[Interview] Michael Welch: starrymag

Q. Are there any projects that you are working on currently besides "Joan of Arcadia?"

A. You know "Joan of Arcadia" and school are pretty much taking up all my time. I am still in high school, I'm still finishing that up, I'm a senior this year so I am kind of in my last months of that so there is a lot of work to get done. I'm pretty much just focusing on those two things but I am auditioning and hopefully I'll be able to do movies this summer, that'd be pretty cool.

Q. What's a typical day like for you on the set of "Joan of Arcadia?"

A. Well, basically I show up, get into wardrobe, get into makeup and everything and then just hang around with a bunch of my friends for about ten hours. That's pretty much how it is, and you know, it's fun because we pretty much, the actors on the show pretty much have our characters down. We get along so well and we hang out off set all the time, so it's cool, it's basically like I'm going and getting paid to hang out with my friends and do what I love to do. It's just a blast, I have a great time with it, now sometimes with more serious scenes we kind of don't mess around as much but we still do, we can't help it.

Q. Recently both Haylie and Hilary Duff have guest starred on "Joan of Arcadia," what was it like getting to work with both Duff sisters?

A. You know it's funny, I've actually known Hilary Duff since before she was on Lizzie McGuire, I mean I've known her forever. Haylie I've known for years as well, so I mean they're really cool girls, really sweet girls. This is the first chance that I've gotten to work with them so it was a lot of fun, we had a good time, they really blended with our group really well. The episodes have come out really well so far, Hilary's episode just aired and two out of three episodes of Haylie's have aired and they're coming out really well. It was a lot of fun to work with both of them, they're really cool girls.

Q. What's it like for you getting to work with a cast that is so diverse in age?

A. That's fun, that's really a lot of fun, because I'm in with school stuff and family stuff, so I get to work with people my own age and then I get to also work with Mary Steenburgen and Joe Mantegna who are a little bit older. Yeah it's great, it's really cool, in fact Becky Wahlstrom plays Grace on the show, she's pretty much only is in the school scenes. So, there was one scene when she came over to the Girardi's house and she got to meet the parents and she was so excited that she got to work with adults, it was like a treat for her. With me, I get to do that all the time and it's really cool I am all over the place, it's fun that way.

Q. Do you have a most memorable moment from your time filming "Joan of Arcadia?"

A. Oh one moment, ah geez, that's a good question. On my first day I think it was last year when I turned seventeen, they made this really big deal out of it. Joe Mantegna plays Fat Tony on "The Simpsons" and "The Simpsons," by the way, is one of my all time favorite shows and he knows that. He brought me this jacket, this official "Simpsons" jacket that had my name on it, and only the cast is allowed to wear this jacket. That moment was just so cool for me that they did this for me. Another one is Jason Ritter is so insane, it's hard to just pick one moment, because every single day he's constantly entertaining us and is just all over the place. It was the episode where Cloris Leachman guest starred and she is one of my all time favorite actresses. It was a scene where her character Aunt Olive was getting the family to eat crickets and Christopher Marquette who plays Adam Rove on the show, he was also in the scene. In the scene he eats a cricket and he was just so grossed out that he couldn't do it, like there is no way that he could do it. He had to completely fake it and just bugs and things like that completely grossed him out. So, what happened was that Amber, Jason and I throughout the day would keep taking a cricket, 'cuz these were actual crickets that we were eating, and we kept putting them down his shirt. Every time he'd have the same reaction, he would start spazzing out and have to take off his shirt and just wipe his body and I mean it was nuts, we just kept doing it all day. Literally, about after ten times they had to tell us to stop but I cannot tell you how much fun it was to do that, I know it was mean, but he forgave us.

Q. Luke has gone for two different kinds of girls on the show, Glynis who is smart and nerdy girl and Grace is the smart and complicated girl. Which girl do you see yourself leaning more towards in real life?

A. In real life me, I think I'd try and find a little balance between the two girls, I definitely need a smart girl, I don't think I could handle anything else. But, Glynis is just so smart and so into Science and then Grace on the other hand is really smart and really independent. So, I guess I would lean more towards Grace but she's just so negative and such an anarchist and such a conspiracy theorists but it's hard to have a conversation with people like that in real life. But I do, I have friends like that in real life, but in terms of dating someone like that, I don't think that I'd want to do that. I definitely would lean more towards Grace but there has to be a happy little balance in between there I would think.

Q. Luke and Friedman have a great friendship together on the show, do you and Aaron Himelstein have the same happy kind of friendship off set?

A. Yeah we do, Aaron is another example of someone I've known for a long time. I've known him for a long time before the show even started and we really started to become good friends as the show progressed and as our relationship progressed. I think that it shows in the episodes, I mean if you watch the scenes with Luke and Friedman we're kind of just overlapping each other and it just really is real and alive. I think that kind of trust can only happen if we really are friends in real life 'cuz otherwise you try and be careful with stuff like that. You don't want to make the other actor upset that you are kind of trying to overshadow him or overlap his lines but we don't care. I think that shows on screen, so yeah Aaron and I have a really great friendship.

Q. The show seems to have a great message to it no matter the episode, as the show progresses, do you think that the show can sustain that?

A. I think so, I think we can, because A) there is a ton of reoccurring themes that we bring back several time and B) it's not the same formula each week. Sometimes you can see Joan, Joan can see exactly how she is help and exactly who she has helped. And sometimes she doesn't know, it's all over the place, sometimes she helps herself and sometimes she helps the people around her. It just completely is either in direct ways or indirect ways, 'cuz there are so many different ways that she helps people, kind of the ripple effect of what they've mentioned on the show, through what G-d tells her to do. Yeah they can come up with storylines forever, I know what you're saying it would be kind of difficult to maintain a consistent message each week and I think we're doing a pretty good job of it so far and I think that's going to continue.

Q. "Joan of Arcadia" has had a lot of great guest stars on the show, is there anyone you'd like to see make an appearance?

A. First of all, Cloris Leachman and Louise Fletcher have been two of our guest stars and that right there you can't ask for anything better than that, those two right there are a couple of my favorites. I would love to see you know this is weird, I'd love to see Christopher Walken play G-d, that's just something that strikes me as cool. I don't know why, but, it's probably never going to happen. But, I think that it would just be funny to see him play G-d and I don't think there would ever be a G-d like him again, I just think it would be fun.

Q. Is there anything that you'd like to say to fans and supporters of your career?

A. Well, the only thing that I can say to my fans and supporters, and I know this is kind of a cliché thing to do, but thank you. There is really nothing else to say, without you guys I don't have a job, or at least it's not as much fun. The most gratifying thing in the world is when someone comes up to me and appreciates my work and anything like that. I can't tell you how many times I've come home from work, because I'm very hard on myself, I've said "Why are you doing this? You are wasting your time! This is never going to work out, sooner or later they're going to figure out you're a hack and it's going to be the end of your career." Then as soon as I say that to myself this couple will come up to me or I'll get a letter that says I love your show or I love your work on it and keep it up. In a way that is what kind of keeps me going, what keeps me into it, I know that somehow in someway it is positively affecting someone, I think that's the most gratifying thing out of this whole business.

http://www.starrymag.com/content.asp?ID=1364&CATEGORY=Interviews
http://www.michaelwelchonline.com

[Interview] Michael Welch: kriselen

Name: Michael Welch
Date: January 2005
Official Site: Website


Plays Luke on Joan of Arcadia
Plays the drums as a hobby

Michael Welch
What makes actors so good is not so much the perfection in the execution of a role, but having the passion in what he does and loving every part of becoming a character. That is the impression I got when I talked to Michael Welch-his love for what he does, and his passion to become the character he portrays. "It was really fun and challenging to do that because I never done anything like that before. I did my research on it and visited an autistic school. I talked to the counselors and observed the kids, and from that I developed my own character and figured out how I wanted to do it," said Michael, as he talked about his part as an autistic kid in the independent film The United States of Leland. Michael admitted that doing the research was as much fun as the part itself.

Currently, Michael is on the hit CBS show Joan of Arcadia, playing the role of Luke, the somewhat ignored middle child who could be stereotyped as a "nerd." Michael, who was a little leery about such a stereotypical role, was easily won over after a run through of the script. "So I started reading the script, and when it got to page 11 where the guy said, 'I am God,' I was like, whoa. Then I knew where it was going. I thought CBS just needed a replacement for Touched By An Angel, but it was much more than that. I also saw Luke as cool person-not really a geek at all. I could relate to him and saw him as a sarcastic, ignored middle child that happens to have a passion about science. I remember in the audition that a lot of people had the pocket protector and the tape around the glasses-the normal "geek" stuff. I just went in there with jeans and T-shirt and did the part the way I saw it. The first script is what initially attracted me. The script was beautifully written," explained Michael.

Joan of Arcadia is a show that is not centered around teenage angst and heartache, which has become the basic plot point of every other show targeted to the young adult demographic. Joan of Arcadia takes people deeper than that. This probably attributes to its strong following-a show with depth and a realism that has not gone unnoticed by viewers, or even to the show's actors for that matter. Michael talked about how the show even teaches him lessons about life: "One lesson that has really got me is that you have to see where you can do the most good. There are a lot of situations in life that doesn't appear to have any solution to them. It's been an on-going theme on the show. Life is all about choices and we do have free will, and you kind of have to think about the chain reaction of how things are going to affect you and the people around you."

So where will we see Michael in five years? We could all wish that Joan of Arcadia will still be in the cards, but whatever he does, it will be something he is passionate about, because it is his passion for acting and the roles that he takes on that has brought him such success thus far.

Interview

You have played a lot of diverse roles thus far in your career. What has been your favorite role?

Michael: Other than Joan of Arcadia, I think my two favorite roles I have done-it's a tie-I did this movie called United States of Leeland and I played an autistic kid and it was an independent movie with Kevin Spacey and Ryan Goslin. It was really fun and challenging to do that because I never done anything like that before. I did my research on it and visited an autistic school. I talked to the counselors and observed the kids and from that I developed my own character and figured out how I wanted to do it. Doing the research was as much fun at the part itself. The other favorite is definitely the most recognized one after Joan of Arcadia is Star Gate SG1. I played a clone of Colonel Jack O'Neil, which is Richard Demandesin's character. So I basically had to be him. The whole process of watching tapes of him and really figuring out his character-it was really cool. The people were really great too so those two would be my favorites other than Joan of Arcadia.

It seems like you put a lot of research into your roles. Is their a specific type of role you really want to do, but haven't gotten to do yet?

Michael: This is going to sound weird, but I would love to play some kind of psychopath. I haven't done that yet. Some kind of serial killer because I would never do that in real life, so that is the fun of acting is that you get to do things that you normally would never get to do. So that would be definitely something I would love to try.

So is acting something you always wanted to do?

Michael: Absolutely. The only other thing I could see myself getting into professionally is either writing or directing in movies or television. Acting is really it. The only other thing I'm close to being good at is playing the drums and I'm definitely more passionate about the acting. Drums are more of a hobby.

So you would never join a band?

Michael: I was in a band with a bunch of other actors before so the four of us were focused on acting so the music was more of our back up thing. So we would meet once in a blue moon just to jam together and do a couple gigs, but it wasn't anything serious.

So your character on Joan of Arcadia is really evolving in the 2nd season. What initially attracted you to the role?

Michael: I read the breakdown and the description of the characters first. I read the description of Luke and they described him as really nerdy, loner, has no friends type guy. So at first I said this is something I don't really want to do because I don't like playing nerds-playing stereotypes. I saw that Joe Montania and Mary Steinburgence were attached to the project. So I decided to give it a shot since I'm sure those two wouldn't be doing it if it wasn't halfway decent. So I started reading the script and when it got to page 11 where the guy said, "I am God," I was like whoa. Then I knew where it was going. I thought CBS just needed a replacement for "Touched By An Angel" but it was much more than that. I also saw Luke as cool person, not really a geek at all. I could relate to him and saw him as a sarcastic, ignored middle child that happens to have a passion about science. I remember in the audition that a lot of people had the pocket protector and the tape around the glasses-the normal "geek" stuff. I just went in there with jeans and t-shirt and did the part the way I saw it. The first script is what initially attracted me. The script was beautifully written.

What direction do you want to see Luke move towards?

Michael: He's changed so much since the first episode. He is totally a different person, but he is still "Luke." To be honest, I love where the writers have taken it. I trust them. I love all the stuff I have with Grace this year and the relationship between Luke and Joan. They kind of dropped the relationship with Luke and Kevin. Honestly, my number one request would be to see more family stuff with Luke in it. I love doing the high school stuff, but I think the really core of the show started with the family stuff. I think that is where the "soul" of the show is so I would love to see it go back to the basics as well.

One thing I like about this show is that it's not stereotypical. What is one thing you learned from being on this show?

Michael: We have a lot of great lessons on the show, but the one lesson that has really got me is that you have to see where you can do the most good. There are a lot of situations in life that doesn't appear to have any solution to them. It's been an on-going theme on the show. Life is all about choices and we do have free will and you kind of have to think about the chain reaction of how things are going to affect you and the people around you.

You do a lot of charity work, especially with Kids with a Cause. How important is that to you?

Michael: I don't necessarily have a responsibility, but I have a unique opportunity to really do some good. That's why I think so many celebrities become activists because we really do have an opportunity to change the world for the better. It's really important to me because I guess my parents did a good job raising me (laughs). They taught me the importance of giving back and I've been unbelievably luckily. I'm so blessed so I have no reason to not give back. Honestly it's for selfish reasons (laughs) because if I didn't, I would feel bad because I really do have an opportunity to help. The important thing though is to find good charities. There is so much I want to help with and I just want to do it all, but I see now that I can't do that. I'm looking it all areas to see what I really want to focus and help in, but charity work is definitely important to me.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Michael: That's a great question. Career wise, I really don't know. So far, I have been consistently working since I was ten, so I hope to continue to work. I just don't know in what field of the entertainment industry. I could be in plays or on another show. Or I can become one of those cool independent actors that do 4-5 movies a year, but no one really knows who they are.

I've noticed you have done a lot of independent movies.

Michael: Yes, but it's not really by choice. I'm kind of in a position now, with Joan of Arcadia, to be a little pickier with the roles I want to take, but everything up until Joan of Arcadia was, "I auditioned for it, I got the role-and its work." When an actor begins his career, they can't really turn anything down. I would love to do independent movies and pretty much do it all. I want to explore everything and not get caught in one thing. After this show is over, I won't do another role like Luke for another five years at least. So I really have no idea where I see myself in five years. So I'll just keep working and see where it goes. It's going to be fun.

Who are your inspirations, acting wise?

Michael: Originally, I got into acting through comedy. My biggest comic influences were Jim Carey and Robin Williams. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective really kind of launched my career. I also love Edward Norton and Kevin Spacey.

What message would you like to give to your fans?

Michael: Thank you! The fans are just the people that enjoyed what I do. I can't tell you have appreciative I am of them. It's really amazing especially between Joan of Arcadia and Star Gate, the fans have really helped my career go forward. So the fans are really important and I really do appreciate what they have done for me. I started this website for people who watch Joan of Arcadia to go see what I'm up to. They can check it out at www.michaelwelchfanclub.com. By the way, I didn't pick that name so it will probably be changing very soon (laughs).

[Interview] Michael Welch: thestarscoop

Michael Welch

He plays science smart Luke Girardi on CBS's Joan of Arcadia but Michael Welch is surprisingly different from his onscreen personality! As you'll find out, Michael has gotten almost as much recognition for his parts in shows and movies like the Sci-Fi's Stargate SG-1, as well as Star Trek: Insurrection, as he has for Joan of Arcadia. Michael talks here about being part of a hit show, and what he's really like.

THESTARSCOOP:

How did you get the role of Luke Girardi?

MICHAEL WELCH:

Well, I went through kind of a basic audition process like everyone else. What's interesting is that I did an episode of Judging Amy which is Barbara Hall's other show. She created Judging Amy and she also created Joan of Arcadia and is writing for Joan of Arcadia now. So I think what happened, I'm not 100% sure on this - I'll have to check with Barbara one of these days - but I think what happened is because of that I was able to go straight to her and straight to the director and audition in front of them instead of going through the whole process - the whole kind of cattle call casting process. And it's actually funny - I was there with Jason Ritter. The two of us were (laughs) with each other all the steps of the way. Right from the start, the first audition on the studio we were walking down and we both saw each other. We were both kind of walking in the same direction. I think he said to me - he was the first one to talk to me and he said, 'are you auditioning for Joan of Arcadia?' and I said, 'yeah.' and he's like, 'Oh Okay. cool." I'm Michael. I'm Jason. And we were with each other the whole time. I think there were three or four auditions after that and we saw each other each time and we were really pulling for each other the whole way. So it was really interesting how the two of us kind of went through this audition journey together and then both ended up getting it. That was just so cool.

And basically I went to Barbara and I auditioned in front of her and everyone else in the room and they really loved what I did with the character. I mean I first read the description of the character and it said that Luke is a total loser, loner, you know, has no friends, science geek and I was like I don't know if I want to do this part. I don't really want to play that kind of character. But I read the script and I totally didn't see him that way at all. So I went into the audition and everyone else was wearing the pocket protectors and the suit and the glasses with tape over them and I just went in with jeans and a T-shirt and just did the part how I wanted to do it and they loved it. And if they didn't love it, if they wanted me to go the more geeky route, I don't know if I would have been able to do it, because that's just not how I saw the character. So I did that, I went through a few more auditions and I got the job.

The other thing that's cool about it is that Judging Amy - I didn't get a part on Judging Amy until auditioning for that show about 20 times. I mean literally, every single time I would come close but never quite got it. And because of Judging Amy I was able to go straight to producers on Joan of Arcadia. This stuff doesn't just happen overnight, I mean this was kind of a long process over a period of years to get to the point where I am now.

THESTARSCOOP:

Do you watch the finished product of the show? [Joan of Arcadia]

WELCH:

Absolutely, all the time. I'm actually like a huge fan of the show which I think is nice because it's a lot better to be part of a show that you like being a part of and like actually watching as opposed to something that you don't enjoy. I think I have to because, first of all, I like to see just how the shows end up from the original script but also because I like to watch myself and critique my performances each week. To me that's the only way that you can get better. And I know a lot of actors don't like to watch themselves and sometimes I don't, but generally I do because I like to just see if there's anything that I can change in the future or make better or anything like that. But I really do enjoy watching the show and I'm a fan just as much as anyone.

THESTARSCOOP:

Since you watch the show, which version of the many forms god takes is your favorite [on Joan of Arcadia]?

WELCH:

There have been so many great "gods" on the show, so many great character actors. Like the woman who plays what's called "old lady god" - she's wonderful on the show and then also the little girl god, who is Juliette, who I believe was seven when the show first started and she's kinda growing up with the show which I think is really cool. And then of course our original god, Kris Lemche, who plays quote un quote cute boy god on the show - he's fantastic. And I really kind of attribute a lot of the success of the show to him because if god didn't work, then the show wasn't going to work and Kris Lemche really made it work. So he's definitely one of my favorites. More recently, Mike Starr who plays the tough guy god who's always in the bookstore talking about sensitive kind of books. He's really great. I think that's one of the things that's great about the show - you just never know who god is going to be. And it's going to be interesting to see where they go from here. I think it would be interesting to have a few disabled gods one way or the other. That's something that we haven't really seen on the show yet. But I think we have plenty of time to keep exploring with that and keep bringing back the gods that we do like. It's gonna be interesting to see what happens.

THESTARSCOOP:

Do you have a favorite episode that you've done?

WELCH:

From the whole series? My very favorite episode - I think it will always be my favorite episode was an episode called "Jump," which was in the first season, it was the 12th episode. It was a really amazing script, it was beautifully directed and it was just so great. It was the one where that little kid Rocky died, the kid that Joan was babysitting. And then she goes to his funeral. And then also, there was a whole thing with Luke and Grace at the science fair. It was a science fair episode. I mean, I just thought it was so dynamic and so great. But there have been so many great episodes in the first two seasons; it's hard to pick one. But that one definitely stands out for me.

THESTARSCOOP:

What do you think it is it about the show [Joan of Arcadia] that it can handle both comedy and drama?

WELCH:

Well, that's life. There's comedy and drama in life and I think they both need each other to survive. I mean, can you imagine life with nothing but drama all the time? It would just so dry, so boring. You have to have the comedy in there. You have to have the humor in shows. I think the humor is what gives it life but if it was just all humor, then it would be like a sitcom. I mean there's nothing wrong with a sitcom, it's just not our show. That would be like every single line is a punch line or a setup or something and that's not what we're trying to do with the show. So I think one of the things that was so great about the show right from the start was the realism and how it replicates real life in many ways even though it's kind of an abstract theme. So I think that's why they're able to pull it off so well because there is that balance in real life so the writers just kind of found that and the actors I think pull it off really well.

THESTARSCOOP:

Pick two of your costars from Joan of Arcadia and tell us about them.

WELCH:

Well I guess I'll pick Jason and Amber. I might as well. They've kind of been with me from the start. Jason is absolutely crazy. He's insane and I love him. He's just like a constant source of entertainment for everybody on the set all the time and he's just so funny. I really don't think everyone has seen the extent of his talent yet. He is just unbelievable - how diverse he is and how amazing he is and he's really smart and he's really funny and he's just a great guy. I love working with him. And I love hanging out with him, too. That's the other thing - is that we all hang out outside of the show. I've never really seen a show where the cast hangs out as much as we do. In fact, I should probably give some of my other friends a call sometime (laughs).

And then Amber. I've never really met anyone quite like Amber before. I mean, she's a musician and a poet and really one of those renaissance people who can do everything. And not only that, but she's so good at everything she does and so committed to everything she does, and so funny. She is smart, too. She's very politically involved and I really respect that about her. She's just great to work with. In a way they've really kind of become my second family, and that's not taking anything away from my real family. I love my real family to death. But I really kind of do consider Jason and Amber my other siblings and Joe and Mary my other parents in a way. I don't think that's going to go away when the show goes away. I think we're all going to continue to be friends for years.

THESTARSCOOP:

How does Mary Steenburgen as your mother on Joan compare to your mom?

WELCH:

Oh, man. Helen vs. my mom. Well, they're both very instinctual people, but that's pretty much it. My mom's pretty out there. She's awesome, she's a wacky one. But they both obviously love their kids very much. I am the youngest child, well so is Luke but Luke's kind of the youngest of three. I have one older sister who is much older than I am so I've had a lot more attention growing up than Luke did and I think it's one of the reasons why I became an actor. I was a very interesting little boy. I was kind of a weird child. My mom was just so supportive of my creativity when I was younger and I thank her so much for that, and I think it's probably the only reason why I'm here today able to do this. In terms of the differences, they're just totally different people, Helen and my mom. My mom's like a Jewish new Yorker and just really out going and talks to anybody. I'll leave the room for five minutes and come back and she'll have already gotten into a conversation with someone and know their life story. She's just unbelievable. They're very different but they're both very good moms I think in different ways.

THESTARSCOOP:

Are you ever uncomfortable with all the kissing scenes you have to do?

WELCH:

The first onscreen kiss I ever had was on Joan of Arcadia with Becky Wahlstrom - with Grace. It was in the eleventh episode of the show where Grace kissed Luke at the Science fair. It was nerve-wracking. I was so nervous, I didn't know what to do, I didn't know how to handle it. It's just one of those weird things that you almost just kind of have to do a few times like an onscreen kiss before you can get used to it. Really kind of weird. Becky is so cool and I was so comfortable with her. And my first onscreen make out was with Mageina Tovah who plays Glynis. And that was just as nerve-wracking if not more because that wasn't just like a kiss that was a full out going at it. That was even more weird. What's cool is that Becky and Mageina are such cool people and I was so comfortable with them that it wasn't really that bad. I would assume that it's not as easy to do a scene like that with someone that you don't get along with. Because the two of them were so great and I would consider really good friends at that point, it wasn't that awkward. Now it's like, Becky and I are pros at it.

THESTARSCOOP:

How does Luke’s school life compare with yours?

WELCH:

Well, Luke's a genius and I'm not. There's that (laughs). Basically, I am in kind of like an independent study program and I work one on one with a tutor. I'm just going through pretty much just the basic high school classes that you have to go through. I work everyday at it; I'll meet with this guy everyday. It's actually a really good education to just work one on one with someone else - with a professional. But Luke obviously has to go to the public high school and he's probably taking more advanced courses than I am. I mean, I'm certainly not in A.P. physics. We just have different skill levels in different areas. Luke is obviously a genius when it comes to science and school and all that stuff and I think I'm probably a better pinball player than Luke, I'm pretty good at that. But no, I'm just kidding (laughs). We have totally different lives. The school situation is an interesting thing for actors but for me it's working out really well.

THESTARSCOOP:

You got to go to the Emmy's. What was that like?

WELCH:

That whole first season ride was unbelievable, because I went through all the statistics just to get on a show and have the show be successful. That in itself is just unbelievable - in terms of the odds of that happening to an actor. Then we went to The People's Choice Awards and we won there. And then for a first season show to get nominated for three Emmy's and one of them being Best Drama, (laughs) it was insane. That realization never actually hit me until we went to the red carpet and I saw it and I saw all of the photographers and all of the famous people that I admired so much over the past five years. It was absolutely unbelievable. I can't even describe the feeling at all. Honestly, the only thing that I think will ever replicate that feeling will be to go to the Oscars hopefully one day or if we want to talk in more realistic terms, have something on the show win an Emmy. It was really insane. Some 17 year old kid getting to go to the Emmy's - I just don't even know how to put that in words. It was everything that I dreamt that it would be. It was amazing.

THESTARSCOOP:

Who is your favorite cartoon character of all time?

WELCH:

Oh, good question. I think I'm going to have to go with Homer Simpson. Homer has been more inspirational to me (laughs) than probably any cartoon character. What he represents, I think, there's a part of that in everybody. There certainly is in me, and I love that.

THESTARSCOOP:

Of all the reality shows out there, which one would you most like to go on?

WELCH:

Well. Let me think about this. I don't really watch too many of them because in essence, reality show kind of put other actors out of work in a way. But actually I think it'd be a lot of fun to go on something like The Amazing Race - one of those adventurous shows where there's a lot of physical activity. I would say something like Fear Factor but I couldn't handle eating things. I could do everything physical that they would want me to do but when it comes to eating live creatures - no - I couldn't do that. So if I had to choose one I'd probably pick The Amazing Race.

THESTARSCOOP:

Complete this sentence: Do not, I repeat, do not make me eat…

WELCH:

Brussels sprouts. That's kind of the worst right there. I can't think of anything I can't stand the taste of less than brussels sprouts.

THESTARSCOOP:

Is there something that you've been waiting for someone to ask you about but they never did?

WELCH:

Wow. Now I have never been asked that question before. That's a really good question. Oh jeez, my Pokemon collection (laughs), no, I'm kidding. Let me think about that for a minute. I want to give an appropriate answer for such a brilliantly well done question. I think generally I like to be asked about personal things - personal heroes of mine, personal influences and things like that because I just think that it really gives more of an insight. I would imagine that a lot of the answers would just start to sound the same after a while. With the questions like what was it like to work with this person - I would assume that very few actors say, 'Horrible. It was a terrible experience, I hated every second of it.' So I would think that those answers get pretty boring after a while because it's kind of like, 'Oh yeah, it was great, it was wonderful.' But when it comes to personal questions, especially when it comes to influences and people like that. I mean that's cool because it gives people a different insight. You're not going to have two people come up with the same answers when you ask questions like that. If anything I think it would be something like that. That's all I can think of. Nothing specific, generally more personal stuff I guess.

THESTARSCOOP:

Who would be your heroes and influences, since you mentioned it?

WELCH:

Oh, well thanks for asking. I've had a lot of different influences in a lot of different areas in my life. With sports it was definitely Michael Jordan. Musically, my biggest musical influence is John Lennon by far. My sister got me into the Beatles at a very young age. At first I wasn't really sure why I liked Lenin so much. I just knew that I did. Now I've kind of realized that he just seemed too evolved to me in a weird sense, like he's just on another plane of existence. And then also John Bonham of Led Zeppelin. He's the drummer of Led Zeppelin. He's kind of the reason why I became a drummer. He's so simple and I love his style so much. Even though he does these beats that any decent drummer can do, he does them in a way that when you listen to it, you go, 'That can't be anyone other than John Bonham.'

THESTARSCOOP:

Is there something about you that your fans don't know?

WELCH:

Well, I guess a truly hardcore fan would know this somehow - no I have no idea how anyone would. But I used to collect Magic cards. There's this card game called Magic: The Gathering. I had probably seven decks. It's one of those dungeon and dragons type games. I didn't even think for a second that it was nerdy what I was doing at all. I just collected these cards and made these really awesome decks. I would think that most people don't know that. And if you think less of me now that you do know that, well you know, that's your problem (lighthearted).

THESTARSCOOP:

Are you getting recognized yet? Are people bothering you or asking for autographs?

WELCH:

That's definitely happening. It's not a bother at all to me at this point. It's incredible every time it happens. I love it. I love any kind of recognition because as an actor I'm very hard on myself sometimes. I can't tell you how many times after a days work I've been driving home going, 'Oh my god, you're horrible. Why are you doing this? Sooner or later people are going to find out that you're a total phony and that will be it. You're career's over. You're wasting your time.' Just all that stuff. I go through that a lot - that little mental journey. And then what will happen right after that almost always someone at a grocery store or wherever will come up to me and tell me how much they enjoy the show and tell me how much they enjoy my part in the show and kind of what it means to them and they'll ask for an autograph. It really validates that I gotta be doing this for some kind of reason. I love it every single time. I've had everyone from a six year old kid to a 70 year old woman. Every race, religion, age, any ethnic group you can think of has complimented me on this show or my part in the show or even on other stuff. I did an episode of Stargate and I've almost gotten just as much recognition from that one episode as I have from Joan of Arcadia. When it gets to the point where it's a bother, that almost seems kind of ungrateful to me. It shows you that people are appreciating what you do.

Quotes Season 2 (H-R)

Quotes- Season Two

Only Connect
Grace: You’ve used up all your minutes.
Luke: What am I, a cell phone?
Grace: No…but you are a service provider.

Luke: You are so hyper vigilant.
Grace: Oh, don’t use big words.

Luke: Grace.
Grace: You’re dead.

Out of Sight
Grace: Dude, ABBA?
Luke: I thought you might like them because everyone hates them.
Grace: Well you thought wrong.

Luke: You're very intolerant.
Grace: High musical standards does not make me intolerant, dude.
Luke: Um, okay, let's delve into some classical selections.
Grace: What are trying to do, kill me? Why don't we just start speaking in Latin?

Grace: Olatunji. African drums.
Luke: Pretentious attempt to co-opt another culture in order to hide your own middle class roots.
Grace: You are going to be bleeding soon.
Luke: Feel the power of Metallica, Master of Puppets. The anthem of thrash metal.
Grace: Metallica? That sounds like a band with no hands.

("Celebration starts playing on a nearby stereo)
Both: At least you didn't bring that.
(Pause, they look at each other)
Luke: A shared experience of dissonance creates its own harmony.
Grace: What?
Luke: Harmonic resonance. It's one of the basic laws of physics. Our mutual hatred for Kool and the Gang has formed a harmonic union between us.
Grace: I think I feel it.
Luke: Grace...this is our song.

Grace: You put it on repeat in an attempt to circumvent our five minute make-out rule.
Luke: Free will between the amorous parties supersedes contractual duty, rendering our agreement void ab bi nitio.
Grace: You're impaired, dude.
Luke: Caveat emptor. I have grounds to renegotiate.

Back to the Garden
Luke: Indeterminacy states that the change of a particle, X, is unknown until the outcome is, uh, observed over a certain period of time, T.
Grace: Showoff.

Glynis: If you’re concerned that working with me will be awkward, I can assure you I’ve moved on. And on…and on.
Luke: It’s not that. It’s just, uh, Grace wanted some help on a project.
Grace: I don’t need your help pencil neck. Never will.

Grace: Are you fondling my ankles?
Luke: Yes, I am.
Grace: Look, if you can’t handle the terms, the terms which you agreed to, then maybe you can’t handle me.

Luke: Before you get mad…
Grace: What are you doing?
Luke: I need to talk.
Grace: Girardi, waiting outside the girls’ bathroom is a little stalky.

Grace: This is about my privacy and you not respecting it, that’s all.
Luke: Ok, fine. Then be private, and alone, because clearly that’s what you want.

Luke: I thought about it, and I do want to work within your terms.
Grace: Well you shouldn’t. It’s totally unfair.
Luke: See, that's the thing. I don't think they are. I mean, basically, I've been asking for a total regime change in your public and personal life. But you know what? I looked up every major political revolution in the last hundred years, and not even the most violent ones were sudden. You know, they built up over years of dissatisfaction and unrest.
Grace: Did you make a special effort not to use a science metaphor?
Luke: I'm trying to expand my range.

Grace: What's this?
Luke: It's a seedling, for a sunflower. It's hard to believe they can grow up to eight feet tall. I stole it from Joan.

The Cat
Luke: …and she just - she just sunk to the floor, you know, like eyes wide. I just, I kinda shut down and watched like it wasn’t real.
Grace: Dude, weird.
Luke: That’s it? Weird? My aunt almost died and that’s all you can say?
Grace: Okay, Bruce Banner, relax.

Grace: Gravity_boy has logged off?
Luke: Joan was trying to bust me for looking at porn.
Grace: You were looking at porn while we were online?
Luke: No! Do…do you want me to?

The Election
Grace: Dude, your sister is looking to support the corrupt political system at Arcadia High, which is totally symptomatic of the larger political...
Luke: (inturrupting) Are we ever gonna talk about your mom?
Grace: (hesitates) No...
Luke: Grace, you IMed me that your mom's an alcoholic. I know you wanna talk about it.
Grace: (long pause) I just wanted you to know.

Luke: The latest polls don't look good.
Joan: Well they will if we find something on Lars. Whatever it takes. It's the only way to beat these guys.
Grace: Horses head always works.
Joan: Thought you were the poster girl for apathy?
Luke: She was hit by a wave of school spirit.
Joan: (suspiciously) She told you?
Luke: ...I gleaned it.

Luke: You know, statistically, this last campaign thrust has less than a 13% chance of success.
Grace: You do realize I don't understand half of what you say?




Wealth of Nations
Grace: Dude, it's like a pet cemetery in here.
Luke: Lischak gave me the key. Science student of the year does have its privileges.
Grace: This is so the beginning of a Stephen King novel.
Luke: Where were you last night? I IM’d you a thousand times.
Grace: Oh, my mom was in rare form. Doing her Judy Garland act. Lots of singing, lots of falling down, me putting her in the shower.
Luke: Where was your dad?
Grace: He works late so he doesn't have to deal. It's their little unspoken bargain. As long as she's sober at temple, runs her meetings, and has everybody snowed, she... (Luke is looking at her) don't look all simpy. I'm used to it.
Luke: Maybe you should talk to somebody.
Grace: Why? I'm almost out of there.
Luke: It's 2 more years. That's 15 percent of your life so far.
Grace: (Changes the subject) The test is on Thursday. Let's cram. (They sit down) Dark matter, black holes. Lay it on me.
Luke: Their gravity is so strong that they pull in anything that gets close to them... You know, you don't have to be embarrassed to talk to me about this-
Grace: (She changes the subject again by giving him a kiss) How's that for gravitational pull?
(They kiss again)

Grace: No sucky-face yet, bone rack. We have a physics midterm in 2 days, and I know less about Planck's constant than that lobster... or is that 2 frogs?
Luke: That's not why I'm here. (Hands her a pamphlet)
Grace: 'Alateen?' You blabbed about me... to a roomful of freaks?
Luke: I picked it up at the public library, and they're not freaks. They're kids like us.
Grace: Dude, have you been inhaling the formaldehyde? There's no way I'm doing this.
Luke: Go to one meeting.
Grace: I've been through it all, Girardi. There is nothing new they can tell me.
Luke: You've been through it by yourself. It doesn't have to be that way anymore.

Grace: (Whispering) This is just too weird, Girardi.
Leader: Anybody else?
Grace: (Stands up) Hi, my name is Grace.
All: Hi, Grace.
Grace: Uh... Nothing leaves this room, right? Because I will hunt you people down. (Off of their reassuring look) Uh... (Softly) my mother is an alcoholic. (Luke takes her hand and Grace looks at him and smiles) And this is… my boyfriend... Luke.
All: Hi, Luke.
(Luke stands up, surprised. He and Grace look at each other)



P.O.V.
Joan: Adam, Yes, you can. Just act natural.
Grace: That's an oxymoron. The minute you turn on a camera, you're distorting reality. It's Heisenberg's uncertainty principle.
Joa: You sound like my brother.
Grace: Then I will shut up ... and I will walk away.

Luke: You keeping a journal?
Grace: Yeah. But it's mostly free-form swearing. I'm just not the journal type.
Luke: You gotta keep at it, Grace. Remember the 7 C’s for dealing with an alcoholic parent: You can't control it. You can't cure it. You can't feel responsible.
Grace: That's not a "C."
Luke: The "C" is in the "can't." And you know you want to change your life, or else you wouldn't have gone to the Alateen meeting-
Grace: [talking over him] Ohh! Don't pretend like you know me. You know? Just because you did some good little deed doesn't give you the right to get all up in my face.

