**The Week in Review: February 17-21**

I. Ned and Lois

Lois:  "Eddie's the only one I miss." 

Lois:  "Everything that you said about me?  You were right."
Ned:  "So were your judgments about me."

Lois:  "I hope that you'll always remember that I will always..."
Ned:  "Don't say you'll always love me.  Because I know you never really did."

I didn't like the way tptb manipulated Lois' appearances last week, but I applaud the way they wrote Ned and Lois' final scenes.  The ending of their relationship was completely in keeping with its beginnings.  While I'm not saying that they were doomed from the beginning, neither of them ever saw clearly.  Lois always wanted Ned to be things he wasn't, and never really accepted Ned along with Eddie and Nedley.  Ned, on the other hand, never saw that the reason Lois couldn't trust him fully was because he never let her--because he didn't believe she could or would. 

Both of them spoke harsh words, but both of them were justified.  Both of them were right, and both of them were wrong.   I was glad to see them put it all out there in the open, even if it meant breaking up.  For once, they were completely honest with each other.  If they had been before, maybe they wouldn't be splitting up now. 

Of course they loved each other.  But their relationship was flawed, and neither one of them wanted to face that--really face that--and deal with it.  They created their relationship out of a fiction, and maintained that fiction throughout the time they were together.  That doesn't mean that I'm not sad to see Lois go...again.  She brought out the best in Ned, and he did the same for her, I think.  I'm very sad that Ned and Lois couldn't live the fairy tale on the GH2 that got shot down.  I think the writers were "real" in this case, though.  The truth is, sometimes love isn't enough.  And as Lois said in the beginning, it does matter who he is when he's not with you.

II. The Spencers: 

A. Bobbie and Luke 

Bobbie:  "If you're here for round 2, I'm in no mood."
Luke:  "Round 2?  More like round 10,000, isn't it?" 

Luke: "When have I ever made you do anything?"

Luke:  "You wouldn't say those terrible things to me if you didn't love me.  I miss you too."
Bobbie:  "That is so sick."
Luke:  "Well, that's us, sick but devoted."
Bobbie:  "What is this, some kind of sentimental disfunction?" 

Luke:  "As much as we try to hurt each other and as angry as we get with each other, blood is blood." 

Luke:  "You're my sister, Barbara Jean, and I love you." 

From Luke's first "baby sister" to Bobbie's newfound suspicion of Stefan after his departure, their scenes on Monday were wonderful.  I love these two together, because they're the perfect match of stubborn wills.  I was glad to see that Luke can't give Bobbie up to the Cassadines so easily, but I'm also glad that she's willing to stand her ground with him.  I think it's exactly Luke's stubbornness on this matter that's made her listen, finally, and start to doubt Stefan.  That, and the fact he's got Stefan's MO down pat. 

Luke's rant of one liners had me in the floor, starting with "Is it gargoyle feeding time?" to his crack about Bobbie taking care of the lost boys.  And the image of him with one leg swung up over the arm of that Gothic chair was perfect. 

Their best exchange, though, was about Katherine.  I laughed when Luke described Stefan and Katherine's "silent communication," and Bobbie replied with something like, "You expect me to believe Stefan shot her but it was love at first sight and now she's protecting him?"  It's like she spoke for most of ratsa.  It continued with Luke describing Stefan's MO with women and Bobbie saying, "Katherine wouldn't be that stupid."  Luke: "Why not?  You were."

B. Laura 

Laura:  "When did the world stop making sense?"

When Justus confessed to Laura, I thought her immediate anger was natural and justified, but I would have been irritated if she hadn't had the realization soon after that she had done the same thing to people, and that they felt the same way.  I was struck with a comparison between Laura and Felicia.  Luke and Tom have kept secrets from them, but Laura understands that it wasn't Luke's secret to tell (aside from the fact that he was, yet again, trying to protect someone with 0csilence), while Felicia threatens to break up with Tom when it certainly wasn't his secret to tell. 

(I thought the light green shirt Laura was wearing this week looked fantastic on her, by the way.) 

Laura:  "I came to say I'm sorry." 
Stefan:  "Alright, what are you sorry for this time?" 

I'm sorry that Laura keeps putting herself through these confrontations.  I applaud her continued faith that she can make things right, but she's fooling herself into thinking she could carry any weight with Stefan now, after her "great deception".  I know she thinks she's the only one he might listen to.  But she's banking on feelings he's clearly denying.  And I know that she went to Stefan not out of care for herself, but for her family's sake.  She wants to stay in Port Charles for her mother and herself, but she knows that Luke's worries aren't completely unfounded. 

