Classic Episode Discussion: S5Ep10

[nickngregmod.livejournal.com]

S5Ep10 No Humans Involved
Last week's classic was one of the slashiest ever and to counter that, this time we picked a very subtle moment between Nick and Greg. Let's find out if you're seeing what we're seeing (Hint: they are not working the same hours;)

This also happens to be the last classic scene from Season 5 that we'll be discussing as it was a weak season for subtext, thanks to the team split. You can still vote for your favorite out of the four (4!) nominated scenes in this season (S5Ep01, S5Ep06, S5Ep11) here.

To make up for the only available wide shots of their scene together, we start this trip down memory lane with a couple of random close ups...

Greg's listening faces:
01.
(OS Hodges: "CSIs get shot at all the time, or didn't they tell you?"

02.
(OS Hodges: "...sooner or later, you're going to have to be going back out to the hood. Nervous?")

03.
Aaand...: Greg paying attention to a lesson from Sofia. This is his "Oh" face;)

Nick's listening faces:
04.
(Warrick going over evidence)
{Wow, that is one intense look, guh.}

05.
(Catherine going over evidence)

06.
(Sorry, we stopped listening;)

It's not until the end of shift that we get to see Nick and Greg in a room together.They are in the breakroom with Warrick. We can't hear what they are saying as Catherine watches them from a distance. But they seem to be having a good time (is that popcorn?)

07.

08.

09.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

Greg worked a particularly rough case and we saw almost the whole team check up on him, but Nick. (Even Hodges asked if he was okay, after riling him.) So we want to know: what did Nick do to make Greg feel safe again? And why was Greg still at the lab? His shift had to have ended hours ago... Discuss!

Your mods,

Sillie, BeeLikeJ, SlashxYouxUp and RustyTheTrain

REMINDER!
Only a couple of days left in our Icon Competition. Don't leave your entry until the last minute! Inspirational (and usable!) Nick/Greg screencaps can be taken from our collection of classics;)

Comments

[riku-rocks.livejournal.com]

This is such a great episode. ^_^
The boys are surprisingly telling, considering how little time they spend together. The fact that they both look so out of place and discomfited until they're together again...and then they both look far too happy for two people who are at work (especially considering their line of work). It's as though all the bad stuff just melts away once they're reunited.
And I've wondered at this entire season every time I see it or am reminded of it: Why are they constantly finding themselves together when they should only have maybe an hour or two overlap? Greg must just show up a few hours early. Fortunately, his fellow shift members tend to do that, so no one seems to notice how odd it is.
...Or they just don't marvel at his strange behavior anymore. *shrug*

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

It was a very intense episode. I was glad we got to see them relax at the end. (And extra special happy that they spent some time together:)

[rustie73.livejournal.com]

Season 5 may have been hard on the boys (and on us) because of the shift split, but I think that in another way, it was a blessing in disguise.

Being separated from Nick during the last of his training and final proficiency was probably the best thing for Greg. Nick is overprotective of all the CSI’s, but it would be especially hard for him to let Greg stand on his own two feet without inadvertently interfering.

During this time, Greg seemed to spend more time with Grissom who not only oversaw the mechanical end of his training, but also constantly challenged him to think outside of the box. This experience, without Nick at his side, allowed Greg to grow as a CSI and as a person. He could seek Nick’s advice on his terms without feeling as though Nick were looking over his shoulder.

I always assumed that during this time, both Nick and Greg would sacrifice sleep in order to be together. I agree with riku rocks about the shift overlap. I’d guess that one probably came an hour or so early and the other stayed behind an hour in order to spend more “normal” time together. A large part of their lives as a couple was based on their being true friends who had a comfortable working relationship. I feel that both men during this time, especially Greg, would need the overlap to retain some normalcy in their lives.

This scene is one of the most poignant of that time period. It shows the transition of Greg from wannabe CSI to part of the team. No doubt, Nick would have sought Greg out to make sure his guy was okay after being shot at and experiencing the trauma of finding a dead child, and Greg was probably watching the clock waiting for the end of shift so he could ground himself by having Nick near.

I think that by this time, Warrick was well aware of Nick and Greg’s private relationship and was steadfast in his support and friendship with both men. I like that Nick and Warrick sat on one side of the table across from Greg. Nick was near without hovering. A bag of popcorn, the scent of each other and the occasional shoulder or chest pat was what the both needed a that moment. I like to imagine that Warrick covered for Nick’s last few hours of his shift, and that Nick rushed home to kiss his Greggo and make it all better.

Wow, that was long.

Sorry about that.

[charlie-jae.livejournal.com]

That is the best explanation ever. :)

[rustie73.livejournal.com]

Wow, thanks!

The posting was so long that I’m surprised you didn’t get tired and quit half way through.

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Oh, hello, essay of awesomeness. Very good points about Greg's training and I accept this as an excuse for the lack of scenes together this season. \o/

(My favorite bit, however is at the end when you mention them needing each other's scent to ground themselves. SO MUCH YES. Popcorn was an added bonus;)