**The Week in Review: March 3-7** 

I.  Kevin and Lucy 

Kevin:  "Ah, here it is.  Employee shall perform all services specified him up to and including freezing one's person into a solid state." 

Kevin:  "Nice change of pace.  Nice piece of change." 

Kevin:  "Safe and happy is dull dull dull." 

In this opening scene on Monday, I almost thought Kevin was channeling Luke Spencer.  :)  I think it's clear that Kevin has changed a bit.  With his career taken from him, he has little to lose, band feels freer than he has in some time.  I don't see him as remarkably changed, character-wise; some of his traits simply seem accentuated.  Maybe I'm wrong on that one; Lucy sure seems to think he's altered. 

Kevin:  "And may I say that altruistic gesture fits right in with Dr. Dorman's psychological profile." 

I totally applauded Kevin's move.  It was calculated to push Dorman over the edge on camera, and it succeeded.  I think Kevin had fun doing it, too.  :)  From what little I know of psychology (from a minor in college and lots of popular culture), Kevin seemed right on the mark with his profile of Dorman's feelings of inadequacy.  I loved Monica's look at Dorman right before we went to commercial, too.  It was like, "He's right, you little toad.  We all know it, and you can't do a thing about it." 

Dorman's reactions throughout Kev's little speech were very good, and I applaud Tuc Watkins for that performance.  I haven't always liked him, or thought he was doing a particularly good job, but I did like him more in the trial scenes and in this scene.

Justus:  "But, uh, Lucy, there's nothing out of the ordinary in this."
Lucy:  "Except for the fact that Kevin is not an ordinary guy."
Justus:  "Which is why they want him." 

Lucy again worried about Kevin, and got herself in trouble doing so, but I liked seeing her call up Justus, and I enjoyed their scene together.  I particularly liked the look Justus gave when Dorman punched Kevin on the television.  They've been using that technique often lately--where they show people watching television, seeing another scene.  They did that with Emily and the trial, too.  I kind of like it. 

Kevin:  "Why is it that getting dressed is like a track event for you?  Most people only need one room to do it in.  Turn around; I'll zip you up." 
Lucy:  "No.  Maybe you just need to give me a little more time to adjust to the fact that my entire life changed yesterday." 
Kevin:  "No it hasn't; I would have noticed.  Now turn around and let me zip you up."
Lucy:  "I now live with a man who was punched in public on television."
Kevin:  "Only once.  Why, did American Gladiators call?" 

Lucy:  "I have had my drawers pulled down plenty of times by everyone in public, and do you see me getting any sympathy at all?  No."
Kevin:  "When were your drawers pulled down in public?" 

The Kevin and Lucy scenes on Tuesday were fabulous, from this opening throughout.  Kevin has always joked with Lucy, even about herself and her habits, but I did think he was doing it a little more so than usual today.  Not fighting, really, but he seemed truly exasperated and not willing to comfort her or tell her one more time that things were going to be alright. 

Lucy:  "We don't drive a car as a couple, you're right, but if I saw a big, fat, black cow, I certainly would say watch out."
Kevin:  "You have, many times." 

Lucy:  "Doc, is there anybody, anybody in the world you will listen to besides Miss Alexis-knows-everything-don't-call-me-Cassadine-Cassadine, huh?  Because if she did see a big, fat cow in the middle of the street, she would let it smash you right in the face through the windshield." 

I'm not sure I understood why Kevin didn't tell Lucy Alexis was coming and tried to get her out of the house before she got there.  I mean, I understand that he didn't want her to go on and on again, but if he was going to do as she wanted--question and initially turn down the Cassadine job offer--why wouldn't he want her to hear it?  Telling her would have made us miss out on Lucy's dissertation on English muffins, though, and that would have been a loss.  ;)  What did she think, that she could keep Kevin from signing by putting off Alexis forever? 

At the end of Tuesday's show, Lucy showed up at Felicia's asking for professional help.  Felicia, of course, hoped she meant Tom, but Lucy wanted to hire Felicia.  I thought that if she was going to ask Felicia to investigate the Cassadines, she picked the wrong day to do it after Felicia's run-in with Tom over his Cassadine obsession. 

Felicia:  "This is very weird. You're worried about Kevin because he's going to work with Stefan, and I'm worried about Tom because he wants to get even with him.  Lucy, I think you've come to the right place." 

Obviously, I was wrong.  The problem wasn't the Cassadines, but that it had to do with Felicia's reaction to Kevin.  It was fun to watch Lucy and Felicia maneuver towards their agreement on Wednesday, and I think it'll be fun to watch what the two of them manage to do, if anything.

II.  The SIDAR 

A.  The Search Party 

It was nice to see Jax apologize for his treatment of Jason on Monday, but I don't understand why Jason was so reluctant to admit Sonny might be in trouble.  I know he's determined to stay out of things when Sonny tells him to, but  I was a little surprised that Jason didn't give Mike any sign that Sonny was gone, no matter what the circumstances or for what length of time, and that he was so reluctant to allow that the message Jax and Miranda brought meant anything was wrong. 

Jason:  "And I also know there's this bald guy who wants him out of commission." 

I loved Mac's questioning that a Dear John letter was any proof of foul play, but I also loved that he brought Taggert along, no questions asked.  Taggert's "anger man" quip and smile in response to Jason's line above made me laugh.  The exchange about the trace was great too: Mac asks if Taggert traced the call, Taggert claims he's off the case, Mac says it never stopped him before, Taggert says he traced the call after all.  Jason obviously made a connection when Taggert said that the number was from a florist--Greenery Inc. 

Mac:  "If Sonny knew who was after Brenda, it would have never gone this far." 

Mike:  "In case you haven't heard, my son has disappeared too.  Now whoever's doing this is 
after him." 
Jax:  "Ya, well it's just too damned bad they didn't take care of him before he endangered my wife." 

While I know Jax is worried, he's irritating me too, and I loved seeing Mac--and especially Mike--take his side in all of this.  Poor Mike.  He's been really good, worried yet steady.  I really can't wait to see what they do with the reunion between Mike and Sonny after this. 

Jason:  "He knows who made the call." 

