#the raydor/flynn/beck family

[milquetoast-on-acid]

Conspiracy Theory pt.2, A Reactionary Post

I pledge my faithfulness to you in sickness and in health. Receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity.

Major Crimes | S6xE7: Episode Review I loved this episode so much more than last weeks. The tone of this case fits the tone of the personal stories. Unlike last weeks when the tone was so widely different and was kind of jarring. And with everything that is going on this season the personal storylines completely outshine the cases.

What this episode is about: The Psychological Effects of Rape and Sexual Harassment Vanessa Gus (& Rusty): Was it Consensual or Non-Consensual? Love your life, Sharon Raydor Flynn The Misunderstood Feminist Bonnie Pearl Sharon Raydor Working Families The Landon's The Raydor/Flynn/Beck Family Fidelity & Support: Those that have it & Those that don't | Maternal Love   Andrea & Rusty   Bonnie & Vanessa   Sharon & Rusty | Romantic Love   Rusty & Gus   Sharon & Andy

"There is no reason to say it is there." Even Provenza is getting annoyed with Cami.

"The last person I wanted notified is her Lawyer. No more impromptu press conferences." This is exactly what I was saying last time!

"She had trouble sleeping." "So she texted her attorney?" Andy finishing Sharon's sentence like this gives me life and makes me laugh.

"Your not my type. Your too far over 30." I love how Cami uses Curtis' words and throws them back in his face.

"Oh my god. You guys lie to people even when you don't have to." Nice throw back to the first few seasons when all Rusty said was all the Police do is lie to everyone. And I am never going to be a cop.

"We just can't let this asshole walk out of here." There is one crime that Andy hates above all else and that seems to be rape. He always reacts very strongly to rape cases. Remember what he did to Crolick, who got away after he raped a woman and then set fire to her? He sent Crolick flowers every year on her death saying "Happy Death Day." to remind him that there is someone out there that wont ever forget what he did. It even gave Brenda the idea to send Stroh flowers.

Sharon's shoes I feel like this is another case of Mary wanting to wear her own personal footwear in the show. I get that she's not working right now but man those are some ugly shoes. 

Not to mention these shoes here. I get that Sharon's probably supposed to have swollen legs at this point due to her Cardiomyopathy. But they didn't have to pick some butt ass ugly shoes for her to wear.

The Psychological Effects of Rape and Sexual Harassment

Vanessa

Don't really know much about Vanessa's behavior before she was raped but it had a very serious effect on her. She became rather antisocial. She didn't want any kind of attention directed to her and several of her coworkers knew that she was suicidal. To the point that they thought she'd killed herself and wasn't surprised to hear about her death. 

Gus (& Rusty) Rusty & Gus: Was a Consensual or Non-Consensual? TVfanatic's review of this weeks episode makes a rather interesting theory about what's going on with Gus. IF Gus was raped by Aiden. It might explain some of his behavior. Gus completely taking the blame and telling Rusty not to blame Aiden at all. Often times a victim of rape will take all of the blame of their rape, sometimes thinking that they deserved it. Gus avoiding Rusty. At the beginning of the season, Gus was deliberately avoiding Rusty. This could be because of him trying to deal with the rape.

If it was non-consensual why would Gus tell Rusty that he slept with Aiden? Maybe he's just too embarrassed to admit that it was rape. If it was Rape this changes things completely.

On the other hand... If it was consensual as Gus said to Rusty. Gus' behavior in this could also be explained as guilt over what he had done. Gus wanting to take the blame, because he is the cause of hurting both of them. Gus avoiding Rusty in the beginning of the season could be guilt about what he had done and not knowing how to fix it. 

If Gus did sleep with Aiden. Like he said he did. Then I urge Rusty to not take Gus back. Even if Gus will never look at another man while their together. Trust is something that is completely lost between them. And even if Rusty could forgive Gus one day, he will never forget. On a personal note this is something that destroyed my friend's marriage. My friend's husband swore he'd never cheat again but he did over and over again. And my friend could never completely trust him again. 

"I feel like I'm being bought out for sex it's gross." "And just so you know when I was being bought for sex, I made ten grand. Ever." DAMN there is so much being flung at the other here. Both of them flinging words of bitterness. It's interesting that he would bring up something so closely connected to Rusty's past. Considering that Rusty found out that Gus told Aiden about Rusty having been a prostitute. Which makes me think he never understood that part of Rusty's past.

"I'm sorry if I upset you. I was never very good at making you happy." A nice bit of Rusty being self aware. My how you have grown. Rusty ignoring Gus the way Gus was ignoring Rusty.

Love your life, Sharon Raydor Flynn

Sharon showing up at crime scenes this season is great but it also highlights a part of what Sharon is going through with her illness. Sharon has never shown up this much to crime scenes. Sharon is very dedicated to her work but is not the workaholic that Brenda was. She lets her team do their jobs and doesn't feel the need to stick her fingers in every pie. But I think with this illness creeping up on her, it is really throwing her for a loop.

Andy really is not the only one that's in denial about her illness. She's going to have to take a step back, probaby retirement. And for her to lose her career, something she's fought so hard for, one she loves so very much. A career that is so very much a part of her identity is enormisly hard for her to face.  And so she's pushing herself to be everywhere because of that. As soon as Sharon starts to go down everyone rushes to her side. Amy making it the fastest to her, and is ready to catch her if she faints again. Provenza looks like he's about to have a heart attack.

"I don't need anyone to come pick me up." "Oh no, no no no. I am the incident Commander and I will not have you collapsing in my crime scene. Now, you are over doing it. I will call paramedics. They can be here in ten minutes." Provenza reacts so fast in having Wes call Andy and having Buzz grab her a drink. Considering his reaction to her collapse the last time, for the very reason that he cares so deeply for her he does not want her collapsing on him, again. He's fighting with her here to get her to slow down and rest and is losing the battle. Fortunetly though Wes did follow through on Provenza's order and did call Andy. Who we assume picked her up and droped her off back at home to rest. I love his and Julio's reaction to Cami picking up Sharon's train of thought. Like WTF Cami!? The woman is about to collapse again we don't want her pushing herself the way she seems determined to do. And we don't want to encourage it.

"Sharon Raydor slept in and the world didn't implode." Why do I feel this is as much a knock on us as it is about the characters? About how we won’t explode if Sharon is not in every scene. IMO, that was never the complaint. Much more about quality of scenes instead of quantity. Which we are finally getting. 

The Misunderstood Feminist

Bonnie Pearl "I think Bonnie Pearl was more of a Maternal Figure."

I kind of had a feeling that they were going to go this route with Bonnie. And that she would eventually parallel with Sharon and boy do they ever. Especially with the whole Bonnie & Jerry, Sharon & Jack parallels. Bonnie is a tough go getter, a woman in a male dominated career and it seems misunderstood. Much in the way that Sharon Raydor is. Turns out the woman was very motherly towards Vanessa. Bonnie building a case against Vanessa's rapist really reminds me of that time that Sharon was very deliberate about how she dealt with Daniel Dunn after he beat Rusty. 

My question here is why was Bonnie so close to Vanessa when she wasn't close to her son? What happened there? 

Sharon "Your stronger than you think." Much like with Bonnie Pearl, Sharon was very misunderstood. Introduced into the show as the antagonist, who was not necessarily wrong. And the more that we got to know her, the more we realized we were very wrong about who she was. Both woman project an image of a tough feminist who seems rather uninterested in other's feelings. Sharon's seemingly emotionally aloofness is (in part ) a defense mechanism to protect her rather soft inner core. One that gets attached to people that seem to be emotionally damaged. Because she sees things in them that many others don't. Bonnie and Vanessa are the parallel to Sharon and Rusty.

Working Families

"It's wonderful don't you think, working with your family?" The Landon's

So it seems like Dr Peppy works with his family. I personally wouldn't let Disgusting Jr anywhere near my job. He seems like a spoiled brat who would rather be raging around with his hormones. Dr Peppy seems to be the showmen (and loves it) and Mrs Peppy seems to be the one to manage his time. Mrs Peppy definitely has the gumption to kill.

The Raydor/Flynn/Beck Family

Rusty & Gus "What's going on there?"

Rusty is really taking on some of Sharon's personality. When Sharon asks Rusty about his phone going off and why he keeps declining the calls. He knowingly deflects. And Sharon being Sharon who has to know everything that's going on with her children's emotional well being. Won't drop it. 

"I'm sure that Gus will come around." One thing that I find odd (but also not) is Sharon's reaction to Gus sleeping with Aiden. Sharon has this ability to see the good in people, when no one else can. It is her greatest strength as a person and her greatest weakness. I would think that Sharon would be more pissed off at Gus for sleeping with Aiden and hurting Rusty so badly. But Sharon still seems very Team Gus. I get the feeling that Sharon thinks there is more to the story than what Rusty is being told. 

As odd as this may seem it is very Sharon. This is the woman that didn't divorce Jack Raydor until 25 years after first separating from him. The woman that took in a boy no one else wanted and fought her almost every step of the way until he fell in love with her. The woman that saw a loving father who desperately wanted to fix his relationships with them, when everyone else saw a bitter angry man. 

Rusty Graduates and Sharon laments

Sharon's emotional outburst is interesting for a number of reasons. It was heartwarming, emotional, sad, and with a nice light humorous touch. Rarely do we see Sharon this emotional. Her emotional outburst is a mixture of her happiness of having Rusty graduate college. Happiness of having a partner that she can truly lean on. And fear of losing all of that with her illness. Rusty seemed to be taken aback at how emotional she was over his diploma. I'm not sure he's ever seen her this emotional. 

I also feel like that Sharon and Andy's behavior during this scene was interesting. Sharon putting her used tissue in his hand and him hold out his handkerchief to her was very fluid behavior. Like this is something they have done before and many times. Particularly when the two of them go out to the movies. Andy has to fill his pockets up with tissue for whenever Sharon bursts into tears. He always makes sure to keep one of his pockets empty because she always hands her used tissues to him. 

What I love is that Sharon is so comfortable giving him her used tissue. And that he's so comfortable taking it. And that he's waiting right there holding out his hankerchief, knowing that she's not done and that she's going to need it. Sharon apologizes for her outburst. Sharon you don't need to apologize for being emotional. Both of them understand. I love how Rusty is all, I almost cried myself. And Andy was like you are going through a lot of emotions right now with your illness. You being emotional is completely expected. 

"We'll keep him safe. As safe as a future attorney." "Oh my son, the Lawyer." OMG! We've got two very proud parents of their son! 

"This is the happiest I have ever been in my entire life." First she tells Ricky how her heart is full. And now she tells Andy and Rusty that she's never been happier in her whole life. Season 5b, we got Sharon telling us she's the happiest she's ever been in her professional life. Now we get Sharon telling us how happy she is in her personal life. Once upon a time ago, she never sought out another romantic relationship. Or another child. But both men fell into her lap so unexpectedly. She didn't need them or had any need for them in her life. She was doing just fine on her own. But like in life, people come into your life when they are supposed to. 

She didn't need Rusty but he needed someone to love and care for him. Would anyone ever thought he would have aspired to become a lawyer? She certainly didn't need another romantic relationship. There was already enough drama from her first marriage and life was good as a separated independent woman. While she would have been perfectly fine without Andy. The thing about their relationship is that they have both managed to heal the other. And for both of them to have someone they can lean on for emotional support. Which is a HUGE thing for both of them. 

Sharon's perfect husband loves kissing her hands. We get two of them in this episode!

Love how this scene here ends with the three of them as their little modge podge family.

Fidelity & Support: Those that have it & Those that don't

Maternal Love

Andrea & Rusty

That look that Andrea gives Gus gives me life. She doesn’t even address him. She only speaks to Rusty. Andrea is like Rusty's Aunt who loves and wants to protect him. As soon as she found out they broke up Gus was in the gutter. And I would bet that from that look she knows why they broke up. What I find interesting is that Rusty told Andrea that he broke up with Gus. Once upon a time ago, Rusty wouldn't talk to Sharon about what was going on with him emotionally. Now he's telling stuff to Andrea! I love it. Rusty is growing up and becoming so much more comfortable in his skin and with the people he considers family.  What I also find interesting is that Andrea was telling Rusty that she doesn't want him spending more his time with this guy who hurt him by telling him to hurry up that he's on the clock. 

I am 100% here for Andrea & Rusty Auntship/Mentorship. I love how this season is lowkey showing how much the two of them care about the other. It's usually Sharon that is very sentive about Rusty's feelings. But with the two working so closely now, Andrea and Rusty have really gotten to know each other. Andrea has gotten very protective of Rusty in her own way.

Bonnie & Vanessa It really seems that Bonnie has taken Vanessa under her wing. And was very maternal towards her. Encouraging her to go to see a psychologist and to keep seeing her. Which really makes sense just how emotional Vanessa was after Bonnie's murder. I had thought that Vanessa had something to do with her death (such as her having killed her) turns out that her connection (to her death) was much different. 

I think that a lot of Vanessa's coworkers and fellow members in the lawsuit againest Tackles. Knew how close the two of them were and Bonnie's death could have fueled a suicidal spiral for Vanessa. Vanessa was already suicidal and having someone who was a huge fountain of support just gone. Could have eventually lead her to suicide.

Sharon & Rusty Much like with Bonnie and Vanessa. Sharon and Rusty's relationship is also very similar. Both Sharon and Bonnie 'adopted' a child that was not their flesh and blood. And became a huge support system for them. Both Vanessa and Rusty have suffered sexual trauma's. Rusty for many years, did not deal with his past as a prostitute and his issues of abandonment. Like Bonnie, Sharon encouraged Rusty to talk to a psychiatrist. When Rusty thought that only crazy people talk to psychiatrists. And Sharon finally had to sit him down and stress that a psychiatrist isn't just for mental illness. It is also for dealing with trauma. 

Sharon was a huge source of love, fidelity and support for Rusty. That he was able to adjust and deal with his trauma. And he's turned out into a mature adult.

Romantic Love

Rusty & Gus

Even broken up Rusty is still supportive of Gus. Rusty went as far as fixing Gus' terrible harassment issue by strong-arming Aiden into signing a recommendation letter and giving Gus two months of pay. Gus on the other hand is pissed about it. I get it. It can be shameful and embarrassing. And Rusty has a tendency to stick his nose in where it doesn't belong. But, Rusty however has his heart in the right place. And Gus' first reaction to this is anger and to lash out at Rusty. But he should be thankful that Rusty was able to get that for him. 

Later on he seems to mellow out and he seems to swing from one extreme to other other. Anger at Rusty for sticking his nose in it. And later guilt and sadness and urging at wanting to get back together with Rusty. The thing is Gus was not faithful (as far as we know) nor does he seem very supportive of Rusty these days. 

"What other people?" "Oh do you think your the only guy that Aiden ever hired or promoted for reasons not related to job performance?" From Gus' reaction to this it really sounds like he's got feelings for Aiden. Even back in part 1, when Gus told Rusty 'blame me don't blame Aiden'. Certainly sounds like he's got feelings for the guy (not to mention being completely blind to who he is), like he's trying to protect him from Rusty. Rusty asked Gus if he was in love with Aiden. And Gus never answered him.

Sharon & Andy "Part of loving my life is keeping my spouse happy right now." Andy doing his best to take care of Sharon and keep her happy as well. Slipping her a bottle of water to remind her to take her pills. In a very discriet way in front of Mason, who apparently has no idea the sevritity of Sharon's illness. Mason seems to notice it though. Love the way Sharon takes her pills so very fast. Much like with their romance their totally odvious.

Doctor's visit

I love how this scene starts! Sharon's got her head on Andy's shoulder. Clutching his arm and stroking it with her thumb. She looks so scared about what the specialist is going to reveal about her illness. It is a great scene of vulnerability. Once the doors open however she straightens up and puts on her mask. I really love this because of how much she is physically and emotionally leaning on Andy for support. This is what being married is supposed to be about. Having a partner who will be there for you for the rest of your life. Who will support and love you in whatever you do. And I really feel like this is the first time we are seeing Sharon lean on him like this. It is also a hint of the things that we don't see. In that Sharon is only vulnerable like that with Andy. 

While Sharon does look more put together emotionally after they walk out of the elevator. She does still seem so very uncertain and scared. Andy of course notices this and calls her out on it, thinking it's her illness. He's afraid she may collapse on him. Especially with her scare earlier in the episode. 

It's really interesting that it's Andy that leads them out of the elevator and to the door. Sharon is always the one to walk ahead, she's always confident about what she's doing. She is always the leader carring the rest of the pack. In this instance, Sharon needs him to be strong for her. And he certainly doesn't let her down.

"But if anything were to happen." "Sharon, nothing is going to happen." "No I know but I need to say this. If anything were to happen, please, and please look after my children." "Of course." A few things to note from this conversation. The Laura Roslin illusions are strong and I don’t like it. Parallels to conversation that Laura had with Bill about what kind of funeral service she would want. Another thing is Andy's is still very much in denial. One thing is for sure is that Sharon's life will have to change. Another thing is Sharon's trust in Andy. Sharon could never trust Jack to ever be there for Emily and Ricky. Not when they were married. She can breathe a little easier knowing that there is someone she can rely on to help her children deal with her death. 

Another thing that I just love about their relationship. Or Andy's behavior in their relationship. Is how much of a gentleman he is to her. Always. They say it's the little things that count in a relationship. And Andy is always opening doors for her. Always letting her have the more comfortable seat and in some cases letting her have the only seat. It is such a sweet and loving touch. That has always said to me "I love you so very much, so I will put you first." I love how he still does this and that it didn't stop once they got together. 

"We'll be two injured hearts beating together as one." "Oh my god, that sounds like a bad country western song." I love this. It's so corny but the thing about it is. It gets Sharon to laugh. Which is ALWAYS his goal when his lady is down. I also love how this whole entire conversation changes tones on a dime. First Sharon is talking about her last wishes. Then Andy is trying to lighten the mood and their is so much mirth. And it makes me so happy that both of them are so happy. Just makes me think that the two of them are laying in their bedroom cuddling and giggling about the dumbest stuff. 

“I've been so happy in my life but walking through that door to see yet another Doctor could change everything." "Not everything, never everything." Throughout all of this Sharon is so uncertain about what is going to happen. She's scared and frightened. But she is not alone. And I love how Andy reassures her that their is one certainty in her life and that is that Andy will always be there for her. He will always love her. And that will never change. She will have him for support for the rest of their lives. And that makes it that much easier for her to face whatever is going to happen beyond that door.  

The way that he looks at her when he says "Not Everything, Never Everything." with so much damned love! Andy loves you so freaking much. He will be strong for you when you aren't. He will be here when you need him. He will help you find your way when you are lost. I love all of this so much because Sharon is always strong. She is always the one to guide others. Care and carry them and help them through emotional issues. It is really wonderful to see someone else being strong for her. And who better than her perfect husband. 

Plus there's that whole doors thing again. And this time both of them are walking through the doors. Together.

Speculation: Does anyone else think that Aiden will be back wrecking havit for Rusty?

Vanessa's missing books could be Dr Landon's books but....if Dr Landon is her rapist, why would she keep her rapist's books? 

Vanessa was stunned to keep her from attacking her killer. That certainly makes it easy for a small person or a woman who's not very strong to kill her. Much like there has been a lot of speculation that Dr Landon's wife is the killer.

What I don't like: I don't think I can really think of anything. Well maybe Rusty and Gusty angst is a little too much in this episode. Also Sharon’s casual shoes are butt ugly in this episode. You can have casual wear and still not look like a grandma. 

What I do like: 

This episode was EMOTIONAL AF. Angsty AF, heartwarming and loving. Lots of personal stuff. Just the type of stuff we have all been waiting for. Another amazing Family scene, Another amazing Shandy scene! 

Sharon and Andy’s casual wear to the doctors. Loved Sharon’s dress and Andy looked so much more handsome in that jacket than that grandpa sweater he wore in Sanctuary City pt5.

So much of this episode is about Fidelity. I never realized just how much until I started piecing it together. It's a nice thing to explore after Sharon and Andy just got married. How much Sharon is relying on Andy to be strong for her. And how much Andy is being a great source of strength for her! Mary who once again knocked it out of the park with her performance.

[ila9182]

Fictober - “I could really eat something.”

New prompt for Fictober! This story is a very silly one.

Fandom: Major Crimes - Sharon & Andy

Genre: Humour and family.

Mistakes are all mine. I hope you will enjoy this story! ;)

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25. “I could really eat something.”

“Thank you again Rusty for picking us up from the airport.” Emily said with a smile, turning her head to look at her younger brother. “We’re so going to surprise Mom!” She added, clapping happily.

Rusty rolled his eyes at his sister’s overdone cheerfulness and replied, keeping his eyes on the road as he drove his siblings to the condo, “About that, Em’… I think it’s better if we give Mom a call, so we can tell her we’re coming home early…”

“Oh come on, baby bro, you’re no fun!” Ricky exclaimed from the back seat, as he leaned to pat his brother’s shoulder. “It’s not a surprise anymore if we call to tell her we’re about to arrive.”

“Listen, I don’t think it’s a good idea.” Rusty insisted with a sigh. “Isn’t it already a surprise if you tell her that you two are in town?”

“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that.” Emily replied before shaking her head, “What are you so afraid of, Rusty?” She asked curiously, glancing at her brother.

“I just want to avoid any uncomfortable situation.” Rusty cringed as his mind pictured what his mother and Andy could be up to. He shook his head in an attempt to chase those unpleasant thoughts away.

Ricky chuckled and covered his mouth with a hand when he saw Rusty glare at him in the rear-view mirror. “Mom and Andy are probably still at work.” He told his brother after he checked his watch, “Gosh, dude, you’re overdramatic.”

“I’m not, but fine, let’s do it your way.” Rusty shot back with a slightly irritated tone. He shook his head at his siblings before he complained, “You have no idea what it is like to live with those two.”

-----------

“I can’t believe we’re already home.” Sharon sighed happily as she poured hot water in her mug. She put a teabag in it and smiled when she felt Andy’s arms around her waist.

“That’s thanks to you, babe.” Andy whispered in her ear. “My soon-to-be-wife is the smartest woman in the world.” He nuzzled into her hair and dropped a kiss behind her ear. “You broke the case with your intuition.”

Sharon shivered delicately under his touch and hummed softly. Andy tightened his grip on her and started kissing her neck. A bright smile graced Sharon’s features as she asked him playfully, “Do you have something in mind, Lieutenant?”

“Maybe, Commander.” Andy teasingly replied as a hand slid under her blouse and gently rubbed the skin of her belly.

Sharon closed her eyes and leaned deeper against him. She perfectly knew what he was up to. “Care to share?” She whispered in a husky tone.

In a blink of an eye, Andy turned her in his arms and crashed his lips against hers. Sharon moaned in the kiss and deepened it, locking her arms around his neck. Andy pulled her closer to him, an arm around her waist while his other hand ran up and down the skin of her back. Sharon moaned again and fuzzily reached out, untucking his shirt from his pants and unbuttoning it. She then slid her hand underneath the fabric and grazed the skin of his chest.

Andy hissed under her soft touch and whispered hoarsely, his eyes darker than usual, “Babe, if you keep this up, we won’t make it to the bedroom.”

Sharon’s lips moved to his neck and she left a trail of kisses there. “Who says I want to go to the bedroom?” She replied teasingly, her lips brushing against his skin as she spoke.

“Rusty?” Andy wondered with a last bit of sanity. The last thing he wanted was for Rusty to walk on them. They would never live through it.

“He said he would be working late with Andrea.” Sharon replied, punctuating each word with a kiss. “Couch, Andy!” She then ordered him, gently tugging at his shirt.

“Yes, Ma’am.” Andy simply nodded before he caught her lips with his for another hungry kiss.

Sharon wrapped her arms once again around his neck, a hand pulling lightly at his hair. Andy slowly moved her backwards to the living room as they kept kissing. She realized they had reached the couch when she felt her legs meet an obstacle. Andy’s hands fidgeted with her blouse and he finally managed to open it. He gently laid her down on the couch. Sharon pulled him to her with a smirk as her hands moved to unbuckle his belt.

Andy broke the kiss and muttered against her lips, “My God, Sharon, I…”

They suddenly heard the sound of a key turning in the lock and they pulled apart, their eyes widening. Before they could even react, the door swung open. In a desperate attempt to get a grip on themselves, Andy rolled off the couch and fell on the floor with a pained groan. Sharon immediately sat on the couch, clenching her blouse to cover her chest, as her eyes met her children’s shocked faces.

“Emily, Ricky, what…?” Sharon fumbled, startled.

The room stayed silent for a few seconds, awkwardness filling the air. Emily then took a step forward, “Surprise, Mom!” She exclaimed with a theatrical hand gesture and an awkward smile.

Ricky rubbed his forehead with a hand while Rusty cringed at the scene in front of him. He couldn’t help but throw an I told you so look at his siblings. Ricky punched lightly his brother’s upper arm in response while Emily rolled her eyes.

Sharon turned to look worriedly at Andy who was sitting on the floor, resting his arm on the couch as he winced in pain. Her hand went to cup his face as she whispered softly to him, “Andy, are you okay?”

“Well, aside my ego, you mean? I’m fine.” Andy reassured her with a light smile. He then turned to Sharon’s children and told them, rubbing his neck uncomfortably, “Hey kiddos, welcome home. I hope you don’t mind if we don’t greet you properly, but…”

“Oh please, Andy. Don’t worry about it.” Emily replied in a half panicked, half amused tone. She waved a reassuring hand at her mother and Andy. The situation was already awkward enough; the welcome hugs could wait.

“Gross! I am so not sitting on that couch everagain.” Ricky let out in an overdramatic tone.

“Ricky!” Emily hissed, elbowing her brother. When her brother turned to look at her and shrugged, she threw him a deadly stare. Emily ran a hand through her hair and cleared her throat. “Uhm, I think… Uhm… I could really eat something.” She fumbled before turning to meet her younger brother’s gaze, “What about that burger place you told us about, Rusty?”

“Burger place?” Rusty repeated, as if he didn’t know the meaning of those two words. His mind was still blank as he tried to recover from the initial shock. He was starting to believe his mother and Andy were trying to scar him for life. If this was their intent, they were making a pretty good job at it.

“Geez, I can’t believe you are willing to eat that kind of food! What happened to the I must eat healthy, I’m a ballerina-Emily?” Ricky teased his sister. He covered his mouth with a hand when a chuckle escaped his lips.

“I do eat junk food, idiot.” Emily shot back to Ricky, slowly emphasizing each word. Even if her last statement wasn’t true, it wasn’t the time to admit it. They definitely needed an excuse to get out of this embarrassing situation. Emily then turned her attention to her mother and Andy and said, “Well, we’ll be back in a few with food… and we will reenact the welcome home scene.” She paused and pointed a finger at them before adding in a half serious, half joking tone, “Minus your awkward moment on the couch.”

Sharon and Andy exchanged a look and stayed silent. They watched Emily open the door and get out, followed by Rusty.

“We’ll be right back, Mom, Andy.” Ricky told them with a small smile before closing the front door behind him.

Sharon and Andy stared at the front door in silence for a few seconds. They then met each other’s gazes and a nervous laugh escaped Sharon’s lips. She covered her mouth with a hand and managed to mutter, “Oh my God.”

“Definitely.” Andy agreed with a chuckle. He shook his head at the ridiculous situation they got themselves in. He was too old for all this. “I might never be able to get up off the floor.” He informed Sharon with a groan.

“I’m sorry, honey, but you’ll have to. We don’t want the kids to be back and find us still here.” Sharon told him with a sweet smile as her hand ruffled his salt-and-pepper hair. She leaned in to drop a kiss on his forehead and met Andy’s loving brown eyes. Sharon traced an invisible path along his face, only stopping to briefly stroke his cheek before going on. Her hand then reached for his chin and she gently lifted it with her thumb. She leaned in and kissed him tenderly. She then stood from the couch and extended a hand to help Andy to his feet, “Come on, let’s freshen up before they come back home.”

[roslinadama-sinequanon]

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sharon and Andy had a wonderful first Thanksgiving as a married couple. Ricky and his girlfriend Tess arrived on the day before the holiday and plan to stay through the weekend. Emily couldn’t make it and instead is spending the holiday with her grandparents on the east coast, however, she’s definitely coming home for Christmas. Sharon, Andy, Ricky, Tess, and Rusty all went Nicole’s for dinner. While chatting at the Fourth of July barbecue Sharon and Andy threw, Nicole mentioned dividing up the holidays and while Sharon loves both Thanksgiving and Christmas she chose to host Christmas Eve as that is her real favorite holiday. 

The Flynn/Raydor/Becks arrived with Sharon’s traditional stuffing, a recipe passed down from her grandmother, antipasto chosen by Andy for hors-d'oeuvres, and two pies they baked together. The family spent the afternoon eating, watching football and playing a lively game of football in the backyard. Now Sharon and Andy are eagerly awaiting celebrating their one year anniversary next week and Sharon can’t wait to start decorating their new home for holidays. Life is good.  

[madamairlock]

Turns out Emily is actually the adopted one.

i can’t believe sharon raydor married a man that wears a pinky ring

[nathaliabristow]

Chapter 3 is finally up. I added some drama. I promise Sharon doesn’t die. The same goes for anyone she cares about. Suggestions about how Sharon chooses to respond are welcome!

[zeldaspells]

Major Crimes for the fandom thingy 😜

Top 5 favourite characters: Sharon Raydor, Andy Flynn, Louie Provenza, Mike Tao, Andrea HobbsLeast favourite character: Sharon BeckOtps: SHANDYNotps: Sharon/ProvenzaFavourite friendship: Sharon/Provenza, because its unexpected but its so strong Favourite family: The Raydor/Beck/Flynn familyFavourite episode: 3x13 AKA Acting Out AKA A Shandy shippers dreamFavourite season/book/movie: Season 2 because of the magic unicorn hairFavourite quote: “I’ll wait, in case you need me.” -Andy FlynnMoment that made you fangirl/boy the hardest: Jealous Sharon throughout 5x04When it really disappointed you: Every scene with Sharon Beck and when Gusty got an ILY scene and Shandy didn’t Saddest moment: There was this moment in White Lies part one, after Sharon shot Dwight and Taylor had been killed when Sharon was sitting on the court bench, staring into space with her hand over her mouth trying to comprehend what just happened, and that was the saddest moment for me. Most well done character death: Taylor, seeing as how that was really the only one. Favourite guest star: Kathe Mazur, who is technically a guest star. If not her, I’ll say Julie Ann Emery, because it was our mutual hatred for her character that brought @illusionlovers and I together. Favourite cast member: Mary McDonnellCharacter you wish was still alive: not applicable, because I didn’t really care for Taylor.One thing you hope really happens: CAN WE SEE SOME GODDAMN SHANDY PROGRESS LIKE MAYBE AN I LOVE YOU SCENEMost shocking twist: Stephanie Dunn. Nothing else to say about it. When did you start watching/reading: From the beginning Trope you wish they would stop using: Sharon’s sole purpose being a mother. Like, she has depth.  Can we please explore it. One thing this show/book/film does better than others: DIVERSITY.  The cast. I mean. Funniest moments: Ummm....every ProFlynnza episode, all of 4x04 and 5x04. And Andy making an ass of himself in 3x13.Couple you would like to see: SHANDY. Let’s be real.  We don’t ever see them. Actor/Actress you want to join the cast: Edward James OlmosMost boring plotline: RUSTY BECK.  How many times can we see the same story with him?Best flashback/flashfoward if any: Have there been any long term flashbacks? Most layered character: I honestly think Julio Sanchez.  He has this tough guy exterior but deep down he’s so much more, and if we took 5 minutes away from Rusty we would get to see that. Scariest moment: I’m not sure.  Nothing has been “Scary.”Grossest moment: Close ups on rotted teeth in the morgue. Best looking male: Andy Flynn/Tony DenisonBest looking female: Sharon Raydor/Mary McDonnellWho you’re crushing on (if any): Sharon Raydor/Mary McDonnell/Andy Flynn/Tony Denison i mean they’re sooooooooooo cute.Most beautiful scene (scenery/shot wise): That scene from 5x07 in the courtyard of the hotel with all the overhead shots.  Unanswered question/continuity issue/plot error that bugs you: I have so many unanswered questions I don’t even want to get into it.At what point did you fall in love with this show/book: Literally at the very beginning. 

[iblamethenubbins]

The Closer/Major Crimes

oh cool, thanks :D

(for this meme)

Top 5 favourite characters: 

Sharon Raydor

Brenda Leigh Johnson

Dr Morales

Rusty Beck

Andrea Hobbs

Least favourite character: Right now it’s Andy Flynn, mostly because of the unbearable sappiness he has going on with Sharon, but I never really liked him much. Otps: ♥♥♥ BRENDA X SHARON 5EVER ♥♥♥Notps: Shandy. Sharon x Jack.Favourite friendship: Brenda x SharonFavourite family: Sharon x RustyFavourite episode: It’s a toss between Living Proof and Last Woman Standing from the Closer. For Major Crimes I loved Boys will be boys and Frozen Assets.Favourite season/book/movie: The Closer Season 6 probably. First season of Major Crimes wasn’t bad either.Favourite quote: “This is my Captain Raydor. I-I-I mean, my friend, Captain Sharon. I mean my friend Sharon Raydor!”Moment that made you fangirl/boy the hardest: ^^^ that moment ^^^ Also Sharon using her beanbag gun.When it really disappointed you: When they went the Shandy route and forgot about Darth Raydor. Saddest moment: Brenda’s mother’s death ;(Most well done character death: The one where Sharon goes to ask the victim what his name is so she can put it on his death certificate.Favourite guest star: Jamie BamberFavourite cast member: Mary.Character you wish was still alive: Brenda’s mom.One thing you hope really happens: Shandy breaking up. Brenda coming back (yes, it’s one thing. Strictly connected.) Most shocking twist: I don’t think I was ever truly shocked. But I was annoyed by Sharon Beck’s pregnancy. Like, nope, no time for this shit.(the trial shooting and Taylor’s death would have been pretty shocking except it was spoiled for me in here so it lost its shock value)When did you start watching/reading: Sometime in 2015, right after finishing BSG.Trope you wish they would stop using: Main character with no storyline? Apparently it’s a trope, cause it’s happening a little too much lately. Also all the misogynist crap they keep pulling on Major Crimes (like *oh what a surprise the murderer is The Woman wow*)One thing this show/book/film does better than others: Right now it has Mary in it and other shows don’t.Funniest moments: Pretty much all of Fool’s Gold. And Living Proof. Can’t pick just one. Oh and “I’ll just go in there and be myself.” “That is a terrible idea.”Couple you would like to see: ♥BRENDAANDSHARON♥Actor/Actress you want to join the cast: Kyra Sedgwick. Most boring plotline: Sharon Beck’s pregnancy. Anything Shandy-related.Best flashback/flashfoward if any: do they even do them?Most layered character: BrendaScariest moment: anything with Philip fucking StrohGrossest moment: Shandy momentsBest looking male: ??? Dunno. Dr Morales maybe? *shrugs*Best looking female: SHARONWho you’re crushing on (if any): SHARON. Not as much as I used to but I still only watch it for her.Most beautiful scene (scenery/shot wise): This. And This. I am a simple woman with simple needs.Unanswered question/continuity issue/plot error that bugs you: Where the fuck is Philip Stroh. Just put him back in prison for God’s sake.At what point did you fall in love with this show/book: I’ve never been *in love* with the show. I’ve been in love with Sharon Raydor. But it probably only started after I finished reading Giving up on greener grasses by missparker. I fell in love with her Sharon and that was it.

[forwhateveritsworthyoudidgreat]

IN DEPTH FANDOM QUESTIONS

Send me a show/fandom and ill answer - MAJOR CRIMES Top 5 favourite characters: Sharon Raydor, Andy Flynn, Louie Provenza, Andrea Hobbs, Fritz Howard Other characters you like: Doctor Joe, Amy Sykes, Julio Sanchez, Doctor Morales Least favourite character: Sharon Beck Otps: Sharon Raydor/Andy Flynn (aka Shandy)

Notps: Provenza/Sharon Favourite friendship: Andrea Hobbs/Sharon Raydor Favorite Family: The Raydor Family

Favourite episode: Season 4 Episode 5 Favourite season/book/movie: Favorite season 5 Favourite quote: “Whatever happens next, know that I love you.” Moment that made you fangirl/boy the hardest: Andy Flynn asking Sharon out on a “date” When it really disappointed you: The list is long and not exactly the show itself but the creator. Saddest moment: Sharon shooting Dwight Darnell in the courtroom Most well done character death: Russell Taylor (R.I.P) Favourite guest star: Daniel Di Tomasso Favourite cast member: Mary McDonnell Character you wish was still alive: We don’t have that much deaths on the show so only one I can think of is Russell Taylor One thing you hope really happens: Sharon  and Andy getting married and living in a cabinet away from everything Most shocking twist: Phillip Stroh’s escape When did you start watching/reading: Since The Closer season 5 then continued to watch MC Trope you wish they would stop using: Really can’t think of anything One thing this show/book/film does better than others: Doesn’t mix fiction with real life. Everything is in line with the law and LAPD rules. Funniest moments: Christmas episodes are always funny  Couple you would like to see: Buzz/Emily Raydor Actor/Actress you want to join the cast: Julianne Moore as Sharon’s sister  Most boring plotline: Can’t think of one at the moment Best flashback/flashfoward if any: --- Most layered character: Sharon Raydor Scariest moment: Rusty’s *almost* kidnapping (Wade Weller case) Grossest moment: We don’t have that or I can’t think of one. Best looking male: Buzz Watson Best looking female: Mary McDonnell Who you’re crushing on (if any): I have a crush on middle aged actresses. So Mary Mcdonnell! Most beautiful scene (scenery/shot wise): Andy waving his hand to Sharon while on his way to  surgery Unanswered question/continuity issue/plot error that bugs you: What happened to Phillip Stroh? Is he coming back? At what point did you fall in love with this show/book: The moment I set eyes on it. Truly.

@thexfilesmostunwanted

Just to pay you back go for The X Files sweetheart hahahahah :D

[madamairlock]

major crimes

Thanks, nonnie!

Top 5 favourite characters: Not like there’s that many characters but.... Sharon, Andrea, Andy, Morales, and Sharon’s kids, Other characters you like: All of them?Least favourite character: Emma RiosOtps: ShandyNotps: I don’t think I have one. Favourite friendship: Sharon and AndreaFavourite family: The Raydor-Beck-Flynn-Wallace familyFavourite episode: Down the Drain. The one where Sharon adopts Rusty.Favourite season/book/movie: Season three. Sharon’s hair is marvelous.Favourite quote: “There is a difference, you know, between being mentally ill and being emotionally injured.”Moment that made you fangirl/boy the hardest: Either the Shandy kiss or when he asked her out on a date.When it really disappointed you: Heh. Where to start?Saddest moment: It’s a show about murder........Most well done character death: I don’t think anyone has died....Favourite guest star: either Jamie Bamber or Jeri Ryan.Favourite cast member: Mary McDonnell, duhCharacter you wish was still alive: No one has died, but I’d love to see Brenda come back.One thing you hope really happens: SHANDYMost shocking twist: Hm. Andy’s latest injury??????When did you start watching/reading: Oh. Um. July of 2015.Trope you wish they would stop using: ANDY HAVING MEDICAL ISSUESOne thing this show/book/film does better than others: Representation :)Funniest moments: The one that comes to mind is the scene where Sharon hugs the knockoff purse and doesn’t want to give it up.Couple you would like to see: SHANDYActor/Actress you want to join the cast: Edward James OlmosMost boring plotline: Sharon Beck and her pregnancy.Best flashback/flashfoward if any: The only flashback I can think of is the most recent episode where the case was kept up to date from Sharon’s confession.Most layered character: Not Sharon, that’s for sure. Scariest moment: I’m not sure.Grossest moment: There was a case where I think the dead guy had the bone poking out of his broken leg or something.Best looking male: Andy, I guess.Best looking female: Definitely Sharon.Who you’re crushing on (if any): Again, Sharon.Most beautiful scene (scenery/shot wise): I really, really loved Provenza’s wedding.Unanswered question/continuity issue/plot error that bugs you: Um. Anything to do with Shandy.At what point did you fall in love with this show/book: Pretty much the first episode.

[milquetoast-on-acid]

Intersection, A Reactionary Post

Wow! What can I say!? That episode was amazing! Really brought the feelings.

What this episode was about: Intersections: a point or line common to lines or surfaces that intersect. The past is never really over Making changes for better or for worse

The past is never really over

Stroh I still stand by what I said in one of my previous reviews. I really think that Sharon holding back the information on Stroh is going to come back and bite her in the ass. Knowing Stroh as we do, he will turn back up unexpectedly and catch Rusty completely unaware. This whole plot thread (besides the obvious) is very reminiscent of how Sharon hid security on Rusty in season 4. He never found out about that but he's going to find out about Stroh (they wouldn't bring him up not to have some follow through on this) eventually. I did think for a second there that we'd get a scene with Sharon discussing Stroh with Rusty on their way out but I now really really think they are gearing up for him to come back with Rusty completely unaware. 

There seems to be a lot of possible foreshadowing for the two part season finale. The older couple that ended up losing their kid. A kid that had his life changed by tragic circumstances. Sound a bit familar? Kind of like Rusty Beck who's live was changed by tragic circumstances for the better. 

And a mother than ends up killing the couples kid over revenge. She was clearly obsessed with her sons accidental killer. And never could get any peace with it. Much like Stroh's obsession with tying up any loose ends.

That vacant spot...The assistant Chief So this whole entire plot is a gigantic huge nod to Brenda being up for chief of police. Both woman are happy, satisfied where they were at and neither wanted the job. And Sharon's rivalry with Davis is so reminiscent of her previous antagonistic relationship with Brenda. 

This last scene in this episode is so very much like the scene in Last Woman Standing. When Sharon comes to Brenda to wish her well. Both Brenda and Sharon are wearing red to their interview. Although in this case Provenza is trying to tell Sharon he's going to retire but then Sharon ambushes him with a shit load of feelings and he (and us) end the episode not knowing where anything is going to end up. 

I also felt her conversation with him also reminded me of their first big conversation (where she convinces him to stay at MC). The biggest difference is how they feel about each other. Whether Provenza wants to show it or not they both deeply care about each other. 

It's also really great seeing Sharon hug one of the squad members and just how shocked they are about it.

Making changes for better or for worse

Provenza (To Be Promoted or to Not be a Police Officer? That is the question.) I have to say that when they tackled this same issue in 5a. I never bought into it for a second but this time around I'm not so sure. They really brought Provenza down to a different level here, than we have ever seen him. I think the difference in the previous episode was that it was more about Patrice's need to have Provenza out of danger than it was about Provenza actually wanting to retire (or have a reason to).

Mason I'm still not 100% sure on him yet. I feel like I'm leaning more towards him being sincere but I feel like I will only truely know until after someone gets promoted.

Sharon I really kind of feel at this point that it's either going to be Sharon or Davis that will end up with the job as assistant chief. And I really want it to be Davis that gets it. For one thing, I think having Davis as assistant Chief will stur the pot up enough that will truly making things interesting in season 6. I would really love to see how the team would have to tackle that. They could really and truly delve into office politics. It's been a bit disappointing that they haven't really done much with that storyline so far. 

For the other reason is one I know I talked about in a previous review. Sharon doesn't want the job. I feel like it may even be a step back for her in that politics was something she had to deal heavily with in her previous job. While Sharon can much better at it than Brenda ever was. It's not something that she enjoys. More like something that she tolerates. Although maybe less than she used to since she's moved to MC.

Although know that I have re watched the episode. I'm almost totally convinced that Sharon will end up with the job and Louie will end up as the head of Major Crimes. He seemed to be sort of lost in this episode with everyone else's life being so full. I think it's pretty telling (with MC's obsession with windows and doors) that Provenza walks in one door into Sharon's office. Sharon gives Provenza her blessing (passing the baton so to speak) and then Sharon walks out of the office from the opposite door.

The Double Date I've had always wanted them to have had a double date. I think that it would be really odd for them not to, as Andy and Provenza used to double all the time when they were single. I thought it was interesting that Patrice and Provenza were so dressed up for that date. While Sharon was kind of dressy and Andy not at all. I feel like that was all Patrice and she put her foot down and told him he had to no choice but to dress up.

This is such a tiny yet interesting thing that was in the episode that I just loved. It seems that Andy and Patrice are really getting into healthy foods. Much to Provenza's obvious frustration and Sharon's loving tolerance. I really loved how it's become a bonding thing between the four of them. Can we get more of these awesome double dates please!?

Rusty and Gus So I take it from that snip-it of conversation that Rusty had with Gus. We are going to get Gus' boss to come in between him and Rusty. I've got a huge feeling that it's all been orchestrated by Stroh to get back at Rusty. Stroh is just that smart and I wouldn’t put it past him to do this to Rusty. Stroh has always had a partner in the past someone with a vulnerability that he can manipulate.

Provenza and Patrice I really wish we would get more Provenza/Patrice than one episode per season. Or really one episode every batch of new episodes. I really love their dynamic. Patrice doesn't let Louie get away with anything, they are beyond adorable and she really takes such good care of him. She's always ready with his medication or some healthy foods but she's not afraid to smack him on the head if he's being too slow about a decision. I really feel that Provenza needed someone to tell him no or set him straight about something and Patrice is it!

Sharon and Andy I was really surprised by the amount of Sharon/Andy that was in this episode. Surprised and I really really like it. I mean I guess you wouldn't have been able to tell that from my blog. 

"Some people adapt to change. And some people don't." One thing that surprised me in this episode was Provenza's reaction to Sharon/Andy's engagement. I did not expect him to be such a sour puss about it and I really don't know why he feels the way that he does. He's Provenza and so he's not happy about a lot of things but...I really thought he'd gotten over his hesitant feelings on them. He was all over the two of them when they started dating. So what's changed? 

I do know that a lot of his bad attitude at the dinner had to do with him being depressed over the case. And of how much their up coming wedding reminds him of Will and what would have been his wedding. 

I have to give a shout out to Mary's podcast. Please go listen to it if you haven't it's really great and this weeks episode was fantastic! Mary mentions how when you are dating you move into a different stage of your relationship when you get engaged. And again when you move from engaged to married. I never actually expected this kind of an impact. 

"Ye gads, their becoming telepathic." One of the things that I really love about Sharon and Andy's relationship is how their differences have made such an impact on the other. And also how their differences can get in the way of their relationship. 

For much of their relationship the two of them have been on different wavelengths regarding where the other is at (as far as development of their relationship). Andy has always been two steps ahead of Sharon. And Sharon is always lagging behind struggling to keep up but eventually she does. Andy is often very aware of what's going on with them and Sharon is usually oblivious (or in denial). The feeling I'm getting from the past few episodes is that the two of them are in the exactly same place.

Which may explain a lot of them being in such amazing sync here. They've become so attuned to the other that their finishing the other's sentences and Andy's making Sharon-like suggestions to Fritz. To the two of them being completely 100% on Stroh and them hiding it from Rusty. 

Both of them were hoping to announce their engagement via surprise party. Both Sharon and Andy were uncomfortable at having their engagement announced so suddenly in the squad room by Ricky. I think if this were Andy a few years back he'd jump at the chance to announce the wedding right away. But now I think the two of them are much more on the same level than they ever were before. 

And then there's the that whole visual thematic thing with windows and doors. After Sharon and Andy moved in together I never really expected to see a deeper level of their relationship. Really other than the two of them being all cute and domestic. So this change in their relationship through me for a loop. It was unexpected but definitely not unwelcome. I really love that it seems to be explored here. I want to see more of this. And can we get other characters commenting on it? 

Wedding Preparations Never really expected to see them talking about the wedding. I really feel kind of mixed on this. On one hand I this is Sharon Raydor so she's going to be prepared miles in advance of whatever she's planning. So it's not necessarily surprising that they are pick out wedding invitations. On the other hand it feels kind of fast for Sharon. Everything (including the pace of their relationship) has been sped up because they had thought that 5b would be the last episode of MC.

A/N: Well...I thought I’d put this in my post because why not. It’s a Provenza episode and I kind of felt like I was having a Provenza moment during it. 

So I’ve banned myself from making food (anything that requires heat) while MC is on. I decided to make some soup for dinner. I put it on the stove and got distracted by the show and completely forgot about it. Next thing I know the smoke detector is going off. Luckily nothing caught fire and the detector was just sensing the smoke. It was burnt all up to hell, black and stinky. I was bummed but I though I’d try again. I found some left overs and stuck them in the microwave. I walked away distracted by MC. To come back to it still going around in the microwave. Turns out I put it in for 6 minutes instead of 6 seconds. I swear I’m not a klutz. Just a Flynn/Provenza kind of day.

Also every time they brought up Indra Kane I kept thinking of...

Indra and Kane from The 100. Which is also another awesome brotp much like Sharon/Provenza. ;)

What I didn't like: Slight nitpick but why was Rusty home while the Sharon/Andy and Provenza/Patrice double was going on? I mean I loved the shit out of that scene between him and Provenza but is there a reason why that scene couldn't have taken place in the break room? Doesn't Rusty have anyone he can hang out with (if Gus isn't available)?

I think Provenza's storyline about potentially retiring should take course over episodes and not just this one. Although maybe it will be dealt with in the season finale. I really doubt it but maybe. 

What I did like: A freaking Shandy/Provenza/Patrice double date!!!! Kudos to G.W. Bailey for knocking the shit out of that ball in that a scene with GPM! I feel like these last two episodes have had two really amazing scenes for both Tony and GW. And both of them have really fucking brought it!

[ila9182]

Fictober Prompts - A Recap

October is over and so is Fictober. Just as I thought, I hadn’t been able to write all the prompts. So here’s a recap of the ones I’ve written in case someone wants to catch up! Thank you all for your support and kind comments! It means a lot! 💜

1. “I know you didn’t ask for this” - Sharon and Andy (Major Crimes) || Hurt and comfort.

2. “What if I don’t see it?” - Sharon centric (pre-The Closer) || Angst.

3. “It will be fun, trust me.” - Sharon and Andy (Major Crimes) || Fluff, family.

4. “Listen. No, really listen.” - Sharon and Andy (Major Crimes) || Hurt and comfort, friendship.

5. “I could really eat something.” - Sharon and Andy (Major Crimes) || Humor and family. 

6. “It’s not always like this.” - Sharon and Andy (The Closer AU) || Fluff, family.

7. “Can you stay?” - Sharon and Andy (Major Crimes) || Hurt and comfort.

8. “I might just kiss you.” - Sharon and Andy (Major Crimes) || Romance.

9. “Secrets? I love secrets.” - Sharon centric, Gavin and Andrea (Major Crimes) || Friendship, humor.

10. “Patience… is not something I’m known for.” - Sharon and Andy (Major Crimes) || Romance, family, friendship.

[milquetoast-on-acid]

Like Father, Like Son

3x6, 5x16

[milquetoast-on-acid]

Sharon & Andy's Wedding, A Meta Shandy post

What this meta is about: Windows & Doors The Weddings There was Fashion... There was Music... There was Bantering... There was Love...

Windows and Doors

Remember that little thing I talked about in my Meta on Shandy's Proposal about windows and doors?

Oh look...there's another door. 

It's a amazing entrance for the bride. They way she's lit. In the words of Tony "like an angel". That door is the final barrier separating Sharon from Andy and it's finally open to him. That damn door he's been wanting to open for years. I think they picked these two usher's deliberately because of how much they look like Ricky and Rusty from the back.

The Weddings

Lets talk a minute to talk a bit about each of the weddings featured on The Closer and Major Crimes. Each wedding was different and each wedding was unique to the character's personalities.

Brenda & Fritz Brenda and Fritz's wedding was the smallest. There were only three people in attendance. The most important people in Brenda and Fritz's lives, Brenda's parents and Fritz's sister. It was beautiful but I had to wonder why they spent so much time decorating, if they weren't going to have anyone at the wedding. Might have made more sense if they had their reception where they got married but they ended up having it at their house. 

Having a teeny tiny wedding and Brenda wearing her mother's wedding dress. Really makes sense for her character. On the outside Brenda may seem warm and friendly but she really keeps people at arms length. Even her squadmates, who she ends up telling them that she loves them.

Louie & Patrice What surprised me was how much Provenza wanted a huge wedding. He was like Go big or go home. And that it was Patrice that wanted a small quiet wedding. From what little we see of Patrice, I get the feeling that she's not afraid to spend money. She redid Provenza's house and she talks about wanting Provenza to retire so they can travel. So I really loved the role reversal here. I do think that when Provenza looks back on his wedding. Once he's down from that love high. It was exactly the wedding of his dreams. It was secular and small. Beautiful with all of his closest family.

Sharon & Andy As we learn in Bad Blood, Sharon really wanted a church wedding. And we all know that Andy is into big grand gestures. He wanted to propose to Sharon on a special trip to Napa and then out to dinner at Serve (where they had their first real date). This is about as big and grand of a wedding as you can get without being a royal wedding. And out of all of the weddings, this one really focuses on family. Sharon also as we know loves celebrations and weddings.

As much as it was a celebration of Sharon and Andy's love. It was also a celebration of Family. Family is a hugely important thing to both of them and family plays a huge part in this episode as well as the wedding. They surround themselves with their family on their wedding day. Not just the Raydor/Flynn/Beck family but also their squad mates who they both think of as extended family. When Andy had no one else, he had Provenza and his squad mates. And in another comparison to Brenda. Sharon who initially seems cold and distant, is someone that gets attached to people very easily. While the squad was always a bit of family it's not until Sharon's leadership that they really feel like a true family. 

Something that I really loved about this wedding was the emotion. This wedding hands down is the most emotional wedding. All of the bridesmaids (with the exception of Andrea) are full on crying. Even Mason is teary eyed when he's talking to Page and he hasn't been part of the squad for that long. And both the bride and groom are having a hard time keep in together.

There was fashion...

The Guests

What the hell is Gus wearing!? Seriously Gus always had style but then he shows up in this---I don’t even know what color this is? Brown, Maroon, Ron Burgundy thing. 

A lot of people have talked about the missing guests. Including Andy's family, I had hoped for a mention of them (at the very least) but unfortunately we didn't get it. I would have thought that Fritz would have been there at the very least because Jon Tenny is still very involved with the show. Another person that I wanted to be here that I don't think anyone has talked about is. Doctor Joe, I don't see him at all. I understand he's more involved with Rusty but still, would have liked to have seen him. 

Interesting that all of the extended gang (Morales, Kendell, Mason and Page) are all sitting on Andy's side. While Gus is sitting on Sharon's side.

The Color Purple When Sharon and Andy were sending out their invitations to the wedding or the engagement party (still not sure which). They were sending them out in mint green envelops and that surprised me as I had always thought that Sharon and Andy's color would be purple. Given how much that color has played a huge role in their relationship. 

Not only is purple a mixture of Sharon's (blue) and Andy's (red) personalities. But it is a color that they wear quite frequently and it is the very first color they were matched with way back in The Closer days.

The Groomsmen When they filmed the wedding, some of the photos that had been posted on FB and Instagram made the groomsmen's ties look black. So I had to wonder what is different about Andy's suit. And it wasn't until the wedding that it was clear they were purple to match the bridesmaids dresses. I loved that shot of them all lining up after Sharon steps up next to Andy. Loved seeing how Ricky's tie was different from the rest of the groomsmen and that he went to the groomsmen instead of the bridesmaids.

The Bridesmaids I love the bridesmaids dresses. Kind of thought for Sharon's wedding they would have floor length dresses but I do think that the length actually suits the personalities of the women. Not to mention that they all look fablious in them.

The Groom As handsome as Andy does look in his suit. I think I would have liked him in a vest. It's been years since he's worn one but he looks pretty sexy in them. I like that Andy went for something that wasn't your typical tux. He choose something that was very simple but elegant. Which is very line line with Sharon's style. I had also thought that the only distinguishing thing on his suit was the white calla lily but it turns out that the groomsmen’s ties were purple.

The Bride Much like everyone else's reactions. I've got mixed feelings about it. I did not look at the photographs posted of her dress before the wedding. The only glimpse of the dress I got was when people openly posted the dress and I looked away as fast as I could. 

I'm going to talk about what I don't like about the dress first. The veil. I did not expect Sharon to wear a veil. We never see Sharon wearing hats or headbands or anything in her hair. So I was a bit surprised by it. The only way I could see Sharon wanting a veil is due to how damned traditional it is. I don't like it and I don't think that it was needed. The short sleeves and the belt, I also thought were not needed. I felt the short sleeves were a weird choice and makes for a strange transition into the lace sleeves. 

Onto what I did like about the dress. Everyone knew there had to be lace in that dress somewhere. And so I really liked that the sleeves where lace. I think the dress would have been better if the sleeves transitioned into lace without them sticking out the way they did. If it had been a straight transition. The dress was the perfect length for her. It did not have the typical train, and I thought it looked better from the back. Sharon's boobs also looked pretty good in that dress. NO GLASSES! As often as Sharon wears her damned glasses I had HOPED that she wouldn't wear them down the aisle. And thank goodness she didn't. Mary has such beautiful eyes it is a shame that the show always covers them up.

There was bantering...

Rusty & Mark

Turns out that Rusty and Mark are Sharon and Andy's ring bearers. It's a rather interesting choice to have these two in this role. Both of the boys are adopted sons of members of the squad. And I really love how the bantering between the two is very sibling like. Very heartwarming to see Rusty helping out Mark in a rather affectionate way. Six years ago Rusty wouldn't have the patience to big brother Mark. Mark on the other hand is just like your typical kid in a wedding. Ready for it to be over and ready for cake. 

Just noticed that the two of them have matching ties. 

Rusty guiding Mark into position, is the cutiest thing. Mark is just like a little Rusty. These two have so much in common. Their stubborn nature, their obvious love for their adopted parent, their clear need to be loved. Mark can really learn a lot from Rusty. And now I feel that Rusty has finally matured into a wonderful young man. That he can guide him and teach him things that only Rusty can understand having been adopted and also having had a really screwed up childhood.

The Bridesmaids Amy getting scolded for not being quite ready. Andrea complaining that she's had enough of weddings (and that it will last her a lifetime) and she will in no shape or form ever get married. Emily so ready for Mr or Mrs Right. Amy not thinking that Sharon's going to go through with the very typical tradition of the bouquet throwing. While Patrice has no doubt that Sharon's going to follow every single wedding tradition. 

From the wedding I had been surprised by the order of the bridesmaids. I had envisioned them backwards from what they ended up being. I had no doubt that Emily would be the maid of honor. And I thought that Sharon was closer to Andrea than she was to Patrice. Which really makes me think that Sharon and Andy spend a hell of a lot of time with Provenza and Patrice. And Patrice's little line about how Sharon will throw the wedding bouquet really goes to show you just how well she knows her. I can see the two of them having so much in common and I'd really love to see more of this friendship.

There was music...

Ave Maria by Franz Schubert

Ave Maria is such a beautiful piece of music. It's iconic, it's classic and a traditional catholic prayer. It's absolutely gorgeous and just the right piece of music for Sharon's walk down the aisle. I'm also very glad that it wasn't the boring and very typical wedding march. It would not have fit for Sharon and Andy.

Not a day goes by Stephen Sondheim sung by Olivia Mell First of all I had never heard Olivia sing. She's got such a beautiful voice and I think they really picked the right singer for this. I'd also never heard the song before. So after having looked up the correct lyrics I do think they fit for our couple. The lyrics talk about how a person comes into their life and things are going really great. But their waiting for that shoe to drop and for the relationship to end but it doesn't. Instead these two people get closer and as their lives become more entwined, the more it becomes clear that they can't live without the other. 

It makes me think of when Sharon and Andy first told Taylor about their relationship. And Andy said that if things don't work out between them they'd just go back to being really great friends. 

I think as their relationship has gotten deeper. I think that the depth of their feelings for the other has just become clearer and clearer to them. In my opinion, Andy has been in love with Sharon since season 3, episode 1. When he said that he would wait for her. But I don't think he was aware then that he was in love with her. I think it was something he realized sometime before they started dating for real. He definitely knew he had feelings for her for sure but not the depth of them. 

Sharon on the other hand is harder to pin down because of just how much she holds inside of herself. Sharon was surely the one that's had to catch up to where Andy's been at in their relationship. In my opinion she fell for him before they started dating. With her realizing it when he got injured by the car and both of them being too scared to tell the other. To now both of them couldn't have been more clear in that ILY scene just what the other means to them.

There was love...

Much like with Provenza's wedding, each major love story get's its tiny moment. 

