Swingtown Eposide Synopsis & Review
Season 1, Episode 6 - Friends With Benefits (should be titled "Wallpaper")
Written By: HUNKYNHUNY
Tom and Trina are enjoying cocktails and playing their beloved "Airport Game" as they wait for Tom’s flight to begin. They scope the "Tradewinds Club" for their next conquest. Timing each other, the two take turns picking out the sexiest people in the club. Trina suggests a pretty red head with feathered hair (OK girls, you KNOW you did it too!) Tom pulls out a Gillian’s Island cliché' and says he "secretly preferred MaryAnn over Ginger." I am assuming they attempt to wisk their find off to some secret quarters for pre-flight playtime. A few catch their eye, but one hip looking 'Hitchcock' Blonde is the one they decide to pursue.
Cracklin' Rose
Susan is spending a quiet afternoon perusing the wallpaper sample book when Bruce arrives home from work. He sneaks up behind her in his 3 piece suit with a kiss and a bouquet of roses. She is surprised and they discuss the day... and the importance of the “perfect wallpaper”. Susan grabs an ugly green vase from a high cabinet and explains to her husband, "I don't want to make some hideous mistake we'll have to stare at the rest of our lives."
Double Or Nothing
Back at the Trademens... I mean Tradewinds Club, Tom looks at his watch and says he has 30 minutes to waste before his flight, and they resume their game. Tom suggests 'Climbing the Stairway' with a Robert Plant look-a-like and Trina says she long out grew her hippie phase. He then spots a "Silver Fox" and she's grossed out because she’s reminded of an old family member. Trina counts down the remaining 5 seconds just as a young fox reading a paper enters the club. She calls him out by name, turns out "Luke" was her High School Sweetheart. Tom watches as they hug and Luke lifts her off the ground, literally.
Two Birds With One Stone
Ladies... You know how, uh-hem... sometimes... your husband gets kinda like extra sweet on you and it turns out he wants something? Well, Bruce pulled THIS card. He opens it up by reminding her about how they are trying to 'expand their horizons'. Almost with one breath, he then tells Susan about "The Children’s Hospital Ladies Auxiliary", which is an organization that his bosses wife, Rita Pierce started. He 'pulled some strings' and got her on the planning committee for the annual event this weekend. Oh, and the committee meets tomorrow. Susan is arranging the roses, and you can tell she isn't too excited about this and tells him she has a full day already, including her traditional lunch at Bergoffs with Janet. Bruce encourages her to bring Janet along and that "all the company wives will be there, pitching in". With that, Susan replies, "Is this about expanding MY horizons, or about making you look good to the boss?" He says, "Two birds, one stone!" He then takes his wife in his arms from behind, kisses her on the cheek and says, "Please, you'll be doing me a huge favor." (He may as well have said "Pretty Pretty Please with a cherry on top!") to which she rolls her eyes and sighs a heavy sigh, but with the grin on her face you can see she'll go.
"Trina, You're So Sweet"
Tom is introduced to Luke and over drinks he explains that even though they were "off and on" for all 4 years of high school, he would have preferred to be monogamous with her, "Back then, Trina wasn't much of a one man woman, but I guess all of that has changed now..." The Decker's exchange knowing glances, "You're a lucky guy Tom." Tom admits he is and begins to inquire the purpose of Luke’s trip to Chicago. It is revealed that Luke’s family is very wealthy. Right under Tom's nose the high school sweethearts make plans to have dinner while he's in town and Trina invites Luke to keep her company while her husband is away. (Lifestyle Lingo = Boy Toy). Tom plays off his discomfort well. Bobbi, one of Captain Tom's attendants walks in to notify him of departure so Tom says his goodbyes. He makes sure to kiss her real good in front of what he now considers competition. She tells him she'll miss him to which he replies, "You better." Tom TRIED not to shoot Luke a glare as he gathers his things and walks out the door, but not before turning back one last time. He sees Trina and Luke smiling and talking, you can't help but notice the newfound concern in his eyes. Boy... what a bad time to be leaving on a flight to Tokyo. Kinda feel bad for him... after all, WE haven't known Trina long at all!
Wonderful Wetness
The beautiful Trina emerges from her daily swim as the red wall phone rings at the bar on their deck. (Wouldn't we all love to have THAT?!?) She rushes to answer it. Of course it's Tom checking in. (on Luke), “How are you?” She says she’s "Dripping Wet" and due to her husbands response she explains she just got out of the pool. She is drinking a TALL Tab with a bendy straw (LOVE UM!) and lights a cigarette exclaiming "Hurry home, I miss you." In Tom's hotel room with the ugliest wallpaper you have ever seen, you can hear Japanese TV in the background. As he finishes his Old Fashioned On the Rocks, he inquires about the boy toy and is told Luke is coming over later that night for drinks, "Why, are you jealous?" Tom's response is "Should I be?" He then lays back on the bed, places his hand on his crotch and smoothly changes the topic by asking, "So, just how wet are you?" Let the Phone Sex begin!
Pretty In Pink
Susan is sitting on her bed with her arm snugly around her son BJ who is preparing to leave for a 2 week camping trip. She is almost begging him to write her this year. When he gets up, you almost want to believe he is retrieving the pen and stationary from the kitchen that his mother mentioned. Bruce comes in and sits down on the ottoman (As swingers, shouldn’t it be mandatory for all of us to have one of those in our bedroom?) and reminds me of Mr. Rogers putting on his shoes. He wants to make sure his wife knows how much he appreciates her agreeing to go to the ladies function. Susan's response is, "You didn't give me a whole lot of choice." She stands and is wearing a pretty baby blue, lacy nitey set. She somewhat jokingly says, "But, now that you don't mind advising me HOW to spend my days, you mind telling me WHAT to wear to this thing? I wouldn't want to clash with the other company wives." She exclaims that she's not much into the "group thing" and Bruce jokingly remarks about the 'porn star fundraiser', "It didn't seem that way at the Decker's." He kisses her and leaves the room just when Janet calls. The ladies speak briefly about necessities for their sons camping trip and Susan thanks Janet for accompanying her to the meeting today... hoping that Janet will back out for some reason. Boy... Susan just can't stand the thought of hanging with the 'Company Wives'. Wonder why? Too Vanilla maybe? Oh, he picked the pink one.
You Better Shop Around
Roger catches Janet in a fit of excitement but can't believe she is agreeing to put off lunch at Bergoffs. She energetically tells her husband about the exclusive organization. She states, "These women are terribly proper." With that Roger proudly says, "We'll you'll fit right in." She looks at her reflection in the perfectly shined silver platter that she just polished and is not happy with what she has chosen to wear to the event. In true gentlemanly fashion, opens his wallet and hands his wife some shopping money and tells her to go buy herself a new outfit for the special occasion. She is pleasantly surprised and walks around the kitchen counter to lightly kiss her wonderful husband.
Oral Exam
At summer school, Mr. Stevens delivers the summer students final assignment. An oral exam presentation on "Authenticity and Self Expression" using personal examples. Class is dismissed and as usual, Laurie approaches her 'teacher', repeats the assignment back to him and dryly states "Interesting." and leaves the classroom. It just hit me... with her hair tucked behind her ears, Laurie looks totally ELFIN.
Ahhh Wasabi!
On a sunny day under the shade of huge umbrellas, the two friends walk into a beautiful outdoor luncheon at the Lake Crest Country Club, complete with waiters buzzing around the women seated at ornate black metal furniture. The ladies must have been running late because Rita Pierce is already speaking and has finished off one Bloody Mary already. As if in the presence of Donna Reed herself, Janet excitedly points out that Rita is featured in the "Tribune Party Pages” quite regularly. Janet and Susan find a seat and Rita receives a fresh new drink. Funny... It looks like the cocktail is the exact same drink Trina was flirtatiously sipping back at Trademens, I mean Tradewinds... complete with the huge celery stalk at least a foot long. Rita is commending her Auxiliary for all their hard work and starts a round of applause. PROPER ETIQUITTE: Do Not Start Clapping With A Full Drink In One Or More Of Your Hands. Of course, Rita sloshes her RED bloody mary all over the brand new WHITE suit coat she has adorned herself with. Everyone gasps and a few attendants with foofy hats scramble to her side to "rescue" her. Janet instinctively jumps up and yells, "Nobody touch the jacket!" The others are startled and confused when Janet runs up to help. Rita exclaims, "Do I know you?" and uncomfortable introductions of Susan and Janet take place. Somehow, Janet is able to convince Rita into reluctantly removing the jacket and try a hand at immediately removing the stain with a mixture of what looks like Sweet and Low and pepper. Janet impresses everyone with her stain removal abilities and is promptly welcomed into this exclusive haggle of affluent women. Janet is just beside herself. (I KNOW some of you ladies reading this recap are going to try this at home, if you haven't already.) Susan is standing by her friend’s side when Rita invites her to the benefit the following evening. Susan, assuming the ladies actually volunteer at the hospital, takes this opportunity to ask Rita what exactly is it that her group does for the children. Rita proudly answers that they are dedicated solely to fundraising, to which Susan states more than questions, "So you don't work with the children at all." Rita's answer was almost rehearsed, but she delivered it well, "Oh, we're not doctors, Dear." and compliments Janet once more. As Rita resumes her meeting, Janet is totally overjoyed, and Susan looks like she just ate a wasabi pea.