I like that Jason's standing up for Sonny, protecting what he knows, but Mike was right.  It's too big for him to handle on his own.  It's been interesting to see Mac work on this, choosing not to notice anything about mob activity and only focus on what Jason can tell him because he needs to find Sonny and Brenda, while Jax keeps asking questions about the mob.  I loved Mac handling  that little twerp, threatening him with charges and a cell with Jason and Jax.  Ha! 

Jason:  "Mac, I said I'll take you." 

The search moved pretty fast.  I don't think it was that convincing that Jason would be the only way to find him, except for that phone call guy.  Well, maybe he made it faster, since he knew what that address meant.  But I've liked seeing him struggle with what to do and how to help Sonny, and I hope he doesn't feel guilty that he waited so long to tell somebody he was missing. 

Jax sends Miranda away--so he won't have two wives in danger?  ;)  I loved that Mac and Jason and Jax insisted on going too.  They all know they're still alive in there...and that wasn't a very effective cliffhanger, since it's pretty clear they're going to live and have to deal with this.  ;) 

B.  Sonny and Brenda 

Sonny:  "I didn't want to do that." 

Harry:  "For Lily." 

On Monday we had the cave-in.  The sentimental side of me wanted some kind of forgiveness between Sonny and Harry, but the realistic side of me was happy with what we had: Sonny trying to comfort Harry once he was shot, and Harry holding on to his guilt and punching that button.  While Sonny didn't think to get the detonator away from Harry, he thought to ask again about Harry's drug connections, but got no answer.  While a bit melodramatic, a fun plot so far. 

Brenda:  "We can get out, right?" 

Sonny: "Well he can watch from hell.  Disappointed." 

Sonny:  "Think on the bright side.  We're still breathing." 

Clearly Sonny didn't totally forgive Harry, for he saw loads of poetic justice--or simply justice--in Harry's death.  Part of that may have been an attempt to comfort Brenda, who was suitably distressed over their situation.  :)  But Sonny was able to bury the body, worry about Brenda, and maintain his optimism--or at least determination--in the face of his claustrophobia, while Brenda seemed very weak and afraid. 

Sonny:  "Why didn't you run when I said to?"
Brenda:  "You know why." 

Brenda claimed she didn't leave Sonny because she couldn't leave him by himself in the cave with Harry.  What she left unspoken was that she couldn't bear to leave him knowing he might die.  She's said over and over that she can't imagine her life without him, even as she denies she wants to be with him.  She does love Jax, but somehow that kind of love isn't enough for her.  Her need for Sonny is either very romantic or very much a character flaw, depending on whom you talk to (I fall somewhere in the middle). 

Brenda:  "It's hard to be brave when you're staring right through me." 

Brenda:  "I can't even explain to you the feeling that I am having right now.  I mean, Jax can't fix this, you can't fix this, even if we got saved right this second it would not fix the feeling that I am having right now.  My pills can fix this and that's it.  God, how could I let this happen to me." 

Sonny:  "We'll uh, we'll close our eyes, fall asleep, and never wake up." 

Brenda:  "We're pretty pathetic, aren't we?  We're so screwed up we don't even know when we're dying."
Sonny:  "A match made in heaven." 

The imminent death thing was handled pretty well, I think, instead of being overly melodramatic.  Brenda's line above made me laugh, but I really liked seeing her dawning realization that she was an addict.  I thought it was real. 

Sonny:  "And Lily died."
Brenda:  "For me."
Sonny:  "For both of us." 

I also didn't know that Brenda didn't know the whole story about Lily's death, although I thought she might not when she didn't realize Harry had been fired when he showed up at her door.  I think this really hit home with her, and that she realizes more than ever what she did and what Sonny went through. 

Brenda:  "You know, for so long I thought that your world was so romantic and sexy.  But it really is ugly, isn't it." 

Sonny:  "Because look, if you tell her the truth you could lose her.  How could you lose the one person who means everything to you?"
Brenda:  "You know you wouldn't have lost me."
Sonny:  "I did." 

Brenda and Sonny talking about mob life were good too.  I particularly liked Sonny's description of how kids get into the mob, and how he behaved like he thought he was supposed to, and like he thought he had to.  I really buy that these two have come to understand things and change, or want to change.  I like the actors together, personally, even though I don't always like Brenda, and would like to see if they could make it work.  I think Brenda's going to obviously have to make a choice again between the two of them, and I just hope she and Jax can be honest with each other before each of them chooses. 

Brenda:  "Why can't we just stop hurting each other?" 
Sonny: "'Cause you can't tear your own heart out, no matter how much it hurts.  You can't walk away from us.  You're a part of me, Brenda.  I love you." 

I'm a sucker for Sonny's sweet talk, I'll admit it, and I liked this line very much. 

Brenda:  "You know, of everything that's ever happened in my life, your love was the best." 

Brenda:  "You know, I can't even picture you old." 

Things got a little sappy for me in through here, but it didn't last long, so I chalked it up to that whole we-think-we're-gonna-die thing.  ;) 

Sonny:  "You know how much I hate you seeing me like this?"

Brenda:  "Sonny, why do you keep on blaming yourself for what your stepfather did to you."
Sonny:  "Because I let it happen."
Brenda:  "You were a child.  What were you supposed to do?"
Sonny:  "Kill him." 

Sonny's reactions to his past totally fascinate me, and this floored me.  That he would blame himself as a child for not *killing* his father.  Explains why he went into this line of work, where you have to have the guts to shoot to kill all the time, it seems. 

Sonny:  "I'll never have the chance to thank Mike."
Brenda:  "No, Mike knows.  He loves you."
Sonny:  "That's something, huh." 

This was very sweet, and I really can't wait to see Sonny and Mike reunite, and how it's handled.  (I, of course, will be on hug patrol.  :) 

Brenda:  "Remember when I told you that I didn't love you?  I lied."
Sonny:  "I know." 

I must say that this scene didn't do much for me.  Not half as much as the Stefan/Laura flashback. 

"Sonny:  "Go to sleep, sweetheart." 

Now, this was just to sad/sweet for words, and it made Sonny's set up about how he thought they'd die worth it, if still a little contrived.  But again, not so effective since we assume they're going to have to live to deal with what they've just done.

III.  The Spencers 

A.  The Spencer Male Pow-wow 

Lucky:  "Man, the guy who thought about putting cheese on fries should go to heaven." 

