TV and Sympathy

TV on DVD: Felicity

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've been watching a lot of classic Felicity episodes - complete with commentary.

Some of the commentary I particularly enjoyed was on two back-to-back episodes--one with Keri Russell and Scott Speedman (Ben), and one with Keri and Scott Foley (Noel).

The chemistry in Keri's commentary is different with each Scott. It's interesting that each one brings out a different side of her, much like Ben and Noel both brought out different sides of Felicity. With Speedman, Keri's much sillier, mocking herself and her costars, embarrassed by everything, dissolving into fits of giggles. With Foley, she's more sentimental, quieter, cracking fewer jokes.

I know that actors are not their characters. Still, it's interesting to think how different things might have been if Foley had ended playing Ben, as he was originally cast.

Enjoy a little compare-and-contrast below.

Keri and "Speedy"

- Speedman describes her short haircut as "trim and pubic-like," which induces a Keri giggle fit. He later says that when he first met Keri, "I saw your hair before I saw you" and thought, Man, she is way too pretty.

- He was too self-conscious to ever watch the Felicity episodes while they aired. Speedy's acting philosophy: "If you don't know what to do, smile." (This philosophy is very evident in his awkward scenes with Keri.)

- Speedman to J.J. Abrams: "Somehow you managed to get me to do a swimming episode and wear a speedo, and for that I'll never forgive you." (Don't worry, J.J. - you have the thanks of fangirls everywhere.)

- Speedman has a terrible, terrible fear of public dancing. It's a "wake up in a cold sweat at 4am" sort of fear. Meanwhile, Keri Russell is terrible at drawing.

- In a scene where Ben is meant to be looking at Felicity lustfully, Scott describes himself as looking more stoned and staring at dip. "More hungry than horny," as he puts it, saying clearly he should have asked for another take. Later on in the episode, when Ben fails to show up for a meeting with Felicity, Scott jokes: "What a nutbag. You know where he is, he's probably at an all-you-can-eat place." Keri and I both fight off laughter.

Keri and Foley

- Keri and this Scott get as involved with the storylines as viewers did. When Keri liked an episode, she wished her life was really like that. Scott Foley says something similar about how close he felt to the characters; that he truly was affected and sad when Felicity didn't choose Noel. (This may be because, as Keri and Foley put it, they're the corniest, most sentimental people on the show. Foley: "Who doesn't like Kenny Loggins?")

- Keri's favorite episode was the pilot.

- Robert Patrick Benedict (Richard) and Scott Foley waited tables together back in the day.

- Keri Russell and Amanda Foreman (Meghan) both used to watch The Bachelorette, then talk about it together.

- Scott Foley and Keri Russell have a conversation about their pets, as if they're not even being taped. Keri has cats. (It's a little sad because Scott mentions his ex-wife, who he met on the set.)

Through all the commentary, their love of the cast and crew comes through. They describe the creators as passionate and extreme. Example: After Keri's first talk show experience went badly, J.J. came with her to do Jay Leno. This was such a special show that Keri wouldn't ever want to do another TV show. Too bad for us!

posted by Veltman @ 5:17 PM