FlashForward: Believe

That Stalkers Are Actually Sweet Romantics In Love. (But Only If They’re Attractive!)

By Jenn Kim

Coincidentally, I’ve been having a lot of lively discussion with Babe and friends re: the important distinction between creepy stalkers and really sweet romantics. After some soul-searching debate, we came to the eye-opening conclusion that the only real difference is the level of attractiveness said potential stalker-slash-romantic holds to the object of his affection. It’s the reason why Edward Cullen can get away with sneaking into Bella’s bedroom to watch her sleep after knowing her for like, a day, and why I want to file a restraining order against the guy I met online after he sent me a few simple e-mails. (BTW, sneaking into a girl’s room to watch her sleep should NEVER. BE. OK. I don’t care if you’re the most shiny vampire ever; you’ve crossed a line, and you’re CREEPY.)

Movies and TV shows, like That Vampire Movie, like to tell us that it’s acceptable for men to obsess and take really desperate actions if they’re truly in love. In this case, FlashForward wants us to believe that Bryce, who has drawn about 99 paintings and pictures of his flashie girl and travels all the way to Japan to go and hunt her down, is of the romantic persuasion. It helps that Bryce is dealing with a terminal illness in that strong and silent (but in reality, incredibly stupid) way, and has really nice blue eyes, and holds an air of unassuming sweetness. He just seems so frickin’ cute and sincere that I found myself unwittingly rooting for him as he made his impromptu trip across the world.

It also helps that his potential soulmate is the adorable Keiko, played by Japanese actress Yuko Takeuchi. She, too, can’t seem to stop thinking about her flashie and the white guy in it, which causes her to leave her family and stuffy office job and fly to LA to find him. Their intense, obsessive feelings are mutual, and they’re both so charmingly attractive that it all just makes it kind of sweet.

While I appreciated the insight into Keiko’s life, I also noted that FlashForward likes to play up on sweet Asian-culture stereotypes: women in Japan are oppressed! They’re forced to pour tea for their male co-workers, and their moms want to arrange their marriages! The only way they can be freed is if they get a tattoo and escape to the utopia of the misogyny-free United States! *Eye roll. Anyway, I therefore appreciated the irony that Bryce and Keiko’s flashforward actually took place in LA and not Japan. Because, you know, there are Japanese restaurants in the States. And you know what? I’m pretty sure there are Asian women here, too. Nope, not just a rumor.

Other Flashie thoughts:

Oh right, there were other things that were going on in “Believe”: 1) Mark found out that someone had sent Olivia an anonymous text re: his drinking during his flashie, and inquired-slash-accused Aaron and Wedick about it; 2) Aaron gets angsty and guilt-ridden as he watches Tracy turn to alcohol and become “just like daddy;” and 3) Demetri gets closer to finding out the identity of the woman who called him about his future murder.
Nicole is the second female to have a close relationship with Bryce who desperately wants to believe that her flashie can be prevented. Not sure how I feel about her yet, but I suppose there’s a nice juxtaposition there.
“I’m looking for a girl.” “For sex?”
Even though Keiko’s mom isn’t supposed to be the most sympathetic character, I liked her. She worked really hard to provide opportunities for her children, and even threw Keiko a party when she got a job! Man, my parents never throw me parties! She also had the good sense to close the door in a freaked out manner when a random white guy showed up and very intensely asked for her daughter.
Keiko and Bryce were both on the same plane to LA and didn’t know it??!?! Gah, how maddening, FlashForward! Did you take that idea from every Korean drama ever made in the history of Korean dramas?
“He’s looking for a virgin.”

About Jenn Kim: When she’s not questioning her decision to enter lawyer-hood-dom, Jenn enjoys stalking celebrities and getting over her totally rational fear of zombies. She also idolizes Joss Whedon, and is crossing her fingers that Nathan Fillion and NPH will accept her friend requests.