Luke: [sighs] I think it's really admirable that you want to talk, Grace.
Grace: Who said anything about talkin'? (She kisses him but he pushes her away) You'd rather talk than make out? I think you're the one that needs the help, Girardi.
(Grace starts to laugh and moves in for another kiss but Luke pushes her away)
Luke: No! I'm not gonna let you use our make out time as a cudgel to avoid this issue.
Grace: See, this is why I don't talk to anyone. 'Cause now we're all about her. That stupid fifth "c" is how the alcoholic is controlling my life. Well, I'm not gonna let her. Ok?
Luke: She already is! Look at us!
Grace: Only 'cause you can't get off it!
Luke: Ok. So, let me come over to your house, and we'll hang out. Grace: This conversation is over.
(Grace starts to leave but Luke grabs her arm and pulls her around to face him)
Luke: Can't you see what you're letting her do to you?!
Grace: It's my space! I made the choice! Me!
Luke: I think you really believe that you're strong. But you're more terrified than anyone I know.
(Luke leaves and Grace slams the door after him, looking upset.)

(The door to Grace's room opens and Grace and Luke enter. Luke looks around).
Grace: Speak, creep.
Luke: I like it. It's, uh... it's a little... tidier than I thought it'd be.
Grace: I'm not tidy. I just... thought you should be able to walk in here, that's all.
Luke: That's nice. Thanks.
Grace:"Nice. Tidy." Do you have a death wish?
Luke: (Looks across the room) Oh, dude! "Splash." The original beanie baby. (On her bureau is a whale beanie baby, next to the geode from "The Gift.")
Grace: It was the first inflationary bubble of our lifetime. My mom stood in line at 5:00 in the morning to get the second run. It opened my eyes to the dangers of capitalism.
Luke: I have "Pinchers."
Grace: The lobster?
Luke: Originally released under the name "Punchers." Retired in 1987, which briefly inflated the price to over $5,000. A classic lesson that any economic system is subject to the whims of human emotion.
Grace: And easily exploited by the rapacious elite.
Luke: The cool calculation of science meets the heated imprecision of economic theory.
(They kiss and a door closes downstairs)
Grace�s Mom: (off camera) Grace! I'm home!
Luke: I'll sneak out the window.
(Luke gets up and Grace follows him).
Grace: No. Stay.
(They kiss again)




Friday Night
Grace: [Breaking a kiss] They are so seriously twisted, dude.
Luke: Why do you care if Joan and Adam go on a date? [Leans in to kiss her]
Grace: [Pulling away] Because, they're just mindlessly following these random, sociological constructs.
Luke: Well...I was gonna ask you out...tonight.
Grace: Who do you think you're twisting tongues with, dude?
Luke: Schlock festival at the Arrow, the all-time worst films: Plan 9, Robot Monster, Catwoman From the Moon. I mean, these are serious classics.
Grace: I have a meeting tonight. [Holds up an "Anarchists Unite" pamphlet]
Luke: Anarchists Unite? Isn't that contradictory?
Grace: Anarchy is about shedding false conceptions, so it is not at all contradictory, brain drain. Maybe if you came, you would be less politically dense ...
Luke: Well, anarchists should have an appreciation for the chaotic ineptitude of schlock cinema. It's the very definition of anarchy.
Grace: Don't twist political philosophy to manipulate me into a date.
Luke: Well, isn't that what you're doing? Trying to get me to your meeting.

Luke: Grace? I went to the anarchy meeting looking for you?
Grace: Well, I came to the movies. [Pause] What happened to your shoes?
Luke: They were made by, uh, kids in Central America; I burned them.
[Grace smiles and stands; they meet in the row and kiss, standing in front of the movie screen]
Audience Member: Hey, lovebirds, sit down.
[Grace glares before tossing popcorn at him. Luke and Grace leave the theater]

Friedman [to Luke and Grace]: Just give it up; hold hands or something. [Takes both their hands and entwines them before giving both a hug].




No Future
Luke: Look, I know it's a lot to ask.
Grace: Dude... licking your floors would be a lot to ask.
Luke: No. It's one dinner.
Grace: No!
Luke: It's my birthday dinner. My dad makes Lasagne.
Grace: I'll get you a present. Besides, someone we knew is actually dead. How can you even think of celebrating?
Luke: It's dinner, Grace. You know, nobody's going to do the limbo or wear stupid hats.
Grace: You know, once your sister knows, the world knows. We might as well get married.
Luke: Joan won't figure it out.
Grace: Oh, yeah. She's not that stupid.
Luke: Stupid, no. Self-absorbed? Paris Hilton has more perspective. Look, I'll say we have to study later. It's my 16th birthday, you know, the one where you get a car. I mean, I'm just getting a diving watch. But, still, it's a watershed event.
Grace: I thought you were afraid of the ocean.
Luke: Grace, this is what I want for my birthday, ok? Not a present, not a rain check, not 5 more minutes of make-out time.
Grace: (She whispers, Cutting him off) Shut up!
Luke: This is a deal-breaker, Grace.

Grace: I will not sing. I will not wear a dress.
Luke: What?
Grace: Those are the terms.
Luke: So you're saying yes?
Grace: And it has nothing to do with that asinine threat. I will do all the breaking up around here. Got it?
[Grace leaves as Luke smiles]
Luke: Absolutely.

Grace: I got you something, too. [Grace unfolds and holds up the confidentiality contract]
Luke: Our secrecy contract.
[Grace rips it in half, smiles, and kisses Luke. As they separate, Joan looks extremely surprised]




Book of Questions
Luke: Grace! So what can I do?
Grace: Hmm?
Luke: For your bat mitzvah.
Grace: Nothing. I- I just want it to come and go quickly like Hoobastank.
Friedman: Savor it, Marge. I tell you, when the hora starts, you're up in that chair... now, that's a rush.
Glynis: But don't crowd surf. The elderly aren't prepared for it.
Grace: Look, just come to my stupid party, laugh at the chocolate fountain, make fun of my relatives, and if you're good, maybe we can make out behind the DJ booth.
Friedman: Sweet!
Grace and Luke: Shut up, Friedman.

Joan: Cool. So what are you wearing?
Grace: A dress.
Joan: You're... wearing a dress.
Grace: Oh, nice smirk. Thanks for the help.

Friedman: I'm thinking ten shares of eBay. It's practical yet romantic.
Luke: Are you insane?
Friedman: Why not? The teitelbaums gave me 10 shares of halliburton. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving...
Luke: I'm not giving grace stock.
Glynis: Ooh! You could give her a bran muffin.
Luke: Why would I do that?
Glynis: Oh, 'cause that's what you got me when we were going out, except you were low on cash and I had to pay.
Friedman: Lingerie.
Luke: For a bat mitzvah?
Friedman: Exactly. The lady is becoming a woman. Am I not good?
Glynis: The muffin was a little stale. I'm not bitter, though.
Friedman: Is a moped too expensive? Dude...the Friedman knows what to choose for the chosen people!

Grace: The whole concept of a dress is a sexist symbol of thousands of years of reducing women to fetish objects.
Joan: This would look so hot on you!
Grace: Have you been listening at all?
Joan: Yeah, angry, angry, angry, society, angry, politics. [She drapes a red dress over Grace's shoulders] Here! Try this on. Look, Grace, this is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, you know, like a wedding! Except lots of people do that more than once, so it'll be even better.

Friedman: Ok, this one's pretty nifty. It's got Jerusalem embroidered on it, matching kippah. Smoking hot.
Luke: People really give these?
Friedman: I got five.
Luke: And you like them?
Friedman: Like them? They're bar mitzvah presents. Nobody likes them. They simply exist, like Stonehenge. Consider the candlestick, a popular Shabbat favourite. [Off of Luke's puzzled look] Shabbat-- lighting of the candles, Friday night...
Luke: But she doesn't do that.
Friedman: Then she can use it to kill colonel mustard in the library. Dude, you are so over-thinking this.
Luke: I just- I can't give her some random thing, you know? I should give her something that when she looks at it, she thinks of me. Even when she's 90.
Friedman: There's always the giant sea turtle.

Friedman: We could go kama sutra. You said you wanted personal. If that's not personal, I don't know what is.
Luke:Friedman, this is a religious event! It's got deeper meaning than…[Glances at book]...remarkably limber. No. [Luke picks up an Astronomy book]
Friedman: An astronomy text? That's relationship suicide.
Luke: I don't know. I mean... we met in science class.
Friedman: My god, it's used! Grandparents wouldn't give that.

Luke: [Has the astronomy book opened] Perfect. I found it. There's no- no admonitions, Friedman. I am committed.

Joan: It was so weird. The other day, her mom was like this regular, normal mom, then today...
Luke: I've never seen her mom when she's been drinking. I've only been to her place a couple of times.
Joan: She was a totally different person. So sad. If this happens all the time, you should have told me.
Luke: Grace made me promise not to say anything.
Joan: I'm her best friend. I should have known!
Luke: And I'm her boyfriend. Look, I got her to go to A-La-Teen so she could start dealing with it. You just have to give her time.
Joan: Time? Luke, she already put off her Bat Mitzvah.
Luke: She's put it off before, probably for the same reason.
Joan: Luke, she has to do this!
[Grace enters]
Grace: Why the hell did you come to my house? [To Luke] Did you tell her, freak?
Luke: No.
Joan: No! He didn't say anything. I just wanted to talk to you. You wouldn't call me back.
Grace: And you couldn't take a hint this is none of your business? [To Luke] And it's none of yours anymore either. We're done. [Turns to leave]
Luke: Grace, I'm sorry.

