Paternity

[centexhairysub]

I am glad that Will has Wade to lean on and talk to. Everyone needs someone a little older that they can seek advice from or just let out their frustrations about what is going on in their life. I think that Wade misses this part of his relationship with Beau and that at least is part of why he is so drawn to Will.

 

I was sure that once Robbie and Will got face to face that they would begin to fix the issues that they had between themselves. I think their bond is pretty tight and in some ways easier to repair then the one between Will and Brad.

 

I still can't figure out what Jeff's issue with Matt is; I set up a search and can't find anything that occured in the past stories since Jeff's introduction that would explain his reaction. Is he just jealous of Matt because he has Wade? Jeff might be able to stay friends with benefits with Wade but nothing else; not to be snobbish but there is no way they could ever really be more. The gap in social, educational, family, and just past history would be too much to ever overcome. Wade and Matt fit each other in a way that few others will ever be able to do so with either of them. Even if something were to happen and they broke up, which better not ever happen; I think they would always be friends and part of each others lives.

 

It was nice to have a calm chapter....

[MJ85]

Jeff may end up being a former friend with benefits if he becomes a wedge between Wade and Matt IMHO. He is smart, capable and a good aide for Stef. I think it was telling that when Wade finished talking to Matt and went back to bed, that he did not wake up Jeff.

 

I am waiting for the next move from the real villain in the piece, Wade's mom....

 

Seeing as Wade's already thinking that hooking up with Jeff might have been a bad idea, I'm thinking that Jeff will probably already become a former FWB (not a former friend, just no longer with the benefits). In any case, even if Jeff were to try to pull Wade away, I'm thinking that his efforts would be an exercise in futility.

 

I'll agree that we're probably due for the next move on the Danfield Family front.

 

Edited to add:

 

Centex - Jeff's issue with Matt was sort of touched on in the chapter, he likes Wade and doesn't like that Matt was playing around on him, he'd rather have Wade all to himself, thinks Wade would go for that, and hopes that Wade would dump Matt to be exclusive with him.

Edited May 11, 2012 by MJ85

[Mark Arbour]

Jeff may end up being a former friend with benefits if he becomes a wedge between Wade and Matt IMHO. He is smart, capable and a good aide for Stef. I think it was telling that when Wade finished talking to Matt and went back to bed, that he did not wake up Jeff.

 

I am waiting for the next move from the real villain in the piece, Wade's mom....

 

Well, the election is almost upon us. I think Wade needs to go home to be with his father, don't you?

 

I am glad that Will has Wade to lean on and talk to. Everyone needs someone a little older that they can seek advice from or just let out their frustrations about what is going on in their life. I think that Wade misses this part of his relationship with Beau and that at least is part of why he is so drawn to Will.

 

I was sure that once Robbie and Will got face to face that they would begin to fix the issues that they had between themselves. I think their bond is pretty tight and in some ways easier to repair then the one between Will and Brad.

 

I still can't figure out what Jeff's issue with Matt is; I set up a search and can't find anything that occured in the past stories since Jeff's introduction that would explain his reaction. Is he just jealous of Matt because he has Wade? Jeff might be able to stay friends with benefits with Wade but nothing else; not to be snobbish but there is no way they could ever really be more. The gap in social, educational, family, and just past history would be too much to ever overcome. Wade and Matt fit each other in a way that few others will ever be able to do so with either of them. Even if something were to happen and they broke up, which better not ever happen; I think they would always be friends and part of each others lives.

 

It was nice to have a calm chapter....

 

You'll have to just hang in there, knowing that eventually I'll solve that mystery.

[Mark Arbour]

Centex - Jeff's issue with Matt was sort of touched on in the chapter, he likes Wade and doesn't like that Matt was playing around on him, he'd rather have Wade all to himself, thinks Wade would go for that, and hopes that Wade would dump Matt to be exclusive with him.

 

Assume that's not the only issue.

[centexhairysub]

Edited to add:

 

Centex - Jeff's issue with Matt was sort of touched on in the chapter, he likes Wade and doesn't like that Matt was playing around on him, he'd rather have Wade all to himself, thinks Wade would go for that, and hopes that Wade would dump Matt to be exclusive with him.

 

 

 

Assume that's not the only issue.

