9 March 2005 "The Commencement" [SPOILERS]

[tvfan0101]

Meg's Graduation Speech
Thank you.

Fellow members of the Class of 66, I wanted to give a speech today about how our lives can be anything that they want to be. About how this future is now. But I cannot give that speech. Not anymore. I can't because there are still walls we have to tear down. There are still rivers we have to cross. The future is not something we can simply imagine, not something that simply arrives at our doorstep. The future is something that we have to fight for, and we have to fight with everthing that we have. We must fight the hatred and prejudice, not just in society, but in our own hearts. And until we win that battle, the future isn't now. Not even close. The future is just a distant dream.

Thank you, and congratulations.

So, the first new episode in far too long just finished, and I must say that I was a it blown away. I never expected Jack to resign and I never expected Meg and Sam to get so close to getting together. I did expect Uncle Pete to knock out the cops who attacked JJ, however.

My only complaint was that the episode seemed to have too much crammed into it. I would have preferred to see the Meg/Sam relationship get its own episode, rather than just be another subplot. While I think her dressing down by JJ was well-written, I would have liked to have seen more of Meg wrestling with things herself.

Overall, however, it was yet another great episode of American Dreams. In addition to the main plots with Meg/Sam, Jack resigning, Meg and Roxanne graduating, the episode had tons of other bits and pieces tucked away: JJ's astronaut dream was brought up again, Patty's perfect world came crashing down a bit, poor Uncle Pete's great relationship may be on the fritz, and Henry took some steps towards getting his life back in line.

A great hour of television. It will be a shame if the show does not return next season. There are many more stories to be told.

[PrettyinPink55]

Originally Posted by tvobscurities

So, the first new episode in far too long just finished, and I must say that I was a it blown away. I never expected Jack to resign and I never expected Meg and Sam to get so close to getting together. I did expect Uncle Pete to knock out the cops who attacked JJ, however.

My only complaint was that the episode seemed to have too much crammed into it. I would have preferred to see the Meg/Sam relationship get its own episode, rather than just be another subplot. While I think her dressing down by JJ was well-written, I would have liked to have seen more of Meg wrestling with things herself.

Overall, however, it was yet another great episode of American Dreams. In addition to the main plots with Meg/Sam, Jack resigning, Meg and Roxanne graduating, the episode had tons of other bits and pieces tucked away: JJ's astronaut dream was brought up again, Patty's perfect world came crashing down a bit, poor Uncle Pete's great relationship may be on the fritz, and Henry took some steps towards getting his life back in line.

A great hour of television. It will be a shame if the show does not return next season. There are many more stories to be told.

I couldn't agree with you more! Tonight's episode was perfect! I was heartbroken that Sam and Meg couldn't be together! That scene between the two of them was just so so so so so sad!
And Meg's speech was great! I'm glad she said what she said.
I was shocked when Jack resigned from City Council as well, and I also liked them bringing up JJ's dream of becoming an astronaut.

Like I said before...perfect!!!!! I too was blown away!

I agree, it would be a shame if they don't renew American Dreams, because like you said, there are many more stories to be told!

[KimB]

You're a good man Jack- for knowing when to step away from becoming a "politican". Meg giving the graduation speech- really lame idea. Its not that Meg isn't smart and capiable to do it- I think it should be the Validvictorian (sp?). I guess they had to have one of the stars of the series be the star of the graduation. I was also disappointed with that stupid idea of having the Monkees at the Vinyl Crocodle. I am a big fan of theirs but thought this wscene wasn't needed. I always kinda looked over nit picking things that occur on the show (things out of historical order) but this whole scene was dumb and I don't quite get the reason why.

What do ther's think?
Kim

[Great8]

I love how this show doesn't always present the "happy" ending. If this was a different show, maybe JJ would've told Meg to go for it with Sam, because that's the PC thing to say. But that's not what the reality would have been 40 years ago. It was real that JJ said he wouldn't accept Meg with Sam, and neither would Jack and Helen. It's sad, and let's be honest-- there are plenty of people who would have the same feelings today.

It's such a great show, and I hope the ratings reflect that tonight.

[PrettyinPink55]

Originally Posted by Great8

I love how this show doesn't always present the "happy" ending. If this was a different show, maybe JJ would've told Meg to go for it with Sam, because that's the PC thing to say. But that's not what the reality would have been 40 years ago. It was real that JJ said he wouldn't accept Meg with Sam, and neither would Jack and Helen. It's sad, and let's be honest-- there are plenty of people who would have the same feelings today.

It's such a great show, and I hope the ratings reflect that tonight.

