Carissa’s back Guest-Clacking for us today, after a long, long time away (and writing about not trusting network television). We’re glad you’re back Guest-Clacking, Carissa!
1. It’s impossible to not love Scott Foley
I was never a Noel fan. I was Ben all the way. Noel was a little too needy and lacked confidence. He was the guy who would run after you while you’d run toward the bad boy. But, the man Scott Foley has become since his role on Felicity is confident, charming and fairly irresistible. From his very first scene on Cougar Town, Scott made Jeff likable.
Jeff could have been a little too arrogant, a little too nonchalant. Introduced as a potential home buyer with a very young companion at his side (“you look bored, go play with your phone”), it seemed we were supposed to pretend to dislike him, at least a little bit. After all, Jules has to make up Mr. Tiny Pants (to prove, in her mind, he’s really a very small, annoying man) as a way to deal with his irritating buying technique. However, within 30 seconds Jules is already cracking under the pressure of his suave demeanor screaming that he can’t buy the house because she won’t let him; she’d rather burn it down than allow him to buy it! His eyes sparkle (yes, they really do), he dons a small, sly smile and asks if she’s finished. Then, you know — this is not just another irksome buyer.
2. Jeff is a real man
As Ellie points out, “This guy Jeff is not some young bisexual jeans model; he’s a grown up, and that makes it real.” Exactly. Although the title is Cougar Town and Jules is now 41 and dating younger men, as she pointed out earlier in the season she does it because most of the single men her age aren’t available as they are all seeing younger women. The title suggests the plot to be all about the current cougar rage, yet it really shows just how unsatisfying being a cougar really is; going to bars where your feet stick on the floor, forced conversations about about the Real World/Road Rules Challenge {{{shudder}}}, kissing a boy who is still learning HOW to kiss — every episode shows Jules ultimately unhappy being with younger men. Sure, the sex is good, but in the end it’s her friends who are are the worthy compatriots through all of her shenanigans. But, Jules has lost her trust in men, and a real man is a frightening concept.
The ace in the hole, and the good news for Jeff, is that in the pilot episode, Jules says, “I have to act my age!” and worries that going on the prowl will turn her into one of those women “at a Jonas Brothers concert, wearing a miniskirt and sporting some giant hot dog collagen lips.” She finished with, “I’m praying that I don’t become one of those women that I make fun of!” Jules isn’t looking for a boy toy; she wants something real. Jeff is real, apparently wealthy, hot and into Jules. With Jeff around, we can explore a completely different avenue of dating after 40, but still get all of the wacky high jinks and a peek at the lonesome road after 40, thanks to a stellar supporting cast of characters.
3. Jeff really gets Jules
Jules was not looking for Jeff. She didn’t have to pretend to act cool with her finger pistols, she felt comfortable wearing her bedroom slippers to a late night showing and she’s not afraid to spar with Jeff around her friends and alone. You can tell Jeff is confident because he lets everything that is Jules roll off his back. A lesser man would definitely find it troublesome that his new girlfriend is talking into the wee hours of the night with a stranger she met via a crank cell call to try to win a bet about women holding the sex card, while he sits on the bed beside her. But not Jeff.
She can be wacky Jules, insecure Jules or flirty Jules and Jeff just seems touched by all of her quirks; at one point he even asks her if there are others he should know about. He doesn’t do this in a way that makes you think he might be scared away from them, but because he really wants to know. Foley plays Jeff with just the right amount of caring and snarkiness.
He’s the first guy Jules has dated that she didn’t have to hide or make excuses about. He fits right in with her group. When Jules is telling Ellie that she’s worried about Bobby dating the meanest doctor in the world because he’s such a kind beautiful man, they cut to the couch and find out Jeff has been there the whole time. He deadpans, “If you want to have sex with him, I can drive you over there.” Ellie and Jeff banter in sexual innuendo, confirming he’s willing to roll with whatever they dish out and still come out on top.
4. It hurts Bobby and Grayson more if Jules is involved with Jeff
Sure, that sounds rotten. So what? Bobby and Grayson together are damned fun to watch. Now that we know they both have the hots for Jules, her relationship with Jeff will bring them closer instead of tearing them apart. There is something about being into the same person when that person is unavailable that can create a bond. If she breaks up with Jeff too soon, the fledgling Bobby/Grayson pairing will lose momentum as they both see her as available. The odds are slim that Jules would ever go back with Bobby, but I think her paper buddy really stands a chance. They’ve had chemistry from the start, but they’re not ready to go in that direction yet. We need more time with Bobby and Grayson; they’re good for each other.
The previews for next week show Jules freaking a bit at the thought of committing to Jeff. We know he’s not going to be a long term player, but we can dream. Just like it’s my dream that we are rewarded with a cameo appearance by Matthew McConaughey as Bobby’s fraternal twin brother, I can dream that after they tear them apart for Jules’ inevitable return to cougar antics, the powers that be see the light and bring Scott Foley back as the scrumptious Jeff for a longer run.
Clacked by Guest Clacker
on Jan 13, 2010 @ 11:00 EST5EDT
