How do people feel about Valentine’s Day? Well, I suppose it depends on where a person is in their life on the “relationship” front. There are, of course, those who choose to live a single life and are quite happy and content. But there are others who may view Valentine’s Day as a bitter reminder that they’re alone, that the “someone special” they’ve been looking for is still nowhere in sight.
Then there are those in relationships where one in the couple takes Valentine’s Day extremely seriously. Unlike the single folks who can choose to ignore the day as just another February 14th if they choose, those in these relationships, well, let’s just say ignoring the day, innocently forgetting the day or even just not being overly enthusiastic about the day may not be the smartest move.
Lastly, there are those couples in committed relationships, who view it as an opportunity to do something special yet they don’t take it all too seriously. It’s a chance to do something sweet, something that’s not an everyday occurrence and just have a bit of fun. And this was a perfect Valentine’s Day episode because it did just that. It was silly and fluffy and just plain fun.
I must admit up front that I was hoping for a bit more in the “romance” department from our lovebirds. I was looking forward to a “morning after” moment with at least one of the couples and would have been thrilled for one from both. Alas, I was to be disappointed. That doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy this episode, because I certainly did.
Let’s get to it then!
Right off the bat, I have to say I really loved that Lynn and Melissa joined forces to book the weekend at the Hilton for their guys and that they picked up the tab for it. They are two successful women in their own right and if they want to do something special for their guys, more power to them. There’s no rule anywhere that says the guy should always foot the bill. It was their idea, they executed the “op”, so to speak, and they covered the expenses. Woman power!
It was also pretty obvious that the guys were looking forward to spending “quality” time with their ladies. At least until they found out what the girls had done. I’m thinking each one was feeling a bit “cockblocked” (thank you Belle for that fantastic word) by having the other so close. It was really funny how they were both ready to jump and run when Chin called about the murder case but, of course, they knew they couldn’t do that to the girls. More willing to just go with the flow than Danny is, Steve’s suggestion of the safe word “chicken salad” to indicate when Danny wanted to be alone with Melissa was hilarious as was the spot-on-perfect Christopher Walken “chicken salad” used by Scott at the end of the episode.
I was having a discussion with a couple of friends on Saturday morning and one of them mentioned how, after enjoying all the humor the first time she watched, it was on her second viewing when she could really see all the relationship angles that were there. After watching the episode, a second time myself, I can’t help but agree with her.
Let’s start with Lynn and Melissa. I know it won’t happen because both actresses are in demand and busy with projects away from Hawaii but I wish to hell we could see more of the friendship these two have obviously struck up together. I loved the easy comradery between them. They were quick to bond, quick to laugh and obviously enjoyed each others company. They are also totally in sync with their men and the relationship that exists between them.
Of course, Steve and Danny are, well, Steve and Danny. I was overjoyed they didn’t get called away by the case of the week even if they had their own little case to solve. Danny’s hilarious feud with that obnoxious kid and his quest to recover his not-stolen sunglasses was a lot of ridiculous fun. It reminded me of that Halloween episode when he went nuts trying to find out who toilet-papered his house. Steve was right there by his side even when he knew Danny was going way overboard. They always have each others backs, no matter what. I also get the feeling that the romantic dinner on the beach was Steve’s idea but he let Danny take credit so he could make it up to Melissa for wasting time over the glasses.
But Danny need not worry about Melissa. He’s really a lucky guy; she was totally cool with everything. She was as dedicated to beating Steve and Lynn at volleyball as he was. She loved how he “defended” her on the beach. She wasn’t upset that he left the spa early, nor was she angry he completely bailed on yoga. She “knows what she signed up for” and accepts him for who he is. She doesn’t try to change him. She understands this is the man he is, she loves him and accepts him, warts and all. After all, they’ve been together for over three years now.
