I can't quite figure Gus out...

[AbandonThought]

About a week ago I got my Australian copy of "Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married" in the mail. I watched it all in two days, and immediately started it through again... I really love the show! If you haven't seen it, refrain from reading on, as I discuss some spoilers.

Anyway, I'm having trouble reconciling the character of Gus, who Gerry plays. I just can't quite figure him out! On the whole, he's a slimeball, but is he really a bad person, or just horribly confused? He lied, he used and abused women to suit his personal needs, and failing that, he stole from them. Although most of what came out of his mouth was obviously BS, there were some times when he really seemed genuine. During his "on" times with Lucy he spent lots of time with her and her friends, and seemed to share some real caring moments with Lucy, in between all of the crap that he spouted.

Specifically indicative of some kind of real feeling was the day when he was trying to sneak away in the morning (a slimeball thing to do for sure), and Lucy caught him. He took the time to explain that things were moving too fast for him and he needed some time away. This struck me as a very genuine moment for him. He certainly could have done things a different way, made up some excuse, and just gotten out of there as fast as possible (similar to the way Simon ditched Charlotte later). Also, during the episode where he burgles the flat, he strikes me as feeling very guilty about it... as if he was caught in a situation that he didn't know how to get out of, needed money, and did the last desperate thing he could think of... recognizing all the while that he was a complete waste of space for stealing from an innocent woman who he actually cared about.

Then there's the flipside of Gus... Any thought that he truly cared about Lucy is seriously undermined when he bounces to her friend Megan without any regard for her feelings. (Although, it's conceivable to rationalize that he had a fear of commitment, that things really were moving too fast for him, and that he started up with Megan as a way of escaping the uncomfortable situation with Lucy). Also, sprinkled in between the good times with Lucy are the times when he disappears without a word and shows up with some BS story that only someone who didn't respect her could spout off. (He missed the dinner party because his friend invited him out to a bar and he forgot about it? Then he somehow neglected to call her for several weeks?) And of course, once Lucy makes it clear that she's not going to put up with his nonsense anymore, he abandons all pretense at being a nice guy, until he needs something from her (at which point he concocts the "mugging" at the ATM to squeeze every last dime out of her).

Could his decay from seemingly innocent screw up to thieving and conniving waste of space be the hallmark of an obsessive personality with his life spiraling down the tubes? They do make references to him having a gambling problem... is it that he was a half-decent guy with an addiction that resulted in him using everyone in his life, partially realizing what he was doing, but unable to stop?

Or am I over-analyzing this, and it was just inconsistent character development due to the necessities of the plot of the serial? (I can't help it... I find myself contemplating Gerry's characters long after I finish watching them...)

Any thoughts on this complicated fella?

Stephanie

[AbandonThought]

Nobody?...

I was hoping for discussion.

[RandomLanda]

Not everyone has seen Lucy Sullivan so you may be waiting a minute.

[afassetta]

I haven't seen it. I am just working my way through his movies. But I do love this clip from this series of him singing....Like I said, I haven't seen it but he can't be all bad.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuSZM6rKrJo

I hope this works. I am pretty new to this..

Nobody?...

I was hoping for discussion.

[phoenixgirl]

Hey Steph, I can't give you the great discussion you want, but I wanted to respond to you. I've seen Lucy Sullivan many times and own it, but I just accept Gus the way he is. He's a dog ... plain and simple ... but a fine and damn sexy one.

He's also not a very well developed character as we only see the one side of him, so really you can't dissect and analyze his character as you can say, Lucy.

So, I am sorry you're not getting the conversation you were hoping for. I would say just enjoy seeing a very young and very sexy Gerry.

Lisa

[AbandonThought]

Hey Steph, I can't give you the great discussion you want, but I wanted to respond to you. I've seen Lucy Sullivan many times and own it, but I just accept Gus the way he is. He's a dog ... plain and simple ... but a fine and damn sexy one.

He's also not a very well developed character as we only see the one side of him, so really you can't dissect and analyze his character as you can say, Lucy.

So, I am sorry you're not getting the conversation you were hoping for. I would say just enjoy seeing a very young and very sexy Gerry.

Lisa

Eh, you're right. I definitely am able to just enjoy Gerry doing Gus, but I think something about Gus himself just resonated with me. I probably just want to find the good in everyone.

