**The Week in Review: April 14 - April 18**

I.  Brenda

A.  The Letter to Sonny

Brenda:  "Dear Sonny, I know you don't understand what I'm doin', and I'm not sure I do either.  I just know it's right.  When I'm in the same room with you I get more confused than I am already.  I can't think clearly or say what I need to in a way that makes sense.  So I'm gonna try to write it down.  When we said we loved each other and when we made love, it meant everything to me.  And it's true that I love you.  And want you.  But I keep getting swept away when I'm with you and I don't make decisions and things just don't happen...the right way.  And right now if I'm gonna kick this pill habit and figure out what I'm doing with my life I have to make decisions, and I have to be in control of myself.  And that's hard enough for me to do any time but impossible for me to do right now when I'm around you.  So, this is about me struggling to break an addiction, but it's also about a lot more.  And that's what I really need for you to understand.  I don't know what kind of pain I was trying to hide by taking those pills after my hip stopped hurting.  I don't know what I'm trying not to feel.  I know that sometimes I'm so scared of being me that I'd do anything not to be.  To just run away from myself.  But I've kinda figured out I've never been able to get that far.  I always end up stuck with myself again.  I really have to do this.  Without you.  Without Jax.  Without anybody.  You can't make it better or easier for me no matter how hard you want to, and I can't even wish you could right now.  Because I'm so sick to death of quick fixes and so tired of finding the same old Brenda at the end of every road.  I don't know how long it'll be before I can look into your eyes again and not lose myself and disappear.  But when I can, you'll know it's a whole new person standing in front of you.  Maybe you won't even like her anymore.  I hope I will.  Wish me luck.  Wish me strength.  Love, Brenda"

I thought this was a beautiful letter, very honest and very straightforward.  I actually didn't mind that we heard it again on Monday, for the benefit of those who might have missed it the first time around (now if we hear it again, I might mind).  I liked that Brenda was as honest with Sonny about why she needed to be alone as she was with Jax.

The things I didn't like about this letter?  First, the fact that she can't sit down with Sonny and tell him these things while she can with Jax.  I think it's because Sonny won't let her simply speak her mind without putting his own read on the situation, unlike Jax, but it also makes it seem that Brenda can't control herself around Sonny but she can around Jax--meaning that the passion is stronger with Sonny.  Second, my ongoing complaint about this is that she's told both men that she's going to be with them again after she gets things under control, and has reminded neither of them that she might choose the other one.  They know that, but I'd like to see her admit that.  Right now, she's stringing them both along, and neither one knows (or admits, rather) that the other one's being strung along too.

Finally, I applaud Brenda for going off by herself and getting her act together.  It's something she's needed to do for a long time.  I hope, however, that they continue to give Sonny and Jax interesting storylines apart from her.  I think they're doing a good job so far, because Sonny's off with the various musketeers to nail Dorman, while Jax is working on the ELQ takeover threat.

B.  With Miranda

Miranda:  "...that he was perfectly willing to let you do that and wait with open arms until you got back."
Brenda:  "Right, and you'd wait with open arms just in case I didn't.  Miranda, who do you think you're kidding?"

Miranda was very fake as she entered the room on Monday, telling Brenda that she was happy for Jax's sake that she was back.  Brenda didn't buy it.  Smart cookie.  Instead, she knew Miranda was rubbing Jax's pain in her face, and she knew that Robin wouldn't tell this to Miranda, but that she overheard.  She asked Miranda why she was there, and Miranda said she had nothing to worry about, that Jax was loyal to her.  I was so happy that Brenda called her on it.

Miranda:  "I just thought you might like to know how loving and supportive Jax was.  He adores you, Brenda, and he trusts you.  And he is perfectly willing to spend the rest of his life with you.  And here you are, all spaced out, I guess, ready to get back to your life together as if nothing has happened."
Brenda:  "And here you are at our door at the first sign of trouble like a vulture."

Miranda:  "But we both want what's best for Jax."
Brenda:  "No, I don't think that's true either.  I honestly want Jax to be happy, and you just want Jax, even though you've never had the decency or the honesty to just be straight out about it."

Again, I wanted to slap Miranda for speaking out about things when she doesn't have all the facts.  I loved that Brenda didn't set her straight and tell her she was on her way out, rather than on her way in.  I didn't like Miranda's crack about Brenda's drug use, and I take back what I said on ratsa about her possibly feeling sorry if she knew she had driven Brenda to want another pill.  She doesn't care at all what Brenda's going through.  And she's willing to tell Jax exactly what she knows, even if it will hurt him.  Anything to get him away from Brenda.  But now I wonder if she really thinks Jax would come back to her, or if the only point now is to defeat Brenda, all in the name of protecting Jax.

I agree with Brenda.  Miranda never spoke out about what she really wanted, and she blew her chance.  And now, she's speaking out alright, but she's doing it in duplicitous and vindictive ways.  I'm losing all sympathy for her really quickly--and I'm wondering if that's not the point of the way tptb are writing her.  She was set up as a very sympathetic character at first, but now that she's on her way out, they give her spunk, but they also make her mean-spirited, so we won't be sad to see her go?

