Made You Look was an important episode for Paul in several ways.
First, he gets the full Lizzie experience, which is exactly what anyone could want. Their brief on-screen interaction is great: Harrison Ford’s wandering eyes and deep voice undercut his sincerity in being pleased that she came in; he suggests that he should “pull it off” [his] pants and making [his] The “butt slap” is a hilarious but honest comment on his feelings for her; Liz isn’t surprised by Sean’s free treatment. The whole thing was hilarious, and it was improved by the fact that Liz probably peed in his office due to the title of the episode. It’s silly but fun.
But more seriously, Paul is greatly developed here. Notably, during his therapy sessions with Liz, the camera lingers on his handwriting, which is untidy at best. His Parkinson’s disease gradually worsened and these symptoms would appear from time to time. He recognized this and took steps toward reconciliation. His conversation with Jimmy was a big step forward for him as he admitted those weaknesses and it was a very healthy and emotional moment where they agreed that he was still the best when he was no longer the best , Jimmy would tell him.
Paul has come a long way. Even at the start of the season, he was adamant about doing things the old-fashioned way — which, in his mind, was the right way. Since then, he’s made slow but steady progress toward his new way of thinking. It’s not exactly Jimi Young, but he admits that he has grown to consider Ray a friend and has begun therapy with Sean outside of the office. It was in the office kitchen, but as he said, just baby steps.
The idea of him and Jimmy working more closely is interesting. As expected, the chemistry between Ford and Jason Segel is excellent, and we see very clearly over these 14 episodes that they have a lot to learn from each other’s way of doing things. Speaking of Sean, this is also smart. Jimmy realizes in the premiere that transferring his treatment to Paul is the best option, but Sean is also Jimmy’s first and most important success. Case noted that the experience he provided and the experience he had were invaluable to their shared goal: to see Sean improve.
Brian and Charlie have no common goals. Brian doesn’t want kids and Charlie does, and while Liz and Gabby ultimately imply that’s not a real issue, it’s definitely a real issue. There’s probably a ton of friction here, and while Jimmy, Liz, and Derek all make Brian feel better, it doesn’t feel like it’s going to be a smooth experience for anyone involved.
Speaking of Derek – we have another Derek! Everyone agreed that the guy, played by Damon Wayans Jr., was hot and smelled great, and that there was romantic potential between him and Gabby. Their date is interrupted by Gabby’s sister – whom she tries to ignore – but between “bacon, windows, boobs, tell everyone” and his reply with her vibrator, there’s plenty of entertainment here.
In a slapstick opening scene, the original Derek almost falls for Alice’s poor decision to sleep with Connor. It’s a quiet episode, but the most important plot development in Alice’s story – and the season as a whole – comes near the end, when Winston ponders the purse Alice thinks she left in Connor’s room.
His decision to try and return the wallet is a continuation of what we saw him try to start in the previous episode. “Can I ask you something? Are they okay? That’s what he asked Brian. His response was – “Are you fucking serious? ” — is a lovely mirror to Alice’s explosive rage. Brian then asks about Winston’s mental state, which shows both his compassion and his ability to see past emotions. This is of great benefit to him It’s still fresh in the story, but one of Brian’s most important traits is that he cares about others, and no matter what the consequences of following Winston may come, it feels like the reckoning between him and the Laird family is getting closer.