Luke:  "I guess we're back on track." 
Lucky:  "We're back on track, but is the train going anywhere?" 

The scene with Luke and Lucky in the diner (Where were they anyway?  Is this a new set?) was wonderful.  At first I questioned why they would stop to eat and not take the food home immediately, but I decided that their exchange of knowing looks before Lucky went up to his room last week meant they were taking the opportunity to have a meeting away from the house so Lesley and Laura wouldn't be worried.  And of course their eating habits cracked me up.  Oh, and did everyone notice we've been shown the secret of Luke's Lukeness?  How he powers up for those long Cassadine rants?  He drank both coffee *and* soda during that scene.  ;) 

Lucky:  "I wanted to blow him out of the water."
Luke:  "So we find out he can swim.  Can't tread water forever." 

Last week we had Nik and Lucky both subtly doubting their father-figures (or fathers, for that matter), but this week we have them standing on their own and being not-so-sure they want to.  It's clear Lucky believes in the rottenness of the Cassadines to the same degree his father does, though he may not like the consequences of Spencer actions all the time.  He sees his family in danger, and in this scene, spoke repeatedly of what *he* had to do to keep them safe, "I have to  protect...I have to protect....  He has taken on the responsibility of being a man of the house. 

Luke:  "Is this something you really want to do?"
Lucky:  "Well not if you tell me it's a bad idea." 
Luke:  "Well I got two things to say.  One, I don't trust a Cassadine, I never will, and two, I don't tell you what to do." 

Luke:  "Ya, I hate it.  But you're your own man."
Lucky:  "You know, sometimes I wish you'd just tell me what to do."
Luke:  "No you don't." 

Lucky has an idea, and he declares it.  Personally, I love the way the Spencer family works, with Lucky being treated as an adult.  He's had to be, to survive all this time, and I think the fantasy of childhood innocence is sometimes overrated.  But Lucky questions himself and looks up to his father, even though he emulates him so perfectly.  I'll say the same thing I said last week.  I hope Lucky stays around a long time, because seeing Jonathan Jackson play this kid trying to figure out how to be an adult and how to be his own man in the shadow of his father fascinates me. 

B.  Foster 

Stefan:  "Call off the animal.  Call him off." 

It was nice to see Foster's sweet face again.  And he has such a keen sense about people.  He's 'never really liked Luke, after all.  ;) 

C.  Laura 

Stefan:  "I thought you'd prefer this discussion without him." 

When Stefan appeared at the house, Laura was both scared that he was there to tell Luke and scared to be alone with him.  She refused to register what he was really saying, and I think it was willfully, so that he would be forced to declare his threat, thereby allowing her to cast him as the bad guy to make things easier on herself.  I think she's been denying the part of him that she cared for since she returned, because if that part's no longer there, it's easier for her to deal with him as simply a Cassadine, as Luke does.  Also, I think she was hoping she misunderstood, or that he didn't really mean what she feared he meant. 

Stefan:  "I saw the joy in your eyes, and I...forgive me...but I prayed that the child was mine."
Laura:  "So did I."
Stefan:  "What....  What do you hope to gain by making me believe that now?" 
Laura:  "Nothing.  Stavros was a very cruel man.  I hoped that my child would be more like you." 

I thought this was a very sweet and poignant moment.  Laura can't admit that she loved Stefan, and maybe she didn't, not in the way he wanted her to.  But she can admit the good she saw in him.  She acknowledged in this moment all the things about him she's trying to deny presently.  And the fact that Stefan both wanted to believe and forced himself to see it as a trick made him seem very vulnerable, something he hasn't seemed in a while. 

Stefan:  "I doubt he'll care which Cassadine fathered Nikolas.  Only how many of us had you."
Laura:  "Stop it.  I'll leave with my mother, but I'm not telling Luke it's forever.  I won't do that to him."
Stefan:  "I don't care what you tell him.  Just as long as it is forever." 

I was confused at this point on Tuesday.  Stefan never said Laura had to leave Luke forever, just that she had to leave.  At this point, Luke can't leave town, but he will be able to later.  Why couldn't Laura say she'd changed her mind, maybe because Lesley's starting to remember, that she now agrees it's not safe here with Stefan in town, and that she's taking her mother to Switzerland and they should join her there when they can?  Luke and Lucky *want* to leave, and while Luke might pitch a fit at Laura going on her own, she can (thought people doubt it) stand up to him when she wants/needs to.  The bargain seemed to me she would leave to keep the secret of their affair from Luke so she wouldn't lose him, not that she would lose him forever anyway.

D.  Luke and Laura 

Luke:  "We got cheese fries!  We're in business!" 

Two references to my cheese fries in one day!  Luke came home to Laura crying and hugging Lulu.  And he asked *again* what was wrong.  I would have liked to see a scene in here with him and maybe Sonny (we see why that one's impossible) or Lucky pondering what could be bothering her.  It's clear he doesn't buy her responses, and I'd bet his mind would be working on overtime trying to figure this out. 

Luke:  "Your side of the bed's cold, baby."
Laura:  "I woke up and I couldn't get back to sleep."
Luke:  "What's on your mind?"
Laura:  "You."
Luke:  "Something I did that I shouldn't, or something I shouldn't have done that I did?" 

*Marvelous* Greek island flashback of Laura and Stefan making love!  She tells Luke that she was thinking of him, and I think she was, actually.  She may feel guilty that she slept with Stefan, and that she felt something for him, when Luke was still alive, even though she didn't know that at the time.  She may regret having cared for Stefan, since she sees what he's become and how he's all the things she hated about his family, at least in her understanding. 

Luke *was* just waking up (and so cute), so I'll chalk that last line above to the early morning hour.  ;)  It sounds like he repeated himself, and I thought the line should have been, "Something I  did that I shouldn't, or something should've done that I didn't?" 

Luke:  "You keep this up you're gonna make an early riser out of me yet...so to speak."
Laura:  "I don't want to make you anything but happy, Luke."
Luke:  "Since when is that a problem?"
Laura:  "Since Nikolas.  Stefan."
Luke:  "Honey, that particular battle is over, and we won." 

Luke:  "Well, we've been ducking for cover for so long it's hard to know when to stop.  I think Stefan's already lobbed his heavy artillery our way.  I don't think he's got any warheads left in the arsenal." 

I've been missing the little sweet moments between Luke and Laura, and so was very pleased with this scene on Tuesday.  Sadly, the dramatic irony was so thick I couldn't see all of it.  :)  I wanted so much for Laura to tell him.  He would be mad, but I think that if she told him of the threat as well he'd kick into anti-Cassadine mode and get them out of there and then be mad at her for sleeping with Stefan when they were all safe. 

I do buy that this secret could affect L&L's relationship forever.  Not that it would break them up forever, but that it would always be there with them--the act and the lies about it.  Others have complained that this secret isn't such a big deal, but I think that's in part because we've talked about the possibility for so long it seems predictable and familiar.  I don't think it is, however, and I like the way they're handling things so far (this is Tuesday, btw). 

Luke:  "What are you doing?"
Laura:  "Packing." 

Luke:  "Then what is it?  You gonna tell me, or do I have to guess?"
Laura:  "No.  I'll tell you." 

I'll leave that above paragraph about my confusion on Tuesday because I'm so proud of myself for predicting what would happen on Wednesday.  ;)  Laura declared she would take her mother and Lesley immediately, and stay with her, and that Luke and Lucky could follow.  She's right, it was the plan all along, but Luke knew better than to buy this completely, and I loved that he questioned her using her own logic about Lesley needing to stay in Port Charles. 

Luke:  "Talk to me darlin'.  What are you afraid of?"
Laura:  "Partly you."
Luke:  "Explain that."
Laura:  "Alright, look.  Just promise me that you will remain calm and reasonable no matter how angry you get."
Luke:  "Oh God.  It's a big one, huh?  Alright, I promise."
Laura:  "It has to do with Stefan." 

Luke:  "Desperate?  Stefan?  I've never seen that oil slick break a sweat." 

Laura told all of the truth, except for the threat, which she elided as something implied.  I love that Luke came up with all the same options Laura did--that Nik could stay away, that Nik and Stefan could leave, etc.--although that made Laura give the same justifications that Stefan had given the day before. 

Luke: "You had nothing to do with anything."
Laura:  "Yes I did.  My mother's life is ruined because I am her daughter." 

But Laura's final reason to leave is Lesley, and I think she's right at this point not only to worry that Stefan would tell Luke the secret, but that he might harm Lesley.  While she admitted that she wanted her child to be more like him then, I don't think she'd say that now.  She's learned that the Stefan today is very little like the Stefan of the Greek Island flashbacks, and I'm glad to see her not falling back into that idealized version of him. 

Laura:  "Please.  Try to understand.  Just let him win this one."
Luke:  "I understand."
Laura:  "Then it's alright with you if I go today?"
Luke:  "No, it's not alright with me if you go, but we'll all go.  Pack up the family, let's go." 
Laura:  "And I'll make the last year up to you, I promise I will; I know it's turned your life upside down."
Luke:  "Oh well, you've saved me the trouble of doing it myself." 

This is the response I expected.  Luke a little suspicious still, but willing to believe Laura's change of heart and pack up the family no matter what and take off.  Also, willing to move on and leave the past behind--even Laura's lies. 

E.  Laura (again) 

Laura:  "I can't.  I can't just run away again." 

I understand that Laura needed to see Nikolas again, though I think it would be better if she'd just let it be.  I didn't expect her to call Stefan, though (alright, I did, but I read the spoilers).  I don't know what I would have wanted her to do instead.  Call Bobbie, maybe, and ask her to let her see Nik, or at least tell her what was up and have her tell Nik?  Either way, Nik would know, and on Wednesday, I wasn't sure if Stefan would ever tell him what had happened this time around. 

But the look on Laura's face when she met with Stefan was amazing, and told me that she indeed needed to see him, to speak her mind.  If she had remembered the good things she found him in the past, she definitely does not see them now.  Not anymore. 

Laura:  "And it may interest you to know that Luke will be going with me."
Stefan:  "Really.  And what lie did you concoct out of your vast repertoire to convince him to do that?"
Laura:  "What I say to my husband is none of your business." 

Laura:  "Because I want you to know that I will never ever forgive you for what you've done to me." 

Laura:  "I was really wrong about you.  You are worse than Stavros and Helena put together."
Stefan:  "Oh, but when it comes to deceit, I stand humbled before the master." 

Laura:  "Promise me you won't tell him the truth."
Stefan:  "The truth?  The truth about what?"
Laura:  "God, I hate you." 
Stefan:  "Say it Lasha!  I want to hear you say the words."
Laura:  "That you're his father." 

Laura:  "You know, I've got to hand it to you.  The more I struggled, the more trapped I was.  I couldn't make a move, I couldn't speak without betraying someone and finally everyone.  But if you betray me this time, and you make it all for nothing, in other words, if I found out that Luke has been told anything other than 'Nikolas' father is dead,' I will have a revenge on you the likes of which you can't possibly imagine.  It will make what you've done to me seem like a kiss on a summer day." 

Laura:  "You know I'm telling the truth, because you know what you've turned me into.  I was a Cassadine too." 

Ruby and I discussed this scene on ratsa, but I'll summarize here as well.  Ruby points out that Laura's doing what she always does--putting the blame on somebody else--in this scene.  Instead of acknowledging her own choices, she blamed Stefan for everything.  I agree with that completely, but I liked this scene because finally Laura stood her ground.  If what she said wasn't completely right, or wasn't completely self-aware, I still applauded her.  She's allowed Stefan so much power over her because of her guilt about Nikolas, and she's been so passive (or passive aggressive) towards him, always apologizing and pleading.  I liked that she threatened back, and I liked that she told him she hated him.  She has no delusions about him now, nor does he about her.  I think she hates him not only for this final threat, but also for the way he's manipulated Nikolas. 

At the same time, I'm sorry that she is so angry right now that she can't see the good in him, which I hope is still there.  While I don't think they'll reconcile any time soon, I would like Stefan to prove himself to be not a monster in her eyes again. 

Amy:  "Why is it that we are always saying good-bye?" 

This was just a sweet scene, between Laura and Amy.  I was glad to see Amy had forgiven at least enough to see Laura again and to want her to stay. 

F.  Laura and Luke (again) 

Laura:  "What's the matter?" 

Luke's face at the end of Thursday certainly didn't bode well. 

Luke: "She's gonna make it all the way back.  She is.  With you there pulling for her, and the kids.  But not me." 

Luke:  "And there's another reason.  I can't leave my sister like this." 

Laura:  "We have to be together, that was the whole point."
Luke:  "I know.  We will be.  But right now it has to be like this.  Don't fight me." 

I'm not sure I completely buy Luke's reasons.  Why was it so easy for him to leave earlier in the day, and now Dara won't let him go?  Did he misunderstand them on the phone earlier, and did he go to see them and found out he can't go but for a few days?  Is it really because he needs to help Bobbie (I love him for not giving up on her)?  Or is there something else going on here?  I expected him to be much more emotional about the D.A.'s decision, or to disregard it altogether.  He was so willing to make a fast get away, and now he's dead convinced he has to stay?  His reasons all make sense, but his manner doesn't.  I'm wondering if he's shifted into cold blooded mode and has a new plan for Stefan (because of the threat) once Laura and her mom and the kids are safe, or if he's lying to Laura as well.  But he assured her they'd be together at some point.  I just don't know. 

G.  Lucky 

Lucky:  "You gonna have me arrested?"
Nikolas:  "You gonna shoot anyone?" 

Lucky:  "But if what's missing is something we can't get and you can, would ya do it?  Or would the chance to tell us all to go to hell be too good to resist?"
Nikolas:  "Name it." 

Lucky:  "She looks at me like I'm the most amazing thing in the world." 
Nik:  "She looks at me that way too."
Lucky:  "Then be amazing for a change, instead of a pain in the butt." 

I'm not always fascinated with Lucky and Nik together, but I was on Tuesday.  Again, Lucky was standing on his own, running his own con.  Nik was sticking to his guns too, but with that same mix of confidence and doubt (more on him later).  Stefan assumed Luke and/or Laura sent Lucky to the island.  Little does he know.

Lucky:  "There's something I need to tell you.  About that night.  You see, if it weren't for me, you wouldn't be here." 

Lucky:  "Listen, I need you to know that my dad didn't shoot you.  I know you think I'm just saying that because I'm his son, but I swear on my sister's life it's the truth." 

I liked Lucky's scenes with Katherine.  Yes, he lapsed over into the Spencer diatribe about Stefan, but I think Katherine could really see why he was there.  I was glad to see Lucky apologize for his part in things; I found it very believable that this would weigh on him, just as it would weigh on Nikolas. 

Lucky:  "Dad?  Do you ever think mom will just drop it?"
Luke:  "Probably not." 

Lucky:  "I'm not going to stay there either, mom." 

It's interesting to me why Lucky would choose to come back with his dad.  He was talking in the diner about how he was the one to protect them all, and his dad has just told him that he'll be the one to watch out for them on Switzerland, and then he decides that he'll return with Luke.  Is he put out with his mom?  Does he want to keep an eye on the Cassadines?  Is he more worried about his father in the same town with the Cassadines?  Or does he just want to continue his "truce" with Nik?  I'm very interested to see his reasoning, and I hope we'll get that scene. 

H.  Lesley 

Lesley:  "Elders, Had a liquor store to rob before homeroom.  L.  It's funny, he calls you 'elders'."
Luke:  "I think he means you too." 

Lesley:  "No spring chicken, but neither are you." 

The interchanges with Lesley and Luke and Laura on Tuesday were fun.  From Lucky's note and her pleasure at being included (he didn't say 'parents', after all, as he usually does) to her bad coffee, I really enjoyed these scenes.  I don't have qualms about Luke asking questions to get her to remember, because it's clear she wants to remember, for Laura's sake.  And he's not pushing as hard as he was that first time. 

Lesley:  "You're afraid.  Of Luke?"
Laura:  "No, no, of course not."
Lesley:  "He's not easy."
Laura:  "Neither am I." 

I think that maybe Laura was bit afraid of Luke, though.  Of his reaction to her last lie.  I liked that her mother could read her so well, just as Luke does, and I liked her assurance, "I won't leave you." All in all a very sweet scene, as was the scene when Lesley came in, having dressed herself, and realized she forgot her shoes: "I'm not finished."  She was sweet on Friday too. 

IV.  The Cassadines 

A.  Stefan 

Stefan:  "Nik is the one in danger, and that I will not allow." 

Stefan denied that he was concerned at all with Lesley and what she may remember.  I think he denies this for two reasons: 1) He really is concerned with Lesley's memories, and wants her out of the country.  Whatever she remembers, he may think it will harm Nik, but he doesn't want Laura--or Luke--to know about his interest.  2) He knows that telling Laura her son is in danger from her and to send her away from him is the lowest blow he can give her, the hardest punishment, save actually telling Luke.  And that's what convinces me this is about Lesley, or at least not wholly about Laura.  It's about Nik as well.  If he merely wanted to harm Laura, he would tell Luke the truth immediately.  This way, he gets her out of the country, *away from him*, away from Nik, and Lesley goes along with her. 

Stefan:  "I doubt you'd treat that beast as you treated your own child." 

Stefan:  "You love him in your own way, the way that poisons and finally deadens, like a snake bite that has to be lanced, extracted, and spat away." 

In this scene, I wondered if Stefan believed these things of Laura, or if he was just saying them to be cruel and to punish her.  He's angry with her for faking her death, and rightfully so, since it hurt Nik.  But I think he knows she loves Nik, and this is a way to punish her.  Part of this was about himself, too, when he spoke of her blaming the family, and that including Nik.  I think this may have been another instance where Stefan speaks of Nik and in part means himself as well.  I think he resents Laura lumping him in with the other Cassadines, since she has always claimed he was different. 