Rusty and Gus Rusty has been trying for who knows how long to get into contact with Gus and finally decided to end it with a letter. Lo and behold Gus, shows up looking very sad, realizing what he threw away. The moment is full of awkward. And at this point in the story I have to say. I think it's time these two broke up. I think this is a couple, despite how they may feel about each other. That just has too many obstacles between them. 

I do think that Gus was really good for Rusty for a while. He did push him to appreciate people's time more and that is a lesson that Rusty needed to learn. But after so long shit just got in the way. And how I feel it's time to part ways. Kudos for Rusty for being the bigger man and sending Gus a letter letting him know it's okay and I don't blame you. 

Luckily, Dad noticed the moment. Hopefully he will talk to Rusty later.

Julio and Mark Mark is still being his normal stubborn self. Not listening to anymore. But Julio looks at the boy like the sun rises in his eyes. He's a proud papa who's finally found the love he's so desperately needed. There is so much about this episode that talks about how you have to faith that everything will turn out the way that it's supposed to in the end. 

It makes me think about what if Julio did not have Mark in his life before his mother died. Julio's mother being (what I think is the last of Julio's family) to be alive. Julio wouldn't have been alone because he's got his work family. But because Julio is such a sensitive emotional soul. It may be something that could have sent him spiraling. The way his wife's death sent him into a very angry spin. It makes me think that Mark came into Julio's life in just the right time.

Julio you know he's only doing it to get your attention. 

Andy and Provenza "How do I look?" "Better than Usual." We can't forget our epic bromance. In which everyone thought that Flynn and Provenza would die as two single bachelors with only the other to share their life with. I would love for Brenda to come back and learn that the two of them are now both married men. To the two women that she never would have expected either of them to marry.

Andy is nervous and looks to Provenza a few times during the ceremony for some words of encouragement. And with everything emotional thing that happens between the two of them. Humor is their weapon they both use to defuse tough moments. It works the first time and the second time, Andy looks to Provenza for encouragement. Provenza gives him a nice heartfelt pat on the back. Giving his approval and telling Andy, you've got this.

Provenza and Patrice A very emotional Patrice sends her husband a kiss. Even Provenza gets choked up. These two are so freaking cute and there's no doubt that this wife is the one and that she's here to stay.

Sharon, Ricky, Emily and Andy "It's never been so full." I love the little conversation that the two of them have walking down the aisle. Ricky asks how her heart is doing. In a typical semi-humorous manner. Sharon's answer hits you straight in the gut at just how happy she is, to finally make her whole family complete. Mary has talked a lot about where Sharon has been (emotionally) during her relationship with Andy. That she didn't need a man and she didn't need to marry him either. But the thing that struck me was when she said that she wouldn't marry any man but Andy. 

It is such a bittersweet moment because there is this ever looming specter of death that seems to be following Sharon. And both Emily and Ricky are feeling it during this episode and during the wedding. Both kids are so happy that they are able to be here and help give her this wedding. Right after this conversation Ricky has this look...

Earlier we get Emily walking down the aisle with tears streaming down her face just as torn up as Ricky is about Sharon’s illness. 

Love seeing Andy shake Ricky's hand right before Ricky goes to stand with the groomsmen. I loved that and thought it was an interesting choice for Ricky to walk Sharon down the aisle and then to stand with the groomsmen. Instead of his standing with the bridesmaids. It really furthers him as a huge Sharon & Andy cheerleader.

Sharon and Andy When they see the other for the first time. Andy completely melts, Provenza may just need to grab his bucket hat to scoop him back up again. I love how Sharon cocks her head and gives him this sweet smile. The smile that is just for him. I love this because it's one of those moments where everyone else falls away and i'ts only the two of them in the room together. 

It seems that Andy is not the only nervous one. Sharon takes a huge breathe right before Ricky steps over to her. Once Sharon makes it down the aisle, I love that Andy gives his bride a full once over. Gives her one of his infamous Andy Flynn smiles, his eyes sparkling from emotion.

While Sharon responds with her look of total love and happiness. There's this little thing that she always seems to do with him when she's overcome with emotions. She pushes herself towards him and then realizes just how giddy she is and holds herself back. She's also done this in Blackout when Andy tells her about the severity of his injuries.

What could have been improved on: The beautiful emotional wedding could have been longer. We could have seen the two of them actually get  married. Someone around the fandom mentioned it could have all been done in silence with just Ave Maria playing and I think that would have been perfect. I would have liked for the wedding to have ended with a shot of both Sharon and Andy, instead of a shot of Sharon. We get a shot of both of their reactions at FINALLY coming to this point. And then a shot of both of them looking at each other.

What do I love about this wedding? 

It's BIG with groomsmen and bridesmaids. Which we have never had at a TC or MC wedding. Flowers AF. And this was the most emotional wedding. Everyone was crying or choked up. I think Andrea is the only bridesmaid that didn't cry. The Bride and Groom were both on the verge of tears several times. Even Provenza looked like he was choking back some. This was a very wonderful payoff for this relationship that has been culminating for years. For something like this to actually have happened and for us to get a glimpse of it. 

Both Sharon and Andy are so in love with the other. And are both so happy to be getting married. Andy has always been two steps ahead of Sharon in their relationship. Now they are at the same place in their relationship, Sharon has finally caught up to him. Neither of them had ever thought they would get married again. Andy was a bachelor coasting through life. Sharon was married but separated and had been living an independent life for nearly 30 years. But it was only the other one they were ever going to change their life for.

[roslinadama-sinequanon]

Major Crimes-Sanctuary City-Pt. 5

Family seemed to be the overriding theme in this episode. Family at home, at work, and within the church as well as the contrast between dysfunctional and functional families. 

“It’s not a suicide, it’s a murder.”

Sharon shakes her head negatively at Julio.

“I’m sitting down ma’am.”

Andy supportively touches his shoulder.  

I loved how the “family” was looking out for Julio, trying to calm him down. But it is Sharon who is ultimately successful. Julio has such respect for Sharon. She has done a lot for him and worked hard to help him keep his job when others were wary of his anger issues.   

The next family moment is with Buzz. 

“Buzz, that’s so sneaky.”

“No, I uh, in my reserve officer training---”

“That is exactly what we will do.” 

Buzz thinks he’s in trouble but Sharon is actually enthused by his idea.  The team/family is also impressed with their little bro. Julio with a comment, Tao with the point of his finger and Andy with a nod and a grin. 

“Ryan, his step father was beating him because he was different”

And

“Lucas’s father was an addict in and out of rehabs.” 

You can see that this hits home with Rusty who was verbally beaten by his mother for being gay and whose mother was also in and out of rehab. I think this also contrasts with what we will later see with the functional Raydor/Flynn/Beck family who love and care so deeply for one another. 

“Your brother and sister are here.”

“Ricky.” 

“Andy.” 

I love the happy greeting between the guys and I especially loved the way Emily throws her arms open to Andy with a little giggle. They are so happy their mom is marrying Andy and it’s just so nice that they like him so much.  

“This marriage is the biggest honor of my life.” 

Aww…Andy really is the sweetest. It’s very hard to imagine the Andy we met on “The Closer” saying anything this sweet and sentimental. He really has changed so much. He’s such a happier and more content person, no longer carrying around all that bitterness and regret. He has a good relationship with Nicole and her step kids and with Sharon’s kids, and his love for Sharon and Sharon’s love for him have really transformed him. Sharon brought out the sweet and tender Andy who was always there right under the surface, hidden by that tough exterior and Andy brought out a lot of who Sharon was before Jack and FID caused her to have to bottle up all her emotions. They are both so good for each other. 

I also loved the way Emily rested her head so affectionately on Rusty’s shoulder. She reminds me so much of Sharon. The way she worries about everyone, how sensitive she is to everyone’s emotions and her gentleness and affection. 

“We might have to work the vows around the investigation.” 

Oh shit. Should have known right here the wedding would be more of an afterthought that what I was expecting. What really bugged me was that Andy said this with a smile. Seriously? This is the guy who tweaks out any time a case ruins his plans-- two examples, the Dodger game and the plans he made to whisk Sharon away to Napa and propose to her. This is his WEDDING and he doesn’t appear worried or frustrated by this at all. All we got was a little smile and shrug, WTF. 

“Well, you know she’s led a very good life.” 

Oh my ever loving GOD. My heart just SANK when he said this. Like many, I took it that Andy was saying “Well, kids, come on don’t be too sad, your mom’s had a good life so it won’t be so bad if she dies.” Oh Andy how can you say this so calmly and with a smile? Well, that’s because he continued with the fact that she doesn’t have a lot of bad habits to kick, meaning she has taken good care of her body and her meds are working so Emily shouldn’t be too worried about her working too much. It was meant to reassure but for a minute, it did anything but.

 “Evidence? I want to see it.”

Sharon’s little snort of “Are you fucking kidding me?” LOVED IT. 

She’s taking her meds, she feels better, just take a seat. The adults have this, we really do.”

Too funny, Andy still considers them all kids and only he and Sharon are the adults. I loved the way Andy stepped in as the firm father here. In the past, he has always deferred to Sharon when it comes to her kids but I think he feels a little more confident in his role in the family now and is willing to take a little more control. Also, he is being protective of Sharon. He knows she doesn’t want to be molly coddled by anyone. She just wants everyone to treat her the way they always have and certainly not like she’s an invalid. Andy can understand this. He went through the same thing with his clot and then his heart. He too fought being treated like an invalid so he knows how frustrating that can be. That would be another good compare and contrast gif. Andy recuperating at Sharon’s sitting at the breakfast table asking about the case and her telling him a bit about it and ending with “And that’s enough of that, how are you feeling?” And Sharon in the hospital begging Provenza for info on the case and Andy telling her to rest cause them’s the rules. Then the two condo scenes, Andy in his bathrobe bugging Sharon to give him something to do and her saying “You’re not supposed to work” and kissing his forehead and then him trying to get Sharon to rest and she says she just needs to do one more email and she’ll be done and they can talk. Hint….hint… 

I also liked that Sharon smiled at Andy’s taking control. I think she appreciated him having her back, where in the past she made sure he knew she could take care of herself. 

“If I can’t do the things that make life worth living, why bother?” 

Okay so that line scared me. I’m afraid this may be some foreshadowing. If there was more time left to the season and if Sharon and Andy were actually the focus of the show, I think Duff would be cruel enough to make this a storyline about assisted suicide and Sharon struggling with her faith over this. I’m wondering if this will lead into a DNR or something. Because you know, how like Duff would that be? Let’s get this couple finally married and then just make Sharon get even sicker and have the newlyweds discussing DNR’s. I have a terrible feeling that the back half of this season is going to be depressing and that rather than the kick ass, bad ass Sharon that we would have liked to see at the end of MC, we will instead have her weakening and going out with a whimper rather than a bang. There is just too much talk about her illness and decisions she has to make over the next few episodes for me to believe that we will get anything but a Sharon getting sick enough that she feels she has to retire. I hate that. I hate it more than I can say, but it just feels like that’s the way things are moving. 

“We do not want you taking care of us. We should be taking care of you.” 

It’s a sweet sentiment Ricky but it’s the last thing Sharon or any mother wants to hear. A mother ALWAYS wants to be able to take care of her children and the last thing she ever wants is for them to feel like they have to take care of her. Also, she doesn’t want to be treated as if she is dying. 

“Saturday at 2pm assuming that you guys haven’t all been excommunicated, you are walking down the aisle at St. Joseph of Nazareth.”

“And you guys are all coming with me.” 

Love the laughter when Rusty talks about them be excommunicated and I love how warm Sharon said they were all coming with her. She is just so pleased to be surrounded by her family and is so looking forward to sharing this day with them. 

“I can’t make an arrest based on a physical exam without a second opinion. Don’t you think, Andy?”

“Well, uh, yeah, because we’re so close to the finish line, just a couple of questions to answer.”

“What kind of questions?” 

This was such a weird conversation. Sharon was a little flirty and then Andy a little flustered and when Ricky asks, “What questions?” Sharon gives Andy a look and he doesn’t have a clue what to say. I thought the whole scene screamed of double entendre. I read a comment by someone who stated they thought Sharon was referring to the wedding night and consummating the marriage--I apologize, I can’t remember who it was that made the comment--but that was exactly how I felt. I get the feeling that Andy has tried to reassure Sharon that he is okay without having sex on their wedding night if it wouldn’t be good for her health and that she has tried to tell him her doctor said it was okay. But, just to reassure him she has set up a second opinion, which is where this conversation comes from. Because, you know, we couldn’t have a conversation about sex between two adults about to get married. In Duff’s warped little universe, if you’re middle aged you don’t talk about sex and sure as hell don’t HAVE sex. At least not on his screen. 

“I’ve been praying with you and your family for the past 22 years and it’s as that person I ask, how are you feeling?”

“Almost overwhelmed. Not by work or the wedding but…my children are concerned about me and they express their concern to you.” 

Oh Sharon, Oh MARY (this woman deserves her EMMY) what a powerful moment. Sharon has been so strong, but hearing that her children are frightened by her illness and have had to turn to their priest to help them is what finally breaks her. First, no mother wants their children to be afraid and second she realizes that in trying to be so strong, she has not allowed her children to express their fears to her and so they had to turn to someone else to help bear that burden. It was amazingly well acted by an amazing actress; however, I felt it added to the overall depressing quality of an episode that had been built up to be the happy, beautiful penultimate WEDDING. 

“When you talk about your responsibilities to Christ, the defense will interrupt and ask if that includes refusing to use birth control while having sex with the single moms of some of your students.”

“Yeah. Sorry Father but by not answering our questions today you’ll be on the stand explaining whether or not you used a condom having sex with Ms. Varza.” 

I like Andy and Wes interviewing together, especially when they feed off each other like this and each get their quips in. 

“I’m not…physically…tempted….by Latina’s.” 

Too funny. All of them leaning in with each word dying to hear what he is going to say and it turns out to be something rather silly. 

“Yeah, no stress.” 

This time it is the kids playing the usual Andy and Sharon role of being frustrated and trying to figure out how to make things work when a case gets in the way of their personal life. As I said earlier, Andy is being unusually laid back about the case interfering with the wedding—especially considering he told Sharon he was barely able to wait until the ceremony to call her his wife. The only reason I can come up with is that he is trying not to stress Sharon out, because usually when he’s getting all frustrated and pissy she is the one calming him down and saying they will be able to make things work.  

“All that is required of me for this rehearsal is to show up, look great and walk down the aisle. I don’t need to practice that. “ 

Nope, no you don’t Sharon. 

“I think this is another one of those moments where prayer is your very best answer.”

“You always say that.”

“Ricky” 

I love this moment between Father Stan, Ricky and Emily. It is another moment of “family” this time with the Catholic Church. It’s very obvious that they are all very close. As Father Stan said earlier, the kids turned to him with their fears and worries about their mother and for comfort. There is a real relationship here and as has been said, the church helped Sharon raise Ricky and Emily so it was nice to see this familial type of moment. 

Dr. Redmond did it. 

At this point, the case had dragged on for so long I pretty much didn’t care who did it. Not to mention by now I was just looking at my clock with disgust thinking “Are you KIDDING me, we’re not going to get much of anything with this wedding. So, I was more thinking, end the damn scene already, and let’s get to the wedding.  

The wedding: 

What we saw of it was beautiful; I’m just so sad and disappointed that it seemed to be pinned on as a bit of an afterthought. During the first few episodes of this season, it was as if Sharon and Andy weren’t even a couple. All the writers had to do was throw in a little more wedding dialogue like Sharon saying she has to go in and have her last wedding gown fitting and maybe she’s worried because she lost some weight when she had the flu or Andy saying he had to pick up the tux’s on the way home. Just offering up some of those the little details that come up with a lead up to a wedding would have at least kept the wedding in the forefront of everyone’s minds. 

I know there has been some comparison with the fact that Brenda and Fritz didn’t have their whole wedding shown either, but they did at least have a huge lead up to it. They were out looking for venues, they were having cake tastings, we saw Brenda looking at different gowns and having a fitting in her gown with her mother. And the B/F wedding wasn’t a big church wedding; they got married on a hotel balcony with three people in attendance, so it makes sense that it was presented more low-key. Also, over the previous seasons we’d seen Brenda and Fritz on dates, kissing, arguing, in bed, jealous, discussing their relationship, we never got ANY of that with Sharon and Andy.  Their entire relationship pretty much took place off screen. What we got on screen were looks and smiles. This was supposed to be our penultimate episode, our chance to get those moving vows and actually hear the words. Instead, we got a beautiful walk down the aisle, and the looks and smiles were breathtakingly loving and tender, but yet again, we were cut off from anything truly meaningful. We deserved more. We really did. 

I have said this before, but I feel there were easy ways of showing the fans, who are applauded as being tremendously loyal and devoted, what they wanted to see, and also finishing up the case. It didn’t have to be either/or, there could have been more balance. They could have had Olivia sing Ave Maria and during the vocal break with the music playing softly in the background let us hear the simple traditional vows of “I Sharon take you Andy to be my husband….and then Andy‘s vows” then the vocals pick up again and we watch them exchanging rings, kissing as they are pronounced man and wife, and, as she always does, Sharon wipes her lipstick off Andy’s lips with her thumb, they laugh and go forehead to forehead—like in the picture-- and the episode fades out. Yes, FADES OUT, doesn’t SLAM to black. And yes, I would have loved a bit from the reception, but at least with this we would have gotten the entire wedding.  

Of course, what we did get with Sharon and Andy that we didn’t get with Brenda and Fritz was a real sense of inclusion and family with the team. Brenda, being the loner that she is, did not really want anyone invited to her wedding except her parents, while Sharon wanted to share the day with all her family and friends. Included in that family was the MC team who were not even invited to Brenda’s wedding. I think that really shows the difference in the two characters and in the way they relate to the team. On MC, they have become a family and that really played out in the wedding. 

So, now on to the wedding details: 

Olivia has a beautiful voice. 

Loved Julio directing Mark to turn around. I know some people wondered why Mark was a ring bearer. Yes, I know it should have been Andy’s step-grandsons but evidently, everyone forgot that Andy actually has a family and that they would of course be at his wedding. But now hearing that Sharon and Julio attend the same church and Mark goes to the same school as Sharon’s kids did, it makes sense that maybe Sharon attends mass with Julio and Mark and they have gotten closer in that respect. Also, I’m sure Sharon has been very helpful in giving advice to Julio in child rearing and adoption. 

“How do I look?”

“Better than usual.” 

Aww…Andy is nervous. Provenza is Provenza and it helps ease Andy’s tension. 

The first strands of Ave Maria- 

I was really hoping this hymn would be played at some point in the wedding—little did I know the walk down the aisle was all we were going to get—so I ‘m glad it had its moment. It’s such a beautiful hymn and it’s very Sharon, very traditional and Catholic. 

The doors open and there is Sharon looking like a beautiful angel lit from the heavens. She gives Andy a little smile and his mouth falls open in awe. It’s a BEAUTIFUL moment. 

At first it looks like Sharon is alone, but then Ricky steps up and takes her arm. Mary mentioned in her podcast that some fans had hoped that Sharon would walk down the aisle alone but that she too liked that Ricky was at her side. I loved it. Like Mary, I don’t see it as the old patriarchal “giving a woman away” I see it as public blessing, an acceptance. I’m glad it was Ricky as the eldest son—which is traditional as Sharon is-- and that the day wasn’t overshadowed by Rusty. It was nice that each of her children had their role. Sharon is first and foremost a mom and when they talked about her walking down the aisle, she reminded them that she was taking them all with her. She wants her whole family to participate in the wedding, uniting them all as a family because there is nothing more important to Sharon than family. And, it made for some touching conversation on the walk. 

Things I loved: 

How Sharon looked in the dress-When I first saw a pic I wasn’t overwhelmed. Once I got past my prejudice of “I like the gown I picked out for Sharon better” I was able to appreciate it for what it was. Mary looked absolutely stunning in it and it did look vintage 1940’s—very Katharine Hepburn as I read in one post quite a while ago. At first I was surprised she went with a veil (My mom was hoping for a half updo with some flowers in her hair) but I think the gown really needed the veil. The dress is so simple and unadorned it needed the lace in the veil and the arms to make it more feminine and romantic. And I can see that the inspiration was probably the picture of Mary at her first holy communion. The one thing I did not like was the belt. A thin pretty pearl and rhinestone belt would have looked nicer and added a little sophistication for a woman who is the epitome of fashion. As it was, the belt she was wearing looked like something she just found in her closet. Thankfully, you could hardly see it. 

The rose petals scattered on the white carpet.  

The little kiss Patrice sends Provenza’s way and the way he touches his heart.

The way Sharon is already in tears even before she talks to Ricky.

Cami saying they really are like a family and Mason saying, “You have no idea.”  It can’t be easy for him stepping into that tight-knit family. 

“How’s your heart holding up?”

“It’s never been this full.” 

At first, I was like “Really, Ricky, you’re going to bring this up NOW.” LOL, but it ended up leading to what I think is not just an amazing emotional response but also a response that is really quite important to understanding the Shandy relationship. Sharon used the word “never” here. She didn’t say, “It hasn’t been this full in years” or “As full as it’s ever been” she stated “It’s NEVER been this full”. Andy truly is the love of her life and before the previous week when she told Andy “I love you so SO much” I was never really quite sure where she stood and where her love for Andy stood in comparison to what she had felt for Jack. Of course, I knew she loved Andy; she wouldn’t have married him if she didn’t, but was it a really deep kind of love? Or was it a comfortable, companionship kind of love? Thanks to all missing scenes and poor writing of the relationship, I’m not sure anyone really knew. But here it is. Sharon lays it out right here, both in her very emotional response and in her words. She’s never been this in love and this happy. Who would have ever thought that the Sharon we met on “The Closer” would get so emotional and cry at her wedding? 

“I’m just so happy to have this day. I’m so happy.” 

Without the heart issue, this really would have made me melt. Instead, it sent me back into some BSG PTSD.  It felt like she was saying she was so happy to get to have this day before she dies, like Laura Roslin’s “So much life” a smile and then she dies. I really hope I read that wrong. I think many Laura Roslin fans are hypersensitive about this because we are terrified of Sharon going down the same path as Laura. 

“We’re so happy for you.” 

I liked the way Ricky squeezed her hand and that he said “we”, including his siblings. All of her children are so happy for Sharon and that has to warm her heart. I think he also feels some pride in being able to have helped in giving her this day. Ricky and Emily are the reason Sharon was able to have the church wedding she wanted so much, by forcing Jack to sign the annulment papers. They did it because all they really want is for her to be happy and to be able to give something back to the mother who has given so much to them. 

As Sharon gets closer, she and Andy begin to share loving looks and Andy gets a little emotional and turns to Provenza for support. This time Provenza pats him on the shoulder. I thought that was a rather touching moment between the two men. Provenza gets it; they’ve both come a long way since their bachelor Closer days. 

Sharon and Andy at the altar-Love the way Andy looks her up and down and the smile of joy when he reaches her face—and the way Sharon responds with a joyful smile of her own, before biting her lip with emotion, like she can’t believe they are really doing this. I loved what Mary said in her podcast about this wedding being a miracle for Sharon. It really is. After all those years dealing with things on her own and after having come to terms with being alone, she found the love of her life, a man who truly brightens her day, makes her laugh and who is there for her in every way. I would also say that it is a miracle for Andy as well. 

And then, just as things get good, SLAM, the scene is just cut to black. No gentle fade out, just a door slammed. It was so jarring it made me jump. As I posted that night it felt like a slap in the face. 

I have to say, I was upset the night the episode aired with the wedding being just thrown in at the end rather than it being an integral part of the episode. We’ve been waiting so long for this day, the hype was all there for the wedding of the year and this was supposed to be our payoff for having dealt with all the wasted opportunities over the past years. But, I felt a lot better after listening to Mary’s podcast and how she too had gotten caught up in the hype and SHE knew she only had one page in the script for the wedding, so she understood why fans were so upset. It sounded like she too would have liked more. However, she brought up the fact that there really had not been a plan for the Shandy relationship and that it was written because of the chemistry between Sharon and Andy that was noticed by the fans and promoted by the fans and that it was amazing we were even really shown the wedding. And I guess that’s true. Given how Sharon and Andy have been written, it would have been very much in character for the wedding to take place off-screen, so I am grateful that we got to see what we did. And though the first time around I felt the episode was very depressing and did not have the kind of joy I would expect in a wedding episode, in watching it again without those expectations I’ve been able to appreciate it more. 

And I’ll just end by saying again, what we did get to see was pure magic. 

      “

[milquetoast-on-acid]

Sanctuary City pt4, A Reactionary Post

Loving you means supporting you through times good times and bad

Major Crimes, S6xE4: Episode Review This arc has been building and building emotional intensity for Sharon and I'm freaking loving it. This episode - I just loved it so damned much! It kind of feels a bit like fan fiction, with us getting a chance to see Sharon right after she collapses. Andy bulldozing his way into her ER room. And Sharon and Andy's emotional ILY scene in the middle of the episode. Like many of you the personal storyline way overshadowed the case to the point where I had to rewatch several times to actually understand what was going on with it.

What this episode is about: Vultures circling round the bone The Righteous What is the truth? The Squad's Hunches Father Jonas Returns Institutions of Power Protecting their Own The Church & Father Jonas LAPD & Sharon Dealing with the emotional fallout from a loved one's illness Lucas' Diabeties Sharon's Cardiomyopathy The Squad Provenza Rusty Andy To Be or Not to Be Rusty & Gus: Where do we stand? Ryan & Miguel & Lucas & Kelly: The Forbidden Relationships Sarah & Mateo: A volital relationship of two polar oposites Sharon & Andy: I Love You and nothing is going to stop us

Vultures circling round the bone

These reporters are freaking vultures. Their standing right in front of the Danielle Rojas' car and the one chick is knocking on their window. Like do they all really think their going to get any kind of interview with them as their making their way to the FBI offices to talk to their kids. These people are delusional. I also love the coverage that all of these reporters are giving this case making it really seem so very urgent as SO many stations are covering this case. Making it really vital, urgent and so very high profile for our squad.

Provenza complains, what else is new? "Are you done complaining." "Don't ask the impossible." I love this so much! Mason doesn't know Provenza very well, yet. Love Mike's quick quip and Provenza's response to it.

Mike acts as the number 2. "I'll talk to Vega. No I'll talk to Fay." Love that Mike takes it on to do the transfer. Since he's number 2 right now and he very quickly changes his mind on who he's going to deal with. I've thought that Fay was becoming much more of a game player than Vega ever was and so I think this is a smart decision if he has to talk to either one of them.

Flowers

I love seeing all of the flowers in the Raydor/Flynn/Beck family home. Sharon usually has some in her office and sometimes in their home. But there is a ton of them here. Some from everyone sending her flowers in hospital and if you notice there's also a lot of white and purple orchids and some light purple roses. Some of which have to be sent from people for the wedding.

Sharon: The best looking patient ever? Like who looks like that in the hospital!?

Can we talk about this fist bump Andy and Buzz have after he leaves? I just love that so much! Buzz is giving him such a great smile but Andy is pretty distracted by what Sharon’s going to say. 

What is the truth? "I don't know if you know this but teenagers tend to lie when they screw up." So the boys are finally released into LAPD custody and their story sounds like a pack of lies. It sounds so unbelievable. Lucas was taking them to some really cool unbelievable awesome place to do something - something and someplace that the boys claim they don't know. Lucas apparently had rented a limo to take them to this place. Before they really get anywhere some guy in the front seat gasses them and kidnaps them to Mexico.They find themselves in the middle of the desert thirsty and with drugs on them they claim aren't theirs.

It sounds like the boys skipped town to go do drugs. But then why would Lucas not take his meds or eat? And when Amy tests Lucas' bag, she doesn't find any traces of Oxy. Which means that Lucas did not bring any drugs with him. I have doubts about the squad's theory that the boys are telling a bunch of lies because of how much the evidence actually supports (some of the boys story). Not finding any drugs (or any trace of them) in Lucas' backpack. The fact that Morales found chloroform in Lucas' shirt which supports the boys story that they were gassed and passed out. I definitely think there are things the boys aren't telling the detectives but I think the thing that Ryan wanted so desperately to talk to Father Jonas was about Hector's death. 

Ryan confided in Father Jonas about some of the abuse from Hector. Which really makes me believe that Father Motherlover did kill Hector. I think what the boys said was partially the truth. That what happened to them was retaliation from whatever gang Hector was a part of and this was retaliation as a warning to the parents. Of course I could be (and probably am wrong but that's my theory). 

Plus the fact that Danelia Rojos (Ryan's Mother) knew that Father Jonas is coming back really supports the theory that he was (and had been) having an affair with her. Which also begs the question why the hell is this guy still a priest? "They couldn't just tell the boys that Lucas was dead. No they had to give them the circumstances." I also agree with Provenza why in the hell did the FBI tell the boys where Lucas was found!? They are so very bad at handling kids.

The Squad's hunches Even though the focus of this arc is on Sharon. Most of the team members had their little moments to shine and some of them had some interesting hunches. Julio noticing the shoves and freshly moved dirt in the Garrett’s backyard. Buzz taking charge of a search warrant and his knowledge of Spanish pushes their investigation further. Amy searching Lucas' backpack for Oxy and not finding any. Morales finding chloroform on Lucas' shirt. Page noticing something about about the artwork in Mateo's offices. I went back to when they first executed a search warrant in the offices of Mateo's practice and ...

This was the painting is part 4.

This painting in part 3.

Which means that the painting was replaced but why? Was it replaced in a struggle? Or is it being used to hide something. I think that it didn't have anything to do with a struggle because the painting matches the style of the other ones. Sharon makes a point of it to really focus on Mateo's practice as something he could lose. So whatever is going on probably has something to do with Mateo's surgery center.

Father Jonas Returns

The SIS team snatches Father Jonas up as soon as he lands back into LA. This conversation: "Father Jonas, Welcome Home." "Have a nice trip, Asshole?" "Why would you talk to me like that, Lieutenant?" "How about you ran from a murder investigation?" "I left to protect my vows." "Yeah that's what all the single mothers you slept with said too. Your very concerned about your vows." I love that as soon as Father Jonas shows back up the team really lets him have it and doesn't hold back on their feelings towards this shady MF. Sharon's back in her balanced state and her "Welcome home" statement is much more her diplomatic but thinly vailed contempt for him. Provenza who has absolutely zero filter left in his brain just says whatever the fuck he feels now. It's Sharon and Patrice that seem to be the only two that can rein him back in. Andy who zeros in on the investigation and how shady it looks for him to up and run away. And Julio who points to Father Mother-lover's shady behavior and how fucking hypocritical he is. 