When she called Stefan a monster, I think she did mean it.  The man standing in front of her that day was not the man she knew on the island.  She wants very much to believe that that side of him is still there, but personally, I'm beginning to doubt it is.  She needs to believe in that side of him, for Nik's sake, and for the sake of her family's safety.  Part of me is glad she's now getting to see the Stefan Cassadine that Luke sees.  She has her own delusions about Stefan, just as he has his about her. 

At the same time, when their scene continued on Thursday, after Bobbie's arrival, Laura insisted that she was protecting her mother from *Helena*.  She repeated the name several times.  I might argue that Laura's revelation that Stefan had become a monster did not happen until this scene--that she feared the unknown threat of Helena, more than him, and that she still hoped he would help her, despite her failings, until she saw his rage when she came to ask his help one last time.

Luke:  "We can't lose." 

And of course the biggest topic of conversation at the end of the week was the "secret" that Laura so clearly fears Stefan will relate.  Her look on the stairs at the Wyndemere dock was pure shock and horror, and the way she clung to Luke...I felt sorry for her, but I feel sorrier for him and Lucky...and Nik...since its clear she's lied to them again.  And amid all of this potential for upheaval, I'm struck by the sensitivity Luke and Laura have towards each other--by that I mean the way they can always read each others moods, and stop and have a moment to comfort each other in the middle of their amazingly hectic lives.  :) 

The options, in ratsa's opinion: 1) Stefan is Nik's father--So was it a child born out of affection, or because Stavros or Helena demanded an heir and Stavros was impotent, or part of both?  If she loved him, or held some affection for him, it makes Stefan seem not so obsessed or deluded in his thinking that she could love him still.  And while Luke can semi-deal with the fact that Laura had a Cassadine child in a forced and unhappy relationship, he'll hit the ceiling if he thinks she actually had mutual feelings for Stefan...and then didn't tell him Stefan existed...and then didn't tell him she had loved him. For me, this is enough to write in Genie's maternity leave, without the overkill of option 3.  2) Luke is Nik's father--Then why would she be so horrified?  Because Luke would then blame her for leaving their child in Cassadine hands?  Some argue that this would be the most interesting option to watch, for its ramifications on Nik, Lucky, and Luke.  3) Stefan is Lulu's father--They're treading on very thin ice with me on this one.  This would either mean that Laura had an affair with Stefan since she's been back in PC, or that the Cassadines had some whacked out plan to impregnate her or something flaky like that.  They introduced Stefan in July (maybe June), and did some rewriting to manage that one.  Now they're going to rewrite his history again? And the history of L&L since they've been back to PC?  The Laura I know would not have had an affair with Stefan in the past 3 years.  Personally, I think Stefan's comment that he's been keeping this "all these years" points to the Nik-as-Stefan's-child option.  I fear the Lulu specs.

C. Lucky 

Luke:  "He'll deal with it."
Laura:  "He shouldn't have to." 

I feel for Lucky, because he's having to learn for the first time what happens when a Luke Spencer special doesn't work.  His dad's always pulled things off for him, under the worst of circumstances.  I think it's realistic that at his age, he'd start questioning his dad, and I'd like to see more of it.  He's not ready yet to actually confront Luke, but since they've come back to the house he's been indirectly accusatory.

Lucky:  "My mother never wanted to leave you." 

Personally, I love it when Lucky tows the party line, as he did on Wednesday with Nik's visit.  He may question his father within the bounds of their family, but to the outside world, he's well within the Spencer camp.  Yet I was proud to see him stand up for his mother to Nik, that he was upset that Nik didn't believe him.  That seemed to be Lucky acting on his own, and I'm glad Luke didn't scold him for trying. 

D. Luke

Luke:  "If I have to stand trial, we're knee deep in the thick stuff." 

It's been interesting to watch the much quieter Luke since they've been back in town.  He knows people think he's in the wrong, so he just stands and takes it.  Except for his scenes with Bobbie, he's been very acquiescent.  While Laura reacted to Justus' confession, he kept silent, letting her anger run its course, ready to support her and try to convince her she hadn't done the worst thing in the world. 

But it's clear Luke's not giving up the Cassadine war.  Although he (very sweetly, I might add) assured Laura that they would stay in PC, his line at the end of the day when he was talking to Lucky about things happening for a reason won my vote for understatement of the week, if not the month: "Clearly it's not over between the Cassadines and the Spencers." 

Luke:  "Thank you for stopping by.  Come on back when you get the facts straight."

I loved Luke's reactions to Nik's visit.  I loved that he let Lucky do the talking, and I loved the expression on his face as he held that egg up so Nik would be sure to see it (and Nik did falter a bit, at that point), the smile on his face as Nik declared that they had found a perverse pleasure in telling him his mother was dead, and the bored yet wary look he held throughout the rest of Nik and Lucky's conversation. 

E. Lesley 

Lesley:  "I want to know who he is." 

Lesley:  "All of Laura's children are beautiful and strong and healthy."
Nik:  "Thanks to me." 

Lesley's appearance on Wednesday was fascinating.  I was left wondering why she came to Nik in the first place.  Did she hear his voice, his speech patterns?  As she examined his face, she noted Laura's mouth, but did she also notice something else familiar--because it was Cassadine? 

Luke:  "Give me something to work with." 

While Luke may have been harsh with her, and while he may have been partially (or wholly) selfish in wanting to get that information out of her, I don't think Laura would fault him too badly.  The next day she claimed that Lesley would remember what the Cassadines did to her, so it's clear that's on her mind as well.   I also think that the fact that Lesley insists on repressing that one memory or series of memories about what the Cassadines did to her may be the reason she can't remember anything else, and this gentle treatment may not be the answer.  They do need to know if he did anything to her that they can treat, and they need to know as much about the Cassadines as they can to make their family safe. 

Lesley:  "She looks like the other boy." 

Lesley:  "He's a good boy--like you." 

Lucky:  "Grandma seemed to like him." 
Luke:  "Grandma ain't playing with a full deck." 

I agree with the spec that Lesley knows the secret that will blow this Spencer/Cassadine thing wide open again.  Luke and Laura think they're going to find out what the Cassadines did to her, but they may find out things Laura would rather keep hidden.  Either that or she's got the key to stopping Stefan's threat about that secret--maybe she knows something even he doesn't know?  He certainly continues to mention her progress to Laura.  Whether he wants her to remember and reveal or corroborate things that will harm Laura and her family, or whether he suspects that what she may know will hurt him, I'm not sure.

III. The Cassadines

A. Stefan 

Stefan: "Everything is under control." 
Alexis: "If you say so."
Stefan: "I say so." 

We started off the week seeing the old Stefan back again, to a certain degree.  I like that he's manipulative with Katherine now--passive aggressively getting her not to tell--rather than depending on their cosmic connection, or his romantic feelings, or whatever it is.  I still don't like that he's not telling Nik the truth.  Sure it'll hurt him, but Stefan's being selfish about it too, in my opinion.  And I love that we're seeing him back in control, with Luke's presence in his house, with Bobbie, and with Kevin. 

Stefan's clearly throwing the plan into high gear--he recognizes that Laura is Luke's weakness, so it becomes clear he's not only gunning for Laura, as he suggested last week, but all the Spencers.  And while it's still unclear if his plans for Kevin are part of the Timoria aimed at the Spencers or something else entirely, I love seeing him as the mysterious plotter.

Stefan:  "Your capacity for self delusion is exceeded only by your lack of regard for others." 
Stefan:  "So, you want me to protect you from me?" 

Stefan:  "But you knew what it was.  It was a kiss of farewell.  Like this." 

Stefan:  "I want to know precisely when you set out to destroy me." 

Stefan:  "Then you did the one thing that you knew would hurt me most.  You kissed me and died.  And left your first born son motherless.  And I promise you yet one more pathetic apology will not wipe away this betrayal." 

Stefan:  "Because I'm a monster, isn't that right? 

Stefan:  "The one feeling I could never conquer was my love for you." 

Obviously, I found Stefan's scenes with Laura on Wednesday fascinating.  The old Stefan was clearly back.  He claims no interest anymore, yet it's clear he's interested.  He claims he has finally conquered his feeling for his Lasha, yet it's clear he hasn't.  The line that shows me clearly that he does not understand the woman he loves is the long quote above.  Laura did not calculate that kiss, and she didn't mean for it to hurt him.  Also, it's clear that Stefan feels the betrayal is equally his--or even more.  His, on the other hand, was calculated to hurt her.  He claimed his kiss was like hers, a kiss of farewell, but his was violent and angry--nothing like hers at all.

Stefan has a right to be angry with Laura for harming Nik.  I find it amazing, however, that he could, after he told her he had given up hope of their being married in Rochester, still hope that they could be together with Nik.  That he could still hope for her love.  He never understood Laura, and he continues to construct her in different images--now as whore, as manipulator, as uncaring.  At the same time, he's misconstrued her kiss, first as love or affection, and now as a whorish move.  Throughout these scenes, I wondered and worried at his attention to her comments regarding Lesley, and, more importantly, at his questions.  Does he want Laura to think he's after Lesley, or is he truly concerned about her?  Or would he actually harm her if she started remembering things? 

