"The Peacemaker"

A review by Jenni:

Well, I think I finally figured out the optimal way to do this.  I'm watching the Hallmark versions (as I write this in the case of this episode) and going to enjoy them as best I can.  Then, sometime later, I'll have mini-marathons with my CBS/VHS copies and as needed come back here to comment on what Hallmark cut.  Hopefully, I'll be less annoyed that way.  Hopefully...  Cause at least Hallmark is showing TBAA.

 What I love about this episode:
I just ate scrambled egg this morning so the whole "this was my brain on drugs" intro is even more amusing than usual.  And, yeah, I know it's serious but that "this is your brain on drugs" PSA has pretty much devolved into a joke so... can't help it.  Anyhow, I like the whole video concept.

Family coffee time is an awesome idea.  Although Michelle talking about the tradition of it makes me wanna go all Topol and break into "Tradition" from Fiddler on the Roof.  Anyhow, wouldn't work in my family cause I'm the only coffee drinker. 

I really like what Monica tells Mark about how a marriage is between two people, not three.  Cause I have a feeling it's not entirely uncommon for kids, maybe especially oldest and onlies, to feel partly responsible for their parents' marital happiness.  Or at least like it's part of their job to fix things.

Ha, Tess having trouble not talking while her portrait is being painted is perfect.  And it's a really good portrait!  I wish we coulda seen it finished.  And one of Andrew, too.  ;-)

The scene of the Tanners crying in bed really packs an emotional wallop.  I can't imagine going through something like that... especially with them being so close when Mark died.

Michelle playing and replaying Mark's answering machine is tough to see, too.  And relatable.

I really love the idea that AODs can finish people's important business for them.  I truly hope that turns out to be true.

Frankly, I'm just a sucker for anything involving someone leaving a message behind that's found after their death and gives peace.  So Mark's video gets me.

Clearly these are actual home videos we're watching during most of Mark's video.  Pretty cool and a good reason to hire an actual married couple!  It's nice that the couple were open to that.  Much, much better than doing long shots or trusting clothing and hair styles to make people seem to age backwards.

What I didn't love about this episode:
Okay...  I get having marital problems and it's important to voice your feelings.  But putting a guest in an awkward position, as happens when Monica comes over for dinner, is just wrong.  Michelle needs to cool it, at least until Monica is gone.  Of course, being like that in front of a child isn't really great, either.

Lingering questions:
I wonder how difficult it is to act with your spouse?  And would ya ever start projecting too much? 

Do ya think they realized Michelle Tanner was Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's role on Full House?  Jumped right out at me.  Yes, I watched that religiously when I was young.  Now I can't without cringing.

Am I the only one who thinks $600 for that video is insanely expensive???

Who is Garrett?  That's who the episode is dedicated to.

Parts that made me feel swoony:
I wonder how difficult it is to sometimes know just a lil bit more than everyone else... including your fellow angels.  In the opening scene, Monica and Tess both think they have much time to help the Tanners... Andrew knows they don't.  Obviously that's very sad for the Tanners but you know me: I'm wondering how hard it is on Andrew.

So it gets me whenever Andrew is holding someone when they die.

Unfortunately, Andrew seems to do a lot of behind-the-scenes work on this case so I don't have as much to say as usual.  Or maybe Hallmark just cut some of his scenes...

Yay!  Andrew is at the door!  And he's wearing the layered look.  Double yay!  But mostly I'm just happy that the Tanners learned Mark wasn't alone.

Kinda sad for Andrew that Tess calls Monica "Angel Girl" and just uses his name when they leave the Tanners' room.  But maybe Andrew isn't as sentimental as I am about nicknames. 

Random thoughts:
I really never realized that when a loved one gets the personal effects of a murder victim that the bloodied clothes are included.  If that's legitimate... I'm not sure what I think about that.

Music note: Scott plays something, don't know what, on the piano after Michelle says she wants a divorce.  And, of course, "Through the Years" during the video.  ETA: Michelle also plays classical music in her studio.

I'm trying to remember if this episode was on my mind when I made a musical slide show for my parents' anniversary one year.  I dunno but it was cool to do.

Scenes Hallmark cut:
-I think the scene's cut which shows the couple getting ready for bed and Scott bringing up a retiring colleague, suggesting he might take his desk job.  Michelle counters that he wouldn't want a desk job and they awkwardly go to bed.
-The scene following Mark's death is cut.  In the CBS version, it starts with Scott on the phone (I think to his mom) saying he and Michelle are okay.  They then pick the date for the funeral and Michelle tells the suit she wants Mark buried in.  Then Scott settles into bed and starts crying.  Hallmark starts just as he settles into bed, the conversation before is gone.


Further on down the road...:
"Tradition is something you hold onto during the bad times until the good times come back."  I love that quote from Michelle cause I can relate very much.  I like traditions a lot of the time but during tragic times... sometimes they really are what helps get me back on track.

I think it would be so hard to be a cop and have to go through this post-death process with a co-worker when you're so used to both being on the same side and now suddenly you're in the "family member of victim" slot.  Granted, that moment can't ever be easy but that must add a whole other layer of sadness and pain.

"Angels don't bring confusion... we bring the truth."  I  think I've been trying to remember for a bit where that quote came from.  It's Tess in this episode.

This video is really sad to watch now knowing the couple is no longer together.

Actually kinda glad they aren't showing Andrew as Mark talks to his parents via the video.  As it is I'm making it through this dry-eyed.  Couldn't have with that.

"The 'what ifs' and 'if onlys' will only stop you from healing."  I think that's a natural reaction but...I think Monica is right. 

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