Chris Dingess on “Take It Like A Man”

Air Date: February 1, 2007

Let me start this blog by stating this: sex with no strings is magnificent. Maybe I’m saying this because I’ve been sleeping with the same beautiful, magnificent woman for nearly ten years or perhaps it’s because casual sex was such a rare occurrence for me as a young man that it became a precious jewel of an experience (thank you, dollar shot night). Either way, I believe this to be one of the truths of the universe and that is why I loved writing this episode. I was going to take a stand for the people out there who prefer to meet someone, share an orgasm or two (okay, usually one) then go on about their business. You people know who you are and God bless you.

When I got assigned the “sex with no strings” episode I thought, “Holy Crap! This is gonna be easy street!” I felt like I was stealing money. However, even when you’re just writing forty two minutes of television about sex with no strings, you have to think about it. Is there really such a thing? Sure, there might not be a string on your side of the bed. But what if there’s a tiny bit of twine dangling on the other side? The writers talked about this in the room and I, for my part, can remember times when I didn’t want things to be casual, but the woman I slept with did so I said nothing. I can only imagine the reverse happened as well. That was when we realized we had to protect our characters, or one character in particular. Not Marin. We all know Marin and we love her. She might screw up once in a while, but she’s mature and intelligent and will usually come around and be honest with herself. The character we had to protect was Stuart.

With Stuart, we were already starting in the hole because everyone would prefer our heroine to be with our fish and game biologist. Plus, we’ve only seen Stuart Maxson a couple of times and he’s been handsome, smart, sweet, and charming. A lot of times it’s this guy that turns out to be a creep. We were afraid that this is just how Stuart would come across when he has phone sex with Marin, then whisks her off for skiing, après skiing, and sex.

Luckily, this episode is also about Marin exploring what it’s like to be a dude. This way, we could have her be the aggressor, maybe think with “little Marin” instead of her brain (I know. Not all guys are like that but some are, so there.). Marin’s the one who ups the ante during the phone flirting, Marin’s the one who chooses to go skiing, and Marin’s the one who decides to give a stringless throw down a try. And even though, in the end, Marin realizes she’s not that type of girl, we want Stuart to hedge a little on their “agreement” first. That’s why he’s hanging around for coffee the next morning and that’s why he’s making plans for the Rangers/Blackhawk’s game. Jason O’Mara, the excellent actor who plays Stuart, was aware of this and really made an effort to show a hint of regret in Stuart during that scene. This is a guy who’s starting to see that he’s got an amazing woman on his hands and maybe he’s given her an out too soon. I hope that came across.

In the end, Marin comes to find she needs more, and Stuart starts to realize that strings might not be all that bad… and they aren’t really. While it’s awesome to get in and get out sometimes, there’s something to be said for waking up after a few months, or years, to find the same person in bed next you… kicking you because you snore too loud or scream in your sleep because of night terrors.

Chris

Comments

[Diana Burton]

Hi I just started watching men in trees and I really enjoy it. I am looking forward to when the season comes out so I can see all the episodes I missed. I also live in Alaska and grew up commercial fishing and am married to a fish and wildlife state trooper, who also grew up commercial fishing. I enjoyed this show alot and found it especially funny when the boat went adrift with the new york woman on it :) I also just had a few suggestions and didn't know how else to contact anyone. First Nimpkish is totally a canadian word, I think it is a river there. I have never even heard it used here and only know about it from traveling through canada. That is a really beautiful boat you are using though. Also I am currently living in Sitka and you can't drive here unless you are already on Baranof Island and we do have jets that fly in and out everyday. Also if you are going to put fur on your actress's coat you should use real fur because thats what people wear here!!! If you would like a sample of real alaskan native fur products please check out www.dineegafurs.com and you will find real seal and seaotter fur products made in Sitka using traditional patterns with contemporary flare.

Also i just read an article in the newspaper yesturday that i thought you would find interesting...an eagle found a deer head in the dump in juneau and tried to fly away with it and ran into some powerlines and caused an outage for 45 minutes in juneau. that is something that only happens in Alaska!

Thanks for having a blog where us viewers and fans can contact you. If you would like any more interesting alaskan stories me and my husband have tons! please feel free to email me at dianariedel@hotmail.com

Thankyou and can't wait to watch next weeks show!

[Darvi in Illinois]

Chris,

Great episode! I'll admit that I am a recent convert to the show (basically since it moved to Thursday nights), but I am so hooked!!! I enjoyed the episode and can't wait until next week's. Thanks for blogging!

P.S. - Are Marin & Jack ever going to get back together? I like Justine Bateman and all, but Marin is supposed to be w/Jack...right?