Stefan:  "I will not allow you to come here and whore your way out of taking responsibility for the damage you've done." 

Stefan:  "Please.  Such a pretty word.  But so useless." 

Stefan:  "Your happiness comes at my mercy." 

When Stefan asked Laura to stay on Thursday, I knew the worst was yet to come.  He had ranted and raved, and now he was calm--a sure sign of something bad.  I find his accounting very interesting.  On Wednesday, he spoke of the points he had in the good deeds column, while she had none, and on Thursday, he spoke of a debt she owed.  He spoke of the truth, and he spoke of silence...and then my affiliate broke in with a weather warning.  :) 

As I said before, it seems clear that Stefan's been keeping this secret for some time, so I assume it to be about Nik.  I just wonder if the writers created him with this knowledge or are only giving it to him now.  The thought that he's known this all along (if indeed he is Nik's father, and this is the secret) gives all those scenes with Laura one more twist--especially the one where he asked if she could ever have loved him.  If he is Nik's father, it's not at all certain Nik was a child born of love.

Stefan:  "How many men at the hospital wear dark suits and a signet ring?" 

Stefan:  "You believed in coexistence so completely you married me." 

And when Stefan returned to Bobbie, I had chills.  That he could go from that cold, calculating, threatening side to the charming side so quickly stunned me.  He didn't even look shaken.  The smile on his face when Bobbie told him about slapping Laura was priceless, as was his claim that he was concerned for Lucas. 

The man is a master manipulator, but for all the complaining I did about his epiphanies and his weakness when he was around Katherine, I'm beginning to wonder if that side really exists, or if it was just a creation of his guilt over Laura.  I'm actually interested in seeing how the newly returned and angered Stefan Cassadine reacts to Miss Katherine Bell.  He told Bobbie that Katherine could do without him--and I wonder if he's giving her up since he now has Laura back to play with. 

B. Nikolas 

Nik: "Her name is Laura.  My mother is dead to me." 

Nik: "The Spencers tried to make fools of us, and nobody does that and gets away with it."

Nik certainly playing his Cassadine role to the hilt on Tuesday, sitting in on that meeting with Kevin as crown prince, giving his opinion (albeit asked for) on Kevin.  Quite the Cassadine royalty.  The smile that crossed Stefan's face at the point he declared the Spencers wouldn't get away with it (quoted above) reminded me very much of the smile that hinted at Luke's face when Nik fell down the stairs not so long ago. 

Nik:  "About lies and the truth."

Lucky:  "Sorry, no one home." 

Nik:  "Your little family rulebook..." 

Nik:  "I'm your grandson.  Nice to meet you." 

I think his encounter with his grandmother on Wednesday shook that Cassadinity a bit.  Just a bit. He still didn't say that he was Laura's son, but he did admit some blood relation.  I loved that he had to ask who she was, when she knew him instantly.  I'm glad that he wishes he could know her better.  And I think that it shook him a little that Lucky would, after all of Nik's accusations, stand up for Laura to put her back in his good graces.  I'm wondering, though, if Stefan sent him there to accost the Spencer men (and why he would have thought that would be safe), or to find out information, or to see Laura, or if he knew Nik had gone at all. 

I'm still waiting for the scene that will ensue when Nik, who's still proclaiming that he loves Katherine and will watch over her, finds out about the "connection" between her and his Uncle. More than that, I'm waiting to see if this secret will be about his parentage, and how he will deal with the whole truth, when it is finally revealed. 

C. Alexis 

Alexis:  "The Cassadine family has a reputation for being very generous with their employees.  In exchange, we get control." 

It's clear she knows what Timoria is, as she nodded her head when Stefan said Timoria would continue.  I love that she persistently questions Stefan--about the shooting, about Laura, about everything.  *She* is my hope for the Cassadine family right now.  She demonstrates conscience, caring, and good common sense.  At the same time, she's clearly in on a lot of things, not all of them having to do with Cassadine Incorporated (there's a new FGB for someone to claim!).  I'm wondering where and if she'll draw the line.  I do hope that after the trial, she'll get a storyline of her own, or some backstory to deal with, so she won't only be Stefan's lawyer. 

D. Barbara 

It's hard to know where to classify Barbara Jean these days.  :)  But I'll put her here since she still claims to be a Cassadine--just as I left her above because she's still a Spencer. 

