**The Week in Review: March 24 - March 26**

I.  The Quartermaines

A.  Jason on Dorman's trail

I'm putting Jason in the Quartermaine section this week because most of his actions have to do with that family, rather than with Sonny.

On Monday we opened with Jason accosting Dorman and searching his house.  Dorman knew how to stop him just in time, and I liked seeing Dorman scared.  He's usually so smug we can't see past it, but now we got to see that he's scared and may indeed slip up.

I didn't like Dorman/Tuc Watkins at the first, but I'm coming to really enjoy him as a villain--and he is a one-dimensional villain right now, as much as I usually avoid that term--and hope that they continue to let us see his different moods and modes.  I'd like to find out more about his background, etc., and I don't have any idea what they'll do with him after this Quartermaine stuff blows over since they've established the way he deals with women.

Jason at the nurse's desk, observing Dorman and then reading those charts, was a hoot.  Like nobody would notice him.  Then Jason helped the diabetic, with no explanation of how he knew to do that (I hope that they aren't trying to write him back to regaining his memory.  Dorman then threatened Jason with a lawsuit or something, but I get the feeling the patient wouldn't go along with that.  Jason did the right thing; he didn't harm the guy.  And the guy was very gracious and thankful.  I don't know how Dorman could pull that one off.  He just wanted to threaten everybody, I think, but I wouldn't put it past him to try it.

B.  Emily

Boy, Emily's been having an exciting life lately!  :)  Those girls in the park would have driven me crazy too.  I was so glad Nik showed up, even if it led to that kiss, which I was sure wouldn't do her any good.  He's so good with her, I knew he would handle it alright.  I liked that she kissed him, though.  Her misinterpretation was very real, both before and after, and the teenager I used to be really admired the girl who would actually kiss the guy she had a crush on.  ;)  I'm sorry she was so mortified, and it was so sweet that she was worried that she had sexually harassed Nik.  Poor thing!  I have to smile at her awkwardness because it hits so close to home.

And of course Em had to overhear the fighting again, so that on top of Nik's rejection led her back to Matt and the drugs.  And the stakes are higher this time because it's heroin.

I like that Nik sought out Jason at the hospital, and I liked that Jason claimed her as his sister.  But hopefully Jason will now be on the lookout.  He's the one I'd trust the most, and want to find out about this.

C.  A.J.

Alan and A.J. fought over his drinking again on Thursday.  The thing is, A.J. makes good points in all of his ranting.  He can drink and still love his mother.  His family has turned him away, and they don't support him.  But his attitude is indeed "Screw you, even if it kills me."  His sarcasm and attacks on those around him get on my nerves even though I know they're probably explainable.

Lila going to Casino night was a scream, though I didn't know why we had to have that little interlude.  To build suspense about things coming out in the open, I suppose.  It just seemed a little contrived.  I enjoyed seeing Lila, though.

And when caught by his mom, A.J. reverts back to accusations and spreading the blame, so he won't have to face the responsibility.  And Alan does the same thing--blames A.J. for it all, rather than seeing his own part in it.  I can understand Alan's frustration, though, because he and Ned are right.  A.J. likes to be drunk, because in that state he can blame everything on everybody else...or at least not think about anything.  He doesn't have to take responsibility, because nobody will give him any.  So he doesn't have to face failure.

D.  Keesha

I was glad to see Keesha go to AA.  She's right.  This isn't just about A.J. anymore, or just about the Quartermaines.  It's about her as well.  She wants to do the best she can for A.J., and doesn't know what that is.  While Alan secretly calls people about A.J., I think that Keesha's idea of a support group is a better one.  She faces a big question--whether she can love A.J.

E.  Monica

Having to sign in and out is bad enough, without Dorman getting to lord it over her (I guess that restraining order is off).  I love that she threatened him right back.  Actually, if Dorman's going to run into one of her children in a dark alley one night, I'd like it to be Emily.  ;)

Monica caught A.J. drinking at the end of Friday's episode.  I'm glad they didn't drag that out any longer.  And I think her initial response was one of concern, not condemnation.  She was angry with Alan for not telling her, and justifiably so.  But finally, she just cried, both at the drinking and the fighting, and, I think, at her inability to help her son.

II.  The SIDAR

A.  Brenda and Sonny

Brenda thought Sonny would tell Jax about their lovemaking?  I was disappointed that she thought first of that, than that he was worried about her addiction.  Of course, he did show up out of the blue just after Bren and Robin had been talking about him believing her marriage was over.  Robin was so cute as she distracted his attention and saved Brenda from more of an awkward scene.

B.  Sonny and Robin and Jason

I like Sonny and Robin's relationship, even in light of all the talk about nice mobsters and such on ratsa this week.  Some were upset about the gun story she told about the roommate, but I think she made light of it not because it didn't matter, but because it weighs on her in the back of her mind--what he does for a living.  Look at her reaction to his injuries from the cave-in later on Monday.

Others criticized Sonny for losing his temper at Robin, but I don't think it was at Robin at all.  He's very frustrated at the situation, and knows Robin's right that he should steer clear of Brenda for a while.  He doesn't have to be on his best behavior with Robin, or keep things inside, like he does around Mike--he would have never shown that frustration in front of Mike.  And Robin wasn't scared.  She knew exactly what he was feeling.

Sonny's stretching the truth when he says that his leaving Brenda alone led to her addiction.  I think, though, that he was simply trying to justify his not staying away in the face of Robin's instructions.  He knows Robin was right, and Robin knows he's lying because he doesn't want to face the truth--that he can't be with Brenda right now.

Robin:  "I love you."
Sonny:  "That's somethin', huh?"

Jason was cute when he came in and asked Sonny if he was making time with Robin and claiming Sonny was right that he didn't deserve her.  So sad to watch Sonny watching them be happy.

Robin:  "I am not gonna listen to you guys argue about who's more cautious, because the truth is neither of you would know careful if it punched you in the nose."

These three are one of my favorite combinations on the show.  Robin worrying about them and them making jokes but finally all of them together and joking and comforting each other just by being together.  It does amaze me that she never sees Mac.  Nice scene of her taking the drugs and making light of it and them looking on amazed at the amount of drugs.  Very good news about her viral load test.  I'm glad she was there to tell them--and us.  Sonny was right; Jason didn't even notice her hair.  :)  They were so cute watching her sleep.

Sonny:  You know, now that I'm thinking about it, I don't know why Dorman is still alive."

Jason filled Sonny in on his little visit to Dorman's.  Now Sonny tells him to stay on it, but he will help.  That stacks the deck against Dorman.  :)  I didn't know why Sonny disliked Dorman--because of his treatment of Stone and refusal of a biopsy.  Then they were back to Stone's death and they had their share of worry.  These three worry each other all the time, but they stay together.  And Sonny asked Jason about staying away from Robin, and decided he could stay away from Brenda since he loved her--with Jason's encouragement and help.  But the last lines about her just knowing because she loved them?  Very sweet.

C.  Brenda and Jax

Jax has been really good to Brenda through all of this, and I'm glad he already told her all there is to tell.  It almost makes me feel bad for him that she's lying to him, etc.  But I am cheering so much for Brenda, and I think everything she's doing and not doing this week is so well written and so in character and so well performed I have a hard time seeing Jax at all.

She almost told him that she and Sonny made love on Monday, but she couldn't.  Thing is, I think Jax was expecting something like what we know is the truth, because he was very relieved to hear that it was only that she needs help with her addiction.  So relieved that he didn't notice that the build up didn't match the revelation--or ignored it.

On Thursday, we had the fight over the sandwiches.  Well, not really fight, but Brenda's irritation at Jax monitoring her food intake.  He's very supportive, but I could identify with her wanting to do something on her own--or be on her own this whole week.  Jax does want to fix everything.  Not that that's a bad thing, maybe, but I believe Brenda when she says it's the exact wrong thing for her.  But he said exactly the right thing when he assured her that she was strong all on her own.

D.  Ned and Brenda

I was glad to see the two of them together, even if she has every right to still be irritated at him.  She still didn't mean to bring up Lois and the baby; she didn't mean to hurt him.  At the same time, I was glad she set him straight on Lois.  I was glad, though, to hear that Ned admitted that Lois wasn't the only thing he wanted--that she was the main thing but that he couldn't give up the other things.

I'm not happy with Jax at all.  I knew at the end of the week that he would use this overheard information.  Do we think Brenda will find out about it and this will be one of the things that will break them up?  He's doing the same type of thing that Ned did to hack Brenda off.

It was sad to me that Brenda hasn't been calling Lois because she's ashamed.  As well as she knows Lois, she should know that Lois would never judge her.  I'm glad Brenda told Ned what was going on, and I liked the smile she gave him when he said he was there to visit his friend.

E.  Brenda and Kevin

Brenda made the appointment, and I was glad to see her go by herself, though I'm not sure I liked her saying she wanted Jax to trust her to do this on her own, as if his judgment of her in this was the key thing and not her actions.  I'm probably over-reading that one line, but it did set us up for the coming revelation.