Miranda:  "You know, I don't know who the hell you think you are, talking about honesty and decency after what you've done."

Brenda admitted that she had done so many things she wasn't proud of in her life that Miranda would have to be more specific than this, but Miranda didn't tell Brenda that she knew about Brenda's sex with Sonny.  I was surprised, at first, but it makes sense.  Miranda didn't want to play her trump card yet; she wants to keep that information in reserve.  If she had told Brenda, Brenda might have found a way to get around it with Jax, either lie to him or warn him Miranda was lying.  Though I don't think Brenda would do that at this point, it's not out of the question that she would do such a thing.  Besides, she's a tad desperate right now.

Brenda set Miranda straight about her relationship with Jax, and I think Brenda was right on all counts.  While Miranda had a couple of good points about the way Brenda has brought Jax trouble, it's nothing Brenda and Jax don't already know and haven't already discussed between them.  Finally, Miranda seems a little behind the times, spouting accusations that are outdated and which Jax and Brenda have already dealt with, for the most part.  Finally, I was on Brenda's side completely in these scenes because of Miranda's methods.

Brenda:  "But you know what, Miranda, I really have to tell you that even if that happens?  I don't think Jax is gonna come back to you.  I don't think he loves you like that anymore.  He loves me."
Miranda:  "Well God help him."

Bravo!  Someone finally told Miranda what I've been saying all this time!  :)  But after Miranda stormed out, Brenda dove into the suitcase for her pills, forcing herself not to take one.  I really felt for her, and admired Vanessa's performance, because although she appeared strong with Miranda, and Miranda may have bought it to some degree, the vulnerability was always right there under the surface.

C.  The Letter From Sonny

She pulled herself together after Miranda's visit and went to say goodbye to Jax.  That was indeed strange, because while they say they're not, they sure feel like they're broken up.  I loved Brenda telling him that Miranda had come by and wanted him.

When Brenda got back to her room, she went into the bathroom with her pills, and I really thought she was going to take another one.  Instead, she called her drug counselor and set up an appointment.  And I was proud.  I did notice, however, that she told the lady it was "Brenda Barrett" on the phone.  I wonder if she's going to refer to herself by her maiden name with everyone.

Jason showed up with Sonny's letter at this point, and asked after her.  I'm glad he's there to keep an eye on her, even if Sonny has to stay away.

Sonny:  "Brenda, Um...I'm not good at this kind of thing, and you're right, I don't really get it, what you say you have to do.  But if this is the way you want it, then that's the way it'll be.  If you need anything, just find Jason.  He'll see you get it.  Sonny."

Several things about this letter struck me: first, no "dear" before Brenda, and no "love" before Sonny.  He kept all endearments, anything that would refer to their emotions, out of it.  While he did say he didn't understand, he didn't pressure her to make a decision or tell her she was making a bad choice.  Finally, he said she should find Jason, keeping himself out of the offer for help.  I was pleased to see that he's intending to keep her request so literally, and I was glad to see her smile at it.  She knew he wasn't being cold or angry, but that he was doing as she asked.

II.  Sonny and Co.

A.  Sonny

When Sonny read (reread?) Brenda's letter on Monday, he almost went over to see her, but didn't.  I liked that little deliberation, myself, because it showed Sonny acting against impulse.  I do applaud him for trying to give her what she wants, even if he doesn't think it's what she needs.

<Digression>Two things entertained me in this scene: 1) that he had to ask Joseph what hotel Brenda was at, and 2) that he actually said "Forget about it."  Now, anyone who's seen Donnie Brasco knows why this made me smile.  In that movie, all the gangsters say that phrase over and over, and DB has to explain it to his FBI Buddies.  Add to that the local radio ads in my town that have the car salesmen talking like a New York gangster and saying "Forget about it" every two sentences (it actually just came on!), and you may understand how hard I laughed when Sonny used that phrase.</Digression>

People got irritated with all the letters this week, but I actually smiled when I saw Sonny writing a letter.  It struck me as funny, somehow.  The actual letter, though, spoke volumes, especially in contrast to Brenda's.  I noticed most of all that he didn't sign off with love.

Sonny:  "It's called duty."
Jason:  "Ya?"
Sonny:  "A feeling you have towards people you don't particularly like but have an obligation to look out for 'em anyway."
Jason:  "That's it.  Well.  Wish me luck, 'cause I have no idea what I'm doin'."

On Thursday, Sonny showed up at Monica's front door to ask about Dorman.  Such a contrast to the last time he was there; this time he was so gracious.  ;)  He was sweet to offer his help, and it was a little weird to see him and Jason meet up outside the Quartermaine house.

B.  Jason

Jason:  "Don't mess it up anymore."