Barbara:  "It's alright Katherine.  Stefan told me everything." 

I'm glad to see her suspicious of her husband, because I worry about her when all of this hits the fan.  Her facial expressions during her little chat with Katherine on Wednesday were so forcibly cheery it was painful--and I don't mean that in a bad way, Adrian.  I mean I felt for her, having to hide her confusion and suspicions under that cheerfulness.  Bobbie didn't know how many times Stefan had been there, and now she finds out it was several.  To see her fishing for answers with Katherine, and to contrast the look on her face when she heard Katherine's broken up with Mac with the look on her face when she entered the room and finds Laura cursing her husband...I'm going to get whiplash if this goes on much longer...and she may, too.

Bobbie:  "Tell me something.  In your whole life, has there ever been anything sorry couldn't fix?" 

Laura:  "Are you enjoying this?  Does it make you feel superior?" 

Bobbie:  "You know, you sound just like Luke." 

Laura:  "He's only shown you what he wants you to see." 

I enjoyed, as always, Laura and Bobbie sparring.  Of course Bobbie was Cassadine, at this point.  I wanted so much for Laura to tell Bobbie that Stefan did save Lesley's life, but that he brought her back to America *as a wedding present* for her.  Stefan would deny it, but it would add to Bobbie's suspicions, maybe

E. Mrs. Lansbury 

Mrs. Lansbury:  "Shall I show him in?" 
Luke:  "That's alright, darlin', I know my way." 

Mrs. L. has had her work cut out for her introducing the unexpected Spencer visits at Wyndemere this week.  First Luke, then Laura.  And bravo for that great Tuesday cliffhanger, where Nik showed up at the Spencers house and Mrs. L. introduced Laura into the breakfast room at Wyndemere.

IV. The Quartermaines 

A. Alan and Monica 

Alan: So tell me.  Is there some 15-year-old lying around in the bushes somewhere?  Cause I need to know.  Cause I don't know how much more I can take." 

Monica: "The ball's in your court.  Either you forgive me or you don't.  You decide."
Alan:  "I already have." 

Monica:  "I love you so very much."
Alan:  "Prove it." 

Alan and Monica stole the show for me on Tuesday.  I absolutely loved him returning after the commercial with that half-eaten box of chocolates and them in the floor.  I understand how Alan could be mad, but I was a bit confused with his quick switches in attitude last week and this. Didn't he know about her affair with Ned?  Wouldn't he know that's why Dorman had Ned on the stand?  But maybe he didn't.  At any rate, I love that he's expressing his anger but also telling Monica that this won't be the thing that breaks them up.  These two are wonderful together, and their little romantic scenes always make me smile. 

Alan:  "Do you ever think about anybody but yourself?"
Edward:  "I did once.  It doesn't work for me." 

Alan:  "To borrow your phrase, you and the word father don't belong in the same sentence." 

Edward:  "There is a famous Greek play with a similar plot, and it doesn't end well." 

But then on Friday, Alan was back to flashbacking and being grumpy--and those pills.  I love that he tried to reassure Monica, but as I said, he's acting fairly schitzy these days.  I do understand why he wouldn't want to see much of Ned.  His scene with Edward was fun, as usual. 

B. Ned without Lois 

Ned:  "I feel less schitzy already." 

Ned:  "It's over.  I finally figured that out." 

Justus:  "I had my doubts that you would go through with it."
Ned:  "Don't flatter yourself." 

Ned:  "You didn't come here to commiserate with the death of my marriage."
Alexis:  "I could." 

The up side to Lois' departure is that they can put Ned in all these non-romantic pairings that we love so much.  I do hope they give him a good storyline--or just a storyline.  Keep him on the screen! 

Ned's scenes after Lois left on Tuesday were all good.  He and Monica both talking about their problems at the same time, but both listening and worried.  People have speculated that Dorman's working for Ned, who had Sonny drugged to get him off the board--but I don't want Dorman to be working for Ned, because I don't want to think Ned would let him harm Monica this way.  It was nice to see him let Justus off the hook, and to see that Justus is being understanding with him, under the circumstances.  But finally, Ned and Alexis were very interesting.  I think it's clear that she's attracted to him in some sense of that term, even if it's just friendly--"For what it's worth, I think that one day your wife will feel very sorry." 

Emily:  "Everything about this family is complicated." 

Ned:  "We're different." 

Emily:  "All the honest people leave and the liars stay." 

