American Dreams Season 3 Thread

[Deathstroke]

Okay, I know there isn't many people here watching the show, judging on the lack of talk I've ever seen about the show.

However, I ended up watching the episode tonight. (I was taping it for my mom)

So what did everyone think of it?

[Tuan]

It was pretty decent.

Most of the kids look more mature this season.

Sam looks more buff than last season.

Meg, Roxanne, and Patty all look like they gained some weight. Which makes Meg look even hotter. And Roxane even looks better. Patty is as annoying as usual.

J.J., Beth, Will, and Nathan all look the same.

[Deathstroke]

It's not a show I watched before.

My mom and dad were watching something else and mom asked me to tape the show. I ended up actually paying attention to it.

Yeah, Brittany Snow is a cute one.

I think I was more into the pregnant chick though, is that Beth?

Oh, and how about the Catholic School Girl Miniskirt Rebellion of 1965.

I bet that priest had to do a lot of confessing after that little leg show. LOL!

[Patman]

Amazing how long you can grow hair in a week.

Overall, a good episode to get us back into the swing of things.

So Meg continues on her activist ways, with Rox as her sidekick.

JJ and Beth are still in limbo.

Jack's more than determined to beat his opponent in the city council election after his opponent uses Meg's recent sit-in at Penn to attach Jack.

Will and the power of prayer: funny stuff.

Gavin DeCraw should stick to doing only his own material. What he did at the end was just a tad too distracting given the montage at the end.

[Nate Grey]

I can't wait for Meg and Sam to hook up. I'm sure it'll be in season five or six, but they seem to be hinting at it all along.

I wish Beth wasn't pregnant so JJ could kick homegirl to the curb. I wish he could come home with that hot Korean nurse and marry her. But yeah, the time period, racial tension, so it won't happen. :(

[Deathstroke]

Season 3 Episode 2:

You have to think that they are headed Meg's dad towards a political triumph of upset proportions or he's going to get bitchslapped in the vote count. He seems to be alienating everyone, and losing friends tonight because he is making the move to court the 18% black vote in 1960's Philly.

Okay, Daphne Zuniga is fine, but I despise Milo Ventimiglia. Just can't believe poor Meg has such bad taste that she'd even consider him.

So, JJ is forcibly recruited into the CIA? And how about that Vietnamese nurse? Does anyone else think they are going to develop some sort of relationship? It will either go the way of he comes home with her as his wife (which I doubt) or he'll fall for her and then learn she is actually Viet Cong.

In the meantime, I'm seriously not digging Beth and the guy at the club.

I guess I'm an old fashioned romantic, JJ and Beth should (slowly) be brought back together.

[Nate Grey]

I don't think anyone likes Beth and the guy at the club. I personally can't stand Beth at this point and wish they'd figure out a way to write her out of the show.

Sam gets a date...wonder how that'll turn out. I just wish his dad would stop being so angry and overprotetective of him, although I completely understand why (wants him to have the best possible future).

Jack: "They're good people."
Henry: "That a matter of opinion."

Loved that line of dialogue. :)

Helen got over her homophobia long enough to let her co-worker help Patty. I wonder if this is the last of it, or will more come of it? Time will tell.

[Deathstroke]

Jack: "They're good people."
Henry: "That a matter of opinion."

Loved that line of dialogue. :)


That was a great little bit.

Oh, and I think Beth is quite a cutie, so HELL NO SHE WON'T GO! LOL!

[Tuan]

That guy in who plays the guitar was very stiff in delivering his lines.

I actually liked Luke and Roxanne as a couple. Too bad they broke that up fast.

[Deathstroke]

Hey where's Bert in this thread, isn't he a fan of the show?

[Patman]

The guy with Beth at the bar is son of James Taylor and Carly Simon, Ben Taylor.

Milo Ventimiglia shows up as the bad boy next door, much to Meg's surprise, though Rox is more than okay with it. Having Daphne Zuniga as the mother of the bad boy and new neighbor makes me feel old, though it was over a decade since her Melrose Place days. Milo has to be in his mid/late 20's by now, still playing a teenager...

The new principal starts integrating the boys and girls at Meg's school. Hormones will be flying.

Meg tries to wear her peace buttons on the AB show, but Dick Clark shoots down that idea. Then she plans to have the girls wear them at school, but no one will, and the buttons are discovered in her locker. Her punishment is to direct the Henry V school play (since it involves a war as its backdrop).

Helen is reticent about Patty interacting with her gay co-worker (on the Campbell Soup "American Dreams" contest), but finally puts aside her prejudices.

Jack decides to go door-to-door in seeking out the women vote. That wasn't going well, so his brother suggests the black vote is another viable alternative. Dom isn't on board, so he jumps off the Jack train, as does the barber. Henry bites his tongue. Jack used money saved for the summer trip for his campaign, and Helen was upset because she thought he should have at least talked about it. They argue, but get through it (they WILL be going on their summer trip, though).

JJ gets new orders, probably some special ops assignment. The missions appear to be targetted for Cambodia. I would suspect that the Vietnamese girl will help him learn the language because he'll need to learn it for his missions, but refused her help before he knew of his new orders.

Sam catches the eye of the pretty basketball team tutor, which makes him want to make the team even more, though Henry was concerned about taking on too much too soon in college.

[Nate Grey]

The guy with Beth at the bar is son of James Taylor and Carly Simon, Ben Taylor.

Milo Ventimiglia shows up as the bad boy next door, much to Meg's surprise, though Rox is more than okay with it. Having Daphne Zuniga as the mother of the bad boy and new neighbor makes me feel old, though it was over a decade since her Melrose Place days. Milo has to be in his mid/late 20's by now, still playing a teenager...

The new principal starts integrating the boys and girls at Meg's school. Hormones will be flying.

Meg tries to wear her peace buttons on the AB show, but Dick Clark shoots down that idea. Then she plans to have the girls wear them at school, but no one will, and the buttons are discovered in her locker. Her punishment is to direct the Henry V school play (since it involves a war as its backdrop).

Helen is reticent about Patty interacting with her gay co-worker (on the Campbell Soup "American Dreams" contest), but finally puts aside her prejudices.

