Thanks Bubba. The previews look good. I am liking this show more and more each week.

Can't wait!

Does look like it will be a rather enjoyable episode!

This is going to be a very long week of waiting. It's only been 26 hours and I'm on my fourth viewing of 'Never the Bride.'

Soooooo jazzed for the next ep.

If i see one more teaser for this episode I might burst! I can not wait until sunday.

22 hour countdown! (For the East coast at least.)




Gosh I'm with you Mann. Except it's Sunday, yay, I made it, but what am I supposed to do until the show actually airs tonight? Man cannot live on teasers alone, or insanity shall befall him

I'm in the UK and I havta wait till Monday so I can watch it! It's painful, PAAAAINFUL!

A good episode. The first one I've watched all the way through, to be honest.

That was a really good episode. I really enjoyed it.

The previews were so good I was totally expecting to be a little disappointed in the actual episode. Instead: completely blown away. Whoever wrote and directed this episode are crazy awesome, I hope they're in charge of many more.

ABSOLUTELY LOVED the side by side action scene with Mary and Marshall--watching it again now, Loved It Loved It Loved It!!!!

The thing I'm hating the most about this show is that I don't have the capability to slow/freeze live television. So many scenes just go by too fast to enjoy the frame-by-frame nuance.

LOVED this episode. Like someone else said, I did expect to be a bit disapointed cuz that's usually the case but damn did it deliver, and then some. Brilliant episode. And Marshall in his vest, oooooh yeah He should wear that in every episode Loved the M/M scenes, total love. The end scene was heartbreaking but nice at the same time, was good to see that side of her for a change.
I used to really like Jinx but her and Brandi seriously slowed down the pace of this ep, give them something more interesting to do!

Cleverly written episode. Loved the “hit man” character. Great misdirection by the writers. Kept us so focused on Mary and Marshall that somehow we forgot that this guy they were protecting was a top assassin. I remember thinking early on “What did he do to his victims, sneaking up on them and annoy them to death”?

Hard to picture of such a benign looking character as a cold-bloodied, diabolical killer. Maybe it’s one of the reasons he was so successful. I guess it worked in his favor that he able to project one of those harmless, slightly annoying, slightly befuddled personalities that no one takes seriously.

Hi all,

New poster here. I've been watching this show in hopes of it really becoming something I can love this summer like Burn Notice. So far - it's not there yet. Last night's episode was entertaining though - although they really need to ditch her family. They add NOTHING to the show. NOTHING. All of their scenes just irked me last night because I wanted to get back to Marshall and Mary.

Marshall is love. He's my favorite character on the show. And I quite enjoyed the conversations and interactions between M/M. I liked her breaking down in the end but I still wanted to know what happened to Marshall! I'm assuming he's ok but there wasn't even a teaser about his injury in the previews.

Hiya Methoslover! And welcome!

This isn't really spoilery, I'm just mentioning the previews in it.



Everyone keeps talking about Burn Notice! I did watch the first few eps, and I've always been a big fan of Jeffrey Donovan (From way back Pretender days! And Homicide: LOTS - Great episode.) But was left kinda going 'meh' and switching to Stargate reruns. I'll have to give it another go

And Marshall is my favourite as well! I even made an unofficial, homeless for now club just for him. (Yes, it is the Bad Ass Jammie Squad. It makes me giggle.)

Great episode, solid work by all. The Mary/Marshall moments were wonderful but I think it was a little too early in the series for the partner-in-jeopardy/declaration of undying friendship speech. Glad that Jinx and Squish appear less cartoonish in this episode.

BadAssJammieSquad - please do give Burn Notice another whirl! USA has the eppies up on the website. And yeah to finding another Marshall lover!

JacquiMichel - Even though I liked it, I do think you're right that it was too soon in the season to have the near death moment/friendship stuff. I would have liked to see the truth of the friendship over the course of the season v. being told about it.

I love the CPR! Though it was short it was funny as hell! Loved the action. "I told you should've have shot my friend!" love that!

