Re: Discussion for Episode 11: Life of Brian
Posted: Jul 11th 2011, 2:21 pm
Pretzels.
There's LIFE after death on the 'net
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I think the answer is in the title of the next episode - self-esteem.RCBS wrote:So, why did Brian not accept Angela's offer to dance?
That's one of my proudest moments of Brian; I love that he doesn't dance with Angela. I especially love how he turns her down "Not with you". (And then the beauty of the show's writing and insight -- Brian immediately back steps from such a harsh stance with a qualifier about not caring about dancing, which mildly helps them both save face.) While I don't think Angela's to blame for Brian's choices in this episode -- prior to that moment she hasn't used him -- and so he doesn't have a reason to be angry with her, in my eyes, he definitely shouldn't dance with her. She hasn't done anything to deserve to be the girl who is unconditionally loved. I don't find her apology all that heartfelt or self-aware. She asks Brian to dance because she thinks he won't say no. Jordan didn't work out, and Brian's supposed to be a sure thing, regardless of her own behavior. That's when she takes him for granted in this episode, and Krakow rigtfully shuts her down. Cue one of my all-time favorite line deliveries: "They are going to have such a terrible time."RCBS wrote:seriously though...she only called him heartless due to actions of her own. Then apologized and was trying to reconsile. He should have sucked it up and danced. They may have found some chemistry.
The thing is, it wasn't an opportunity. If I was being really cynical and uncharitable, I might say it was an 'opportunity' for Angela to save some face, but I think that'd be inaccurate.RCBS wrote:Pride should never stand in the way of opportunity.
Brian is idealistic and he wants Angela on his terms, meaning he wants it to be real. He doesn't want some pity dance from her, but especially not after everything else that happened regarding the dance. Some guys might have jumped at the chance to dance with their dream girl, just to be close to her and be able to touch her, but Brian would rather have nothing than a fantasy. Like he explains in Self-Esteem, the reason Shakespeare is in love with his mistress is "She's not just a fantasy. She's got, like, flaws. She's real."Superjesus wrote:As much as Brian may be in love with her, he has feelings and she's just driven a road train over them. That doesn't get mended in a few minutes or with a dance at some lame school event.