Brenda was hesitant at first, and I think that was a combination of being resistant to therapy and being afraid of what she would reveal to Kevin...and to herself.  The lighthouse speech seemed extraneous at first, simply a symptom of her hesitancy, but what it revealed was that the thought of a place where she could get away and be alone seemed safe to her at boarding school.  Proof that these thoughts weren't buried deep down.  Frankly, the writing in these scenes was great.  Even her little nervous ramblings followed a progression and stemmed from her thoughts that were about to be revealed.

Brenda (and Vanessa Marcil) was fantastic in these scenes.  I'm so glad Brenda sees these things about herself, or begins to.  She wanted this to be solely about the drug addiction, but the reason for the drug addiction was bound to come out.  I think that Kevin had the right idea to make it primarily about the drug addiction, for now, to get her into counseling and over that so she can see the rest of everything clearly.  It also helps her have a step by step plan of attack to her problem.

But as she revealed the drug addiction, the way she proceeded through the Sonny/Lily stuff and the Jax stuff was very interesting and revealing.  She continued to skip over Sonny and all references to him and repeatedly assert that she and Jax were together and happy, etc.  She didn't want to reveal the other stuff, but found out the two were inextricable.  And what pains her most, I think, is that she isn't powerful enough to confront this thing head on and tell Jax the truth.  She feels weak in so many different ways.

Ratsa debated whether or not someone could have such a sudden breakthrough.  But I think this breakthrough's been set up for weeks now, since the accident, and I think it just took a sympathetic, kind of outside listener for it to come out.  I don't think it was buried, or hard to realize.  I think she was realizing it all along, and just not having to put it into words.

Brenda:  "Oh God, I don't want to know this."
Kevin:  "What do you know now?"
Brenda:  "I think that every single decision I've ever made in my life, every move I've ever made, was because of some guy.  Is that true?  I think that's true.  If that's true, then that means every single thing I've ever done in my whole life has been for someone else and not for myself.  I don't think the real me has ever made a sound."

Finally, I thought these scenes were fabulous.  I've always been interested in Brenda, even if I'm not always her biggest fan.  She's dynamic, and Marcil is a solid actress.  My main complaint about Brenda has always been her dependence on men, and I like that she's getting self-awareness, even if it is the hard way.  I find the character at this point psychologically real, and I like the idea of Brenda on her own for a bit.

III.  Katherine

A.  with Miranda

Katherine is fairly transparent with her ploys to get Jax and Miranda together and to help make Miranda feel better.  But I do think she wanted a "chaperone" of sorts for Stefan's visit as well.  While I'm not a fan of Miranda's, I liked the idea of a Miranda.  I think these sorts of scenes would have been the ones where Leslie Horan would be able to do some less emotional work and win us over to her character--those of us who aren't already won over, that is.  :)

Stefan clearly wonders about the connection between Katherine and Miranda.

B.  with Stefan

Stefan and Katherine's first meeting of the week (Monday) was fairly calm.  She told him about Dorman's visit, and assured him she didn't take Dorman's judgment of her case to heart.  I found it interesting that Stefan continues to be adamant that Dorman wouldn't still have a job if there were a legal way to get rid of him.

Katherine:  "It's really frightening how easily you do that.
Stefan:  "What?"
Katherine:  "Twist a person's actions to suit your needs."

Katherine's understanding of the way Stefan works--using things to his own advantage, etc.--reminded us of the way she worked before this accident.  She called it a "gift, to get what you want without betraying your goal."  The fact that she understands the way he works and still has these questions about him, still doesn't understand certain things about him, is interesting.  Watching these two maneuver without the aid of visions and dreams, and now that the contrived plot convergence is established can be interesting.  While I still have complaints about the way they were put together, I like them better now that their little night chats actually involve other people--Miranda, Nik, Bobbie, Luke, and the rest.

Katherine reconsidered the job at GH, I think both because she wanted to be close to Stefan and because she thought work would be good for her.  The exchange about Edward Quartermaine's flirting with Katherine was very cute, and I wondered if Stefan was surprised at her description of what she wants in a man--especially the touch of ruthlessness.  I think she means ruthless about business, because she certainly doesn't seem to like what she's finding out about Stefan's ruthlessness in his personal life.  But I get ahead of myself.  I found it interesting to see Stefan tell her he couldn't see her with Edward or Mac.  The unspoken was, of course, that he can only see her with himself.  She wasn't decided, at the beginning of the conversation, but claimed that she was taking the job to help her recovery.  She mentioned Bobbie's suspicions more than once, and this was before Luke came to visit later in the week.

After Luke's visit, she was faced with Nikolas' conviction that Luke shot her.  She's simply making it worse, since she's not only lying about the frequency of Stefan's visits but about the shooting as well.  It's going to pain Nik so deeply when all of this comes out...and she's equally to blame, in my mind.

Katherine gave a pathetic little excuse to get Nik out of the house, but he wasn't offended by it.  She knew better, though, than to tell him the job was a done deal, since she saw Stefan's face when he entered.  I applauded her for confronting him with the real reasons he was taking back the job offer, since he wasn't going to volunteer it.  I think she did believe what Luke had to say, because she knew enough about the things Luke doesn't know (for sure) to verify it.

Katherine:  "Why did I even bother asking you what's true and what isn't?  You're never going to tell the truth.  You just tell people bits and pieces, just enough to keep them satisfied.  Why did I think that I was special, and that you were going to be different with me somehow?"

Now we're getting down to business.  Stefan expressed his irritation with himself and his ability to act, to take charge of the situation.  I truly think he would tell Katherine anything and everything--if he could.  He told her to ask him anything.  But in his attempt to explain why he married Bobbie, he couldn't admit that he didn't love her.  And I think that's the thing that really floored Katherine--that he could marry where there wasn't love, and that his ruthlessness stretched into marriage.  She insists that she thinks the way he thinks--and I'd like to believe she does.  But she was too angry at his motivations for marrying Bobbie.  Or maybe she's simply angry that he's married?  That Bobbie is good for Nik?  Or was she simply angry that he wouldn't give her a straight answer--in her definition?

I applauded Stefan for taking Emily's lead and kissing Katherine.  ;)  That was a sexy kiss, and I liked it coming now, when Katherine was angry and aggressive, more than I would have liked it coming in the hospital scenes where she didn't know anything about him.  Like I've said before, I didn't like the way these two were thrown together, but I like them better now that they're established and real life concerns are taking over from the dreams and visions.  My only complaint now is that Katherine's character has been altered from what it was, and I don't think that can completely be explained by the accident, although I think they'd like that to be all the explanation necessary.  But I know there are many people out there who don't share these complaints and concerns.  Finally, all my concerns and wishes aside, given the situation as it's been created, this was a very nice scene, very well planned, written, and performed, and it gives me hope that this storyline will rise above it's questionable beginnings.

IV.  The Spencers

A.  Luke and Carly

Carly:  "I'd rather eat paint."
Luke:  "I don't think they have paint on the menu."

I had some cheese fries myself this weekend, and thought of Luke and all of you.  I must say that Carly's dislike of heaven's own food doesn't win her any points in my book, but I again loved the scenes with her and Luke this week.  We've already talked about the moments where we weren't sure if Tony Geary slipped in a little something to make her laugh or not--but their scenes were very entertaining, both as I watched the characters and the actors.

Carly:  "So why don't you relax?  Your sister's marriage is safe."
Luke:  "Don't you wish."

It's interesting to watch Luke trying to get information about Katherine and Stefan from the one person who doesn't want to believe there's anything to find, since that might harm her relationship with Tony, since it would leave Bobbie free to return to him.  As I said last week, it's funny to watch these two circle each other when it's clear they could be come very tight in the days to come.  I enjoyed Luke giving her directions on surveillance.  Carly's wrong to underestimate Luke, though, and to think he's already lost, or that he's powerless or pathetic against Stefan.  She doesn't have a clear picture of Stefan or his weaknesses--or of Luke.

Carly:  "I hurt your feelings.  Uncle Luke, I'm sorry.  Blackmail puts me in a bad mood."
Luke:  "That's OK, baby.  You didn't hurt my feelings.  And I'm sorry that you think our arrangement is blackmail.  I like to think of it as pure family.  Blood helping blood."

Carly's comments about Laura's leaving?  Just proves how well she doesn't know him, or them together.  But I loved the fact that she was willing to throw that in his face, and I the above exchange was great fun.  Luke's right.  She's gonna need him down the road, and she's lying that she's not worried about losing Tony.  In the same breath she says she'll never lose Tony, she says she'll do whatever it takes to keep him--meaning something will have to be done and things aren't set.  Luke comparing Carly with her mother was great.  They really are similar.  I was intrigued, as was Luke, to hear Carly list off the reasons Bobbie would want to marry Stefan.  Sometimes I doubt that she wants/wanted Tony for pure love, or rather he represents certain things to him.

Luke got a cell phone?  I guess so Laura can reach him.  This was the best moment of all, when Luke got on the phone and Carly took a puff off of his cigar.  She didn't do it in a cocky way--it was as if she was just curious.  Very cute, and I'd have liked to see a little reaction from Luke.  He was busy though, with the news of Bobbie's accident.

I wondered if Carly was worried more about Tony's possibly being hurt or that he was with Bobbie.

B.  Luke

Luke:  "Hi, baby sister."

Luke:  "I'm here, like always."

Luke:  "You do like irony, don't you."

Luke was very cute all worried about Bobbie, and I got an extra bonus on the hug patrol when he gave Tony a hug for saving his sister.  Very cute.  I would have liked a sweeter, calmer reunion between my favorite siblings (although the above greeting and their tentative smiles were very sweet), but they were actually completely in character.  Luke taking this moment to beg her to leave Stefan or admit her doubts and her refusing to admit she was wrong without proof--and in the face of Luke's demands.

At the same time, he might have held off a bit more if Stefan hadn't have shown up so soon.  The thing is, he's right about her reasons for going to the warehouse, and she knows it.  She just can't admit it yet.  I think she couldn't simply toss over Stefan without hearing his side of things, and I applaud that--even though I doubt her ability to see through his lies sometimes.  She's right that Stefan cares about her, and Luke's only wrong move was that he accused Stefan of starting that fire.  She might not have admitted anything to him, but that comment gave her the reason not to make any concessions to him at all.

Bobbie said she saw it start.  But I'm still remembering the sounds we heard right before the fire.  Was someone there?  There hasn't been any indication yet.  And the irony that Tony saved her, especially in the face of his absence--and presence at Katherine's--wasn't lost on Stefan.  And Luke knew it wouldn't be.

Luke:  "Haven't you ever heard of good cop/bad cop?"
Tony:  "Ya, who's the good cop?"
Luke:  "You are.  You showed up just in time."

Luke:  "Well, thank you for the advice, o wise choice-maker."

That was an interesting scene, though, with Stefan and Luke on either side of her.  Kind of like the angel/devil in so many cartoons--but this time there's no clear angel.  Tony's taking Luke out in the hall was a hoot, and Tony was right about Bobbie's stubborn nature.  At the same time, Luke does know Bobbie, and I'd bet he understands what she's doing and thinking right now better than we think--he just wants her safe and is willing to press things.

Carly:  "Everybody knows you excommunicated Bobbie when she married a Cassadine."
Luke:  "Excommunicated?  What am I, the Pope?"

Carly:  "I hate to disappoint you because you're such a sweetheart, but there just isn't any."

Luke's right.  Carly cares what happens to Bobbie, even though she won't admit it.  Funny that Carly writes off any possibility of anything but friendship between Katherine and Nik, when she's in a relationship with someone older.

Luke:  "Bobbie's in no mood for Tai Chi, moon puppy."

This was my absolute favorite line of the week.  HA!  Good for Nik that he didn't respond.

The shot of Carly watching Luke go after Stefan was nice, but the shot of Luke over Stefan's shoulder after Amy's line was great.  So calm and controlled--and all in black.  :)  I continue to find it interesting how softly Luke speaks since Laura's "death."

That was a very nice aside to the guy at the phones when Luke called Bennie about the printouts, and nice little bit on the phone with Bennie--as if he didn't recognize Luke.  You know, I like Bennie.  ;)  Have we ever seen him?  Funny shot of Luke tossing that printout off the elevator, too.  And I was so hoping that instead, it would reveal something that Stefan didn't mean for it to reveal.  That would have been great, Stefan handing Luke an in without realizing it.  But of course he's not that off his game.

Luke:  "I'm not scheduled, but I am inevitable."

Luke:  "Would he be dark brooding and underage, or just dark?"

Luke:  "I guess it was the wheel chair and that slight whiff of martyrdom that goes with it.  No, I realize, why should you be any less selfish and vain on wheels than you are on high heels."

Luke:  "Or maybe he's giving you more than the cow eyes.  I don't wanna think about that.  I just ate."

Luke's conversation with Katherine on Wednesday was great--so well written, and such good one-liners from Luke, of course.  He knows Katherine keeps tabs, and he knows there's something between them.  More than this, he has Bobbie down cold--that she'll doubt, that she'll question Katherine, that she'll leave him, eventually.  I loved that he was willing to cut such a bargain with Katherine, because the Katherine we know would seriously consider it, if not take it.  In fact, I would have liked to see her take it, just for kicks.  I know, she loves Stefan, and won't admit the truth.  And despite her protestations that no one would want her at this point, I think she does hope that he'll come running to her...again.  Nice touch, that Nik showed up so Luke could put two and two together as to the real reason she's keeping quiet, both about the shooting and about her love for him.  And I loved the contrast of Luke leaning in to her on the arms of her chair in this scene and Stefan doing the same--for different reasons--later in the week.

Luke:  "You wanna search me?"
Katherine:  "No thank you."