 

I never thought for a moment that was all it was to the story. I get that Jeff doesn't care for how Matt and to a certain extent Wade is not carrying on their relationship but there always felt like there was a backstory to this issue that we aren't aware of yet...

[PrivateTim]

I am glad that Will has Wade to lean on and talk to. Everyone needs someone a little older that they can seek advice from or just let out their frustrations about what is going on in their life. I think that Wade misses this part of his relationship with Beau and that at least is part of why he is so drawn to Will.

 

I was sure that once Robbie and Will got face to face that they would begin to fix the issues that they had between themselves. I think their bond is pretty tight and in some ways easier to repair then the one between Will and Brad.

 

I still can't figure out what Jeff's issue with Matt is; I set up a search and can't find anything that occured in the past stories since Jeff's introduction that would explain his reaction. Is he just jealous of Matt because he has Wade? Jeff might be able to stay friends with benefits with Wade but nothing else; not to be snobbish but there is no way they could ever really be more. The gap in social, educational, family, and just past history would be too much to ever overcome. Wade and Matt fit each other in a way that few others will ever be able to do so with either of them. Even if something were to happen and they broke up, which better not ever happen; I think they would always be friends and part of each others lives.

 

It was nice to have a calm chapter....

 

Yeah, but...... that is all logic. How many men, gay and straight, think with their dicks at exactly the wrong time and destroy great relationships and families. If I had a nickel for every friend whose father destroyed a family for a 25 year old bimbo so badly matched to them it was tragic, not funny, I could retire rich.

[centexhairysub]

The new chapter of Paternity is just remakable. It started off with Will realizing how his actions really impacted others and finished off the start of repairs to a lot of relationships except maybe one.

 

I loved the scene with Will going to get into bed wth Brad and Robbie. Robbie handled everything there just perfect. Brad and Robbie gave Will a shoulder to cry on and absolution all at the same time. They helped him realize that no matter what, they will always be there for him. They all realize that they need to keep working on it but that they will make it back together. Will was also very smart in realizing that Brad and Robbie needed to spend some quality time together, alone. His insistence that they drive back to Malibu together was right on the mark. Brad and Will's conversation in the car from the beach house to Escorial was priceless. It was everything that every child wants to be able to have with his/her parent. I like how Brad handled the question of Will having sex with a girl and how honest he was about his own experiences.

 

Will handled the reunion with Jeanine as well as could be expected, with a little help from JJ. I do think Wade and some of the others are a little hard on Jeanine but that is for another story. Will and Tony are just hot together, I can really picture them together in my mind and well, WOW. Will and John may have a hot evening as well, I think this is a relationship that will grow into something really important in Will's life; even as the sex part of it may become less and less important.

 

Brad make his move to start repairing his relationship with Stef and came off so sincere and honest. For long time readers the pricking of the fingers has held true through so much. I am sure thar Robbie and Stef handled or started to handle their issues more off stage. It is Brad that has to make more of a public show of mending his relationship with Stef.

 

I found the ending with Will and Darius going at it very telling. Will more than held his own and his patience in a way that showed his real maturity. Will, with a big assist from JJ, really put Darius in his place over his own behaviour. I don't think we have seen the end of this dynamic and it may go through more than just the end of this story. I do find JJ's support of Will telling as well, I really do believe that to some extent JJ does view Will as maybe the most important person in the family to him, at this point. With Jeanine out of action, it really has been Will that has stepped up to support JJ and make sure others have been there for him. Even with Will being younger than JJ, he has proven to be more mature in some ways and really worked to be there for his brother.

[methodwriter85]

Some thoughts I've had on this chapter:

 

1. The callback to Bloodlines was cool. Man. Did Mark really write that almost three years ago? Damn.

 

2. The Tony and Will stuff...I'm glad Will's not being entirely stupid about it, but it does seem like maybe perhaps Tony will someday be cool with liking guys. Although I think Will has to hit at least age 17 before Tony would openly date him- the four years difference is going to be a big deal for at least a few more years, since I'm sure Tony doesn't want to end up on Megan's List.

 

3. The Darius and Will interaction was totally interesting. I can see how the lack of Darius doing anything but Ella and having fun at Santa Clara while things completely blew apart for both Will and JJ would cause a lot of resentment on Will's part. As for JJ, Mark's been pretty consistent about the fact that JJ has never really looked up to Darius or tried to emulate him, not in the way that Will did. So Darius was never really on a pedestal in his mind, which made his little rant really in character. JJ thought Darius choosing Santa Clara was stupid and told him to his face back in Poor Man's Son, which makes this such a nice piece of character continuity.