Jason handled A.J.'s drunken anger pretty well on Monday, ignoring him and making sure Keesha was alright.  I was proud that he didn't get angry and add to the trouble, but that he realized A.J. isn't in any condition to make logical sense, and that he doesn't need any more anger directed at him.

Jason:  "Keesha's smart, but she doesn't seem to know when people are conning her, and when she finds out she gets mad at herself instead of them.  What's up?"
Sonny:  "Maybe it's a woman thing."

Jason came back to the penthouse and filled Sonny in on Taggert and Keesha, as well as A.J.  While Jason keeps his mouth shut throughout scenes like the ones with Keesha and A.J., you know all these things are running through his head, because he then goes and asks Sonny or Robin about them.  The above line just cracked me up!  Sonny reminded him also to tell Keesha not to let on that she knows anything about Taggert--I wonder if we'll get that scene sometime, when she tells Taggert what little she knows?  I don't think he'll let her off the hook this easily.

I laughed at the interchange after this, with Jason and Sonny passing off paperwork--Sonny's letter and the photo of Dorman.  It was so like a progress meeting or something, all their back and forth about the various things that were going on.  And now they have the connection between Jax and Dorman to figure out.

Jason:  "After the trial I acted like I had you all figured out, but nobody has anybody all figured out."

On Wednesday, Jason showed up at the nurses' station to chat with Rebecca Chase.  I suppose he was there to keep his presence seen, but I thought it was interesting that he also seemed to be in charming mode with her.  That's a good tact--it puts her off her guard.  Nice cuts from character to character here.  We went from this pair to Dorman, who got stopped by Alexis, back to Amy and Dorman, back to Alexis on the phone.

Jason:  "If I find out you had anything to do with leaking the story...I will kill you."

As Jason watched the news and the story of A.J., he figured out that Dorman was the one that leaked the story.  He's definitely got Dorman's number.  I was amused, however, about how Dorman smoothed the above line over with Audrey; he's got to know Jason means it, and has got to have begun thinking that he's in over his head with Sonny and Jason.

Alan:  "Jason, there isn't a person in this room that hasn't given your brother the benefit of the doubt."
Jason:  "Ya, and from what I can see it didn't do him a whole lot of good."

I loved that when Jason showed up, he just walked in and took control, knowing exactly where to call and even coming up with the idea to call Keesha--why did no one think of that before?  And I loved him telling Edward what's what about Sonny--and the Qs what's what about A.J.  And while Monica was worried about him leaving, he was only concerned about finding A.J.

C.  Mike

I really liked Mike in the A.J. and Keesha scenes on Monday as well.  He makes a good bartender, watching out for potential scenes and offering protection from drunken idiots if it's needed.  ;)  I loved Mike dealing with A.J. and his threats at the end of Monday.

III.  Dorman

A.  With Jax

Jax:  "You want me to sell dirty pictures for you?"

Jax:  "Well, I, strictly speaking, don't operate.
Dorman:  "That's alright.  I do."

Dorman:  "So I'm sorry we couldn't do business.  I hope you'll live to regret it."
Jax:  "I don't deal in regrets."
Dorman:  "Oh, well in that case I guess you won't mind picking up the tab."

The whole "I want to sell art" thing doesn't wash with me.  After this scene on Monday, I was left wondering what Dorman actually wanted with Jax, or, if it was to sell art and reinvest the profits, what his motives really were.  I liked watching Jax tell him off for Monica's sake, though it was a strange choice of champions, in some way.

B.  In the News

Dorman was, of course, irate about the story when he saw it in the paper.  And he blamed Monica directly, rather than thinking it was anyone else's idea.  Nice cut later in the episode from Edward and Alan talking about the celebration and Dorman getting a taste of his own medicine to Dorman making his next move.

Dorman:  "Did your parents teach you anything?"

Dorman:  "How stupid are you?  Why do you think I wanted the diary in the first place?  To underline all the little sexy parts?"

That was one weird scene with Matt and Dorman.  Matt was mouthing off like he wasn't in the room with the big drug lord of PC.  Somehow I don't think he'd just make himself at home.  And this was the most bothersome thing of the week.  They confirmed that Matt's been feeding Dorman info about the Qs, but they didn't explain how he got the diary out of the house for Dorman to copy.  At least Dorman got to tell that Matt kid off.  And who knew Matt was a psychoanalyst?

Dorman:  "Where did Jason Quartermaine go?  Nurse Vining?"
Amy:  "I guess you don't know.  They only pay me to watch the patients."

You go girl!  I notice also that he calls Jason by the Quartermaine surname.  It's always interesting to watch who calls whom by which name: the Quartermaines and Jason, Sonny and Brenda, Miranda, etc.

Dorman:  "Look, I will not be harassed this way."
Jason:  "Which way would you like to be harassed?"

Looks like Jason's presence is having the desired effect.  Dorman may have scored a minor point in irritating Jason by pushing that news broadcast in his face, but I think he knows he's got trouble.  At the same time, on Thursday he got a call from someone about the drugs.

