When Rich came over and it was clear that he didn't want to continue the friendship, then they flashed back to russ hugging the chair he bought for rich, I just lost it. I really hope that Russ has made new friends at the book club, I really wish the best for him. They should have updates on the people who appear on the show.
shareI was crying through his whole damn story. I mean, like, tears rolling down my face crying. I felt so bad for this man, who has no family and only one friend who really didn't seem too interested in the friendship that Russ clearly cared a lot about, and has therefore taken comfort and companionship from his belongings. Especially with the little snowman that had a purple button, which was his mother's favorite color and the only gift he received one Christmas. That is soo tragic it just goes straight to my heart. I wish I lived near him because I would be his friend. That sounds lame, but I felt for him so much. Poor guy.
What good are intestines if you can't have sex with them? - Jeffrey Dahmer
I too, was very sympathetic to Russ's story. He seemed like a nice genuine person afraid to let go of his past.
His friend Rich was, however, more pragmatic. He realized that Russ needed to complete his transformation and become whole again before any relationship could be possible. Remember, while Russ was stuck in the past, Rich went on to continue his life. So with the time past, Russ has some catching up to do with present day.
Russ still seemed a bit clingy for Rich, and that for me would be another indicator that the time was not ready to re-establish a prior relationship. People change over time and Russ was blocking out any possible changes that Rich had encountered. Russ being stuck in the past had hardly changed and Rich was wary of that.
The big indicator was Russ's question to Rich about how he liked the chair. What he really meant to say was, can we get back together. Rich knew what he meant to say and replied with keeping both in mind, "It is still a bit close to the other furniture, needs more breathing room." He didn't say he didn't like the chair, just that the surroundings needed more work. Disheartening for Russ, but very true.
I feel Rich was still a sympathetic friend to Russ, afterall he did come over for a visit a couple times if not more. Russ needs to restart his social life and become a socialable person again. He does have some good qualities that others would enjoy, for one he has a great eye for classic antiques. But he is still too fragile to proclaim that he is ready for the big world.
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I felt for him but found his obsession with Rich to be unusual. I think he may be gay and wants Rich to be more than friends...
Russ said he was gay a few times throughout the episode. It was obvious that he wanted a serious relationship with Rich. I couldn't figure out why he kept saying "friend" or "special friend" until I realized he was probably being careful because some people are mean homophobes and might pick on him for using terms like "Rich was my former boyfriend" or "we were in a romantic relationship."
I felt bad that he had to give away the snowman. His mother loved him and accepted him for being gay and was supportive in him throughout his life. He had a lot of junk in his home. I think he should've been allowed to keep the snowman if he got rid of the majority of his junk.
I realize I'm late to this party, but I'm only just watching the series since it's come on Netflix. Russ was an out gay man. He very proudly announced that he auditioned for the LA Gay Men's Choir (or a group with a similar name). He was a singer and/or musician, but it wasn't made clear if the audition was successful. I don't know if I think they were previously involved, mostly because of the answers Rich gave when speaking on camera. I agree, though, that the preoccupation was very overwhelming and, if I were in that situation, the preoccupation, extreme longing, and clinginess would be more off putting than the mess. Still, he seemed like a very sweet & loving man, and I, too, hope he has found some friendship & companionship through since the show.
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