Cara DiPaolo on "Sonata in Three Parts"

Air Date: 03/05/08

WARNING!! SPOILERS AHEAD!

So, did anyone think Jack was dead? Even for a second? Anyone? I only ask because when we had the read-thru for the episode previous to this one, James (the actor who plays Jack) was actually a bit nervous. Not only was he NOT in the last episode at all, but we learn from Chief Celia that Jack is lost at sea -- possibly forever! You can see why it might make an actor a little anxious. In general, we make it a point not to tell the actors about any upcoming storylines, but in this case we did tell James not to worry. He'd be back, very soon.

Overall, I have to say that this was a challenging episode to write. It was tricky because it ran the emotional gamut for Marin -- going from total despair at learning the news of Jack's likely death, to impotent anger as the news finally sinks in, to utter joy at their unexpected reunion. Incidentally, that scene at the dock is my personal favorite. Even watching take after take, I never got tired of seeing the moment when Marin realizes that the man walking along the dock isn't a ghost, it's actually Jack. Still, we wanted to do a different slant on the traditional lovers' reunion. Everyone's seen the romantic "run through the field" moment. And really, who doesn't love it? It's classic! The challenge was to find a way to have this classic moment, but still make it our own. That's where the bike came in. Seeing Jack get bowled over by Marin's runaway bike cut through what might've been a very melodramatic moment and hopefully, was a little funny, too.

 

I also enjoyed getting to explore Jerome's musical back-story. Last season when we talked in general about the show and the characters one of the questions that kept popping up was 'what sort of people move to Alaska?' One of the answers we talked about was 'people that are either running away from something or who have something to hide.' That idea of a character having a secret past was something I was really drawn to. Jerome seemed both the likeliest and unlikeliest candidate for that particular idea. He's someone that always seems to know something about everything, but you're never exactly sure how he knows it. (Also, you careful viewers out there may remember seeing Jerome ponder an interesting picture of himself alongside important looking folks after he goes sober for Patrick's wedding.) The best part of this storyline was when we were discussing it in our writer's room, a few people mentioned some of their own hidden talents and we discovered that one of our producers actually was a concert pianist! Who knew?

 

The theme of the episode -- which may have been kind of hidden since we didn't have one of our faithful question on the radio scenes -- was regret. I'll tell you one of the things I don't regret -- having my husband Andrew Friedman play Dr. Thompson, Cash's doctor (He's an actor -- it’s not like he's an accountant and I just decided to put him in the episode). Wasn't he delightful? But in all seriousness, we liked the theme of regret and what it does to people. When your life flashes before you, you don't want to regret one of those moments that passes you by. So, why not have Jack and Marin move in together? Maybe? Do you think it's too soon? Or do you think they've been through enough and they're ready for this step? Time will tell! Or… next week's episode.

 

Cara

Comments

[Rachel Rose]

This show keeps on getting better and better.

I wasn't very happy with the Patrick and Annie thing until this episode. In the first season everything just clicked so well for them that I felt I never saw the real falling in love part. I feel that I will be able to see that. I actually thought the ending of the episode between them was very sweet and can't wait to see what happens.

Also, mad props to the set decorators. I feel that all the sets and character's homes are so genuine. I really liked seeing Jerome's home.

Keep up the great work and in the mean time I will keep on recruiting new viewers.

[Meg]

Finally! I feel like MIT is slowly getting back on track. The pacing of the show was off last week especially after the long break but it is good to see reminders of why we fell in love with the show in the first place. It's been a long wait to see Marin and Jack together. Keep bringing the fun back. Why not have a girl for Cash? Why kill him off? Can't wait for next week.

[MIT Fan in MT]

As always, I LOVED this episode, and I think this episode in particular showed us how great of an actor Anne is and her range of acting. I cried with her at every turn of her emotional roller-coaster. Though I knew Jack would be back, how devastating it was to have her learn that they called off the search, and the emotions she went through over the entire show. I am so glad Jack is back! I loved Annie with Jack in the bar - she truly is a fav of mine, and I look forward to "new" Patrick falling in love with her (again) for all the same reasons he did the first time. We are beginning to see this unfold and I'm glad. I love the Jerome storyline - so true how much we don't know about those around us before they entered our lives. I love the friendship between Marin and Cash - men and women really can be great friends (without benefits!) and I believe Marin can be there for both Jack and Cash. I also really enjoy the friendship between Marin and Sarah - I like women who can be friends with both men and women equally without ulterior motives and cattiness. And Mai fulfilling her dream of being a cheerleader - love it!
LOVE everything about this show! I am so glad it's back! My favorite show on television!!

