**The Week in Review: February 24-28 ** 

I.  The Quartermaines

A.  The Trial 

Judge:  "Cross, Miss Davis?"
Alexis:  "You bet."

Witness:  "The Quartermaines are the most powerful family in Port Charles.  At least they were till you Cassadines started showing up.  I guess the title's up for grabs now."
Alexis:  "Power is a relative thing.  No pun intended." 

Lawyer:  "Do you remember your Old Testament, Dr. Quartermaine?  I'm thinking now of the Charlton Heston version."
Alexis:  "Will the witness be allowed to buy a vowel?" 

These were some great lines on Monday.  While I don't believe a New York City Lawyer would be quite so cocky in the courtroom as a rule, and while I think she'd get further with the judge if she played it straighter, Alexis is a trip to watch.  I loved her one-liners, and I loved her controlling that witness--telling her to answer, not ask, the questions.  If I were to be FGC Alexis (my sig just doesn't have room), I think I'd be Keeper of the Relative Power.  :) 

I've never liked that other guy.  It was just a gut reaction at first, and then I added to that the fact that bit's clear Dorman's calling the shots on their side of the courtroom.  Now, he's gotten his bible characters mixed up--the Pharaoh's wife harassed Joseph, not Moses.  So the Chuck Heston comment, while only slightly amusing, was also wrong. 

I was glad to see Alexis bring up those gifts Dorman sent Monica, but I wished she'd done more with that--more to prove Dorman's a manipulative slimebucket.  Good call from whomever remembered the presents a week or so ago and asked when they'd use that against him.  I know Dorman approaches Monica in the hallway to goad her into blowing up in the courtroom exactly because this case is all about how the judge perceives the two people concerned.  But what about that restraining order?!  Alexis was standing right there on Monday.  I wished she had reprimanded him.  His reactions in the courtroom were quite telling, alternately mean, anticipatory, and amused.  This truly is a game to him, and I'm wondering if he's the biggest player.

Judge:  "It seems to me we're getting to the heart of the matter." 

Alexis:  "Dr. Quartermaine, if you could just be patient for one more moment, we have a little nonsense to dispel."

I hope they don't drop that witness out of sight completely without telling us why she'd testify for Dorman (they did bring her back on Thursday for Jason to threaten).  But it became clear on Monday that Dorman's aiming for Alan too (if that were ever in question).  I thought we'd see that witness to the threat Alan gave Dorman in the parking garage.  I suppose that witness would prove something about Alan...maybe Dorman's holding that lawsuit in reserve? 

Of course, before Alexis wrapped up on Tuesday, I thought we'd see a lot more than we did.  Only one witness?  I know that they had affidavits, but what the judge hears in the courtroom would seem to hold more weight.  Of course, he's not one for long trials, as he says.  I might have liked to see Alan on the stand, but I'm not sure that would have done much good either.  

Finally, I thought it was clear that Dorman had a better case in the courtroom, and expect a verdict against Monica from that crotchety old judge.  Finally, if Alexis loses this case, I'm going to wonder if there wasn't a reason behind it....

Dorman:  "It's about time you earned your fee." 

Dorman's lawyer really did earn his fee on Tuesday, but while at first hearing his arguments made logical sense, I had to back up and think about them.  At first, I thought he did really well, and I really liked the move he made to get Monica herself to define how sexual harassment works.  But all he really did was a lot of logical maneuvering that might have made sense, but was all conjecture.  He's not on the stand, attesting to all of this, and he's just painting a picture of how it might have happened.  His logic twisted on itself too, for me.  Dorman started an affair with Monica because he thought it was implied that this was the way to advancement, but then he broke it off with her when he realized it wasn't?  But he would have known she was getting back together with Alan, and wouldn't have wanted to make her mad then, would he?  Anyway, the more I thought about it, the more warped the logic became, and the more I hoped the judge would realize this was simply conjecture on the part of the lawyer.  But I don't have much faith in that judge. 

Great reaction on Dorman's face when Monica said she wanted to kill him, though. 

Alan:  "Wait's over.  I just spoke to Alexis.  The judge made his decision."
"Monica:  "Oh my God.  Here we go." 

Here we go indeed.  This may be the verdict, but I suspect this is far from over. 

B.  Alan 

A.J.:  "She's going to be alright."
Alan:  "Soon as this mockery is over." 

Alan:  "I love you Monica.  I always have.  I always will.  And it doesn't matter what gets said in this courtroom." 

Schitzy Alan was back on Monica's side this week.  ;)  I'm always glad to see him there.  His reactions in the courtroom were really good on Monday.  I was especially touched by the way he averted his eyes when Monica spoke of his leaving the house during their split.  Actually, his  reactions throughout the trial scenes have been really good, especially his smile at Jason--so cute.  I really liked Alan's "gallows humor" on Tuesday as Monica bemoaned the fact that Jason heard her say she wanted Dorman dead.  Something like, "He works for Sonny Corinthos.  I don't think he was shocked." 

Alan:  "You've already had a good look at this hand up close and personal." 

Alan:  "Well follow this.  I may not be able to fire you from this hospital, but allow me to shine a little light into that dark thing you call a brain.  As my personal physician, it gives me ominous pleasure to terminate you."
Dorman:  "You're making a big mistake.  I'm the best."
Alan:  "You're a pig." 

Monica:  "Were you fighting with him?"
Alan:  "We were conferring." 

I love Alan standing up to Dorman, but I'm beginning to wonder if Dorman has more plans for Alan too.  Monica herself wondered what he'd do if he lost this case, and while I'm betting on a guilty verdict based on what we saw in the courtroom, somehow I don't think Dorman's done with  the Quartermaines. 

Alan:  "We'll put the pressures of work behind us and then we'll take our yacht down to the Caribbean."
Monica:  "Oh, with Emily?"
Alan:  "No.  No, we're going to foist Emily off on somebody else.  This is going to be an adult adventure.  Actually, it's going to be a nude cruise." 

This was the best non-Spencer exchange of the week, for me.  They are so cute when they're flirting with each other, and I'm so very glad to see them back together. 

C.  A.J. 

Edward noticed A.J. was edgy on Monday, and we knew it was because he needed a swig of something.  I don't understand, however, why this trial thing is hitting *him* so hard.  I don't understand why the trial has brought on the drinking more heavily.  Maybe it's not a cause/effect kind of thing, but that's what we've been led to believe.  I also don't understand his need to see Jason at these times--someone to share the weight?  Because that guilt is weighing on him as more pain for his mother?  When he walked into the Outback on Tuesday and just started laying all this on Jason, I was simply irritated.  Finally, they're giving us a lot of A.J. and not really explaining what he's going through.  I can't even try to sympathize with him if I don't understand. 

