**The Week in Review: March 10-March 14**

I.  The SIDAR

A.  The Rescue

Brenda:  "You know that I would never take back anything that's happened between us; I would never do that.  But Jax can't...."

While I knew it was coming, Brenda's immediate reaction to Jax's voice still irritated me a bit.  I totally understand her confusion as to who she will choose to be with (and her joy at not dying), but now that she has acknowledged her love for Sonny, I had hoped she would lay all her cards out on the table with Jax (silly me).  It seems the lies will continue (not that he's being honest either).  I applaud Sonny for his patience, and for his letting her call the shots.  But I hope he doesn't let her keep this up in the air for too long.

While I thought the break-through into the cave was amazingly quick, I liked the scene of Sonny facing his claustrophobia, with Brenda cheering him on and Jason not wanting to reveal too much to the gang above with Taggert watching all.  I liked that he didn't tell Brenda they only had one shot, possibly.  And I liked Jax's moment of decision to save Sonny-I wonder how long it'll take him to regret that one!  ;)

Jason was good on Monday and has been throughout the rescue.  I loved watching him try to decide what was right to do and how much to reveal.

Taggert, of course, annoyed me with his persistence, but I liked that he was there.  Instead of simple melodrama about saving two star-crossed lovers, we had the reminder that this is a mob boss blown up (kind of) by another mob guy in a mob hideout, and that even though we know better, there's good reason to be skeptical about Sonny's involvement with the drug trade.

I've liked Mac throughout, with his willingness to set aside the mob/drug investigation and concentrate and finding Brenda and Sonny, but I predict this will add to Taggert's criticism of him, and could add to any case Taggert wants to make against him.

My favorite in all of this was Mike, who was so worried about his son.  I loved the balance between Taggert, who sees Sonny simply as a criminal, and Mike, who sees him simply as his son.  Mike had several great moments, and Alan Hale did a fantastic job of playing those scenes.  Mike was clearly worried, but nothing about the performance was overdone or unrealistic.

I thought Brenda's reactions were appropriate after their rescue--alternately clinging to Jax and screaming for Sonny--but that shot of her smiling over Jax's shoulder at Sonny was almost too much for me.  While she'd of course be happy they were both safe, she really has little other reason to smile, since she's now got this secret to keep and this decision to make.  Of course, the looks between Sonny and Brenda were so clear even Mike figured out what had happened, but Jax falls right back into threatening and/or taunting Sonny without even taking a second look.

Sonny:  "What the hell you doin', telling people where this place is?  Where are you Deke, you bastard?  I'm alive!  And you're still dead.  Whoooo!  Where ya been, pop?  You look like hell."

Sonny's reactions, on the other hand, made me smile and smile.  I had donned my hug patrol badge, and although he didn't get up and hug Mike, he did hug Jason.  I loved his proclamations, listed above.

B.  Sonny and Jason

The scene between Sonny and Jason was sweet on Monday, and I'm glad Jason finally saw that Sonny had absolutely nothing to reprimand him for in all of this, and in fact that Sonny thanked him over and over.  Their relationship continues to intrigue me, with its balance between work and friendship and the ways they have to navigate that.  Sonny falls back on business "protocol" to protect Jason, and Jason was trying to do so as well here, but they both finally can't keep it only business.  Jason, on the other hand, continues to try to figure out how he's expected to behave or supposed to behave in contrast to his gut reactions and instincts.

C.  Mike

Mike:  "I thought you were dead, Michael."
Sonny:  "So did I."

Brenda:  "He loves you."
Mike:  "He loves you."
Brenda:  "I know."

Mike continued to be sweet about trying to get Sonny in to see the doctor on Tuesday.  I loved the flip sides he and Sonny presented: Sonny was just glad to be alive, so anything was ok for him at that point since he had survived, while Mike was so worried that he was dead, he wanted to be sure he was completely alright now.  I loved that Mike figured out exactly what happened, and I thought the scene with Brenda was very sweet.  She told him that Sonny loves him, and the look on his face was so very sweet--but he immediately told her that Sonny loves her, not trusting his emotions to respond with anything more than that, and instead trying again to make Sonny happy.

On Wednesday, Mike was wonderful, both thanking Jax for saving his son's life and encouraging Sonny to take it easy on Jax as he went after his wife.  He always tries to make things go smoothly, even though he's cheering for Sonny and Brenda.  I was glad that Sonny went home with him and was fairly open about things--relatively.  :)  He told him about things and let him speak his mind, even though he complained about having to listen, of course.

I loved Mike and Sonny on Friday.  Mike's still worried about Sonny getting Brenda back, and about Jax's possible interference.  He's so cute when he's worried.  The part I liked most was Sonny's realization that Mike had worked cons, and his decision to pick Mike's brain about the possible partner for Harry.  I'd really like to see them work together a bit on this one.  But the best moment were their quibbling about the kitchen and Sonny's prospects for dinner and then Mike's toasting S&B---unfortunately Miranda had to show up and ruin it.

D.  Brenda

The ratsa reaction to the potential whose-baby-is-it story was not good.  Yes, it's predictable, and yes I'd rather Brenda tell Jax on her own rather than because she thinks she's pregnant.  And of course this is one more lie, and potentially one more reason for Brenda to deny her feelings for Sonny.  Finally, this is just mean, to let someone think that everything's alright when it's not (Luke and Laura), but both Jax and Brenda are at fault.  I was glad, though, that she found a way to let the nurse know she was concerned about the baby, rather than lying completely and going through a procedure that could hurt the possible child.  It did look like this baby thing was where we were headed on Tuesday, since they brought up the possibility of a pregnancy over and over.

I was reminded in this of the scenes when Luke and Laura came back from the Left-Handed Boy adventure.  This wasn't the same degree, but then, L&L agreed they would come back and be married, and she was wearing that cigar band wedding ring, and when they got back to PC, she claimed they were not involved and that she was returning to Scotty.  Here, Brenda admits she loves Sonny, but when the trauma is over, she turns her back on him.  I'd like to see him fault her for that at some point.  Maybe not reject her like Luke did Laura back then, but not simply let her call the shots for so long without letting her know he was hurt by it (or without admitting to himself he was hurt by it).

An aside:  just as I was amazed with the paralyzed Katherine's range of motion, I was amazed that Brenda could lean up and hug both Jax and Mike without her hip hurting her.  Of course, we needed that so we could see here tearful face gazing at Sonny through the glass at the end of Tuesday.  ;)

On Wednesday, Brenda told Alan she thought she was addicted to her pain medication, and he told her not to worry.  While I understand that if she's worried about it, chances are she's OK, the smile on her face when Alan told her she could have her pills should have told him something.  :)  The fact is, she is addicted, and Alan should have done a little more to look into it and taken her a little more seriously.  Of course, I laughed when he assured her by telling her he's taking the same medication!  :)

E.  Jax

Jax:  "And if you start to think you're good for her, then remember what happened here."

And then of course Jax can't even imagine that anything went on, and kept spouting all that I-almost-lost-you crap.  Very sweet, but no sign of his admitting there's a problem, either the possibility of trouble with Brenda or that very real kiss he shared with Miranda and his quickness to write Brenda off in that scene.  I understand he was very worried and relieved, but even Mike knew!

Jax is listening to Taggert?  Ok, I can't fault him for that, but then he tells Brenda about it, knowing how she will react, and then he baits her about Sonny?  I can indeed fault him for that, because no matter what else he thinks about Sonny, he saved Brenda's life, to my mind.  He simply amazes me, that he faults Brenda so badly for keeping her friendship with Sonny, which she's been fairly open about while he faults her for worrying about him and Miranda, the ex-wife he never told her about.

F.  Sonny

Sonny:  "The question is do you want to know what I know or not."

I absolutely loved Sonny's offer to work with Taggert to ferret out Harry's partner.  If Taggert's smart, he'll take the opportunity and keep his mouth shut, even if he thinks it's simple an opportunity to see Sonny work up close.  We'll see if his ego can take accepting information from Sonny.  It'll be fun!  And of course Dorman conveniently leaves before hearing that Sonny can't identify him.  :)

Sonny's reaction to that hospital intercom announcement was weird--I mean the way they shot it.  There was a cut  to Taggert and Jax on the phone.  I don't think that we're supposed to connect the two of them, but Sonny's heard that pager before.  I'm wondering if he heard it on Dorman or Taggert or Jax and when and where.

Note:  I just have to say that while Jax's goatee or whatever did nothing for me, Sonny's scruffy look (at the apartment, after a shower) was a nice and sexy change from his usual precisely dressed look.  :)

Sonny's confident that Brenda will come back to him, even if Mike's still worried.  I'm wondering what other roadblocks they'll put in the way of a Sonny and Brenda reunion.

G.  Jason

I couldn't decide where to classify Jason, since he isn't a Quartermaine but still has dealings with them.  But I thought I'd respect the distance he's put between them and himself and talk about his Thursday scenes here.  He says he's not sure why he goes back to the Quartermaines every time they ask him.  I think it's because he's interested, and he wants to understand them and the way they do things, and that the new him still feels something for them as people he knows and who knew him.  It's good of him to play along, but I don't like the way they guilt trip him into doing things for them.

Jason:  "Why?  Is this about you?"

Jason:  "I didn't say I wouldn't try.  I said it wouldn't work.  And it probably won't."

Jason:  "She's fighting like crazy against what's in her bloodstream.  You keep putting poison in yours."

He was good with Keesha, who did guilt trip him, cutting straight to the chase.  I loved it when he asked her if all this was about her, because I think she's been completely selfish about this revelation--it's all about what she should have done, what she didn't see, what she did wrong, etc.  But back to Jason.  He did well with A.J., too, getting to the main point.  And when A.J. made the parallel between himself and Robin, I liked that Jason wasn't afraid of treating A.J. plainly, not blaming him or pleading with him, and not accepting his excuses or treating him based on his patterns of behavior.  Have I mentioned this week that I really like Jason?  :)

H.  Miranda

Not much to say here, as all of her scenes on Friday were repeats of things we've already seen.  She visits Katherine and we have a few moments of chick bonding, then she passive aggressively talks about giving up on Jax, is spurred on, and vows to take action.

I was glad to see we're going to get another scene with her and Sonny--but only because I love watching Sonny with her.

Katherine:  "I don't think that running away's the answer."
Miranda:  "Sometimes it's the only answer."

So Wendy Riche says they're writing the Miranda character out in May.  I can't say I'll miss her (sorry Miranda fans), but I can say I would have liked to see her if she would have been given more to do than the same scenes over and over.  She could have been a hell-raiser.  Any thoughts on the direction of the SIDAR--since of course it will live forever--when the fourth is taken out?  I assume they're not writing off Jax too, or we would have heard about it.  So that leaves us with a triangle, rather than a rectangle...we'll have to change the acronym again.  ;)

I.  Jax and Brenda

Well, I was floored when Jax and Brenda both proved me wrong on Friday.  Jax told the complete truth about his moment of weakness with Miranda, even that he wasn't the one to end it, and Brenda began to tell the truth as well.  From the scenes from next week, it seems she will indeed tell him.  I must say Jax gained a few points back in those scenes--no excuses or accusations, just honesty and regrets.  I was glad Brenda forgave him and was so patient and calm about things.  I wondered if she almost wanted him to have slept with Miranda, so they'd be even and she wouldn't have done the worse thing.

II.  The Quartermaines

A.  The Hospital Meeting

Monica:  "That's not what he's saying, Alan.  He's asking me to resign."

That was one weird meeting on Monday.  Dorman showed up with thoughts written down and didn't pitch much a fit about being asked to leave.  Maybe he just thought Monica was going to be reprimanded and consoled himself with that, or maybe (as I still suspect) there's something more going on than we have proof of.  Alan was wonderful, supporting Monica "against" Stefan, but I do wonder that he can't separate his professional role from his support for Monica.  At some point, he's making lots of errors as an administrator, and if anyone's out to remove him from his job too, he's making it easy for them to build up a case.

B.  The Family Meeting

Monica:  "It's mistress of what is mine.  Now if I want to apologize to the family, then I'm damn well gonna do it and you're damn well gonna listen."

Monica:  "You're a very good advocate and I would wage war with you any day."
Alexis:  "And right back at you."

It was a big Quartermaine day on Tuesday!  I was glad to see that Monica isn't giving up the fight, and really liked the family meeting scenes on Tuesday.  I liked the way they alternated between different sets of people and all of the interaction we got to see.  I'm going to separate them out below for clarity.

C.  Lila

Lila:  "Old black and white movies of the romantic variety always make my husband feel quite, um, um, well, um, shall we say amorous?
Alexis:  "You don't say?"
Lila:  "I certainly do."

Such a cute exchange between Lila and Alexis about Edward's amorous film watching.  I just love Alexis with the Quartermaines.

D.  A.J.

From Alan and Reginald conspiring, to Ned joining in, to Emily overhearing, to Monica almost overhearing, it was clear that A.J.'s secret was on its way out ever before Keesha found him drunk in the cabin.  I find Ned's explanation too simple--that A.J. is simply a lost cause and has always been a screwup--but A.J. seems to believe it.  We still haven't had a good explanation of why this came up because of the trial, but I assume we're supposed to think this has been an ongoing thing, and not a simple cause/effect from the trial.

A.J. is wrong, however, that Alan wrote him off without a concern.  To his face, he's cold as ice, but Alan did place that call to A.J.'s doctor.

A.J.:  "I was drunk and I was driving the night Jason got hurt."

On Wednesday, we had the big revelation.  I was glad A.J. told Keesha himself--he was right, he's taken away (some of) Ned's power over him.  He realizes that.  (Now only if all the other secret-keepers would realize the relief they would have if they told.  Of course, then we wouldn't have a show!)

At the same time, A.J. wasn't completely gracious.  I felt like he was willing to take the heat and admit his actions only if Ned had to face some music too, and pitied his meager attempts to throw Lois back in his face and to say Ned was worse than he is.  This thing was about Ned and A.J., and had nothing to do with Lois, or with Ned's other faults.  These cousins have been at each other forever, and while A.J. always claims Ned's wrong about him, he always proves Ned right.  I'm not a fan of A.J.'s, but I'd like to see him prove these people wrong once.

E.  Keesha

On Tuesday, the secret still wasn't out.  I was glad to see Keesha hasn't given up on A.J., and I think she's right that it's wrong for Alan and Ned to write him off and keep it a secret.   But I thought she was wrong to make this about herself (her failure to help him) and I didn't like seeing her be able to say she was right this whole time (sorry, Keesha fans).  The problem is, I don't think she understood that A.J. didn't want to be helped--or couldn't be helped until this secret about Jason came out.  I think that A.J. believes Ned's stories about him because he can't get over the guilt he feels about his brother until that secret comes out.  Big contrast, though, between Ned and Alan's agreement to keep A.J.'s alcohol abuse quiet to protect Monica (with Emily overhearing) and Keesha's confidence that it needs to be brought out into the open.  I thought of Lois, actually, with Keesha today and her ranting about the way the Qs work.  If Lois had to get out, I don't think Keesha's got a chance.  Of course, I can't help thinking that Alexis could fit in and hold her own very well.

When the secret came out on Wednesday, Keesha amazed me yet again.  I understand that she's stunned at the whole thing while at the same time not so surprised.  And I even still applaud her for blaming Alan and Ned et. al. for keeping A.J.'s drinking and the accident a secret--it does put A.J. in danger, all that secrecy.  But A.J.'s the one that betrayed her the most, and it was like she couldn't be angry at him because he's the one with the problem, and could only be angry at the Qs, namely Alan and Ned.

Keesha annoys me most because she takes off ranting about things she knows nothing about.  I wanted to smack her in her scenes with Alan at the end of Wednesday.  I told myself that she hadn't seen all the things about Alan and A.J. that we have seen, and that she indeed doesn't know everything about the Quartermaines.  Right now, she sees only the bad, and there are indeed good things about that family and they way they work.

What cracked me up at the end of Wednesday was that Keesha picked up the phone and dialed Sonny's answering service from memory!

She continued to annoy me on Thursday.  She called Jason; I don't know what she thought he would be able to do.  She claim she wanted him to talk to A.J. both because he has the face of A.J.'s brother and because Jason doesn't have any emotional investment in the situation (or very little).  But I don't understand what she thought A.J. will gain from this, and I don't think she was being totally honest with Jason about why she wanted him there.  She knows he's not the same person, but I think she still has this fantasy that those brothers will share a connection.

Her ranting at Ned made me just as mad as her ranting at Alan.  If she wants to help A.J., she should take a minute and calm down and try to work with these people, rather than set herself at odds with the family.  This was the blame game again, and she was blaming Ned for everything this time.

F.  Ned

Ned:  "You threw the case, lady lawyer."

Ned:  "Oh no.  He did that again?"

Ned:  "To be perfectly honest, you were a convenient scapegoat. Friends?"
Alexis:  "I hope so."

On Monday, Ned and Alexis were quite fun.  Ned accused Alexis of throwing the case, and Alexis let him have it.  But I loved the look on her face when he blew her off as he entered the room, and their reconciliation.  I was also entertained by the description of Edward's attempt to bribe the judge.

Ned:  "He crashes and burns, once again.  See, you don't know this dance.  I do.  Intimately.  I can wake up from a sound sleep and be smack in the middle of it, and I'm telling you that you are wasting your time and your energy if you think you can make one bit of difference here."

Ned:  "But let me ask you something.  If Mary Mae were alive today, would you tell her the truth about Justus and Damien's death?"

Of course Ned assumes the worst about A.J., and he's always thought there was nothing that could be done to change him.  I almost suspect Ned's glad this secret's out to Keesha, at the same time he doesn't want it out any further.  Ned's glad A.J. now has to face Keesha, and had to go through the pain of telling her, I think.  On the other hand, I think he liked having that over A.J.  I can't justify everything Ned does, but I'm more sympathetic to him than A.J., so his terrorizing A.J. never bothers me.  I also couldn't fault him in the face of Keesha's ranting, and I liked the fact that he thanked her for keeping silent.  I don't think he's getting through to Emily anymore though.

On Friday, I applauded Ned for trying to convince Alan to tell Monica, but I agreed with Alan that it wasn't his call.  I liked it even better when Ned asked Alexis to dinner--since the rumor is that Alexis and Nancy Lee Grahan will be sticking around, I'm really glad to see this.  If they get a good storyline, then maybe Wally will stick around too and we'll have some fun with Ned and Alexis!

G.  Emily

Emily's addiction continues on.  I understand how she feels about A.J.--both worried and perplexed, and sympathetic for the way the family's treating him with their secrets and ridicule, maybe.  I'm wondering if she went after that bottle of vodka on Tuesday because of stress and a genuinely developing addiction, or because she perhaps subconsciously envies the attention he gets with his problem.

On Thursday, Emily called Matt to get together for some pot, and lied to her parents again.  While I'm not impressed with the storyline in general, I did find it interesting to see her question A.J. about addiction and then, given his answers, return to her substance use.  She's disillusioned with A.J.'s explanations, and she's definitely disillusioned with the way her family does things.  I do find that convincing.