IV.  The Quartermaines

A.  Monica and Alan

Alan:  "You wanna go someplace else?
Monica:  "Not on your life."

Alan:  "We could have him removed bodily.  I'll volunteer."

Alan:  "What I want they don't have on the menu."
Lila:  "What's that, dear."
Alan:  "Dorman's head on a plate."

Alan:  "Well, with any luck that could be us someday."
Monica:  "Well if that's the case I guarantee you'll be the one in the chair."
Alan:  "Ya, and you'll bet he one who put me there."

 I loved that Monica wouldn't leave the grill simply because Dorman was there.  She was worried over Emily and A.J., and called the house.  When Alan tried to comfort her about Emily being smart enough to take care of herself, we had a nice series of cuts, first to Emily and Matt, and then to Dorman's beeper going off.

Alan keeps writing off Emily's lateness and behavior with various reasons, and lucky for her she keeps managing to show up in good enough condition not to excite too much attention.  At the same time, their horror at A.J.'s appearance was justified and understandable.  Maybe someone would fault them for being embarrassed, but I was embarrassed for them.

Lila:  "Oh, that boy could always charm the birds right out of the trees."
Edward: "And the young ladies right out of the..."
Lila:  "Edward."

We cut from Emily bemoaning the fact that nothing good ever happens at home to Monica getting the good news about the newspaper story on Dorman.  Her reaction at the headline was great fun.  While I was glad to see Katherine give credit to Ned for charming the story out of the girl, I was appalled that Stefan directed all the attention back to her without even a word to Alexis.  I'm glad, however, that Stefan is supporting Monica.

Monica:  "We are having what might be construed as a warm moment in this family, and I'm not going to let you or anyone else disrupt it."

Good for her.

Alan:  "Don't you ever get tired of letting him make us feel that it's all out fault that he's a drunk?"

Good for him.  He's completely right about the way A.J. plays his mother.  At the same time, I'm glad to see Monica stick up for him and see the good in what he's done.

B.  Lila and Edward

Lila:  "Edward, do you hear what they're playing?"
Alan:  "Oh, that's a golden oldie."
Lila:  "So is your father, dear."

It was nice to see Lila and Edward at the Grill with Monica and Alan on Monday.  I adore Lila.  She asked after Brenda with Jax, who didn't give any indication that they weren't living together anymore.  It was a cute interchange, nonetheless.

I also liked Edward's offer to get Katherine a better wheelchair.  I suppose she keeps the old one because she's optimistic that she'll walk again soon.

Edward:  "Didn't I tell you she was one smart cookie?  Now, before any of you feminists want to tar and feather me, I meant that as a sincere compliment."

Edward can call me one smart cookie any time.  :)

Edward:  "Nobody drags a member of this family through the mud and gets away with it."

C.  Emily

Matt:  "Well, advance notice helps, Em.  Maybe I could have scored before I got here."
Emily:  "What was I supposed to do, leave it on your message machine?"

In the meantime, Emily was out in the alley with Matt trying to "score some H."  Just a note: I love the way Emily sometimes uses all the hip slang and then other times is completely in the dark about what things are or how things work.  Matt said he'd call his source, and voila, Dorman's beeper went off.  Emily was left with no drugs, and went in to face her family unaided.

I thought she did a good thing, though, telling Alan and Monica that she felt that she couldn't talk about certain things, or didn't know who she could say what in front of.

She was understandably distressed when A.J. showed up drunk.  I just wanted him to stay away from her.

Emily:  "I mean, if I've learned anything from living here it's that people believe what they want to believe.  Take Alan and Monica.  Please."

Emily is convinced that her family doesn't see her problem, and that they'll never noticed.  I was glad to see that she was having qualms about the drugs, but I was sad to see her so down about her family.

We had Emily's voiceover as she was writing in the diary at this point.  People have been complaining about all the writing and voiceovers and such on the show lately.  I'm willing to forgive a bit, because I know what's going on backstage, so to speak.  But I actually think the writing/voiceovers work.  In a world (a soap world) where writing things down causes major trouble (just see where Em's diary has gotten Monica), these people are putting things down on record.  That's a big deal, and it makes a thematic statement about several of the storylines, actually.  People want things on the record and out in the open.  Well, most people.  ;)

At the end of Tuesday, Emily wrote that it was good to see people smile.  Little did she know what was happening downstairs.  And at the end of Wednesday, she was left wondering whether it was her fault the newspaper story got out.  Quick turnaround.

Matt was surprisingly concerned for Emily and the trouble in her family and even concerned that he would be accused of hurting her.  Very self-aware, for him.  She wanted drugs, however, not a shoulder to cry on.  He hooked her up with several different things, including PCP, and in a kind of cliché but still realistic move, she thought she could fly and went out on the roof.  Ned and Jax intervened, and the cliffhanger on Friday was her hanging off the roof (negated, of course, by the "next week on GH" scenes).

I have to say that Amber put in an outstanding performance in these scenes, as she did in the beginning of "next week's" episodes.

D.  A.J.

I still don't understand why we had that little scene of A.J. misunderstanding Keesha and Jason together.  I assume it was to show us the depths to which A.J. delusions go when he's drunk.  He certainly was a pig, calling Keesha "my girl" and snapping at Jason and Mike, then declaring his sobriety that day to her in a tone of blame and anger.

Keesha:  "If you truly believe that, you're in big trouble."
A.J.:  "Oh I get it, you never really loved me."

Keesha:  "You are not heading for that bar thinking I sent you there."

When A.J. and Keesha sat down to talk on Monday, I was glad Keesha spoke her mind, but her tone was all wrong, I thought, especially in her "Hallelujah, good for you" line.  She spewed as much anger or more as A.J. did when he came in.  A.J. continued to place the blame on others, and told Keesha that she was the reason for whatever sobriety he had.  Good for Keesha for standing up for herself and for telling him that it was his own choice and his own responsibility.

Alan:  "Do you have to do this?"
A.J.:  "Uh...yes."

I don't know why A.J. chose to go to see his family at the Grill and make it worse at this point.  He was completely obnoxious, and he left as quickly as he showed up.  The whole scene seemed extraneous to me.

A.J.:  "What kind of question is that?"
Justus:  "Blunt, direct, and I'd appreciate an answer in kind."
A.J.:  "I'd think that my answer would be obvious."
Justus:  "Well, you'd be wrong."

Justus:  "What the hell kind of passive aggressive crap is that?"

On Tuesday, A.J. met with Justus, and I applauded Justus' handling of the situation.  He said the things I've been yelling at the screen for days now.  No blame given, no qualms about taking responsibility for A.J.'s condition, simply the straight truth with little mention of A.J.'s condition.  And since Justus doesn't play the guilt game with A.J., A.J.'s left facing the truth.  Little wonder (I love that new Bowie song) A.J. finally listened.

Like Alan, however, I didn't buy that it would stick.  I was torn, in the middle of the week, between being convinced of A.J.'s good intentions and feeling sorry for him and wanting to slap him for bringing this on his family.  He made a convincing speech at the Q breakfast on Tuesday, and I think he did actually intend to face the mess he had made.  I was so pleased to see him apologize to Emily, and I was glad he finally got to tell the truth to Lila, because she's the one person who really will love him unconditionally no matter what he does with very little trouble.

Ned:  "I'm sure A.J. will be seen shouldering his martyr's cross on the evening news, while the rest of us look like a pack of perjurers.  I'd like to recommend facials for everyone for our next televised courtroom appearance."

Monica:  "Maybe he's right.  Maybe this was something he needed to do."
Alan:  "Maybe he's just a self-involved fool."

A.J.'s declaration that he was going to AA made me laugh, since he's lambasted them time and time again in the past few weeks.  Sick humor, I know.  But before he could get to the meeting, he was met at the door by the press.  At first, he wasn't going to answer their questions, but when Ned showed up, he decided to tell.  Ned stepped in and took responsibility, but when the press kept pushing, A.J. told the truth.  I think he did it for all the wrong reasons: to show up Ned and to make himself feel better.  While I know this was the right thing for him to do at the time, I still can't help seeing Alan, Ned, and Edward's point of view.  He did this almost recklessly, without thinking of how it would effect the rest of his family.  Monica is determined, however, to support him, and I see her point of view too.  The thing is, I sympathize with all the people around him, but I feel little for A.J. himself.

Justus:  "Well, I'm beginning to realize I wasn't being all that generous.  I forced it on you."

The most interesting thing about this is the idea that A.J. was trying to be Jason because he was responsible for Jason's death.  I think the family, whether they want to own up to it or not, pressured him into that position, just as the pressure Jason Morgan into that position.  At the same time, A.J.'s got to deal with himself, rather than placing the blame elsewhere as he continued to do even after this all hit the fan.

I think Alan's wrong about how this will effect Jason.  I agree with the idea that Jason will handle this better than anyone else.

A.J.:  "Don't ever ask me to prove I love you again.  You will be disappointed."

Jason:  "Well you let me see if I can make it a little easier for you.  I hereby absolve you of any further responsibility to me or my so-called life.  But you make sure you have a good one."

While the rest of the family tried to figure out how the truth about the accident leaked to the press, A.J. went to see Keesha, who let him in despite his ultimatums.  She immediately thought he was accusing her, which said more than enough for me.  They can't go on like this, and I was glad to see them break up, mean as that may sound.

Keesha:  "You know, part of the reason I'm so furious with him is because I miss him so much."

Keesha and Dara had a fairly nice chat afterwards, but I really don't have anything to say about it.  I'm glad she had someone to talk to.

A.J., on the other hand, went to Jason's, but Jason was at the Qs.  It was interesting to see someone else react to Jason's room, other than Robin.  We had a really nice montage of old scenes of the brothers, and it struck me for the very first time how much the accident hurt A.J. and how much he carries it with him.  He left the room right before Jason called, leaving a note for him at the bar downstairs, where he set out to get good and drunk.