[Solecito]

Seeing as Wade's already thinking that hooking up with Jeff might have been a bad idea, I'm thinking that Jeff will probably already become a former FWB (not a former friend, just no longer with the benefits). In any case, even if Jeff were to try to pull Wade away, I'm thinking that his efforts would be an exercise in futility.

 

I'll agree that we're probably due for the next move on the Danfield Family front.

 

Edited to add:

 

Centex - Jeff's issue with Matt was sort of touched on in the chapter, he likes Wade and doesn't like that Matt was playing around on him, he'd rather have Wade all to himself, thinks Wade would go for that, and hopes that Wade would dump Matt to be exclusive with him.

 

Mark why is Hot Jeff's name 'Jeff'? I thought he was a pivotal character is the series to have Stef's assistant have the same name.

[Mari]

I just re-read the last chapter, I liked how Tony picked up Will and carried him to the bed, how sweet and what a lovely visual

[Mark Arbour]

Mark why is Hot Jeff's name 'Jeff'? I thought he was a pivotal character is the series to have Stef's assistant have the same name.

 

It's a common name, and the first Jeff is long gone, so I figured it would be fun to throw that in. My original plan was to freak JP out, but I forgot how unflappable he is.

[methodwriter85]

My original plan was to freak JP out, but I forgot how unflappable he is.

Plus, you already did the whole "hot guy shows up who reminds everyone of Jeff thus freaking them out" storyline with Roger in The Land Whore.

 

Even with Will being younger than JJ, he has proven to be more mature in some ways and really worked to be there for his brother.

It's been an interesting dynamic for sure- that JJ being smaller(and therefore more vulnerable) has been an impetus for people to treat him like he's younger than he actually is. When he finally hits puberty and he no longer looks like a 12-year old boy, it'll be interesting to see how that'll change things in said dynamic.

Edited May 15, 2012 by methodwriter85

[methodwriter85]

I also don't see any issues with Will, Darius and JJ. They are just brothers being brothers. Darius will fade from the stories as Ace has.

I think Will and JJ grew closer the past couple of weeks because of JJ's little breakdown and Will trying to step up, whereas Darius not being around kind of just made them less close. It's like what happened to Wade and his brother Beau- they grew apart because they're just not around each other that much, and not because of any one particular thing.

 

It'll be interesting to see if JJ and Will can maintain that bond even as they go off and follow different paths- perhaps if JJ drops out of Harvard-Westlake to pursue figure skating full-time and the like.

 

It is kind of interesting to see how Ace kind of just got phased out of the story. I think it happened because:

 

1. Ace is straight and not bi or gay.

 

2. Jack took over the brother role for Brad.

 

3. Jack and Claire's kids are the same ages as Brad and Robbie's Irish Twins; whereas Ace's daughter is only 5. Ergo, JJ and Will just aren't going to be as interested in hanging out with Courtney as they would be interesting in hanging out with John and Marie. (Although, where the hell has she been, anyway? Shouldn't Marie be hounding Robbie for updates on the production of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone?) I'm sure when JJ needs a puff piece for the '06 Olympics, he'll use Courtney as the cute kid cousin to take to Disneyland.

 

4. His personality became really judgmental and less fun as he got older, making us less inclined to want to see more of his character.

 

5. Because Mark is starting to switch focus from Brad and Robbie's generation onto Generation 4(Will, JJ, John, etc), the influx of new characters means that older characters who don't serve much of a function have been rendered surplus and thus phased out.

 

 

Last note, I find it interesting how Will chapters seem to get more reviews and evoke more emotional responses.

 

It's been funny. I couldn't stand how Will was written for most of Poor Man's Son. But now I find him a pretty compelling and likeable character- I think once Will got away from being a pedo's dream sexpot stripping in gay bars to being a 9th grade kid doing bratty crap while trying to navigate school, friendships, and relationships, he became a much more relate-able character.

 

Wade...I still enjoy his character and everything, but I gotta admit there's something more fun about a teenager going off the rails than a calmly centered guy logically and proficiently solving every problem that comes his way.