As for Steve and Lynn, I absolutely adore this relationship. Like Melissa, Lynn knows the kind of man Steve is. She understood Steve’s little joke during the volleyball game about switching sides was just that, a joke. Danny knew it too or he wouldn’t have teased Lynn about Steve’s request. Steve was a little nervous that he’d hurt her feelings but she was so totally fine with it she tossed it back at him during the yoga class, adding her own joke that his concern for Danny was what was messing up his balance and concentration. I loved how Melissa and Lynn giggled and laughed over that! Priceless. Even at the dinner table later, on the beach. It looked like Lynn knew exactly what Steve was doing, letting Danny take the credit. I saw total understanding in her eyes. She just “gets him”.
But it wasn’t just the girls who made this stay-cation so great but the guys as well. Spa appointments and yoga classes aren’t things guys are usually interested in on vacations, or ever to be honest. My husband, who usually watches the episodes with me, spent the entire hour chuckling and smiling. I asked him if, when we were first together before we got married, if he’d have gone to a spa with me if I’d wanted to. He rolled his eyes, and said “Seriously? I’d have hated ever moment of it but if you wanted to go, I probably would have and prayed to God none of my friends ever found out about it!” Then I asked if he’d go now and he said “Oh hell no!”
So, the guys sitting in a spa didn’t feel out of character or weird to me. Just two guys, doing the best they can to make their ladies happy and make the weekend they planned for them a success. Steve lasted longer than Danny did of course. Danny had sunglasses to track down, or course, and Steve? Well, Steve is trained to endure torture, after all. LOL
I pretty much loved every moment of the stay-cation especially the way these couples are so in sync. Each couple, in their own way, understand and complement each other’s personalities perfectly. I’m so happy we got to spend Valentine’s Day with them all. I hope we get to see them again in the future, but not for a good while. A relationship episode is great and fun but I don’t need to have it in my face every week.
Now for the crime of the week. If the stay-cation was a testament to happy couples who see Valentine’s Day as an opportunity for fun, then the COTW is classic for the singles who are desperate to not be alone. This story reminded me of the Will Smith movie “Hitch” about a guy who teaches socially awkward men how to connect with women. The difference is Hitch was interested in romance that would lead to life-long happiness, not just getting laid. And Hitch never resorted in paying prostitutes to hook up with his clients.
It also seems that poor Kono is destined to be hit on by every undesirable in Hawaii. But Kono is smart and she is mature and she doesn’t get caught up in righteous indignation or immature whining over it. She’s a tough, self-assured grown up and is perfectly capable of putting these guys in their place. Whether it’s Sang Min or Gerald Hersh or this creep, Blake Stone. She is completely confident in herself and she’s also intelligent enough to know where these guys are coming from and how to handle them.
She knows, if she had to, she could totally take Sang Min down. She is mature enough to understand that Hersch acts the way he does out of insecurity and is harmless. Blake is a low life, manipulating the insecurities of men to make a buck. When he tries to put his “practiced” moves on Kono, she is more than willing to rip him apart in the Blue Room and the car. Even after she’d saved his life, Blake still came at her with his over-confident shtick. Kono is simply awesome.
Not only did Danny’s quest for his sunglasses remind me of the great Halloween TP caper but the way the COTW played out was also a familiar theme. Jeremy Holden was murdered, not by Vanessa Lancey, the hooker Blake paid to go out with him but by Neil Ware, a crazy ex-client of Blake’s who’d fallen in love with Vanessa when Blake set them up. Neil became obsessed with Vanessa and murdered Jeremy when he saw them together in the alley.
The way Neil was acting with Vanessa, the insanely obsessive way he was telling her how they needed to be together and how all she needed to do was see him again to know they belong together, reminded me of when Melissa’s ex-husband came to Oahu to get her back and ended up stabbing Danny in the process.
Some other fun things:
I was very happy that Steve told Chin he hoped the case wrapped up quick so Chin could get “home” to Abby. Nice to know, that even if we don’t get to see her, Abby is still in the picture and at Chin’s home.
The same goes for Lou and Renee. Just like Abby, we don’t get to see much of Renee but knowing she’s at home and Lou is planning a Valentine’s Day like she deserves warms my heart. He’s not gonna blow it like he did last year, that’s for sure!
It’s too bad we didn’t get an Adam mention in this episode other than when Kono pointed out to Blake that she was, obviously, married. It’s not a necessity that he be mentioned, but since it was Valentine’s Day, it would have been nice.
