Talking in Your Sleep
Paige is excited about her new raise at work. Her first task is to re-paint and decorate her bedroom. And her new roomate, Griffin, jumps at the opportunity to help her pick out a new bed. Marco and Ellie tease her a little about having a crush on Griffin, and it makes Paige blush. Later that day, Griffin helps Paige move her new bed into the house. They briefly chat and get to know eachother, until Marco and Ellie interrupt. The four of them get together to paint Paige's room, and Griffin and Paige share some innocent flirtation. It's obvious that the two really like eachother. The next day Griffin approaches Marco about possibly asking Paige out. Marco says it's okay, but if he hurts her, he'll take drastic actions. Later on when Paige gets home from work, Griffin surprises her with a brand new bedroom. Her new bed is put together, the room is newly decorated, and there's candles lit everywhere. Paige is pleased with the outcome, and thanks Griffin with a kiss. They move over to the bed, but before things go further Griffin asks Paige if she's sure, and she says yes. So they end up having sex. The next morning Griffin leaves Paige in bed to go to work, but he accidently leaves his wallet behind. After he leaves, Paige sneaks into his bedroom to return the wallet with a note attached, but she finds a drawer full of pills at his desk. Her and Marco examine the pills together. At first they're not sure what the pills are for, but then Paige reads the name of one of them and realizes what it is. They're pills for the HIV virus. When Griffin gets home from work, Paige, Ellie, and Marco are there waiting for him. Paige is outraged that he didn't tell her he had HIV before they had sex. She scolds him for taking a risk with her life. She then says that she shouldn't have to suffer for his out of control lifestyle. Griffin tells her to go to hell and storms out. Later that day, Paige goes to the doctor to see if she's contracted HIV. Even though she and Griffin used a condom, she still wants to make sure. However, the doctor informs her that it takes up to 6 months for any HIV side effects to show up, so it'll be half a year before Paige knows if she has it. That night Paige tries to do more research on the virus. She runs into Griffin in the kitchen and he asks her if she's ever going to talk to him. Paige is still angry. Griffin informs her that he was born HIV positive because his mom was a junkie. Paige apologizes but says he still should've told her beforehand. Griffin says that he was scared. Everything was going so well between them and he didn't wanna ruin it. The next morning, Griffin tells Paige that he's going to move out, but Paige asks him to stay. She says that they have a lot to talk about it, and it will be easier to do if he stays. Griffin talks about how the truth often makes people run away. But Paige says that he still should've told her, so she could choose whether or not she wanted to have sex with him. Griffin tells Paige that she's an amazing person for forgiving him. They both smile at teachother, and the episode ends.
In the sub-plot, Darcy and Jane form an unlikely friendship, but Jane isn't quite sure how to be a good friend.
This was a fantastic episode. I'm glad the show decided to tackle such a contraversial issue. HIV is a common thing in today's society, and it's important that everyone is informed about risks of contracting it. I think the show handled the issue nicely. They showed things from the perspective of the HIV victim, as well as someone who could possibly be exposed. The show portrayed Griffin as a perfectly normal person. He lives his life day to day just like the rest of us. And like he said in his speech to Paige, the medication works and keeps him healthy, and on most days he doesn't even remember he has HIV. I like that the show illustrated how normal people with the virus are. And just because they're forced to carry around a burden, that doesn't make them any less human. Griffin is a good guy, and he was just afraid of telling Paige the truth in fear that she might not want to be with him. He was wrong for lying to her, but his reasons for lying are understandable. Paige's role in this episode was great as well. She made the mistake of having sex with someone she hardly knew, but she did the right thing by using protection. The show did a good job of showing how important it is to always have safe sex. I thought both actors, Lauren and Nathan, did a wonderful job in their roles, especially during their heated discussions and arguments about the issue. The dialouge was great. I think the episode gave a great message--always communicate with your partner before you have sex. Ask questions first. And ALWAYS use protection. The episode also delivered a great message about those with HIV. They're not bad people. They're human just like us and don't deserve to be treated any differently. Overall, a great main plot.
The sub-plot, however, seemed a little juvenile compared to the serious issue dealt with in the main plot. Darcy confided in Jane by telling her that Peter had bad breath. Jane insulted Peter's breath in front of the entire class, without even realizing that she was telling Darcy's secret. Later on, she apologizes and tells Darcy that she needs some help in the friendship area, and Darcy forgives her. Sweet and simple. Nothing too dramatic. But it seems rather childish in comparision to the main plot
Overall, it was a good, solid episode.
Final Grade: A