Stefan:  "Clearly you've missed my point, or avoided it all together.  I don't need to control Nik to protect him.  I can control you.  I'm sending you away, Lasha.  You and your mother."
Laura:  "You can't do that."
Stefan:  "Oh, certainly I can.  Unless you want me to tell Luke what you and I both know.  These are your choices.  Either you both leave, or I tell him the truth.  You were my brother's wife.  But Nikolas is my son."
Laura:  "Do you know that to be true; are you sure?"
Stefan:  "Does it make a difference whether I actually fathered Nikolas or not?  Isn't the point that I could have?  I suspect Luke will see it that way.  I doubt he'll ask for a blood test.  Why so shocked?  We've both known all along that the possibility was there.  Or did you think leaving it unspoken between us somehow nullified the fact?  Or perhaps it slipped your mind altogether?"
Laura:  "No, I remember everything.  We made love."
Stefan:  "I thought so at the time.  But now I realize I made love.  You...what...took comfort?  Perhaps made an investment in me?  Oh yes.  I brought you more than blueberries after all.  I brought you what taste you had of freedom.  Perhaps the satisfaction of betraying the husband you despised?"
Laura:  "That's a disgusting thing to say."
Stefan:  "What, are you claiming now that you loved me?  You wouldn't say so at the time.  I put it down to loyalty to your other husband.  The dead one.  It's remarkable, isn't it?  So many  resurrections in such a short life?"
Laura:  "You never told me that you loved me either."
Stefan:  "Because I loved you beyond words."
Laura:  "Ha."
Stefan:  "Beyond my pride.  Beyond a loyalty that I was raised to believe was everything.  Loyalty to my name.  I had plans for us Lasha.  Plans I never dared speak." 

I was prepared to be critical of the way they set up this revelation of the past between Stefan and Laura.  I wanted to hold on to the image of Stefan as unrequited lover, as never having held or kissed Laura, etc.  But I liked the way they did this.  Yes, they had an affair, but it was seemingly a one-time thing.  Or if it was not, it was never declared by either of them to be an act of love, and neither one was clear of the other's understanding.  I like this idea of Stefan and Laura together on the island, both seeking comfort.  Stefan than fell in love, or what he says is love, and created any number of fantasies in his mind about their future together, while Laura only looked to survive day by day. 

Stefan's anger at her never having loved him, at leaving him, at himself, perhaps, for all his dreams, came out clearly in this scene.  And it was very good.  Bravo, Stephen Nichols, and bravo  and brava, writers. 

Stefan:  "That boy will take his rightful place as head of the family.  He deserves that." 

As I understand it, Stefan wouldn't or couldn't have the blood tests run because Nikolas would have been blocked from the line of succession, so to speak.  This would mean Helena had control over the family then, but I don't see why Stefan couldn't claim his son now that he's the head of the family.  Part of that is the fact he doesn't want Nik to know this lie of his.  But part of it may be his not wanting to claim that family completely.  As regent, he is doing something for his son.  If he claimed Nik, that would make him The Cassadine, a role he seems not to want. 

Stefan:  "You and Lesley will leave the country by the end of the week.  If you don't, your true love will know the last of your lies." 

I keep this line because of the realization I think it signifies.  Stefan has renounced all his fantasies about Lasha, and may realize now, even as he hates the realization, that Laura's true love was and always has been Luke.  Although he has this knowledge that will hurt her and hurt Luke, and may drive them apart, he knows that Luke has had something and been something he never could. 

Stefan:  "I believe what you were doing was protecting me." 

Stefan faced someone closer to the real Katherine on Wednesday--a cross between the bitch we all know and hate and the sappy sweet woman looking out the window.  I think he was taken aback by her accusations and her interpretation of his character.  And I don't think she was right; I don't think he was manipulating her at the first, though I believe he did towards the end, after that scene with Luke where she remembered.  And I think he's right, and that she was doing it for him, in part, and not just for Nikolas. 

Katherine:  "If?  I couldn't make it more clear if I took out a gun to shoot you."
Stefan:  "Point taken." 

Stefan:  "I don't know why I came here.  I don't know why I keep coming back.  I only know I do." 

Stefan:  "Why don't you simply throw it away." 

Stefan may not be so sure that she did it for him any more.  It was hard to read him at the end of their scenes.  He wanted her to believe him, but knew that she didn't.  I wondered, though, whether he didn't want the necklace either, after this, or whether he thought she might keep it. 

Stefan:  "I suppose next you'll tell me you had no choice in conceiving Nikolas either." 

Stefan:  "I owe you nothing.  I promise nothing."
Laura:  "But if you were going to tell him, you would have told him by now."
Stefan:  "Circumstances change."
Laura:  "But you wouldn't."
Stefan:  "Whether I do or not is of no concern to you." 

Just as I think Laura is justified in her hatred of Stefan, I think he is justified in his disgust of her as well.  While he is lying to Nikolas, he loves him, and he hates what Laura has done to him.  He hates what she has done to him too.  In his eyes, she has manipulated him, led him on, and rejected him time and time again.  She let him think there could be understanding between them, and he thought she still saw the good in him that she once cared for...or loved.  Now he sees that she is not this iconographic Madonna figure that he can hang on his wall, but a flawed human being--and one that has hurt his family repeatedly.  While I've been on the Spencer side of things lately, I still see Stefan's side to things.  I just worry about Nik and Bobbie. 

B.  Alexis 

Alexis:  "Next stop, court of appeals." 

Stefan:  "I'm sure it's only temporary."
Alexis:  "I know." 

Alexis seemed determined, but I'm trying to decide if she seemed surprised.  I would like to think she's doing her best to help Monica, but I've been around Luke to much and I'm starting to think the plan is to keep this thing in court longer--but that Alexis doesn't like it.  Monica, however, didn't indicate whether she'd want to appeal; in fact, she talked only of putting things behind her.  But later in the week she indicated that she would. 

Kevin:  "I just love the thought of the two of them sitting over dinner dying to discuss me, and here I am a client and a patient.  How could they?" 
Alexis:  "You're evil.  You oughta work well with the Cassadines." 

I do like Alexis and Kevin (and noted Kevin's mention of Lee Baldwin), and hope that since she knows the plan, or seems to, she wouldn't do it if it were going to harm Kevin a la Lucy's vision.  I have the image of an Alexis who's softer than Stefan, somehow, when a case isn't on the line.  That may be a fantasy of mine, however, and not the real Alexis.

C.  Barbara 

Barbara:  "You're up early."
Stefan:  "Oh, it's my bachelor habit.  But I must say, it's become quite tempting to stay in bed late, having you in it." 

