Padma Atluri on "Chemical Reactions"

Air Date: 10/19/07

Okay, if you’re still with me, let me start by saying, “I bet you didn’t see that (breakup) coming.” For all you Jack & Marin fans--or “Jarin” fans--we told you it would be worth the wait

I know Jack just asked Lynn to marry him a couple episodes before. And I know it seems harsh. However I come from the school that there never really is a “good time” to deliver bad news or break up with someone. Let’s face it. You’re not doing anyone a favor by waiting until AFTER Valentines Day, Christmas, their 30th birthday, or in this case when the baby’s born, to tell them that it’s not right (no matter how hard you try to make it) and that you need to move on. It still sucks, it still knocks the wind out of you, but it’s still the truth. And honesty is really what we want in the end. (Ok, I will own it-- what I want in the end).

Getting to that point, however, can be tricky. But reality undoubtedly has a way of setting in the minute we make decisions, especially a life changing decision. Be it picking a partner, deciding to have a baby, quitting a job, or even spending way too much on a car. With Jack, this isn’t just a case of cold feet. As soon as he proposed, he knew something was wrong. Jack realizes that he and Lynn are just living on the fumes of their past. And as we all know, "fumes” aren’t enough to carry any relationship. It’s not fair to the baby, not fair to Lynn (after all she deserves more than a caretaker) or fair to Jack.

The breakup aside, what I enjoyed about this episode was the notion of chemistry. That chemistry is more than mere attraction. It’s a force to be reckoned with. A force, if you’re lucky, that can bring out the very best in you. It is hard not to see Jack and Marin together in the woods and get it. Chemistry! (P.S.) I know it’s fall in your world now, but don’t be thrown that it’s early spring in the show—we are staying true to our show timeline.

As much as I loved that Patrick’s last name was Bachelor (which suited him perfectly in his single days) I loved even more his progressive nature that lead him to O’Bachelorton (catchy, huh?). By studying the chemistry of his own name, he was able to share the biggest gift (of his new identity) with his ever-loving mother, new father and future bride.

I loved that in this episode, we got a sneak preview into another side of Celia-- her compassionate side. And while it’s not okay to lie on the stand, it’s pretty amazing to see what lengths people will go to to keep their families and neighbor’s families together. And then there’s Dick. When Celia broke the law, she broke his heart. But their chemistry won out, and he forgave her. The things we do and forgive under the umbrella of love.

So as you can see (despite the breakup) there’s still a lot of love in Elmo. And they’re all searching for it. Searching for that chemistry. Learning that when you’re with the right person, he or she will be with you because they want to be there (not because they may feel like they should). They will know how to read you (even when you’re lying), and if you’re lucky, they’ll bring out the very best of you, even when you didn’t think that was possible.

Comments

[Big MIT Fan]

YEAHHHH Jarin!!!!

Cant wait for the Jarin's SPARks to start flying!!

Another awesome episode!! Thanks you MIT / ABC!!

[Kinger]

I LOVE THIS SHOW!!! No time is a good time but Lynn had to go - no sense dragging out the storyline. Now let's get to the "real" chemistry. And let's move MIT back to Thursday nights - where it should be!

[lovin mit!]

Great episode!!

Chemistry- the never ending story of love/ relationships!!

-wish we could have gotten the recipe!! ; p .. for making love work out!

[Charlotte]

Whoa!!! Hold the phone!! Did I just see Jack break up with Lynn?!? I didn't think that would happen tonight! And Lynn left...on a BUS!!!! I thought for sure that the writers would stretch that out a bit more.
What did Cash say? That Marin was all smiley and flush? I'd say the same for Jack, in the scene in his truck after they had spent the night with the otters. I'll tell you, Cash, Marin and Jack all had that sexy look going on tonight!!
But still, Cash has a point. He and Marin do have some chemistry between them. How's she going to deal with that after she finds out that Lynn is out of the picture? (She IS out of the picture, isn't she!?!)
Another episode with Cash without a shirt.....aaaahhhh...keep 'em coming please.
I absolutely love Nicholas Lea and was elated to see him back as Sara's pastor friend. We'd love to see more him!!!
My only gripe...not too thrilled with Patrick's new last name. Can we throw a few more name segments in there, I don't think his new name is quite long enough.

Counting down another 6 days and 23 hours.....

[Shannon]

Another great episode. Thanks for the beautiful writing. Sara is becoming my FAVORITE character!!!! Love, love, love her! I really liked the way you are keeping Marin and Cash in this sweet relationship together. Jack is great but I am not sure if he really gets it yet. And yes Lynn and the baby does deserve better. Funny how she kinda forgot that she walked out on HIM and that it is not HIS baby. She needed a wake up call. I will be on pins and needles until next Ftiday! Love you guys in Elmo!

[Sarah]

I'm glad Jack finally figured out his relationship with Lynn, his love for her was in the past. You can't go back to the way things were after a certain point. I guess that means he'll have to start anew with Marin if he wants to win her back, right? I like Cash and Marin as friend who have a little something between them, but certainly I want her and Jack to find their way back to one another. I just want Cash to be there for Marin. And it seems like he'll need her to be there for him, too.

