Top 10 List - Busted - 8/28/01

#1) The Princess and the Pauper - Judy has great news: Another bookstore owner has offered her a large sum of money, so he can license the name "Booklovers" with his small chain of stores. Jake, on the other hand, still is suffering big losses at the restaurant, and mentions to Lily that he needs $100,000. He said it himself: "It'll work out, it always does." Stay tuned....

#2) I'm Sensing a Pattern... - As the household settles in for the night, Rick and Lily engage in their nightly routine of bedroom talk, which of course leads to kissing. Rick's offer of sensual ministrations is trumped by Lily's desire to be jumped instead. However, as doors slam, the lovers disengage while counting down the time it takes for the now regular interruption to cross their threshold. We count as well, wondering how many times will they put up with being hindered from their newlywed duties?

#3) Apply enough pressure, something will give - Jessie and Zoe have been sharing a room, at each other's expense. Now that summer is over and the pressures of school are added to the daily routine, things only get more aggravating. Zoe finally triggered Jessie's ardor, which she unleashed upon her with no remorse. Jessie's response was harsh, but understandable considering all the circumstances surrounding her now. She needs to release some of her pent-up emotions, but Zoe better learn to duck quickly.

#4) Adjusting Attitudes - Eli gets arrested for possession of pot, although it isn't his. His parents come down hard, because of this and the fact that he doesn't have a job, a goal, or a desire to continue his schooling. When Karen announces he's no longer allowed to play his music - gigs, rehearsals or sessions - his emotions play across his face. Anger. Fear. Loss. Regrets. Pain. Dismay. Yet, each time he talks with Lily, he seems very level-headed and even reasonable. Perhaps because Lily isn't judging him, or because she isn't his parent. Whatever the reason, his attitude is remarkable. Even with Jessie, he's kind, even as his world changes by Karen's demands for control. When he had to interrupt the "Summit Meeting" (a great reference for the meeting of the two super powers Rick & Karen), he seems almost at peace with whatever outcome occurs. He is happy to find out things will work out after all, and he lovingly offers to take his mother out to a movie that she is guaranteed to hate. In the attitude department, he is to be commended. This is a big change from ICSU of Season 2.

#5) Debatable Words - Grace got on a bandwagon that had no axles or wheels this week. She complained about the "unlawful search" the policeman made of Rick's vehicle, even though Eli did give him prior consent. Next, she set a poor example in the ethics department when she stated that Eli was correct in protecting Coop from getting busted. Finally, she refused to answer Lily about her own choice to smoke pot or not. Her explanation left a lot to be desired, and when the two girls both chimed in that they never smoked it, it left her looking even more in the wrong. Sorry Grace, but rolling your eyes won't justify your words. Lily needs to pursue this conversation to completion.

#6) Make a Good First Impression - Lily's actions were supportive of Eli's desires, and she did everything she could to help him find something he was passionate about. Her appearance not only gained the attention of the band "Planet Suicide", but her noting that they were "Totally edgy" got Eli the opportunity to be of assistance. As she worked her magic, the guys became putty in her hands. "She can do anything - it's scary. Dad, they were asking for her phone number!" He got the job. Of course he did. Who could tell her no?

#7) Practical Counsel - Eli knows what he'd like to do, but also knows his mom would kill him if he disobeyed her. So he asks Lily what he should do. She deflects, but he persists. What would she do? How can he handle this situation? After asking what Rick's reaction has been, she finally decides to answer him in the best way possible. "Eventually you will have to make your own decisions. That is what every parent wants, for you to grow up and think for yourself, right?" This diplomatic approach only enhances their future relationship as a merged family.

#8) Incoming! - When Karen arrives in all her fury, accusing Lily of telling Eli to take a job in the music industry (to Rick), Lily decides to confront her face on. While Rick looks on, his new bride comes out of the house with a "Hi-Karen-how's-it-going?" After a pregnant pause, Lily fakes an exit, while Karen musters the courage to take on this new foe. As the verbal volley plays out, Rick never finds the appropriate opening, but Lily holds her own, feeling that the only counsel that she did give Eli was fully justified.

#9) Impassioned Pleas - Lily reproaches Rick: "Have you ever watched [Eli] make these phone calls? Do you know how hard it is for him? Have either of you given him any guidance, help or reassurance how to face all these mean people on the other end of the line? He's terrified Rick....Maybe you're both too close to it." Later Lily takes her stand: "It's wrong Rick, its wrong for Eli.... yes, he needs limits.... he's acting like he's a scared 18 yr old, who needs some help and guidance, who should follow his passion....he doesn't need a jailor. You're Eli, Rick, you're living in that house with all these rules, tell me how you feel..... You know exactly what I'm saying but you don’t' want to admit it, because if you do admit it, then you'd have to stand up to her. She is his mother Rick, and she is wrong! And I'm a step-mother and I don't know what that means... I don't know what the relationship is supposed to be like, and I may be completely messing it up, but I will not keep my mouth shut just to spare you and her a little discomfort, because there is too much at stake for that boy."

#10) The Control Factor - Karen's death grip on Eli's future causes her to lose rather than gain control. She quickly lays down her laws, expecting and anticipating Rick's usual support, as she tries to map out Eli's immediate future before "he succumbs to the influences of the evil world of music." She takes away his freedom, she invokes a 10pm curfew, and his passion - music - is put on hold until he meets her criteria. The opposite effect occurs, as he pulls more and more away from her, even seeking Lily's advice. "Lily thinks I'm right" he tells Karen, and you can see his words stab her at her very core. "He's 18, but he's my baby!" wails Karen to Rick, but he also forces her to lessen her hold on Eli. "He's going to be fine, you'll see." Karen needs to change her controlling nature, before she loses Eli completely.

Marc