Just like the COTW reminded me of when Melissa’s ex-husband came to Oahu, the spa scene was a clear reminder that you just can’t “double date” with Steve and Danny anywhere where silence is a blessing. Just like the double date at the movies way back in Season 3, it’s impossible for Steve and Danny not to kibizt and “ruin the zen” of the spa experience. Luckily for them they have very understanding girlfriends! LOL
Of course, I can’t let this review go by without mentioning the best scene of the entire episode. Yeah, that’s right, Steve and Danny emerging out of the sea like a couple of Greek gods. OMG, I have no idea how they managed to film this scene on the beach in front of the Hilton without having to stop a million times because of women gawking in the background. These guys are just too gorgeous to behold.
I have always been quite impressed over the years with the way the make-up department has been so consistent with Steve’s scars. As the years have passed they have become more and more numerous. They’ve managed to keep the scar on his collarbone from the shot he took from Victor Hess in the Pilot consistent for seven years. We’ve already caught a look at the surgery scar from the liver transplant a few episodes ago and in this episode, we got to see Danny’s identical matching scar. Seeing those matching scars just gives me all kinds of wonderful McDanno feels!
Also, in this episode, the make-up department added to Steve’s scars with the wound to his left side (the shot that took out his liver) as well as the shot he took to his left deltoid. That damn shot messed up that tat! Just for that those drug runners needed to die!
All in all I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. Other than the fact I didn’t get to see our couples rolling in the hay (what an opportunity lost!!) I think this was a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. It was fun, it was sweet, it was comical and it served to show just how strong these couples are. Will they last the test of time? I don’t know, I hope so. But even if they don’t, I sure am enjoying them while they last!
Have a great week my friends. I hope all your special someone’s treat you will all the love and joy you deserve! Aloha. Malama pono.
All screencaps are mine unless otherwise noted!
Hawaii Five-0 Kool-Aid 
Well, I guess that I’m the first to comment. I loved this episode. This might be my favorite episode of the season. As you say, after so many serious episodes, this is just what we needed. I have always loved Danny with Melissa and now I can honestly say I love Steve and Lynn too. These girls were both great the way they took everything in stride. And I agree their chemistry was great. I think we need at least one or two episodes a season where the guys double date with their girlfriends. You are right, though. We don’t need to see them all the time but once in a while would be great. And the case of the week was a great distraction. I liked that Steve mentioned Abby to Chin. Just to let us know she is still in the picture. The two con artists were not really bad people. Maybe they thought they were helping just a little. And Kono let him down easy. This was a great Valentine episode.
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I think that’s what I like the best about Lynn and Melissa. They “take everything in stride” as you say. These are grown up women who know their men very well. They know their quirks, so they don’t get all bent out of shape when one of those quirks presents itself. Steve is very competitive and doesn’t like to lose. Lynn wasn’t a strong volleyball player. He joked about switching partners. She gave him a playful “how dare you” push, laughed it off and moved on. Just like a mature woman in a committed relationship does! I think she’s perfect for Steve!
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I’m glad you liked it, I didn’t. The only somewhat happy couple I saw in this was McG and Danny… you noticed I said ‘somewhat!’ There’s always next week.
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I’m sorry you didn’t like the episode. No harm in that. Not everyone likes everything the same. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. If you’d like to elaborate as to why you didn’t care for the episode, please feel free. If not, that’s ok too. Your opinion is welcome!
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I’d like to thank wardrobe for keeping Steve either shirtless or in tank shirts for most of the episode! I can never get enough of his arms and chest.
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I agree, this was a good fluff episode that was very enjoyable. Love your review and especially all the great pictures
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Fun episode though I wish I hadn’t poked around and watched all the spoilers. I felt like i’d seen most of the good bits……did love the bromance and that Melissa and Danny seem so relaxed together. I didn’t think they’d last, but you said it exactly right – she accepts him as he is – warts and all. The girls did seem to get along well. I don’t think Lynn is “the one” but for now she’s good company and Steve has loosened up a lot. They are really cute together. Kono – poor girl, she really does attract them!!! It’s really sweet how she handles them……..with grace.
