IMHO: "Real World: Brooklyn" (Ep. 11) "Total Recall"

There isn’t much gay going on with this episode of Real World: Brooklyn, but the show’s focus on military service couldn’t come at a better time with the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell battle gradually gaining momentum in Washington.

The episode opens with the bright-eyed optimism that was Election Day 2008. Now that the honeymoon might be waning, it’s nostalgic to look back at the roommates and remember the energy and hope that went along with the Obama campaign. However, not everyone syncs with the momentum and plans to Barack the vote – Chet is Republican, and voices his dismay that fellow Mormon Mitt Romney hadn’t remained in the election. Boohoo.

Aside from Scott and Chet, the rest of the cast cheer for Obama, including Ryan, who hopes the new president will end the war in Iraq.

After a half-hour of hodgepodge footage recalling Ryan's myriad of military experiences while in Brooklyn, it becomes clear that trouble is afoot. But it isn't until the end of the hour that the climax is reached: Ryan's brother calls to let him know he's being recalled into infantry service. (The phone call is eerily reminiscent of Danny’s devastating moment in Real World: Austin.) He shares a good cry with Scott (and the viewers), and we’re left to wonder for a week just how he’ll break the news to his roommates.

Jock Support

So other than some pink nail polish painted on Scott, a shot of JD crying during CNN’s declaration of Obama’s victory, and a life-size cutout of Chet, this episode was sans the LGBT, which after the last few visibility-packed weeks doesn’t break my heart.

Cardboard Chet

But military service is a constant conversation topic within our community, and after getting to know Ryan (as the editors and writers have illustrated him), it becomes even more personal.

What do you think of Scott and Chet’s reaction to Obama’s election? If you could have a life-size cutout of a Brooklyn Real Worlder, who would it be? Do you think Obama will end Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell?