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Post by BJo on Apr 2, 2015 14:14:46 GMT
Hi Everyone, Learjet created a wonderfully funny post about Ms. Francine Desmond over at JWWM. Go check it out when you need some comic relief! Unless of course, you love Francine, and your heart would weep at the thought of making fun of her outfits and jewelry.... I'll admit that I am a bit of a Francine fan. She has some of the best zingers in the series, albeit at Amanda's expense (but they are funny, you have to admit  ), and we do get brief glimpses of her human heart as we get through the first three seasons. In season 4 we get to see even more of what makes Francine, well, Francine. I like how they gave us more of Francine when KJ couldn't be in the show. Since JWWM doesn't get ahead of the walk, if anyone wants to discuss Francine in later S3 eps or in S4, here is a place to do that. Is there anyone out there with something nice to say about Francine? What are her strengths? Weaknesses? Anyone jealous of her? She did get to play backgammon with Lee, afterall. I think I like Francine best in LOTParty and AMOChoice, but I also enjoy her in WNumber, PFKeeps, NCrawler, and SGABNBag (she's a rare bright spot in that ep for me). What are your favorite Francine moments? Zingers she gives? Zingers she gets? |
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Post by Khell on Apr 2, 2015 15:47:44 GMT
Hey, you kinda listed all my favourite Francine episodes! Although I'm kinda on the fence about "A Matter of Choice". I like that it really centers on Francine and that it's all about her. On the other hand - there's Jonathan Stone. Now, that guy maybe really does have his merits. The way he's portayed in that episode, though, I just can't see anything about him that would help me suspend my disbelief to a point where I'd be ready to buy that Francine really was in love with him. The things that I'm holding against him are that - well, he's not exactly the brightest light in the chandelier, is he? And also, I think he should have gone to Francine and told her someone was suspecting her of being a traitor. If he really loved her as much as he claimed, that's what he should have done, no matter what Brody told him. Or maybe, instead of going along with Brody's plan, he could have watched her for a while to see if there was any behaviour that seemed suspicious. On the other hand, in "A Matter of Choice", you got that GREAT scene where Francine breaks out of that crate Brody put her in and finally SHOWS us she's indeed a trained professional and that Billy probably doesn't exaggerate when he counts her among their best agents. Too bad we don't get to see more of that ... I also like how Francine's attitude towards Amanda changes over time. Take the two Christmas episodes in direct comparison: How Francine reacts to Amanda in "The Long Christmas Eve" and how she reacts to her in "Santa's Got A Brand New Bag" - quite a difference, huh? (Though I guess in the latter episode she might have had some ulterior motive, like trying to get away from Beaman maybe? XD) Ok, so the main point of this post - and sorry for writing a whole essay! *lol* - what do I like most about Francine? First of all, I like how she can take care of herself. Yah, right, so she does get into her share of trouble but basically, she comes across as a very independent kind of person. Also - she might like to moan and complain about stuff and snark at you at every occasion and behave like a diva now and then but when her friends need her, she's there, like in "Nightcrawler" and "Bad Timing" - and she doesn't seem to care all too much about the consequences (like possibly losing her job or maybe worse). That's probably what I like most about her. My impression is that it's not easy to become friends with Francine Desmond but once she considers you a friend, it's friends for life (actually much like it's here in Germany, or so I keep hearing - it's kinda difficult to get to know us Germans but when you've managed to make a friend of us, it's friends to the end.  ). Maybe I'll write something about Francine for the Just Walk With Me Blog once all episodes are done there - because it's really difficult to paint a complete picture of her character when you can't mention anything in later season 3 and season 4. Another episode I consider a "milestone episode" in regards to Francine, for example, is "Fast Food for Thought" (probably my one favourite episode, all due to the freezer scenes). I always had the impression that, after that episode, Francine was really trying to get along with Amanda and that seems to continue all through season 4. |
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laura
Junior Member
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Post by laura on Apr 2, 2015 15:53:18 GMT
I came late to the party with my first partial episode being Fast Food For Thought. I got to see Francine's vulnerable side while she was in the freezer with Amanda. So I do like her. She is so much like Lee. They both worked very hard to hide their emotions. She may throw out the barbs; yet, she is ferociously loyal to Lee, Billy, and the Agency. I think Amanda was very much an enigma to her. I also believe that Amanda eventually gained her admiration and loyalty.