Jack decides to go door-to-door in seeking out the women vote. That wasn't going well, so his brother suggests the black vote is another viable alternative. Dom isn't on board, so he jumps off the Jack train, as does the barber. Henry bites his tongue. Jack used money saved for the summer trip for his campaign, and Helen was upset because she thought he should have at least talked about it. They argue, but get through it (they WILL be going on their summer trip, though).

JJ gets new orders, probably some special ops assignment. The missions appear to be targetted for Cambodia. I would suspect that the Vietnamese girl will help him learn the language because he'll need to learn it for his missions, but refused her help before he knew of his new orders.

Sam catches the eye of the pretty basketball team tutor, which makes him want to make the team even more, though Henry was concerned about taking on too much too soon in college.

Urm...what did you think of the episode? I mean we all know what happened and Deathstroke already recapped it. What was your opinions about the ep? Good, bad, indifferent?

[Deathstroke]

Urm...what did you think of the episode? I mean we all know what happened and Deathstroke already recapped it. What was your opinions about the ep? Good, bad, indifferent?

To be fair Nate, I only recapped portions that interested me.

You are right that he should've said what he thought instead of a more in depth recap.

[Nate Grey]

To be fair Nate, I only recapped portions that interested me.

You are right that he should've said what he thought instead of a more in depth recap.

True enough. So let's discuss, people! :D

[Patman]

I take it my opinions were too understated in my recap...

[Deathstroke]

Sunday's episode was pretty good.

I liked that the dad stayed the course and went to the church to give his talk and confronted what Henry's parishioners must've been thinking head on.

The new kids sucks, I've never liked the guy whenever I've seen him in anything, and he just irks the hell out of me here.

Wow, Patty's the little snoop isn't she? The listening on the phone thing hasn't earned her an ass whipping?

Oh so not happy at the show throwing up the roadblocks between JJ and Beth (who remains as tasty to me as ever.)

[mattbib]

I'm really enjoying the show, but I agree that a lot of it is frustrating, especially with JJ and Beth. And Yeah, I really don't like Patty.

[Deathstroke]

I'm really enjoying the show, but I agree that a lot of it is frustrating, especially with JJ and Beth. And Yeah, I really don't like Patty.

I mean if I was the guy with the guitar in the music joint, yeah I'd be rooting for my character to get some lip action with Beth, but since I'm not, he must die!

[Tuan]

Somehow I new Anh would die. The poor girl.

[Nate Grey]

Really enjoying this sort-of long triangle between Sam, Meg, and Melody.

[Deathstroke]

Somehow I new Anh would die. The poor girl.

I wasn't crazy about JJ hooking up with her but I didn't want to see her die.

You just know JJ is going to be all screwed up whenever he finally does get home from the war.

[Patman]

10/17/04

Meg finally gets her Henry, but it takes some crafty manuevering, and some leverage exerted by one of the teachers in lieu of completing homework.

Rox is almost bounced out of the Pryor house, but at the last moment, Jack reconsiders.

Pete gets suspended from the police force due to a bar brawl, and his support of Jack for his run for city councilman.

JJ becomes closer to the girl from the hospital, Ahn?. They share a kiss on one of their "dates".

JJ has to endure the interrogation of a friendly Vietnamese bartender, but speak up for the bartender. This results in him not gettting the assignment he was in contention for among the others. Later, the bar is bombed, and Ahn is killed. That gets JJ out of a mess he might have gotten himself into, with a child on the way with Beth.

Beth and the singer share a kiss after she inspires him to finish a song for her. She's definitely confused by the whole situation.

Henry finally meets Sam's girl Melanie at Sam's first basketball game, and gives Sam some teasing about it. Melanie also meets Meg at the game, and Melanie seems to have a jealous streak about her given her concerned look as Sam acknowledged Meg's presence during the game.

Jack wins the election, on the strength of Henry's neighborhood voters, who were blocked by red tape, but the neighborhood walked all the way to the polls to vote for Jack.

[Deathstroke]

Say what you will but I think the show has one of the best looking female casts on TV.

[Tuan]

Brittany Snow. mmmmmm.

[Deathstroke]

Wow, Meg sure is growing a pair of brassy ones, huh?

Standing up to the idiotic priest like that? Good for her.

Wow, her father is right when he says he's not a politician. He got elected on the votes of the black voters and then doesn't do ANYTHING for them, what did he expect was going to happen.

Poor Patty. She loses her only friend in the gay guy (Sorry I can't remember his name). He got fired from the travel agency because the boss found out he was gay. But it was nice to see her stand up with her sister and the others during the play.

Is it just me or was anyone else completely bored with J.J.'s plotline tonight.

Roxann, how could she like a guy looking that bad with the scruffy beard?

[Nate Grey]

Poor Sam...I know it broke his heart to tell Meg not to see him anymore. :( I hope Melanie is worth it for him.

As for JJ...I think what gonna happen (and I could be wrong): they're gonna THINK he's dead, thanks to that care package his best friend is gonna send cause that dude thinks he's dead/missing...the family will mourn, then he'll show up. Not sure what this will mean for Beth: will news of JJ's "death" drive her away from Mr. Singerguy, or further into his arms?

[Deathstroke]

Not sure what this will mean for Beth: will news of JJ's "death" drive her away from Mr. Singerguy, or further into his arms?

Further into his arms? Oh the horror, anything but that.

[Tuan]

Roxanne, how could she like a guy looking that bad with the scruffy beard?

Luke (scruffy beard guy) was actually Meg's boyfriend but they broke up. Roxanne fell for the guy after that and Meg wasn't quite pleased but soon forgave Rox for it. Luke was actually clean shaven the last time we saw him. With glasses and geeky looking. The guy actually reminded me of my brother in law. First Jules Asner as my sister in law, now this. lol.

As for J.J. I think he'll be M.I.A. till probably their Thanksgiving or Christmas episodes where the family gets the good news that he's found and he comes home for time off. Just my guess.

Meg looked really good with her hair tied up like that when Sam told her off last night though.

[Tuan]

So how the heck did Gunnery Sargeant Finch even know that the area was going to bombed right after they escaped? Was he timing them? I didn't really get the impression that he was. Did anyone else?

[Nate Grey]

So how the heck did Gunnery Sargeant Finch even know that the area was going to bombed right after they escaped? Was he timing them? I didn't really get the impression that he was. Did anyone else?