A.J. and Carly met up over vodka, and one bad thing led to another.  The scenes of the mutual seduction were so painful to watch, but well performed, I thought.  They were both so needy, so desperate for someone to make them forget.  She told her stories, and he comforted her, all the while trying to get her into bed.  Such a false comfort, and the both bought it so easily.   I was glad to see Carly at least hesitate before she succumbed, though.

E.  Ned

Ned:  "I suppose I could offer a reward, but I don't know if I want to find him that badly."

Before he headed out to look for A.J. on Friday, he tried to take some time to comfort Emily.  I do like her with her, and I knew that he was going to feel awful about not seeing the signs of her drug problem--and that she was so unhappy she would resort to that.

Ned:  "Now if that's supposed to get my attention, it's not working."

Ned:  "I'm sorry.  But Ned can't come out and play corporate raider tonight.  He's right in the middle of a family crisis."

Jax showed up before Ned could go out.  It was a wimpy version of blackmail, if you ask me, but the threat of any more trouble's enough to make Ned give in at this point--for the moment.  It was a hoot to see Ned completely unimpressed by Jax's threat; I truly think he gave in just to avoid the messiness for a bit while they dealt with A.J.  I'm not sure I understand why Jax wants his seat on the board back.  Is he going to make another play to take over ELQ?

V.  Jax

After his encounters at the Grill, Jax went upstairs and called Miranda to let her know he as in.  I was surprised he did, as it will make Miranda wonder what Brenda told him.  He then remembered scenes from his life with Brenda and looked at the mementos on the mantle.

VI.  Lucy and Kevin

Lucy:  "Do you still hate chintz?"
Kevin:  "With a passion.  Why?"
Lucy:  "Good.  I'm thinking of using it in the upstairs guest room, you know, it's just not that much of a used room, so you won't have to be there to see it, really, but, you know, maybe you'll have to sit in it, or occasionally you might be banished to it.  That isn't a total improbability."

We started Tuesday with Lucy (pretty in pink) leaving for work--actually for pineapple juice--and angry with Kevin.  It was funny that Kevin could list off her 'tells' for lying, when she seems not to see the signs of his lying.  When she finally went off about the chintz, he showed her the picture he had painted of her (and Sigmund).  I wasn't too keen on the painting, actually, but it was sweet.

Lucy:  "I hate it.  I hate when this happens.  When your face just wets itself out of the blue without warning.  You should get a warning."

Kevin:  "It doesn't really do you justice.  But then again, what could?"

The portrait understandably flattered Lucy, and I would be too.  While I know Kevin's keeping something (possibly big) from Lucy, I believe every word he said to her, and I believe he loves her.  He told her that he went to Oxford, and I think it was a calculated move to make her stop asking questions about his trip.  It was a lame story, and I'm surprised Lucy bought it so easily--though maybe she won't when she thinks about it.

And then she felt guilty enough to admit her phone call, and he already knew.  Then she felt worse, because he didn't throw that in her face.  Actually, I think that little weird look he gave over her shoulder when they hugged (hug patrol!) was regret about making her feel badly about herself for lying when he still is.

I was so sad we didn't get scenes at the zoo.  ;)  Lucy's concern about being politically incorrect with her animal crackers was a hoot.  Instead, we got Felicia showing up at the door angry.

Kevin:  "Well it isn't easy for me either.  I know what I did to you.  I see the gorge rise every time you look at my face.  I avoid you by court order.  I wouldn't phone you without a gun to my head.  What more do you want?  But I don't think it's sporting for you to barrel in through my front door and cringe at my gruesomeness in the middle of my living room."

I think Lucy's response was very real.  Felicia's accusations hit a little too close to home, and at the same time she worried what this new accusation would do to Kevin.  When Felicia asked for a minute, I reacted the same way as Lucy.  Felicia came in and accused Kevin, then asked for a minute to collect herself when he seemed too sane?  I don't mean to say that she should have behaved as if everything was peachy, nor do I mean to put down her emotions.  But I just don't know what she was expecting.  Did she think Kevin would admit it and that would make everything better?  Did she think she would just get to speak her mind and they wouldn't respond in kind?

Faced with the evidence, Kevin came up with good explanations, but I'm surprised Felicia bought them.  They didn't cover his butt well enough for my taste.  I was glad to see him remind Lucy that they had little way of assuring themselves that he wasn't doing this and that they actually needed to face these fears about the possibility he could return to that behavior.  But Lucy's right too.  We've seen no signs so far that it is Kevin.  And as I say below, I suspect that they're setting this up to be a coda to the stalking story and to vindicate Kevin in Felicia's eyes.

VII.  The Cassadines

A.  Alexis

Alexis:  "But just know that your poor, beleaguered, Dorman damaged reputation is about to feel all better."

When Alexis told Monica that she was going to get good news on Tuesday, I was surprised that she seemed to think that this would solve everything.  I'm going to write the above off as just a figure of speech.  Surely she expected Dorman to come up with something in return.

Alexis:  "It's a sorry state of affairs when I have to steal a moment alone away with you in the Quartermaine living room in order to ask you questions that I should already know the answers to."

I also found it striking that Stefan knew no more than he did.  Remember, Alexis met with Ned about the possibility of this story without Stefan and said it didn't concern him, or words to that effect.  They spoke a bit about dry runs and testing schedules, and I supposed they were talking about the "virus" they mentioned so long ago.  I do hope they step up this part of the storyline to balance out the romance--and so Alexis can get more scenes.  :)  She goads Stefan, a bit, about this, but Stefan remains convinced that he's in control of everything and all is on schedule.

Of course Stefan ticked me off when he brushed Alexis off after the meeting.  No one should dismiss Alexis that lightly, and I think Stefan's going to come to regret it one day.  Boy would I like to see her let loose on him just once.  ;)  He told her to handle it on her own, and I'm sure she'll take that and run with it.  Just think.  Alexis, who doesn't want the power, actually has it right now.  The little girl has come a long way.

Alexis:  "Do you always sneak up on people like that?  No wonder nobody likes you."
Ned:  "At least let a guy finish his morning coffee before you remind him that he doesn't have a friend in the world."

One question answered: Alexis stays at Wyndemere, but she keeps a room (or at least a mailbox) at the PC Hotel.  The letter is obviously from that mysterious someone, and she's not telling anybody about it.  I find it interesting that Ned thinks he can actually get information out of her, and I actually wonder why he wants to know.  Surely not simple curiosity.  I was glad that Ned complimented Alexis on her footwork and vice versa in that news story, since Stefan didn't.  I also don't believe that Ned bought her explanation, though I loved his threat to tell on her.

Even with such a simple scene as this, Wally and NLG shine.  Or should I say twinkle?  ;)

Alexis:  "I was shocked--simply shocked--to read about your sexual harassment history in the paper this morning.  Who knew."

Alexis:  "Ooo.  I only hope I'm within earshot when you tell Stefan what he's forced to do."

That was a nice moment with Alexis and Dorman.  I don't think she underestimates him, really, and one of the things I love about her is that she never misses a beat with any of these men, no matter what they say.

B.  Stefan and Katherine

After Alexis' words about their project, Katherine entered, and it became clear he didn't know what was up, since he even asked her for the news.  I loved that she made him wait.  But he continued his praise of her after the meeting as well, without any mention from either of them that there were others involved.

Katherine:  "Drive in a fast convertible, my hair blowing, and rock and roll blasting on the radio, the sun beating down..."

Stefan:  "Now what was the name of that musical group we were listening to?"
Katherine:  "Tommy James and the Shondelles."
Stefan:  "Oh ya."
Katherine:  "Crystal Blue Persuasion."

(Note: Stefan said "ya"?!  ;))

Stefan:  "Well, you know, I really don't have any basis for comparison, having emerged fully grown and responsible from the womb of a madwoman."

Stefan:  "Did you see the look on Alexis' face?"

Katherine:  "Can you do me a favor?"
Stefan:  "What?"
Katherine:  "We both know this isn't real."
Stefan:  "Why not?"
Katherine:  "Because reality comes back on a plane from Arizona next week.  So until then, can I just pretend?"

Stefan:  "They wanted to be able to see their enemies coming."
Katherine:  "Did they ever come?"
Stefan:  "Well, not for sixty years.  And not the ones we expected.  There was a bench on a bluff overlooking the ocean, where I used to sit for hours watching the water."

Funny, I thought she'd say she wanted to walk again.  ;)  And can I just say, never did she mention the word "red."  Stefan in a red convertible?  ;)  We've talked these scenes to death on ratsa and the FGC Stefan mailing list, so I won't rehash in much detail here.  To recap my comments on their first time alone: They're both so concerned about her recovery, but they miss an appointment with no mention of it?  I was glad to see them smiling and having fun, and I sympathized with the wish to pretend for a while, since it was tempered with an awareness that they were indeed pretending.  I even liked that Stefan laughed at Alexis, knowing full well that he was driving her up the wall.  I appreciated the mention of Nik.  My favorite part of the scenes was Stefan telling his stories.  It was a nice moment of him opening up, and the mention of Laura I'm convinced was there was very realistic--that was our Stefan.  A little corny, a little sweet.

On Wednesday, that was a nice cut from Luke's comment to Alexis about her "wandering cousin" (never fear, the whole thing's below) to the scene of Stefan and Katherine in the car.

VIII.  Felicia

Felicia:  "Is there a problem?"
Tom:  "Depends on your perspective."

Felicia:  "Public service?!"

When the mail order came on Tuesday, Felicia was understandably upset, and I actually couldn't believe Tom wasn't more understanding about her fears.  He kept joking about the mix-up and asking her to try on the lingerie--I was surprised she told him she'd bring her own later.  I would have come to the same conclusion Felicia did--that Kevin did it.