[Jennifer]

MIT is my favorite show ever, but seriously, this whole Jack not being able to be with Marin is killing me. Don't get me wrong, I love Stuart too. But we all know deep down inside Marin & Jack must be together. After this episode though, how the heck is Lynn supposed to go away? PLEASE give us all some peace of mind & have Marin & Jack be Marin & Jack again.

[Donna, NL, Canada]

Well, once again you have churned out another great episode!!"Take It Like A Man" was brilliant!!! Nice to see Marin and Jane trying to be/think like men!!! Wonderfully scripted :)) Seeing Buzz's long, lost son was a great ending to the show, and after the preview for next week....this is going to make for some hilarious scenes!!! I still struggle with Jack and Lynne though. They just don't look right together!!! But it all makes for interesting storylines and wonderful acting. Can't wait for next week's episode!!! Haven't felt that way about a TV show in a very, very long time. Canada loves MIT!!!

[LoveJack - OH]

Yes, we would all very much prefer to see Marin with the fish and game biologist! Although it was really nice to see her have a good time with a great guy - I like Stuart, but he's no Jack!! We are going to see them together again right?

[Sherri]

Wow, am worried about the Jack and Lynn thing, did not like the end last night! Jack deserves so much more than Lynn has to offer. Just don't care for those two being romantically involved. On a brighter note the entire cast has a intriguing chemistry, can't wait for the next episode. Love the way the relationship between Patrick & Annie is developing not to mention Jane & Plow Guy.
Thank you for such a unique show with an outstanding cast & awesome writers! You can bet I won't be missing a single episode!

[Kit]

You just keep getting better and better. After I watched the show last night I dreamed about it straight through 'til morning and woke up smiling (of course in my dream Jack and Marin found their way back to each other and there was at once world peace). It's amazing how much this show has effected me...I love it.

[sharon]

Thank you for that awesome blog. It's exactly what we have been wanting from you writers, insight into what was behind what you wrote. Thank you also for no weather report, although no doubt it's big part of your filming. When Marin first agreed to no strings, I thought, NOOOOO. But you're right, she figured it out. I like like the little bit of regret on Stuart's face too.
Anyhow, thanks again for this great show. Keep em coming.

[Ali]

Okay, first--I love this show. I can no longer imagine my Thursday nights without it. Second, I loved this episode. I loved Marin turning into a guy, trying the sex without strings thing. And realizing that isn't her speed.

I love Stuart. Sure, my wish for him was to sweep into her life and be a steady boyfriend for a while. Let's face it--he's charming, sweet, brings her coffee, and he's smokin' hot. Smokin'. So, it's really great to have him around. I like the fact that he thought of going to see the Rangers game, which is sort of a planned date-ish thing. I want him to change his mind, and date Marin. I'd like to see him with her.

Right now, I'm not thrilled with Jack at all. Honestly, he's driving me bonkers. The look he got on his face, when he saw the sonogram, annoyed me. Not because of the actor, but because of the character. No one gets that happy over seeing the woman their with, having another man's baby. I know babys are cute and all--but it just struck me odd. But...Jack's in, apparently, all or nothing.

Did I mention how much I love Stuart? Seriously--bring him back for more! Pretty please? Jason O'Mara is a wonderful actor, and he adds a lot of depth to the character.

Oh! And my favorite thing last night, was probably Annie and Patrick--modeling their house after the one in Clue!!! Classic.

[Mary Anne]

Can I just say that I think this is one of the BEST SHOWS ever. The writing , as well as the acting is superb. Thank you!! I thoroughly enjoy and look so forward to watching the show.

"there's something to be said for waking up after a few months, or years, to find the same person in bed next to you...."

Just so the person waking up next to Jack isn't Lynn!!
Didn't love this episode. No continuity with the previous episode with Jack/Marin/Lynn relationship although there was with the other relationships on the show. I really don't like this Jack. I want the old one back, please!!!!!!!!!!

[Nicki]

Absolutely loved Jane stuck out on the bay in the boat. We got a great kick out of that one!! Loved the show.

[Colette]

I am so glad I read your commentary. I was starting to feel sorry for Marin. But looking back on the episode I can see what you were doing with it. I still miss Marin and Jack but I do like the potential for Stuart and Marin. This is a great show. It is the ONLY show I watch faithfully every week since the first episode.

[Kim]

Great episode. I like Stuart . . I thought you'd take the easy route and make us dislike his character, but you didn't! And amazingly (cause I'm a shipper in most shows), I'm okay with Marin being interested in someone else and I'm okay with Jake figuring out his own issues. I like that Marin is still figuring out what/who she is and who she isn't. Love Jane and the Plow Guy. Great show guys. Really a great job.

