Party of Five (TV Series) Altered States (1996) User Reviews

Altered States (#2.19)

[ComedyFan2010 · 8/10 · 6 March 2018]

To feel better Julia lies to everyone about where she is going and goes to see Griffin. This weekend ends up helping her. Bailey is upset about Sarah's changes. Charlie is uncomfortable about Kathleen wanting their relationship to be more serious.

I hated it that Julia went to Griffin. But actually I liked him in this episode and how he tried to make Julia feel better. I don't want them together but I like him as her friend. Justin is an amazing boyfriend though. The fact that he didn't even get upset about her lying where she went speaks so much for him.

Sarah is changing. But it is not how she dresses that is bad. I actually like her style. She is just a bit too moody. But then again, she is 16. Maybe this is normal.

Well good that Kathleen didn't end up killing herself for Charlie. This would not be a good idea. She is too successful to waste her life because of a man. But her talk to him at the end was pretty good.

Following the Heart

[tomasmmc-77198 · 7/10 · 19 July 2021]

To heal after her miscarriage, Julia feels she has to travel to New Orleans to see Griffin. Deep inside she knows that no one can help her (not Justin, Claudia or Charlie), just Griffin. He guesses what happened after she gives some hints, so he spends time talking and taking care of her. In the best scene of the episode, he takes her to the church, where he tells how sure he feels there, the place where all your sins can be forgiven. At the motel, Griffin comforts her and convinces her to return home, living day by day. Back in SF, Justin knows she lied about her trip but says he trusts that she did it to feel better. Excepts for the final stolen kiss, here Griffin behaved like a man, treating Julia with respect, compassion, love and mercy. He helped her in a way no one else could because only he has the necessary experience.

When Kathleen wants to take the next step in meeting the siblings, Charlie feels bad because he just wanted something casual. Besides, also Claudia isn't comfortable in this situation. It's implied that she was able to spend one night in the house, but considering Charlie's face, discomfort and total denial when she folded his laundry and offered a Hawaii trip for the siblings, that seems impossible. Besides, how would she sleep in the house without Claudia, Julia or Bailey noticing? I'd rather believe she went to the house early. Anyway, Kathleen tells him that she loves him but obviously he doesn't feel the same. Deep inside, Charlie knows that he only loved and loves Kirsten, so the left side of his bed (and his heart) belongs only to her. Now, he just wanted something casual to spend the time, but when Kathleen reacts badly to the breakup (she had a pill overdose), Charlie is forced to stay with her a little more. It's interesting the fact that just one season ago (1x20), Charlie did want to have an away trip from the family, with the love of his life. Now he said that he couldn't leave because he has household responsibilities, he is the "man behind scenes", so his siblings would be lost without him, which is truth (Claudia doesn't agree with this and surely neither Bailey). But it's also truth that he didn't want to leave because he doesn't love Kathleen, and that's the main reason not to go. He would have wanted to go in a family trip with Kirsten and the siblings, if he could.

As for Bailey-Sarah story, I don't see Bailey's problem. I feel the same way than him here, I mean, which guy in Earth would like that his girlfriend sings in provocative ways? It's natural for a guy to feel bad about this. Besides, she starts hanging out with guys from her band, including one named Matt, who obviously likes her. Bailey feels jealous and is missing the old Sarah. He has to trust her, but I totally understand his position.