Ahhh Melinda!
Bruce walks into a smoky bar with brick walls, filled to the brim with people wearing green and red blazers. He is greeted by yet another cute red-head. Melinda is one of his associates on the trade floor with him. They chit chat about the days success and she compliments him. He gives her some welcome professional advice and she insists on buying him a whisky on the rocks, which she knows IS his drink of choice. Just when we notice her mini dress under that green jacket and her VERY nice legs, three co-workers all in matching blazers call Bruce over to their table. Unbeknownst to him, guys have started a pool on who is going to bang Melinda first. Then Morano, the guy seemingly in charge of this bet assumes Bruce is "in". Bruce looks confused, but slightly intrigued.
Damn Wallpaper
Meanwhile, at home, Susan is staring at a wall mosaic made of wallpaper samples. She asks her daughter which one she prefers. Laurie is working on her oral presentation and spits out some poetic hoo haa about how it doesn't matter what she thinks. Susan sits down as her daughter, almost in tears begins to express anxiety about public speaking. She comforts Laurie by saying, "Unfortunately, life isn't always about doing what we like." With that, Laurie closes her book, stands up and points out the wallpaper that she likes best, and smugly walks out of the living room.
"Children’s Hospital Ladies Auxiliary Benefit Gala"
Over at the Thompson's, Roger returns home from a long, hard day at work. To the tune of "Do Ya' Wanna' Dance?" he approaches a candlelit dinner table set for two with the good "wedding silver". They sit down to eat and she tells her husband about her day. With a glowing face she says, "Turns out, there's more to Susan’s new world than the Decker's. These are the kind of people we should be friends with Roger." She shares her excitement with him and expresses hope that they will get sponsored to join the Country Club. He kindly reminds Janet that they can't afford an expense so extravagant. She understands, but then hops in his lap and commends him on a job well done and encourages him to go after a raise. "You deserve it... we deserve it."
Luke's a HOTTY!
Trina and her friend Luke are cozy on the Decker's couch, toking it up and watching Trina's old slides. They are reminiscing and Trina reminds him that he got her grounded for a month when she caught Luke sneaking out of her daughter’s room. Trina reflects, "Actually, being forbidden to see you was probably the best thing that could have happened to us." He wonders, "How's that?" She intensely answers, "I always want what I can't have." It almost looks like he's getting ready to lean in for a kiss, his arm already around his shoulder and she is DEFINATELY biting her bottom lip. And then it happens... RING! RING! Trina can't hide how perturbed she is and knows who it is. Luke watches her as she gets up to answer the phone. She tells her husband that he's "missing quite a show here". She explains that Luke came over to have some drinks so she dug out her old slides. She inquired about his whereabouts and he tells her there was a weather delay and he'll be home in the morning. With Luke still watching, the Decker's exchange "Miss You's" and hang up. She turns to her ex-lover and they decide to stay in and order take-out. They playfully walk to another room and Luke pinches her ass. At the same time, Bobbi, the blonde attendant approaches Captain Tom and invites him for a drink. He thinks "Why the hell not?" and she takes his elbow and off they go. SHE is now biting her bottom lip!
Whud I Tell Ya’… Luke’s a Hotty!
The next morning Susan stops by the Decker's to invite them to the benefit. Trina quickly and gladly accepted. Turns out, Luke stayed the night and the two of them have spent the morning in their bathing suits. Luke enters the room and approaches the ladies. He is standing there bare-chested in between the gals when Trina introduces him as her "boyfriend". For Susan's benefit she elaborates a bit more and invites him to the function as well, stating, "He's filthy rich." He looks at Susan and says, "Filthy". With those words still in the air Tom walks in the front door and announces, "Who's filthy?" With a foyer full of smiles and a man dressed like a greek statue, he is greeted and kissed by his wife. Luke asks Trina if he can take a shower... granted... and she is standing there half naked in front of her neighbor and husband and feels the need to explain why this gorgeous hunk is there so early in the day. Uncomfortable Susan says, "Well I'm gonna'... see you tonight." and helps herself out the door.
He Wants More, He Needs More
So it's oral presentation time and Laurie, standing in front of the class is literally reading directly from her index card. Mr. Stevens was expecting more from her. When she concludes, he stands up and wanders the room while reiterating the assignment instructions and pleading for personal experiences. He tells Laurie that she needs to give another stab at it to which she replies, "Sorry Mr. Stevens, that's all I got." The class is shocked and I bet you she gets a lower grade than she wished this time as well.
Why, Thank You… I Think
Roger is planted in front of his boss’s desk and he is trying his best to sell himself. He's feeling confident and like Janet told him, he "went for it", asking for a promotion and a raise. He started to get excited when his boss agreed with him but a confused look came over him when the boss started spitting out lingo like "cut backs" and "can't compensate someone with your experience". Roger’s eyes glass over when Mr. Stone stands up, offers his hand for a firm shake and says, "I wish you luck wherever you end up and I Thank You for your years of service." Bewildered, Roger stands to his feet, shakes the extended hand and quietly leaves the room.
It’s A Push
Bruce arrives home early to find Susan, comfy on the couch with a tall glass of tea and more wallpaper samples. He sure doesn't want to be late for the party! She tells him that Rita LOVED Janet. He proudly crosses his arms and says they loved her too. Susan corrects him with, "She loves that I brought Janet." She then informs him that the Thompson's AND the Decker's are coming with to which he chipperly replies, "Good, as far as I'm concerned the Thompson's and the Decker's cancel each other out." He sips her tea and looks to his left to see yet another mosaic masterpiece taped to the wall. Reflecting on the conversation she had with Laurie, holding up a pretty black and white sample, she says, "Just trying to decide which one expresses my 'Authentic Self'. What do you think?" Bruce replies, "... honey, I have no idea what that is." He stands, kisses her on the forehead and exits. She is frustrated and tosses the sample to the side.
Wolf Whistle
Now, downtown directly in front of the train station, Janet has been shopping and getting her hair done. Roger comes down the stairs and sees his wife standing in front of their station wagon. She wanted to surprise him with her new look. She traded her plaid rags for a pretty blue sleeveless halter dress. Her hair is down and feathered to one side. Roger's immediate reaction is "WOW!", he can't believe she's showing skin in public! He comes up to her and is really impressed with his wife, and pleased that she shaved off some of that inhibition. She shows him the Tux she rented for him and says, "I was hoping there would be a little something extra to celebrate tonight... Well... don't keep me in suspense, did Mr. Stone agree that you deserved a raise?" He realizes he can answer without lying, "Yes." In order to not crush his wife’s spirit on such an important day for her, he decides to not tell the full story that he was laid off. In fact, Mr. Stone DID say he agreed Roger deserved a raise, and more. She excitedly hugs her husband and with her hands on his shoulders says this, "Things are about to change for us, I can just feel it, can't you?" He raises his eyebrows and says yes, knowing full and well that in fact, things will be changing. OK, I'm gonna' throw Janet a bone here. At the viewing party of this episode, everyone was saying how Janet was looking better and better. Subtle changes in wardrobe and makeup. Now she's well on her way to being a 70's bombshell. I have seen this actresse’s headshot and she's actually a very beautiful lady. That shows she's versatile and embraced her role.