I missed the whole ep. I thought I was taping channel 17 (the channel it comes on in my city) and taped channel 11 instead (ABC). So I got an hour of some home makeover crap instead of American Dreams. :(

[Deathstroke]

So how the heck did Gunnery Sargeant Finch even know that the area was going to bombed right after they escaped? Was he timing them? I didn't really get the impression that he was. Did anyone else?

I might've been he was but just didn't say anything. I just don't know.

I'm just worried that the missing JJ (probably presumed dead by the family) doesn't drive Beth into that musician's arms.

I find it amusing that the priest at the school would get all hot and bothered by Meg's protesting the war. What with all the killing and such. You'd think he'd remember those pesky ten commandments.

And get Roxann back with the Pryors. That Luke guy is a useless putz.

[Deathstroke]

Okay, I found this episode to be rather boring. I understand the need to have the tone of sadness, but I think things should've been a bit more lively in terms of pacing.

Sam's embarrassment of his family was bad on his part. I'm glad his cousin set him straight.

Beth put on the ring! Let's hope when they find J.J., this means she'll keep it on and they will get hitched. She's so delicious....

Is it time for Meg's boyfriend to get hit by a falling safe yet. Hate the actor, want the character sent off to live somewhere else and never to be heard from again.

[mattbib]

I really liked this episode. Good job of bringing out the emotion. Even the usually stiff actors. A lot of lying and secrets going on. I was disappointed that Meg wasn't more resolved to protest the war, but I guess that's understandable given the shock. The reaction to the tape was a real tear-jerker. In fact the entire ending sequence was pretty well done. It seems that Jack, Beth and Will are the ones who'll be holding out hope.

I do like the subplot with Roxanne.

And of course JJ's alive, but I liked the epilogue anyway.

[Nate Grey]

Great ep. The next ep seems even better (didn't realize the baby was due so soon).

2010 = the Year of Sam and Meg! :D If the show lasts that long.

[mattbib]

I forgot to set my VCR! Can someone spoil me??? Thanks. :)

[bert]

I forgot to set my VCR! Can someone spoil me??? Thanks. :)

Beth has the baby -- names him John J. III (so we have another JJ).

Mom goes to see a shrink, but changes her mind, and snaps out of her funk when Thrill almost sets the house on fire trying to make the French Fries she yells at him to make himself.

Patty collects clothes for the homeless, in an attempt to get in good w/ God so he will send JJ home safe.

Dad. . hmmm. . .not much happens w/ him except him being pissed at Beth for giving Mom the name of a psychiatrist.

Sam tells Melanie that he's from the poor part of Detriot (after listening to her and her friends talk about the blacks who started the riots and don't want to improve themselves), and then apologizes to his Father for being embarrassed about him.

Meg and her new boyfriend look at stars. . . (there's a story about Meg being asked to speak at school about soldiers in Vietnam. . but she chooses not to do it -- the ep ends w/ her telling the new baby some of the stories, but then saying that JJ can tell them all to his son himself when he gets home).

Luke gets jealous that Roxanne is interested in the drummer of the band they are Managing. . and gets the band to can the drummer. Roxy is royally pissed, and is about to storm out of the shared apartment when Luke tells her that he came back because he realizes that he still loves her (yes!) :)

oh. .and JJ gets found by a Frenchman who protects him from the Viet Cong, and feeds him . . until he decides to turn JJ over. The episode ends w/ JJ stealing the Frenchman's gun and escaping (previews for next week show JJ coming back to the USA and reuniting w/ Beth).

. . . hope that helps!

bert

[Deathstroke]

Nice recap bert!

However, the show is set in Philly, you silly! You said Sam told Melanie he was from Detroit.

I thought the episode was decent. But I'm sick of Luke, he's a true putz. Getting Roxanne back in the Pryor household and Luke out of Philly would make me very happy. I hate Meg's boyfriend too.

I think it kind of bites that they spoiled the events of next week's episode.

Pregnant, not pregnant, Beth is scrumptious!

[bert]

Nice recap bert!

However, the show is set in Philly, you silly! You said Sam told Melanie he was from Detroit.

I thought the episode was decent. But I'm sick of Luke, he's a true putz. Getting Roxanne back in the Pryor household and Luke out of Philly would make me very happy. I hate Meg's boyfriend too.

I think it kind of bites that they spoiled the events of next week's episode.

Pregnant, not pregnant, Beth is scrumptious!

Whoops. . .

Philly, not Detroit.

Wonder where I got Detroit from?

Yeah. . I was kinda annoyed about the major spoiler for next week as well. . . looks like it's gonna be "a very special episode", as well, since it will be "presented w/ limited commercial interruption"

[Deathstroke]

Yeah. . I was kinda annoyed about the major spoiler for next week as well. . . looks like it's gonna be "a very special episode", as well, since it will be "presented w/ limited commercial interruption"

And we'll be teary eyed at the emotional events I'm sure, because we are saps, right? LOL!

[Nate Grey]

I JUST finished watching the episode (I taped it).

JJ will probably have a limp for the rest of his life (the Frenchman stomped his knee pretty hard during the scuffle for the rifle), but at least he's alive and coming home!

I wonder if Sam and Melony are really through, or will she become more open-minded and grow from Sam's words?

[mattbib]

Was there anything else between Beth and that guitarist/singer?

[Deathstroke]

I wonder if Sam and Melony are really through, or will she become more open-minded and grow from Sam's words?

I doubt it.

[Deathstroke]

Was there anything else between Beth and that guitarist/singer?

Nope, Beth was a little busy. She quit the job so I think he's out of the show now. I am hoping that Beth and JJ will get back together for real and get all hooked up.

[Patman]

11/14/04 recap

Helen is totally depressed by JJ's MIA status and becomes a slug for a few weeks (or maybe a month has passed since last episode). Beth suggests that Helen might be helped by going to see a psychologist, but Jack wants nothing of it. Helen does go see the shrink after Will and Patty almost burn down the kitchen. The visit to the shrink is very short, and Helen quickly leaves after realizing she doesn't need it.

Pete gets his cop gig back. Jack talks with Pete, very concerned about Helen's retreat from her family.