Alan:  "Give me what you have in your breast pocket." 

Alan:  "I don't care what you do with your life from now on.  You can flush it down the toilet, and I will never stop you again, you understand?  But there is one thing that is never gonna happen.  Your mother is never gonna hear about this, is that clear?" 

Alan was criticized on ratsa for this scene, for his quick turn around.  But I was on his side, and could understand his frustration and anger.  It was easier, since I have no clue what A.J.'s thinking about things.  I understand this is a disease he has, and again, we're not being told if this is cause/effect from the trial yet or not.  But to see Alan so proud and fatherly and to know that he was being deluded--and then to see the painful realization on his face?  I felt for him, because he's been through so much already and this was one more betrayal, in his eyes. 

D.  Monica 

Monica:  "Dr. Dorman can be very persuasive.  And very persistent." 

Monica:  "I would hardly describe him as reluctant." 

Monica:  "People say things when they're hurt or angry.  I know that better than most." 

Monica wins the prize for understatements of the week from me for these lines.  I thought she handled herself very well on the stand on Monday. 

Monica:  "Is that the wrong answer?  Because I think someone should be telling the truth here." 

Monica:  "My husband needed me again." 

Monica:  "Alan can be pompous, opinionated, infuriating, hilarious, sexy, honest, and I will love  him till the day I die." 

Monica:  "I wish he were dead." 

Alexis:  "You aren't planning on smothering Dr. Dorman in his sleep, are you?
Monica:  "No, because that would mean I'd have to be in the same room with him again." 

I thought Monica's testimony on Tuesday, however, was a blatant manipulation by tptb to stack the cards against her, and I didn't appreciate it.  Her reactions to Jason being in the courtroom to hear her were good, because while she didn't understand he was there to support her and Alan (maybe more Alan), he didn't understand that it would be painful for her to know he had heard her.  I completely sympathized with her pain over Jason's behavior and her feeling like she doesn't know her own son.  Her optimism in the face of all that--saying maybe Jason would come to dinner someday--made me a little sad, though.  I hope she's not disappointed completely.  While I personally hope they never write Jason back to the way he was, I would like to see them interact and have some kind of relationship. 

Monica:  "Either you hit the mark or you miss it, but no matter what, your friends should understand.  Or if they can't understand, at least they should back you up." 

I thought Monica's apology to Laura was very sweet, and I like that she was the first one to come and forgive Laura.  She herself needs all the friends she can get right now, and the things she said about friendship were very poignant, given both her situation and Laura's.

E.  Jason 

Jason:  "I don't get how it's allowed.  People pay taxes to make a guy sit and hear over and over that his wife had sex with somebody else.  I mean, you pay a judge to guess who started it?  Who did that seem like a good idea to?" 

I'm not sure I understand why Gina was there to have that scene with Jason, because he could have expressed his opinion about the trial to anybody else.  And I'm not sure I understand why he let her come with him, or why he wanted her to.  But I loved Jason's common sense (or not so  common) appraisal of the situation.  His worldview is wonderfully simple. 

Lawyer:  "Who would you believe?" 

I always like to see him try to reconcile his opinion about things with the way other people see them, and I was actually glad to see him go in support of Monica and Alan.  His entry was nicely timed with the line quoted above. 

Jason:  "I just want to tell you it's too bad this happened.  And good luck.  I guess." 

Monica:  "Because, Jason, admitting that we want some time to be with you always drives you away.  So we have to come up with excuses, which you then decide are lies.  You leave again and we start all over."
Jason:  "I can see that." 

Monica:  "So thank you for coming, and thank you for staying.  And thank you for trying.  You'll never know how much it means to me." 

The first scenes between Monica and Jason on Wednesday were very sweet, and I adored Alan for leaving them alone.  She's so concerned with what her son thinks of her, while he's struggling to understand how these people behave and what they expect of him, since he feels like a stranger to them.  I'm also glad to see him trying. 

Jason:  "Maybe I should break both your hands.  Then you'd have a hard time finding work as a surgeon, wouldn't you." 

But I have to say that I really like tough-guy Jason Morgan more than his mother does.  :)  I loved seeing him throw Dorman down on that desk.  Monica's reaction was right on, I thought, for her as a mother.  Both the wanting to help him do the right thing and the distress she felt when confronted face to face with the man her boy's become.  Later, after he accosted that nurse and Dorman again, I think Alan, and even Monica, were proud of him standing up for her, even if they don't applaud his methods (although I bet Alan secretly did).

Jason:  "Why are you lying to me?  You're lying to me." 
Sonny:  "As a friend, I'm asking you to do this." 

I also loved Jason's reaction to Sonny's instructions not to follow him.  I love his loyalty to Sonny, even though other people may criticize it.  I love them together, and I love the way Jason  protects Sonny--not because of his job, but because of his friendship. 

Jason:  "She's with Sonny." 

I also loved Jason with Jax on Thursday (do you get the idea I loved Jason this week?), from his initial refusal to speak to his admission that Sonny was going to meet Brenda.  I don't know why he told Jax they were going away together, since that's not what Sonny told him.  I wonder if he was trying to make excuses for Sonny's disappearance until he knows what's happening or was trying to make it easier for Jax, or if that was just an error. 

Carly:  "Come on."
Jason:  "Oh God, here we go." 

Carly:  "It's not that simple." 
Jason:  "Why not.  You love someone or you don't.  You trust someone or you don't.  He chose you Carly, what more do you want?" 

I really like these two together, now that they're not...you know.  Jason puts up with all of her flakiness and takes it in stride, cutting to the chase.  But his observations on Carly's problems always make me sad for her, sad that she can't see things that clearly too and stop worrying.  Tony did choose her, but she can't take that and believe in it, because of her unresolved issues with Bobbie.  I also like Jason with Carly, because he's the one person he talks to about the things he talks about with Robin.  He stated plainly that he had to learn not to interfere, but his simple, direct outlook on life starts becoming complicated when it comes to the people he loves--Robin and Sonny.  He wanted to intervene.  So it seems Carly can teach him something about life too.

II.  The Sidar

A.  Jax and Miranda 

Jax:  "What's this about?"
Miranda:  "Secrets and lies, Jax.  Mine." 

Miranda:  "So here it is, the gods' honest truth.  When Sonny brought me back to the Quartermaines' that day and I saw Brenda in that wedding dress, I wanted to scream.  I wanted to rip it off her and claw her eyes out cause she was in my place.  And I wanted it back." 

