Something I'm Still Confused About...

[callmeditzy]

What's the deal with David's conversation with Agnes at the start of the episode? A lot of folks on this thread have mentioned the fact that he seems so upbeat while telling Agnes how great he thinks things are going with Maddie. But that whole scene just feels weird to me. He doesn't seem to me to be at all sincere about what he's saying. Plus, he lays it on so thick and with a voice and tone that is just not typical for him. When I watch it, I don't believe he actually thinks "he got her" and, even if he did, I can't believe he'd use those words. Just doesn't seem very David-like to me at all.

So I guess what I'm asking is: Do you think David meant what he was saying to Agnes? And, if he didn't but was trying to convince her anyway, why would he be so over-the-top about it? And lastly, does anyone else think this scene is weird?

Just something that's always bothered me...

[beesnbears]

First, I think your confusion is a product of the writing beginning to get a little screwy!

But, the way I rationalize this scene is that David had no idea Maddie was leaving town after their date the evening before. Before Maddie leaves the laundromat she says, "You're not gonna dance with anyone else here are you?", or something like that.

So, I guess he wakes up the next morning not realizing things are really bad........reassures Agnes like he does the rest of the staff later that day.....leaves messages on her answering machine that we hear later when he goes to get her mail in TOTC.

......maybe it's that poker face thing!!

.....and I know this probably did not help the confusion thing either!!

[maddieaddisonjr]

My take on the scene is that David was indeed sincere. Most of the time on the show David has had a poker face when it came to his feelings for Maddie. By the time of this scene though he had been intimate with Maddie for a month and had told her he loved her to her face at least twice and she finally told him to that she loved him. I think this last part was a very big deal in general and to David in particular. Finally he knew and she admitted that she loved him. True, Maddie was prickly and b*tchy at the laundromat but that's because she just wasn't handling all these fast emotional changes very well. Seriously, I'd be a bit off my axis too if I'd lived through Blonde On Blonde through to Trip. She's suddenly been with two men one right after another and can't understand why her straightlaced slightly anal self chose the heart-pounding high maintenance guy.

Of course the date wasn't as great as David made it out to be. It was angsty as heck! And so he still has a bit of a game face on. BUT at this point David thinks he can work on Maddie and get her to like being in a relationship with him...because she loves him. That's why he really thinks he 'finally got her.' His words and tone say that this is a big change and that he knows he has to change too and is willing to do it.

[italianbluemooner]

Hey maddieaddisonjr!
I don't think we've met before...Nice to make your acquaintance! ;D

Well, my take on this scene is slightly different...
In fact, I don't think David is sincere. I mean, look at his expression when Agnes "tiptoes" in his office... ;D He's brooding over the previous night...He's sensing something bad is going to happen...IMO, of course!

Then why does he boast about his and Maddie's date? Well, I believe he kind of wanted to prove the kids he...hit pay dirt!
In fact, he tells the wobblies later on: "The date went great. My guess is she probably needs some time to sleep it off. Learn how to walk again"...
I mean, he took a giant step in asking Maddie out in front of everybody, didn't he? Dave's their Murray the K, the one the wobblies look up to...

No, he's definitely lying. IMO. He's hurt. He's foreshadowing Maddie would leave him. However, I'm sure the thought she would fly off to the Windy City did not even remotely cross his mind.
Maddie's words still echo in his ear...Her last sentence in particular: "You're not gonna dance here with anyone else, are you?"
Sounds like a good bye to me, too...

[maddieaddisonjr]

Hi italianbluemooner! Glad to meet you too. It's amazing that after over twenty years we fans are still discussing the characters on this show. I think it confirms that this was great television.

Anyway, about the topic - I see what you're saying. He did look worried, not happy, when Agnes danced in. (A great Agnes scene by the way!) I took that look to mean he knew he had his work cut out for him with this woman and was probably still wondering why he couldn't have fallen for a more laid-back gal. I just thought that mixed in with the concern that she'd scratch his heart out during the upcoming process was that ol' Dirty Dave confidence that he could get her right where he wanted her - eventually - just like getting her to take all those cases she hated. He was definitely trying to save face with the class because Maddie hadn't arrived yet - implying that she wasn't exactly dying to see him after what he implied was a great date.

[sinceifell4u]

My point of view stems from this relationship being built on lies. Lying about there love for one another and the little lies that carry on the charade.

What is most fabulous about this relationship is the kindred spirit they share. They often know the other is lying...which sparkes fights because they pull each others card constantly.

Yes I think David is speaking his hope but not the truth as he actually sees it. Of course with the kids, he has the poker face, hell, the poker attitude and Dave must play it through. Although, Maddie feels he isn't the most reliable person; yet he is more thorough than Maddie when the caca hits the fan. (if you know what I mean).

SinceIfell4U

[iluvdavid]

I don't think he is sincere. But the way he gives that little laugh when he tells Ms. Dipesto it went well...OMG!!!!!!!!!! He also has the same giggling laugh in Maddie Hayes Got MArried....so cute!