This week’s episode of Looking saw somethings that were under the surface finally being brought to the fore and setting us up for a great final two episodes.
Augustin (Frankie J. Alvarez): We got a much needed break from this character last week but Augustin came back with a vengeance this week. This character is the worst to put it lightly and I don’t know what they can do to make the character not so grating. At Dom’s 40th birthday party, he acted like an asshole to Patrick and Richie, almost getting mollywhopped by Richie in the process. The biggest thing with him is that his art project is really putting a strain on his relationship with Frank, especially given that moment that Frank and CJ shared as he filmed them having sex.
Dom (Murray Bartlett): Can I just say, I KNEW HE HAD FEELINGS FOR LYNN!!!! Ok, back to the recap, the episode centered around Dom’s 40th birthday so it’s no surprise he got some big moments. Much of the series has revolved around how Dom used to be able to get whatever or whomever he wanted (as evidenced by that guy who noticed him from Grindr in the park) but now that he’s aging, it seems life is making him fight a bit more and he’s less sure of himself. When he kissed Lynn and was politely rebuffed, it felt like this was the last thing to fall into place that he needs to get serious about his goals and his relationships with people.
Patrick (Jonathan Groff): Meanwhile over in “domesticated bliss that we know won’t last very long” land, Patrick and Richie (Raul Castillo) have officially titled their relationship. After a hilarious conversation and Richie giving Patrick an escapulario, they called each other boyfriends. But as we all know, significant others must pass the friend test in order to really work. Everyone seemed to be on board with the new couple except for Augustin, who told Patrick he was slumming it. Patrick read Augustin for filth about his situation and managed to keep Richie from beating him up. Add in a chance meeting with his boss and boyfriend Jonathan (sports medicine for the Giants!) and the cracks started to widen. They have a pretty emotional conversation at the end of the episode which just tap danced on my feels about taking the title of boyfriend seriously and Patrick inviting Richie to his sister’s wedding. I swear these two don’t want me to be great emotionally.