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I agree about Lynn she is wrong for Steve, but I have always been a fan of Catherine. Maybe because I haven’t seen her with Steve much but Catherine is the one.
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I don’t think he’s found “the one” yet……….maybe Cath could have been once, but the way that character messed it up – Steve is doing what he needs to do – move on.
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I agree ladies. I like Lynn…a lot. I think they make a great couple and would love for them to be long term. Will that happen? More than likely, probably not. TPTB may also be thinking she is wrong for him long term. I’m ok with that eventuality since I’m having fun watching them have fun in the present. If Lynn isn’t a long term solution, I’ll be sad but I want Steve to be happy. If it can’t be with Lynn, so be it. Just as long as they don’t get Steve back to together with Catherine. I agree with Carole. Perhaps Lynn is not “the one”, maybe he hasn’t met “the one yet” and yes, Maybe Cath could have been “the one” once, but not now. The Catherine of Season 1, 2 and especially Season 3 would have been a perfect “one”.
I really liked her back then, loved the relationship between them and thought they were a super match. They were adorable with the “foxhole fantasy” and her teasing him about using Chuckie movies to get girls in high school. They had a familiar, easy, comfortable relationship that I enjoyed.
But that Catherine does not exist any more. The Catherine of those early seasons would not have lied to Steve the way this Catherine did. It began when she lied by omission with regard to Doris in Season 3. But everyone makes mistakes and, at the time, it was a one time thing and Doris is ….well…Doris! I happily gave her a pass on that one because as Steve said at the time “they’re good”.
But events of the last seasons have totally transformed Catherine into a different person. This person has no problem with lying to the man she supposedly loves, has no problem using him to set up a cover for her CIA operations, has no problem leading him to believe she is home to stay, home to make a life with him, only to turn around and deliberately rip his heart out to serve her purpose. Oh yes… she feels bad… she says he’s the “last person she ever wanted to lie to”…. says she “never meant to hurt him” and I DO believe her when she says that. The same way I believe Doris when she says the exact same things! But neither one of them felt bad enough about it all NOT TO DO IT.
If there was anyway to turn back the clock, to make Catherine be the person she was four years ago maybe things could be different. But, to me at least, that person is gone and Steve needs to move on to someone he can love and be happy with long term. It may turn out (and probably will turn out) that Lynn is not that person but it’s my opinion Catherine is not that person either. I know there will be people who will disagree with that statement and that’s fine. Everyone is entitled to their own personal opinion.
And, of course, TPTB can write whatever they want. They can come up with some implausible, totally ridiculous excuse for all the things she’s done and go against the wishes of more than half the fandom and their lead actor to boot, and bring them back together. I’ll hate it and I’ll say so but I won’t give up on my show because I just love it too much. Just like Alex, who even if he thinks bringing them back together is the stupidest idea there is, will be professional and play the scenes with his usual level of expertise and work ethic. You don’t have to like something to get the job done.
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Great review! When you compared the situation of Stone’s ex-client and the hooker to what happened with Melissa’s ex-husband and what happened to Danny as a result,I was shocked,because I had almost forgot about that. To me, Stone was dumber than he looked if he really thought he had a chance with Kono. Loved the Valentine’s Day stay-cation with Steve,Danny & their ladies-that was really fun,although it didn’t appear that the guys were too pleased with the situation at first,but they went with the flow and began to enjoy themselves.
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Of course they weren’t happy! ROFLMAO They were looking forward to a weekend alone with their ladies, full of sun, sand and sex and ended up with beach volleyball, spa treatments and yoga classes! ROFL But we have to remember we only saw the first 8 hours of this staycation. I’m sure the rest of the weekend was much more to the boys liking! ♥
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Very well-stated, Linda. I used to be a Catherine fan too, but too much water has streamed under that bridge. I don’t think Lynn is “the one”. I wish they would introduce a new lady who will become the love of his life, because bottom line to me — Steve needs to procreate! If he doesn’t, the legacy of awesome McGarrett men ends with him. That would be a crime!