[Jill]

When I saw that bike moment, I thought, there goes Marin again knocking him down with the bike..geezzzz. lol. I think it's too soon for them to move in. Jack gave the impression he wants her for himself, so have her move in and then he doesn't have to worry about Cash...but Cash needs Marin too, so I think there is a definite balance needed in these relationships. Happy so happy it's back on the air! :)

[Debb Carreno]

Please, please, please tell us you're not going to kill off Cash from the show ??!! I love what I call his "turtle effect" character - sensitive on the inside but very reluctant to show it. As soon as he musters up enough courage to "come out of his shell" inevitably, something frightens him back in. Talk about HUGE trust issues . . . but it's what he doesn't say or the expressions he makes that communicates more than he expresses. Soooo, I'm suggesting that the doctor makes a miraculous discovery that there was a problem with the lab equipment and he was incorrectly diagnosed with a serious condition that he doesn't have - his "condition" turns out to be something non-life threatening and completely treatable with minor surgery or medication (e.g. remove his gallbladder; give him mediation to treat a malfunctioning digestive system, give him strong antibiotics - hospital stay - to treat a kidney or bladder infection etc.). Whatever you decide, please, please find a way to "fix" him and keep him on the show. Yes, you're right - I live vicariously through the shows I watch . . . Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share :)
Debb

[Maile]

I seriously believed Jack was dead! And that Marin was just seeing his ghost/image on the dock there. But I'm SOOOOOOO thrilled that he's back. He seems a little edgier now, more so than before. Like he's "been there, done that", ya know? I don't really think the whole moving in together thing is such a good idea just yet. I think it's too soon. They need some time to just BE. Then they can move on the to next step. They've never really dated since there's always been some obstacle: Lynn, Cash, New York, the Berring Sea. They need to just be together for a bit.

[Lindsay]

That kiss in the truck with Marin and Jack had me and my friends laughing and blushing at the same time! I'm glad he is back but my heart is aching for Cash!!! He is perfect too!
And my heart broke when Patrick brought that other girl to the flower field! Poor Annie!!

Great Episode
(still waiting for the season 1 DVD news....)

[Cindy]

I gotta say, I was really disappointed in this episode. So much so that I looked up to see if there was a way i could contact the writers.

First of all, the one thing I always liked about this show is how smart it is. It is written well and it doens't pander to chick lit b.s.
but last nights episode was really predictable and unrealistic. How in the world could you have Jack come back the day after Meredith discovers he is missing? How cheesy and bad was that? AND, why didn't you let the viewers know what was happening to Jack? we knew he wasn't going to die! There was no back story, no proper development of that story line. Just some quick sadness and oh wait a minute, he's back, sex in the truck and wrap up up with a pretty pink bow.
life doesn't work that way and i almost felt like i was watching a disney cartoon.
that's it. geez, can you try and go back to the smart and snappy writing. thanks!

[Tara]

I loved this epi- esp the reunion between Jack & Marin. I thought it was going to be more drawn out, but i loved him just walking in not realizing that everyone thought he was dead. I also loved Annie's line "I'm glad you're back. and that you remember me!" Classic! Can't wait until next week...

[julianne]

No, its NOT too soon for Jack and Marin to move in together - otherwise its like every other show where they keep dragging it out-way too frustrating for the viewers. Nice for a change to see couples you WANT to be together, working it out. As I was watching the show last night, I thought to myself, kudos to the writers!!!!

[Trish Milburn]

I didn't think Jack was really dead, but I thought his return might be delayed until perhaps Marin and Cash had grown closer. So it was a nice surprise when Jack really did return in this episode. I'm not sure how I feel about the previews for the next episode -- looks like they are being split apart again. I know it's often the death knell to a show to get the main couple together too soon, so I'll just sit back and see how things develop. I love Jack and Marin, but then I really like Cash's character too.

[Linda T. Haney]

I would not miss an episode and am so glad to have this series back. Thank you. While it may be more exciting to rip lover's away from each other, I like the idea of Jack and Marin moving in together. I was so glad to see the end of Lynn. (I wouldn't mind kissing Jack myself) However, I like their chemistry. Anne is a favorite of mine. Love all the characters and wouldn't want to lose any of them. Good work, well done.

[Betty]

Dear Cara,
Andrew stole the scene,no doubt!! The episode was great in every way....perfect balance of comedy [Mai], pathos [Cash],drama [Marin],etc.
When I reflect on the show, I can't believe how much you pack into one very abbreviated hour [so many commercials]. Jerome,Patrick,Annie,Theresa,Sarah,Eric all had their own flesh-out stories as well as the main storyline which, of course was Jack's return. One last word .... HOT !!!