Ned's scenes with Alan and Emily on Friday were less good.  I did, however, find Ned's explanation of Lois' departure and the Q family in general quite interesting.  Lois couldn't compromise, couldn't understand that sometimes you lie to protect the family.  He sounded more like he was justifying himself and the family to Emily than explaining the problems he had with Lois.  The Qs certainly are "different," but Ned's description sounds like the Mafia meets Luke Spencer (wait, Luke was Mafia...).  His comment that they must love each other to stay together, because they could certainly all afford to live somewhere else was choice.  I find it interesting that Emily sees him as a "fixer" in the family, when his testimony just caused a big problem.


C.  The Trial 

Dorman:  "Ned Ashton was for laughs.  This is the real thing." 

Judge:  "Has the defense been apprised of this?" 
Alexis:  "Three guesses, your honor." 

Fondling and threatening?  I figured Dorman's new surprise witness was going to be the nurse that walked past them in the parking garage when Alan threatened Dorman.  That would have been smarter, to my mind, though I don't know what that would have done to forward the case against Monica. 

I continue to be amazed at the judge letting everything go through.  That compliment today that he knew Alexis could think on her toes was just a little back handed for me.  I'm glad she's not pushing her arguments anymore and making him mad.   And Dorman's smug smile when Monica stood up and said the witness was lying was too much for me.  I wanted Alan to pound him again.  :)  But I guess Alan's not the only one who can't keep his temper in court.  Seeing Alexis and Alan trying to get her to sit back down was pretty funny, in the middle of a serious moment.

C. Emily 

Monica:  "Are you alright?"
Emily:  "Peachy." 

I'm getting tired of Emily's repetition of how much her family doesn't notice and doesn't care. Ned certainly noticed something was up today with that Matt character.  I just wish they'd bring this to a crisis point and get on with it.  We have reached the point of Emily giving Matt money, though.  Any guesses as to where they're going?


V.  The Wards 

A. Justus 

Justus:  "Laura, I should have told you a long, long, time ago.  I killed Damien Smith." 

Justus: "This time I'm going to try the truth.  Cassadine did it."

I have always wanted to like Justus, but really have never been given the chance.  I was so glad to see him stand up to Ned and confess to Laura this week.  On Monday, his desire to confess and be whole again stood in stark contrast to Stefan's passive aggressive manipulations to keep Katherine quiet.  I'll also be glad to see him back in criminal law. 

B. Keesha 

While I was glad to see Keesha there to support Justus (and to see Ward House for the first time), Ruby brought up a very good point.  She says: "I was all aghast at this scene because of Keesha's reaction.  She's not a cop yet, but I think we can see the writing on the wall already.  Criminal behavior is subjective, especially murder if a family member commits it.  Is this a prerequisite for entering the PCPA/D?"  It's so true.  Sonny Corinthos is guilty until proven innocent, but Justus is an honorable man who just happened to kill somebody and lie about it. 

VI. The SIDAR 

A. Sonny and Miranda 

Sonny: "If I cared about Brenda at all, why would I want to torture her like that?"
'Miranda: "He's got a point, Jax." 

Sonny: "If you speak about my wife again, I'll kill you." 

I absolutely loved the Monday scenes where Jax came to Sonny's house to find Miranda there at dinner.  For a bit, it was like they were both pleading their case to her, but then she sided with Sonny.  Ha!  I think Miranda sees Sonny more clearly now--or maybe she's just fallen for his charms.  ;)  I think (though this is more speculative) that she also liked Jax seeing her with Sonny; he was certainly irritated by that.  Finally we see her behave with determination!  Of course, even Jax could see that the person doing it would have to know Sonny and Bren privately, but Sonny still can't see the possibility that it's Harry or someone like that? 

Miranda:  "Black, no sugar.  Just like your heart." 

Miranda:  "Well I'll give you a hint.  It's not about your cooking."
Sonny:  "My witty conversation?"
Miranda:  "Guess again." 

While that scene with Miranda and Sonny did little to forward anything, it did give us a couple of good lines.  I noticed he called her Jameson today, not Mrs. Jax--to goad her into action?  I liked Miranda telling him she didn't want him behind her because of Al Capone in _The Untouchables_.  Personally, I think I might like to see her give in and scheme with Sonny.  But from that kiss at the end (despite the stupid look on her face preceding it), it looks like she may not need any help at all.

B. Brenda and Jax 

Brenda:  "Well, this wedding isn't going to work." 

Brenda:  "I just don't want a bunch of goons walking around with machine guns, is that alright?"
Jax:  "Well, they'll all be wearing ties." 

Brenda:  "I don't even know why I'm planning a wedding.  You don't even want to get married.
"Jax:  "That's funny.  I was just going to say the same thing about you." 