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Post by learjet on Apr 3, 2015 0:04:24 GMT
I thnk you saw one of the best Francine episodes first, laura ! I love the fact that Francine loves chocolate! Because I love choc too and I distrust anyone who doesn't . I'm also a bit suspicious of people who only eat one block at a time (why stop there???) I guess what appeals Francine is that she's very human. Much as I like Amanda and admire how she goes out there, gets a career and develops herself, she's a little bit perfect for me (sorry, everyone). Popular, beautiful, loved by everyone, helpful and self-sacrificing. She's that person that I really can't dislike - in fact I like a lot - but makes me feel just a tad inadequate and like a  Now Francine actually shows signs of inperfection (sometimes to a ridiculous extent, but hey this is TV), she works hard and gets jealous. Her relationships are a mess etc etc. |
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Post by BJo on Apr 3, 2015 1:27:26 GMT
Maybe I'll write something about Francine for the Just Walk With Me Blog once all episodes are done there - because it's really difficult to paint a complete picture of her character when you can't mention anything in later season 3 and season 4. Another episode I consider a "milestone episode" in regards to Francine, for example, is "Fast Food for Thought" (probably my one favourite episode, all due to the freezer scenes). I always had the impression that, after that episode, Francine was really trying to get along with Amanda and that seems to continue all through season 4. Loved your "essay", khell! I agree with you on Jonathan Stone - he doesn't seem like Francine's type. But maybe she's grown and changed a lot since then? And you never can explain why someone is attracted to someone else can you? She must find him irresistible in some way we can't see or relate to. I do love it when she breaks out of that crate though. I love her strength - by today's standards she doesn't come across as strong to me, but for the times, I think she was portrayed as strong. In SGABNBag, I loved her bar scene where she totally dupes those two young guys into giving up all that info. And I love what Lee says about her being able to bag a Bulgarian agent in 10 minutes or whatever it is that he says. He clearly admires and respects her. I think that's cool that he shares that with Amanda and it shows maturity on his part. I like how she takes care of herself and is independent too. I think that is what I relate to most about her. The way you describe her makes me think I am waaay more like her than Amanda. I love that she puts it on the line and plays Magda again in Nightcrawler. I think she does it for Lee and Amanda,although I'm not sure she'd easily admit the Amanda part. I like FFFThought too, but I soooo wish she hadn't interrupted Lee and Amanda's little scene - twice - in the hotel room! Although her zinger to Lee - something like, my, my, my - how things have changed, Scarecrow - is a great one. I think she is maybe just having "fun" with them that whole first half of that episode. Oooh! Please write something for the blog once we've walked through S4 - that would be awesome! I feel like you could represent Francine in a way like no one else could! |
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Post by BJo on Apr 3, 2015 1:35:03 GMT
I think Amanda was very much an enigma to her. I think you are correct, laura!! I think Francine has NO idea whatsoever about who Amanda really is and what her life is all about. You post made me think of me and my older sister. She got married young, had kids right away and was a stay-at-home mom. I was young, single, and a working professional with no kids. I remember wondering what the heck she did all day??? I even asked her that. When I asked her, she didn't act offended, even though I think she may have been at the time. I think the only reason she wasn't though was because she knew just how clueless I really was about the job of a mother with four young kids and I wasn't asking because I thought she was less than me. I think this must be a bit how Francine views Amanda. In no way does Francine relate to Amanda. Over time she does grow to respect and admire her, but it takes a long time. |
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Post by BJo on Apr 3, 2015 1:42:06 GMT
Because I love choc too and I distrust anyone who doesn't . I'm also a bit suspicious of people who only eat one block at a time (why stop there???) Great point, learjet!! Who does stop at just one block? It's funny what little things make us suspicious of people. I love chocolate too - wish I could eat it at every meal...in fact I've got a Cadbury Dairy Milk bar in my cupboard that's calling my name right now... I'm suspicious of "soft talkers". People who speak with a soft voice. Do you now what I mean? There's just something about someone who doesn't put a little more umph into their words.... It also doesn't help that the first "soft talker" I met (and happen to be related to by marriage  ) tells more lies than truths. And I have proof! |
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Post by valerie on Apr 4, 2015 5:48:02 GMT
Recently I've been doing a little binge watching of SMK and was going through season 3. I was watching The Eyes Have It and the person who seemed to try to calm Amanda first was Francine. She knew that Amanda was upset and took the time to explain what NEST meant and what they were trying to do for Lee. Francine seemed to understand exactly what Amanda need to hear and understood what Amanda had to be going through. However, that did not prevent her from throwing a few snarky comments later on. I just think the when the chips are down and you need help with something or support, Francine is going to be there no matter what. She even expressed how she knew how strong Amanda was in Mission of Gold when she was trying to show Lee some support. It's there, we just don't get to see it all the time.
