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'Lipstick Jungle': Our hearts will go on
Watching Lipstick Jungle knowing it's just been canceled is akin to trying to save the Titanic from sinking using only a bucket: you know your actions are futile, but for some reason you simply can't help yourself from picking up that bucket (or remote, if you will) and fighting for however much time you have left.
Let's bail some water, shall we? The episode begins with Wendy at a job interview, talking about how she's going stir crazy at home. The company gives her the hard sell but even though Wendy says she is unhappy at home, she asks for the weekend to mull over the offer. She also makes the decision to keep the offer a secret from Nico and Victory for the immediate future.
Nico is dealing with a work situation of her own, as Griffin wants her to spend the weekend at a new media conference with him so she can help him face the "hostile bloggers." Hey! I resemble that remark. Also, how is it that "bloggers" isn't recognized by spell check? It's enough to make a girl feel like a second class citizen. Back to Nico, though, it's quite clear Griffin just wants her to be his conference wingwoman so they can do a little blogging of their own. Together. In bed. In case I wasn't clear.
Victory's career is completely on the right track this week, but her love life is in shambles. Still reeling from the information that Joe bought her an engagement ring, she starts the episode attempting to write him an apology letter. In the process, she spills the beans to Wendy and Nico that Joe was going to propose. They were already aware of these beans, though, and their attempt to cover their non-reactions is amusing. Wendy almost comes clean that they knew but Nico stops her, cementing this episode as the episode of many secrets. Wendy, to her credit, is determined to tell Victory the truth because "they don't lie to each other." To help Victory take her mind off Joe, Nico suggests a girls weekend at a B&B and spa upstate owned by her former boss.
When the ladies get to the B&B, the culture shock begins: no cell phones or alcohol allowed at this healthy retreat! Ha. Wendy and Nico fight about who will stay in a room with Victory because Nico doesn't want Wendy alone with Victory because she knows Wendy will spill the beans about Joe. After a healthy (and paltry) dinner of mostly vegetables, the ladies return to their rooms excited to find one piece of chocolate to split between the three of them. The rub? It isn't chocolate, but carob. That cements it. This place isn't a relaxing retreat, it's hell. Without the aid of alcohol, fattening food or chocolate to numb her pain, Victory finally starts to get angry at Joe for not even giving her an inkling he was going to propose and then shutting down on her when things didn't go his way. In the heat of the moment Nico (and not Wendy) is the one to reveal her and Wendy's complicit nature in the proposal. Victory is understandably upset and not receptive to Nico's explanations, mostly because they sound a lot like excuses and not a lot like apologies, which is very Nico.
Victory goes downstairs to drown her sorrows in carrot juice and meets cute waiter Bryce, who reveals he's not just a waiter but a "therapist," which Victory thinks means shrink but really means massage. He offers her some sound advice anyway and books her a massage for the next day, which is killing two birds with one stone if I ever saw it. Wendy and Nico come downstairs as well and actually apologize. At Victory's massage the next day, her therapist/waiter points out that the tension in her neck is centered right around the sections that control her eyes and her heart. Ouch! Did an anvil just fall on anyone else's head? Just me? Victory decides to ignore this anvil and forget the entire Joe debacle ever happened. Sure she will.
Nico, meanwhile, takes a stroll with the spa owner Maureen, her former boss. They talk about Kirby and how complicated the relationship is in light of their different ages and social strata. Nico's main question is how Maureen could go from being the "center of the universe" to pampering weekenders in the middle of nowhere, and Maureen assures her she was never the center of the universe and doesn't miss the city one bit. Kirby picks this moment to show up at the spa with beer, which officially makes Kirby the coolest boyfriend ever. He and Nico have a romantic picnic together and Nico starts to get stars in her eyes about the country vs. city life, and I really can't see Nico living the simple life in the middle of nowhere. Kirby and Nico then take their picnic to the next level and get it on in the great outdoors. Post-coitally, Nico reveals that she put in an offer for the land they just got biblical on, saying she wants a quiet place for them to come and get away from the chaos of the city. The issue? Kirby loves the chaos, seeing as he grew up in quiet and doesn't need it any more. Once again, Nico and Kirby aren't on the same page unless they're in bed.