[K. Man]

Love MIT. Loved this episode. Love plow guy. However, I'm still disappointed that there isn't more heat/connection between Jack and Marin. That's it??It's Over??? I do get why Jack went back with Lynn. But it seems like the only reason she stayed in Elmo is because someone told her its hard to raise a baby alone! He took her back way tooo easily. I will say that just watching the previews with Cash, got me very excited!!! Can Jack show a little jealousy? Or is it really over between Marin and Jack? Cash might just make that okay.He's hot, hope I like him.

[MenInTreesFan]

What are you guys doing to Plow Guy?!?!!? In the blink of an eye he has gone from Ruggedly Sexy to Metro Oh-No! This episode was almost too painful to watch. Please, oh please, keep Sam away from the face creams and cuticle softeners! Oh, but thanks for keeping him shirtless so much lately!

[KT]

Chris, you give great blog!

Excellent episode. As soon as I post this comment, I'm off to enjoy my first *re-watch*.

I have been wondering if hanging out in the Cheiftan's "test~fest" would rub off on Marin at some point. Anne was wonderful, especially in the pool scene with James.

So glad Jane is still in town. Loved the look on Marin's face when Jane knew what to do with the rope when the guy tossed it to her. Jane&Sam belong together.

Patrick is so endearing. Great touch when Buzz said "HUGE".

I like the dimensions you have given Stuart. It would be very easy to *hate* him, but I find that impossible after this episode.

Personally, I've always preferred gettin' all tangled up in the "strings". Nothing better. However, we cannot live by strings alone. There is a big difference between getting tied up & getting tied down.

Thanks to all for a beautifully thought out & executed script.

"Thinking with 'little Marin'"...too funny!

Looking forward to the handyman,
KT

[Sara]

Another great episode. You guys rock!

[MIT fan]

Justine Bateman has to end the relationship. It's dull and painful to watch. Jack should be more jealous of Marin....

[Jane]

I can't remember the last time I so looked forward to a show each week. Very fun! But remind me again why Jack and Lynn are together? There's chemistry between Marin and Stuart, so I get that. But between Jack and Lynn...zippo. She seems to think he owes her something and he seems to be with her out of a sense of duty rather than love or affection. Other than that, keep up the good work!

[Fan in SLC]

Great episode and the best blog yet. That was EXACTLY the kind of insight us readers like to hear about in the blog. You didn't give too much away for the future yet you let us into a little bit of what was going on with Stuart. And, yes, I got that little hint from the amazing Jason O'mara that he realized he had given Marin that out too soon. I so desperately hope that's not the end for those two!

Sorry, but I'm still not digging the Jack/Lynn thing. I want her to go away! And I want Jack to be alone and watch Marin move on a little. I want him to have to fight to get her back! We all want them togehter in the end!! Please let ABC pick up the show next season!!!!

[Chloe]

Dear Chris,
Although you followed the requisite MIT formula in that there were multiple story lines,some intended to be dramatic,some comedic and some to further characters' self-awareness,the episode fell flat.The cast,all good, lacked the sparkle they've previously exhibited. Perhaps they were thrown by the "collapsed time" from last week's episode. You placed them several months later;it seems as if you are rushing the story instead of allowing it to unfold.

[Ruth]

I LOVE this show...at least I was LOVING this show - this episode was somewhat of a disappointment - Not the strings, vs. no strings - Not the Marin being a dude - and definitely not Jane and Plow Guy. Not Annie & Patrick - All that stuff was WONDERFUL! My question is what is happening to Jack? Where is the Jack of previous episodes? We know he's sensitive but there is absolutely no chemistry between him & Lynn and it is strange watching him try to be sweet to someone who he really ought to just be friends with because of their shared youth. We need Jack back - the original Jack! Please have Lynn move back to Vancouver - this part of the story line is dragging the show down. Thanks for listening!

[Vicky Jo, Ontario, Canada]

I could not bring myself to watch last night because I saw the previews of Marin with Stuart, but I do love to read the writers thought processes that bring the story together.

I am one of the fans that want Jack and Marin to end up together. I realize to have a good show they can't end up together to soon, but the more obstacles that are set between them the harder it gets to watch the show.

It's to bad too because this is absolutely the best show to hit television in years, I think it has the potential to run for 10 years or better if you don't tick off all the Jack and Marin fans to badly.

[Charlotte]

Kudos on another well written episode! I loved Marin's searching for her own feelings toward the no-strings experience. She seems to really be coming into her own, even though she 'had it together' before. Looks like she's going a few more layers deep into who she really is. On the other side, Jack seemed miserable, and we just hate it for him, don't we! Even though he went with Lynn to the doctor's appt in the end, that looked like a strained smile on his face to me. But my favorite part of this episode? Sam turning to show him wearing a clay mud mask. Hilarious!