Thanks for the replies, guys. I know I was being kind of whiney...

Steph

[discoveringme]

Ah, Gus Gus Gus

First off, I enjoyed the series a lot. While the constant "looking for Mr. Right" drove me a bit crazy, I thought the show was written and acted well. But what to say about Gus.

He's one of the few characters that Gerry has played that by the time it got to the end of the performance, I didn't wonder what might happen to him next. I just didn't care!! He was a real dog, in my opinion. He was pretty much of a user from the time he woke up in the morning to the time he went to sleep. Even when he was pretending to be in the moment with someone, he was scamming for the next thing that would either make him a buck, get him a chick or somehow make that next big deal.

I'm not sure I found any good in Gus, other than he was played by a very sexy man. But outside of that, Gus the character was pretty unredeeming to me. Yes, I know he didn't do something awful like murder anyone but he really didn't care about how his actions affected someone else. He was concerned for no one else but himself.

All in all, just a pretty immature selfish guy. All the red flags were up for him and I was glad that Lucy finally woke up and realized his character.

Just

I have to add though, there were some mighty fine and sexy scenes with Gus.

I'm glad you want to find the good in him. I just can't seem to at the moment.

Jilly

[Sasharose]

I think anyone who wants to get a handle on what Gus is really supposed to be about should read the book. The TV show was based on the novel Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married by Marian Keyes. I'm thinking about ordering it, so I checked on Amazon.com and it's available for $10.19. I may just get it.

[phoenixgirl]

I think anyone who wants to get a handle on what Gus is really supposed to be about should read the book. The TV show was based on the novel Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married by Marian Keyes. I'm thinking about ordering it, so I checked on Amazon.com and it's available for $10.19. I may just get it.

Oh now that's a good idea. Maybe he's more developed in the book. I bet you still won't find anything good about him or any more insight as to why he's a dog. But still, a good idea!

[ladyfran]

I never saw the whole thing...just bits and pieces but from what I did see...he was a DOG! But a Damn sexy one!

Frannie

This is one I don't have!

[Sasharose]

I'm sure even in the book Gus was just a player. But in all the videos I've seen of LSIGM, who could blame Lucy for wanting him to be so much more? Baby GB was just so beautiful physically at this stage in his life. Imagine what was going on his his real life!!! He must have been chased all over London by girls. Girls must have been lining up just to have a shot at him. OMG, he was so beautiful. It's not his fault. LOL. Reminds me of the old commercial 'don't hate be because I'm, beautiful!' He was indeed so gorgeous at that time. But, I like him even better now. A hot, sexy man. At any stage of his life, this guy has just been the best there ever will be. I just can't imagine what it must be to walk in his shoes.

[Aussie_Stace]

I've read the book....but have yet to watch the show.

I have seen clips on YouTube & he looks adorable!!

I'm thinking of ordering a copy just to add it to my ever-growing Gerry collection!

Stace xox

[phoenixgirl]

I'm sure even in the book Gus was just a player. But in all the videos I've seen of LSIGM, who could blame Lucy for wanting him to be so much more? Baby GB was just so beautiful physically at this stage in his life. Imagine what was going on his his real life!!! He must have been chased all over London by girls. Girls must have been lining up just to have a shot at him. OMG, he was so beautiful. It's not his fault. LOL. Reminds me of the old commercial 'don't hate be because I'm, beautiful!' He was indeed so gorgeous at that time. But, I like him even better now. A hot, sexy man. At any stage of his life, this guy has just been the best there ever will be. I just can't imagine what it must be to walk in his shoes.

And things are different today, how?

And just think ... he gets better with time ... which means the best is still yet to come! I'm not sure we could handle that.

[Texas gramma]

Gus was easy to label. He was a self serving, self centered horndog who always looked for the easy way and in the end wanted what he couldn't have. If he hadn't been so gorgeous, you could consider him toe jam!

Suzie

[discoveringme]

I think anyone who wants to get a handle on what Gus is really supposed to be about should read the book. The TV show was based on the novel Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married by Marian Keyes. I'm thinking about ordering it, so I checked on Amazon.com and it's available for $10.19. I may just get it.

Oh now that's a good idea. Maybe he's more developed in the book. I bet you still won't find anything good about him or any more insight as to why he's a dog. But still, a good idea!

