Great points, Fabienne and Fran!
Yep, I'm glad Jeremy has Ellery watching his back. He understands what Jeremy is going through on many different levels.
I like what you said about growing pains, Fran. So true! And then there are the "personal" entanglements also (some of which are related to those growing pains). A complicated set of dynamics, for sure.
As far as Ellery and women - reminds me of what he told Colson once, when Colson reminded him that he liked Edna. Something about liking a woman when she's serving him food (and, I guess, caring for him in a motherly way). And, while it's true that Ellery likes and respects Carol, she is his subordinate - and she's accustomed to his smart-ass ways. And she (as far as we know) doesn't have a secret crush on him. Needless to say, Paula is never going to be a mother figure to Ellery - LOL! - and she is never going to be his professional subordinate either. Paula is a whole nother kettle of fish for Ellery, and I find his reactions to her fascinating. I think it's going to take some attitude adjustments on the part of both Ellery and Paula in how they deal with each other. I'd like to hear him discuss this with Colson and get his reaction. And I do hope Paula can get some much-needed advice, too.
Marie
P.S. Fabienne and Fran - let's all hop on that plane! Can you imagine the sheriff's office dealing with our "triumvirate"? LOL!