Call Me Irresponsible
The Thompson's and the Millers scale the grand stairs to enter the banquet. Janet and Susan are walking ahead of their husbands. They all look fabulous. Janet is sporting her new dress and Susan is elegant in a deep pink number. Janet is saying how excited she is and Susan lets her know that she feels kind of out of place. Janet retorts, "Susan, you just have to keep an open mind, give them a chance, you know, like you're always telling me to do with Trina?" Bruce's associate "Morano", donned in a green jacket greets them as they enter the ballroom. He's the same guys that started the "Bang Melinda Pool". They are all introduced and Morano extends his hand to Roger, "Hey, remind me again of what it is you do Rog." Roger, freshly fired, doesn't quite know how to answer. Luckily, smiling Janet answers for him, "Roger's the Sales Manager at Mutual of Omaha" Just then, Rita grandly enters the foyer exclaiming with outstretched arms "Janet, there you are. I want you with me setting up the auction." She then thanks Mr. Murano for auctioneering "again this year", and tells Susan she has been appointed to collect the checks for said auction. Janet is again overjoyed, Susan is perturbed, and Bruce can't hide his distaste with Morano for his excellence in brown-nosing, so he takes this opportunity to try his hand at this 'lost art'. He is not as proficient as others, but it seems to have worked. Rita replies, "I'll be sure to pass that along to Mr. Pierce. Ladies, follow me" Bruce turns to the chauvinistic Morano and confronts his brown-nose face to face. He starts to walk to the bar, Bruce follows and motions for Roger to come along. Morano defends himself by saying, "Hey, if you wanna get in good with the boss, you gotta get in good with the bosses wife. You got Susan playing for team Miller. With a woman handling the checks, no wonder it's non-profit." The men notice Melinda standing at the bar. Morano says, "Speaking of women and profit..." And with a swig of his cocktail he saunters off to the pretty red-read, two in tow.
Old Blue Eyes
The Deckers enter the bar at the same time. Trina is telling Tom how her mom used to drag her to crap like this when she was younger. Tom sees Luke not to far ahead. "I feel like I'm 16 again." Tom replies, "With your high school boyfriend here to complete the trip." The two approach Luke awaiting them in the ballroom. They all exchange comments about past appearances and Luke extends his hand and asks Trina to dance, he looks at Tom and says, "With your permission of course." Tom grants permission and watches at the two previous sweethearts dance and laugh away to Old Blue Eyes.
Meanwhile, Susan and Janet are approached by Rita and her entourage and formally invited to join the Auxiliary. Janet has to literally keep herself from jumping for joy and Susan quickly tries to look pleased while searching for the perfect words of rejection. Just then their husbands walk up and Janet shares the good news. The men are very excited for their wives and Bruce says to Susan, "That's Terrific Honey." Then Susan starts with her I know BUT's... and before she can officially decline their invite Bruce whisks his wife away before any further damage is done. As they walk away Bruce asks, "What are you doing Susan? This is a big opportunity for you." to which her firm reply is "I think you mean for YOU." He says, "For Us." and they begin arguing. She claims she is nothing like the other ladies and that Rita couldn't even find the Children's Hospital on the map. Bruce asks her about their decision to keep all options on the table and she doesn't see how that pertains. She says, "That's different." Bruce replies with his own question, "Why, because it's something I want?" Susan states he's not being fair and He argues "Well maybe we should go over the rules one more time." She gives him that look and he caves. "I'll go start damage control."
Schools Out For Summer
Laurie goes to the school to see her teacher and she confronts him about what happened in class. She starts on her tangent and Doug moves closer to remind her that school’s out and he's not her teacher anymore. Cutting to the chase, they begin making out... seriously. Lemme mention, they are still on campus and it’s dark outside. That could NEVER happen nowadays.
Don't Rock The Boat
Susan and Bruce’s associate Melinda are in the restroom reapplying their lipstick. They introduce themselves and realize Melinda works with Susan's husband. She never realized that they had female traders at his company. They speak about the issues Melinda has to work through having to work with all men, groping and flirting and all. Melinda has found a work philosophy that works for her and Susan is intrigued by Melinda's attitude and questions how having to compromise herself makes her feel. Her answer is a good one, "They make it hard for me to do my job, I do what I can to make it easier" She continues, "I may lie every now and then, but I'm still being true to myself. I know who I am."
Trina and Luke are still dancing the night away. Janet is standing at the edge of the dance floor but she is really on top of the world. Tom finds her and they discuss the party and Trina’s dancing abilities. Tom asks Janet to dance and she only hesitated for a moment.
