We finally get some great face time with Grayson, learn more about Jane’s estranged parents Elaine and Henry, and discover that Deb didn’t know everything she thought she did about her fiancé.
Grayson has heard about Tony leaving for DC and offers to take her out to lunch. Jane is practically out the door but Terri insists she take a call from the ADA. Jane looks like she’s ready to kill until she hears her mom and in the slammer. And just how did she get that way? She got hot and took her shoes off to dip them into the mall fountain. When the rent-a-cop confronts her, Elaine assaults him. Although there isn’t alcohol in Elaine’s system to explain her behavior there is the presence of an antidepressant. And for good reason. After Elaine’s involuntary psych evaluation she’s diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Because Elaine has a rap sheet – her crimes include shoplifting, trespassing, and arson – and the only way to avoid more jail time is for the judge to release Elaine into Jane’s custody.
Let’s break here for a moment to discuss Rosie O’Donnell, who plays a recurring judge on the show. I can’t even remember the name of her character (I’ll look it up later - Judge Summers!) but I really enjoy her. I’ve been a fan for a while. I watched the Rosie O’Donnell show and loved her. I’ve never watched The View so I don’t know whether or not she was good there. But I heard the ratings went up during her tenure and I’m glad. She’s interesting and I’ve been missing her from my television. Ok, that’s enough of the love fest.
And it is clear that Elaine experiences a lot of manic states – she’s all over the place. Jane asks her father for help, which surprises Terry. Apparently they haven’t spoke for 10 years. I guess Jane was mad enough by her father’s infidelity to shut him out. But he’s glad she’s reaching out now and decides to show up at the doctor’s office. Elaine isn’t happy but there’s really nothing she can do.
When the doctor tells the court of his diagnosis, we find out that Elaine was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 15 years ago. The judge can’t believe Jane didn’t know about this but Elaine hit it from everyone. In fact, it’s the first time she’s even been able to say “bipolar” out loud. She knows Henry never cheated on her but it was easier to blame him for the breakup of her family. The judge gives Elaine an ultimatum – it’s treatment or jail. Henry, still very much in love with his ex-wife, agrees to move back in with Elaine and help her. Case closed. Grayson’s case isn’t so easy and it’s got complications for Jane.
Joan Finer (Kellie Martin Life Goes On, who does not get enough screen time in my opinion) sneaks past reception to get a meeting with Grayson. She’s been turned down by every other lawyer she’s talked to do she really needs his help. She’s a teacher and she invested all her money with Max Adams, who was running a ponzi scheme. She wants her money back and she’s prepared to fight. No one – not Kim, not Jane, not Parker – realized how deeply invested Grayson is in this case. I mean, he’s so snappish. Not cute. But we find out that his parent’s marriage broke up after his father made bad investments. Jane is confused because his parent’s are still together. It turns out the man Grayson calls his father is his stepfather. Even worse, Deb never knew that.
Grayson only manages to keep his job (after being told multiple times by Parker to drop the case) because Parker’s impressed. The firm that represents Max Adams often sends business to Parker. Even though they weren’t happy Grayson stayed on the case they’re impressed with how Grayson won it. And I’m glad to say the trophy girlfriend ended up being more interesting then I thought she’d be. I thought she’d just be some ditzy chic who’s interested in nothing but money. But maybe she’s just a gold digger with a brain. Even though she did the right think in the end, I can’t see her as a good person. She’s protecting her investment.
And speaking of someone who might need protecting, let’s talk Fred. Wow. I know he doesn’t have much experience with women in the planet earth but I am surprised he messed up so royally. We all know his soul mate is Stacy. We all know she’s unavailable to him. I was happy to see him have a connection with someone else and even more excited to see where it would go. But let’s back up.
Once again, Fred is late to work. Kim is pissed but he’s distracted when he sees Parker emerge from her office. Then when Fred comments about the lipstick on his face, Fred’s earlier suspicions about those two are confirmed. Kim knows he’ll keep her secret but tells him to get a car. The only problem is that there’s no driving in heaven, so Fred can’t get a license. He enlists Terri to help him with driving lessons but gets pulled over by officer Jocelyn. She asks him out for drinks. Fred gets excited and even buys a new shirt. When she shows up to pick him up they don’t even make it out the door before Fred admits he’s in love with another woman. Suffice it to say there’s no date. Smooth Fred. Smooth. Now, if Fred were actually making a play for Stacy instead of pining after her I’d say good job. But until and unless he puts himself out there with Stacy he’s going to go through this life without his soul mate. I’d like to see him try to get her. I’m on board with any additional face time they want to give Stacy. She is hilarious.
But back to the serious stuff for a second. I think it’s very interesting that there is something Jane knows about Grayson that Deb never did. He isn’t the type to keep secrets – or at least we didn’t think he was – but this one is big. He should have told Deb. And Jane was right to be confused and surprised that he would keep a secret like this. Perhaps she’s questioning just how much she actually knew the man she was going to spend the rest of her life with.
And on that serious note, what did you think of this week’s episode? I liked that is was more serious this week with less laugh out loud moments. Stacy was funny though. She’s great comic relief.
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