Episode Report Card Kim: A | 1 USERS: A+ YOU GRADE IT The Graduate
By Kim | Season 4 | Episode 17 | Aired on 04.23.2002
Ben walks in, interrupting the nice moment. He seems very subdued. Felicity gives him a big hug and asks how it went. Ben says that it was good, but it's hard to explain. He seems very preoccupied. Noel says congratulations to Ben, who thanks him, thinking it's about the baby. Noel clarifies that he was talking about the engagement, and Ben distractedly says thanks again. Felicity smiles and asks if the baby has a name. Ben says that the baby's name is Andrew. Felicity remembers that it's his father's name, and Ben agrees. Felicity looks kind of awed, as if it just now hit her that Ben has a son, a new member of his family.
Ben and Felicity lie in bed as the camera does a long, slow pan up their prone bodies. Felicity asks Ben if he wants to talk about it. Ben is silent. Felicity says, "You just seem a little...I mean, it must have been overwhelming." Ben says that it was, and that "this baby...Andrew...he's such a little guy. I mean, you should see his hands. His hands are like this big. Tiny. And they look like my hands." Ben stares at his hand and Felicity looks worried. She asks when Ben will see him again. Ben says that Lauren will call when she gets to Arizona. Felicity confirms that Lauren is still going to Arizona. Ben says yes, then pauses, and then admits that it was hard for him to leave his son, and he didn't think it would be. Felicity smiles sadly and then says that Ben wants to move to Arizona. Ben talks quickly, now that his thoughts have been voiced. He says he was thinking while he was on the train, and that Felicity could do anything there, but seeing that baby and knowing that he would be three thousand miles away...Ben trails off. Felicity says that she understands. Ben promises that it would still be the two of them starting out together. Felicity adds, falsely bright, "In Arizona."
Felicity sits on the floor in the bathroom, putting items into boxes. Noel walks in and says hello. He hands her a gift, and wishes her a happy graduation. She takes the gift with glee and opens it. It's a book called Architecture of New York. Felicity gives a somewhat bitter sigh, since she knows that she probably won't actually be working with the architecture in New York, and Noel mistakes this for a sign that she doesn't like the gift. Felicity assures him that's not the case, gives him a big hug, and thanks him. Felicity explains that her reaction had nothing to do with the book, and then reveals that Ben asked her to go to Arizona with him. Noel sits down. Felicity explains that Andrew will be in Arizona, and Ben wants to be with his son, of course. Noel adds, "But you don't want to go." Felicity says that when your parents give you their opinion, "somehow it just resonates longer and louder than everything else." So true. I can't buy anything without thinking of my mother telling me I'm wasting my money. But that's my issue. Noel tells Felicity not to do this to herself. Felicity tells Noel what her father said about four years of following Ben being enough. Noel is outraged that her father said that when Felicity said she was getting married. Felicity corrects him, saying that her father said that, and it made Felicity tell him they were getting married. Noel is a bit less outraged, but he tells Felicity, "If it's meant to be, it'll be." Felicity thinks that means it will never be. Noel disagrees. Then he tells her that he's going to be selfish for a minute, because they are friends and have a history together. Noel pleads, "Don't move to Arizona." Another shout-out to long-time fans; this echoes when Noel told Felicity, "Stay in New York or perish" in the pilot. Felicity laughs. Noel says that he's not being completely serious, but points out that all of her friends are there, and wonders how she can't be in New York next year. Felicity agrees and sighs.
Noel talks to someone on the phone and asks, "When you say 'downsizing,' just how far down are you sizing?" Sean walks in and Noel gives him a "wait a minute" gesture. Noel ends the call with no job offer and tells Sean that he hasn't had any luck finding them a job. Noel starts to offer up more possibilities, but Sean interrupts to say that he got a job. Noel is all excited until Sean explains sheepishly that it's a job for him alone. Sean explains that he'll be working with Meghan's dad. Noel thought Sean would kill himself before working with Mr. Rotundi. Sean tries to enthusiastically explain his duties, which will include following around an elevator inspector. Noel's not buying it, and he just softly says, "Sean." Sean says that it's a great opportunity for Noel, because he heard about a job where they only have one opening. Noel says Sean is right, but he's sad because they were a team and banged fists. Sean insists that they are still a team, and they're just doing what it takes to stay alive. Once they get settled, they'll mount a comeback. Noel agrees, saying that it's okay as long as they know it's just temporary. Sean tells Noel to think positive, and they bang fists again, sadly. But they both seem to know that the team is over. Noel watches Sean walk out. I have to say that in addition to some good direction, Scott Foley is doing a great job acting in this episode.