As far as Marshall's injury, this is in the on-line preview



I hear a lot about Burn Notice too and I'm really trying, but it's just not doing it for me. Then again, I'm not a consistent viewer of much of anything else besides the Stargate stuff. Oh, but for reference? Michael Shanks (Dr. Daniel Jackson from Stargate) is doing a 4 ep arc on Burn Notice! I believe they're scheduled to begin in July.

LOL. I always default to Stargate eps if I can't find anything else I want to watch

Man oh man: I'm afraid I'll get slammed for my opinion. Don't hurt me!

I thought it was a good episode. The intenstity definately picked up by the second half hour, and I was pretty captivated by the assasin angle. That said, to me, this episode came across as something that was mean to be super dynamic, but then sort of petered out in different points. In my opinion, anyway. I did really like when Marshall all but admitted his more than "friends only" feelings, and I remember thinking, "Wow, they're having him confess them so soon? We're only four episodes in!"

So yeah, if that little ramble made sense, I definately liked this episode, I just wasn't completely blown away. Oh, and while the mother and sister annoy me together, this was they're best episode for me so far (I wonder if it had anything to do with their limited screen time?)

First of all, the guest stars this show gets? Amazing. First, Missi Pyle last week and Dave Foley this week? You are making this comedy junkie very, very happy - especially given Mary McCormack's comedic gifts. The scene in the pilot when she came went into the men's room in that bar and came out was the only reason I watched the next show - and I'm glad to be rewarded for continuing to watch, but please, let her be funny more!

I have to share the complaint that the family adds nothing to the show. I get why they're there: a foil to Mary's screwed up life at home and where her stand-offishness comes from so the audience can understand. We can already tell how screwed up Mary is by watching how she handles her love life - certainly family has a place, but I don't think they merit entire storylines to themselves. Cameo appearances, periodic episode runs, phone calls - that would work.

I'd much rather see those storylines go to other people under Mary and Marshall's care in witness protection - if it's like any other government based workplace I've been in, on any day there are multiple fires to put out. some of greater issue than others. There are plenty of opportunities to explore Mary's character traits that way. It also doesn't help that I find the mother/siter combo completely unlikable. Selfish people aren't charming - only Cordelia Chase on Buffy pulled that off, and even then, the show darn near lost some viewers because of that character.

I'd also like to see more about Marshall's character, who he is, what his life sans Mary is like. I have a hard time believing Mary is his only friend - he's just too sociable, and being a guy's guy, he's extremely smart but not necessarily all that deep when it comes to most of his emotional connections. If he understands the basics of "treating" and "bringing gifts" he would have at least a set of poker buddies a la the Odd Couple. At least, that's how he appears thus far. I just don't believe his life revolves around Mary, however he may feel about her, and if he tried to transfer out of his job, he clearly has a problem with his life ending up that way.

Still, GREAT ep. I may even rewatch.

I love this episode! I love that quote too! lol hehe

My favorite line of the episode was "Will you get off me, you're not exactly petite", I love that line it cracked me up in the preview and getting to see it in the episode!

I love Stargate, still wounded from its cancellation, at least we got 10 seasons worth of dvds and now the movies.

sorry back to this show. I loved this episode, like I did the others. I do think Marshall must have other friends besides Mary, and one time a little backstory to him would be great.
I am one of the few I suppose who enjoys her kooky Mom and sis, I have always enjoyed that actress Leslie Ann Warren, and I think there are just a lot more layers to Mom than what we have got to see so far. I found it endearing that even so you know she is kind of scared by Mary finding out about her makeup disaster, that she still came to hold her , knowing her friend was critically wounded, and that Mary needed someone. Also very telling to me was how Mary clutched her Mother and hang on for dear life, after everything is said and done, that is still her Mother and the little kid in her just wants to hold on to Mommy. Brilliant insight into both characters.