Joan: Why are you running away? You don't seem to mind getting in people's faces except for when it matters!
Grace: Oh, save it.
Joan: You hide Luke- which, yeah, ok, I kinda understand- but you hide your mom, you hide all the important stuff, Grace. I'm not Jewish, but it seems to me this whole bat mitzvah thing is about standing up and declaring yourself! Getting in people's faces for real!
Luke: [From the stairs] Grace. I already got you a present.
[Grace is visibly moved]

Grace: Anyway, basically me and my dad have been fighting about this day since I hit the double digits. And, uh... I won't go into it. It was a political thing. And a daughter of a rabbi thing. But finally I...gave in and indulged them one last empty ritual before I'm outta here. But then, um... not to get all gooey... when you handed me the Torah, it hit me that... this is a genius way of attacking adulthood. I mean, this scroll... there are no easy answers in here. It's basically a book of questions... something that makes us keep searching for a way to make sense of this mess. And just dealing with a lot of questions, that takes a lot of guts when there's no guarantee that there will be answers. And, uh, I just hope I'm up for it. So... fire up that cheesy music, and let's eat.

Grace: Those pictures are gonna surface one day. Bat mitzvah vets for truth are gonna ruin my life.

Grace: Told you not to get me anything.
Luke: Just come on.
Grace: Alone in the dark? This better not be something Friedman suggested.
Luke: Ok, look up. [She looks at him]No, no, no. Right over there, above the constellation Leo.
Grace: My neck is cramping.
Luke: Look! Did you see that? [A shooting star]
Grace: How did you get them to do that?
Luke: It's the Leonid meteor shower. Happens every year or so. So you'll never forget tonight. I mean, it was either this or... Shabbat candlesticks.
Grace: Oh! Look! There's another one!
Luke: You know, there's a theory that... that all organic matter on earth, life, may have come from those. Wonder if we'll ever know.




Dive
Grace: So we got home from the bat mitzvah. She drags out the photo album and gets totally hammered while narrating the complete Polonsky family history, starting in Poland. I heard her even through the headphones in my room.
Luke: I don't know how you put up with that.
Grace: Like I have a choice?
Luke: Isn't that what your bat mitzvah was all about? Taking responsibility?

Luke: Of all people, I think you would have the courage to make her get help! What are you so afraid of?
Grace: [Stands up] What the hell do you know about courage, dude? You hide in your head. You're obsessed with science and formulas and mind games so that you don't really have to live. Have you ever taken a risk ever?
Luke: Grace-
Grace: The most you're ever gonna be is a pathetic science teacher who never really went for what he really wanted.

Luke: You know, I've structured my whole life to be risk-free, never allowing for a situation where I might fail. So I've cut out whole realms of experiences that I want to be a part of. I just... I just don't want to live half a life anymore.

[Grace is at the door to Luke's room]
Grace: I was in the neighbourhood.
Luke: Really?
Grace: No, but... makes this easier, so go with it. Ok. Look, just... forget that stupid diving team. That whole rant, that was- I was- I mean I- are you gonna make me go on?
Luke: No.
Grace: Okay. I talked to my mom...finish your homework.

Quotes Season 1 (H-R)

Quotes- Season One

The Fire and the Wood
Grace: Wood doesn?t actually burn.
Joan: That's insane.
Grace: What burns is the gas released when the wood gets hot. Therefore, the reactions would have to be gasification, through oxidation reduction then combustion.
Luke: It is so hot you know that.

Touch Move
Grace: Do you smell that? It's like essence of pimp.

Bringeth it On
Luke: (about the science fair) I thought this thing was, like, months from now.
Friedman: Yeah, which is barely enough time to compile sufficient data. Unless, of course, you and Avril LeGrace over there want to try to get electricity from a potato.
Luke: You know, Grace Polk is a lot smarter than people think.

Grace: Hey geek!
Luke: Sorry. I can't be late for homeroom.
Grace: Ok, that's pathetic.

Luke: Hey! Um, I'm actually sort of surprised to see you here.
Grace: Maybe I'm an incurable optimist. Maybe I think there's still hope. Maybe I think someone won't show up.
Luke: Why do you care? I mean, empirically speaking, you wouldn't care unless you were emotionally invested...you like my sister.
Grace: First, I don't like anyone. In her better moments your sister didn't make me want to puke.

Luke: Would you do me the honors of applying with me as my partner for the 2004 Arcadia High science fair?
Adam: Yeah, sure.
Luke: Actually, I meant...
Grace: Did you say something?
Luke: Um, I was just wondering if you wanted to apply for the science fair together...with me, as uh, as my partner? If, if you're interested.
Grace: Isn't that thing months from now?
Luke: There's gonna be like, a total feeding frenzy.
Grace: I don't plan ahead. Ask when it's closer.
Luke: So you're saying it's possible?
Grace: In theory, if you stop acting like such a loser.
Luke: Okay. Awesome.

Death Be Not Whatever
Joan: The kid is obsessed with death. Isn't that strange?
Grace: No stranger than being obsessed with this stuff, like Atom Boy.
Luke: I heard that.

The Uncertainty Principle
Joan: You want to wake me when you get to the point?
Luke: Right, so I asked Grace to do this thing with me, and at the time she said yes...sort of, but...
Joan: Wait. Grace Polk said yes? To you?
Luke: It was somewhat contingent, but essentially, yeah.
Joan: Aww, she's so gonna get it.
Luke: But, see, I don't know if she remembers me asking, so do I have to do the full re-approach or...
Joan: Now, what is she gonna wear? Because they don't make gowns out of fatigues.
Luke: What are we talking about?
Joan: You asked Grace Polk to the semi-formal.
Luke: I asked her to be my partner for the science fair.
Joan: Wow. Science really is like sex to you isn't it?

Luke: Um, hey. So, uh, I was wondering if you...how you were feeling about the, uh...
Grace: What is it with these sanctioned mating rituals that make everyone drool over each other like zombies?
Luke: Oh, no, that's actually not what I'm talking...ok. Um, remember when I asked you about the science fair?
Grace: I already said I'd do that. Why are you getting all sweaty?
Luke: You said to check back with you. I wasn't sure.
Grace: I don't see what the big deal is. It's not like I'm gonna be any help.
Luke: Don't worry about that. I have like, a file folder of ideas.
Grace: Whatever. As long as I don't have to wear a dress.
Luke: Yeah, me too. (pause) Not that I would ever...wear a dress, but...
Grace: It's okay, man.

Luke: Now, it's boldly retro, but I was thinking something involving Heisenberg's uncertainty principle.
Grace: And that would be?
Luke: Glad you asked. Ok, you know that solar system model of an atom you learned in the fifth grade? You know, the one with the nucleus here and the little electrons rotating around it? Heisenberg says that's crap. There is no little nucleus, or at least there's no way to determine where a nucleus is with any certainty, and why, you ask?
Grace: Not really.

Grace: What's this?
Luke: That's a rail gun. You use electromagnetic currents to basically shoot a slug.
Grace: That sounds cool. Let's do that.

Friedman: So, guess we won't be seeing you at the dance tomorrow night?
Grace: Says who?
Friedman: It's an assumption based on the unlikely hypothesis of you wearing a dress.
Grace: Well guess what, Galileo? You're assumptions suck. And we'll see you at the dance. Now beat it before I give you a wedgie.

Luke: Are we going to the Crystal Ball?
Grace: Must've got caught up in the testosterone.

Luke: Um, did you wanna take off your coat?
Grace: Cool it, horndog. I'm not there yet.

Jump
Luke: Ah, Grace, good. As you can see, I've entered in four more equations for Heisenberg's gamma ray experiment.
Grace: Whoop-di-doodilly-doo.

Luke: Look, I've...I've really enjoyed our collaboration. I feel our intellects and approaches really complement each other, and I was...you know, hoping you felt the same way.
Grace: Stop, stop. You're embarrassing me with your dirty talk.

Luke: So, Grace wants me to make this stupid rail gun that probably won't even work anyway, or I can salvage my dignity and work with Friedman.
Kevin: No contest.
Luke: Yes, of course. Yet, all I see is contest.
Kevin: Either get over your fear of women, or resign yourself to looking at boobs on the internet for the rest of your life.
Luke: Point of order, that's Friedman, not me. And not everything is about sex.
Kevin: Well not everything is about science.

Grace: Hey, geek.
Luke: Oh, Grace. Uh, I was afraid your father wouldn't give you the message.
Grace: Yeah. Thanks for leaving a message with my father, the rabbi, saying you want to spend the night with me building a gun?

Grace: So what you're telling me, dog, is there's no downside. Hmm?

Luke: Can't un-ring a bell, baby.

Requiem for a Third Grade Ashtray
Joan: Luke lent you his lab notebook?
Grace: I still have pull.

The Gift
Grace: You were getting all poetic there for a minute, Spock.
Luke: No, I just...you know.
Grace: Actually, no.
Luke: You mean you haven't ever walked by something and you just had this feeling that someone you knew would absolutely love it?
Grace: Are you interested in somebody else already?
Luke: I'm just having a theoretical discussion.
Grace: So there is somebody. Guys should be sprayed down with cold water like, every hour.

(After Luke gives Grace the geode)
Grace: Okay, dude. This is just weird.
Luke: Yeah, I know. I don't care.

Silence
Grace: Why did you give me that rock?
Luke: It's a geode.
Grace: To me it's a rock. Why?
Luke: It was a gesture...of friendship. Possibly courtship.
Grace: Courtship? That went out with the corset or the walkman or something.
Luke: I don't follow trends.

Grace: I have a reputation. I've worked hard to build it. Do you know what my reputation is?
Luke: You hate me?
Grace: I'm anti.
Luke: Okay. Anti what?
Grace: What have you got?
Luke: So you're never gonna fall in love?
Grace: I'm never even gonna fall in like.

Luke: What do you care what people think? I mean, if you're anti. Shouldn't you like the idea of us, if you're so anti?
Grace: I'm not that anti.
Luke Oh, so you're moderately anti?

