Season 5 number 3 I found the personal, DuBois side of this episode hauntingly familiar. Yet the A-story was nothing that I recognize. The beginning with the kids fighting and Allison being overly upset that “Joe” was eating a cupcake is real. I live the life of not always knowing the full reason of why my spouse has the emotional response that she has. The A-story was very interesting and downright fascinating. Allison does have visions when she shakes someone’s hand or meets them for the first time. She may even get a little compulsive when she is working writing a book, but I have not seen her be controlled by visions. She just does not have an addictive personality. When Allison is compelled to do something it is more likely to be study entomology or go on a spontaneous adventure in search or something or someone. Sometimes we will head out not knowing why, but as in the show it is clear in hindsight. This does get me thinking. Since Allison feels what another person feels, why is it that she does not get sucked into the compulsion? I think the answer is boundaries. Best. Joe

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Season 5 number 4 First and foremost I have to say that Allison has never been possessed. This is a second story in which she is not in control. She is very much in control of herself and I have always felt this is part of the reason she is whom she is. Some people have the ability to communicate with the dead, but they do not have the strength of personality to draw boundaries. This is something many people, psychic or otherwise, need to learn. Now this is not to say that I did not completely enjoy the show. I read the script before I watched the show so it is hard to say if I would have seen the twists. Let me know what you think. Geographically the references are all wrong, but don’t let that get in the way of a good story. Now for the B-story, Ariel learning to drive, I loved it. My oldest is 14 and one half so she is still a year from her learner’s permit, but the attitude was spot on! Sophia is a fantastic actress and I am always impressed when they give her the chance to shine. The little looks of disdain, yet the true desire to please. It is a real push pull of independence and security that is so true of teenagers. Many, many people ask what it is like to live in a house with people that can read your mind. I think you got a glimpse in this episode. “Ariel” was reading her dad’s mind because she wanted to please him. People sometimes think that reading someone’s mind is for nefarious intent. I find in my house it is more often a loving gesture. My family is not looking for my dark secrets. They probably already know them and accept me despite the fact. They are looking to be my family and love me faults and all. What is hard to see is “Joe” in the show always questioning and getting annoyed with “Allison”. I like to think that if Allison came to me with the same story of feeling that she had killed a man that I would not be so annoyed and try to attack her story with logic. Sandoval says “I don’t understand” a lot and “joe” says “just this once” when the logic attack is about to begin. It’s not to say that I don’t get annoyed sometimes. I am human. And a man. Best, Joe

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Season 5 number 5 This lets me answer the all time number one question I am asked. “Do you get enough sleep?” Yes I get enough sleep. I am not a big sleeper to start with, but now that I am forty I find I need more than before. As a side note I have been experimenting with B-vitamin supplements and they seem to really give me a lot of extra energy. I cannot take them after 3pm or I won’t go to sleep. Another great energizer is plain old motivation. If you have a reason to be awake, you will be awake. I digress. Allison does not get her messages in dreams when she is sleeping so I usually get a pretty good night sleep. The dream sequence in the show really helps with the story. Everyone can relate to a dream and the dream is revealed in stages that have to be figured out and are sometimes deceiving. This is much like how Allison really works, just not at night. The story really raised a good question as to whether justice was served and what is “Allison’s” moral, ethical and legal obligation in the story. You decide. Best, Joe

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something is being hidden. I have not been so aggressively approached, but given what Allison can do I don't have to be for it to affect her. Imagine going to one of Allison's book signings and having women ask me for my autograph on Allison's book!

I do like Miguel Ferrer's performance as twins. He was convincing as both cunning and devious Joey as well as sweet and kind and slightly mentally handicapped Teddy. In the end, we had to decide what was the ethical right and just punishment.

The photography involved with casting a single actor to play twins was very cool. One scene in particular was really great. Miguel handed himself a beer! In the same scene, one twin cast a shadow on the other yet they were played by the same actor. Bravo.

Remember to watch the season finale next week.

Best,
Joe

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