Flights of Fancy

Brilliant Minds almost never repeats Oliver shirts or sweaters. But because of my obsessive Oliver shirt project, I noticed this repeat between 1x05 and 2x16. In 1x05, Josh tells Oliver, "You got this," before Oliver talks to the reps from the Marines about reinstating Steve Hill's benefits. He talks about nemo resideo. @dancelikeanarchitect also pointed out that in 1x05, Steve Hill is concerned about being a burden on his wife, who is about to have a baby.

And then in 2x16, Oliver wears the cardigan in group therapy when he finally talks about his dad, admits that Sofia isn't real, and says he needs help.

Brilliant Minds 2x16 made me think about the other times the show has talked about loss of color--or the opposite: the importance of color. Spoilers for 2x16, obvi.

In 1x09, Oliver's and Ericka's worlds are infused with color because they've just begun new relationships. Gabriel's color is gone because he's lost the person he loves. And teenaged Oliver's color is gone without his dad.

In 2x16, Johnny loses color after the death of his mom. And Oliver to some degree loses it as he completely breaks down leading up to and in Hudson Oaks (I've included one still from the end of 2x15). And the language he uses to describe how he feels when Josh comes to see him is a lot like the language he uses at the beginning of 1x09.

British Embassy, by Sir Basil Spence (1971).

Rome, Italy.

© Roberto Conte (2014

I wish Oliver and Dana had more scenes together because ZQ and Aury Krebs are both such great comedic actors. I compiled some of my favorite moments between them. Spoilers for s2. Info in alt text.

Jealous Josh 🤣

This is the last post for @dancelikeanarchitect's 15 until 2x15 prompt fest because tomorrow we get the show! I've really enjoyed doing these, thinking about the themes that run through the episodes. This one has a lot in common with found family, but I also see the thread of finding "home" through your illness or neurological condition. I also love how Dana and Ericka find a way home in one another. Info in alt text.

For @dancelikeanarchitect's 15 until 2x15 prompt fest! Info in alt text. Sometimes the show explicitly states characters' fears. Other times, we have to infer them. I know this post isn't about aesthetics, but these shots are really fantastic. Everything about this show. I'll really effing miss it. I feel personally wronged by its cancellation.

For @dancelikeanarchitect's 15 until 2x15 prompt fest! For this one, I used actual sleep dreams the characters have, but also larger life dreams. Info in alt text.

For @dancelikeanarchitect's 15 until 2x15 prompt fest! I like this prompt because there are so many ways to be trapped. Physically, in an elevator or in your body. Mentally. Trapped in a relationship. So many ways this show explores it! I love how the show visually represents mental states. Info in alt text.