Maureen is the guru of the week, as Wendy takes her opportunity to talk to her about her career. Mostly, Wendy wants to know if any friends gave her grief when she walked away from her career in the city. Hmm...who could Wendy be worried about judging her? Maureen says she should only take the job for herself and no one else, or else she won't be happy.
Victory apparently has a guru of her own this week, as she and the masseuse are drinking beer on the lawn. He's obviously only around to help Victory make the big decision about Joe, and I have no patience with these sorts of characters on TV shows, especially ones as bland as Bryce. Anyway. He kisses her and Victory realizes she would have said yes to Joe's proposal, saying "He's the one, he's always been the one." Victory then runs around the property screaming her revelation so loudly that Nico can hear her in her room. Hee. The next morning, Victory anxiously awaits a return call from Joe and eventually can't stand it any longer, convincing the ladies to leave for the city early.
In the process of saying goodbye, Maureen spills beans about Wendy's job offer (a job offer Nico already knew about because she was the one who recommended Wendy for the job). This awareness doesn't stop Nico from getting on Wendy's case for not being honest, which is totally hypocritical of Nico but so in keeping with her character that it doesn't even raise my eyebrows. I like Nico, but she definitely has her flaws, and being a bit hypocritical has always been one of them. During their fight Nico runs over a possum, and the following very funny exchange occurs:
Wendy: "You're not going to stop?"
Nico: "No, I'm not certified in possum CPR."
Wendy: "It really is Nico's world and we just live in it."
Victory: "Not if you're a possum."
Hee! I do love it when the ladies are snarky with each other. When they stop, they don't see a dead possum, but they do see a dead car because the car won't start up again. They peer under the hood like they know what's going on and just as they do Joe returns Victory's call and promises to come to their rescue.
When Joe shows up with two cars, Wendy and Nico get into one and Wendy goes right for the big guns, accusing Nico of not respecting her as much since she lost her job at Parador. Nico says she doesn't feel that way, she is just worried Wendy is abandoning their dream of running a company together. Wendy says that dream was long-forgotten, and Nico finally tells Wendy she won't judge her for not taking the job (a claim that Wendy doesn't believe). In the end, Nico assures Wendy that they won't let themselves drift apart if they have divergent life paths, and Wendy admits doesn't want the job. Aw, Nico. You should be happy. It will be much easier for you two to meet for your many lunches and daytime shopping trips and the like if Wendy isn't officially employed.
Back to the big guns, Victory and Joe. Joe agrees they need to talk, and Victory allows him to go first as she obviously wants him to lay it all on the line about the proposal and sweep her off her feet. Instead, Joe says he should have listened to her and never bought her business or tried to be her friend, because "he's not interested in those things from her." It sounds as if he might be gearing for a proposal, but instead gives her the business back, saying she's free and clear of him for good. He then leaves in the car he came in, leaving Victory completely broken down on the side of the road. At least he left her a car to ride home in, but it's still pretty harsh. I have to say, as much as I'm not sold on Victory and Joe as the big love story of this series, if this is the last thing to ever happen in their relationship that's going to be a bummer. At least Victory has her friends to cheer her up, and the episode ends where it should: with our three ladies, always there for each other and together in friendship.
Next week: Thanksgiving. (Don't tease us, NBC. Please actually show the episode.)
What did you guys think? Are you upset about the cancellation? Do you want a happy ending for Victory and Joe? What about Nico and Kirby? And what should Wendy's path be?
OK, so I TOTALLY love these women and their lives! They are my friends! I HATE it that NBC is cancelling this show! It wasnt even given a chance. WHY?! Will the networks NEVER learn?? "Men in Trees" was awesome. "Moonlight" was awesome. "Las Vegas", Great...come on... Listen to us!! "Lipstick Jungle" may not be the most awesome show on TV, but damn, it's GOOD!