Miranda:  "From the moment I saw you I wanted you back." 
Jax:  "Who the hell do you think you are?  Huh?  You threw me away, then you want me back, all on your terms and when you decide.  I'm tired of playing the role of your personal pinball, Miranda." 

Miranda:  "I realized that Brenda's not just wrong for you.  She's your worst mistake waiting to happen." 

Miranda:  "I am not going to gift wrap you for a woman who's as much as love with another man as I am with you." 

I applauded Miranda for finally speaking her mind on Monday, but I remain unimpressed with the actress.  I didn't like the fact that she was grinning like a schoolgirl while she was wrecking Jax's life again.  It seemed like she didn't recognize the severity of the situation, and was flirting and making eyes at him as she left, even after he told her how angry he was with her.  I will give her credit for not bashing Brenda (and Jax may too), unlike Brenda herself, who criticizes Miranda to Jax repeatedly. 

For his part, I was glad to see he didn't kiss back the second time (I'm not sure of the first), and I was  glad to see him express his anger as well as defend his choice to be happy with Brenda.  But while he wasn't denying his anger, he was denying the fact that he still feels something for her, at least in these scenes.  ;) 

Miranda:  "I live here.  What's your excuse?" 

The scene in The Outback seemed an unnecessary repetition, with Jax telling her again that he couldn't trust her to stay and avoiding answering the question of whether or not he still loved her or wanted her back.  I found her very selfish in that scene, thinking he was there about her.  I wanted him to tell her he was only there to arrange security for his wedding, for Brenda, and the fact he wouldn't bring that up was kind of telling, to my mind. 

Jax:  "What do you know about this?" 

I liked that he showed up to confront Miranda with Brenda's letter, but he could have phoned or at least checked in with the police first, let them know he thought something was up.  I'm being hard on Jax at this point, though, so I'm questioning his every move.  He did call the police first, but then hung up on them.  And I'm glad he didn't believe the note on Wednesday, and that he was convinced something was up. 

Miranda:  "But one of us has to be the reality check here.  I don't think Sonny had to kidnap her."

Miranda:  "Maybe the obvious answer is the right one."
Jax:  "Nothing is obvious to me." 

For her part, I think Miranda was just happy with the thought that Brenda might have left, and was in her own little delusion about how Brenda would leave Jax.  She should know that Brenda wouldn't just leave a note, and I didn't appreciate her moving in like that, so willing to think Brenda had left the playing field willingly.  Brenda was being threatened, for Pete's sake, and she doesn't even acknowledge that there could be cause for worry? 

Jax:  "I thought I knew her.  Well she could still surprise me.  She did on a regular basis." 

Of course, Jax stopped denying any of his feelings for Miranda on Thursday, as he took Jason at his word and believed Brenda had left him--and then kissed Miranda a big slurpy kiss.  I, of course, wanted to alternately hurl and slap both of them.  On the bright side, I hoped this situation  would demonstrate the truth to Jax and Brenda and they'd split up.  :) 

It was nice to hear Jax talk about Brenda's good qualities, though, and it was nice to hear him admit the way he convinced her to marry him.  I hope he's realizing that things aren't as easy as he'd like them to be. 

Just an aside:  For someone who travels light, Miranda has accumulated a *bunch* of stuff in a short amount of time!  ;) 

Miranda:  "I can't be your quick fix.  It's Brenda that you want, not me." 

But by Friday, it was clear Jax had only had a momentary lapse, and was back to worrying about Brenda and proclaiming what she would and would not do.  At least he gave her some credit.  I was glad to see Miranda pull away, actually.  I found the whole thing about the "help" in the letter rather hokey, but in keeping with the melodrama of the whole thing.  The thing I couldn't take was Miranda saying she took the evidence at face value, and then Jax saying things like, "Maybe she was held at gun point."  Like he would immediately jump to that conclusion.  And whom do they have to see before they call the cops?  Jason again?

B.  Jax

Jax:  "And Sonny would be happy to provide them because he's in love with my wife.  Tell me something Mac, when you buy a guidebook of Port Charles, is that fact listed along with the height above sea level?" 

Mac:  "Hell, Attica's got a lot more free bed space than your marriage." 

The exchanges between Mac and Jax on Monday and Tuesday cracked me up.  The last line, listed above, was truly choice.  Everyone realizes that Jax and Brenda cannot just turn their backs on these other loves, and that they won't be able to move on until they deal with Miranda and Sonny and their own feelings.  But Jax refuses to face that option.  While I applaud him for making a choice and sticking to it, he's depending on the choice he made pre-Miranda.  He has to let himself weigh the options and make that choice again, and so far he hasn't.  I couldn't believe that little twerp Jax hired to watch Brenda.  It's his own fault for hiring this moron.  ;) 

C.  Sonny and Brenda 

Sonny:  "Which part of dangerous do you not understand?  And where the hell is golden boy?" 

Well, Monday started off with my least favorite plot device, the false attack.  We've seen it so many times lately that I truly believed it was the real stalker simply because it turned out to be Sonny the last time...which was only last month.  I stopped being mad when I saw that we were in for some fantastic Sonny and Brenda scenes... 

Brenda:  "I'm not upset." 
Sonny:  "Yes you are.  And I'm...and I'm...it's only partly my fault."
Brenda:  "How could you know that?"
Sonny:  "Well, come on.  I could see it in your eyes." 

Brenda:  "I think that we're just imperfect creatures and we just mess things up sometimes."
Sonny:  "Ya, well I think it sucks."

Sonny:  "We used anger to distance ourselves from each other, from all the bigness, but it never sticks.  We always end up right here, you know, inches apart.  So close I can feel your breath."
Sonny:  "Do you still love me, yes or no?"
Brenda:  "I can't even believe you."

Sonny:  "You deserve better, more."
Brenda:  "And that would be, what, you?"
Sonny:  "Ya."
Brenda:  "No."

Sonny:  "I'm gonna stop talking, and I'm gonna show you what I mean.  Come here." 

Brenda:  "Listen, if I was afraid of messy, I would never have gotten involved with you in the first place."
Sonny:  "But you did."
Brenda:  "That was my mistake."

Brenda:  "I just don't love you anymore.  Ok?"
Sonny:  "Liar." 

Brenda:  "Liar, liar, pants on fire." 

Ok, so I got a little carried away.  I was so proud of both of them and enjoyed these scenes so much.  Sonny was completely honest, and forced her to face her feelings for him.  While Brenda ended the scene with a lie (and began it with one, for that matter--an errand for the wedding indeed), which they both recognized, I do applaud her for making her choice and sticking to it. Unlike Jax, Brenda has re-weighed her choice between Jax and Sonny, when she went and told Sonny to stay away from her the first time.  And it's true, she could still love Sonny and choose to be with Jax.  If her best friend Lois proves anything, she proves that love isn't the issue.  