H.  Justus

Well, I for one will miss Justus and the Quartermaines, if he really ends his dealings with them completely.  Maybe someone will need a good criminal lawyer and Alexis will be busy with Monica.  We may be seeing more of Justus and Luke, however, which I wouldn't mind.  I don't particularly enjoy his scenes with Keesha, however, and we may get more of that as he becomes involved in Ward house again.

I.  Alan

I've talked about Alan along with several other people, but I wanted to talk about him by himself too.  I believed that he could get to the point where he wrote off A.J., and I felt for him as he worried about A.J. and Monica, tried to hold his anger and disappointment in check, and tried to do what he thought would be the best for the most people.  I thought he held his position well with Keesha too, even though he bordered on writing her off.  He doesn't value her opinion, I think, nor does he value the way she chooses to express it.  He's at work, for Pete's sake.

On Thursday, I was very happy to see the scenes with Alan and Kevin, and to see Alan have someone to talk to about all of this since he's keeping it from Monica.  It's obvious to me (even if not to Keesha) that he loves Jason very much, and that at the same time he just can't take any more.  His blend of frustration and concern is very well done and very realistic and convincing, I think.  I just wish he could show a little of that concern to A.J. himself, rather than just the frustration.

I was also glad to see Alan supporting Monica again on Thursday.  I don't ever have to worry about hug patrol when Alan's around with his bear hugs.  ;)

III.  The Cassadines

A.  Alexis

Clearly, Alexis isn't happy with the verdict, and she's confident about the appeals court verdict and optimistic for Monica.  She and Stefan were very much in business mode at the Dorman meeting on Monday.  Stefan (and Alexis, to a certain degree--it was weird that they were sitting on the same side of the table, even if it was for the cameras or for balance) was very dismissive of Dorman, and that wasn't maybe a smart move, if Dorman's out to wreak havoc on the hospital or the Quartermaines in general.  But I just couldn't shake the suspicion that the whole thing was expected or scripted to some degree....

Alexis was wonderful with Ned--I talked about that in the Quartermaine section.

Alexis was also good with Bobbie.  I'd like to think she's genuinely concerned for and with Bobbie, but sometimes I wonder if she would be so concerned if she wasn't in on the plan.  I'll be positive, and say that I really liked these two together on Thursday.  Alexis was all concern and wit and charm, and I think really helped Bobbie out with some female support.  After all, the last female friend Bobbie saw was Felicia, who gave her all those new reasons to doubt.

B.  Stefan

Alexis:  "What are you going to do, just say that they disappeared?"
Stefan:  "It seemed easier to make the Spencers disappear."

Alexis:  "...there's always a little ridiculous person in a little motorized scooter that picks up after the horses.  That's me, Stefan.  Talk about tiresome."

It's also clear that Alexis knows what's up with the master plan, as on Monday when Stefan asked her if she was still with him, she asked immediately about the "virus", which he told her was safe in a "family heirloom."

I was reminded that we still don't know whether Stefan knows that Nikolas gave the egg to Lulu.  If he did, then I'm wondering what the plan could be, having to do with the egg, since he's sent Laura away and there's the chance she'd take it with her.  If he doesn't (and I suspect he doesn't), then I'd bet he finds out soon that it's gone, and that might be the way they write Laura's return (if, hope of hopes, Genie decides to come back).  Obviously, there's something in that egg that would harm the Cassadines--or at least that's what I assume he meant from the word virus.  Of course, now that I think about it, the reference to "virus" could mean Stefan means to infect the Spencer family, and his little smirk when he told Alexis about its safety might mean he knows exactly where it is.

There was some discussion, both on ratsa and on the FGC Stefan list, as to what Stefan meant by that line.  The option I like best right now is that it's a computer virus.  (Sorry I don't remember who mentioned that one first--I think it was Roser, but I read like 139 threads and 25 messages from FGC Stefan on Tuesday night all at one time after a four day system shut-down, so I was having trouble keeping things straight).  I don't know if we're going to go back and pick up the loose ends on that computer game, but maybe this means more shots of Stefan and that magic laptop.  ;)

I wasn't sure, however, when I heard that at first that they really meant a virus, or if it was more metaphorical--something that would infect the Spencers.  It's interesting to me, however, that Stefan's been using this rhetoric lately.  This virus line, the venom/snake description of Laura, and on Thursday he spoke of poison and the Spencers to Bobbie.  Alexis has also spoken of infectious diseases and the like.  It wouldn't think that's completely accidental.

On Thursday, Stefan was a little too obvious about avoiding Bobbie's questions, and a little too happy about Alexis' entrance which let him off the hook.  He's so good at charming Bobbie, telling her he supports her, worrying over her, etc., that sometimes I can't blame her for forgetting to doubt him.  ;)

When Nikolas came back with the progress report on Katherine and the news that Luke's back in town, the looks that went around that room were so fun!  Alexis knows Luke's going to try to stir up trouble with Katherine and is worried about Stefan--and herself.  Bobbie's devastated that her brother didn't leave, and didn't tell her this either.  Nik's a little suspicious both of Luke's presence and his Uncle's reactions (and actions).  But Stefan's responses were the most interesting.  At one point, it seemed like he was betting that L&L would break up over her leaving, now it seems he would have been happier if Luke left with her.  But the thing I loved about his reactions was that Luke has thrown him a loop, and Stefan doesn't know what to make of it.  While Stefan in complete control of the situation is fun, I've liked him much better now that he doesn't hold all the cards and doesn't know all the secrets and surprises.  Stefan was in such control for the first months he was in P.C., and Luke felt completely out of control, that I like it now when even on the smallest scale Luke can make Stefan wonder and worry.

Alexis:  "Some people are driven to take risks, and they'll make all sorts of excuses to do it."

The Cassadines were so calm and cool and charming, coming to a meeting with the Quartermaines.  Those two families are such fun together.  I thought all along about Stefan telling Alexis that everything has fallen into place, and I wondered if these Quartermaine happenings were part of those things now in place.  It's clear Alexis is really up for fighting for this appeal, and I hope that's genuine.  Speculation:  Maybe they've worked with Dorman in the past, but now they're ready to hang him out to dry?  Anyway, Stefan the charmer was in high gear bringing those files for Monica, but the best Stefan moment was when Edward started describing Stefan...or when Alexis talked about people slipping up when they wouldn't keep their distance.

Stefan:  "You're out of line, Alexis."
Alexis:  "I know.  So are you."

Stefan's going home?  Uh-huh.  No surprise he was thinking of seeing Katherine.  Talk about not being able to stay away.

C.  Barbara

I applauded Bobbie for asking questions again, if not for believing Stefan was telling her the truth, because I think she just needs to keep on asking (but I wonder if I should be worried for her safety if she did).  At the same time, I was more understanding with Bobbie on Thursday than I sometimes am.  She was understated, and her coldness to Kevin along with all of her confusion as of late made me feel for her, rather than make me want to slap her.  She feels completely alone, is starting to doubt the new family she has chosen for herself and her son, and now finds out that her brother has again made a move without telling her (if she only knew that part of his reason for staying was to protect her--I can't wait for that reunion, though it may be again delayed by the Carly revelation).

Bobbie:  "Well, you know, they're very loyal.  Some people would say to a fault."
Alexis:  "Some people would say that about my family.  I'm sorry.  I should have said our family."

I rather liked the scenes with Bobbie and Alexis.  I like that Bobbie has someone in that house with whom she can talk about Luke--since Stefan and Nik won't.

D.  Nik

The encounter between Nik and Carly at the door was fun.  Just think, when the Carly secret comes out, he'll start thinking there are Spencers behind every door too.  Nik was so happy helping Katherine and so proud of her progress.  It's nice to hear their conversations, most of the time, but I hope they don't let his crush on her go by the wayside.  Those feelings should complicate their relationship.

IV.  The Spencers

A.  Lucky

Lucky:  "I could learn yodeling."

Lucky:  "And then you can come back here and make sure Dad didn't let me pierce anything."

Laura:  "There's nobody who can make me laugh like you do, and there's nobody that I just plain like as much as you.  Not to mention loving you with all my heart."

Lucky:  "Here's your other favorite, from your other....  You know what, I think you should take this, because if you don't Dad and I are gonna burn it."

Lucky's reasons for staying behind seemed straightforward.  I think he both worries about his Dad being lonely (and getting into trouble with the Cassadines or otherwise), and at the same time he does miss his friends and Port Charles.  I wonder if he may also be subconsciously making it up to Luke for doubting him recently...or if he's got something in mind for Nikolas.

I was glad to see that the scene with Laura putting that egg in the basket last week was indeed there for a reason.  It looks like the egg's going to come back to the forefront soon.  I'm glad it didn't just get dropped.

B.  Luke

Luke: "Well, you're not gonna be there long enough to need more than her two favorite bedtime stories and something to whack on the floor to get your attention, right?"

Luke:  "Wait a minute, now.  You mean he's willing to give up a month or two of being an irresistible American cowboy in the midst of all those rosy-cheeked Swiss milk-maids, and he wants to do it for Geometry?"

Luke:  "Well OK, but if you want to worry about something, how about...by the time you get back he won't be able to remember what a vegetable looks like?"

