Two things: First, this is clearly in response to a classic ITM question, “What do you love about Hannah?” Second, sure, it’s not like this is the most unique or groundbreaking list of things to like about a person. But a LOT of people on this show would just skip to the “I love everything about her” part, so I’m giving credit where credit is due. YAY SPECIFICITY.

JED’S VISIT

Uggghhhh there’s so much to discuss in this episode, it’s overwhelming me a bit. I know I have to talk about Jed and the fact that he’s always playing guitar and piano and serenading Hannah. This is tricky because we know editing plays a role in all this, and we could very well be being shown the only musical moments in an ocean of non-musical moments and conversation. So, to me, given how much we saw of Jed’s music in this episode, it would seem the show is actually playing up how much Jed is performing. (After all, they easily could have shown him serenading Hannah in the street and NOT shown his entire song on her bed. It felt conspicuous to me that we were shown both.) Based on this episode, it feels like The Powers That Be WANT us to notice it.

Next, if music and your instruments are as big a part of your life as they clearly are to Jed, it’s possible that’s just a form of communication for you. What I mean is, it’s very possible Jed can express things through his music that he would have a harder time doing in conversation. If he’s got his guitar there, no distractions in the form of the internet, TV, or books, and nothing but time on his hands… well, it stands to reason that maybe he would be writing music like crazy about his feelings and emotions and would then want to share that music with Hannah since it pertains to her. It’s not so different from when contestants read poems, letters, or journal entries to their lead.

I understand Jed’s performing a lot for a guy who confessed to have originally gone on the show with exposure in mind, and in that sense I wish he’d resist the tiniest bit. But I guess what I’m saying is, the two can be mutually exclusive. Just because he’s picking up his guitar all the time does not mean he’s doing it for the cameras. (I will say, though, that much of my own practicing while filming was done when the cameras were NOT around… so it can be done.)

But most importantly, Hannah is VERY into it. He’s getting major positive reinforcement every time he does it. So yeah, I don’t think he should be vilified for doing on this show what he clearly does every day in real life, and especially when the object of his affections (and his sole audience member) is encouraging and rewarding it.

Speaking of positive reinforcement, I had to capture the following moment when Hannah makes out with Jed post-song. Note the shadows (and subsequent nearness) of the cameraperson as he/she circles the bed…