Loved the Lola storyline, this was just a great plot, loved the assassin, beating the guy with his jacket, how fast you think you gonna drive in that van...heh...

I am really enjoying this show as much as I loved Burn Notice Monk and Psych, it's just a good entertaining show, so keep em coming!

Oh darn, much as I defend the family angles, I would really like to see that as well. Or how about focusing on anyone in Marshall's care? We know he has 'em. And I'd like to see more of Marshall being Marshall without Mary there to boss him about.




Marshall certainly is a sociable guy, and we know (a la Mambo lessons) that he does things and learns things outside the job. But he's also a multi-generation US Marshal dedicated to his job, which is generally not a 9-5 gig. Also there's this gap between acquaintance level relationships, and true friendships - to me he seems the sort to have a million and one casual friends, but only a handful of people he spends enough time with regularly to consider close. In fact, he might use his factoidal knowledge and peculiarities to keep people at a distance. Granted I'm sure he might have poker- er- whist buddies [if he'd managed to find them], but I think he's meaning something a little less literal than Mary is when he says she's his 'only friend.'

Also, I've been pondering the job-switch thing. What are people's thoughts on that? Was he serious? Why'd he cave so easily when Mary said he couldn't quit?

Interesting point: from interviews, Fred notes that Marshall is a loner.

It easy to do what someone wants, when it is already something, deep down, you already really, really wanted to do anyway. He just “needed” to hear Mary say the words. After all, he is her buffer—as he said: protecting her from the world and the world from her (I’m really bad at actual quotes). He just “needed” to have her acknowledge how much she values him (above their partnership—not talking romance, here) and that she would rather be with him than without him.

I agree. He just wanted to know that she does value him and that he isn’t just her errand boy. In the first episode she told him to do something (I have forgotten exactly what but it was along the lines of a background check or something) and he said he had his own people to keep track of. In Never the Bride she wanted him to give her a ride back from the mechanic and he said something like “Marshall’s job to schlep” (the exact wording escapes me at the moment). Perhaps he just wanted to be sure that she recognizes him as valuable marshal and friend, not slave.

True, but I think there's a little more to it than that.

For whatever reason, Marshall had reached a point where he felt like it's unlikely that his feelings towards Mary are reciprocated and it's tying up his emotions. And even if she does feel similarly towards him, it would complicate their friendship and perhaps even endanger it, nevermind what it could do to their working relationship. Quite frankly, it's a bit of a high-wire act on top of being Mary's 'keeper', which I thought was an honest admission from Marshall. It just wasn't the *whole* story.

Sometimes, when faced with all that kind of crap, the easiest solution is to run away. Of course, he'd remain friends with Mary if she allowed it and he was still in the area, but things would be simpler. He might have a better chance with her if they didn't work together and even if that didn't materialize, he wouldn't have to wrangle her every day. If things didn't progress in the way he wanted, getting some distance from Mary would give him the opportunity to perhaps begin a relationship with someone else. Something that could be extremely difficult (as I believe we'll see) while they're essentially living out of each other's pockets.

All that said, I think it took very little arm-twisting to get Marshall to change his mind. After all she's 'my girl' as he said in the Pilot. It was tossed off and casual, but I think he very much feels that way.

Glom, *hugs Courser*. Thank you sweetie, for expounding on the 'slightly more complicated' take that I share. [I consider it a sign of personal growth that I could pose the Q originally, without immediately going off on a 'I think...' ramble. But it's been driving me batty.]

But oh gosh, now my mind's stuck on the thougtht of Marshall courting Mary once he's dumped her professionally. You just know her new partner would regularly be left in the dust and she'd hoodwink Marshall into helping her on all the offhours investigations.

Personally, I think he just wanted to see if he -could- leave. Between Mary's tight leash and Marshall's lifelong commitment to the US Marshals, he's got to be feeling a little trapped. And perhaps a little overwhelmed, because life shouldn't be that hard. But, as he proves to himself, he -could- become someone else, move on and become his own Man(n) in a different job that he's actually quite desired for. (tehe) As soon as he knows he can leave, it became his choice to stay, not anyone elses, and that spark of self confidence popped up when he easily fought back to Mary when she was insulting him at the prison.