I agree with you Great8! As much as I wanted Meg and Sam to be together, I am glad that they portrayed their relationship so realistically and that they didn't end things like a fairy tale or happily ever after.
I am glad they present storylines the way they do because I hope it opens peoples' eyes to the past, and how (like in that article you posted) the past parrallels the present.

[ILoveAmericanDreams]

I like how they present both sides of the the racial situation. sam faced the same opposition from his cousin that meg faced from JJ.
It was so sad when he kissed her good bye I wanted them to get together.
I was totally surprised that Jack quit.
the scene with JJ holding his son was adorable

what a great show

[Great8]

Yep, a terrific show. I noticed quite a few positive articles on "AD" from around the country today. It's about damn time the media started paying attention to it. I hope it's not too little, too late.

[belle97]

Help! I missed tonight's episode and I'm so bummed. Can someone give me details on what happened with Meg & Sam??? Someone said that he kissed her goodbye. What was that all about? Did he kiss her on the cheek? How did JJ find out?

Thanks in advance for the recap! This is my last post for the night as I'll be away for a few days, but I would gladly appreciate any details, and I'll be sure to watch next week.

This show has so much potential...I hope they don't cancel it!!!

[Great8]

Meg and Sam went on a "date" to hear a singer at Penn, and he put his arm around her. Meg asked JJ what he thought of a possible relationship between she and Sam, and he said it wouldn't be a good idea, and he would have a problem with it, and so would Jack and Helen. Nathan also gave Sam a hard time about it. Meg and Sam both agreed that it wouldn't work, and he gave her a kiss on the cheek.

[Storywriter]

I really liked tonights as well.Meg's speech was great she made great points so great that people should learn to listen to them.I felt bad too for Sam and Meg.Not being able to date because people were so damn racist back than and quite a bit still are today.Nathan and JJ what they said to their sibs angered me.How could you tell your own sister I will never forgive you if you date a black guy.Give me a break.I'm sure blacks and whites were dating than secretly.and Nathan in general his whole attitude angers me since Season 1.Not fond of the guy at all with his attitude and how obnoxious he is.

But I did enjoy this episode and I was shocked too Jack resigned from City Council and I was really glad to see Roxanne graduate.I was so worried she wouldn't graduate with Meg.Next week I can't wait to see them in California.Mel

[ADfan]

I loved the episode, not that I've ever been disapointed. I felt so bad for Sam and Meg. I totally agree with you storywriter at how stupid it seemed, but I loved that they showed how difficult things were for them. That is so true to life in that time and even now. Which is why this show is so great, it always seems to relate to your own life on some level or you can at least put yourself in their shoes. If the show stays on the air for awhile it wouldn't surprise me if they develop a relationship someday.

Jack took me by surprise as well, but I love his character, they always show how much he struggles on things to do what is right. I'm a little annoyed at Shelly for going out with that guy. And I have to say I love Beth and JJ, I'm partial to they're situations and relationship they remind me of myself and my husband. Even on an episode that doesnt revolve around them I love the little moments they add between them and the baby. Such a great show, I can't wait untiil next week!

[Leigh Ann]

I liked the episode too. It was great seeing JJ on the football field again. And I liked Meg & Roxanne's graduation. And Meg's speech.
I'm glad that Meg & Sam did what they did. I really wasn't for their relationship, but I wasn't against it either. I guess I was somewhere in between.

And I just love the scenes that show JJ holding the baby! It's just too cute. I hope we get to see the baby grow up.

I'm really looking forward to next week's episode, even if Paris Hilton is going to be Jeannie.

Oh yeah, I was also surprised that Jack resigned from the council.

[PrettyinPink55]

I hope that like Meg said, maybe someday her and Sam could be together....
If the show will remain on the air for a while, then they can possibly explore that storyline more! (I really hope so!)

That scene between them was heartbreaking.

I also love JJ and Beth and their scenes with Trip!

[ADfan]

Originally Posted by PrettyinPink55

I hope that like Meg said, maybe someday her and Sam could be together....
If the show will remain on the air for a while, then they can possibly explore that storyline more! (I really hope so!)

That scene between them was heartbreaking.

I also love JJ and Beth and their scenes with Trip!

I know I could of cried about the Meg/Sam situation. He's a better guy then most. But I agreed with their decision, only because it was realistic. In the 60's people just thought about those things more, stupid that they had to, but this show has such realism to it, and that is what makes it good. I agree I bet that "maybe someday'' was left open for a possible furture episode...if it gets that far.

I love every sceen with JJ and Beth!!!