Susan and Melinda exit the restroom and they say how nice it was to talk. Morano comes and swoops Melinda away. Bruce approaches his wife and is surprised that she befriended "a lowly runner" and question's his wife’s priorities. Bruce reveals that there is an office bet on who will bed her first. Susan argues that the bet should make the men look bad, not Melinda. She asks him if he is participating in the bet or if he even warned Melinda about it. His lack of words disgust her and she walks away.
Going Once, Going Twice
Morano is at the podium emceeing the auction. Susan finds her friend on the front line wielding a number paddle. She tells Janet that she doesn't want to join the auxiliary, worried that her friend will be offended. Janet clears that all up by saying, "They want me whether you're part of the package or not." She is distracted by the auction and gets caught up in the moment. Roger is in the back of the crowded room. He witnesses Janet win a dinner for two at the country club with a bid of $100.
Here and Now
Trina and Luke are strolling thru the foyer. Luke asks her if she wished they had ended up together as much as he does. She answers that she "likes to live in the here and now." He takes this opportunity to go in for the kill. He says "Right here is good, right now." and leans in for a kiss. She kisses him back. He really wants to make out and Trina stops him, "Easy Tiger." His reply is, "Tom doesn't have to know." She explains that in fact he does and that they have an open marriage, they don't cheat. Tom walks up and slips his arm around his wife. He looks at Luke and says, "My wife and I are a package deal." Luke has a confused look on his face and we cut to commercial.
Winding Down…
Bruce finds Melinda at the bar. He decides to inform her about the bet. She already knows about it. She divulges that Morano just won. Bruce literally thinks they did IT here at the party. She explains that she agreed to say she slept with Morano and they split the pot. She was pleased to find out that Bruce didn't have any money on the bet, "I knew you were one of the good ones."
Susan is descending the grand stairs and Roger meets her at the base. He explains that he needs to get the check back from Janet’s $100 bid. She is confused. He elaborates that he lost his job and that Janet does not know. He explains that he was actually happy about it because he realized that he was miserable selling insurance because you had to scare people into buying it. She supports him in his decision to let Janet enjoy her big night and goes off to retrieve the check.
Tom and Trina are in bed making out. Wait... She turns around and kisses Luke while Tom is kissing her shoulder. They are all naked. (Wow CBS!) Tom smoothly says he'll be right back and excuses himself.
Roger is sitting in the ballroom watching his wife have the time of her life. Susan finds him and gives him the check back. She presented him with the certificate that Janet bided for, claiming that she owed Janet lunch anyway. Roger didn't want to accept it, but understood that Janet would never know about him having to ask for the check back. Bruce comes to claim his wife and they leave. Roger continues to admire Janet laughing with her new friends.
As Bruce and Susan are making their way out, Rita passes by, waves her champagne glass and exclaims, "Bye Susan! I'll see you next week at the hospital!" Bruce is astonished that his wife changed her mind, saying, "I thought the ladies auxiliary wasn't right for you." She leans into her husband and replies, "Maybe I can make it right, until then I can fake it." And then they kiss. Awww.
Do You Wanna Dance?
Tom is lounging in his shorts on the couch as Trina walks out tying her robe. He says he's gonna' "Sit this one out." She sits down next to him and he explains his feelings. How Luke will always have her childhood, parts of her that Tom will never get. He asks her if she wished she had ended up with Luke instead. Trina gushes, grabs Toms face in her hands and says, "I'm telling him to go." Tom pauses, kisses her and tells her not to. Then he takes her by the hand back to the bedroom where Luke is waiting.
Laurie is still in the classroom with Doug, making out of course. Janet is gluing all her new items from the big night into her scrapbook, with Roger looking on from the doorway. Tom, Trina and Luke are tangled up in satin sheets by candlelight. (GO GO CBS!)
Susan is staring at her mosaic of wallpaper samples and Bruce strolls in, "Are you coming to bed?" Smiling, she says, "Just a second." He puts his arm around her and she finally picks out the wallpaper she wants. Bruce asks, "Are you sure?" She confidently answers, "I’m Sure" and they walk arm in arm to the stairs. Personally, that was some ugly damn wallpaper. I do remember those wallpaper books from my childhood. I just don’t remember my mom having so much trouble picking one out. Of course I didn’t give her a hard time like Laurie did.
It seems to me that these friends are learning a lot about each other, things that they never had an opportunity to realize before. We learn a lot about ourselves through each decision we make and every experience we have.