I had to caption this post with the salvation quote because that’s what the episode felt like – EJami being salvaged from the wreckage of all the past writing missteps.  It felt like they were reborn.  It blended hints of the passionate, irrational connection of ’07 EJami, mixed it with the genuine friendship they have today, and tossed in heavy dollops of original recipe Sami and all of EJ’s fifty shades of messed up and the result? A combustible, spicy, sexy taste of what’s to come.  I adored every second of it

Oh we’ve been doing the EJami dance for a while now, and I’ve seen encouraging signs, even thought that this time it’s really going to happen – but Thursday’s US episode took all these little flirtations to another level.

To really discuss this we have to start someplace, right? Once upon a time, I was a confused EJami fan, wondering what the heck was going on with this show and this couple that I love – they were barely interacting, hate was spewed left and right, and the promise of truly compelling romantic story seemed to be only a glimmer in my eye.  Then, these past few months, after the griefsex secret came out, EJ and Sami seemed to have settled into a friendship – a slightly tense friendship, but it was nowhere near the intensity I know they can have.  Well, fast forward to July, and it feels like someone lit a match and EJami’s a’blaze.  Thursday’s episode was the blazing hot chemistry melting my screen.

Sami stopped by the DiMansion because of an idea that struck her while at the Brady pub.  The dialogue was snappy and on par with the one-liners that I used to love:

Sami: Okay, so I was at the pub, and I was watching this guy installing security cameras for my grandmother, and it reminded me of something that my dad told me.
EJ: “Crime doesn’t pay”?

She rolled her eyes and said no, that the cameras were everywhere and therefore, there should be footage of EJ dumping the gloves and someone else picking them up.  Really, storyline wise, it wasn’t the strongest reason for reasonable doubt, but whatevs – the real point of those scenes was to highlight the connection between EJ and Sami. And boy is it there, and in as fine a shape as ever…..

Sami: I’m not going to need your number because there’s not gonna be a next time, okay? So just forget about it.
EJ: There’s always a next time between you and me.

Why, yes EJ – there always is.  And Sami didn’t exactly challenge that notion…simply that she is afraid that they are bad for each other.  Ironically though, through all these years, they’ve never “been together.”  Sami has been in one relationship or another while being drawn to EJ.  EJ has been married and engaged to two other women, and yet these two have never genuinely been in a loving, committed relationship with each other, where they both said I love you, and meant it.

Sami’s afraid of the idea, but she doesn’t know the reality of it. That the writing is indicating that if these two really listened to Lexie’s words – if they could only stop trying to destroy each other long enough to realize that if they simply got together, they could be the happiest they’ve ever been -  Well, that’s soapy goodness right there.  It’s leading the audience to the conclusion, yet the characters are still discovering it for themselves.  I love that.

EJ: Samantha, whatever happens between the two of us is not rational. I mean, it really defies any sort of explanation. But you can’t deny that it exists.
Sami: What are you doing?
EJ: You feel exactly the same way that I do. Just admit it.

EJ: Samantha. This irresistible pull that is between us… deny it. I dare you. You can’t… any more than I can.
Sami: I don’t feel anything for you.
EJ: You’re a liar. And not a very good one.
Sami: What? What are you–?
EJ: Don’t deny it, Samantha. There’s something between us, whether you like it or not

EJ was sexy and charming, yet it wasn’t all a seduction routine – he genuinely doesn’t get their “irresistible pull,” but unlike Sami, he’s never really fought it either.  But what was key this time, as opposed to all the other times that Sami has protested too much, is that it was clear even she doesn’t believe it the way she used to.  Oh she’s still afraid of what a relationship with EJ would entail, and she’s cautious, but she is actively seeking him out and she is NOT proclaiming her “love” for Lucas while doing it.  She was given multiple opportunities to step away, to simply say she loves Lucas and end it….and She. Never. Did.

And that is, to me, the single biggest difference this time with EJami and what thrills me, and gives me such hope for a real relationship.  Sami is finally being led toa genuine come-to-soapJesus-moment about her feelings for EJ.  There is nothing in their way that SHE herself hasn’t put there (yes, Lucas, I’m looking at you) as a flimsy shield for her feelings.  But something using someone that she may love but is clearly not “in love” with….well, that’s the manipulative, insecure Sami I loved and adored. She creates the drama, but she cannot stay away from the one man who lights her fire like no one else.

Thursday’s episode was a glimpse of the future of EJami – and it’s looking mighty fine.