SISSERS | Nov 14, 2008 9:36:14 PM | #I absolutely love Lipstick Jungle! It's such a great show for all ages. There's something in it for everyone. It's witty, smart and chic. I still plan on watching all of the episodes that they air.
I enjoyed the episode, I really like Victory and Joe together. However I'm waiting for them need to communicate better. I'm feeling indecisive about Nico and Kirby. I find Nico makes the decisions and Kirby is left to follow in her steps, and it's creating a huge strain for their relationship. In regards to Wendy I think she should take on her own projects. She's such a passionate person, when she has a vision or an idea she really believes in it and follows through. She could definitely make it on her own.
I'm going to miss this show SO MUCH!!!
Jungle Lover | Nov 14, 2008 9:44:15 PM | #Ah come on....it is such a great show. I love it and think woman relate. Can't we have just one??? How many CSI and Law and Order do we need? I love the woman and think they were on to something....
Linda | Nov 14, 2008 9:53:50 PM | #Who wouldn't love this show? I love everything about this show. It's like a guilty pleasure to watch rich, powerful, and successful women. Please reconsider canceling this show!
i just heard it today on jay leno's and i was like WHAT.. i love that show! sigh i'm goign to miss it...
Nataliya Khan | Nov 15, 2008 2:49:28 AM | #Why do they want to cancel this show? i don't understand. It is a great show, it is getting exciting every week. Wrong decision!
pelin | Nov 15, 2008 4:15:26 AM | #had to write this for everyone to see send lipstick to the below address in an effort to save lj nbc jeff zucker 30 rockerfeller plaza suite 2502-E ny, ny 10112 lets save our show
stacy | Nov 15, 2008 5:38:01 AM | #Great idea Stacy!!! Sending peanuts worked for Jerico. They got an extra season anyway! LET'S DO IT!!!!
SISSERS | Nov 15, 2008 6:59:01 AM | #I have mixed feelings about the LJ cancellation. I kind of expected it, but I do enjoy watching on Friday nights now. It's a good way to relax and have fun after a long work week for me when I am too tired to go out.
I think Joe and Victory need to learn to communicate. She is too much a ditz for my liking in the men department.
Nico and Kirby are doomed. The more they get to know each other, the more it becomes apparent that, asyou said, the bedtime is the only time they are in sync.
I was happy to have a Christine Ebersole sighting!!! She played Maureen, Nico's former boss. Love her. Grey Gardens emmy award for playing Edie and Big Edie in the first act. Nice to see her.
Terry | Nov 15, 2008 8:00:06 AM | #Correction. That's a Tony Award for best actress in a musical. Christine Ebersole. It's early in the day for me. :)
Terry | Nov 15, 2008 8:01:14 AM | #I absolutley love Lipstick Jungle I have'nt been so hooked on a TV show like this before.
Whatever you do don't cancel, bring on more episodes/seasons !!! Can't wait for more .
This show is perfect for all the ladies even my husband!
Joe & Victory must go on...
This show is awesome. I only recently started watching this show and have gone back to watch every missed episode now. I have finally found a show I look forward to watching each week and they decide to cancel it. Wish NBC would reconsider.
Irene | Nov 15, 2008 9:50:44 AM | #In fairness to Linda, how many "Sex and the City"'s do we need? The answer appears to be one, and that's the one with Sarah Jessica Parker (rumor has it they're talking about a second movie). Given the failures of LJ (the fast nationals for last night are in--3.58 million viewers) and "Cashmere Mafia", it's obvious SatC fans do not accept imitations.
JW | Nov 15, 2008 9:51:07 AM | #OK, I read that Brooke Shields made a statement asking viewers to watch LJ live because the way ratings come in can not capture the amount of people using DVR or other similar systems - are they stupid? In this day and age a HUGE percentage only watches TV in this way! I guarantee viewership is much higher than what the ratings show! Keep Lipstick Jungle!