Edited May 15, 2012 by methodwriter85

[PrivateTim]

It'll be interesting to see if JJ and Will can maintain that bond even as they go off and follow different paths- perhaps if JJ drops out of Harvard-Westlake to pursue figure skating full-time and the like.

Dude give it up, JJ ain't leavin' H-W. He is a Wolverine for life.

[methodwriter85]

Dude give it up, JJ ain't leavin' H-W. He is a Wolverine for life.

 

Think of the angst that a 24-year old JJ will feel when, medal-free after two tries, he goes back over his life and thinks about how he gave up high school with his brother and friends for a shot at the Olympics that ultimately failed. Too delicious to pass up.

[rjo]

The situation at the end of this last chapter (39) shows how families change with time. Darius has now left the family and him and Elia have created their own unit. Darius influence over Will and JJ has evolved. But maybe the greatest change is that Will and JJ are growing closer. Being about the same age and going to the same school helps.but I think Will growing up and seeing how his brother was effected by Jeanine leaving and the drama for the last few weeks has shown him that JJ was going through some of the same things he was. All either of these two guys wanted is their parents to care about them. I honestly don't think that is too much to ask for. When they stopped to looked at the situation, Brad , Robbie, Will and JJ found they all had lost their way. Their lives had gone out of control. It seemed like the love they had for each other was gone, but it was not. It was there maybe lost for a time, but still strong. So after all the damage, all the drama, what do we have? I think four people who understand what is really important and that really love each other. And that is a good thing, a very good thing.

Edited May 16, 2012 by rjo

[PrivateTim]

The situation at the end of this last chapter (39) shows how families change with time. Darius has now left the family and him and Elia have created their own unit. Darius influence over Will and JJ has evolved. But maybe the greatest change is that Will and JJ are growing closer. Being about the same age and going to the same school helps.but I think Will growing up and seeing how his brother was effected by Jeanine leaving and the drama for the last few weeks has shown him that JJ was going through some of the same things he was. All either of these two guys wanted is their parents to care about them. I honestly don't think that is too much to ask for. When they stopped to looked at the situation, Brad , Robbie, Will and JJ found they all had lost their way. Their lives had gone out of control. It seemed like the love they had for each other was gone, but it was not. It was there maybe lost for a time, but still strong. So after all the damage, all the drama, what do we have? I think four people who understand what is really important and that really love each other. And that is a good thing, a very good thing.

 

I kind of reject that notion.

 

Just because your parents get busy for a few months or even few years it doesn't mean they stop loving you, it just means they have responsibilities above and beyond you.

 

In the case of a middle class family it means the parents, usually both, are working hard to stay afloat and that gets harder in tough times. For upper crust families like the Hayes and Schluters it often means not just your livelihood, but that you have hundreds or thousands of people dependent on you to make the right decisions for the business so they can pay their mortgage, have health care, take care of their families etc. Robbie actually has the much more difficult job because of how quickly a production company can go south after a few flops. The principle might survive, but I've production companies go from 200 people to 30 in a couple of months.

 

I get that kids are self centered and don't understand that all the time and rich kids often doubly don't get it.

 

I am glad things worked out (so far), but I think both sides had lessons to learn and I think both are getting there.

[Westie]

Some thoughts I've had on this chapter:

 

1. The callback to Bloodlines was cool. Man. Did Mark really write that almost three years ago? Damn.

 

 

Double Damn. I reread that story around 20 times now. Still in my view.... THE.BEST.CAP.STORY.EVER!

[methodwriter85]

I get that kids are self centered and don't understand that all the time and rich kids often doubly don't get it.

 

Your speech just made me think of this great scene from The Facts of Life:

 

[media=]

[/media]

 

"That's...my father."

 

You know, I can totally see JJ as what a male Blair Warner would be like. Blond, a bit arrogant, kind of prissy, and with levels of self-involvement that hide a pretty nice-hearted person behind it all. I bet if you took him on a trip to Bloomingdales for one scarf he'd come back with an entire winter wardrobe.

Edited May 17, 2012 by methodwriter85

[PrivateTim]

Your speech just made me think of this great scene from The Facts of Life:

 

[media=]

[/media]

 

"That's...my father."

 

You know, I can totally see JJ as what a male Blair Warner would be like. Blond, a bit arrogant, kind of prissy, and with levels of self-involvement that hide a pretty nice-hearted person behind it all. I bet if you took him on a trip to Bloomingdales for one scarf he'd come back with an entire winter wardrobe.