(I was so hoping he was taking volunteers at this point....<g>)

C.  Carly and Tony

She was frustrated that Tony wouldn't go home with her, and I think his adrenaline excuse for not going with her was a lie.  I think he didn't want to leave Bobbie.  Carly's responses to Bobbie's treatment and to the way people love her seems reasonable and realistic, but I don't know why she persists in slamming Bobbie to Tony's face.

Tony:  "You're still here."
Carly:  "Ya, Luke and I were just having this real interesting conversation."
Luke:  "Speak for yourself.  Heh, heh.  I like to tease her."

Tony and Stefan were impressively calm and non-confrontational through all of this.  Must be strange to have all the Cassadines complimenting him.

Strange combination of Carly and Nik together, too.  I'd actually like to see more of them, since Nik praises Bobbie to the high heavens as his mother figure and Carly is her rejected child.  This may be the reason she insists on seeing him as a child.

The thing that will split Carly and Tony up is that after they have these little tiffs, he says a few sweet nothings and she's happy and they never address the reasons they argue.

Luke's reaction to Carly after her visit to Bobbie was interesting.  He assured her that she was a Spencer, and I think that was supposed to be a comfort.

D.  Lucky

That was a nice combination of Carly and Lucky on Wednesday.  I'd like to see more of them together--cousins that they are.  :)  Moonpuppy...er...Nik was very gracious with Lucky, and vice versa.  When they're civil, I have hope.  But Nik immediately brought up the letter from Lesley, and I'd like to think it was because it was common ground, rather than that he was throwing it in his face.

The scenes with Lucky and Bobbie were fantastic.  His worrying about the family being split up all over the place, his gentle reprimand to Bobbie about trying harder, etc.  She says she can't do anything about Luke and herself, but Lucky's example of him and Lulu was a very nice touch.  Thing is, Bobbie believes there's all of this wrong between Luke and that he's so far from her, but I don't think he is.  She just doesn't realize it.

Lucky:  "I blame the Cassadines.  But I blame us too.  Can't we do better than this?"

Despite his hatred of the Cassadines, Lucky can still believe in family, and hopes that they can all get back together.  I like that about the Spencers--that they can love each other through anything.

Lucky:  "If there's anybody that understand you it's me."

I also loved Lucky reprimanding his father.  I love that they have a relationship where he can do that, and I love that he listens to his son.  Scary when the kid speaks more reasonably than the adults do.  The scene with Lucas was sweet and sad.  The look on Luke's face showed me that Lucky's concerns had gotten through, at least a little bit.

V.  The Cassadines

A.  Bobbie

We've criticized Bobbie on ratsa already for not making more of an effort to get out, for getting to the farthest point in the room to make her rescue more difficult, etc.  But I think the smoke and flame were thickest at the door, since that's where the fire started.  Aside from that, I don't like another woman-as-victim plot, even though it did serve as a wake-up call to Stefan about getting his house in order--or attempting to.

Tony, of course, asked where she was and went after her--something I don't fault Carly for wondering about.  He needed to talk to her, but was probably worried about her as well.  Now we've had the scenes with the two of them together, not fighting, and that touching of hands.  As I said, I don't fault Carly for worrying--but I do wonder that she didn't remember his birthday.  At least they explained why Tony showed up right on cue.

I was glad to see that Bobbie didn't take her condition as an excuse not to talk to Stefan.  She was determined to talk about things, and she didn't let him out of it.  But she didn't admit she doesn't trust him, she simply said she needed answers.  Yet she can't get them from Stefan, and has to go behind his back.  I'm glad she confronted him about that too, and how hard it is for her to deal with.  Nice that she admits Luke makes "a demented kind of sense" about the fire, if not about the possibility that Stefan could have set it.  Would anybody else want Lesley's records destroyed?

Bobbie wouldn't even admit to Tony that her doubts about Stefan, or his refusal to give her answers, was the thing that put her in danger, but she was right that she put herself in danger by stupidly going out there at night by herself.  Ok, so she didn't admit that last bit, but I'll put it in for good measure.  :)  Their scene proved to me that Bobbie wouldn't have admitted anything to Luke if he had used an easier touch, though.  She refused to even admit the slightest doubt to Tony.

The scene between Bobbie and Carly was really nice.  When I initially reacted to this scene, I was very positive.  Bobbie did what she did for Lucas, and I applaud her trying to make the peace.  But she was condescending, and not only about the perfume.  I was glad to see her making an effort though, and I applaud her all the same.  Mostly, I was glad to see her acknowledge that this might be, in part, a reaction to Stefan and her relationship from Lucas.