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Well, if Alex sticks to his guns and Season 8 (and I do believe there will be a Season 8) is his last, there isn’t a lot of time to meet and form a life long commitment to someone new. So unless the network is able to convince Alex to stay on beyond S8 I fear TPTB will take the easy, most infuriating and stupid way out, and just bring Catherine back to wrap up Steve’s story.
The McRoll faithful will crow with delight because they’ll have their stupid “end game” which really is all they care about. They rant and rave over how stupid the show is, how unrealistic it is, how infuriating it is that the medical aspects are not text-book perfect, how idiotic story lines and certain characters are, yada, yada, yada yet they will conveniently look the other way at the ridiculousness of a Steve/Cath reunion just to be able to crow that they were right!
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This episode had absolutely nothing to do with Catherine, yet you cannot help but make it about her. I like your reviews but your obsessive hatred for Michelle/Catherine is borderline abusive. I wish you would move on like Steve has and stop making every review about her and her fans. The passive aggressive digs are unnecessary and personally take away from your thoughtful reviews.
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Thank you for your comment Maria. I appreciate your opinion. Just to be clear, I do not hate Michelle. I have absolutely nothing against her at all. I wish her all the success in the world. My opinion of the Steve and Catherine relationship has nothing to do with Michelle in the least.
I was replying to comments by others about who may or may not be “the one” for Steve. I don’t see how that conversation can exist without bringing Catherine into it. I don’t think that relationship is salvageable. Others do. That’s what friendly debate is all about.
I also don’t see how expressing my opinion that I believe the relationship between Steve and Catherine has run it’s course, nor the fact that I am doing it on my own blog, can be seen as abusive. I have never tagged Michelle in anything I write, nor tweet so I fail to see where abuse comes into play.
That’s your opinion and you’re welcome here to voice it any time you wish. I have nothing against Catherine as a person. Although I don’t agree with them, she made her choices and now Steve needs to make his. If she comes back and he chooses to reunite with her, so be it. I don’t have to like it to still enjoy the rest of the show.
Thank you for your input. I hope you always feel welcome to express whatever you like here!
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So….! I enjoyed this episode for it’s light-heartedness and character aspects. Nothing much of substance this week, but that’s just fine. If the easier on the body episodes of this type keep our stars committed for more seasons, I can handle a couple episodes of this type!
Besides, it was fun! And there was some definite character development going on in this episode. It was great to see Melissa finally back onscreen with Danny – from Valentine’s Day to Valentine’s Day was a long dry spell! They have now been together 3 seasons,even if we haven’t seen their relationship. Three years is a long time in the real world. I think it’s time, and it looked like maybe Danny was thinking the same way here, to take their relationship up a notch. But it sure isn’t easy for him, is it? We learned a lot more about his personality this week, and much of his behavior makes more sense now to me. He’s been hurt in the relationship department – by Rachel over and over again, and even though he broke it off with Gabby, he didn’t exit that relationship unscathed. Steve told him a long time ago not to say “I love you” until you really mean it and are ready to commit since you can’t take the words back. Who would have thought Danny would take his partner’s words to heart?
Anyway, long story short, it looks to me that Danny and Melissa are getting closer to ramping up their relationship – she tells him she knows what she was letting herself in for, and he admits and then apologizes for messing up her well made plans.
Steve and Lynn, on the other hand, are not there yet. And they may never get there! They are a cute couple, they enjoy each others’ company. They are no where near the commitment phase yet. True, Steve was more in tune with what the girls were trying to do with the weekend than Danny was, and he tried his best to enjoy himself as well as keep Danny from completely screwing up with Melissa! Still, Steve seemed more interested in making things work out for his friend than making things work out for himself on this particular weekend. Gotta love that about Steve! He truly cares deeply for his partner (sorry, I’m not talking romantically here) and there is nothing that would make Steve happier than to see Danny in love with a girl who loves him back whole heartedly.i think he feels Danny deserves happiness and love in his life.
Now, just because Steve and Lynn didn’t get it on hot and heavy in this episode in no way makes me feel they have no chemistry together. I really hate that word “chemistry,” but it does seem to fit, here. I still think Lynn is good for Steve at this time in his life. Steve has a lot of angst to process and get past – his near death experience, his mother and her relationship with Wo Fat’s father, Catherine walking out of his life, then throwing the curve-ball that she would have accepted his proposal, but would she really have been the right one considering the choices she’d made in the past? With all these issues comes a need and desire to just let things go and have some fun in life. I think this is why Steve is attracted to Lynn at this stage in the game. She is fun, she laughs and makes Steve laugh, she’s easy and understanding. This is a good relationship for Steve to be in right now. Will it get any deeper? I rather doubt it. But if Lynn can help to heal Steve’s troubled heart and soul, hey, I’m all for it.
I honestly think Catherine, as a romantic interest in Steve’s life is over. That ship has sailed. I don’t think Catherine will be forgotten, as PLenkov has said her story is not over. She will probably be around until the very last episode. There might very well be someone still on the horizon for Steve, but then again, the series might end without us meeting her.
I won’t bother with the COTW this week – everything has already been said!
Now I’m ready for a few action packed episodes to hit my screen!
Thanks for a great review, and some lovely screen caps- four incredibly handsome people enjoying each other makes me smile…a lot!
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Thank you for the wonderful comment Lynnette! I agree with everything you said! ♥♥
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Wow! Seems Maria has a lot of pent up hostility. Your response to her and the Carol(e)s was excellent. I think what a lot of people fail to realize is that the show is (1) just a TV show not based in reality and (2) people who watch the show only for the “ship” aren’t fans, they’re shippers who aren’t getting the full enjoyment of the show because the show and the entire cast offer so many different aspects to it. And the “ship” is least of them. I also don’t feel that the “McRoll” relationship will roll forward in the future (if there is one). Way to much water, hurt and trust issues under that bridge. We know she’ll be back but how remains to be seen.
That being said, cute, silly and inane are the words I’d use to describe this episode. In my opinion it seemed both ladies were pissed at our guys although a friend said irritated was more like and it wasn’t as Valentiney as I’d hoped and wished for. I was wondering what went thru Lynn’s head when she dodged a kiss from Steve. Seriously!? The entire episode just seemed a bit off to me, Steve like a puppy trying to please everyone, Lynn, a bit standoffish, Melissa, too cutsey, Danny on a tear over everything – I saw no sparks between any of them, more like good friends out for a day. The best moment for me was when Danny ate the cucumbers and stalked off in pursuit of his $20 sunglasses. The terms of endearment were sweet if a bit forced and out of character. Danny calls everyone Babe. The COTW not even worth a mention except that poor Kono attracts all the crazies. A true filler episode.
Thanks for always taking the time to review the episodes – I love everyone’s takes on them!!
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Thanks for the comment Brooke!
Maria is entitled to her opinion. Although I strongly disagree with it, I did not find her hostile. She stated her case and I stated mine and that’s what open debate is about. I feel strongly about the Catherine situation and stated my case. She didn’t like it and said so. No harm no foul. She, like everyone else, is welcome to express their opinions here.
Everyone looks at things through their own sunglasses and see things from their own perspective. Your comment is the perfect example. You think the ladies looked irritated. I thought they looked like two ladies resigned to the fact that their guys are the way they are and just went with the flow. You saw no sparks. I didn’t see sparks because I saw couples who have been together for a fair to long amount of time who are extremely comfortable with each other and , again, just go with the flow.
Neither opinion is wrong. We just watched and saw things from our own perspective. There is nothing wrong with that. As a matter of fact, it’s what makes discussing the show fun. Different ideas, different opinions, yet rational friendly conversation. I love that!
Oh…and as for that “dodged kiss”? Well, I saw it this way. Lynn knew Melissa was waiting next door to spring their surprise on the guys. Lynn also knew that if she gave in and melted into Steve, she’d never be able to get away because she wouldn’t WANT to get away. They would have been cocooned in that room for hours! LOL I have to agree….there is no way in hell I would ever dodge a kiss or the opportunity for more with that man but you said it yourself. This is TV and not reality! ROFL
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Brooke?? LOL!! I never thought of the dodged kiss that way and yep, I’d never leave him, the room, if given a choice!
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Hehehehehe…… Knew that get a laugh! LOL
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