Patty thinks that by doing good deeds, her prayers to bring back JJ will work. She starts on collecting clothes for the needy. The nun at school corrects Patty on her mis-understanding of how good works are rewarded, and how Patty's outlook is naive, though well-intended.

Sam finally gets a glimpse of just how different his background is from the rest of the well-to-do black students at Penn when his basketball team is denied motel rooms on an away game in Virginia because of the black players on the team. Sam tells Melanie how his past and community are the reason why he is ashamed to bring her home to his family. He bolts from her after revealing his feelings of not being from the right background for Melanie, and Melanie is left dumbfounded.

Meg can't decide if she should publicly state what JJ meant to her high school as he is remembered for his service in the military given his MIA status, along with other alumni in the military. Chris knows that Meg will do what is in her heart. Chris invites Meg on the rooftop to see the meteor showers, but is disappointed when nearby lights make it hard to see the streaks across the sky. A minor miracle happens and the city suffers a blackout and enables the lovebirds to see the showers under ideal conditions.

Fantasia shows up to sing "Respect" as Aretha Franklin. Eh...

Luke gets the drummer fired from the band that he and Rox are co-managing. Rox knows that Luke got the drummer fired because she was getting too chummy with him. Rox decides to move out, so Luke finally admits to moving back to Philadelphia to be with her, as well as co-managing to be with closer to her. They kiss.

JJ is alive, and is found by a Frenchman who lives like a king at a plantation, but he later appears to somewhat of a businessman with drug implications and has some agreement with the Viet Kong to report any American soldiers that show up at his place to continue his business pursuits. JJ is to be handed over to the Viet Kong, but JJ manages to overcome the Frenchman, grab his rifle and escape into the night.

Beth has her baby during the blackout, and it's a boy named Jack Pryor III, though Pete really is working on nicknaming the child "Trip" while Jack is against it. The emergence of the child seems to have shaken Helen out of her funk and it has pulled the Pryor clan back together, stronger.

[Steve]

Yeah. . I was kinda annoyed about the major spoiler for next week as well. . . looks like it's gonna be "a very special episode", as well, since it will be "presented w/ limited commercial interruption"

I'm really looking forward to next episode. The limited interruption makes me all the more anxious. It's a cool thing NBC is doing.

[Deathstroke]

I'm really looking forward to next episode. The limited interruption makes me all the more anxious. It's a cool thing NBC is doing.

Yes it is but they spoiled it all. I would've preferred a bit more mystery to the events.

[Steve]

Yes it is but they spoiled it all. I would've preferred a bit more mystery to the events.
True dat. They did spoil it but what can you do other than hold your arms up and shrug? lol.

[Deathstroke]

True dat. They did spoil it but what can you do other than hold your arms up and shrug? lol.

What can I do?

I can beyotch about it on the Internet, that's what I can do!

[Steve]

What can I do?

I can beyotch about it on the Internet, that's what I can do!
Beyotch on then. Btw, I'm not saying ya can't beyotch. But it still doesn't change the fact that they've already spoiled it.

[Deathstroke]

Beyotch on then. Btw, I'm not saying ya can't beyotch. But it still doesn't change the fact that they've already spoiled it.

Don't go getting logical on me, this is the Internet for Cripe's sake.

[Nate Grey]

I wonder if the reason it'll have limited commercial interruption...is because they're giving JJ all the time he needs to beat the snot out of that singer-guy Beth kinda sorta got with?

[mattbib]

I was so happy with this episode. JJ's homecoming was done well, if a little too soon, but it was great for this time of year.

I wonder how much trouble Meg will eventually get into. And I wonder if she and JJ will have any problems given her recent anti-war efforts. I'm so happy that JJ and Beth are seemingly together finally, but I'm sure it won't be easy. And I'm hoping the show does deal with the post-war stress that so many 'Nam veterans experienced.

[Deathstroke]

I thought his homecoming was a bit too fast from hitting the camp to being home.

Should I feel bad that I was majorly aroused with Beth in her bathrobe at the end of the episode while she was in the kitchen preparing the baby's bottle?

I knew it about Chris. I've always hated the actor and I knew it was a matter of time before he became quite the scumbag.

[Nate Grey]

I was so happy with this episode. JJ's homecoming was done well, if a little too soon, but it was great for this time of year.

I wonder how much trouble Meg will eventually get into. And I wonder if she and JJ will have any problems given her recent anti-war efforts. I'm so happy that JJ and Beth are seemingly together finally, but I'm sure it won't be easy. And I'm hoping the show does deal with the post-war stress that so many 'Nam veterans experienced.

JJ already looks like something's off about him, so I'm thinking yeah, they will deal with the post-war stress thing. I am glad he's home, though.

Pete's playing a dangerous game, dating the mother of the THUG he suspects being involved with that fire, who in turn is kinda-sorta dating his niece. Never liked him either, now we have proof he's evil. I wonder how Sam's gonna take all this...

Speaking of Sam, his dad finally tells him to give Melonie another shot, and it works. Loved the Nathan scenes, too, especially what he said to that racist's son. Wonder if he can still keep the boat...

[Patman]

11/21/04 recap

Jack, being reminded of JJ's past football memories, goes to see the city championship after selling a box of radios to a college recruiter. Later, Jack tells Pete that he doesn't think JJ's coming home.

Henry learns that the lady he was interested in has moved on since he didn't further his advances towards her.

Henry takes this lesson and impresses upon Sam that if he cares for Melanie, he needs to communicate with her. Sam does so, and apologizes for keeping his family a far, and invites her to have Christmas dinner with his family. He does stand up for his relationship with Meg, so if she decided to give Sam a chance, Meg's part of the deal. Melanie does show up for Christmas dinner.

Chris drags Meg to make a statement on the war, and when she finds out it's about vandalizing a recruitment office, she takes a bus home. Chris, goaded by his "peaceful" buddies, throws a firebomb into the building and then they leave the scene. Pete confronts Meg about her whereabouts that night, and tells her that a janitor was caught in the fire. Meg lies, and also offers an alibi for Chris, telling Pete that they were all at Rox's apartment. Later, Meg confronts Chris about the fire, and backed into a corner, the little scumbag boyfriend tells her another lie, that he tries to stop his friend from burning the place down.