I've read the book. I wouldn't say you get MORE insight into Gus but definitely more into Lucy. I enjoyed the book for a fun, summer time read. I was still left with the same description that Suzie gave... (see below)

Gus was easy to label. He was a self serving, self centered horndog who always looked for the easy way and in the end wanted what he couldn't have. If he hadn't been so gorgeous, you could consider him toe jam!

Suzie

Gorgeous indeed but still ^^...

[Skatingfan03]

I have seen all the parts where Gus appears and in my opinion he was a bad person. Extremely handsome and charming, but bad.

Edited September 3, 2009 by Skatingfan03

[afassetta]

Ah, Gus Gus Gus

First off, I enjoyed the series a lot. While the constant "looking for Mr. Right" drove me a bit crazy, I thought the show was written and acted well. But what to say about Gus.

He's one of the few characters that Gerry has played that by the time it got to the end of the performance, I didn't wonder what might happen to him next. I just didn't care!! He was a real dog, in my opinion. He was pretty much of a user from the time he woke up in the morning to the time he went to sleep. Even when he was pretending to be in the moment with someone, he was scamming for the next thing that would either make him a buck, get him a chick or somehow make that next big deal.

I'm not sure I found any good in Gus, other than he was played by a very sexy man. But outside of that, Gus the character was pretty unredeeming to me. Yes, I know he didn't do something awful like murder anyone but he really didn't care about how his actions affected someone else. He was concerned for no one else but himself.

All in all, just a pretty immature selfish guy. All the red flags were up for him and I was glad that Lucy finally woke up and realized his character.

Just

I have to add though, there were some mighty fine and sexy scenes with Gus.

I'm glad you want to find the good in him. I just can't seem to at the moment.

Jilly

I think you just did!!! The "mighty fine and sexy scenes".

[Rendita]

Now don't forget his unselfish moment...............

Lucy: When does Lucy come?

Gus: Hopefully just before Augustus.

That might not be the exact words.

Ren

[discoveringme]

I have to add though, there were some mighty fine and sexy scenes with Gus.

I'm glad you want to find the good in him. I just can't seem to at the moment.

I think you just did!!! The "mighty fine and sexy scenes".

*snort*

Now don't forget his unselfish moment...............

Lucy: When does Lucy come?

Gus: Hopefully just before Augustus.

That might not be the exact words.

Ren

*giggle* Forgot about that ONE moment. I don't think it turned out to be the case, though.

Edited September 3, 2009 by discoveringme

[Guest]

Hey Steph, I can't give you the great discussion you want, but I wanted to respond to you. I've seen Lucy Sullivan many times and own it, but I just accept Gus the way he is. He's a dog ... plain and simple ... but a fine and damn sexy one.

He's also not a very well developed character as we only see the one side of him, so really you can't dissect and analyze his character as you can say, Lucy.

So, I am sorry you're not getting the conversation you were hoping for. I would say just enjoy seeing a very young and very sexy Gerry.

Lisa

I agree with what you said as well Lisa

[lavender1960]

I believe I saw this on Canadian TV, we have a public TV station that plays more British series and movies and mini series than Canadian which is fine by me. But it was a while ago.

I think the way most movies and novels go, if Gus had any redeeming qualities we would have seen him "evolve" in the story arch as they say and get the girl in the end but he didn't. Which isn't to say a horndog might not evolve at a later point of his life. Even Warren Beatty settled down eventually, bwah.

Edited September 28, 2009 by lavender1960

[AbandonThought]

I believe I saw this on Canadian TV, we have a public TV station that plays more British series and movies and mini series than Canadian which is fine by me. But it was a while ago.

I think the way most movies and novels go, if Gus had any redeeming qualities we would have seen him "evolve" in the story arch as they say and get the girl in the end but he didn't. Which isn't to say a horndog might not evolve at a later point of his life. Even Warren Beatty settled down eventually, bwah.

I think the mark of a good storyteller is someone who can present even the bad characters as having somewhat of a good side. Nobody in reality is so one-dimensional as to be either "good" or "bad," so when they're able to develop a bad character and throw in a couple of moments that really make you scratch your head, as well as some hidden explanation for the bad traits, it makes the story so much more intriguing. If they can do this for even the more minor characters I think that makes it all the better.

