As for the story as a whole, it was good to see Tyler again. It sucks that even with Paige's confession about the events that led up to Elliot Davison's death that the elusive smoking gun seems to be keeping him from finalizing this case once and for all. Hopefully his new partner will be able to clear the mountain load of paperwork on his desk because that can't be a positive reinforcement when it comes to trying to figure out what they are missing. As for the character as a whole, probably a little too early to draw any concrete conclusions, but considering how busy both Tyler and Callie have been, I can't imagine that a new blond, female partner bodes well for their relationship. If they were to bond, I would rather see it done organically than as a way for Jamie to get back at Callie's mother for any lingering daddy issues she might have.
Thanks Ty I am thrilled that you enjoyed this scene. There is follow up to this in the next episode with Callie's end and Jamie with her father. I am really excited about the way that this transpires this season and the gun will come to light as well. I thought it was important to give Tyler a partner, seeing how Callie acted as a fill in for him with Hannah's case and because now that they are both working something new will be causing their relationship a bit of friction this season.
Brian appears to be working hard to sell us on his feelings for Vanessa. I thought it was nice move for him to attempt to stop the publishing of the book, especially considering it provides a cornerstone for the reason he came to West Lake -- to find out what happen to his father, and in that same light, tell us a story of a woman wrongly accused. Given the baby issue with Jake, and the fact that he is avoiding Vanessa now, it may be Brian's time to shine. BTW, Jake really should face Vanessa head on and tell her what's going on. The reason they are where they are now is because people chose to run away and avoid, rather than face the problems head on. Granted, it's going to make him look like a jackass because he was working so hard to convince Vanessa that they should be together, and then he goes and has unprotected sex with Jessica. Oh, the webs we sow.
I've always felt that Brian really is a good guy deep down and so is Jake despite him being every thick headed sometimes. Jake should tell Vanessa sooner rather than later, I think right now he is just trying to process how to tell her, where they will go from here whether that be together or separate.
Shane's medical crisis is interesting, and at least he was proactive in seeking a diagnosis for the recurring problems. Of course, that could be the doctor in him.
Shane's medical crisis is a huge story line that I have this year for a few reasons one I wanted to sink my teeth into him more as a character. As well, as bringing him more to the forefront, seeing how last season he played more of a supporting role towards Paige. This story takes a lot of twists and turns so I am thrilled that you enjoyed it.
I love the showdown between Kate and Vanessa, and I thought it was a wise decision to keep it in there. It gave the episode an extra punch. Kate didn't have to go and own up for her mistakes once she realized Vanessa remembered everything, so I thought it was good character defining moment. Despite her current situation with carrying Austin's baby, I always found her to be a pretty decent person who has made mistakes because of her unresolved feelings for Austin, and the fact the man (Cade) she tried to move on with is so recluse and hard to get close too at times. Interesting enough when Cade's finally ready to make that effort, he gets the news of her pregnancy and has had enough. Can't really blame him. I did like the indication that Kate didn't remember the actual intercourse that transpired between her and Jake, which leaves the door open to the possibility that they didn't sleep together and perhaps someone wanted to make it look that way. Funny, I can't think for the life of me who would want to do that. While Vanessa would have been in her right to slam the door in Kate's face, I'm glad she didn't. The affair was probably half a decade ago in story time now, and Jake and Kate were drunk when it happened. It's clear to me there actions were done in malice, and the fact that they both have seemingly been out of one another's orbit since that night shows the great deal of regret that came with that night.
I struggled a lot to write this scene as I pointed out in the VLOG it almost didn't make it into the episode because I wasn't sure if I came off as to over the top with it or not. I wasn't sure it fit but I am thrilled that you liked it, beyond happy that you and others did. It was meant to show that Kate needed to own her stuff so to speak and that despite it happening years ago everyone is now trying to process everything that happened, especially Vanessa.
As for the
Kate/Jake ONS scenario could you possibly be on to something...I can't say one way or another but very keen observation there Ty!
Overall, I found it to be an enjoyable in-between episode with many of the characters analyzing where they are at in light of everything that has come out regarding Hannah's death. I'm interested to see which of the Donovan's will be the first to visit Paige. Of course, probably even more dynamite than that will be the scenes between Paige and Vanessa. Your boyfriend and one of your closest friends having drunken sex could be forgiven, but someone standing by and watching you spend four years of your life behind bars, I don't imagine it will be easy to pull the door back open on that.
I wanted this episode to be more of a filler to show where people were at with the reveals from season one and I am glad that you enjoyed it. Jake is the first of the Donovan's to visit Paige in the upcoming episodes which should prove to be interesting. I have a Vanessa/Paige scene planned for the end of the season that I hope readers will appreciate and love.
Thanks so much for the feedback Ty, it is greatly appreciated!
Kelly
Author