Luke doesn't quite break up with his west coast honey, Daniele, and she visits him for Christmas. Rox is besides herself, watching Luke's ineptitude in breaking up with Daniele. After much prodding, Luke does break up with Daniele, and Rox still gives him grief for the way he did it, and the timing of it. Luke is able to calm down Rox's fears of Luke breaking up with her.

We are treated to a very youthful Linda Ronstadt performance (played by Jojo, I believe). And Kelly Clarkson shows up as well, plus a band doing "Wild Thing".

Oh man, I found myself with moist eyes and the sniffles from Helen's "He's coming home." The homecoming brought tears to my eyes. Plus watching JJ not leave his new-found soldier cohort behind attests to his character under battle conditions. Helen is still apprehensive about JJ's state of mind after coming back from the war, but JJ will have to deal with the whole integrating back into society after going through the ordeal of war.

In a somewhat eyerolling bit of product placement (seeing as Ford was the main sponsor for this episode), Jack gives JJ a Ford Mustang (I guess it's a 1966), which pretty much blows JJ away. JJ and Beth reconnect.

And then afterwards, a more updated version of what we saw with JJ's return, a marine named Kyle returns home, years have passed, and his father returns from some errands in his Mustang (I guess it's a early 1970's model), and then the father surprises Kyle with a brand new Mustang, which blows Kyle away. Like I said, a little bit of eyerolling was in play for me with this parallel commercial storyline.

[Steve]

I just love the development of Nathan's storyline. Anyone else?

J.J.'s getting married!

The producers need to do a better job at continuty.

One moment, you see Jack telling Roxanne that she's being stupid and the next couple scenes later she's with Meg at Band's Dance already. Then you have Meg in the car with Chris at night after the party and the next scene shifts to Beth and J.J. waking up in the morning. That was fast. At least show some outside scenes to indicate that time's passed.

[Nate Grey]

Wow, did everyone forget about American Dreams? :)

I'm kinda interested to see what's going to happen with, of all people, Pete. He seems to be falling in love with Chris's mom (he pays Will to eaves drop on her and Helen's conversations about him), while at the same time seems to be turning up the heat on Chris over his relationship with Meg. I see this all coming to a head, and I don't see how Chris's mom won't side with, well, Chris. Meanwhile, Chris continues to lie to Meg about his involvement in the fire, and tries to convince Meg to ditch her plans for college and go on the road with him.

Jack learns about Rox and Luke's arrangement from going over there and fixing the sink, and doesn't like it one bit. He learns from Helen that Rox's mom basically doesn't care about her. He has a man-to-man talk with Luke not to break her heart, then hands him a toolbox. I like how this basically solidifies Jack as Rox's father figure.

Nathan asks Sam and their friends to fix up the boat the old racist man left Nathan in his will. Near completion, the friends leave, but Sam stays behind. Later in the show Nathan comes to the shop and tells Henry he sold the boat for $1,800 (he was shooting for 2 grand, though). He tries to give Henry some money for Sam and Angela, but Henry gives it right back to him saying use it for good use. Later, Nathan shows up with what looked like an ice cream truck saying he's a moving man now.

Helen is swayed by a priest's sermon to join some movement that helps kids who don't want to join the war. But then she learns that entails helping them flee the country and decides to turn it down since its technically breaking the law. The end, though, seems to indicate she may have changed her mind. May have to watch that again.

And finally, JJ, while successfully bonding and adjusting to his new son, seems to be failing at re-adjusting to everyday life. He gets a job as a recruiter for the marines, and while giving a hopeful recruit the marine spiel on why he should join, starts having flashbacks of the war. He has flashbacks in his sleep, and has flashbacks at a get together him and Beth go to. Beth voices her concerns to Helen, asking if Jack was like that when HE came back from the war. Helen sadly replies, "No, not like this." In the end, JJ propses again and Beth accepts.

Next seems interesting, either Chris comes clean about the fire or him getting arrested makes the truth come out ANYWAY. And I hope JJ gets help, but kinda doubt he will. I wonder if Beth is marrying him cause she still loves him or...?

[Nate Grey]

The hell??? Dang, Steve, we were three minutes apart! :D Did we BOTH get the idea to update the American Dreams thread at the same time on the same day? :D

[Nate Grey]

But yeah, I'm digging the Nathan storyline, too. I'm interested to see where its going as well, but I got a funny feeling it'll end up with him getting vandalized (black man owning his own business in the 60s and all).:( I always enjoy the Walkers and wish they had more to do. And I wish they'd stop merely mentioning Sam's girlfriend and just show her already! Did Sam forgive her or what? He doesn't seem to want to talk about her.

[Steve]

Anyone else recognize the priest? He played Sophia Lopez, the transgender patient on Nip/Tuck.

I'm not sure if Sam has forgiven Melanie or not.

[Steve]

Although, it does say at TV Tome that Sam did invite Melanie to X-Mas dinner before the show went on hiatus back in Novemver, so I guess he has?

[Nate Grey]

Anyone else recognize the priest? He played Sophia Lopez, the transgender patient on Nip/Tuck.

I'm not sure if Sam has forgiven Melanie or not.

Hm. I saw the ep but didn't place him.

Seems if Sam did or didn't forgive Melanie he would at least say so. What's the point in keeping everyone in the dark?

[Nate Grey]

Altough, it does say at TV Tome that Sam did invite Melanie to X-Mas dinner before the show went on hiatus back in Novemver, so I guess he has?

I don't remember that actually. Hmmm...have to go back and check the old tapes now!

[Steve]

I think he invited her when he came clean about his life. He set things right with Melanie and apologized to Meg after running into her at her pop's store.

But check just to be sure.

[Deathstroke]

Yes Sam did make up with Melanie.

Meg has to be the stupidest girl on the planet.

Unfortunately, it appears she gets dumber next week.

I liked J.J.'s reactions to being home, but I hope they don't have him go nuts or anything. I want to see him with Beth. And whoo baby, how about Beth? Damn I wish I was the actor playing J.J. during the love scene from the episode.

I liked how Jack handled the situation with Luke and Roxanne.

Nathan is turning into a delivery man with the purchase of his truck. That's cool, that he's attempting to make something out of the money he has received for selling the boat.