Bobbie:  "I know why you did it.  I know why you made a deal with Luke instead of pressing charges.  Maybe that's what you thought you were going to do, before Katherine arrived and made her little speech.  But I saw you decide to let it go.  And maybe it'll give you more than one sleepless night, but I just want you to know...the fact that you did that for me is something I'll never forget."
Stefan:  "You give me far too much credit, Barbara." 

This scene was a stark contrast to the morning scene with Luke and Laura.  In both scenes, someone's keeping secrets. But while Laura had Luke to comfort her (for the mean time), Bobbie had to comfort herself with her own explanations.  I couldn't believe she actually thought Stefan would give up his vendetta for her sake, or that she could believe Nik had nothing more on his mind than a late night snack. 

Bobbie:  "And Unlike her daughter, Lesley has no hidden agenda, nothing to prove, she's completely innocent."
Stefan:  "That is precisely the danger."

Bobbie:  "Laura would be a fool to try and use Lesley to get closer to Nikolas now."
Stefan:  "Yes she would." 

I wondered over this line.  I decided it meant that Lesley's innocence would make it possible for the Spencers to use her to harm Nik.  And I wondered also at Stefan's second comment.  Did he hope that Laura wouldn't use Lesley, or was he convinced that she is a fool and would use Lesley again.  He seemed stunned (surprised?) to find Lucky there, and overhear the things he overheard, and was quite angry with Laura for "sending" Lucky there.  But he immediately believed that she had a hand in it.  Maybe he's got to convince himself she's worse than she is, just as she has to with him. 

Bobbie:  "I'm glad you don't have any regrets.  Although I'm not sure I'd know it if you did.  You don't seem to waste time regretting things."
Stefan:  "Not true." 

Stefan:  "Keeping a child safe from harm is a parent's highest duty.  That I know." 

I just kept these lines because of the meanings in them Barbara Jean doesn't understand. 

Bobbie:  "'Cause basically, Stefan isn't a secretive person." 

Felicia:  "Maybe some day you and Luke can make it up."
Bobbie:  "I hope so.  That may take a very long time." 

I wasn't ready to slap Bobbie for the above delusions, but this line about Stefan warranted one.  Not only has she stopped worrying about the things she doesn't know about him, she's stopped believing they exist!  I almost regretted my slap when she showed how regretful she was about Luke.  Almost.  ;) 

Bobbie:  "You know, this may sound corny, but my husband really takes great pleasure in taking in wounded birds and making them whole again."
Felicia:  "Does that apply to you?" 

Bobbie:  "Stefan, why did you marry me?" 

I was very glad that Felicia's words sank in, at least for a little while.  Bobbie doesn't have to believe her husband killed Tom Hardy to realize that she doesn't know him, and that she may not understand his motives as well as she's convinced herself she does. 

Stefan:  "I married you because you're everything I wanted in a wife." 

Stefan:  "Explaining me?" 

Stefan:  "Well Barbara, you've made me sound like a paragon.  No wonder she's suspicious." 

Stefan:  "I married you because I wanted you.  In fact, I've wanted you for years." 

Stefan:  "You were standing under florescent lights performing a difficult duty for a friend." 

Bobbie:  "It's like Laura says.  I don't really know you."
Stefan:  "Oh, you know me far better than she ever could." 

Stefan:  "But I needed to tell you.  It was my last secret.  Now you know everything." 

Stefan:  "That kind of connection only comes once in a lifetime." 

Bobbie's still the "poor little wife who's the last to know."  She just doesn't know it.  ;)  Surprisingly, while I can see Stefan's position on the whole Laura thing, I get the most upset with him about Bobbie, even more than Nikolas, though that makes me mad too.  Maybe it's just that she's such the easy target....  ;)  But this scene actually amazed me!  I was torn between thinking that maybe he was telling the truth, and really loved her and the conviction that he was lying to her--that line about that kind of connection and once in a lifetime?  Well, obviously Laura and/or Katherine could beat Bobbie out for connection at this point (my bets on Laura), and I absolutely couldn't believe he was this smooth.  To come from Laura telling him she hated him to all but telling Bobbie that he loved her all this time (which he didn't)?  Either he's now convinced to move on with his plan at Bobbie's expense, or I don't know what. 

D.  Nikolas 

Nik:  "They slander your name daily, for everyone to hear.  I won't permit it any longer." 
Stefan:  "Stop Luke Spencer's tongue?"
Nik:  "Ya."
Stefan:  "It's been tried." 

Nikolas, like Lucky, showed a combination of confidence and doubt early this week.  He was confident in his answers to Lucky's accusations about Stefan's treatment of Lesley, and confident that he could prove to the Spencers that they were wrong about it.  Like Lucky, he spoke of what he would and wouldn't do.  But he's also trying to convince himself that Stefan did right by Lesley, and while he confidently told Stefan he wanted the records to Lesley's treatment, he also seemed to doubt whether Stefan would bring the records, whether Stefan was telling the truth, and whether he could prove the Spencers wrong...or whether they were wrong after all. 

Lucky:  "But you did it.  And I'm gonna tell my folks."
Nik:  "No, no.  I'll do it." 

Nik's insistence on telling Laura (and Luke)--because he wants to see her again?  See Lesley and/or Lulu?  Because he wants her to see him standing up for and with his family?  I thought it very interesting that he insisted on bringing the news himself. 

Laura:  "And the truce?"
Nik:  "The truce was Lucky's idea.  We were going to cooperate with each other to help her.  However, I did most of the cooperating." 

Nik:  "Remember that I love you."
Laura:  "She will know that.  I promise you that."
Nik:  "Don't.  Every promise you made to me, you broke." 

Nik was obviously hurt that Laura was leaving with Lesley and Lulu again.  And that she was leaving again, I think.  And simply upset with her.  I'm glad he got to see them before they left, however, since Stefan wasn't going to allow it. 

Nik:  "I don't know.  Do you?" 

I loved that Nik suspected that Stefan knew something about the Spencers leaving...and that Bobbie knew nothing.  Not even that her brother was going to come back ostensibly for her. 

V.  The Quartermaines 

A.  Monica 

Judge:  "I find Dr. Quartermaine guilty." 

Reporter:  "Dr. Quartermaine, how do you feel about the verdict?"
Monica:  "Oh, just peachy, thank you." 

Alan:  "The only thing that's gonna keep Dorman out of Monica's face is homicide." 