B.  Stefan

I don't think it was lost on Stefan that he was with Katherine when the news of Bobbie's accident reached him (he was cute with Ms. Lansbury on the phone--poor lady).  He did a very good job of being distant in his conversation with Katherine that day, although he told her he couldn't see her with either Mac or Edward.  He was willing to remain aloof if it meant she'd take the job.  He very easily wrote off Bobbie's concerns, and I think the phone call and the accident really woke him up about Bobbie.

People on ratsa and Tony criticized Stefan for not leaving a number for his wife.  Of course he was easily found, once they had called the house.  And wouldn't she have his cell-phone number?  That's how Ms. Lansbury reached him, so it wasn't turned off of something like that.

Tony's dismissal of Stefan, Stefan's thanks, and then Stefan watching Bobbie and Tony together were all to be expected, but very subtle and well done.

Stefan's assertion that Bobbie didn't trust him?  I don't think it was a passive aggressive move to get her to deny it.  I think he was just speaking plainly.  And I believe him that he didn't set that fire.

Amy:  "Imagine, a husband who gives her lots of stuff."
Luke:  "Who said money can't buy you love."

The most fun scene all week was with Amy and Stefan (doesn't that sound nice?).  He truly is going overboard, I think.  Overcompensation?  He then proceeded to hand Luke proof that he didn't start the fire.  Strange that he felt that he needed to prove himself to Luke.  Because despite what he later told Alexis, he knows that Luke's the one person that could get through to Bobbie?  But why did he even assume Luke would believe the printouts?

We got Amy and Stefan again on Wednesday.  I loved that he just stood there and took it from her without a comment as to her attitude.

Stefan:  "It's not a choice, Alexis.  It's a necessity."

Stefan was newly determined to sever his connection to Katherine, so Bobbie and Alexis wouldn't have any more room to doubt.  It took him long enough.  And I'd bet it's too late to start worrying about Bobbie now.  Hopefully not too late for the family plan...whatever it is.  I love that Alexis immediately jumps to the legal outlook and asks him for an alibi.

Thing is, despite Stefan's analysis of Luke's scene with Bobbie, and despite his assurance that she chose him and she loves him, I still think he's not completely assured of her, or he wouldn't be putting his house in order.  I like that he intended to keep Barbara and Nik and the family together and give up the compromise of Katherine.  But like I said, I think we're far beyond the point where he can make that choice.

Stefan wrote off his appearance at Katherine's as business, and Nik was so excited by Katherine going back to work that he didn't stop to question it.  And probably there was no reason for him to, since he knew of the offer.  But the seeds are sown.

Stefan resisted admitting that the canceled job offer was about Bobbie--I was wondering if he was going to give Alexis' hiring freeze reason.  I was glad he recognized Luke's influence, not so he could repudiate him, but so he knows Katherine does hear what he has to say, even if she wants to verify the information.

C.  Alexis

Alexis and Nik were cute on Tuesday.  She worries about him, and I like that--and she knows he's fueling his desire to help Katherine with his confidence that Luke's the one to blame.  Bad slip up, the way she assumed he had heard about the fire.

Alexis:  "Well, as long as you keep yourself amused."

Alexis:  "Normal routine.  What exactly does that mean?"
Kevin:  "I haven't the foggiest."

Kevin and Alexis were pretty fun, as usual.  While Ned and Alexis have a lot in common as far as family goes, it seems Kevin and Alexis share this practical outlook on life in the face of all the weirdness around them.  I like them.  I didn't get Kevin's joke about Bobbie either.  Their conversation about Stefan's willingness to give people a second chance and Kevin's sharing his anniversary with Alexis were very interesting.

They stepped up the hints on Alexis' secret connection with that phone call on Tuesday.  Without giving away any spoilers, I'd assume this was the same person she was writing to last week, and find it interesting that she'd write a letter out in the open but didn't want the person to call her there.

I love watching Alexis taking care of Stefan, both with familial concerns and business and legal possibilities.

Alexis:  "Family comes first, that's what we always say.  We used to ask ourselves why.  We don't do that anymore, so I guess we must have gotten an answer somewhere along the line."
Stefan:  "Did we."
Alexis:  "When I remember what it was, I'll write it down for future reference."

Another Stefan-kiss for Alexis.  I just adore them together.  But then she calls this strange someone immediately.  I don't know why she thinks she spoke so soon, or about what.

D. Nikolas

He claims to feel sorry for Katherine, but we all know it's more than that.  The thing is, Alexis should know that he won't take well to anyone asking him to spend less time with Katherine.  He's right.  She was his friend before, and I applaud his loyalty.  He ran off to see Bobbie, which I expected, but I also expect him to wonder about what Alexis said about Bobbie searching the records.  I hope they don't drop that one after Bobbie gets home.

