It is to be expected and quite understandable that each of us responds differently to the symphony's leitmotifs ... their very essence and their varied presentations ... from the choice of instruments to the tempo and volume. Some like the soft and slower singing of the violins, while others might prefer the fast and furious beating of the drums. Some of us sigh in contentment at the light and airy tones from a magical flut e... while others melt from the heavier and darker notes from a somber cello. But through them all, the themes remain in tact and dancing in their various forms.

Such was my frame of mind when I watched and very much enjoyed the Friday and Monday scenes. I am actually surprised, because I had been one of those few (or many?) who weren't exactly thrilled when spoilers first trumpeted to us this tryst in the woods.

Friday's episode set the tone, and for me, it's part Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony. The first movement in the symphony takes the listener right into a pastoral setting, while Manny brings us to the fantasy forest -- where Danny turns Michelle's girl-hood dream into reality. It was airy, idyllic and held its own brand of charm. For me, the whole setting just exulted in its pure fantasy and fairy tale nature. And in my opinion, it fit well into several layers of the Manny canvas, not the least of which, is (what I think) the essence of the romance in their story -- their struggle to simply be Danny the man, and Michelle the woman ... thus, escape from all the strings and packages in their complex lives. Earlier posts from Betty, Tracee, myself and others have already touched on some of the other layers and metaphors, so I won't go into them again.

When it comes to the Monday love festival (and Friday's, too), I really was not sure what tempo to expect. I could rationalize all sorts of angles. And that probably weighs the most in why I am far from disappointed. Yes, it would have been nice to see them "unveil" each other (to some extent :-) ... but for some reason, I am still really happy even without that part. Maybe it is like the Pastoral again ... the composer gave me a finite number of notes, but did so in such a pictorial way that I can then close my eyes and just let the music seduce my senses and transport me into the world he set out to create.

I won't go into a lot of analysis on these scenes, for poster elle already did a wonderful commentary. I highly recommend her post as an anti-dote for many Manny-ac Monday ulcers. I very much agree with all her diagnosis about the important "meat" in their conversations, and the bull's eye hit on Danny and Michelle's characterization. Like elle, I also thought the writers and directing/camera crew put in a great deal of care and thought in the many references to Manny's past and portents for their future. While the Pastoral actually delivers a violent thunderstorm, the Manny scenes only foreshadow the significant conflicts down the road. But in each case, after the actual or threat of downpour, comes the joyful shepherd's song of thanks. A thanks for the present moments of sunshine and other bounties from nature.

Some have voiced concerns about the lack of heat and passion... Again, just different thermometers for each of us ... On Friday and Monday, I saw and felt their OOOMPH amidst all the sweetness and romance, and actually, I always do, no matter the tempo.

Speaking of sugary sweetness and romance ... Those who've actually read my rants know that I would certainly pop my blood veins (or to make it less painful, just turn off the music) if Danny were to remotely turn into a sappy soapie throbbie. But I also said I wouldn't mind our Danny being a romance hero on their trip to the honeymoon suite (for that is one of his many facets), especially if he retains some of his edge. Well, it is the honeymoon suite ... forest, whatever... and with all the metaphors and layered dialogue, my dark angel Danny was still there in measures. So I am singing with glee, not wailing in disgust.

But back to the tempo and my rationalization for it ... why did TPTB go for scenes that only exuded sweet and romantic, not heavy and demanding (like their previous scenes... e.g. post Mrs. Silva incident, kitchen dream, etc ...)? Well, I think we have to put all these scenes in context ... exactly where the characters are/were, with respect to each other and the whole canvas. Again, we have to remember that Fri/Mon -- their supposed "first" with each other, is still part of Danny giving Michelle her "fantasy." Somehow, in my humble opinion -- highly-charged and demanding don't exactly fall under a little girl's fairy tale dream.

With all that said, I am pretty sure that we will get some hot and heavy, fast and furious notes in the not so distant future. Hello, San Cristobel!

Melissa