Monica was, of course, disappointed with the verdict.  I think she was relieved, as well.  In her mind, she no longer has to worry about Dorman, since Dorman won, and she can start to put this all behind her.  From the looks of Ned and A.J.'s quarrel on Monday, and Edward's offer to pay for Kevin's potential suit against Dorman--and especially the above comment by Alan--it'll be harder to do that than she thinks.  Her family may not be the only problem; there's her job at the hospital to consider.  I'm interested to see how that pans out. 

B.  A.J. 

Edward:  "A.J., some o.j.?" 

Alan and Ned's looks when A.J. very sweetly hugged his mother were priceless.  I wonder what they'll do when they both know the other knows. 

C.  Alan 

Alan:  "I don't know what to do.  I don't know how many people in this family or outside this family know that he's drinking again.  And his timing is absolutely disastrous." 

Alan's said Monica can't know enough times we know she's going to find out soon.  :) 

D.  Emily 

Monica:  "You're going to have to be completely honest with me." 

Alan:  "So, can a guy get in on this discussion?" 

Poor Monica, to wake up and find Emily gone.  And that shot of Matt and her sleeping on the park bench wasn't cute, it was icky.  She was going to try to lie, I think, but I was glad that she told mostly the whole truth.  To admit she slept in the park with Matt was a big deal, I think, because she knew what was coming, although I thought Alan and Monica went pretty easy on her because of their guilt at neglecting her lately.  She seems remorseful, and I'm glad she's decided to give up Matt for a while...I hope it lasts. 

VI.  Tom and Felicia 

Felicia:  "If your father had been behind in his car payments, would you blame the dealer for killing him?" 

Felicia:  "The person that you blamed most when your father died was yourself.  And then Luke nominated Stefan Cassadine.  Kinda makes you wonder, doesn't it?" 
Tom:  "You know, some people would say you've been sleeping with a shrink too long." 

Tom was pretty cute making breakfast and getting caught--breakfast cremes indeed!  I think Felicia's anger with him has to with a lot more than him.  She spoke of people revolving through her life, and I think she's got a lot of different people on her mind.  And I'm wondering if Tom has problems he's not facing too about their relationship.  I'm quite certain Felicia's got it right about his displacing blame onto Stefan Cassadine. 

Felicia:  "I hope I don't regret that." 

It amuses me that Felicia's now working for Lucy, and helping Tom, actually.  I wonder if she'll tell him she's investigating the Cassadines or not? 

VII.  Carly and Tony 

Katherine:  "You aren't one of those drill sergeant types, are you?"
Carly:  "That's not a bad way to get results, but it's a really good way to get fired." 

Tony:  "Stefan and I are not golfing buddies, but he apparently treats Bobbie pretty well because she's loved around here and there'd be hell to pay if he didn't." 

One more scene of Carly feeling left out and Tony praising Bobbie.  At least Carly managed to leave the house.  ;) 

The scene of Tony sitting in a chair at Wyndemere while a surprisingly normal Cassadine family ran around him was very nice.  Bobbie looking for Lucas; Nik eating; Alexis cruising in;  their finding Lucas and losing Stefan.  And Tony's looks through all of it. 

Carly:  "Anyone especially interesting?" 

I hope Carly does something fun with her little observation of Katherine and Stefan.  I'm betting she acts on her own, but wondering if she might not tell Tony, who might tell Luke or Bobbie.  I don't have a smart speculation on what steps tptb will take to get us from here to the revelation that Carly is Bobbie's kid.  Maybe one of these people starts threatening Stefan with their suspicions (please don't let Carly be stupid enough to confront him alone), or maybe when Tony files the custody suit, Stefan lets lose with that secret to discredit Tony?  Anyone got a better guess? 

Carly:  "In case you want to call a friend, let 'em know so far so good?" 

She's certainly become quite the little spy.  She was too obviously listening to Miranda and Katherine...she shouldn't appear to pay attention. 

VIII.  Katherine 

Katherine:  "There's a tree I'm keeping track of.  Maybe today there'll be a leaf that can wave good-bye." 

Katherine:  "I can tell you who I'm not.  I am not some lost, hopeless soul who needs to be rescued.  Or some pathetic victim who can be manipulated and pushed around.  I don't like people who treat me that way." 

Katherine:  "No.  I wanted to know you.  I just didn't want to know your name.  And you cannot pretend that you didn't know the difference." 

Katherine:  "Does one person always have to control another in your world?"
Stefan:  "That's a loaded question." 

I loved seeing the strong, bitchy Katherine back in her scenes with Stefan on Wednesday.  She resents--and with good reason--what she sees as a manipulation.  She's not completely convinced, however, that he's all bad, as that extremely cheezy dream sequence (and the above line about the tree) proved.  Yuck.  These two deserve better writing than these fantasy sequences.  I understand that she's conflicted about her feelings for/understanding of him, but I thought we were past this. 

Katherine:  "You've got to find a way to make peace with him, Nikolas.  Before the two of you end up like Stefan and Luke." 

I think it's bothering Katherine that her keeping silent about Stefan is hurting both Nikolas and Lucky.  She knows Lucky's telling the truth, but she can't give him that peace.  And she knows that Nik's convinced his uncle didn't do it, and that he'll be in pain when he finds out the truth, but she can't tell him the truth either.  I hope it bothers her enough that she'll tell the truth, but I doubt it, since she's kept that necklace. 

Of course, she almost called Stefan, and then he did call her...but Carly picked up.  I'm betting she does see him again at her house, and soon. 

IX.  Other Stuff 

A.  The openings and closings 

I kind of like the opening scenes.  They work like the ones on E.R. do, because they can show clips from either yesterday's show or the last time the character was on, or some other past scene to set up for today's.  The closing scenes are less effective for me, since they do little more than show who's going to be on the next day, and when they are effective, give away a little too much for some people, I'd think (I'm thinking primarily of the shot of Laura telling Stefan "I hate you" that was on Tuesday's closing scenes). 

All in all, while I can see the value of these for people who don't watch every day, people have noted that we're losing a couple of scenes worth of story this way.  And while we still have the 3-4 short scenes at the end that set up for the next day, we've lost the 3-4 short scenes that set up that day before the theme song. 

There are good and bad things, but I don't feel strongly about it one way or the other.