Episode Report Card Niki: A | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT Booklovers
By Niki | Season 2 | Episode 2 | Aired on 10.30.2000
Cut to a television showing an old black-and-white film. I don't know which one, so don't even ask. Lily and Rick are watching it at Rick's place. Lily says that there's no way to justify her behavior, and she's just "in the wrong." She says it's as if "someone gave her a book on how to be in the wrong, and [she] followed the directions exactly." She glances at Rick and says, quite generously on his behalf, "You think I'm being too hard on myself." She waits for him to agree, but he remains silent. She looks surprised by this demonstration of backbone. I have to admit, I'm a little surprised myself. But pleasantly. Rick says, "I can still like you and think you were wrong." "I know," Lily answers, teary. "Sort of." Lily says she loves Judy, and she wants her to have a good life. "Just not too good," Rick suggests. He tells Lily it will be okay -- she'll call Judy in the morning and they'll make up like they always do. Lily isn't put totally at ease by this, though. Judy's forgiveness can't erase what she's just learned about herself.
Cut to Judy perched on the desk in the bookstore's back room and holding her head in her hands. Karen slips up to the door and tells Judy what a success the night has been: "People are definitely finding each other." "This was a terrible idea," Judy responds. Karen is surprised by her reaction. Judy wonders what is the point of helping other people find each other, while she's alone. Judy seems to be channeling Lily, saying she didn't think about it, she just jumped in, she has no idea what she's doing. Karen stops her and insists that she does know -- she just doesn't know that she knows. Judy confides in Karen that the man she's in love with is married. She proceeds to tell Karen some anecdote about munchkins from The Wizard of Oz that's about how rare and special it is to find someone truly like yourself, and that she'd found that in Mr. Married. And now he's gone. Karen insists that Judy come out into the store and witness for herself how successful the evening has been. Clips of people chatting, leaning in, smiling -- making a connection. Judy seems to realize what a great contribution she made tonight. Knowing that her work is done, Karen excuses herself, saying she should get home. Judy sets about cleaning up the plates and cups, smiling at everyone she passes.
Cut to Lily and Rick crawling into bed. Lily's feeling pity for all the people at the club, "trying desperately to read each other's minds, when all they really want is to be pulled down off the shelf and…" "Enjoyed," Rick says. They snuggle down for the night.