Message in a Bottle
In this episode we get more insight into Sean's character. At this point we know of his background -- coming from a poverty stricken, broken home. His dad was an alcholic. So Sean moved in with his brother Tracker, who became his new legal gaurdian. However, things aren't much better with the recently unemployed Tracker, who also lives in an unkempt, rundown shack. Sean begins to feel self concious about his upbringing, where he comes from, his present situation, and where he may end up. When Emma invites him to her house to meet her parents, Sean's insecurities become even more apparent. At dinner Emma's mom and Snake ask Sean questions about his parent's and his brother; questions that make Sean uncomfortable. Questions that force Sean to talk about his past. This creates an awkward and stressful mood for Sean during dinner, and he deals with this stress by sneaking some of Snake and Spike's alcohol. When Spike offers Sean some food to take home, Sean gets defensive and assumes Spike is doing it out of pity. As a result, Sean storms out of their house and goes to Jimmy's party. When Sean gets to Jimmy's, he sneaks more liquor from Jimmy's cabinet. He continues to drink and becomes more and more intoxicated. When Emma arrives to help him, Sean's out of control antics lead to dropping a bottle of liquor on the floor; watching it shatter into tiny pieces everywhere. The sound of shattered glass stops the party and grabs everyone's attention...including Jimmy, who approaches Sean and kicks him out of the party. Emma leaves the party with Sean, and she calls her mother to come pick them up. The next day at school, Sean is embarrassed about his behavior and assumes that Emma and her parents will never forgive him because he's nothing but a "big loser". Emma tells him that she believes he can change, she sits by his side as he tells her how much he likes her and apologizes for his behavior.
The episode has a less dramatic sub-plot. It focuses on Jimmy and Ashley rekindling their relationship. Jimmy invites Ashley to his party. He still has feelings for her but acts nonchalant and indifferent around her. Ashley can't read Jimmy's mixed signals and wonders if he still likes her. At the party they share a moment, and the next day at school they kiss...cementing their reunion.
This was a good episode. The most important lesson apparent here: the mind is a powerful force. If you believe you're a screw up, that's all you're ever going to be. Sean has let the mishaps and misgivings in his life destroy his self confidence and self worth. He thinks so little of himself that he assumes everyone around him thinks little of him too...leading him to spiral out of control and engage in self destructive behavior. But it is ultimately Emma who pulls him out of his destruction. As we see throughout the series, she becomes a prominent role in helping Sean learn to be a better man and work through his issues. This episode is the beginning of Sean's storyline and development throughout the series.
This is an entertaining episode with great character development. Overall grade: B+
The episode has a less dramatic sub-plot. It focuses on Jimmy and Ashley rekindling their relationship. Jimmy invites Ashley to his party. He still has feelings for her but acts nonchalant and indifferent around her. Ashley can't read Jimmy's mixed signals and wonders if he still likes her. At the party they share a moment, and the next day at school they kiss...cementing their reunion.
This was a good episode. The most important lesson apparent here: the mind is a powerful force. If you believe you're a screw up, that's all you're ever going to be. Sean has let the mishaps and misgivings in his life destroy his self confidence and self worth. He thinks so little of himself that he assumes everyone around him thinks little of him too...leading him to spiral out of control and engage in self destructive behavior. But it is ultimately Emma who pulls him out of his destruction. As we see throughout the series, she becomes a prominent role in helping Sean learn to be a better man and work through his issues. This episode is the beginning of Sean's storyline and development throughout the series.
This is an entertaining episode with great character development. Overall grade: B+