[bacoxx]

HELLO-----I'M SO GLAD TO FIND U-----CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHO GETS WITH WHO----THANKS---BACOXX

[Diane]

Loved this episode! It was worth the wait. Thanks for the quick blog. I can't wait to read what other MIT fans thought of this episode.

[Sue in Wisconsin]

Great episode! Well worth the wait. Keep up the awesome writing! Looking forward to many new surprises this season.

[Lee McKenzie]

Jenny Bicks, who knew you were a chemist? Excellent episode, with LOTS of chemistry!

I only felt sort of bad for Lynn. Smart girl, but everyone knew she had to see this coming.

Looking forward to seeing Jack and Marin experiment with their chemistry, and to seeing what Cash's (chemical) reaction will be!

Can't wait to see what you have in store for us. I'm sure it'll be explosive.

[Jets in Chicago]

Padma:

You are correct about not seeing the breakup that fast. We knew that Lynn wasn't happy after last weeks episode. But we have been waiting for eight months for this episode, so to us they have been together long enough. I will admit that I thought there was going to be a bigger scene of Lynn leaving town. That girl comes and goes swiftly.

I loved how you made Jack realize that he didn't love Lynn enough to marry her but would help raise the child. He realized that there was chemistry between he and Marin and not he and Lynn. Marin made him laugh. The chemistry between Jack and Lynn has not been there in there relationship this time, maybe it was there before Marin stepped into the picture.

I did go back and rewatch "Indecent Proposal" before watching this episode, since that is the way that they were originally written. Had to get it all in order.

Anyway I really loved this episode and am looking forwad to the rest of the season. Keep up the good work and am excited to see what else you have in store for all the people in Elmo.

[Coldqueen]

Awww, can't we get a little comment about the chemistry between Cash and Marin?

[Loretta in Michigan]

I loved the show last night. I agree with you about the chemistry. It's a wonderful thing to have. Every episode of MIT is a great one. Thanks to everyone involved.

[Shari Day]

It rocked! I'm glad the characters are being true to themselves, again I think the show is funny, sexy and It holds you to every minute to see, hear and feel what your trying to express to us! I Love Men In Trees!! Only seven more days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Colleen]

I loved this episode!

Thanks for the blog.
Jack and Marin, as we all know from season 1, have undeniable 'chemistry' That scene in the woods? Whao! Can't wait to see what happens next.

[judy]

great episode! i loved seeing jack and marin so happy by the lake. mit is the best show on tv. i hope more people "discover" it and the ratings soar! can hardly wait until next week's episode.

[Diana]

What a wonderful episode. I loved seeing Jack and Marin together and how happy they both were after their night in the woods. Although this one wasn't as funny as the season premiere, I loved the part about how Patricks name would've been Pat Yourbutt. I laughed so hard. Celia is such a stiff character that she can deliver these lines in such a hillarious way. I just love all these actors. They are all so good. Thank you again for putting the BEST SHOW on TV!!!! I can't wait to watch the season progress.
I tried Friday Night Lights because I have read several places that it is the best show on tv (TV Guide and Yahoo), but I wasn't impressed. It doesn't have all of the wonderful characters and the love like MIT. This is just such a fantastic show and I can never say that enough. I wish there was more buzz about this show. It certainly deserves it.
Jenny you are doing an awesome job! You and all your cast and crew. I hope MIT is here for many, many years!!!!!!!!

[Mrs. C]

I totally agree about the chemistry thing. 50 yrs young now, and I married my 8th grade sweetheart..still going strong!!!

[Ava]

I love this show! I love every character. When I was younger I had a "Cash" that always spent time with me between my "Jacks" (they always broke my heart). He was my best fiend and I wish I had married him. I like Jack and Marin but I am more interested in Marin and Cash. I love their relationship and that he just tells her like it is. The cook off was great. They definitely have chemistry! I think he is the one that brings out the best in Marin. When I saw his "sickness" rock on last weeks episode, I was devastated. Now I live in fear of what you have in store for Cash. I know that in the end it will be Jack and Marin but I hope that you will find a permanent place for Cash and that permanent place is not the grave. Every girl needs a "Cash" in their life even if it is for one hour once a week.

[I Love Money]

Thank you for Cash. He is sooooo hot. Talk about chemistry, he has enough all by himself, it's oozing out of the TV and intoxicating me.

Please tell me he's not going to die. "Illness" is so vague.

[Rosetta]

wow, I am the first one!

[Fan from IL]

I heard my fiance telling one of his guy friends how much he loves the show. I was shocked since he always seemed that he did not want to watch it with me. Just wanted to let you know that the show has all kinds of fans out there... keep it up!

[northerncalif]

Would love to see more "city girl" versus wilderness mishaps ... maybe some gas shortage/land locked cabin fever type incidents. Planes can't fly, boats can't come in --

[Chris]

Loved the show!!! I'm still torn as to whether I want to see Marin with Jack or Cash...

[Charlene]

Hehe i knew that was gonna happen (cause ive already seen the eps). Love this show cant wait till i get to see all the new eps (aka the ones after these next 4) Keep up the good work, from little old New Zealand :)