I dunno, I see good in Gus. He did some truly unforgivable things, but I really saw that his flaw stemmed from human weakness rather than completely bad character. I also think it's a testament to how amazing an actor Gerry is that through a few simple expressions he's able to take a more or less one-dimensional "bad" character and interject humanity. Bravo!

Steph

[AbandonThought]

Okay, I'm a big geek, I adore Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married, and I love talking Gus, so I'm going to add a few things... Don't read any further if you don't know what happens in the show, as I discuss SPOILERS.

To demonstrate my assertion that there are times when Gus is being genuine and he seems to truly care about and be happy with Lucy (even though he knows he's ultimately treating her badly...):

Times when I think Gus is being genuine-

-hanging out with Lucy and her friends

-helping to cheer up the girls after Simon breaks up with Charlotte

-honestly admitting to Lucy that he thinks they should take a break (as compared to the way Simon broke up with Charlotte by repeatedly telling her he was busy, for example)

-helping Megan look for her birth mother

compared to...

Times when Gus's actions are all trickery with selfish motivations-

-macking on Lucy when he's at the party with another girl

-buying Lucy a drink with the 20 pounds he stole from her wallet

-over the top romantic gestures

-breaking into her apartment after disappearing weeks ago (probably intending to burgle it, actually...)

-serenading Lucy (with the same song he uses on scores of other women)

-burgling Lucy's flat and pretending it was someone else

-cheating with her best friend. 'Nuff said.

-last ditch attempt to get Lucy back

-one last (and LOWEST) scam for money

So that's where I'm coming from on Gus. Yes, I know that the bad far outweigh the good, but I do see some good. Does anyone else see the good?

Steph

[Gerry's-Angel]

I haven't seen it yet but i'm dying to ! Only found out he stared in it like a few weeks ago (It was in the 90's and i am 17!!!) And i've only found the aussie DVD on ebay but dont know how to convert it to work on a UK dvd player!! Though Marian Keyes is one of my favourite authors and i've read and re-read the book many many times!

In the book it explains that Gus came from a violent drunken family and that he himself is an alcoholic, as you discover Lucy's father is also an alcoholic and she begins to understand that's why she's attracted to them kind of men because she belives she can 'fix' them.

I don't think Gus is evil but with any addicition you do become greedy and selfish, putting that habit above anything else. I mean look at real life? Some People lose Their partners/homes/jobs/kids before of their addictions. I just don't think he knew any better, he's been brought up like that. But i also don't think he loved lucy, i think he may have cared about her deep down but not as much as the drink (Or Gambling in the film ?) which is why you sometimes saw him feeling guility. She was just a free ride!

I do love Gus though when he's being all funny and cute and irish, i think Gerry will have been especially great in those parts!

[AbandonThought]

I haven't seen it yet but i'm dying to ! Only found out he stared in it like a few weeks ago (It was in the 90's and i am 17!!!) And i've only found the aussie DVD on ebay but dont know how to convert it to work on a UK dvd player!! Though Marian Keyes is one of my favourite authors and i've read and re-read the book many many times!

In the book it explains that Gus came from a violent drunken family and that he himself is an alcoholic, as you discover Lucy's father is also an alcoholic and she begins to understand that's why she's attracted to them kind of men because she belives she can 'fix' them.

I don't think Gus is evil but with any addicition you do become greedy and selfish, putting that habit above anything else. I mean look at real life? Some People lose Their partners/homes/jobs/kids before of their addictions. I just don't think he knew any better, he's been brought up like that. But i also don't think he loved lucy, i think he may have cared about her deep down but not as much as the drink (Or Gambling in the film ?) which is why you sometimes saw him feeling guility. She was just a free ride!

I do love Gus though when he's being all funny and cute and irish, i think Gerry will have been especially great in those parts!

The Region 4 Australian DVD is the only one available at the moment. However, most computer DVD players will allow you to change region a certain number of times, so you should be able to watch it on your computer. In addition, you could look into buying a multi-region or region-free DVD player.

Yes, Gerry is adorable in the scenes when Gus is being charming, and Gus is Scottish in the series, so Gerry just gets to be his genuine self. It's one of my favorite of Gerry's roles... the whole series is just so adorable, and would definitely be worth buying even if Gerry weren't in it.

Steph