Oh, and any guesses on what Beth and Helen argue about next week?

[Steve]

Oh, and any guesses on what Beth and Helen argue about next week?

You didn't catch it? I thought the preview made clear that she didn't want to marry J.J.

[Deathstroke]

You didn't catch it? I thought the preview made clear that she didn't want to marry J.J.

See, I didn't think that was it.

Helen was saying that she wanted Beth to do something for them. Trying to guilt Beth into marrying J.J. doesn't sound like something Helen would do.

I think Helen wants the baby to be baptized and Beth is against it.

That was my take on what they showed.

[Steve]

See, I didn't think that was it.

Helen was saying that she wanted Beth to do something for them. Trying to guilt Beth into marrying J.J. doesn't sound like something Helen would do.

I think Helen wants the baby to be baptized and Beth is against it.

That was my take on what they showed.
Here's what I got from the summary for the next episode off of the NBC site. Don't highlight if you don't want to be spoiled. The bold should indicated what the problem is.

spoiler
MEG MAKES IMPORTANT DECISIONS ABOUT CHRIS -- With advice from Roxanne (Vanessa Lengies), Meg (Brittany Snow) takes her relationship with Chris (guest star Milo Ventimiglia) to the next level. However, her excitement is short-lived when the morning after Chris confesses he lied to her. Meanwhile, Helen (Gail O'Grady) is upset that JJ (Will Estes) and Beth (Rachel Boston) may not have a Catholic wedding, and Patty (Sarah Ramos) has to deal with a guilty conscience. Also, when Henry (Jonathan Walker) decides to take on a new project, he also finds a new lady friend. Tom Verica, Arlen Escarpeta and Ethan Dampf also star. TV-PG
End Spoiler

[Deathstroke]

Okay you are right it would seem.


Here's what I got from the summary for the next episode off of the NBC site. Don't highlight if you don't want to be spoiled. The bold should indicated what the problem is.

Spoiler
MEG MAKES IMPORTANT DECISIONS ABOUT CHRIS -- With advice from Roxanne (Vanessa Lengies), Meg (Brittany Snow) takes her relationship with Chris (guest star Milo Ventimiglia) to the next level. However, her excitement is short-lived when the morning after Chris confesses he lied to her. Meanwhile, Helen (Gail O'Grady) is upset that JJ (Will Estes) and Beth (Rachel Boston) may not have a Catholic wedding, and Patty (Sarah Ramos) has to deal with a guilty conscience. Also, when Henry (Jonathan Walker) decides to take on a new project, he also finds a new lady friend. Tom Verica, Arlen Escarpeta and Ethan Dampf also star. TV-PG
End Spoiler

[bert]

Here's what I got from the summary for the next episode off of the NBC site. Don't highlight if you don't want to be spoiled. The bold should indicated what the problem is.

Spoiler
MEG MAKES IMPORTANT DECISIONS ABOUT CHRIS -- With advice from Roxanne (Vanessa Lengies), Meg (Brittany Snow) takes her relationship with Chris (guest star Milo Ventimiglia) to the next level. However, her excitement is short-lived when the morning after Chris confesses he lied to her. Meanwhile, Helen (Gail O'Grady) is upset that JJ (Will Estes) and Beth (Rachel Boston) may not have a Catholic wedding, and Patty (Sarah Ramos) has to deal with a guilty conscience. Also, when Henry (Jonathan Walker) decides to take on a new project, he also finds a new lady friend. Tom Verica, Arlen Escarpeta and Ethan Dampf also star. TV-PG
End Spoiler


Why dontcha just use the spoiler tags Steve?

[ spoil] & [ /spoil]

(w/out that first space between the bracket and the word)

[Steve]

Why dontcha just use the spoiler tags Steve?

[ spoil] & [ /spoil]

(w/out that first space between the bracket and the word)
testing, testing, testing

Cool.

[Nate Grey]

Well, at least Luke waited AFTER he hit it to tell Meg. I got a funny feeling thought that we haven’t seen the last of him. Either Meg will forgive him, or she’ll find out she’s pregnant and want him to be a part of their baby’s life. In any case, maybe with Meg and Luke broken up (for now), Pete and his relationship with, um, Luke mom (can’t think of her name at the moment) will grow even more. He seems to care about her, despite hating Luke.

Hated that Beth gave in to Helen, but I understood she did it to keep the peace. I just hope that doesn’t give the wrong impression to Helen that Beth will be a push-over from now on.

The whole subplot with Patty and the trophy was funny. I figured it was her dad from the get-go: he came thought the door at the tail-end of Patty’s convo on the phone, and even with the tail-end it would be easy to guess, even without him hearing her anyway because of her loud voice.

Always enjoy seeing Sam stand up for himself. And looks like Henry has yet another woman eyeing him. I hope he takes the initiative this time.

That whole JJ subplot seemed to go nowhere…I hope they find him a good story soon.

[Steve]

Luke = Chris

Chris' mom = Shelly

Luke, Meg's ex, is with Roxanne, or something like that.

[Deathstroke]

Well, at least Luke waited AFTER he hit it to tell Meg. I got a funny feeling thought that we haven’t seen the last of him. Either Meg will forgive him, or she’ll find out she’s pregnant and want him to be a part of their baby’s life. In any case, maybe with Meg and Luke broken up (for now), Pete and his relationship with, um, Luke mom (can’t think of her name at the moment) will grow even more. He seems to care about her, despite hating Luke.

Man, were all blonde teenage senior girls in high school that frelling stupid in the 60's?

I already hate Chris anyway, but Meg is beginning to wear me out with her blatant stupidity.


Hated that Beth gave in to Helen, but I understood she did it to keep the peace. I just hope that doesn’t give the wrong impression to Helen that Beth will be a push-over from now on.

No I don't see Beth being a pushover for Helen. It was probably as you said, to keep the peace.


The whole subplot with Patty and the trophy was funny. I figured it was her dad from the get-go: he came thought the door at the tail-end of Patty’s convo on the phone, and even with the tail-end it would be easy to guess, even without him hearing her anyway because of her loud voice.

Man, what a little witch that Patty is. I pity the man she ends up marrying.


That whole JJ subplot seemed to go nowhere…I hope they find him a good story soon.

Yeah, JJ has had a terrible run since he came home.

[Nate Grey]

Luke = Chris

Chris' mom = Shelly

Luke, Meg's ex, is with Roxanne, or something like that.

Chris, Luke, Jamahl, same difference. :D

[Deathstroke]

Paris Hilton will play Barbara Eden on the April 10th episode. Meg runs into her on the set of I Dream of Jeannie.

[Nate Grey]

Paris Hilton will play Barbara Eden on the April 10th episode. Meg runs into her on the set of I Dream of Jeannie.

Good gravy. All I can really say to that.

[Deathstroke]

Good gravy. All I can really say to that.

The Jeannie costume is more clothes than she's usually accustomed to wearing isn't it.

Hey I like to look at her, but this whole acting thing has gotten out of hand.

[Deathstroke]

Who watched the wedding episode?

It was decent. I'm glad they finally got rid of Chris. I hate the actor and the character. Now maybe Meg's intelligence level will go up a few points.

Patty, that little hussy!

I liked the conflict between JJ and his mother over the catholic peace union.

Beth was as usual HOT HOT HOT!!

[Steve]

I really wanted Uncle Pete to hit Chris right in front of Meg.

Next week's episode looks interesting. J.J. helping Meg out for the prom, and especially Sam and Meg dancing together. Something better happen!

[Nate Grey]

The Meg and Sam scenes were VERY SATISFYING, yes. They'll get together sure enough, I'm sure *fingers crossed*

JJ becoming a coach seems like one of the best moves for his character. I hated that he got the crap kicked out of him, though. Wonder what Jack's gonna do when he finds out?

[Steve]

I enjoyed Patty getting what she got coming, that little brat.

It's a shame we have to wait till March for new episodes.

[Deathstroke]

LOL! Patty, the smartest girl is also the stupidest. She's got the book smarts but zero common sense.

I expect that Jack will go off when he finds out what happened to J.J., but that assumes J.J. tells him. He might just say he got mugged or something.

Meg and Sam together, well that ought to provide a wealth of storylines. Be a lot of noses put out of joint if they do explore their feelings towards each other. I can't imagine Philadelphia in the 60's was much different than anywhere else when it comes to interracial relationships.

Please somebody slap J.J. for screwing up the plans for beautiful Beth's house!

[Nate Grey]

I expect that Jack will go off when he finds out what happened to J.J., but that assumes J.J. tells him. He might just say he got mugged or something.

Why wouldn't JJ tell? He may not know his dad paid off his debt by taking a bribe, but the cops made it very clear if Jack didn't get the "message" more beatings will follow. Passing it off as a mugging = more beatings to come cause Jack didn't get the message. Jack will figure it out anyway if for whatever reason JJ lies.

This can end one of two ways: Jack becoming a puppet for that guy, or Jack stepping down as councilman. The latter seems the most likely, IMO.

Meg and Sam together, well that ought to provide a wealth of storylines. Be a lot of noses put out of joint if they do explore their feelings towards each other. I can't imagine Philadelphia in the 60's was much different than anywhere else when it comes to interracial relationships.

I think the point of that dance was to plant that seed in Meg's head. Sam's had a crush on Meg all along, but Meg only saw him as a friend. Now, that's slowly but surely starting to change. They won't be boyfriend/girlfriend by next episode, but again that seed is there. ;)

Please somebody slap J.J. for screwing up the plans for beautiful Beth's house!

I don't know, Beth started getting on my nerves mentioning the house every time she opened her mouth. Made me start to wonder if she married him just FOR a house. I know they wanted to get out of JJ's parent's house, but it still annoyed me.

[Steve]

J.J. would be stupid to lie again. He already lied to Jack and kept it from Beth once. No reason to do so again.

Sam's had a crush on Meg since the 1st season, even before the writeres started bringing in more focus on Sam's family. I like where their relationship is headed.

And I like the fact that Meg is considering to be a journalist reporter.

[Deathstroke]

I don't know, Beth started getting on my nerves mentioning the house every time she opened her mouth. Made me start to wonder if she married him just FOR a house. I know they wanted to get out of JJ's parent's house, but it still annoyed me.

Well they were supposed to be getting out of the Pryor house and into their own. It's no wonder she was mentioning it when J.J. kept coming up with excuses.

And when Beth starts to aggravate you, just remember this:

http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/paramount_pictures/mean_girls/rachel_boston/meanpreg.jpg

[Steve]

Heck, even that zit couldn't make her any less delicious looking.

[mattbib]

Damn...I missed the past two episodes. Anyone know of a through synopsis site for AD?

[Steve]

Damn...I missed the past two episodes. Anyone know of a through synopsis site for AD?
Not sure if it's thorough enough for you, but try Epiguides/TV Tome.

[Deathstroke]

Someone should contact CBR poster Patman, he used to do really detailed spoilers for a few of the show threads here on CBR including American Dreams.

[Steve]

Someone should contact CBR poster, he used to do really detailed spoilers for a few of the show threads here on CBR including American Dreams.
CBR poster who though?

[Deathstroke]

CBR poster who though?

Fixed it.

Patman is the poster of which I speak.

[Steve]

Fixed it.

Patman is the poster of which I speak.
Somehow I knew you'd say his name. Exact person I was thinking of.

[Deathstroke]

Somehow I knew you'd say his name. Exact person I was thinking of.

Who should be more scared that we think alike?

[Deathstroke]

There is a rumor floating around that is being denied vigorously.

The rumor is that NBC has cancelled the show.

As it is they are only airing 17 episodes this season.

[Nate Grey]

There is a rumor floating around that is being denied vigorously.

The rumor is that NBC has cancelled the show.

As it is they are only airing 17 episodes this season.

I got a funny feeling its on the bubble, and that if they don't try REALLY hard next season, next season will be the last. But I'm 98% sure this season isn't the last.

If it does end then or now, I hope they have a two hour finale that ties up everything (fast forward to the future to see Sam and Meg's wedding in the late 70's, for insance).

[Steve]

I wouldn't be surprised at all if NBC decided to yank the show after this season.

Ratings have declined over the years and then that episode order being cut back for this season.

Nope, not at all.