Reasons (H-R)

Reasons

1. Because you can't unring a bell.
2. Because not everything is about science.
3. Because he knew she'd love the geode.
4. Because she still had pull.
5. Because he's a service provider.
6. Because he told her it was hot that she knew that what burns is the gas released when the wood gets hot. Therefore the reaction would have to be gasification, through oxidation reduction, then combustion.
7. Because science really is like sex to Luke.
8. Because relationships that work don't always make sense.
9. Because he got Grace to the Crystal Ball without ever asking.
10. Because he's a moose, not an elk.
11. Because a gift should just happen, shouldn't it?
12. Because he looked where no one else would look.
13. Because he's a horndog.
14. Because no one else could get away with fondling her ankles.
15. Because nobody messes with her Luke.
16. Because she's seen his baby pictures.

Relationship Timeline (H-R style)

Season 1

The Fire and the Wood
Grace and Luke are in the same AP Chemistry class.

At a study session at the Girardis', Luke observes Grace pointing out that wood doesn’t actually burn and is apparently attracted to her intelligence.

Grace, in her own special way, offers to open a jar Luke was struggling with.

Touch Move
In chemistry class, Grace, in typical little-boy-likes-little-girl fashion, throws spit wads at Luke and makes fun of his aftershave.

Bringeth it On
In chemistry class, Luke defends Grace’s intelligence in front of the whole class when Friedman makes a joke about it. Grace seems surprised.

Friedman also gives Luke a hard time for liking Grace, since he thinks she’s gay.

Grace turns to Luke when she fears Joan is falling into the “popular” crowd.

Luke goes to Kevin for advice about his feelings with the infamous “moose-elk” talk.

After Joan’s cheerleading tryouts, where Grace fiercely denied to Luke that she “likes” anyone, Luke asks her to be his partner for the school Science Fair. She tells him she doesn’t plan ahead, and to check back. Excited with her “maybe” answer, Luke scurries off with a big grin. Grace sits on the steps with a small smile and watches him leave.

Death Be Not Whatever
In chemistry class, Grace makes a remark about being obsessed with science, calling Luke “Atom Boy.”

The Uncertainty Principle
Luke reproaches Grace about the science fair. She tells him she already agreed to do it.

While in the cafeteria discussing the project, Friedman makes fun of them with some crack about Grace not wearing a dress. Grace gets annoyed tells Friedman that they’ll see him at the dance, therefore inadvertently asking Luke to the dance.

At the dance, Friedman once again gives Luke a hard time for being there with Grace. Grace overhears this and grabs Luke and kisses him.

Jump
Luke and Grace continue to work on their science fair project.
When the FBI seizes Luke’s computer, Grace tells him that they should build a rail gun instead.

After receiving an offer to join Friedman’s team, Luke once again asks Kevin’s advice. Kevin basically tells Luke to get over his fear of women and work on the rail gun.

Luke and Grace stay up all night working on the rail gun which, to their surprise, works…sort of.

Recreation
Luke steals a glance at Grace at the anti-drug lecture gone awry.

At the party, Grace seems really interested in looking at Luke’s baby pictures.

After everyone’s left the party, Luke is sprawled out on the couch and it’s Grace’s turn to steal a glance at him.

State of Grace
Friedman convinces Luke to give up on Grace and go after Glynis.

Before the debate, Luke confronts Glynis and they share a really awkward kiss. Luke turns to watch Glynis as she scurries off down the hall, only to see that Grace witnessed the whole thing. Grace manages to maintain a nearly unreadable reaction, though she does look at least slightly hurt.

Requiem for a Third Grade Ashtray
Grace tells Joan that Luke lent her his lab notebook, saying she “still has pull.”

Anonymous
While passing by Luke and Glynis, Grace makes a remark about how she didn’t think they would last as long as they have and refers to Glynis as “ostrich.”

Vanity, Thy Name is Human
Luke finally breaks it off with Glynis.

The Gift
Luke joins Joan, Adam, and Grace’s study group because of the tension with Glynis.
After going on a spiel about how a gift should just "happen," Luke let’s Grace know that he’s still interested in her by giving her a geode. Grace seems sincerely touched by the gesture, but tells him that it’s weird. He knows, but doesn’t care.

Silence
While walking home from the hospital, Grace confronts Luke about why he gave her the geode. He tells her it was a gesture of friendship. Possibly courtship. Grace argues reasons why the idea is ridiculous, but Luke doesn’t buy any of them. After a final, failed attempt to push him away, Grace finally gives in and they make out as some random pedestrian walks by and stares at them.

Season 2

Only Connect
Luke and Grace make out behind a brick wall of a little sidewalk café type of place. When she tells him that time’s up, it spawns a little argument about a confidentiality contract she made him sign.

They are now in the same AP Physics class. During Lischak’s opening lecture, Luke steals glances at Grace, who glares at him (albeit with a hint of a smile).

When Grace accidentally snaps a rubber band at Glynis, she makes a snappy comment to Luke about his ‘soul mate’ attacking her. Luke protests, as per the agreement.

Friedman, being totally committed to the “Grace is a lesbian” thing, makes a joke about her “liking the other equipment. She hits him with a rubber band.

They make out at their little hiding place again. At one point, both of them share the same kiss-buzzed-mushy-brain smile. Then Grace brings up finding a new place because of the security guard that drives around.

As the whole AP Physics gang is walking down the hallway, Glynis makes faces at Grace behind her back and Friedman makes yet another lesbian joke. Luke seems to have had enough of that and yells at Friedman to back off. Everyone stares at him and he rushes off.

That night, Grace comes in through Joan’s window and asks if she’s in love with Rove, wanting to know how she knows for sure, and says that it feels kind of like a breakdown. Joan figures out that Grace is talking about herself and asks if she’s in love. Grace responds by putting a lampshade on her head. Joan says if there is someone, she thinks she should know. Grace responds by leaving through the window, saying she was never there.

Kevin lets Luke know that he’s figured out about his secret relationship with Grace and that he needs to stand up to her, and “be a man.”

Luke goes over to Grace’s house with the intention to take Kevin’s advice, but ends up with Grace telling him he’s dead and slamming the door in his face.

Out of Sight
Grace tells Luke that if they can't find some common ground through music, they're toast.

That night they meet and exchange mix CDs. Grace isn't satisfied with Luke's hip hop, classical, or Metallica, and Luke is definitely less than thrilled with Grace's 33 West and Olatunji. When it looks like they're out of luck, some kids come by with a stereo playing Kool and the Gang's "Celebration." Both of them hate it, and find common ground in their mutual hatred. Luke tells Grace that that's their song. They kiss.

At Judith's party, Luke tries conversing with Grace, who points out that contact at parties is a violation of their contractual agreement.

Luke goes into the house and puts "Celebration" on the stereo, and sets it to repeat, before walking off to some unknown corner of the house. Grace hears the song, looks up, and sees Luke standing at a window, nodding for her to follow him. She does, and they make out some more.

Back to the Garden
In gym class, the kids are all discussing their Physics assignment to determine indeterminacy. Luke tries to get Grace to work with him, but she won't. Luke doesn't see the problem, since they worked together on the science fair last year. Grace tells him that if he can't handle the terms of their agreement, then maybe he can't handle her.

Later on, Luke waits for Grace outside the girls restroom. She's miffed that he's waiting around, and tells him it's a little stalker like. She tells him to back off unless he wants make-out time cut. Luke, finally fed up, tells her that it's about more than making out. They have a relationship, which she doesn't deny. He tells her that she may have said he couldn't handle her, but he thinks she's the one who can't handle him. Grace responds by telling Luke that it's about her privacy and that's it. Luke tells her to be private, and alone then, because that seems to be what she wants. Grace stands there for a moment, obviously hurt, before walking off.

The next day, Luke is waiting on the stairs when Grace walks by. He apologizes and says that he's decided he can deal with her terms. She finally admits to her mistake and tells him that he shouldn't have to deal with them because they're not fair. He tells her that no revolution has occurred overnight, they have to build up and he's willing to wait for it. He gives her a sunflower that he stole from Joan's garden project. They proceed to walk down the hall, in conversation. In public.

The Cat
As Luke and Grace are walking down the hall at school, Luke is telling her about his aunt who just had a stroke. He tells her that she almost died and all he could do was just stand there, like it wasn't real. Her only response is "Dude...weird." Luke gets a little annoyed, and tells her that they should be able to talk to each other about this sort of thing. Joan walks up behind them, interrupting them and noting that is "looks like [they are] into something deep there." Grace tells her that Luke was trying to get her to work on the science fair with him again. Luke plays along, rambling about how the competition is fierce. Joan ignores him and continues on, still oblivious to their relationship.

The following night, after a conversation with their aunt, Joan comes up to Luke's room to ask him if he thinks they'll ever find love. At that exact moment, Grace sends Luke an instant message. She tells him that she knows she's a jerk, but there are things that she doesn't tell people, she can't. When it looks like she's about to confess something to him, Joan accuses him of looking at porn and rushes over to check the monitor. To avoid getting caught talking to Grace, Luke quickly closes out of the conversation and logs off.

The next day, Grace comes out of the office with a late slip and sees Luke walk by. She hurries to catch up with him and confronts him about logging off the night before. He says that Joan was trying to bust him for looking at porn. Grace, rather surprised, asks if he was looking at porn while they were online. He says no, pauses for a moment, then asks if she wants him too. She chuckles a little, shakes her head, and smirks. He tells her it was a one time occurrence, but if she has something to say to him she should just say it. For a second she looks as if she wants to tell him something, but sees Joan hanging on Adam and takes the opportunity to make a snarky comment and take off.

Early the next morning, Luke is getting ready for school when he hears an instant message alert. He rolls over his bed and looks at the screen to see a message from Grace that simply says: "My Mother drinks." Luke is stunned. He gets ready to reply, but Grace logs off before he can do so.

