Wow. As a musician myself, this episode really resonated with me. In terms of the ghost stories on this show, I’d have to say this is one of my favorites so far. I feel like it really captured how music has the ability to connect people in ways they never imagined possible, and how powerful and influential music can be in someone’s life. Plus there was the added bonus of featuring Three Days Grace, whom I recognized right away. It would also appear that we are getting closer to Melinda revealing her gift to Delia.
It is such a common story, to have a band where creative differences get in the way of producing quality music, or to be stuck playing other people’s definitions of good music. Add in the idea that two best friends are in love with the same girl, and you’ve kind of got yourself a cliché. However, I thought they did a great job with the way they addressed these issues in this episode. It didn’t feel like a cliché, and they did a good job of twisting what was actually happening with the ghosts. As evil as Jared turned out to be, I did not anticipate the ending where he basically joins Romano’s army of darkness. I was happy that they tied Romano into this episode, be it in an indirect way, as he has not been mentioned much since the early episodes of the season.
In terms of the story with Brandon and his father, that ending was just so perfect. It is his father’s similar passion for music that finally allows them to bond, and break the “curse” that Jared has been acting out. Follow that up with Brandon finally performing his song “Running Away,” and you have what was honestly a music lover’s episodic paradise. It was almost inspirational. From what I gather from this episode, Jim has pretty good taste in music. Three Days Grace and Crimson Doves (aka Midnight Hour) are solid bands for sure. As if I didn’t already think Jim was awesome. This show is really pushing my expectations for a future husband to an unrealistic level.
As far as tying the stories together, they were able to connect Brandon hiding his musical talent with Melinda hiding her gift. Jim of course is there with the perfect words when Ned decides to try a little blackmail. Ned….oh boy. This is not going to be good. You know he’s going to spill the beans. If he does not spill them himself, he’ll put Melinda in a situation where Delia is going to find out before she’s ready. For the time being, however, it would appear that Jim has himself a new sidekick. It was actually kind of sweet the way the two of them had a little bonding moment. On a side note, the show dated itself just a tad with its reference to Jim surfing ‘Myspace’ at work. Although, it was kind of amusing to find out that he got hassled for it from his work buddies. I believe Melinda suggests a comparison between him and a 13-year-old girl. Poor Jim.
Overall, I loved this episode, largely due to the fact that I loved all the musical elements. I really related to Brandon’s story, having been the band kid who was forced to play classical music rather than music that really spoke to me, so I know what that feels like to an extent. Going along with that, I also know the freedom that comes from playing music that doesn’t just speak to you, but lives inside of you. It’s one of the greatest feelings in the world. Music is one of the greatest forms of expression. Anyway, I digress. Going forward, as usual, I want to see more of the Romano story. I also want more Melinda and Jim stories like the last episode. Lastly, I’m curious to find out whether or not Ned spills the beans to his mother. Next episode, here I come.
Best Moment
-Brandon playing his song with his father’s ghost, and his concert at the end.
Best Quote(s):
Mel: When you said that we were going dancing, I didn’t think this was what you meant.
Jim: I-I said there might be dancing.
Mel: Your exact words were “I cannot wait to get you out on the dance floor.”
Jim: Come on, jumping up and down can be dancing.
Jim: Lesson Jim learned at work today: Don’t get caught surfing Myspace at work.
Mel: Ooh. Was there mocking? Something along the lines of you being a 13-year-old girl?
Jim: Very funny.