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Post by learjet on Apr 6, 2015 8:17:22 GMT
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Post by jestress on Apr 6, 2015 18:34:23 GMT
iwsod has - kindly (??) dug up this image of "Tribal Martha". (Yes, that is how it is labelled!) Scary stuff from MS!   I offer this alternate image to "clear the palate" (or rather the retina!!) Well, the "tribal" image is proof of the kind of costume accessories that you can make with fake bones and twine (like I was talking about back around Halloween). |
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Post by Khell on Apr 6, 2015 21:29:22 GMT
Well, that "tribal perm" looks a lot nicer, imho, than the one they gave Francine in the show ... |
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Post by jestress on Apr 7, 2015 3:57:13 GMT
I was wondering this evening whether Francine knows that Amanda sews at least some of her own clothes. It's kind of a pity that she decided to wear the awful pink pajama outfit in front of Francine instead of her more impressive black dress that she made herself. Although Francine doesn't seem to think much of typical housewife skills, I think the ability to sew might be one that would impress her, especially if Amanda could help her design something original for herself . . . maybe even something that could allow her to cleverly conceal a weapon of some kind . . . Plot bunny anyone? ／(･.･)＼
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Post by Khell on Apr 7, 2015 9:07:08 GMT
Well, since Francine did drop that remark about "I think she knits or something" in "The First Time" - maybe Amanda should just knit her a cardigan with lots of hidden pockets ...  |
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Post by learjet on Apr 7, 2015 10:59:52 GMT
Well, the "tribal" image is proof of the kind of costume accessories that you can make with fake bones and twine (like I was talking about back around Halloween). I found some real bones on our family outing on Saturday - I think they were kangaroo bones - with some beautiful ribs and teeth which would make some authentic Halloween jewellery. My family was grossed out when I started identifying the different parts of the skull and facial bones . (Do you think they had one of those blowing machines on full blast to get MS's hair to stick up like that? ) |
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Post by jestress on Apr 8, 2015 5:14:30 GMT
Well, since Francine did drop that remark about "I think she knits or something" in "The First Time" - maybe Amanda should just knit her a cardigan with lots of hidden pockets ... That would be hilarious! Francine being grateful for Amanda's knitting skills. I'd still like to see Amanda teach Francine to sew, though. It could be a bonding moment between them. Francine would probably be clueless and clumsy about it at first, and Amanda would probably have to help her make her design work, but I think that the notion of creating a "Francine original" might appeal to her. Even if it wasn't perfect, it would still be better than some of the other stuff she wears, especially those ones that kind of make her look like a Galah. |
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), and we do get brief glimpses of her human heart as we get through the first three seasons. In season 4 we get to see even more of what makes Francine, well, Francine. I like how they gave us more of Francine when KJ couldn't be in the show. 
).
) tells more lies than truths. And I have proof! 
