Army Wives Discussion Thread: Back in Business

Okay, like I said a few days ago, we're back in the game, so let's hit it.

First of all, I'm receiving a lot of comments and email from those of you who feel the military themes are being pushed into the background this season, and that many of the situations are ones that could occur on any drama or soap opera. I have to admit, I haven't really noticed this because whether or not they play the military angle up, I automatically read that angle into every situation. But after viewing the last Army Wives episode, I realized they missed at least one opportunity.

 

Claudia Joy's mother - They could have really played up the fact that military families are so often separated from their immediate families that they often have no idea what's really going on at home, or they can't necessarily run home and help at the drop of a hat when something is wrong. Something we've discussed here before. Definitely a missed opportunity.

I do think they have the Trevor storyline right. When you visit with wounded troops, one of the things you hear most often is that they just want to get back to their units, back to their guys. I'm glad they are showcasing the bond between the soldiers. It's important.

I liked the storyline with Roland and Jake for a couple of reasons. First, I think it showed how some people choose to mask their pain. In Jake's case, he's attached himself to Roland, a father figure, and he's spending a lot of money on things that won't truly help him deal with his grief. But the scene with Mrs. Tate and Jake at the end had me in tears because Jake's mother admitted that she felt like she had a hand in her husband's death because she pushed him to stay in until he was eligible to retire. A tear-jerker, for sure... 

I enjoyed the brief conversation between Frank and Michael when Michael says to Frank, "You and I both know that the worst thing in the field is a soldier worried about problems back home. He could get himself killed, or somebody else." Distractions can be dangerous.

As I mentioned before, I can't quite put my finger on it, but the Denise/Frank storyline just isn't my favorite this year. At least they threw in the marriage counseling theme, so I'm hoping that we'll see some of that in the next episode(s). 

Other happenings: Roxy gets her GED and finally, a FRG car wash. Now, all they need is a bake sale at the motor pool....

My DVR cut off the preview for next week's show, so I don't know what to expect. Your thoughts and predictions? Where do you hope the storylines go?

Comments

[Jan Wesner]

Sadly, this week's episode is a re-run.

Noooooooooooo!!!!!!!

[Linda]

I was just going to say...there WAS no preview...urk!

I've missed the beginning (read: first half) of the last TWO episodes and haven't had the energy to stay up long enough to watch the replay. Hoping to catch them this week....

[Andi]

A re-run? How dare they... :)

[Penny]

I've had the same thoughts as Mrs. Tate, I'm afraid that if Dh re enlists then something might happen. Regardless if he does or not, he'll still deploy in x months so that won't change, but I completely understand what her thoughts were.

I think the Denise and Frank relationship is interesting. I 'relate' more with her on certain things which makes it great for me to see what happens next. I am glad they touched on the marital counseling b'c it is available, here at least, and it's good for others to know they have those options.

I don't miss Lenore.. lol.. I like storylines to be happy and not have such a villan, but she did at least brought a different dynamic to the show.

I agree they missed the chance to showcase how not often we don't get to see our relatives. Dh hasn't seen his mom in over 2 yrs and we were planning on seeing her during Christmas but with ticket prices and uncertain deployment dates, we may not have the chance. Although, once he's back it'll be the opposite. We're moving across the country and I won't be able to see my folks! hehe

No new episode next week? What were they thinking?! ^_~ lol..

[Penny]

Oh as far as future storylines?

I think Trevor won't be going back for a while. He's a fun part of the show and they know it. I also wonder if they'll give future updates on Betty?

I'm holding out that they'll show the nutty parts of the FRG since right now in the show, it's the greatest thing on Earth.

I really like how they're introducing other minor characters in the show. It's great b'c they get to show different families and situations even if it's a glimpse.

I am curious to find out what'll happen to Joan's "replacement" once she has her baby and goes back to work. Will he try and take over or will she love being a mom and want to not spend so much time working and prefer being at home with the baby more? <-- Roland would love that! hehe

PS: I read that Jenny the Comic Strip is supposed to make appearances throughout in the background so that's something fun to look out for :)

[Jan Wesner]

Penny - we have a live chat over on my blog and one of our regular visitors, a friend named mauimere, came up with a great idea: We all have to drink every time Claudia Joy says "FRG"! It's great fun, no matter what's in your glass!

[Guard Guy's Gal]

I have a question... How are all of these non-military people getting onto the post? None of them seem to be getting sponsors, and none of them seem to have active duty/retiree/dependent ID's. I seriously doubt even Claudia Joy's mom would have gotten on post without at least a phone call from the visitor center, no matter who her son-in-law is! Or is my base the only one that's so strict on access?

[Penny]

Lol! That's hilarious Jan b'c when I watched it, I was actually waiting to see how many times she'd say it.. Can make for some fun Sunday nights :)

[Sarah]

I agree with the emailers who say the show is using storylines that could come from any show. Here's what I want to see: Trevor gets PCS orders and what the heck is Roxy gonna do with the bar? Now there's where the military meets your life!

[Linda]

Hey Guard Guy's Gal...our post is an "open post"...if you are non-military, you can get a day pass and then come and go as you choose. You don't need a sponsor anymore...all you need is a valid driver's license and insurance card. Must be your base...though I sure do wish OURS was a lot more selective....bugs me to see people without a post sticker, their pass in the window, at the gas station doing the prepay and getting gas "cheap" (although, for the record, the gas station off post is actually CHEAPER)

[Kristen]

Yay! I'm glad to see the discussion thread return!

I'm with you on the Denise/Frank storyline. I'm not crazy about the way that it's developing, and I don't like the way that the character of Frank is written at all. I don't think the writers have a very good understanding of men like Frank, and aren't really able to give him depth and interest.

The thing that I disliked most so far this season was that "play date" scenario with the female writer. You've got to be kidding - like that is a typical thing in a military wife's life. It seemed ridiculous and over the top.

I like the way that Roxy and Trevor are dealing with issues and I hope he's not redeployed right away.

On a whole I still enjoy the show a lot and get right on the phone with friends to chat about it the next day! :-)

[Business Forums]

Hi dear.....our post is an "open post"...if you are non-military, you can get a day pass and then come and go as you choose. You don't need a sponsor anymore...all you need is a valid driver's license and insurance card. Must be your base...though I sure do wish OURS was a lot more selective....bugs me to see people without a post sticker, their pass in the window, at the gas station doing the prepay and getting gas "cheap".

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Yogendra
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