We have arrived at Season Three and this opening episode does not disappoint.  The Season Two finale closed one door, and opened a few more.  Ted and Emmett work out the kinks in their budding relationship.  Circumstances prompt Michael and Ben to take the next step in their relationship.  Justin wakes up in Ethan's bed, and Brian feels his absence from the loft more than Ken expected.  This episode also brings us Mad Dog Kinney and the right-hook felt 'round the Avenue.  Fair warning, we are not happy with Michael in this episode.

Before we jump into Season 3, we are taking some time to check our mail.  In this episode, we're answering your questions and arguing over Brokeback Mountain.  We also talk about some of our firsts, intrusive small-town thinking, and share our individual quirks.  Listen if you dare to hear more than you ever cared to know about Ken and E'Shel.

Season Two has been a wild ride and we expected nothing less from this finale!  Ben is considering a long stint in Tibet.  Ted thinks he's found his new love, and our favorite meddling mamas encourage him to shoot his shot.  Michael and Justin prep for the release of RAGE, but the blurred lines between their personal and professional lives are causing some issues.  (Ken and E'Shel are wearing matching SNITCHES GET STITCHES shirts).  Brian and Justin face an emotional reckoning, and someone should go check on E'Shel because she's probably still not okay.  We had a LOT to say about this episode, but stick with us 'til the end!  PLEASE!!

It's the penultimate episode of Season 2 and things are brewing!  Too much of a good thing has turned out to be a very bad thing for Poor Ted.  Debbie and Carl's date leads to a bowling match between her crew and his.  Melanie and Lindsay finally have to address the Leda of it all!  Michael witnesses some VERY PUBLIC PDA between Justin and Ethan, and Brian is starting to get the picture.  Michael, Ken and E'Shel need to have a word with you after class!

Okay, so listen.   No, really, listen.  You gotta listen to this episode the whole way through because, yeah.  Just because.  This one is packed with some tough stuff.  Also, you gotta give Ken some space and time.  He gets there.  Meanwhile, Emmett is having to choose between truth and trillions (fine, millions).  Ben has a health scare that tests Michael's strength. Justin and Brian are not in a great place and E'Shel is not okay, alright!  Ethan insists on continuing to exist and occupy the same space as Justin.  We think we can do this.  Maybe.

Emmett inherits some of George’s millions.  Leda steps in to help Melanie and Lindsay fight off a severe case of Lesbian Bed Death.  A major shift at Brian’s firm causes him to cancel his vacation plans with Justin.  E’Shel doesn’t want Justin and Michael left alone together, and Ken thinks Leda is a sneaky, but very sexy snake.

Emmett is lifting himself from the Valley of the Dulls with showtunes and party planning.  Ted meets a guy in church, but Ted's 'relief work' is a little too much for him to handle.  Ben and Justin are the birthday boys in this episode, and Michael and Brian each have a very different approach for celebrating.  Or not celebrating.  Ken's voice lasted just long enough for us to spill all the wonderful tea about a pair of pushy lesbians and a certain violin player.

FULL DISCLOSURE:  No fires occurred during the recording of this episode.  Feel free to ignore the beeping smoke detector trying to take over our recording session.  Super rude!!

There is a lot to unpack in this episode! Emmett has planned a lovely speech for George's memorial service, but Evil Virgnia will not allow him to speak.  Lindsay wants to renovate their attic space without Leda's help, thank you very much! Michael and Justin put their heads together and RAGE is born.  Brian is introduced to a little something called jealousy.  Ken thinks it looks good on him.  This one is full of deep-dives, side-eyes, and ridiculousness.  We have no regrets!!

There aren't enough exclamation points in the world for this episode!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But first, TRIGGER WARNING: We discuss attempted sexual assault and non-consensual situations in this episode.

So, a lot happens!  Debbie has a date with the slightly un-friendly neighborhood detective.  George and Emmett set off on an adventure of a lifetime.  Justin's job is demanding more of his time and character, causing Brian to straddle the line between parent and partner.   We started a few conversations in this episode that we had to cut short, but we fully intend to revisit them! Stay tuned!

 

Melanie and Lindsay try to play the 'straights' game in the hope of getting Gus admitted to a prestigious preschool.  The legendary Divina Devore swings through Pittsburgh, and this queen brings the wigs and the tea!!!  Justin takes on a second job to make money to cover his tuition.  Ken, E'Shel, and Brian don't want to talk about it.

TRIGGER WARNING: We discuss dubious consent in the entertainment industry around minute 50:00, and the conversation continues until about minute 57:00.