Sharon might not say it but that look says EVERYTHING.

Institutions of Power Protecting their Own

The Church & Father Jonas

Notice that Bishop Calhoun is flanked by what looks like two very expensive lawyers. The church is very much backing Father Jonas and closing their ranks around him. They have gone so far as to actually removing him from the country.  

LAPD & Sharon Just like with Father Jonas, the LAPD (and more importantly Sharon's work family and home family) are protecting her too. Provenza throws a fit to get the FBI finally out of the PAB. And Andy bulldozes his way into being with Sharon by using his position of power to get himself by her side. Then both Andy and Rusty throw Sharon's obsession with the rules back in her face when she very clearly wants to go back to work way too soon.

That Ending Scene(s): This episode brakes away from all of the other parts and ends with Provenza as the focus and not Sharon. Julio is also rather emotionally torn up about the crime scene. And I think I agree with him. I don't think that Mateo killed Lucas and then himself. I could be wrong but I rather think that Mateo's suicide was staged. Although we will find out for sure next week. Staged to cover up whatever was going on in his Surgery Center.

Skirting the Law "The Law says no listening. Doesn't say anything about watching. Keep it muted and we'll be fine." I love all of this talk about what is and what isn't the law. And about how Sharon knows the law so damned well, to get what they want out of a case. I love how it's Mike that interrupts what they can and can't do to Buzz. Because after Sharon it's Mike that has thorough knowledge of the law. 

"I'm sure their not listening in." "That would be so against the rules." "Not illegal." Many years ago the team played fast and loose with the law. Including the entire reason that Sharon is in charge of MC. Now everyone is obsessed with the rules as much as Sharon is.

Dealing with the emotional fallout from a loved one's illness

Lucas' Diabetes

There's already been a parallel drawn between Lucas' diabietes and Sharon's heart condition. Lucas' family was really on him to take care of himself and his mother was very devoted to making sure he got the proper care and attention that his illness needed. Unfortunetly dealing with that it seems that Lucas' parents had a lot of emotional stuff on their plate - and neiter of them was really dealing with it.

Sharon's Cardiomyopathy The episode starts right after the last one and dives right into the action of Sharon's collapse. There are so many emotions flying around the room and it's so wonderful to see just how torn up everyone is about Sharon. Amy's cracked voice as she leads the paramedics to Sharon. Mason, catching himself telling the paramedics her name is Commander Raydor and quickly switches to her given name. Realizing that they don't care what she does or what her rank is. Mike, who I didn't realize was holding her head. Thank you to whoever pointed that out. I thought it was Provenza but he's on the other side of her. 

Provenza "She's none of your damn business is what she is." Provenza tries to rush the paramedics to where Sharon is lying and then later on his reaction to the FBI agents is quite unlike anything I've ever seen from him. He's PISSED. And while we've seen him pissed - we haven't seen him this mad - ever. 

I know I've said this many times and I'll probably say this many times again throughout my reviews but the two of them have really come so damned far. Their relationship is completely different than what it was in TC and the beginning of Major Crimes. Provenza wanted nothing to do with Sharon and even wanted to help her pack her bags to leave them all the hell alone. Now - I think Sharon's a rival for Provenza's best friend. 

Right after Sharon explodes with anger towards the FBI. Provenza follows suit. Yes, he's angry at them for being snakes in the grass with the boys. But he's really really scared about what happened with Sharon. So much so that he takes it out on the FBI agents in a way that no one really expected. Everyone is startled by his behavior. Mason, Mike and Wes. The guy is barely keeping it together. He's hunched down, visibly shaking and gritting his teeth. Amy has to lead Provenza away before he completely falls apart on them. 

I love Julio following that up with: "You don't know me but believe this. The Lieutenant wants you lying sons of bitches out of here. That's what will happen." Notice how Provenza looks at the floor where Sharon was just lying and back up to Mason. To which there is no doubt that Mason was going to send them packing when Sharon told them to leave with just as much anger as Provenza. 

"We hope that Sharon is just dehydrated." Why do I have a feeling that this is a knock at Mary for dehydrating herself on set and then calling out on herself on social media. This guy looks so excited to see her when he bursts through the the ER curtain. The guy doesn't run but look how fast he bolts to her side.

Rusty "All of that for the flu!?" Provenza is really starting to freak Rusty out. The doctor tells Rusty that all of those test are standard but I do wonder if he wasn't trying to calm him down. And by this time Provenza is back to his normal self, even if he's still worried about her. He's now cracking jokes and as we also know that's his defense mechanism when he's worried over a loved one. And I also feel like he's doing a little bit of back peddling, because now he's spoke before he thought and is realizing the impact of his words to Rusty. 

"Cardio - Cardio...what?" "Cardiomyopathy." Love seeing Rusty googling Sharon's heart condition. Certainly makes sense. Knowledge is power, especially for Rusty. Knowledge is also power for Sharon, which is something that Rusty has really absorbed from her. 

Knowledge about the disease will help him understand what Sharon's going through. I also really love that it's Andy she tells first about her diagnosis. And she's much less emotional here than she was when she had this conversation with Andy. She seems much more at peace with it but we know she's still struggling (and will struggle) with it and it's emotional (and physical) implications in her life. I really love it because it really shows her motherly ways. And her talking to Andy first really helps her separate her feelings to put more of a protective shield around herself in front of Rusty. 

"What can I do to help?" "Accept the full undercover security detail that the LAPD recommending. It would take a lot of stress off my heart, I am sure." Rusty walked right into that one. Sharon just guilt-ed Rusty into getting him a police protection and it worked. THIS is what I expected her to do but it seems like she was waiting for something to use to push the protection detail on to him. Sharon doesn't feel any remorse for using guilt on him to protect her baby. Something else that Rusty has learned from Sharon (and very well) is the art of the deal. He still insists on that gun. And with him being hunted (even though Sharon doesn't like it) it may be something he might actually have to use. Even Sharon understands that because of what happened with the Josephs three. The fact that the boys were caught unaware and not armed with any kind of protection.

Andy Andy sitting right in front of Sharon trying to be very calm for her. I love him being very calming and gentle in way he's speaking to her.Then very quickly becoming a tiger to anyone that comes in between him and being with her. I love him taking charge by telling them that three sets of black and whites will make a faster ride to the hospital. He doesn't hesitate to let his position as a police officer get faster care for his fiance. Does he care? Andy's a guy that will act first and think about the consequences later on. 

"Sir, I know this is hard. Please wait out here while we help her." "I'm her husband." "Okay, sorry but we don't allow family to -- Plus I have one of these." I love Andy pushing his way into being with her in the ER. He's not taking no for an answer. Not only does he lie to the nurse but backs that shit up with is badge. I love the look on her face, she's not too happy about it but I think at this point there wouldn't be any stopping Andy from being with her. He's so freaking gentle with her and to everyone else he's got a HUGE set of teeth and you don't want to mess with him. Andy does not hesitate to tell them he's her husband. Even though technically that's not true just yet.  He does his best to bulldoze is way into being with her and I LOVE IT SO FREAKING MUCH. 

She's got to be used to patients loved ones trying to be with them but now she has to deal with a stubborn cop husband who's not taking NO for an answer. I've always wondered what if something happened to Sharon before they'd gotten married. Would Andy just lie about them being married to get into be with her. And the fact that it actually happened makes my shipper heart sing! Andy & Rusty ganging up on Sharon to better take care of herself.

"Sharon, your off the clock." I love both of the guys protesting against her going back too soon and pushing herself. Love all of the looks they give the other. Andy shaking his head in protest. And lets face it Andy, Sharon ignores her physical and mental health just as much as you do. 

"Them is the rules." I love how both Andy and Rusty use her own obsession with the rules against her. And also the fact that Andy said THEM is the rules. I don't know why him phrasing it like that tickles me so much but it does. When Rusty retaliates "The Rules, The Rules" to Sharon. She really doesn't like that both of them bring it up and how much can we love the look she gives back to Rusty. Shaking her head at him. It really reminds me of when Brenda didn't think that Sharon was capable of tracking a suspect of theirs and Sharon shakes her head at Brenda. 

"Sharon the doctor wanted you to rest." "I'm home. I'm sitting. Okay I'm done." Andy seems like he's only letting Sharon go so far in how much she pushes herself. And isn't afraid of telling her that she needs to slow down. She kind of listens to him. When he gives her this wonderful look of disbelief. She stops, only long enough to send off an email to Provenza. He's so worried about his wifey and what's going on with her. I love this little moment before she sends Provenza and email. She gives him a smile but you can tell how emotionally torn up she is. He gives her one right back but as soon as she turns her head he sighs with so much worry.

Sharon "Sharon can you tell me what hurts." Sharon being so out of it that she can't speak. I love how she looks to Andy when the question is asked. And he gives her reassurance to calm her down. 

"I'm okay." Girl, you fainted, your strapped to an gurney with a oxygen mask on your face and your STILL insisting your fine. 

(And what her illness is doing for her character) The one thing that I love about this illness storyline of Sharon is that we are seeing things from Sharon that we haven't or haven't seen much of before. We are seeing Sharon really struggle with something emotionally and physically. Sharon (for this last arc) is behaving rather unlike herself. She's become much more emotional about things, letting herself feel things more. Her trying not to break down when faced with Lucas in the flower bed and having to set away from the crime scene. Her outburst of anger at the FBI agents. Her struggling to keep up her normal appearances to protect herself and her family from her illness. Her being so caught up in emotion (despite her appearances) that she forgets that Rusty's phone is in her hand. 

"I'm curious." Sharon is very much like Brenda. A workaholic that often takes presidence over her own mental, physical and emotional health. Sharon though, won't put her work above her family the way Brenda had a tendency to do. Herself yes but not Rusty or Andy. 

"If I could just talk to you alone for a little bit." "I'm her son." "I'm her husband, ugh almost." "And I am her esteemed colleague." I love how EVERY single one of them uses their relationships to her to get allowed to stay during the diagnosis. I would think that both Andy and Rusty would have been allowed to stay. Because they are personal family and because Andy would have medical power of attorney. And how Andy tries his badge trick yet again with the doctor but it doesn't work here. I love Provenza's amusement at Andy.

Romance abound, some meant to be and other's not so much.

Ryan & Miguel & Lucas & Kelly The Forbidden Relationships

I haven't really talked much about this one but this little quadrangle romance is one that parallels Rusty, Gus and Aiden. Ryan struggles with his sexuality in the that Rusty did (and still does). The fact that Ryan has a crush on Miguel (which Miguel I do believe doesn't know about). Ryan who suffered abuse from his stepfather and has an emotionally volatile mother. Just like Rusty's biological parents. The fact that Lucas and Kelly is also a forbidden relationship because of her fathers racist bullshit beliefs and how they had to hide from him.

Rusty & Gus & Aiden Where do we stand? So Gus has RSVPed to the wedding and has ordered the salmon so it's pretty much a given that he's going to be there. Even if his and Rusty's relationship is pretty much over. Rusty is pretty convinced that Gus won't show up to the wedding. But Sharon, is a person who does not give up on people or relationships and she seems like she still has her heart set on Rusty and Gus. My feelings on the two of them is that. I had high hopes for them at one point but so much has happened to push them apart and I really think that it's in the cards for them to break up.

Sarah & Mateo A volatile relationship of two polar opposites Like Ryan, Miguel, Lucas and Kelly is to Rusty, Gus and Aiden. Sarah and Mateo is a mirror to Sharon and Andy's relationship. While we don't get much play of their relationship here. But rather interestingly Mateo ends up dead at the end of the episode. And Sarah is left all alone with both her husband and son dead. Kind of where Sharon started at the beginning of the series. She had her kids yes but they were miles apart from her and only come home really during the holidays. 

Sharon is similar to Mateo in that she pulls away and isolates herself (and her emotions) in trying to deal with her illness. Mateo chose to drug himself and pull away from his family in dealing with his sons illness. While Sarah allows her emotions to get the better of her. Sarah and Mateo are so different in how they deal with their emotions, especially those regarding their son and how they deal with his illness. 

"I'm 100% positive."  "You can't be sure."  "Yes I can because ---." "They couldn't take the oxy from me because I know exactly how much I have." "I'll check out how much oxy I have and see if Lucas and his friends have taken any of it." This is such a telling conversation here. Mateo is so damned sure that the boys hadn't taken any of his oxy but then he's not so sure if they've taken any of his oxy. 

Here's another tiny thing but Mateo's office is decked out with artwork depicting sports figures in action. The guy is a HUGE sports fan, and we also know someone who's a big baseball fan. And someone else who's a big football fan. It's really tiny but I think it's cute that Mateo loves sports just like Sharon and Andy. After I wrote that I noticed that Mateo’s practice is about Sports medicine so he must treat athletes there. 

Sharon & Andy I Love You and nothing is going to stop us Rip my heart out why don't you? First of all! It's the very first time we are getting a scene in Sharon and Andy's bedroom. It really has been years in the making. Now I'm not going to talk too much about this scene here because I'm working on a separate post devoted just to this scene. I really think that there's so much emotionally going on that it really needs (and deserves) it's own post. 

It's also a bit frustrating not finding out what's going on with Sharon when the doctor tells her but I do like how they had us find out when Sharon finally tells Andy what's going on with her. Because of her relationship with him and our investment in that relationship. And how we can get more emotions coming off of him because he's in love with her verses emotions that a doctor has about his patient. I think in this case it was the right decision. 

One thing I will touch on is the I Love You. Better late than never and what a I Love You did we get. OMG GOD! I think much like with Laura Roslin, hearing Sharon saying the words was much more important than hearing them come from Andy. That scene was so very emotional, very intimate. Just exactly what we had all been hoping to see for so long. And I am also happy to say that this scene has beaten out the Hug for my favorite Shandy scene. Which I'm sure tops the list for many people. 

The difference in Sharon and Andy's relationship verses Sarah and Mateo. Is that Sharon and Andy have managed to meet in the middle with Sharon's illness. Sharon tries to pull away but Andy doesn't let her. Sharon and Andy's differences in their personalities don't hinder their relationship but make it better. It is VERY clear that Sarah and Mateo don't talk about what's going on with Lucas and all of their emotions surrounding it. And so both Sarah and Mateo deal with it on their own by themselves. While Andy makes it VERY clear that their dealing with Sharon's illness together. Both Andy and Mateo are addicts but Andy is actively dealing with his addiction and is in a much better place than Mateo is.

What I didn't like: Just as I thought this case was wrapping up they throw in another curve ball...or dead body. One nitpick about this episode would be that Sharon and Andy weren't in their bed when they had their conversation. And I think Sharon could have used a physical embrace from Andy. The other nitpick that I have is that Sharon is not the emotional focus at the end of the episode. And because of that breaks the pattern of the other episodes in the arc. 

What I liked: Having them pick up right after the last episode and we actually got to see the drama of them rushing Sharon to the hospital. Having everyone dealing with that (or not really dealing with their emotions - looking at you Provenza). This is something that we missed out on when Andy collapsed at the end of White Lies and I'm so very glad that they fixed that this time around. Seeing Sharon and Andy's bedroom FINALLY! Having such an emotional scene between Sharon and Andy where they actually talk about their relationship. A conversation that's not cut off and feels finished and I'm so very satisfied with it. 

