Yes, we’re still here. Even after the devastating news that NBC has opted not to order more episodes of Bluff City Law (even though they’d already ordered the scripts) and the season will end with 10 episodes, we’re still here. Because we love this show, and we very much appreciate the hard work and the heart this cast and crew has put into this show.
And yes, I won’t deny that things look bleak now, but we’ve fought losing fights before and prevailed. But even if we don’t, even if we only get 10 episodes of this amazing show, we’re not going to let that stop us from enjoying it.
We’re not going to let that change us.
TV is a business, yes, but TV is so much more than that. TV is a teacher, and a comfort, a friend and sometimes, even the thing that brings us hope. And though it’s often tempting to let the business side of it all dictate what we put our heart into, I’m not ready to become a cynic.
So here I am, still enjoying this show, still feeling things and still more than happy to discuss them with you, as I review “When the Levee Breaks”:
JAKE AND SYDNEY SITTING ON A TREE
One of the things that bugs me the most about a shortened season and the hanging in the balance is the idea that we won’t get to see the relationship between Jake and Sydney develop. Because mark my words, there’s something there, and both of them know it. It’s just easier to stay in the banter. Less of a chance at crashing and burning.
And yet, these two feel like they’d completely click, if – and once – they figured it out, mostly because they both have big egos and they both need someone to call them out on their bullshit, a position I’m pretty sure they’d have no trouble fulfilling.
Plus, there’s also the fact that Sydney – a woman who doesn’t need someone – seems nonetheless to want someone, and Jake, a guy who likes to pretend he has no feelings, has suddenly discovered all these emotions, and Sydney is the person he ends up relating to the most.
I deserve my OTP. These two actors deserve a chance to play it out. They really do.
A CHANGE OF HEART
Some might say George has been the catalyst in change in Jake, but I don’t think that’s a fair assessment. Jake has always been a good guy, otherwise we wouldn’t have George to begin with. He’s just been the kind of guy who’s always protected his heart, who’s put up walls, who’s always started anything that might compromise him emotionally with a foot out the door.
The conversation he has with Sydney makes it clear. And yet, every second he spends with George is a second that changes Jake, in a way he might not realize. He’s so easy to guarding his heart against women, that he doesn’t see that this guy who needs him, who’s become his friend, is as capable of lowering down those walls as a woman would – and in fact, that considering how good Jake is at seeing women coming, he might have found the only possibility of making the good parts of Jake come forward.
But the thing Jake doesn’t know, what he hasn’t realized yet, is that once you take the plunge, there’s no going back. And even if he can’t see it right away, that’s a good thing. A really good thing.
Things I think I think:
- Yes, women can drink alone.
- Men, apparently, can’t even cook an omelet by themselves, though.
- I would love to say the stereotype is 100% wrong on this one, but it’s still about 85% true.
- On you, men.
- Anyone have any problems with Sydney’s one-night stand, they’re gonna have to go through me.
- But of course, this was all setup for that smile Jake gave her.
- GAH, WE’RE BEING ROBBED.
- I need more of them.
- “You’re a terrible person.”/”Who’s never late”
- I love how that whole conversation wasn’t about shaming, it was about poking fun at, well, a friend.
- And I love this little girl.
- What’s Della’s job again? To take care of people?
- Daddy issues is not an acceptable answer to a teenager, I guess?
- “Dad, let’s sue the US government.”
- He was just waiting for her to say it.
- But will you be able to sleep, Jake? Will you?
- I still don’t know if I like Robbie.
- We need some background on what happened with him and Sydney.
- Of COURSE he can sing.
- DUH.
- The furniture DOES look better, Jake.
- And Jake and Anthony grabbing a beer after work warms my heart.
- Sometimes “we don’t know” is the answer. Followed by “we’ll figure it out.”
- Fine Robbie, you ain’t that bad.
- That’s a good closing argument.
- A settlement is more than I expected.
- “I think it would be better if you stayed here.”
- Aw, Jake. You softie.
- I like the endings with father/daughter.
Agree? Disagree? Share with us in the comments below!
Bluff City Law airs Mondays at 10/9c on NBC.
READ ALL OF OUR REVIEWS OF THE SEASON
- ‘Bluff City Law’ 1×01 Review: The Moral Arc of the Universe
- ‘Bluff City Law’ 1×02 Review: “You Don’t Need a Weatherman”
- ‘Bluff City Law’ 1×03 Review: Prove Everyone Wrong
- ‘Bluff City Law’ 1×04 Review: “Fire in a Crowded Theater”
- ‘Bluff City Law’ 1×05 Review: Still Here
- ‘Bluff City Law’ 1×06 Review: “The All-American”
- 77 Thoughts We had While Watching Bluff City Law’s “American Epidemic”
- ‘Bluff City Law’ 1×08 Review: “Need to Know”
- ‘Bluff City Law’ 1×09 Review: See you later, Alligator
- ‘Bluff City Law’ 1×10 Review: “Perfect Day”