At the school, Grace is standing at her locker when she sees Luke heading down the hall. She tosses her bag inside and closes the locker, turns, and takes off, trying to get away. Luke catches up with her and touches her arm. She turns around and looks up at him, with tears in her eyes, then takes off again. He follows.

Grace leads Luke into an empty classroom. She stands there for a moment before looking up at him, with a look that shows fear, pain, vulnerability, and even a hint of shame. He looks at her sympathetically and slowly pulls her into a hug. With her defenses completely down, Grace puts her head on Luke's shoulder and quietly breaks down.

The Election
Luke and Grace are sitting and standing, respectively, on a staircase. Grace is rambling about Joan getting involved in the school election. Luke gently interrupts and asks if they’re going to talk about her mom. Grace looks around for a second before replying with a soft, slightly broken “No.” He tells her that he knows she wants to talk about it, because she sent him that message. For several seconds Grace looks as though she wants to say something, but just can’t find the words, as being this open is a relatively new experience. She finally tells Luke that she just wanted him to know before taking off.

The next day at school, Grace catches up with Luke and Friedman, who are walking down the hall with a copy of Brian Beaumont’s mission statement. One of Lars’ goons, accompanied by his buddy, walks up and takes the mission statement from Luke, telling him that carrying it around could be hazardous to his health. Grace quickly interjects, calling the bully a nimrod. Luke tells Grace to leave it alone, but she won’t. She tells Luke that they won’t do anything, “These losers have some archaic rule where they never hit a girl.” Sure enough, Bully A’s friend steps in, “As if you’re a girl!” and shoves Grace into the wall, quite hard, and knocks her to the ground. Luke freaks and shoves Bully B into the opposite wall. He looks like he’s getting ready to pummel him when Bully A grabs him by the shoulders and heaves him across the room. Luke falls to the floor next to Grace as the two goons walk away. Grace can’t contain herself: “That was beautiful, dude.” They sit there on the floor and laugh about it.

The following day, Grace, Luke, and Joan are sitting at a table in the cafeteria. Luke tells them that the latest polls aren’t looking too good for Brian. Joan says they’ll look better once they can dig up something on Lars. She’s willing to do whatever it takes. Grace (in the most well placed of three Godfather references) tells her a horse’s head is always effective. “Thought you were the poster girl for apathy?” Joan asks. Luke nonchalantly makes a comment about Grace being hit by a wave of school spirit. This warrants Joan’s attention as she eyes Luke suspiciously, “She told you?” Luke says he gleaned it. Grace is failing miserably at looking cool about the whole thing. Joan looks over at her with an equally suspicious expression just as Judith shows up with news about Lars.

The next afternoon, Grace and Luke are in a hallway hanging some more posters for Brian. Luke tells Grace that statistically, their latest move will have less than a thirteen percent change of succeeding. Grace jokes that she never understands half of what he says. She stands there for a second, hesitating, before finally speaking up about her mother. She tells Luke about a time when she was eleven and her friend Becky slept over. They went downstairs for breakfast in the morning, only to find her mother passed out on the kitchen floor from the night before; Becky never spoke to her after that. Luke listens to her tell her story. He doesn’t say anything, but he does look a little happy that she is finally trusting him enough to open up.



Wealth of Nations
Luke and Grace meet in a storage room for the science department, Luke explaining Lishack gave him the key, an advantage of being science student of the year. He asks Grace where she was the previous night, since he IMed her many times without a response. Grace responds fairly comfortably that she was taking care of her mother, since her father works late to avoid dealing with her mom's alcoholism. When Luke suggests Grace talk to someone about it, she writes him off quickly, instead suggesting they study.

After only one statement about black holes, Luke tries again, telling Grace she can talk to him about it. Grace quickly cuts the conversation short by leaning in and kissing Luke passionately, tongue definitely involved. Luke's a bit thrown off and clearly aware Grace is only doing it to avoid the subject. But he doesn't exactly argue when she kisses him again.

Once again in their new hiding place, Luke hands Grace an Alateen flyer. Almost immediately defensive, she worries he "blabbed" about her and tells him she's been through it before; she doesn't need to go to Alateen. Luke responds that Grace has been through it alone; it doesn't have to be that way anymore. Grace just hands him the flyer.

At the Alateen meeting, which seems to be taking place in a church, Grace listens uncomfortably as a teenage boy talks about how his father drinks away his paycheck in one day. When the boy's done and everyone turns to Grace, expecting her to speak, she stands up hesitantly and introduces herself to the group, a chorus of "Hi Grace" following. She hesitantly says that her mother's an alcoholic, and Luke takes her hand. Turning to look at him, she offers him a quick, small smile, and tells the group that he's her "boyfriend, Luke," this marking the first time she's used a gender specific coupling word. Luke looks shocked but recovers quickly, and stands up next to Grace. They look at each other, and the moment's all about them, not the meeting.




P.O.V.
When we first see Grace, she's with Joan. Generally, this wouldn't be included, except she makes a comment to Joan about how telling Adam to 'act' normal goes against Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, and Joan responds that Grace is starting to sound like Luke. It's so, very true. Apparently he's really rubbing off on her. Grace looks surprised and quickly excuses herself.

Next, we're outside the school and Grace walks by Luke, who's talking to some boy about tech stuff- most likely computers, as he's referring to gigabytes. When he sees Grace, he takes off after her, not even saying bye to the kid he was talking to. Together they descend the stairs and walk, as Luke asks Grace how things have been. She remarks they've been great for her mother, who had two bottles of wine at dinner the previous night. Luke asks if she's been keeping her journal, and Grace responds she has, if free form swearing counts. Grace becomes frustrated as Luke lectures her to 'keep at it,' until she blows up and tells him that having done one nice thing for her doesn't give him the right to act like an expert in her life. She storms away, leaving a clearly confused Luke behind.

Later, Grace is in the science storage room, waiting for Luke. He comes in and remarks that it's admirable for her to want to talk to him about her mom. Grace doesn't want to talk, instead pulling Luke into a kiss. He pushes her away and tells her he won't let her use their makeout time to avoid this issue. Grace is upset Luke won't stop talking about it, and Luke responds that Grace's mother's problems are controlling her life. Grace denies this, and Luke comments that they should hang out at Grace's house. She shuts down, saying the conversation's over. As Grace attempts to leave, Luke tells her that she may think she's strong, but she's more terrified than anyone he knows.

Luke's sitting in the library when he gets hit by a paper ball. He turns around to see Grace standing off to the side, and she gestures wildly at the balled up paper. Luke picks it up. It's an invitation to come over to her parent-less house after school. Luke smiles and turns around. She's gone.

A door opens and Luke and Grace step into Grace's room. Luke looks around and Grace tells him to comment. It's more tidy and nicer than he expected. Grace takes these comments to mean Luke has a death wish. Something across the room catches Luke's eye, and he walks away from the door. On the bureau is a whale beanie baby (positioned next to the geode from "The Gift") which Luke picks up. They sit down on Grace's bed as they discuss beanie babies (Luke has "Pinchers," which was worth $5,000 at one point). They start to kiss and a door closes somewhere in the house, followed by the off camera voice of Grace's mom, announcing she's home. Luke jumps up and tells Grace he'll leave through the window, but she quickly catches up to him and requests he 'stay.' They kiss again.




Friday Night
Grace and Luke are making out in the science storage room when Grace pulls back. She's complaining about Joan and Adam, feeding into the normal 'relationship' thing, planning a big date. Luke tells Grace he was going to ask her on a date to the Schlock-Fest, a la Bad Movie Night. Grace says she has a meeting and holds up an "Anarchists Unite" pamphlet. Luke comments on the oxymoron in that, but Grace argues quickly against it and tells Luke not to try to twist politics to get her to go on a date with him. Luke calls her on this, saying she'd also attempted it with him. Grace gets up and leaves, despite Luke's attempts to make her stop.

Luke's waiting outside the Schlock-Fest with Friedman, who is talking about Judith. Friedman tells Luke that the "ectasy of love" leads the will to "desperate undertakings." Luke freezes, obviously thinking about Grace, before telling Friedman he has to go.

At the Anarchists Unite meeting, Luke's walking around, looking for Grace. He realizes all the girls there look like her, and asks one of the girls if she's seen Grace. He tells her she has a jacket and hair like the girl's, and the girl asks Luke if he's saying they're conformists. Luke realizes he's in hot water and backpedals quickly, but ends iup in even more trouble when the guy running the meeting points out Luke's sneakers, which were made by starving children. Luke sacrifices the sneakers.

Meanwhile, Grace is looking for Luke at the Schlock-Fest. There's a kid who looks vaguely like him, and a boy in a mask, who Grace thanks God isn't Luke. Friedman notices her, and Grace realizes she's blown their cover.

Luke arrives back at the Schlock-Fest visibly upset he couldn't find Grace. Inside the theater, Friedman tells Grace he gets it, why she and Luke work together. Luke comes into the theater a moment later and notices Grace. He tells her he went to her meeting looking for her, to which she replies she came to the theater. She notices his lack of sneakers and asks what happened. He tells her about the meeting and she smiles. They kiss. Someone tells them to sit down, and Grace throws popcorn at the guy before they leave.

Back at the Girardis house, Luke, Grace and Friedman are sitting on the front steps when Joan and Helen get home from the hospital after Judith died. Grace goes over to Joan and she, Joan, Luke and Friedman have a tense and depressing conversation in the yard. Later, as Friedman laments over his loss of Judith, he tells Luke and Grace to just hold hands, and physically entwines their hands before enveloping them in a hug.