Maybe I was just paranoid last Friday when I thought Luke had an unspoken reason for remaining behind, or that he knew or suspected the truth.  The spoilers said he'd find out, but I know spoilers aren't always right.  Or maybe I just expected the wrong reactions.  It was clear he doesn't buy Laura's surface explanations, and I'm a little surprised he hasn't pressed her for a reason again.  He still seemed too calm about having to stay behind (and I find it interesting that we didn't see the phone call or meeting (since Luke came in from outdoors with this news) where Dara told Luke he'd have to stay), but I loved that scene between he and Laura where he apologized again.  Maybe that's why he seemed calm--he actually had that on his mind.  Even if he doesn't know or suspect the secret, I remain convinced that Luke's up to something and isn't giving Laura the straight scoop.

Luke:  "Well of course you'll be a pain. That's what I've raised you to be, isn't it?  What is it you think I'm gonna to be doing here, anyway?  Raiding the...(covers Lulu's ears).  Raiding the shelter for homeless chorus girls?"

Aside from my rampant speculations, I think he'd really rather have Lucky with Laura--to watch over the family while he can't, but hopefully we'll get more Spencer male pow-wows this way (and hopefully some scenes with Luke and Foster).

Sonny:  "End of chapter."
Luke:  "End of chapter, but you through with the book?"
Sonny:  "Well, hope not."
Luke:  "Good luck, pal."

Speaking of male pow-wows, I was so very happy to see Luke and Sonny together on Thursday.  Luke comes to visit, and doesn't worry and fuss over Sonny, just goes on like not much happened (although he remains slightly interested in whether Sonny and Brenda are on or off).  I thought they both looked fantastic, by the way.  Anyway, the Sonny/Luke combination always does it for me, and it was nice to have Mike thrown in there too.

Luke:  "I'll just have to find something to occupy my time."

Luke:  "You did?  Well you're a nosy little bastard, aren't you?"

Luke:  "Hey Sonny, you need to call the exterminators.  You got vermin crawlin' out of the walls around here."

Luke:  "She's about as clever as a box of hair."

Luke:  "I think I just saw my in go out."

It entertains me that Sonny's going to watch Katherine's penthouse for Luke--finally, a good reason for them to live across the hall from each other!  Luke's encounter with Nik in the hall made me laugh, because he left him wondering, but I think that Luke's treatment of him will cause problems with Laura later on.  I was so happy to see that we're in for some more Carly/Luke stuff!  We've been wondering how this secret's going to come out, and I think if these two decide to work together on this for whatever reason, Stefan and/or Bobbie's are going to notice and may start asking questions.  Fun!

Note:  Speaking of working together, that's the main way we're getting fun combinations right now: Kevin/Stefan, Sonny/Taggert, Luke/Carly, etc. are all people working together.

C.  Lesley

Lesley:  "Monica, I always wanted to say, 'Anyone can be a blonde.'"

Luke:  "Cowboy, are you not the keeper of the passports?"

Lesley:  "Laura, we don't have to go."
Laura:  "Yes we do."
Lesley:  "Not for me."

Lesley:  "We're not coming back, are we?  And Luke doesn't know, does he?"

She was so very sweet on Monday, hiding her passport so it would delay their departure and give her a chance to talk to Laura.  She has improved remarkably (I smiled at Monica's asking if she were coming back to work), and that makes me further suspect Stefan's (or his family's) care of her, unfortunately.

D.  Laura

Laura:  "I'm leaving my husband and my son and I hate it."

Lucky:  "Shouldn't we be, like, really early for international flights?"
Luke:  "Well you should, looking like a budding terrorist."

Luke:  "Well, I've never been as dumb as I look.  I know there's more to this hasty departure than meets the eye."

Luke:  "I didn't expect this to blow up in our faces.  I don't regret it, any of it.  I don't regret taking Lesley into hiding with us.  I don't regret putting up a tombstone with your name on it.  But I do regret dragging you into it without a chance to say yes, no, or maybe.  And it was you that the whole town came down on.  I'm sorry.  Now look, I'm gonna be real lonely here.  It'll be terrible without you, but I can do it...for a little while...if I know that you're not over there sitting on some wind-swept alp hanging your head in shame because of me."
Laura:  "Because of you?  Never.  Luke, it seems like every choice I've ever made has ended up hurting someone.  That's certainly not how I wanted it, but you know, when I look back on it, I don't see how I could have done things differently.  But I'm certainly not ashamed of you.  You're the reason that I hold my head high.  Loving you is the one thing I have always know is right."

I did like that sweet moment between Luke and Laura, and I thought that the morning scenes from last week did a lot to set up this separation.  When Luke was in rant mode, this separation might have been less painful, but now that they're happy again (relatively), it's harder.  I'm sorry she still has to lie to him, even about the length of time she plans to be gone, but I suppose she still thinks he and Lucky can join her later.

E.  Lulu

I'm sad that Laura's departure means we won't get to see Lulu for a while--and I hope they don't take this chance to SORAS her!  :)  She's so cute with those Spencer men, and I liked seeing Lesley taking care of her on Monday's show, and I think that says a lot about the extent of Lesley's improvement.

