This relationship between Burt and Irving had me in tears tonight. Not because of gay representation, not because of a cute old couple. But because the writing for these characters has been so great that someone that is relatively young and straight could feel such a strong connection with this. Meaning, I have almost no connection with them on the stereotypes or identities we define, however, they are still the most relatable in this show. Their relationship is so human and so connected.
I don't feel like this is even just good LGBTQ representation (it is don't get me wrong) but it's just such well acted and written that it just representing that on such a human level that I'm just balling my eyes out paused at 35:14.
This show has some flaws but scenes like this just really make me look forward to every week. This was the peak of this season for me.
These two "side" characters have become the most interesting relationship with so much authenticity.
Not sure if anyone is active much here. But just wanted to type some thoughts out into the ether.
Edit: Not directly related to this but you can quote me. "Burt is not severed"
Edit2: I guess the "Burt isn't severed" theory is pretty well thought through after some googling.
Something definitely doesn't add up about Burt's severance. Remember during the dinner conversation Burt's husband(?) said that he had been severed 20 years ago, but then Irving pointed out that severance had only started 10 years ago. Either he isn't severed and has lied to his husband like you said or he was an early test subject years before the procedure became generally available (if so, what kinds of issues may that lead to? incomplete severance?). Why would his husband have said 20 years and then try to cover it up as a simple mistake?