This is going to sound weird. If there is a quintessential episode, this
might be it, or if you want to use "quintessential" in a sentence,
here's your chance.
A favourite with fans, and I have to say I think it's partly because it's, like, the first where Angela doesn't do the voiceovers. By this time, her thoughts are familiar. But what are the others thinking? And Brian is such a popular character, even if he isn't popular at Liberty High.
Brian reveals his thoughts on parents and, like, life, while spying on Angela. There's the great wallpaper metaphor and his observation that, "You're never in the picture when you're yearbook photographer."
When Sharon introduces Delia, whom he's been scoping on his viewfinder, he snaps, "I'm yearbook photographer. It's my job!" They weren't paying attention to his shooting. Of course, I was once school photography editor, so I know the temptations, and I don't mean the singing group.
Sharon is priceless as usual, observing that, "school spirit is, like, out the window." When she tries to persuade Brian that he should ask out Delia, her comment, "let's just say it was very clearly implied" is a good hint for him. Later, it's observed that ‘World Happiness Dance’ sounds like Sharon.
Brian admires fisherman (hey, like Graham) and vows never to show up at Angela's house with some lame excuse, just before doing it. How very Angela-like. He needs wallpaper "really badly," leading him to Hunkburger, where he hates that Delia smiles although, of course, it's her job. Hunkburger? He doesn't ask her to the dance, but has an actual encounter, when they share soda. Later, the microscope scene where he gets an erection from actual physical contact.
Sharon almost has to beg Kyle to invite her to the dance. Once again, as in ‘Strangers,’ he can't really be counted on in a crisis. Brian keeps hesitating. Rayanne matchmakes for Rickie because she has no life, while Patty signs up Graham for cooking classes.
Angela's problems aren't neglected. She asks Jordan if he's going to the dance. "There's a dance?" See, he has this philosophy, no plans, not obligations "plans basically blows," which Angela really respects. In the Delia cilia scene Angela sees Brian with Delia. Different interpretations have been assigned to her glance. You're on your own here, but it must be significant, since it ends the first half.
Delia and Brian deny having thought about the dance. Brian stammers and can't focus. Finally, Delia asks, "Brian, are you asking me to the dance? I thought so." Then Angela hits up Brian for transportation.
I "need a technical way to get there." Brian says, "Fine, tag along." Yet in his world, he imagines Angela Chase has asked him to take her to the dance, though she's made it clear that that she hasn't. So at the end of Act III, he jettisons Delia and feels bad. Really bad. It was kind of cute and endearing when he couldn't quite ask her out, but his roundabout way of dumping her is torture for Delia.
Oh, my god.
When Brian claims Delia's aunt is in hospital, Patty says, "I hope it isn't anything too serious." For a change, she's in on what's happening. She's impressed with the wallpaper Graham has mounted saying, "Did you see her face when he told her that other girl isn't going?"
Patty says she's a horrible nag, but Graham doesn't actually feel that way. He says, "Thank you for signing me up." Hey, what could be wrong with a cooking class? It's a good place to meet babes. He probably took Home Ec in high school for the same reason.
There's another gathering, this time a dance, which captures the awkwardness, not like a dreamlike, Hollywood adventure. Contrasted with the pure joy of Delia and Rickie dancing. Once again, Brian makes a tactical blunder, causing Angela to say, "Rickie is my friend." Brian says, "He's my friend, too." One of the more interesting twists is that Brian and Rickie do become friends, and Rayanne and Sharon, sort of as a result of Angela.
When Brian says, "I don't even believe in making plans," paraphrasing Graham, Angela finds that ridiculous. There are many little revelations. Angela calls Brian heartless, as her hair smells incredible. Maybe it's her shampoo or something. Brian tries to make it up to Delia, who ignores him. Sharon gives him the evil eye. And Jordan asks Angela why she's like she is. Finally, Angela apologises to Brian, as if it's her fault. "I can't explain why I ever got involved, but I'm sorry." She offers to dance with Brian and he declines. Kind of makes one wish his thoughts were audible next time, when he's had time to reconsider that decision.
Rickie and Delia actually have fun dancing. And, as usual, the music
is perfect. "Try," with the world happiness banner in a closing
fadeout.
MIDPOINT ANNOUNCEMENT - BRIAN