Nik was very sweet with Bobbie.  Cute.  I liked that Bobbie was the one to let slide that Stefan still visits Katherine some.

Who knew the paparazzi flew over Wyndemere?  Ha!  Nik was good with Emily, both about their high-profile families and after that kiss.  I was glad he made her stay and talk, and that he assured her she had done nothing wrong.  I also laughed at the sigh he gave after she left--as if it was glad it was over.  I wish she had believed him that he knew exactly how she felt, that he had kissed someone that same way.

VI.  Lucy and Kevin

The week opened with Lucy's reaction to Kevin's painting and his lack of sleep before his first day working for Stefan.  Although Kevin claimed he had only paid close attention to her description of her vision, I'd bet we're supposed to be a little worried too that he painted Lucy's vision with such detail.

I think that both Lucy and Kevin are right.  I don't think she sees him plainly any more.  I think she sees all these things about him along with her fears and worries.  And he is different, though I don't see that he's changed as much as we're supposed to think he has.  But she's right too.  He passes things off sometimes without enough worry.

Lucy took off and talked to Gail about Kevin again.  I think Gail finally came up with the right solution--couples counseling--and I think that Lucy's willingness to do it really speaks volumes (both she and Brenda anxious about therapy but going anyway this week).  I also think that it's good that Lucy's realizing that Kevin has changed and leaving behind the illusion that things can be exactly the way they were.  I found it strange, a bit, that she would be worried that Kevin would leave her, but she thinks he has been acting strange, and has been suspicious of Alexis--for that reason?

Kevin's desire to be busy and be working again is one of the main reasons he keeps plowing through Lucy's concerns, I think.  He certainly was edgy to get on with it at the Cassadines'.  But I think that was also because of what day it was--the anniversary of Ryan's death.

When they both returned to the house, Kevin seemed cold, and not just because of the returned letter, I thought.  Understandable, but at this point, I was expecting him to tell Lucy what day it was.  At the same time, she was lying to him again because she didn't tell him she had been talking to Gail.  Lucy claimed the letter wasn't a secret, but she lied to him about whom she was writing when he asked.  That was a painful fight to watch, and I was struck by the difference between Bobbie searching for information that Stefan doesn't tell her and Lucy searching for info about Kevin.  This was more painful, because these two love each other--and because of the real reason Kevin jumped to the assumption that she was trying to end things and to control him.

The most painful moment was not when he compared her to Stefan Cassadine, but when she admitted she was scared and he threw it back in her face.  On his side, I think all of his reactions were completely in line with what he's going through.  The both of them are having such realistic and justifiable pains and worries and fears--and I can see both sides.

Mac came in only to let Lucy know what day it was, really.  But it was good to see him there for Kevin.  I hoped we'd get a scene between the two of them later, but I think we've passed that.

I was glad to see both Kevin and Lucy regret the argument though, and so quickly afterwards, and I was glad to see Kevin able to share some of this with Gail.  I was sad to see Lucy beat herself up over it, though, and it was sweet of her to try not to bring it up.  Their apologies were very sweet.

Kevin:  "I wonder if there's a greeting card.  You know, 'Thinking of you on the anniversary of the day your killer twin burned to a crisp.'"

The anniversary was certainly the prime reason for their fight, but I hope they don't write off their troubles because of the date and not address them.  Kevin's litany of Lucy's inconsistencies was a hoot--especially when it moved into a reminder of her trapeze act.

I laughed when Kevin said he was following Lucy's lead in trying different things.  Lucy, however, wants him to choose something, while I think Kevin kind of likes the up-in-the-airness of his life right now, even as he complains about it.

Julia (in her grand re-entrance on ratsa) suggested that Kevin was being passive aggressive in his answers to Lucy lately, but I thought his gesture of letting her redecorating the house was a very nice, obvious answer to her questions about whether he wants her there.  At least now we know that's the "sitting room."  I like the way they're writing the set changes into the new soap--but I hope they don't change the front room of the lighthouse beyond recognition.  I like it!

That was a very nice love scene with the two of them on Thursday.  I liked it very much.  :)  I liked the song--no ordinary love, indeed.  Who sings that song?

Kevin:  "Well I know something better than a surprise...two surprises."

I like that Kevin was willing to let that drop (so to speak) to talk to Brenda.  I was very excited when I realized that these two would have scenes together, and I wasn't disappointed.  Kevin was wonderful with Brenda, gently guiding her, not letting her off the hook, comforting, funny.  I'm glad we still get to see this side of Kevin.