“I Thought You Were Special”

When I was younger, I loved snow (now not as much, but it's still exciting when the first one of the season is approaching, though that's still way off in the distant future right now) and there were few times more fun than when the weathermen would predict a heavy snowstorm was on the way.

But then, more than every so often, just as a storm was just about to approach, they'd pull the rug out from under me (and any other kid looking forward to a snow day) and say “sorry, it's not going to happen after all”.

At this point you may be asking, what does this have to do with tonight's “Sex, Lies & Kickball” with its potentially major Alex story?

Well, if you haven't seen it already, take a look at the promo commercial for it – do you feel that rug coming out from under you:



Obviously the first thing about it is there's no mention of Alex, let alone one hinting at a serious “very special” story. But that's not a deal breaker in and of itself, and there's a much bigger possible concern.

The scene at the end of Claire and Phil getting intimate (and in a funny way) makes me wonder if we're not looking at another “Baby On Board” scenario, where what seems to be a big Alex story (Alex going to prom with Michael) morphs into a different story early on (Phil and Claire worrying about Haley's lack of direction and disinterest in going to prom herself), leaving Alex off to the side (she disappeared after 10 minutes that night without even one scene with her at the prom).

Is there something about Alex trying to shed her good girl image that triggers Claire into trying to create new sparks with Phil, and will that be the dominant part of the story?

That is now the worst case scenario – it will be a major disappointment if it comes to pass.

It will all depend on when that scene appears tonight – if it's at the beginning of the episode, no harm, no foul (and it could even get intriguing if Alex walks in on them again). But the longer it takes to show up (especially if we stop seeing Alex)...

So let's take a look at the revised snowfall map what that now means for what I expect for tonight – all of the following were going to be extremely high, until:

Anticipation Level: High. Even in the worst case scenario, we still will probably see more from Alex tonight than we will in the near (and not-so-near) future. So, yes, I am still looking forward to it, albeit with at least a hint of dread (more on that in a moment).

Emotional Moment Potential: Medium to High. There's still a chance of a blowup with Claire and/or a painful breakup with Ben, although his presence in next week's episode diminishes that possibility. I just don't feel it's super likely now.

Game Changing Potential: Very High. Alex has been an adult for almost two years now (and she's always been a lot more mature than her years), but tonight just feels like it could be her statement episode that's she all grown up. Exciting? Yes. But am I dreading it a little? Yes. There is a fair-sized part of me that wants Alex to always be that adorable little brainiac she's been since the beginning, even though it is well past her time to come out of the cocoon.

And I really don't want to see Alex turn into Haley v.2.0¹. I'm hoping any change will be far subtler than that.

Are There Any Other Questions? Is a game of kickball more or less spirited than a game of dodge ball? OK, that has nothing to do with Alex, but I felt I needed something for this section for once (I'm thinking of dropping it).
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¹ I'm talking mostly about younger Haley – she's still had her moments the past few seasons but she is a much nicer person than she used to be.