I'm pleased Brenda hasn't gone back to thinking it's Sonny stalking her, and I'm glad Jax believes that now too.  Sonny had a point that if Jax were taking care of Bren (so to speak) that the valentine wouldn't have gotten through.  Jax can't even keep his phone from being tapped?  While Jax irritated me Monday by conveniently mentioning that Miranda was at Sonny's, as if he wanted her to be jealous or ask about it, they both irritated me on Friday, when they agreed to write off their arguing as pre-wedding jitters.  They are both still extremely bothered by the connection they have with their ex-es--and with each other's connection--and they refuse to address the problem. Jax knew she was thinking of Sonny, but refused to admit he was wondering about Miranda, then jumped when she called him and at the same time accused Brenda of doing the same for Sonny. 

I'm also irritated with the writers.  Instead of having Brenda shake her empty pill bottle and promptly head out the door taking no precautions, why not have a recording of Sonny saying her name, a la the Kevin stalking, and then hang up, as if he were in trouble again.  It would be repetitive, but she'd go, and she wouldn't look stupid, being accosted in the parking garage.  It was nice to see her car again, though.  It amuses me that she kept the car she bought because of Sonny all this time. 

C. Sonny v. Taggert 

Taggert:  "You mind if I sit down?"
Sonny:  "You already did." 

Taggert:  "Why would they bother?  'Cause you're a sharp dresser who gives money to hospitals?" 

Jason:  "Then do it or leave.  You bore me." 

Sonny:  "You're either a lousy cop, or I'm not as bad as I think I am.  Maybe both." 

Mac:  "I want this over as much as you do, Sonny."
Sonny:  "I doubt it, but alright.

Some good lines, but not as much fun as usual.  Taggert threatens when Sonny knows he has nothing, but the thing is, Sonny keeps threatening and not following through.  The thing is, those two go round and round, but Jason has to put up with Taggert's mouth too, and I don't like that much.  I don't see how Sonny thinks Mac would believe Taggert's a dirty cop, and I don't see how Sonny can think that Taggert would be the one stalking Brenda.  That would only compromise his case against Sonny if he were caught.  I'm just waiting to see how long it takes Sonny to figure this out--but I'm betting it'll come to a head before he gets the chance.  :) 

D. Sonny and Mike 

Mike:  "So what was that about?" 
Sonny:  "Uh, I really don't know, but I think I'm going to like it." 

Mike:  "Is it gonna kill you to give me a straight answer for once?" 
Sonny:  "Ya, because trying to have a conversation with you is like getting stuck in glue." 

Mike:  "You know, sometimes you are so dense--it's like talking to wood." 

With all the glue and wood stuff going on, I thought Sonny might interject, "Ya, well I'm rubber and you're glue..."  :)  While I'm always glad to see these two, I'm never quite sure why Mike so vehemently and relentlessly supports Sonny and Brenda getting back together.  Maybe somebody can fill me in.  I thought it a bit much that while Mike was preaching to Sonny about missing happiness with Brenda, Sonny played solitaire.  But it was cute.

E. Harry 

Boy, I sure hope the give him some new lines next week.  How many copies of that magazine does he have, anyway?  :)

VII. Kevin and Lucy 

A. Together 

Kevin:  "I saw you." 

While I loved Kevin and Lucy together, as always, I do think that the writers need to give Lynn a bit more to do.  She shines in all of her scenes, but she's forced to play a broken record right now.  It's either, "Kevin I'm worried," or "Men, help me with my Doc."

I did, however, get to witness my first Lucy psychic vision on Tuesday, and that was cool.  I thought immediately of the carbonic snow plot, which Lucy mentioned on Wednesday, and I'm not sure I like it if that's where we're headed.  It could be really really cool, or it could flop.  I just don't want Stefan to become that kind of simple villain (no offense to fans of the rest of the Cassadine family!).

Kevin:  "I can't run my life according to your visions." 

Kevin:  "I am not about to ask Luke Spencer to be my career counselor." 

Lucy:  "I thought that my affairs and your affairs were one and the same." 

Kevin:  "But wouldn't it be a kick if I were the one who found out?" 

I've been wondering a lot about Kevin and Lucy's disagreements over this Cassadine job.  It's clear that she is worried, and it's clear he needs a job to feel confident, to feel himself again.  But I'm wondering more and more why he insists on taking *this* job.  Yes, it's the first offer he's gotten, but he's not blind about the Cassadines.  I'm wondering if he knows this has something to do with those letters, or if he's really just getting a kick out of getting to know the Cassadines. 