[Jennie]

I really didn't know where you were going with Jack! I was in tears beginning with Marin tearing up Jack's house (awesome scene)until she takes him out with the runaway bike! Then I stopped for a bit until Jack said "the woman I love", then waterworks all over again. I would like to see the Jack & Marin story level out for awhile & focus more on the other relationship characters a bit. Don't get me wrong, I can't get enough Jack & Marin, but in reality I need them to be happy together for awhile! Plus I can't wait to see what happens between all the other couples! And Jerome, the hits keep on comin!! Thank you for sticking with this show, it is above all my favorite show & I was jumping for joy last night because I have been able to watch it two weeks in a row! I like that there is no shoot'em up or kill'em and foul language used. It's VERY refreshing!
-Vail, Colorado

[Princess of Darkness aka Nic]

Hi Cara & anyone else,
right now... I love you guys soo much. lol seriously, this episode was far the best until now. It almost killed me seeing Maren suffer like that. You really pulled my heart out and made me cry. But I didnt really think that Jack was dead. His almost dead will hopefully move them as couple forward. I personal wouldnt move in with a guy that soon. But it seems like they belong together. And he almost died. And when you expierence something like that you really wanna spend all the time with the person you love. So I dont think they are making a mistake.

Seriously... if I could have written this episode I wouldnt have changed a thing. I also really loved the dock scene. Plus the bike scene was funny. lol.

So me as an aspiring writer and fan say you did an amazing job with this episode. So thank you Cara! I actually cant wait for the next episode.

xoxo Nic
nicbeh @ gmail.com

[Lori T.]

I thought last night's episode was fantastic. I loved the reunion scene. It was a great way to turn the 'typical' scene upside down and add a MIT twist although admittedly, even when they were in the bar, I thought she might wake up to the 'real' nightmare.

I think Jack and Marin have messed around long enough, but I'm not sure they're ready for moving in. They still have a lot of baggage between them that they need to work out - but they need to WORK IT OUT. The main problem with the two of them is that they mess around with dating. They don't officially date or become 'involved' though we all know their feelings. So it complicates things when something from their past pops up. They need to work things out - but don't jump too far ahead or get too far too deep. Their feelings are strong enough. They don't need to move in together right away to prove that. They just need to work on a relationship!

Love that 'new' Patrick is coming back to Annie - they still work well together!

I really enjoy this program. As a writer myself, I love the dialogue and the snarky fun conversations. I love the flawed characters that you can't help but love (like most of us!) and the storylines that keep us coming back.

Thanks for your time! Appreciate it.

[Pat]

What an amazing episode! Marin's anger in Jack's house was so well-written and performed that I cried along with her! Jerome, a classical pianist.....I can't wait to learn more about him.
Thank you!

[Emily Brown]

I hope this post goes to print, last one I did didn't make it - someone else said theirs didn't get in either, I think there was something wrong with the site. LOVED THIS EPISODE! Totally did NOT expect that was Jack on the dock, was sure it was someone who would look like him and not turn out to be him, was sure Marin would rebound to Cash then Jack would come back to a big mess, well he did come back to a mess, in his house, what the heck Marin? You trashed his house! I busted up laughing at the bike running Jack over. Nice touch. What a great scene! Thrilled that the real Patrick is beginning to maybe show up - cannot wait to hear Hideyho again! Please make Cash well! I love him! You totally need to keep him coming into and out of Marin's life, like Adam did on Northern Exposure, was a great element to an awesome show. He is such a great and believable character, is Scott at all like the character he plays? Best stuff on TV bar-none. Gads, a whole week until a new ep.

[Michelle O]

Iloved Men in Trees last night..I was torn wanting Cash to explore with Marin, yet, I was hopeful of a reunion of sorts with Jack.

I can't deny the Cash/Marin storyline because of the way they have developed an unlikely friendship, yet magnetic one.

I've yet to see how it plays out with Jack/Marin/Cash storyline. I absolutely bowled over the storyline with Patrick/dad.

The Jerome storyline is very appealing and parallels with everything on the show's episode last night. Things change, but we just adapt to changes and move on with it. It's amazing.

Such a GREAT show with so many dynamics that I could go on and on writing about each character. I truly enjoy all of the characters in the show, all of them. It's a very rare show where you see the dynamics actually work! Like Friends show and Seinfield, MIT rocks!

Looking forward to the next episode!!