 

The incredible irony of two highly over paid hacks like Paul Haggis and Howard Meyers, who make more per script than the average American does in a year, cracking on "the rich" is just delicious.

 

I've seen Hollywood producers buy Range Rovers and put them on the film's budget to take advantage of tax incentives from the state where they are filming that has the taxpayers of that state virttually paying for the car.

Edited May 17, 2012 by PrivateTim

[methodwriter85]

Dude, just enjoy the sentiment. It was one hell of a scene, and for something remembered as a cheesy afterschool special from the '80s, there was some genuinely good acting there. Plus, like I said, JJ is totally like a male Blair Warner.

[rjo]

I kind of reject that notion.

 

Just because your parents get busy for a few months or even few years it doesn't mean they stop loving you, it just means they have responsibilities above and beyond you.

 

In the case of a middle class family it means the parents, usually both, are working hard to stay afloat and that gets harder in tough times. For upper crust families like the Hayes and Schluters it often means not just your livelihood, but that you have hundreds or thousands of people dependent on you to make the right decisions for the business so they can pay their mortgage, have health care, take care of their families etc. Robbie actually has the much more difficult job because of how quickly a production company can go south after a few flops. The principle might survive, but I've production companies go from 200 people to 30 in a couple of months.

 

I get that kids are self centered and don't understand that all the time and rich kids often doubly don't get it.

 

I am glad things worked out (so far), but I think both sides had lessons to learn and I think both are getting there.

 

-

 

I thought rejection is a little harsh.

 

I believe this forum purpose is to discuss different opinions about each chapter and the general story. Of all the duties a parent has raising their children is the most important. Nothing is more important, Nothing. That does not mean a parent has to spend every moment with his or her child. But is does mean that he must be there for him or her. If you read the last few chapters I think you will find that Mark has layed out a case that all parties are at failt. None of them is innocent. Brad said that they all need to do better. I could go into the mistakes and blunders they all made, but I think we all know them. I also never said Brad and Robbie didn't love Will, but that Will had a hard time believing they did. Even when my parents were upset with me, which was very rare, I always knew that they loved me. Both Will and JJ thought they were in the nicest orphanage in the state. I think it is easier for wealthy parents to abandon they children to the hired help. There are countless examples of this. What is most important, however, is that Brad, Robbie and Will have learned their lessons. And we got three of the best chapters in the whole saga: Brad and Will reuniting, Robbie and Will reuniting and Will joining Brad and Robbie in bed. I've always thought that life is a learn experence, every day we learn something new, hopefully these character believe that too.

Edited May 17, 2012 by rjo

[MJ85]

Mmmmm...now that was hot.

 

Carullo doesn't bug me like Jeff did - Carullo doesn't have to get all cocky to assert his masculinity.

 

I kinda hope Jeff doesn't turn out to be a totally bad guy, though - Stef's already lost one assistant in a drama-fueled fallout. Does he really need to lose another one that way?

[centexhairysub]

Dude, just enjoy the sentiment. It was one hell of a scene, and for something remembered as a cheesy afterschool special from the '80s, there was some genuinely good acting there. Plus, like I said, JJ is totally like a male Blair Warner.

 

Do not knock the "Facts of Life", I will come find you and you will regret it.... LOL... For someone that grew up in the late 70's and early 80's the "Facts of Life" was truly a slice of heaven. There were weeks in my freshman and sophmore years of high school that the only thing that got me through them was that show. People make fun of it now, but the acting in general was well above average for most of the shows on TV at the time and the writing and directing were quite good as well. It was show that touched on so many topics that really mattered and handled them with grace and dignity. The show dealt with many issues such as depression, weight loss, AIDS, teenage sexuality, and others in a genuine and honest manner. The show was not just a teen soap opera but a show with real heart...

[centexhairysub]

Well, I read the newest chapter and loved it. I have been waiting forever for Carullo and Wade to get together. The scene was everything I could have hoped for and more. I still want a three way with Matt, Wade, and Carullo, that will be really hot...

 

I really liked how Wade handled his conversation with Tiffany about her going back to LA. I thought that was handled in a really intelligent and thoughful manner. I know it doesn't seem popular here, but I for one, hope that Jeanine and Tiffany actually do end up back together.

 

This was a really nice chapter but wait, I see drama ahead....