Much as I love CK, the goat-scene is not one I like. It's uncomfortable to watch, like the scene in WSS:FA when John is seducing the nurse.
I found the goat scene slightly uncomfortable myself, and I think some of my laughter when I see it is to relieve that tension. I feel embarrassed for the character. He's been bait before, but there's a debased shuffling gaiety to it that's new and unpleasant despite his ability to crack a good joke.
The nurse scene fascinates me, though. There's a feel to it of Riki-tiki-tavi facing off with the snake, it's pure negotiation and manipulation wearing the clothes of seduction and the only sex there (and the characters know it) has to do with each of them getting off on the dangerous dance of who's really frelling whom.
John playing the shell game with Grayza in WSS:HTK is the same kind of scene; only Grayza doesn't get it that the game is a distraction, she has to tear her eyes away from the cups. OTOH, the nurse sees through the facade so well that she's just phoning-in the seduction role.
It's very Maltese Falcon, IMO, and I'm intrigued by Crichton's growing ability to function duplicitously. Sam Spade knew how both worlds worked and it's a damned thin line to balance on, keeping your integrity while moving through the underworld.
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I found the goat scene slightly uncomfortable myself, and I think some of my laughter when I see it is to relieve that tension. I feel embarrassed for the character. He's been bait before, but there's a debased shuffling gaiety to it that's new and unpleasant despite his ability to crack a good joke.
The nurse scene fascinates me, though. There's a feel to it of Riki-tiki-tavi facing off with the snake, it's pure negotiation and manipulation wearing the clothes of seduction and the only sex there (and the characters know it) has to do with each of them getting off on the dangerous dance of who's really frelling whom.
John playing the shell game with Grayza in WSS:HTK is the same kind of scene; only Grayza doesn't get it that the game is a distraction, she has to tear her eyes away from the cups. OTOH, the nurse sees through the facade so well that she's just phoning-in the seduction role.
It's very Maltese Falcon, IMO, and I'm intrigued by Crichton's growing ability to function duplicitously. Sam Spade knew how both worlds worked and it's a damned thin line to balance on, keeping your integrity while moving through the underworld.