Which all becomes the euphemized "I needed to make up my own mind." Which I concur he had done well before Mary made it up for him. Because he wants to stay, really. Even if Mary's made the job so much harder, professionally and personally.

I do subscribe to the 'Marshall loves her' analysis as well, but... Even when you're in love with someone, there are decisions in your life that supercede that. Especially when it's maybe-unrequited and problematic at the best of times.

Thence why it will be an interesting moment to see him dating. My fingers are crossed for a Tiffany from Once and Again [ie, unexpected fan favourite and perfect in the role] rather than most significant others where you just need to see them gone before the waste of screen time burns a permenant hole down through your brain stem. Marshall deserves the happiness and the character development.

Love this episode...Mary was great...loved how she gave Marshal all the crap about leaving and then hints like...why do you have a problem with me?? I was surprised that Marshal knew how to take care of his wound. That was a surprise but as we are lead to believe he KNOWS everything..I would like to get more background on Marshal..btw he is hot! Mark Foley did an excellent job as the villian..I just watched him on my Will and Grace DVD as a gay lover of Jack...I didnt know he had such great tallent. I just cant wait until next week's episode!

Aw, thanks! I went on a ramble, instead



*Excellent* observation. I concur completely. Marshall is now completely clear in his head that he's staying out of choice and not because he can't do anything else. He has options. He has value and is desirable (professionally, but... well d'uh ).



Exactly. Very true.



Er... Tiffany? Once and Again? I'm not familiar with this, but yeah. I tend to be tolerant of those types of characters showing up. Not the type to automatically hate them because they come between the characters I'd like to see together. Mary's got Rafe after all, and Marshall's very aware of it.

IPS is one of those shows that's doing it so well and willing to go to those complicated adult places. Not 'adult' in terms of nudity, etc., but 'adult' in the sense that it's willing to show our principles in adult situations that aren't fully committed. Is a bold move in this political climate and I think USA is doing well with it. Not to put too fine a point on it, I wouldn't mind seeing both Mary and Marshall getting laid from time to time (separately) while trying to work with Marshall's attraction and Mary's semi-awareness of it.

I'm definitely looking forward to Marshall having a date and Mary getting all cranky about it. Because she really has no right to be cranky but she can never help herself. It'll be delicious, I think

Ooh, ok, OT moment: Once Again was a 3 season delight from Herskovitz and Zwick (My So-Called Life), revolving around the emotional lives of teenagers, their divorced parents, and the modern family unit. (Evan Rachel Wood, Shane West, and Julia Whelan have spectacular early performances as the kids.) Anyway, Tiffany (Ever Carradine, who did a similar role as the sis on Men in Trees) came in for a one off as the younger, New Age, somewhat ditzy and clinging 'other woman'. It shouldn't have worked, in the context of the philandering hubby, or the rawness of the show itself, but by gosh it did, she rocked, and stayed the run of the show.



Ah ha! That's what's been confusing me about this show. I haven't been able to watch much tv these past few years, so when I did it was usually on vacation, serialized, and all out of order. USA was always perfect, so I have seen a bunch of L&O: CI, Monk, and a little Psych. Which aren't romantically oriented shows by any means. Neither are House or NCIS, though ok, each has/has had a some ongoing flirting around the outskirts of the main cast. Which is why a show with a tiny main cast and romantic tension between the leads doesn't seem to conform to type. - Not that it really matters, I just hadn't put it together that way before, even though I knew something was weird.'

It'll be wicked awesome, if they keep going down that road. It's super progressive, especially if we get to see it from both characters. And very relatable. I've always hated melodramatic soap-opera-type romantic intrique, whether on tv or in real life, and the moral overtones attendant on (especially female) characters who tend towards one night stands is usually restrictive to the character and the story lines.



