2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

Robin reads the email chain between Sam, Alyssa & Jules when he’s made (by Jules) to rewatch the YouTube video of his drunken escapade on his balcony. He learns that Jules loves him, they believe he’s an alcoholic and a relationship with him could ruin Jules’ career. Did any of this make a difference? He continues to deny he’s an alcoholic, even though he clearly sees parallels to his mother’s drinking behavior…is this typical? Is it probably true that if Jules enters into a relationship with him openly that Jules’ career advancement opportunities would be over?

I think it made a difference, but only on a subconscious level. When so many people feel you have a problem, only a person deep in denial doesn't take a look at their behavior. Alcoholism ran in my family. They all knew they had a problem; they just didn't care. They loved the booze more. I really don't know what impact Jules' relationship with Robin in the open would have on his career. Jules could always be Robin's head of security.

I think the video and the emails he read from Sam & Alyssa made him think about his alcohol consumption and his behavior. But he still thought he could control his drinking.

I don't know if Jules' relationship with Robin could impact his career. Maybe when the book was written there would be more push-back to having Jules be the guy who is in line for Max's job. I hope that wouldn't be a problem now, but you never know.

Robin wanted to deny that he had a problem, however, the video and emails made him start to think.

The FBI's background investigation is thorough. I know my parents and other relatives were interviewed when my cousin applied. If Jules was applying to the FBI, Robin's drinking potentially could impact their decision to hire. As a current employee, his advancement would be based on his record.

A relationship with Robin would not impact Jules' advancement in my opinion, at the federal level. There was minor protection when this book was written with the "don't ask don't tell" philosophy. President Obama made it official that sexual orientation is protected at the federal level.

The email chain made Robin take a good look at himself and how is behavior impacted on other people, Jules and also Jane and Cosmo. It was the pivotal moment when he had to decide whether or not he could accept he had a problem or continue on in denial.

As to the effect of the relationship on Jules' career, Jules has already proven himself to the people making the decisions (Max and even the president). As such, I don't think it would effect him as much as it would a more inexperienced agent or a new hire.

Those emails made a big difference on several levels. I think the biggest revelation for Robin was confirmation that Jules loved him. I still believe he didn’t accept their opinion of his drinking, thinking all he had to do was to not overindulge and do crazy stuff publicly. But I also think he worried he would hurt Jules career.

I’m not sure if Jules open relationship would stall his career, and Lauren you make a good point about the support he already has in Max and the President.

Jonetta wrote: "the support he already has in Max and the President..."

I don't think it is a coincidence that Brockmann included that scene with the president. It is clear that any relationship Jules' has with Robin is not going to affect the way in which the president or Max view him or his abilities.

I think you’re on to something, Lauren.