- Romancer66
- Jan 28 2012, 02:43 PM
i've already praised MA for his fine performance on Thursday, but since the vets episode was largely an ensemble piece, I thought I'd give the actors playing the vets their rightful due as well. I liked the effort that went in to making them individuals--and while they had certain behavioral similarities that mark them as military or ex-military (especially the guys), they were also distinctive.
"Mike" was the testiest, the one probably least receptive to Jack, at least initially, and he's clearly got his issues and stress triggers too, as shown by his repeated complaints when Jack was standing and they were sitting: "I don't like talking to guys standing over me."
"Rob" was withdrawn and maybe just a little sullen, but that was satisfactorily explained when he informed the group that he couldn't go back to his unit for medical reasons. He had his "20-year-service" all planned out, and now he has to come to terms with that no longer being possible.
"Paco" seemed the most emotionally open and the most willing to talk about his issues. He also seemed the most receptive of the guys to having a newcomer in their midst, as shown by his touching Jack and asking him directly about what he'd gone through.
"Leslie" was calm, kind, and seemed very nurturing and positive. I'm not surprised to learn she's a motivational speaker in real life.
"Pat" was also calm and kind, but she seems a little more fragile than Leslie. More openly vulnerable. She teared up several times--when talking about her son and when listening to Jack talk about his cellmate being tortured and killed and how he hadn't wanted to know people could do that to others. She comes across as very empathetic. And I noticed how Mike gave a genuine smile when he told Jack that Pat doesn't talk about herself but she's a good listener. So I would guess that drawing Pat out to discuss her own issues is something of a challenge.
All three guys had that stoic, stiff upper lip demeanor that seems to be characteristic of military men. Jack can be repressed at times, but compared to Mike, Paco, and Rob, he's a torrent of emotions. His restlessness, the way he couldn't seem to sit or stand still, was a dramatic contrast to how these three sat, lounged, or slouched in their chairs. So, nice use of body language all around.
I'd be glad to see these vets again, in or out of therapy. So i hope at least some of them make return appearances. So true..all of the vets/actor vets did an outstanding job!
If I was on twitter or facebook I would leave a message praising their performance for sure!!
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