“You See Right Through (Me)” (“Kids These Days” Recap)

If the biggest question about tonight's episode (is Alex changing her image?) were a controversial sports play being reviewed, whatever was the original call would stand based on inconclusiveness.  In other words, I can't really say whether or not tonight was the start of a new Alex.

“The Lady In Red”

On “Live With Kelly and Ryan” yesterday, during Ariel's segment¹, they aired a short clip from the scene where Alex was trying out that red dress (in front of Claire and Gloria) we saw in the promo pictures.

The biggest takeaways from that scene for me were: 1) she is shopping for outfits (including for later at night) for something going on with Bill, and 2) Claire seems to be on board (and even leading the way) with Alex trying to dress herself more attractively for Bill.

So where does that leave us going into tonight's “Kids These Days”?  In a way, tonight is like seeing the part of the story of Alex and Gloria actually shopping for the dress we didn't see during “Come Fly With Me”, except everyone's nine years older and Claire is along for the ride.  And it's a lot different occasion and look than for going to some friend of Claire's wedding that Alex has never even heard of.  But I wouldn't mind if Alex said something about finally wanting to wear a dress for that cute boy (Bill).

But that's far from all:

"I'm Looking Forward To Looking Back On These Days" (First Trimester Recap)

I will say this about the first seven weeks this season - I'm not feeling as pessimistic about the rest of the season for Alex as I was this time last year.

No I'm not saying the first third of the season was great, but at least some good things did happen for her, and there is at least hope for things to happen during what still appear to be the final 15 episodes of the series.

"So Hold Your Head Up High, It's Your Time To Shine"

Hopefully you've enjoyed (or will enjoy) your Thanksgiving meal today (or at least had a good day if you're not in the U.S.A.).  And you're not reading this after a six hour turkey coma (yeah, I've said before that's mostly(?) fiction).

It turns out there's actually some news about Alex to discuss.

One of the next two episodes has been made a lot more interesting with the release of some promotional photos ("Kids These Days", "The Tree Of Strife").   But which one?  Well, if you're viewing this from the home page, you're going to have to go past "Read more" to find out...

(Or click the links, I guess...)

"All The Leaves Are Brown" (First Impressions - "The Tree Of Strife" - Season 10, Episode 9)

So now we know some of what is inside the "Thanksgiving to Christmas" episode sandwich, as the press release is out for the middle episode.

Nothing specific about Alex, again, but it could be at least a little bit interesting, as we get the followup to Dede's death last month.  Specifically, we find out what possessions she has left for her family.

I'll guess it's almost certain she won't leave Alex a lighter.  It's less certain but still more likely than not what she leaves her will be something eccentric.

But maybe it's nothing - what if Alex falls victim to being forgotten again as the middle child?   That would probably be the possibility that would be the most interesting, albeit the highly cruelest one.  Before Dede's death I wouldn't have thought Alex would have been too fazed by the possibility (because she had more of a connection with her other gramdmother), but after seeing her unexpectedly sadder reaction to losing her second grandparent maybe being ignored might hurt Alex more too.

I'll probably post something new on Thanksgiving - maybe the first third recap I promised earlier, maybe something else.

"Just Remember To Always Think Twice" (First Impressions - "Kids These Days" - Season 10, Episode 8, and "Stuck in a Moment" - Season 10 Christmas Episode)

There is a press release out for the next new episode in two weeks, and an early look (deep in an ABC-wide Christmas release) for the Christmas episode that airs two weeks later (December 12th).  No word yet on December 5th (I'm guessing new episode, but...).

They share one thing in common - Alex isn't mentioned in either of them.  I doubt she'll go missing for the Christmas episode, but I wouldn't be surprised if she doesn't show up in "Kids These Days" - right now it seems like each episode is either all or nothing for her.

I'll probably do some sort of recap of the first part of the season over next weekend, but don't cancel any plans waiting for it.

“And What I Taste Is Bittersweet“ (“Did The Chicken Cross The Road?” Recap)

As soon as the first act went to commercial, three words crossed my mind: “I jinxed it.”

“Are You Ready For A Real Career”

The title “Did The Chicken Cross The Road?” may not sound exciting, but with a probably huge Alex story on the cards (she's trying to get a coveted government job, but her family isn't helping, especially, albeit unwittingly, Phil and his past), tonight is going to be a very interesting night.

And, someone is going to find out they are pregnant.  It's probably not Alex (my earlier thought that it's a 90 percent chance it's Haley still stands), but, if..

"When I First Found Out, I Hurt All Over" ("Did The Chicken Cross The Road?" Promo)

There's a promo commercial out for this Wednesday's episode already, and Alex's story at least shows up for a change.  And that may not be all: