems. What will? Growing up and growing old. And eventually, dying. Oh, but we don't escape so easily, gang. Julie's dad catches her swearing (the word "ass," ladies and gentlemen) and then accuses her of picking up salty-sailor ways. Julie protests this parental censorship, and her dad then changes his tune and says, "It's just a word." I just about got whiplash from that turnabout, darlings! It's no wonder that Julie is soon bellowing at the top of her lungs. These two sillies actually get so heated up that they have to take their little discussion outside. Because, you know, a family crisis is just so much better when all of New Orleans gets to witness it! Julie complains that she never feels good enough for her father and claims that it's time for her to own her mistakes and life choices. Her dad counters with a reference to arranged marriage in India. She should count her blessings she's an American, by gum! They reach an impasse, and Julie storms off. To give Julie's father a little credit, he does pursue her to apologize for hisum intense parenting style, but Julie has already been reduced to an incoherent mess. All her parents can do is leave her with brother Alan and get away fast! Julie does receive some consoling from her housemates. Jamie tries to convince her that these sorts of battles are "good medicine," and it's better that she experience this now while she's young and resilient. He calls her emotional openness "beautiful." Julie's not interested in her emotional beauty right now, though; she's angling for Jack Daniels and a gigolo. Actually, she's just angling to talk about those things. And, let's not forget Matt, mes petites chous. He apologizes for stimulating the whole cussing debacle and then says, "I just know you started hollering, and I left." What a tactful soul! Julie's parents haven't been scared away yet, and they drop by again. We get to watch a supremely funny moment as Julie's dad hovers around a sullen Julie. The only safe thing he can utter is, "Dinner was good last night, wasn't it?" They then both apologize for their behavior. (If only I had a nickel for every time someone said, "I'm sorry" in this episode!) Julie's dad even says that he doesn't give her enough credit and that "You make the rest of the world pale." Awww! Julie and her mom have a little mother-daughter chat over smoothies, but of course, they end up talking more about Dad. That just isn't right. Can't they discuss favorite household cleansers or pain medication, or something? Anything else but Dad! When they return to the Belfort Mansion, Ol' Dad is sweeping the porch. Julie claims that she is learning to love her family for both its strengths and weaknesses, but I'm sure the next time she sees her parents, there will be more screaming in store. As if this wasn't enough drama, we're treated to a bonus round. Kelley is trying to decide whether to stay in New Orleans with her beau Peter. She admits to being indecisive, aloof and prone to say mean things to keep suitors at a safe distance. She vacillates between wanting to spend the rest of her life with Peter and wanting to be independent. For a brief while, though, it looks like she may have to be alone whether she wants to or not. Inspired by love, Peter hands Kelley a single flower, and Kelley's reply is a sarcastic, "Oh, you must really be in love with me." Not exactly the best thanks a smitten lad could receive, my bon bons, and Peter tells Kelley that he feels badly treated. What makes it worse is that Kelley doesn't really seem to understand the concept of apology, either. She basically tells Peter, "That's unfortunate, because that's my personality." Amazingly, Peter bounces back. After Kelley leaves him a somewhat remorseful phone message ( Perhaps "I'll try to change, but I can't really change the way I am" is the best she can do), Peter sneaks into Kelley's room while she's sleeping and leaves her a note on her nightstand. Upon reading it, Kelley decides she will stay in New Orleans, so I figure the message probably wasn't a death threat. Kelley sums up her decision with, "I'm jumping in head first and it feels great." At least if she gets a concussion, Dr. Peter will be handy to salve her wounds. Did You Know? The deadline to send in your video auditions to Bunim-Murray is Saturday, October 14th. If you haven't sent it in yet, sweeties, get to it! Who's Shirtless: Okay, it's not so unusual to see Danny or Jamie without their shirts (1 scene each), but Julie? Since she's rushing to change into some respectable clothes for temple, however, it probably doesn't count as a sin. Who Cries: But of course, it's Julie! Several times! Most Annoying: For sheer decibels in this episode, it's Julie. Best Quote: What would make Monsieur Romantique finally settle down? David admits, "It would have to be a fine-ass broad." Next Week: Julie and Jamie sitting in a tree...
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