At the same time, I think that the love she has for Sonny continues to be stronger than the love she has for Jax, and I want these two back together.  I think they've learned and changed, and I think they could be different this time, even if not perfect.  Sonny certainly identified their behavior when he said they sabotaged their relationship because it was getting to be too big for them.  Now I think they realize that they can't do without the very thing they were running away from before.  They're even, as they noted in the very beginning of the scene--she wore the wire and he brought Miranda.  They can wipe the board clean and start over, or at least put the past behind them.  Or at least I hope they can.  

Brenda says that Jax doesn't get mad at her, doesn't judge her, doesn't ask her to change, and loves her.  It seems to me she's in a "fantasy place" of her own.  The thing she continues to deny, both to Sonny and, I think, to herself, is that she and Jax are not in the clear.  He does love her, but he's done the three things she says he doesn't do all in the very recent past. 

One note:  It amuses me to see the lines or phrases that the writers reuse in different scenes.  Today, Sonny talked about hurting someone you'd cut your arm off to protect.  When Luke was talking to Ruby, he said something like, "You know I'd cut my arm off before I'd hurt you." While most times these repetitions occur in unrelated characters, I loved that Sonny was talking like Luke. 

D.  Sonny v. Taggert 

Sonny:  "Are you the new attendant here?  Cause I think I got a quarter if you wanna do my windshields." 

Taggert:  "The psychic hotlines.  I hope they're not one of your racquets." 

Sonny:  "Do I have to train every cop on this police force myself?" 

I really don't understand why Taggert can continue to harass Sonny like this and get away with it.  He's right about the parking violation leading to something bigger, but when he flicked open that knife and threatened to search and ruin the car...doesn't he have to have a warrant for that?  ;)  Anyway, I like him less and less.  What amused me was Sonny, cracking jokes for Joseph and the driver, both about Jax's parking place and then with Taggert.

Taggert:  "I called her mommy."
Sonny:  "And she made you watch The King and I one too many times." 

Taggert continues to amaze me, in that he really is putting his job in danger by pulling all this crap with Sonny.  He seems to be a good cop, otherwise, and I'm not convinced by the specs that he's connected to Harry.  I think there is some backstory here that we haven't heard yet.  I took it at face value that he had messed with the heat on Tuesday's episode simply to get Sonny to roll up his sleeves, since Taggert's convinced he'll reveal needle marks.  I'm not sure if that was the only reason he wanted to pull Sonny in or not.  His almost random questioning made me think he was just trying to see if Sonny would slip up and give him some information while waiting for him to roll up his sleeves.  At any rate, I love that Sonny refused to give him the satisfaction.  I found myself cheering for Valentine to show up on Tuesday and slap another harassment charge on him. 

At the same time, Sonny's conjectures about Taggert on Tuesday make me wonder if Taggert's just a cop.  Sonny said that Taggert was either a hired man for one of the "heroin honchos" or that his mission is me."  I may be proven wrong; Taggert may indeed be working for someone else, and that's the reason he's willing to risk his job.  But the gut feeling I have is that he's got a vendetta that's leaving him blind to everything else but nailing Sonny. 

An aside:  My favorite phrase of Sonny's on Tuesday was "Luke Spencer and the Undead."  Maybe the name for a new band?  Ha!

Taggert:  "You killed you, Sonny!" 

Sonny:  "If you're so sure that I am a junkie, why do you have to see my arms?" 

Taggert:  "How bad ya want me?" 
Sonny:  "Bad enough to let you dig your own grave." 

After the phone call from Harry, Sonny and Taggert went into overdrive, and they were fantastic.  The thing is, they both keep circling and threatening, but Sonny's the only one that really gets a shot in with those harassment suits, which I applaud.  All that talk is just that...talk. And right now, it's Sonny 2, Taggert 0.  I was surprised when Taggert lost it and threw that coke can, but not when Sonny lost it because of Taggert's talking about his wife.  Taggert kept saying he was a  screw-up, and I thought of Deke's verbal attacks in those flashbacks we've seen. 

Sonny:  "You wanna stop this Taggert?  Find out who's responsible, instead of closing your eyes and wishing it was me." 

Taggert continued to throw all manner of accusations, knowing he couldn't prove any of them.  But he crossed the line again when he mentioned Robin, and claimed that Sonny was keeping the peace with Mac through her.  I'm just afraid that Taggert will decide to use Sonny's weakness for certain women against him, and that'll be unforgivable, in my book.  He's already crossed the line with me by involving Keesha.  I was glad to see Mac call him on the carpet--and in front of Sonny.   And I loved the description of Valentine's suit as "creative writing."

E.  Harry the Kidnapper 

The best cut of the week came on Tuesday, when Felicia said, "Just beware of Brenda," and then we cut to a shot of Brenda shaking in the middle of her darkened living room.  There's been some discussion about Brenda's scenes that day--her fear at the phone call and her opening the door, etc.  Personally, I applaud Vanessa on that scene, and I thought Brenda was behaving realistically.  To be that scared, and wondering if somebody was going to jump at out at you, and then see a shadow?  I can see why you'd want to face a known threat rather than wonder what was going to happen, even if you could only find a letter opener.  I was mostly glad that it was indeed Harry this time.  I had a moment of thinking it would just be Joseph bringing her purse to her, or the guard telling her they were having a power outage.  After that call from Harry, if they had pulled another false alarm I wouldn't have been happy.  The only thing I would have changed would be her opening the door unannounced.  If she had asked who it was, and Harry had answered, she would have still opened the door for him, because at that point, she was so scared and so happy to see a familiar face.  I also wasn't bothered by the time lag it took her to realize Harry was the stalker, and that it was his voice on the phone.  I thought the dawning realization was well done and well written, and I thought that once she realized, Brenda did a good job of putting things together and trying to say the right things. 

Harry:  "I don't work for Sonny anymore."
Brenda:  "What do you mean?"
Harry:  "What, you forgot, just like him?  Lily died."
Brenda:  "No, no one forgot."
Harry:  "No?" 
Brenda:  "No, it...it almost killed Sonny."
Harry:  "Almost is only good in horseshoes." 

Harry:  "You stupid, wire-wearing, lying little whore.  Because he watched the wrong person die and I'm gonna make it so he gets it right this time." 

The scenes with Harry and Brenda together in her apartment were really good.  And I applauded her courage to stand up to him and not write that letter to Jax, and totally sympathized with her  caving in when he hit her.  I hoped she'd be right, and Jax wouldn't take that letter at face value.  I didn't see Harry when he was here last time; Roo hasn't caught me up that far yet.  It seems to me, as of Tuesday's show, that he's displacing blame.  He blames himself that he couldn't do anything to save Lily, and maybe he brought that bomb on himself by telling her father about Sonny and Brenda.  All three of them have some guilt in Lily's death, the way I understand it--Sonny, Brenda, and Harry--but Harry's the only one who can't face his own part in it.  

I do feel sorry for Harry, on some level.  He seems to feel great pain along with not being able to face his guilt.  The language he uses to describe Brenda and Lily interests me--a clear Madonna/whore dichotomy.  He calls Lily "angel," and draws on the fact that her baby was killed too.  He calls Brenda "trash" and "whore".  At the same time, Sonny used to be like his son, but now he's "got to learn".  He talks about Sonny as a child still, as if Sonny can be excused a little, as if he had no agency in all of this.  Then he switches and says Sonny will die too.  I thought that his love for Sonny and his conflict over what he wants to do to him might have been the thing that saves Sonny and Brenda.

Brenda:  "Just tell him to stay the hell away from me." 

I hoped Joseph would have the presence of mind to realize something's wrong here and do something about getting Valentine to Sonny quickly.  I applauded Brenda for attempting to keep Sonny away; even though I doubt it would have solved anything, it might have bought her some time to find a way out, or bought Jax some time to find her.  I think she's going to have to face the fact again that she can't stand the thought of life without Sonny. I just have to say again that while I don't usually applaud damsel-in-distress storylines, I really kind of like this kind of melodrama on occasion.  This action seems to be at least partially driven by some character things and some past, unresolved plotlines, and I'm very interested in seeing how it goes over with Harry fans and SIDAR haters alike.

Harry:  "You know I'm serious."

Sonny:  "What do you want?"
Harry:  "I wanna give you a chance to say goodbye to the woman you love before I kill her." 

Sonny was perfectly willing to play along with Taggert until this call came.  When Tuesday's show ended, I couldn't wait for Wednesday.  And again, Harry threatened, but he also said, "It's good to hear your voice"...and I wasn't sure that was completely sarcastic. 

Harry:  "You make him stupid.  And stupid is gonna kill him."

Harry:  "He's gonna die knowing you were the worst thing that ever happened to him." 

Harry:  "You oughta do something with your hair.  You look like hell." 

Harry continued to fascinate me on Wednesday, how he both blames Sonny and wants to instruct him, to save him from Brenda, almost.  Harry kept using phrases like "protecting Sonny," "teaching Sonny."  He would reprimand the absent Sonny for his bad choices, then claim he couldn't leave him alive or he wouldn't learn his lesson.  But again, I thought his softness for Sonny might be the way out of the situation for Sonny and Brenda.  That, and the fact Harry still  caves to Sonny in the littlest of ways, like putting Brenda on the phone when Sonny insisted. 

Harry:  "Sonny."
Sonny:  "Harry." 

Sonny:  "Did he hit you?" 

Sonny:  "You're gonna die, old man!" 

It continued when Sonny arrived; Harry claimed, albeit jokingly, he was looking out for him and giving him Brenda.  Harry was in control until Sonny realized he had struck Brenda, repeating his threat without worrying that Harry would pull the trigger, I think.  And several times, Harry would trail off and not finish his sentence because Sonny would speak. 

Sonny:  "You murdered my wife and my child." 

Sonny:  "You desecrated her grave?  After killing her?  You're gonna go to hell old man.  I'm going to send you there."
Harry:  "You'll be there before me with her at your side.  Very touching." 
Sonny:  "Go ahead and shoot, Harry.  But you better make the first one count 'cause I'll be on you before you fire the second one." 

Sonny:  "I made a lot of mistakes, Harry.  And one of the worst was trusting you." 

Sonny:  "Tell me something, Harry.  How do you justify what you're doing in Lily's name when you know how much she'd hate it?" 

I absolutely loved it when Sonny turned the tables and the accusations back on Harry.  Harry isn't owning up to his own blame in the situation, and Sonny was smart, I think, to force him to face it.  Sonny doesn't believe that Harry's only to blame; he shoulders enough of the blame himself he doesn't have much to spare.  But it was a nice tactic, even though it was a tactic laced with true anger. 

Harry:  "And I didn't even have to set her up like I did you..." 

Sonny:  "Who did?  The joker who's running this side show?  'Cause it's not you, Harry." 

On Thursday, Sonny started putting things together.  I asked why they were still there if Harry was so determined to kill them, and while Harry answered that they were to suffer, Sonny continued to clue in, well before I did (I wasn't even thinking about it by this time), to the gaps that meant Harry was working for or with someone else.  I thought Sonny was continually smart with Harry, giving Sonny the upper hand:  telling him he was killing himself by killing Brenda, that she had friends.  And Harry finally let slip that he had set Sonny up, because he had to taunt him with Brenda's addiction.  Sonny knew Harry wouldn't run drugs to kids on his own, nor would he kill that nurse. 

Dorman:  "It's me, Harry." 

And of course the greatest mid-week cliffhanger (I think) this week was Dorman on the other end of the line.  Now we know it was indeed Dorman who shot up Sonny with heroin, and it was definitely Dorman who had all the hospital connections and the connections with that nurse.  It's clear he wants Sonny out of the way before he finds out where the drugs are coming from.  In a far-flung spec, I'm wondering if he's actually got Brenda on something more than pain pills.  I think at some point, that one scene where Sonny saw Dorman at the airport (and bravo for putting that in so early and not leaving it to become a loose end!) will be the way Sonny nails Dorman as the drug lord. 

Dorman:  "Corinthos will not make the connection, not from seeing me one time." 

Dorman:  "Just remember Harry, it is not over till I say it's over."
Harry:  "Who the hell do you think you're talking to?  You watch your mouth, or I'll be coming after you next." 

Dorman doesn't call all the shots, its seems; he and Harry are partners.  Now we're left wondering how much Dorman knows about this kidnapping, and whether he'd see it as too risky, or whether he knows all about Harry's past and his plans, and is leaving it up to Harry.  I wonder if Sonny and Taggert will, at some point, have to work together....  I applauded Harry's line above.  I wish Monica could have pulled that line off when Dorman said that to her.  :) 

Sonny:  "You know, this is a...this is a clever plan, punishment and all.  There's just one 	problem."
Harry:  "Oh?  What is that?"
'Sonny:  "I didn't kill Lily.  You did." 

This was a great reversal. Sonny told Harry that he and Lily were going to get back together; Harry believed it, probably because that would explain why Lily was in the car and not in the airplane or far away from PC.  Forcing Harry to face his part in the situation and consequences was very smart, and the perfect way to put him off guard. 

Sonny:  "Brenda, go!" 

And that was one fun cliffhanger!  A gunshot and a scream...and we're left until Monday.  My bet's that Harry got shot, and now they'll have to figure out who he was working with.  My sentimental side would like to see a reconciliation between Sonny and Harry before he dies.  And I can't wait to see how Brenda talks herself into going back to Jax after this one...if indeed she does.  And I'll bet he doesn't tell her about that kiss.... 

III.  Mac and Felicia 

A.  Mac 

Mac:  "I wouldn't let you spring for a box of Kleenex." 

I like the fact that Mac's willing to help this guy he hates, for Brenda's sake and safety, but I'm betting he's doing it more for Miranda.  I actually wanted to see Felicia tell him about her conversation with Miranda...won't that make him happy. 

B.  Felicia
Miranda:  "I threw myself at Jax."
Felicia:  "Oh really?  Did he catch you?"

Felicia was pretty obvious about not knowing where the New Orleans contacts were and making Mac go with her.  Bartender of the Year indeed.  ;)  I didn't really like her scenes with Miranda, and I don't know if that's because she was giving trite advice or because I thought Miranda was just silly.  Maybe both.

IV.  The Spencers 

A.  Luke and Laura 

Luke:  "Don't tell me it's just us."
Laura:  "I know.  It's a miracle, isn't it?"
Luke:  "Well, don't stand there woman, grab a husband!  Pull up a husband and let's get it on." 
Laura:  "I love you."
Luke:  "I love you too, angel." 
Luke:  "I don't wanna look a gift-bunny in the mouth, but are you stroking me?  Why?" 

This opening scene with Luke and Laura on Wednesday was so cute.  I've missed their quieter, sweeter moments in all of this noise about the Cassadines.  I was glad to see other people liked it too, and that we all had the chance again to see them loving and joking and together.  I love that he can read her so clearly that he knows when she's yanking his chain, or when she isn't telling all

Laura:  "I understand if you're not in the mood." 
Luke:  "Hey, whoa.  That'll be the day.  But you're trying to handle me baby.  Why?" 
Laura:  "Ok, fine.  You've been a lousy husband.  You've brought nothing but misery to all of our lives.  Is that better?"
Luke:  "Well, you know, that's the way a lot of people would have read this story."
Laura:  "Well, shows how much they know, doesn't it." 
Luke:  "Honey, do you ever miss us?  I mean, just, you know, you and me.  No dog, no kids, just you, me, and the open road."
Laura:  "Ya, sure I do."
Luke:  "And do you ever feel strangled by the choices we've made?"
Laura:  "No.  I...no, I wouldn't say that.  I mean, maybe our lives are different than what they would've been, even from what we planned, but I still love being your wife more than anything in the world.  I hope you always remember that."
Luke:  "Or what?"
(Laura's flashback)
Luke:  "Laura, what are you trying to tell me?" 
Laura:  (Hearing Lulu cry)  "Baby.  Everything's fine.  Really."
Luke:  "Ya?"
Laura:  "Ya." 

There are two things going on in this next scene that, I believe, are going to set up Luke and Laura's split, at least for the time being, and I'm not sure I like either of them.  First, Laura's secret.  I don't like that she's being written to have another secret, and I certainly don't like most of the specs about who's parent to whom.  But I've resolved not to get uptight about spoilers that may or may not pan out, and I'm willing to take the ride, trusting in the actors to make anything work.  Laura having another secret from Luke is repetitive, but I can see the storyline as necessary at this point.  

Second, Luke's desire to be out in the open again, away from PC and family and all.  Yes, Luke's a loner, or at least a roamer.  Yes, Laura's always wanted the house and the family and the things more than he has.  At the same time, Luke wants those things for Laura, and wants to provide and keep them since he didn't have them growing up (this from TG's own lips).  While staying in one place for all this time may be starting to weigh heavy on him, it's not like he's been quietly sitting at home all this time.  I like that this side of Luke is surfacing again, but I hope they don't push it too far.  He loves his family and has grown to love his home and town, no matter what he says (I think). 

Finally, I'm having a little trouble enjoying my favorite couple while I have them because I fear what may happen to them, together or separately.  But we haven't seen anything unforgivable from tptb yet, and I'm determined to keep my hopes up and understand that it's dependent on real life people with real life real lives.  ;) 

Laura:  "What're you watching?" 
Luke:  "Not sure.  Tell me something.  When did Brooke Shields become a comedienne?  Did I sleep through that particular glitch in American history?"
Laura:  "Her hair looks a little strange, don't ya think? 
Luke:  "Who am I to criticize other people's hair?" 

This scene, of course, made me forget all my worries.  From Luke's expressions as he watched the screen to the expressions on Tony and Genie's faces after this exchange to Luke's swig of port, I was all smiles.  I'll repeat myself.  Bravo to Tony Geary for responding to that predictable joke on Suddenly Susan with a witty, self-aware scene like this.  (If you didn't like it, chalk it up to my extreme prejudice.) 

Luke:  "What are you afraid of, honey?"
Laura:  "Losing you."
Luke:  "That won't happen." 

Luke:  "Stefan is not a permanent condition." 

I hate the dramatic irony in these lines; they make me sad.  But that means the scene itself was effective.  Laura did let him know that this had something to do with Stefan, but then backed off from that and claimed it had to do with a lot of things--the hearing, which we first heard of Wednesday.  I wanted her to tell him, to reveal the secret before Stefan has a chance to reveal it for her.  She's simply granting him the power he has over her.  I know she's got a lot of people to think about in the decision to tell or not, but she's got to know by now that waiting and hoping things will blow over doesn't work. 

Laura:  "Good for you."
Luke:  "Don't hold your breath." 

Luke:  "I don't trust him.  I don't want him anywhere around." 

The difference in Luke and Laura's answers to Tom's information about Nikolas struck me, because since they came back, Luke and Lucky have been quiet about Nik.  Luke does believe this is a way in for the Cassadines, and though he's wrong in actuality, he's not wrong in theory.  Stefan could indeed work that way, for he used Lulu to persuade Nik to stay last time and get a foot in the door.  Laura, of course, was cheering the fact that Tom encouraged Nik to question his uncle.  But that look she gave Luke?  I really would like to have seen them have a discussion about their attitudes towards Nikolas before this point.  Like, right after they'd come back, to set some ground rules or something. 

Tom:  "So, why wasn't Sonny there?" 
Luke:  "Maybe he considered himself an occupational hazard?" 

And because it doesn't fit anywhere else, I'll put it here.  Tom and Luke's exchange was cute too, with the muffler and all.  I would really like to see Luke and Tom set out with Sonny to take down Dorman.  Luke's kind of busy right now to get involved, but when Genie goes on leave, a nice mob storyline with the 3 musketeers would do my heart good.  Tom could get involved because it's a doctor at the hospital (and I still suspect Stefan's in on this somehow), and I just miss Luke and Sonny together. 

And finally, the sweetest exchange, from Friday: 

Laura:  "Hold me."
Luke:  "That's what I'm here for baby."
Laura:  "You know how much I love you?"
Luke:  "I think so." 

B.  Lesley 

Laura:  "I've always loved your smile." 

I've really enjoyed these scenes with Lesley, since I've only seen her in highlight tapes and such.  This was a very sweet moment.  They both worry over each other so much, and it's very touching.  Lesley wants to remember for Laura, no matter how painful that is, and I admire her courage and strength. 

Monica:  "Any coffee left?"
Lesley:  "I know that voice.  It's Monica, isn't it?" 

Monica:  "I'm so sorry I was so rough on you.  God knows I am the last person in the world to pass judgment."
Lesley:  "Well things certainly have changed around here if you actually believe that." 

Lesley:  "She's hard to forget." 

The Monica scenes with Lesley were great, and I was glad to see Lesley getting back her spunk.  Luke was sorry he missed those scenes, but he was rewarded on Friday (as were the rest of us) with this opening scene: 

Lucky:  "Mom, Grandma just said Monica Quartermaine has a horse's ass."
Laura:  "You didn't." 
Lesley:  "Did I?  I don't remember.  Yuck yuck yuck yuck..."
Laura:  "Did you hear that?"
Luke:  "That was great." 

The reactions and expressions and laughs in this scene were great fun. 

Question:  They ate apple cobbler for lunch? 

C.  Laura 

Laura:  "I think there are secrets that should never be told." 

Luke:  "Honey, I wish I could tell you this is over, but it isn't.  Stefan's got something up his sleeve.  I just can't figure out what it is." 

But oh, how I wish she would tell Luke before he finds out in some other way.  She's trusting in Stefan not to tell, I think, and hoping that this will blow over with revelation.  I can understand that.  But she's also granting him so much power over her, and I hate to see that.  With all the sweet things said between she and Luke, they're setting things up really well for him to be good and mad with her over this one, and doing a good job. 

Laura:  "So what's on the menu?"
Lucky:  "We'll surprise you."
Laura:  "I've had enough of those to last a lifetime."
Luke:  "Only good surprises tonight, babe." 

Of course, she was due for a bad surprise just after this, when Stefan showed up.  I wonder how fast they're going to move this thing along

D.  The Hearing 

The hearing on Thursday was fabulous.  Every person in that room spoke volumes with their body language, their reactions, and their looks at one another. 

Dara:  "Did you believe even for a moment that your brother might kill the both of you?"
Bobbie:  "No.  No I didn't." 

Bobbie, dressed in white, no less, comes in on Stefan's arm and *holds his hand* during the hearing.  I loved the cold stares Luke gave her throughout, while I knew he was worried about her.  I was very glad that she didn't speak out against Luke, and that she told the truth as she knew it.  

In fact, she seemed somehow like she wanted to speak to him, and like she was disappointed he didn't approach her.  Her giddy schoolgirl smiles after things were over and her kiss for Stefan made me sick.  It's as if she thought things were all cleared up, and was proud of her husband for  being so generous with her brother. 

Stefan:  "I couldn't speculate on Mr. Spencer's motives for anything." 

Stefan:  "I won't press charges against Mr. Spencer under the following conditions.  That no member of the Spencer family ever trespasses on Cassadine property again.  Nor publicly smears the Cassadine name." 

I loved the glance between Luke and Lucky on this one.  :) 

Stefan was cool throughout, except for that little twitch just as Katherine announced she had something to say.  His conditions struck me as truly cold, since he knew he held all the cards.  Of course he doesn't have to press charges against Luke; he already has control over his near future.  He can thus be gracious, following Katherine's lead, and make her and Bobbie happy about things for the time being.

Dara:  "Would you like to tell us what happened?"
Luke:  "I'd love to, except I have a small problem.  I wasn't there."
Katherine:  "Well I was there.  And there's a few things I'd like to say about it." 

Luke:  "Well thank you, Katherine."
Katherine:  "For what?"
Luke:  "Remaining neutral?" 

Stefan:  "I appreciate what didn't happen."
Katherine:  "I'm sure that's true." 

I was so glad to see Katherine show up to make sure things went smoothly.  I took it as her standing up to Stefan (her eyes never left his face throughout her speech), and I liked seeing that, but at the same time she's allowing him to maintain this power he has over her.  I found it amusing that she thought she could snap her fingers and end this feud.  I loved Luke rolling his eyes at her suggestions, and I loved the way he stood in the corner, aloof, staring at Bobbie, until Katherine entered, and then he took a seat again, facing her.  Nicely blocked. 

Justus:  "Enough to take to a Grand Jury and get an indictment?"
Dara:  "No." 

Justus was great, back in action, "jumping the gun" on Dara and forcing her to admit she had  nothing but circumstantial evidence. 

Luke:  "So what you're saying is the charges are dropped but I'm still a suspect."
Justus:  "Luke, I think it's a good deal for a while."
Luke:  "Whatever." 

They've repeated again Luke's desire to leave town, but made it impossible to do so again.  This makes me wonder if the speculated breakup between L&L will be as bad as it could be, or if she'll leave with her mother and he'll have to stay.  Ah, let me hope, won't you?  ;)  And btw, I *loved* that suit.  ;) 

Nik:  "I want you to ask my mother to let me see my grandmother again." 
Lucky:  "You wanna help?  Right?  Move back to Greece." 

These two are being written so well right now.  Lucky stands up for his mother to Nik, and can see things from his point of view, but he still sees him as a threat and a problem, and now won't see eye to eye with him.  Nik, rude and unyielding, now offers a chance to work together, and at the same time he calls Laura his mother to irritate Lucky.  The push and pull between these two is great, with them both feeling like they have to tow the party line but at the same time wanting to do what seems right for others. 

E.  Lucky 

Luke:  "I just keep thinking that with Blondie as Cassadine's latest winged monkey we're probably in for all kinds of creative harassment, and I can't get Bobbie off my mind." 
Lucky:  "You know what Dad, you think we can just get through five minutes without talking  about the Cassadines or is that too much trouble, huh?" 

As I've said before, I really like the way they're writing Lucky to start questioning his dad.  He's obviously concerned about his Grandmother's reaction in this scene, but he's also been more critical lately. 

Lucky:  "The usual.  He insulted me, then he insulted my family name." 
Luke:  "Bad idea."
Lucky:  "I know." 

At the same time, he totally trusts his father's judgment when it comes to Cassadines in general, and I loved their next scene, when Luke waved him over and asked him what had happened with Nik, knowing that was what was bugging him.  I also loved that moment when Luke told him Nik wanting to see Lesley was a trap, and to think about it, and Lucky knew exactly what he meant and headed up to his room to do whatever...it seems they have an unspoken understanding and I must not be as Spencer as I thought I was, because I don't know what they're up to.  ;) 

V.  The Cassadines 

A.  Nik 

Nik:  "You have to keep your priorities, Katherine." 

More of what I just said here.  Nik continues to vacillate between his trust in his uncle and his desire to act on his own and connect with his other family.  It's so sweet to me that it means so much to him that his grandmother recognized him, and sad that he doesn't think he can call her that.  Katherine made a great point when she told him that his desire to "nail Luke Spencer to the wall" would only make his other desires that much harder.  And I think she's the only one he'll listen to. 

Nik:  "Dr. Hardy, she recognized me.  She spoke.  She told me that I had Laura's mouth."
Tom:  "Well, I'm very happy for you." 

Nik:  "I won't betray him."
Tom:  "Hey, you came to me." 

I haven't mentioned Tom in all of this.  He was great fun at the hearing, if not much help, and I liked him here.  We talk a lot about Nik being just a kid, and I think I like the fact that Tom has always treated him like an adult, or at least someone who can make up his own mind.  He's clearly anti-Cassadine, and for Nik to still be willing to go up to him for this conversation about Lesley says a lot about Nik.  

For all his faith in his uncle, Nik does suspect that there would be something to betray about the way Stefan took care of Lesley.  Just as Lucky, who's trying to deal with his Dad's confidence about the Cassadines and the consequences for him, Nik's got to deal with the way his Uncle's anti-Spencer stance affects those Spencers he does care for.  Both of them have a lot of love and respect and trust for these men, and both of them are beginning to find their own way.  Unfortunately, Nik's the one who'll be more disappointed by his Uncle, the way it looks now. 

B.  Barbara 

Barbara:  "You're angry."
Stefan:  "No."
Barbara:  "You are." 

Stefan:  "Well, it seems like you're the one who's angry, Barbara."
Barbara:  "Well you know, maybe I am." 

Stefan:  "Lucky is not my concern.  And I will not allow those people to hurt Nikolas again." 

After her cheerfulness at the outcome of the hearing on Thursday, I was pleased to see Bobbie realize that the feud--and Stefan's anger--couldn't be ended so easily.  Yes, he was charming, but he referred to her brother's family as "those people," and insisted that they were driving a wedge between himself and Nik and went off to put a stop to it.  And there was nothing she could do.  I would hope she'd start realizing she's powerless when it comes to him, and that there are angers and passions in him she knows nothing about.  She's right, they should all call this off for the sake of Nik and Lucky, but I hope she understands his response to mean that he will not call it off.  I think the choices between families aren't over for Barbara Jean Spencer Cassadine (other surnames deleted for space). 

Yes, Stefan treats Nik like a child, with all his commands and declarations.  But I hated Bobbie's referring to him as a "big boy."  While she may be right that Stefan needs to let him grow up, she understands nothing of why Stefan can't let him do what he wants about his grandmother.

Barbara:  "And prove to Luke and Laura they were wrong about Stefan?"
Nik:  "Ya, that would be a nice bonus, wouldn't it."
Barbara:  "Don't count on it." 

I also think she was very wrong to preach against Luke and Laura.  She's doing it to keep Nik from getting hurt, but she's perpetuating the image of them Stefan has given him, rather than giving them a fair shake, and I can't help but think that's because of her own anger and selfishness.  Most days I worry about her when she finally finds out about her husband.  On days like this, I think she deserves it. 

C.  Stefan 

Stefan:  "Why don't you ask your questions of me?" 

Stefan:  "Haven't we been through all this?"
Nik:  "Yes, but I want to hear it again." 

Nik:  "I saw her."
Stefan:  "At the Spencers?" 
Nik:  "Uncle, she recognized me.  She recognized me as Laura's son." 

Clearly, Nik didn't ask his uncle because he didn't want to confront him, nor did he, perhaps, want to tell him of his interest in Lesley.  But Stefan was clearly disturbed by Nik's questions, and by the fact he wasn't asking them, for two reasons.  One, because he doesn't want Nik anywhere Lesley, and we don't know why yet.  Two, he is still bothered by the fact that the Spencers have driven a wedge between them.  But translated, he is, I think, angry at the fact that he himself has put that wedge there.  It is a cost of his plans for Timoria and his connection with Laura, both of which he will not give up. 

That overly melodramatic note that struck at Nik's last line above draws our attention back to the reason Stefan might not want Nikolas to be around his grandmother.  He was clearly attending to the fact that she was remembering things last week in those scenes with Laura, and I think he's worried of what she might remember.  I think the fear that she'll remember and expose the truth first is part of the reason he's threatening Laura with this secret--he knows that she may expose it anyway, and wants to use it as leverage before she does. 

And I think it's taken some deliberation for him to decide to use this secret.  If it is the fact that he is Nik's father, not his Uncle, it will hurt Nik as well as the Spencers, and I think he might keep it a secret for that reason, except that Lesley threatens to reveal it anyway.  At the same time, I have to wonder if he's planning to tell Nik at all, or if he thinks he can keep it from him.  

We've seen Stefan lie so convincingly to so many people, I'm beginning to wonder if we can believe him when he tells Nik and Bobbie that he did the best he could for Lesley.  It seems now he doesn't want her to remember, and if the thing she remembers is Nik's true parentage, he may have had to keep her drugged not only to keep her safe from Helena, but also to keep her from telling the truth.  In fact, I'm beginning to wonder if perhaps Helena knew about Lesley all along, and didn't want to let her go because she knew she could then bring this secret down on Luke and Laura later.  She could still have taunted Laura with Lesley's death in the airport, and we've only heard the tale of Stefan's intervention from his own lips. 

VI.  Other things 

A.  Underground set 

Was that the same set used for all of those undergrounds when the Spencers came back and Bill Eckert was shot, the caves Lucky and Nik have hidden out in, and where L&L had their anniversary dance?  They're sure getting their money's worth! 

B.  Hearing room 

Was that another new set? 

C.  Spencer Wardrobe 

Applause for whoever's decking out the Spencers since their return.  They look great!