Jennie Snyder on "Home, Seized Home"

Airdate: 03/12/08

 

WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD!

Hey Everyone! I’m new to the town of Elmo, but I got to say, it's nice to be here. And I was especially glad to write the Jack and Marin move-in episode. As it happens, I was penning this episode just as my boyfriend was moving into my house, so I was able to use lots of personal anecdotes and plug them right in -- much to my boyfriend's dismay. In fact, after this episode, he instituted a "privacy" policy at our house so that not everything that happens behind our closed doors ends up on TV! But, that was after this episode, luckily. And in fact, much of what Jack and Marin were going through as Jack moved in, Jamie and I were going through as well. In fact, I would often have to stop our conversations and negotiations to jot down something that would go into the script. And the whole "Captain of the Room" thing? Well, that came directly from Jamie as he tried to find a place for his personal items amidst my throw pillows and decorative bowls.

It’s a big step -- moving in with someone -- and Jack and Marin certainly did it sooner than most couples. But then again, if you almost lost someone, it makes sense that you want to keep them close to you, right? Near death experiences make "seizing the day" seem less like a choice, and more of an obligation. We don't know how long we have, so we've got to make every moment count. But, as Marin learns, the day AFTER you seize the day is when reality sets in, when the romance starts to fade and you have to deal with all the pesky details. Which are often messy and complicated. Just like life.

In this episode, all of our characters are struggling with the practical fallout from their decisions. Theresa and Ben want a baby, but this desire transforms sex from a romantic act, to a scheduled event. Buzz allows Patrick to fly his plane, only to be met by Celia's wrath. And Jane and Sam? Well, their hasty wedding and their decision to split their time between Elmo and New York, means that Jane has to reconcile what she thought her life would look like, with what it actually does look like. Even if that means she won’t get into the New York Times Vows section.

 

And then, there is Marin and Jack. Marin’s fear that she and Jack moved too quickly, and that he will be less enchanted by the "real" her -- warts and all -- is, I think, a very relatable one. After all, in the early stages of dating we pick and choose what we reveal. We hide our flaws, and then show them slowly. When we feel safe. But, because Jack and Marin never really dated, and their history is more a series of stops and starts, she doesn't feel safe yet. And so, when her work is lost due to his "unplugging" (something that happened to another writer in the room who shall remain nameless!), she overreacts. And then, when Jack calls her on her overreaction, she overreacts further -- as if daring him to love her, despite her flaws. She is upset about her lost work, of course, but more than that, she is scared that she and Jack made a mistake -- that they rushed into things, that once he knows her -- really knows her, the way you know someone when you live with them -- he won't love her. She sort of spirals into self-doubt (as we all are prone to), until Sara points out that she's looking for reasons to bail, instead of looking for reasons to stay. See Marin (alright, much like me) likes to be in control. Plus, she's been burned before, by Graham. All of which makes opening up, and sharing a life with someone, a very scary prospect. Then again, maybe that's why they call it "falling in love." You can’t be in control. You have to let yourself  "fall."

 

 

Jennie

 

 

 

 

Comments

[mari]

I really love the reminder that we have to learn to love the reality of what our life is, vs. what we wanted it to be, or dreamed it would be. It's so hard to live in the present, because we're in a culture that always strives and pushes forward. Thanks for the reminder!

On a more flippant note, I am IN LOVE with the dress Marin wears in the beginning of the episode - patchwork and retro. Anyone know where the heck it came from?

Thanks for the blog!

[Jake Lipson]

This was another fantastic episode. Thank you for being the best show on the air right now when it comes to combining the sometimes annoying truth of reality with the funny relaxation of TV watching. It's great to see and I'm loving every minute of it.

[Sydney1106]

Jennie Snyder, you did a great job of writing this episode... I especially liked, however, when Cash gave Jack some pointers on Marin and how Jack was able to put into use the hint about having Marin put on her houserobe before letting her rant. The fact that Jack is making the effort to fix her hard drive is a nice touch, as was his making tea for her. I did miss not seeing more of Cash this week, but look forward to future episodes with him and his cure. Can't wait for next week's episode now! Wish it were on tomorrow!
Thank you for continuing to put on a great show for us! I love Men in Trees!
Sydney1106

[TTFN, Jenn]

This was a great episode. Thanks Jennie for the blog too! I just found it tonight and I am thrilled. I look forward to this show, no matter WHAT night it ends up on. It is my absolute fav on t.v. ... my husbands too! He misses it becuase of his work schedule. He appreciates being able to watch them online, and I for one do not mind watching it a second time!

OK my questions & comments:

* I sure hope Jack & Marrin "Make It"
* Will Theresa and Ben have to wait a long time to have a baby? They sure deserve one.
* Poor Annie & Patrick! I hope he gets all this stuff worked out of his systema and realizes Annie is the girl for him.
* Is Buzz's other son going to come back to town?
* I love the fact that Sam moved to NY to be with Jane, lets hope she doesn't screw it up!
* Is Cash going to die?

Thanks! TTFN, Jenn

[Melissa]

I am so upset to find out that I've missed the 3 episodes that have aired since Feb. 27. Please tell me where and how can I see them ! Must get caught up before next Wednesday . . .

[Melissa]

I just wanted to say I am so glad this show is STILL on!! I am totally in love w/this show! Everyone is such a great character I couldn't pick a fav. Keep up the great work and please stay on weds now so I know where the heck you are! LOL

[Jennifer]

Welcome to Elmo, Jennie. And thanks again to you and the other writers for another great episode. I have faith that Jack and Marin can wade through the doubts, adjustments and growing pains to make it and grow stronger together.

[Tina]

Awww. I loved it! I am so glad it is back on and in full swing.

But I do just have to rant on a little, small issue I have, nothing big, but STEWART! REALLY!? Mannnn... Urg, I hate him. Can't he just go away and leave Marion be?

Okay... I'm good now. Love the show though!

[JA]

I am so glad this show is back! This episode was great! I love all the characters and my friends and I discuss this at work. PLEASE keep up the wonderful work and make ABC keep this show on the air!!!

[C]

Each episode just keeps getting better then the last. Your team has created a great show cast and all. Looking forward to the next one.. Also I have to say I really like this time slot that it is currently in. Of couse 9 pm is always better the 10 pm. But I do like that it is on Wednesday's.

[Barbara LI]

Love this show, BUT why is Jack so grumpy with poor Marin. Cash is so sweet I wish they were an item. Can't wait for next week to see Jack in NY. Does no look like he is happy.

[victoria nyc]

the best episode ever!
keep it up !

[Montana Sue]

Ok! Patrick is REALLY stressing me out! Please, please can't he start getting his memory back a little bit more?? Love the show!

[Amy in Atlanta]

The few minutes Cash was on the screen literally burned a hole in my tv!

[Monika]

I love this episode :-)))I was laughing outloud, so many beautiful,tiny everyday details...Watching Marin and Jack living together, or rather learnig to live, is just great. By the way, good luck to you Jennie and Jamie!Wish you all the best. I know living together is hard sometimes, but it's really worth fighting for it. It takes a lot of courage to show yourself just the way you are, and trust that you won't be rejected. And it takes a lot of effort to love someone with all he or she brings in our life. I've been married for 7 years, and I'm still learnig how to live together, not beside each other, but together. Sometimes it's tough, sometimes it's wonderful and sometimes it's just normal.In the end almost everything is up to us. So let's live the best we can.

[Stacy]

Wow! Another great episode.
I loved all the story lines in this one. It is fun watching Jack and Marin discover the reality of love. What Cash said is true about being in love and living together.
I loved how Annie and Sara both helped Jack and Marin get back on track. The only sad note was that Cash isn't living with Marin anymore. I fall more in love with his character each episode. He's proving to be so much more than just a man with great eyes, hair, abs, biceps... I loved the advice he gave Jack about Marin and her robe. He really gets her.

I can't wait to see the next episode. Thanks for writing.

[~Leslie- NL, Canada]

ohhh I loved this episode! And Marin and Jack's issues with the moving in thing were hilarious, touching and true.

Is it wrong that I thoroughly enjoyed Patrick finally telling his Mom off?

ohhh Sam was sooo sweet when he got their vow announcement into the Elmo paper. :D

God I love this show. :)

[Colorado Mountain Gal]

Thank you for bringing MIT back to the lighter side. It started to loose the funny quirky personalities of the Elmonians. It had become pretty dark, and I was not enjoying the show as much. Last night my sister and I watched MIT together and laughed ourselves silly.
We saw each of the characters unique personalities return in last nights episode. This is what makes this show shine. Keep up the good work! We love Men In Trees!

[dgee]

Only two posting so far... I don't get it?? I love this show and I wish others would respond in kind. It is funny and insightful. So why so few responses??

[Linda]

I love this show more everytime I watch it!! I can totally related to so much of what Marin goes through :)

[Angeline]

You guys did it again. Another wonderful episode, that leaves me on pins and needles until next week. I dont know that i can wait that long. It seems to keep getting longer between episodes.

[Kathy H]

I LOVE Men In Trees.. actually, after working 12 hours a day as a personal assitant, this is the ONLY show I watch (truth be known, I Tevo it and watch on Thursday's so I can fast forward thru the commercials).

I love the fact that this show reacts like real life - not tv life. But, please, please, don't let Marin have an affair with Cash. I love the man but her and Jack are Soul Mates!

xxxooo
K

[Laura]

I love it. Please never leave ABC! So many people adore this show!

[Julie]

I absolutely loved this show but am pretty disappointed in the previews for next week. Can't we just leave Marin and Jack alone? I am pretty sure that we would all keep watching if they stayed together happily. I am so tired of shows breaking up the relationships that we so love to see.

In real life, people do stay together. It would be nice to finally see some happiness with Marin and Jack that lasts. I, for one, will probably stop watching if they don't stay together. I have already stopped watching Grey's Anatomy because of Meredith & Derek's split. I am not the only one either, I know many people who feel the same way.

Marin + Jack forever please. Let Stuart find someone else!!!!

[MITFan]

Another AWESOME episode and so very realistic. YES, that stuff does really happen when you move in together! Great job. Can't wait for next week.