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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on March 30, 2008, at 19:22:22
I just watched the last "In Treatment" and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or reactions to it. I think it is such an interesting and well done series. I'm so bummed that they aren't going to do a second season.
Best,
EE
Posted by Dinah on March 30, 2008, at 20:20:22
In reply to 'In Treatment', posted by Emily Elizabeth on March 30, 2008, at 19:22:22
They've definitely decided? I know the ratings weren't enormously high, but I thought they had paid for the second season of the Israeli show it was based on.
I found the end a bit frustrating, since it was impossible to tell from Paul's recounting what actually happened with Laura. But I guess that's pretty much like real therapy. All you really have is what the client chooses to reveal. And we already know that Paul's version of events often doesn't agree with that of independent observers.
Posted by Annierose on March 31, 2008, at 18:14:13
In reply to 'In Treatment', posted by Emily Elizabeth on March 30, 2008, at 19:22:22
Where did you hear that HBO wasn't doing a second season?
I really liked the series - as a whole. I was shocked at the last episode - especially when he went to her apartment and announced all these feelings towards her. It was almost funny when she asked, "Is it weird being inside a client's house?" And he almost too quickly corrects her, "You are not my patient." What planet was Paul's on? Or rather ... what part of his body is doing the thinking here?
However ... I loved the ending scene with Gina. I loved her last line, in response to Paul's question, "What am I going to do with the rest of my life?" (something like that) and she says, "We'll need to talk about that." And so it goes ...
My feelings towards the different clients ebbed and flowed. Sophie was the client I liked the best. I cried when she stood her ground with her father and I loved that Paul kept her space protected. I think Paul was at his best with her (most of the time).
The married couple irritated me in general. Yes, they needed a divorce because I couldn't stand either one of them most of the time.
I think Blair Underwood was superb as Alex. I don't know too many people like him ... are there people like that? ... so I didn't relate to him but I enjoyed listening to their sessions.
Gina and Paul's interactions were by far my favorite sessions. Sometimes I didn't like Paul when he was with Gina. He got mean. He pushed and pushed and pushed (that I can relate to!). I liked listening to their banter. I liked being a fly on the wall listening to two therapists talk.
I'm sad that the series is over and sadder that they are not doing a second season.
Posted by DAisym on March 31, 2008, at 20:18:16
In reply to Re: 'In Treatment', posted by Annierose on March 31, 2008, at 18:14:13
I agree with almost everything you said Annie. But I think Paul let Sophie walz out of therapy right when the hard work really begins. It is "easy" in some ways, to have your rage help you with a boundary. But it is so much harder to maintain it. Sophie needed to stay. (and yes, I know, it was a great way to end the season and it IS *just* a drama but still!)
My favorite part of the whole show was between Paul and Sophie. During one of her sessions she says something like, "time is up." And she sits there. And he sits there. And he smiles a little and he waits. And she is obviously gathering herself and fighting that urge to cry - so she sits there. And he waits. It is probably a good minute or more and there is silence. And then she gets up and goes - he walks her to the door, etc. But that long moment spoke volumes about the safety of a therapist's office when the world is a scary place.
OK - can you say "projection?"
I loved the interplay between Paul and Gina too. He was right some of the time - Gina was quick to interpret. But she really called him on stuff. I loved when she stood up for herself and talked about loving her husband. It reminded me of the judgements we make about whether someone should or shouldn't continue to love someone else based on the part we know about the relationship.
I'm not sure if I'm glad Paul had a panic attack. Does that mean he isn't still responsible for breaking ethics? Can you imagine the client fall out? You entice your therapist - get him to cross the line -- and then he can't perform or even stay in the same room with you - talk about screwing with someone's self imagine! How scary am I? Scary enough to freak out even your therapist! Ug.
I love this show. :)
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on March 31, 2008, at 20:58:16
In reply to Re: 'In Treatment', posted by DAisym on March 31, 2008, at 20:18:16
I heard it was not going to be picked up for another season from my mom. I think she heard it on The View. Barbara Walters apparently loves the show.
I agree with everything you guys are posting. I couldn't stand that couple either! And I loved the Gina sessions. She felt so therapisty to me. Really authentic. My favorite part in the series was also that part when she talked about loving her husband.
Such a good show!
best,
EE
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