[rhondaincanada]

An AMAZING episode!!!

Thank you!!

[Victoria]

I absolutely loved, loved this episode. I watched it online twice. I had tears running down my face when Marin finally got mad and threw that rock. It was exactly what I thought she should do! You people are brilliant and I cannot get enough. Best episode! Hands down! OMG! Thank you from my romantic heart. xoxoxo

[Victoria]

By the way, your husband did a great job as the doctor, and I was starting to worry that Jack was dead. Lacing Jerome's music into the anguish Marin was feeling was nothing short of brilliance. This episode will stay with me for quite some time :)

[Down East]

Hi Cara,

Glad to have MIT and its writers back.

In this Sonato episode, there were many beautiful moments, including the sad moments when Cash gets his bad news from the Dr.

In the Jermome storyline, we saw Annie peeking in on his past. I was glad you chose Annie to be the intrepid one (she's kind of lost soul lately) to be drawn through the woods by music of Jerome playing the Chopin and she wanders in on his woodsy bachelor cabin. Perfect. Oh, I love his cabin, by the way. This story line was very Frances Hodge Burnett-ish (The Secret Garden.) At least an adult version of it. I was glad that Jerome mentioned that it was Annie's mom who had stirred up buried memories and made him question who he once was and is now. Excellent.

I also love the storyline that ended with Eric and Sarah dreaming of building a church on the top of the mountain. There's something really beautiful in that too, building....

Cash, Cash, Cash!

He's such a sweetie.

Cash has really grown on me and I find myself very fond of him.

>So, why not have Jack and Marin move in together? Maybe? Do you think it's too soon? Or do you think they've been through enough and they're ready for this step?

They are not ready.

Jack thought Marin had been sleeping with Cash. He almost took it for granted that she had. Though that could well be justified--as Marin had said, Jack didn't believe she loved him enough to forsake other men--including Stuart.

When they started talking about the Lynn thing, they both began to get upset and agreed not to not talk of it--at that moment, at least.

So, although I think Jack and Marin are meant for each other in the long run I think they still have a lot of emotional baggage leftover from the painful choices regarding the Lynn relationship, last year. Both still hold to their reasons for justifying the way they felt about it, but neither seem any happier or any more at peace accepting the way it all went down.

Jack admitted he made a mistake and yet he gets defensive too, with "what else do you want from me?" which isn't the healthiest way to make peace with your woman.

They just better take it slow.

Before they can move on, they still have some issues to deal with.

1. Jack dumped Marin for Lynn. (No matter how noble his reasons for doing so...

What was that really all about?

What is it about Jack's character that makes him that way? Where he hurts himself and those he loves to supposedly help someone else? There's his self sacrificing behavior and then at the same time, he winds up having to let Gary go to his death.
Does any of this have to do with seeing his father killed? Does it have anything to do with his brother Ian being a bully towards him?

It takes time to heal.

2. Marin was devastated by they way Jack treated her. She was hurt for a long time.

After the euphoria in seeing him safely home settles down, is she really ready to trust Jack in a committed relationship? It wasn't much time between his break up with Lynn before he avoided further confrontation and went to sea.

So it's all very tentative and still painful for them both, I think. Reality hasn't set in yet--the reality of a real Jack and Marin love affair, and how do they make it work? They have no idea, because they have yet to try it.

Will Marin have abandonment fears that Jack (like her ex fiance) could leave her again--for whatever reasons, and therefore in this relationship Marin might be holding something of herself back from him so she doesn't get hurt again?

Maybe.

They've never officially been a couple. Not for very long.

Right now, I think they are giddy with the thought of what it could be.

Before they move in together or commit any further, they need time to get to know each other. To enjoy the heady romance of love before having to deal with the mundane things like cleaning the bathroom and whose going to pay the bills and so on. They need time to gain each other's trust in each other again, and all that goes with it, which takes time.

Right now, they are good friends.

If they become lovers it is going to take some work on both sides.

And that is the stuff we will enjoy watching take place--as well as the other story lines.

[Holly]

This was THE best MIT episode I have ever seen. Bravo. So looking forward to the future.

[Hieu]

When I saw Marin throw her "Jack" stone through Jack's window, I just started crying for her. And when I saw Jack walking towards land, I started jumping up and down like crazy. Yall do such a great job of telling the stories of each and every one of these wonderful characters. I honestly think I'm emotionally attached to all of them. I look forward every week to see what everyone is up to and I love that every week, you learn something new about someone. Jerome's dark past was so interesting and I would love to see more of it unravel. I CANNOT wait for next week's episode!!!