That this is an episode that deals with Sharon and something she's struggling with and that it's the forefront of the episode. A Sharon storyline that her personal story is the FOREFRONT of the episode not the case. I don't think anyone could really considerate on what the hell was going on with the case due to all of the emotions surrounding Sharon's heart condition. 

Also Mary is a gift we don't deserve. Kudos also to Tony and GW! 

[milquetoast-on-acid]

Sanctuary City pt.5, A Reactionary Post

Of Faith and Family

Major Crimes, S6xE5: Episode Review This was another episode that the more I watched the more I liked. The wedding was way to short and that frustrated a lot of us. Myself included. On the positive side it was absolutely beautiful and hands down the most emotional wedding we've ever gotten. Apologies that this is so late, life and the holidays. 

What this episode is about: Five Character Moments in Five Minutes Mending Fences FBI  (Sharon, Provenza & The Squad) The Church (Sharon & Father Stan) Moments from the Raydor/Flynn/Beck Family The Past and Present Self Sarah: Mateo, Lucas vrs Dr. Alan Redmond Sharon:  Andy, Rusty vrs Emily, Ricky (with Father Stan somewhere in the middle) Sharon & Andy's Wedding

Five Character Moments in Five Minutes

Once again we get some awesome character moments that really showcase our amazing ensemble!

Andrea had just come back from Sharon's 80′s themed Bachelorette party.

Rusty talks up some lawyer shit and Sharon looks like a proud mama.

Julio is very sensitive AF (and yeah I'm slow because I JUST realized the reason why) and expresses his displeasure about calling Mateo's death a murder/suicide. If you can recall he was this touchy right after his brother was killed. Sadly with everything that's been happening in this arc I forgot that Julio's mother died. Love seeing the squad parents rally around him. Both Sharon and Provenza warn him that he's getting testy and he needs to cool it. Andy gives him a pat on his shoulder. 

Buzz's mind starts working like Sharon's and suggest some sneaky ass bullshit to get around questioning the boys without lawyers. And Sharon looks like a proud mama. 

And Sharon talks about how small Jack was and is so happy that she's marrying Andy.

Ryan & Father Mother Lover "I want you to tell me exactly what you told Miguel. Word for Word." When this was first on, those words really struck at me. Because Andy said almost the exact same thing to Sharon in part4. Which really told me that shady Father Motherlover didn't kill Lucas or Mateo.

Questions that need answers: Here is where I am confused. I don't recall the boys ever describing what their attacker looked like. Either Dr Redmond hired someone to kidnap them or he was wearing a mask. Or the boys knew it was him all along and didn't want to tell the police/fbi what he looked like for whatever reason. 

Couldn't the LAPD charge Father Mother Lover with crossing the boarder using someone else's identity? He used his brother's passport and admits to it on camera in an interview room. I feel like they should have charged him with that. But didn't because he was part of the church.

Why does Camilla have only one facial expression? She always looks like she's eating a sour lemon. Hey, I'm going to call her Sour Patch Kid from now.  

The News Reels I've got some mixed feelings on them. I enjoyed them in the beginning. I think that at times they added to the hype, high profile and urgency in the Josephs 3. Not to mention helped push the political angles that were happening through out the case. You could really see some real life news channels, which reflect real life politics in our world. 

This guy is glorifying Marvin Garret while pushing Miguel's family to be deported back to Mexico. Fox news anyone? 

But they happen far too often and after a while I just tuned them out. Your supposed to be listening to them and absorbing all of the different view points. And then they HAD to just add that last reel after the case was over. I get why they did it to give a short wrap up to what happened to all of the suspects, victims and witness's but seriously who even cares about what happens to these people? BECAUSE no one did. They are not the characters that we are emotionally invested in.  That time could have been spent in a much better way by extending the too short wedding scene.  I mean does anyone really care what happened to Bishop Calhoun?

Mending Fences (scenes full of gold)

There is a lot of mending going on in this episode. 

FBI  (Sharon, Provenza & The Squad) "I don't normally say this to local law enforcement but on behalf of the FBI, I apologize." Quite honestly I did not expect this. Please note that it was Fay that apologized not Vega. And what else I love about is Fay has prod Vega to tell the squad they were wrong and apologize himself. Also note that Fay says "I" while vega says: "we".

What actually happened:

Mom: I apologize for being a bully. 

Son:  I didn't do anything wrong.  I'm not apologizing.

Mom: Say your sorry.

Son: mymomsaysihavetosayimsorry.we'resorry.

Sharon laughs at that pathetic excuse of Fay’s son's apology.

The Church (Sharon and Father Stan) "My worries are a lot to let go of."

I just wanted to point out that Sharon is matching both Andy and Father Stan here. She's wearing that blouse from the infamous hug scene but we only managed to see a small portion of it. It's mostly covered up with a black blazer. Buttoned up which is kind of unusual for Sharon. And the way it's only showing from the neck up makes it look like the Priest's uniform. 

I knew that there had to have been a scene between Sharon and Father Stan that would push their relationship back onto the road to recovery. I thought however that it was going to happen much earlier than it did. But it what an amazing emotional scene for Sharon. These two have had such a long history together. A very deep friendship that has lasted decades. And of course Sharon's crisis of faith during these episodes was not ever going to break. It would bend, in the way that it was supposed to but never break. 

What's interesting to me is that Father Stan says he's been Sharon's Priest for 22 years. Which means that he became her priest after Sharon separated from Jack. Which makes me wonder if Sharon wasn't as devout of a Catholic until the crisis in her marriage. She says she's been a life long Catholic but that doesn't always mean a devout Catholic. Could the breakdown of her marriage pushed her to have a deeper faith than she did before? Or could this just be a case of Sharon changing Priests? We do know from what Ricky said that Sharon turned to the Catholic Church for support after Jack left. 

"How are you feeling?" Sharon unloads her burdens onto Father Stan. We get another peak into Sharon's mind and her emotional state. And once again we are reminded of just how much Sharon really holds in. It really felt that she felt so much relief at unloading herself. And at finally coming to peace with her and Father Stan. With everything that's been going on with Sharon (emotionally and physically) these days. I'm sure it's been even harder for her to push through things without her normal councilor by her side. Father Stan has been her rock and has been with her through good times and bad. He is a definite source of support for her. He's probably one of the longest meaningful relationships she's had with someone other than her family. 

"Almost overwhelmed. Not by work or the wedding but my children are concerned about me and they express their fears to you. I can't..." Even when Sharon may die from her heart condition it is her family that is foremost on her mind. And the question that lingers there: "What will happen to them when I am gone?" And I love that Father Stan reminds her that is what faith is all about. To have faith that everything will turn out the way that it should. Whether she survives her illness or whether she dies from her illness. 

The music really added to this scene! It was soft, sad and had gradual build up. Which really reflected Sharon's emotional state in this scene. From a quiet sadness building up to a more triumphant sound. Once Sharon is reminded about the purpose of faith, she's feeling more like her self internally. 

My only nitpick about this scene is that as beautiful and emotional as this scene is. It really doesn't get a chance to breathe properly. Sharon shakes it off, goes right back to work and it's almost as if the moment didn't happen. And the scene cuts rather fast with a voice over from the next scene even before the shot is cut. I do understand that they pack A LOT in these episodes but sometimes moments (especially moments like these) really need some time to linger. In the way that I felt that the ILY scene from last week got a wonderful chance to breathe.

Moments from the Raydor/Flynn/Beck Family

I'm not sure why they filmed this scene from Rusty's perspective. It's a rather odd choice to make if you ask me because of how much we don't get to see. Their are some really awesome family moments that happen. And I love them all. Emily is an excited bean of energy, who seems to get her 'I love my family happiness' from Sharon. Not quite sure when the last time Emily came to visit (presumably it hasn't been three years). But Emily is just as excited about her mother marrying Andy as Ricky is. And I really love that. I had wondered exactly what Emily's reaction was going to be. I figured that it had to be happiness from her role in Sharon's annulment. Emily embraces Andy in a big hug and unfortunately we don't get to see it. 

And there's this...

"This Marriage is the greatest honor of my life." JESUS FUCKING CHRIST! Please Emily tell Sharon that he said this. 

And this...

One adorable sibling hug that also hits you right in the feels. Through the years this family has FINALLY come together. And their a gigantic modge podge blend but they sure are happy to all be a family. I love how much love there is for everyone in this family.

The Past and Present Self

Sarah: Mateo, Lucas verses Dr. Alan Redmond "It wasn't like that." "I don't care what it was like. I want to know who."

Amy just doesn't give a shit here and I love it.

They parallel the Raydor/Flynn/Beck Family. The difference here being that everything that Andy, Rusty, Emily and Ricky do for Sharon. It is because they love her. Unlike with Alan. Who destroyed Sarah's life and killed her family because he thought that she would come back to him if her family was gone. The parallel is how little Alan knows Sarah. Verses how Emily and Ricky don't know Sharon's present self. 

"All this trouble Doctor. Was it to get Sarah Garza back? Because Lucas freaked out when his mother brought up the idea of divorce and she left you? Do you think murdering her son and sprinkling Oxy everywhere would soften her heart?" Another little parallel. And while not in this particular episode. After Sharon divorced Jack, Jack thought that he'd get Sharon back by manipulating their son into dumping Rusty, showing up at her condo drunk, making her jealous with a french girlfriend. Manipulating information out of their daughter to later use against Sharon's boyfriend. Both men did not think of the damage they did to Sarah or Sharon's families. 

Can we end this parallel for to talk about how Andy once again is drooling over his love while she procedes to go full Darth on Alan Redmond's ass. Quite honestly I think Andy has always been turned on by this. And yes even when she had that shit turned on him.

Sharon:  Andy, Rusty verses Emily, Ricky (with Father Stan somewhere in the middle)

Look there’s a visual family divide.

The interesting thing about this scene and pretty much the rest of the episode. Is the division between Andy & Rusty vs Emily & Ricky. Someone around the fandom (and I wish I could remember who) had said that Emily and Ricky know Sharon's past. But Andy and Rusty know her now. That couldn't be anymore truer than here. 

Emily and Ricky have gone through things with their mother and can explain things that Andy and Rusty may not understand. Such as Sharon's devotion to her faith. When Rusty asked Ricky why a church wedding was so important to Sharon. Emily and Ricky think they know and understand how their mother will behave baised on how she behaved when they were growing up. And while Emily and Ricky were off living their lives and following their careers. Sharon was growing as a person and living her own life.  In that time she had a career change, adopted a kid, got divorced and fell in love. That is a lot to happen to a person in 6 years. Your life experiences and the people in them change you as a person. Even if Sharon wanted to be the same person she was when Ricky and Emily were kids. She's not. 

Which brings us to Andy and Rusty. Who know, Sharon is now. They live with her and see her every single day. They know that pressuring Sharon to deal with something is not the way to go. Whether it is Sharon's illness or whether it's her wedding.  Rusty knows this even before their plane's land which explains his "Oh damn it. When is Mom coming back?" to Buzz, when Ricky and Emily walk into the squad room. Andy catches up as soon as Ricky tells him to use him and Emily to lighten Sharon's load.

And Andy gives us this amazing look of quiet panic. Which I don't know about you but made me bust out when I saw this. 

Andy has learned through years of their friendship and romance. That letting Sharon have her time to figure things out inside of her head is a much better way to go. To watch from a far and to be avaliable for her when she needs him. And to let her come to him instead of hovering over her. Because Andy is not a patient guy it must kill him to not push her into talking to him. But he gives her the space that she needs to think things through. Because he understands that's what she needs. While Rusty has absorbed more of Sharon's personality through the years and has just figured out himself that pushing Mom to do anything is a bad idea.

"She's taking her meds, she feels a lot better. Grab a chair. The adults have this. We really do." Love this line and how much this was about the dinner AND Andy telling Ricky that he and Sharon are taking care of her illness. Andy fathering the kids in a way we'd never see Jack father his own children.

We get another big dose of it in Sharon's office the day before the wedding right as they are closing their case. Emily and Ricky pressuring Sharon into dealing with the wedding is putting more stress on Sharon. Sharon eventually puts her foot down and says all I have to do is look great and walk down the aisle. In other words she's saying that she's got faith that everything will turn out just as it should. And she's choosing not to stress about it. 

Father Stan is really the only person with a different perspective. As he as has known Sharon for decades and is still a confidant to her now. So he's got a wider perspective having known Sharon of the past and Sharon of the present. On the other hand which the very wonderful themagicm points out her podcast (seriously go check it out if you haven't) is that Sharon isn't really listening to her children. She very clearly sees that they are worried about her and that weighs heavily on her mind. But what she doesn't realize is that allowing them to help her will also help them deal with the implications of Sharon's illness. That they need to feel needed. So there is a very definite divide here and really neither party seems to be giving the other party what they need.

One thing is very clear is that every single person in that room has a massive amount of love for Sharon. And they are all doing what they think is best for her.

Sharon & Andy's Wedding

Much like everyone else it was much too short but it was absolutely gorgeous and there was so much stuff packed into this tiny little scene. Wonderful banter, lots of love (mostly happy, some not so much) and overall extremely emotional. Definitely a pretty epic moment for our couple and for the show. And also like with the proposal and the ILY, the wedding deserves it's own post. I'll be posting that soon.

What I don't like: The wedding was only three minutes long. I'm pretty sad about that. Ricky and Emily arrive at the squad room from Rusty's perspective. Now the problem isn't that it's from Rusty's perspective, the problem is that the scene starts while we are not seeing Ricky and Emily greet Andy but only hearing their voices. So we really miss out on seeing a giant smile on Andy's face at seeing them. Emily enthusiastically embracing Andy and maybe a fist bump between Andy and Ricky. At the end of the case. I think I agree with a lot of people that it dragged on for far too long. With a rather anticlimactic finish to the case.

They've really gone overboard with this fishing/whale metaphor. If you were to look around Sharon's office you'd really think the woman has a huge love of fishing. When that's something that's NEVER been mentioned about her character. I really think that one piece of whale artwork and that Moby Dick book was enough.

While we're on the subject of explaining things. Greg Lavoi can you please explain the wardrobe choice here? The shirt and the blazer -spot on. But that skirt doesn't even go with the rest of the outfit. Mixing plaid and a floral printed shirt? Could this outfit be all about Sharon's mental state and how fucked up it is right now? She's buttoned up and yet so mixed up emotionally. At this point that's where I'm going with it because it really doesn't go AT ALL.

What I like: While the wedding was very very short. What we did get was absolutely beautiful and it couldn't be more apparent that both Sharon and Andy love each other with their whole hearts. No matter how damaged their hearts maybe they are stronger together. Seeing the Raydor/Flynn/Beck family all together functioning as a family unit. I love all of the bickering, bantering, concern, love and happiness between all of them. I wasn't too crazy about the episode the first time I saw it but now that I have seen it a few times and am anaylising it. I must say that I'm seeing so many things in this episode. Particularly the personal storyline that I really love.

One thing I have yet to mention is the actor that plays Father Stan. Mark Damon Espinoza. In the instances of any extension of the main character's families. This show does an amazing job on casting family members. And I consider Father Stan a part of Sharon's family. Considering her very close relationship with him, one that she's had for decades.

Mary! Who the show may have forgotten that there's a reason why she's been nominated for Oscar's twice. But now we are FINALLY seeing the show actually use this wonderfully talented actress.