[Nate Grey]

I finally got my wish, I finally got to see some Sam and Meg action! :D

Man, those two seriously thinking about a relationship, and deciding it wouldn't be best, and the resolution when Sam kissed Meg on the cheek and left...well that just broke my heart. Good acting, very well done, I must say.

Oh yeah, other stuff happened, too.

[Deathstroke]

Anyone watch tonight's show?

They actually managed to make it timely considering what's going on in Florida these days.


Jack's older brother was badly hurt in a car accident and Jack had to decide whether or not to pull the plug.

Meg and Roxanne gave Patti a makeover and got her on American Bandstand, but then she was chosen to rate The Rolling Stones "Satisfaction" and she was PURE PATTY! She annihilated the song.

It was quite a moment.

Henry had to handle a sales pitch to a hotel buyer on his own while Jack was at the hospital, it was well handled.

All the goodness of this episode was ruined by the fact they brought back Chris. I HATE HATE HATE the character.

Don't forget next week is the season and quite probably the SERIES finale!

As it is, Gail O'Grady, Will Estes, and Rachel Boston have already signed onto pilots for next season.

[Steve]

The episode was good, till we saw dumbass Chris again.

If it's the series finale, then it was a good run.

If season finale, then I hope next week is the last time we'll ever see Chris again.

Next week's episode:
ART ALEXAKIS GUEST STARS AS A SINGER IN THE LAIR -- When Chris (guest star Milo Ventimiglia) returns to tell Meg (Brittany Snow) he's been drafted, she must to decide if she will dodge the draft with him, and leave her family and Roxanne (Vanessa Lengies) behind. Meanwhile, Jack (Tom Verica) gives Nathan (guest star Keith Robinson) a second chance and Helen (Gail O'Grady) accompanies an old acquaintance to meet her son's coffin, who was killed in action. Also, JJ (Will Estes) thinks he may be in over his head at his new job, and Luke (guest star Jamie Elman) allows Roxanne to cut hair in the Vinyl Crocodile. Art Alexakis (Everclear, "Wonderful") guest stars as a singer in the lair singing " I Feel Like I'm Fixin' to Die" (Country Joe & The Fish), and Eric Lynch ("The Howard Stern Show") guest stars as a client in the travel agency. Jonathan Adams, Arlen Escarpeta, Rachel Boston, Sarah Ramos and Ethan Dampf also star.

[Deathstroke]

The episode was good, till we saw dumbass Chris again.

If it's the series finale, then it was a good run.

If season finale, then I hope next week is the last time we'll ever see Chris again.

Next week's episode:
ART ALEXAKIS GUEST STARS AS A SINGER IN THE LAIR -- When Chris (guest star Milo Ventimiglia) returns to tell Meg (Brittany Snow) he's been drafted, she must to decide if she will dodge the draft with him, and leave her family and Roxanne (Vanessa Lengies) behind. Meanwhile, Jack (Tom Verica) gives Nathan (guest star Keith Robinson) a second chance and Helen (Gail O'Grady) accompanies an old acquaintance to meet her son's coffin, who was killed in action. Also, JJ (Will Estes) thinks he may be in over his head at his new job, and Luke (guest star Jamie Elman) allows Roxanne to cut hair in the Vinyl Crocodile. Art Alexakis (Everclear, "Wonderful") guest stars as a singer in the lair singing " I Feel Like I'm Fixin' to Die" (Country Joe & The Fish), and Eric Lynch ("The Howard Stern Show") guest stars as a client in the travel agency. Jonathan Adams, Arlen Escarpeta, Rachel Boston, Sarah Ramos and Ethan Dampf also star.

It's the one thing that I have hated about my first season of watching the show. I can deal with everything but the character of Chris needs to be retconned out of existence.

[Steve]

Wow, what a way to end the season/series. Stupid move Meg! Way to go.

[Nate Grey]

I hope they decide to do one more season, and just in case that one is the last, just make it all about Sam rescuing Meg from Chris. :cool:

[Deathstroke]

I hope they decide to do one more season, and just in case that one is the last, just make it all about Sam rescuing Meg from Chris. :cool:

I hope they invent brain transplants and give Meg one.

[Deathstroke]

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the decision has been made, the show's been officially cancelled.

NBC hasn't made any comments on the story though.

[Steve]

And the image of Meg riding off with Chris shall forever haunt me. My eyes, it burns!

But really, concerning the cancellation, I'm not surprised at all.

It was good while it lasted.

[Deathstroke]

And the image of Meg riding off with Chris shall forever haunt me. My eyes, it burns!

But really, concerning the cancellation, I'm not surprised at all.

It was good while it lasted.


The actress who was Roxanne is costarring in the new Hilary Duff/Heather Locklear film I saw the trailer for in the theaters. She plays another best friend role.

[Deathstroke]

In today's (October 26th, 2005) edition of the Ask Ausiello column on TV Guide.com, the details of the 10 minute epilogue to the final episode were given. Reportedly it will make it onto the third season DVD to be released sometime in 2006.

The only three regular cast members to appear in the show are Brittany Snow (Meg), Tom Verica (Jack), and Gail O'Grady (Helen).

It's three years later and Meg, now a junior at Berkeley is boarding a bus to go to see Sam at Columbia, who she hasn't seen in three years.

She ends up in conversation with another passenger and through that talk we learn that Patty went to Radcliffe, Roxanne and Luke got married and had a son they named Woody Allen, and more.

At the last minute, Meg gets off the bus in Philadelphia to reunite with her parents after 3 years.

Also in the article, it was said that if there had been a fourth season, Jack and Helen would've split up (though no word on if that would've been permanent.)

[Steve]

Too bad they didn't have a scene where Chris gets run over by a car.

Or maybe that's the reason why Meg reuinites with her parents? She escapes Chris' brainwashing!

No matter. That would've been priceless.

[Deathstroke]

If there had been a fourth season:

JJ would've gone to Berkeley to bring Meg home and been exposed to anti-war things. He would've returned home and worked harder on the space program.

Beth would've gone back to school and gotten her degree.

Sam would've had a serious girlfriend and Meg would've fallen for a guy on bandstand, someone she would've ended up with.

[Erik Lehnsherr]

I wanted to see Sam and Meg break the rules but it never got that far. Damn...