And about Lucy's assertion that he's changed.  I don't know that he's changed that much.  I mean, he still listens to her, but he's just not agreeing with her--and he's never always agreed with her, from what I've seen. 

B. Lucy 

Lucy:  "You're the big fat Cassadine expert."

Laura: "Is this who we've been asking for help?" 
Luke: "Uh-huh.  It's her way." 

Luke: "Are we friends again?"
Lucy: "Almost." 

The Lucy scene with Luke and Laura on Tuesday didn't sparkle as much as some of her scenes with Luke have, but it still gave us a lot of great lines.  My favorite was the aside between Laura and Luke quoted above--now there's a great FGC title for somebody: FGC Lucy, Keeper of Her Way.  Ha!  But my favorite Lucy line was "I'm sorry your big plan didn't work.  I'm not sorry you're here.  I'm not sorry you're alive." 

C. Kevin 

Stefan: "Scone?  They're really quite good." 

Kevin: "I think we should wangle a dinner invitation so you can get a load of the house." 

Kevin: "VP in charge of Shrink Duties

I'm glad Kevin recognizes Lucy's really worried, but at the same time I'm glad he stands his ground, because for me, Kevin and Stefan are just fascinating.  They're both brilliant, and they both play the game of charm and indirectness so well.  Neither one of them is willing to put all their cards on the table at this point.  Of course, Kevin's holding fewer cards than Stefan is, but I think he can take care of himself.  I love that he's fascinated by Stefan, and can't help wanting to see what he's up too.  I'm glad he's taken the job, though I worry about him a bit.  But Kevin doesn't underestimate Stefan, nor does Stefan underestimate Kevin, though his description of him was choice: "Probably bordering on genius.  That's what makes him crazy."

VIII. Katherine 

I'm glad she says she's going to come forward if Luke doesn't get off the hook.  I'm wondering now if tptb will write Luke off the hook, then can't put Stefan on the hook, and it will be up to K. to decide whether or not she's going to speak if Luke isn't on the line.  She was good in her scenes with Stefan on Monday, but I still don't like their connection.  I'm wondering if it will last.  She was a bit back to the old Katherine when she was telling Miranda she would have to do better than tearing up her divorce notice to get Jax back.  I'd actually like to see her scheming with Miranda--it'd convince me she hadn't gone all sticky sweet.  And I love that the real reason Bobbie was there didn't get past Katherine. 

IX. Carly and Tony 

A. Tony  (Doc-Bro-Ex-In-Law) 

Tony:  "Do you know Stefan Cassadine shot Katherine Bell or is it just wishful thinking?" 

I'm glad Tony's siding with Luke on this one.  I think however, that his reaction and others will be default.  What I mean is that people may not forgive and forget so easily, but enough of them don't trust Stefan Cassadine that they will side against him, rather than with Luke.  It seems obvious to me that they're heading us towards a Bobbie/Tony reunion, what with all his talk about not wanting to hurt her and prying her away from Stefan.

B. Carly 

Luke:  "Just a visit from Uncle Luke." 

Luke:  "Good night, Miss Roberts; feel better."
Carly:  "I already do." 

Well, now we know where she's been all these weeks.  :)  I'm not sure I understand why she doesn't want to leave the house.  Is she simply scared that somebody else will see her and mistake her for a prostitute?  Of course, I expected her to call Jason to pick stuff up for her.  Obviously Bobbie's foremost in her mind, because the first thing she thought when she saw Luke was there was that he was telling her secrets, I think.  I don't understand why they've chosen this turn for Carly right now. 

X. Tom/Felicia/Mac

Mac:  "Well, maybe I'll sit him down and explain the concept of a phone." 

Mac:  "For once in your life don't be a jerk, alright?" 

Tom:  "I believe you're in my way." 

Mac:  "You know, you're the only one who can make me feel good about compromising myself." 

I think it's also pretty obvious where they're going with this one.  Tom's interviewing Katherine on Thursday and forgetting to meet Felicia tells me that he's going to become "obsessed" with this Cassadine thing to the detriment of their relationship, while Mac keeps going around rescuing all the damsels in distress, especially Felicia.  I loved the shot of Mac and his women--Katherine, Miranda, and Felicia all gushing about him.  So funny. 

XI. Other notes 

A. Set Renovation! 

Kevin:  "Doesn't the doorbell work anymore?" 

They've sure been using up that set budget!  This new Cassadine breakfast room is great, as is the newly redecorated (and just plain new) lighthouse den!  Is that a new room in Sonny's penthouse as well?  I'm not sure I like the Cupid/archer statue on the table behind the couch....