I just have to take a moment and celebrate the fact that Genie is indeed coming back.  Wendy Riche says she'll be back a bit in May definitely, then "hopefully" in the fall.  I didn't suffer through the last sporadic patch of her attendance when her last child was born, but I'd rather have any Laura than none at all.

V.  Mac and Felicia

Felicia:  "Probably the parking tickets."
Mac:  "What parking tickets?"

Well, that whole thing on Tuesday was way too contrived for me.  Mac's just had this break with his drug investigation, this major incident to follow up on, and he's game for a road trip with Felicia, who has an injured arm (I'd assumed they had the road trip written in before the arm thing, and maybe the actress really hurt herself)?  This is just more ammo for Taggert's potential case against him as Commissioner.  But from the meeting to the road trip to the police sirens and Felicia's 50-60 outstanding parking tickets, this looks like a weak manipulation of the Mac/Taggert stuff.

It was nice, however, to hear them talking about the past--Mac and Kevin in drag, etc.  Very cute.

The conversation on Wednesday was kind of fun too, I guess, and I didn't mind the Bringing Up Baby nod, even if I don't think Felicia can hold a candle to Katherine Hepburn--or that Mac looks anything like Cary Grant.  ;)  But I don't have any idea what this little jaunt was for, or if it's leading anywhere.  It seemed random.

Aside:  Do we think that they had to add these scenes in at the last minute because they re-edited the Spencer departure since Genie will be back for sure?

VI.  Kevin and Lucy

We got a little bit with Kevin and Lucy on Wednesday.  I sympathize with Kevin's need to stay in contact with his father's researchers, and actually think he's probably right that it's a good thing for him not to deny that association.  On the other hand, I do sympathize with Lucy's fears, and although I don't applaud her writing that letter behind Kevin's back, I understand why she feels she has to.

While I like Kevin's humor and wit, I really like seeing him be perfectly honest about his feelings and emotions with Lucy.

Lucy:  "I gotta tell you I'm finding this domestic side of you very very sexy."
Kevin:  "Really?  Well, which side is domestic?"
Lucy:  "Well, you know the side that got up very early and made coffee-good coffee-and walked the duck all by himself, and managed to get to the mail right when the mailman got here.  I just think I've died and gone to feminist heaven."
Kevin:  "Well, as long as you're happy."
Lucy:  "Actually I could be just a little bit more happy."

The cutest thing about these scenes was the flirty opening and the mention of Kevin walking Sigmund all by himself.  Cute!

It was nice to see Kevin with Alan and Stefan on Thursday, too (But did anyone notice what book Stefan was actually reading?  Therapy for paraplegics, or something like that.  Prop department goof, I suppose.).  He was good with Alan, and I was glad to see him in professional mode again.  With Stefan, I'd like to see Kevin back at the hospital too, so he could interact with everyone (Bobbie reminded us that day that not everyone would look positively on his return), but I still can't wait to see what Stefan has up his sleeve.  I assume this may be the set up for Kevin's return to the hospital on GH2?

VII.  Katherine

Katherine does seem to be doing well, but I'm simply uninterested in her except for the ways people are manipulating around her.  She was more interesting in Edward's description of her than in her own scenes.  Really all she does right now is provide a focus for the Spencer/Cassadine stuff and serve as a cattle prod for Miranda's efforts to regain Jax.  Somehow I think that chatty nurse was a karmic thing....  ;)  But what was she thinking, trying to stand up when nobody was there?

VIII.  Dorman

Dorman finally gets his own Roman numeral this week, and really only for his Friday scenes.  We've heard that Dorman will be staying on as well as Alexis, so it seems that they're willing to give him more and more screen time.  I'd really like to see more of him.  I've not been impressed with the character or the actor.  I don't love to hate him like I do Taggert, and I really haven't been interested in him.  But now he's involved with several major clusters of characters, and that will do good for him, I think (in contrast with Miranda, whose connections to others came too little too late, I think.)

The collage of scenes of people talking about Dorman and Dorman himself on Friday was really impressive.  We cut back and forth between Dorman seducing Rebecca Chase and trying to keep her in line (didn't you wonder if she was dead during that one shot of her lying on the floor after they made love?), the Quartermaine/Cassadine meeting, and Sonny and Mike.  It was interesting to see peoples' theories about Dorman and Rebecca, and the way different people focused on them differently.  Sonny's set on neutralizing Harry's partner, because he wants Sonny dead, and has a profile of someone who works at the hospital who is an "improviser" and a bad one at that--and who will slip up.  Alexis, on the other hand, focuses on Rebecca Chase, whom she believes will slip up because of Dorman's MO with women.  They're both right, of course.

It's interesting to me the number of people who have theories about Dorman: Kevin, Alexis, Sonny, and the Qs.  It'll be fun to see who figures out what and who has to work together--and who already knows what.  I'm hoping for Alexis/Sonny, myself.  Can't you see her holding her own with Taggert?  ;)