Ashley | Nov 15, 2008 10:08:44 AM | #Sad to see it go. One of the few shows (chic-show) that I saw religiously with my wife.
LipstickJungleMan | Nov 15, 2008 2:05:15 PM | #What a shame to see this go! I love this show. Whats the matter, the US can't deal with a couple of strong women doing something for themselves
Booo for cancelling!!
Yvonne Quetel | Nov 15, 2008 4:26:31 PM | #I heard it's fate hasnt been decided yet people, therefore still got chance to save the show. Watch it on friday at 10 pm, keep support the show !!!!
Mike | Nov 16, 2008 4:23:39 AM | #I'm at the point where I'm scared to get invested in any show that isn't already a success becasue they take them away....first Moonlight, and now MOWE, and probably Dirty Sexy Money and Eli stone...yet shows like Fringe stay even though they are ridiculous and the characters silly. I just don't understand what people are looking for anymore and I'm sick and tired of giving a sh....about a show and the characters only to have them all dissapear.
Television should be more about quality like Brothers and Sisters and less about ratings like Fringe!!
I love Lipstick Jungle and will really miss it.....almost as much as I already miss Jim on Ghost Whisperer, another casualty of crappy writing decisions!!
Stacy,
Thank you for giving the fans of "Lipstick Jungle" a way to support the show.
I am heartbroken. What makes members of Nielsen ratings more important than people who are not part of the Nielsen (I'm sorry if anyone here is a member of Nielsen)? Are the non-Nielsen members invisible? Hey! NBC, why don't we count?
Why didn't Victory try harder to talk to Joe? The one good thing he did was giving her the business without having to pay him back.
It is unrealistic when Nico put a bid on some land, which didn't seem like it was for sale. It wasn't like Maureen mentioned for example, that her neighbor was moving and was selling their house and/or farm. I feel bad for Kirby, the reason he moved to New York was to leave that atmosphere.
I knew there was something fishy with the guy who was interviewing Wendy, but I ignored my suspicion. At least Wendy knew what it felt like when did that to Shane.
Wendy needs to start her own production company and not be mad at Nico for being friendly with Griffin. Nico can not give up all the hard work and the time she invested in "Bonfire" for Wendy.
Carly | Nov 16, 2008 11:14:47 AM | #Not Cancelled YET! Please watch Lipstick Jungle LIVE Friday 11/21 @ 9:00pm on every TV in your house and Tivo too. Give NBC the best revenge High Ratings! One last chance to save the show please spread the word. Tell everyone you know to help us save the Jungle! Ratings, Ratings, Ratings is what NBC wants. Please tune in and give NBC the spike in numbers it needs to keep the show!
Love Lipstick Jungle | Nov 16, 2008 11:44:55 AM | #I love this show. Bad mistake!!!Keep it on.
Karla Gallagher | Nov 16, 2008 4:00:55 PM | #I love this show. Bad mistake!!!Keep it on.
Karla Gallagher | Nov 16, 2008 4:00:59 PM | #totally bummed about the cancellation. It and How I met your mother are the only two shoes i enjoy watching. It totally took over my grey's vacancy (since grey's sucks now). Curse you NBC!!
bummed | Nov 16, 2008 6:37:24 PM | #ha.. i said shoes... shows obviously :)
bummed | Nov 16, 2008 6:37:47 PM | #Joe and Victory is a key to the show. I think if they continue on their struggles of communicating, but eventually finding each other! What happened to Victory speaking up or having her turn/ I would have changed that in the script! I think their relationship shows a sexual/business attraction to each other where they are having difficulty in expressing that to each other!
Boo Hoo!!!! NBC for canceling. Something besides Detective and Justice systems show to watch and you cancel it!
Natalie | Nov 16, 2008 7:03:13 PM | #
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