But of course she has a right! If for no other reason, any time he's on a date he isn't exactly on the job, and if he's off the clock he's not a real Marshal anymore. (Well, we've never seen either of them beg off an assignment so far, and they've had things come up at all times of the day and night."

Heh, excellent, concise explanation of another program!



I've seen it done a time or two. Stargate has sort of dabbled very lightly in it from time to time in its 10 year run. I loved Crossing Jordan in the beginning because the female lead was that kind of woman too, but they sort of ran away from it the last few years.

Oh, I've really gotten quite cranky over the whole 'family friendly' programming trend. Even Brad Wright wants to remake the Stargate Pilot because the original has full-frontal (female) nudity in it. True, there were a couple of other less-than-perfect things about it, but BW has exclaimed repeatedly that Stargate was a 'family show'. And that's ignoring its roots. It originally aired after a couple of hours of soft-core porn on Showtime. Not to mention the first season dealt with a lot of adult issues.

But now I'm getting OT. I *want* adult programming that reflects modern life among singles. I sort of hate the idea of Marshall just pining away for Mary. He's a good-looking guy. Okay, he's quirky as hell, but he's social and presentable enough to snag a few dates. Let him have some fun too! Hell, have a woman call him on his affection for Mary. It could be done in any number of ways.

I'm taking it as a good sign that they're using real cursing on IPS. Now I'm wanting to hear Marshall cuss . That'd be fun. And hot!



Heh! I can see that going over well with Marshall. Not to mention she shagged Rafe while on technically 'on the clock' in the pilot. And don't tell me that Marshall doesn't know. He's too damn perceptive for his own good!

Don't know if you guys watch the interviews; if you do, you will know this, but...

Heh, yeah, that's pretty much what I was alluding to up there. I actually can't wait to see that. I want to see Marshall defending his right to have a life outside of 'The Job', which Mary obviously has done.

Loved this episode the best. I'm becoming a quick fan of the show. Great writing and shot well - especially the gunplay. The leads are both strong and does anyone know who the Husband assassin is? I've seen him in something else but I can't place him. He is a strong actor and very cute. Anyone who knows more about him, let me know. Thanks. Mary

Oddly enough, I'm pretty sure I wrote up a response to this. Guess I just saved it before running up to dinner, and now that I've broken my computer again, I'll never know for sure ;]



Oh right! I've been wondering for a while now why I used to watch Crossing Jordan so often. The latter years scared the early right out of my head (except for the promising Lily/Garrett bit, which I'll always have a soft spot for. And Nigel's always cool.) And Stargate... Well, it's sci fi and episodic-y, so it pretty much has free range over anything to make a story. It's epic, it is. But there was nudity in ep 1? All these years I thought my mum and I'd watched from the beginning, but I thought she'd have turned it off if it had been rated that high. Hmm. I really don't see why it's need a remake, though the scene cutting makes sense.



Ooh. The whole "I really like you, but there's the other girl... for you dipwit... uh huh, yeah, just, good luck okay?" Fanfiction time! I swear, there's a point at which a world is only full realized in fanon. You still watch the episodes because it's good to have material everyone knows, and generally it's a solid storyline that runs you past all these potential spin off points, but it's never exactly satisfying until all the ways it *could* have gone are lurking there in the database.

And his relationships are bound to be fascinating because he seems the sort that pining is his natural state. He keeps claiming that he's 'a guy' and he'll do the typical leering thing when he's off-duty, but he's seems like the type where it takes something extraordinary to actually go out with a girl. Like he wouldn't just pick a girl up in the bar and take her home. Mary, by contrast, is the sort to pick up a guy in a bar.

And Marshall cussing! Delightful thought! He got shot and the best he came up with was 'oh crap.' One day he shall and it shall be fab. In this respect I almost see him following in the footsteps of crazy!Jeremy from Sports Night. All cussing in reference to Old Testament characters. Not that I think he's Jewish, but he certainly seems to be equal opportunity.