Kevin:  "What's going on?  What did I miss?"
Felicia:  "You're stalking me again."

While I could completely understand her showing up at the lighthouse, I didn't understand why: a) she didn't do some investigating into that bank transfer in the first place, and b) why she thought Lucy would admit to her any doubts she might have if she showed up angry and demanding.

While some people think this is a rehash of the same old story, I'm assuming this is instead a wrap up of the Kevin-as-stalker storyline before they move him to GH2.  I think they'll find a way to vindicate him in Felicia's eyes through this coda.  Now, as to who's really behind it?  Well, as Luke would say, there's a Cassadine behind every tree.  Do we think the Cassadines are behind it because Felicia's investigating them?  I might vote with Luke under other circumstances, but at this point it doesn't seem like Stefan has any time for stalking, and it makes no sense that Alexis would be doing it in her spare time.

IX.  Luke

Luke's way down on the list this time--we didn't get to see him until Wednesday, and then for only two days this week.  But I've watched the scenes from Wednesday with Alexis so many times I'm dreaming them.  Here goes:

Alexis:  "He's still not in his office?  Alright, when he calls in for his messages, will you tell Mr. Cassadine that I need to get in touch with him right away?  Thank you."
Luke:  "It must be difficult...keeping track of your wandering cousin."

Alexis:  "Stefan's busy, not lost.  But it looks like you may be.  I do hope security gave you a once-over with one of those handheld metal detectors."
Luke:  "I haven't touched a gun since...ooo, well, since the one I dropped that your cousin picked up and shot Katherine Bell with."
Alexis:  "But you could still be packing explosives.  I imagine you don't leave home without them."
Luke:  "You wanna search me?  Come on.  You kinda like me."
Alexis:  "You can turn off the twinkling, Mr. Spencer."
Luke:  "Oh come on, you know you do."
Alexis:  "Oh, alright.  You got me.  I guess amoral, manic obsessives amuse me."
Luke:  "Oh, now you're talkin' sweet to me baby.  See?  You're crazy about me."
Alexis:  "Um."

Alexis:  "As delightful as chatting with the enemy may be, is there a point to your being here?"
Luke:  "Your animal magnetism."
Alexis:  "Besides that."
Luke:  "Promise not to tell Stefan."
Alexis:  "Oh, word of honor."
Luke:  "I've got this fleet of hauling barges with big hooks in Spoon Island, and by dawn they'll have dragged it all the way up to the Canadian border."
Alexis:  "What if Canada doesn't want Cassadines?  We'll be boat people."
Luke:  "Not you.  'Cause you'll be here with me.  I need you.  You're the warm fuzzy Cassadine.  The one I can tolerate.  I knew that the first minute you cold-cocked me."
Alexis:  "I'm sure you can find dozens of volunteers to knock you unconscious on a regular basis.  Unless there's something else you needed me for."
Luke:  "Well, my wife's out of town."
Alexis:  "I don't do laundry.  But I understand your sister is just a habit she refuses to be broken of.  Is all this joviality a way to find a new link to Bobbie?"
Luke:  "A link?  I'm her brother.  That's a link.  I don't need third parties."
Alexis:  "It's my understanding that you're barely on speaking terms."
Luke:  "Oh no, we don't speak to each other, but the rest of it's there."

Alexis:  "You made me late for a meeting.  Is this part of your diabolical plan?"
Luke:  "I warn you, I bear watching.  Why don't you come over to the club some night and watch me."
Alexis:  "I'll tell you what.  Hold your breath.

I loved Luke coming in and scoping out Alexis' derriere and then his look as she walked away from him the after their first scene.  He never really explained why he was there, but I assumed it was to find Tony.  Meeting Alexis and having the chance to yank her chain and see what happened was a special bonus.  He probably put two and two together when he overheard that she couldn't find Stefan, because he certainly didn't want Tony saying anything--handball indeed!

Luke:  "Bye, Amy."

Bye, Luke.  See you later.  ;)

Luke:  "I'm about to make the most beautiful swan-dive of my career, man, right off the high dive, into third base, makin' a goal, comin' around the end.  Makin' a goal, and there you do, you come in and you just butt in, and what happens, huh?"

It's called a mixed metaphor, darlin'.  But it's awful cute.

Sonny:  "You hear about A.J.?"
Luke:  "What'd he do now?"

Luke:  "Wonder how many other ugly little secrets that crowd is hangin' on to."

Sonny:  "He thinks I got something that can nail him."
Luke:  "What?"
Sonny:  "That's what I wanna find out before he takes another crack at it."
Luke:  "He can't be that stupid."
Sonny:  "Anybody can be lucky."
Luke:  "Not that lucky."

At the end of Thursday, Sonny showed up at Luke's with the update about A.J.  I love these two, and listening to them talking about the Qs was a scream.  I'm so glad these two are on the tail of Dorman together.  I hope we get a fun Luke and Sonny scheme scene at some point--although nothing can beat birdcalls and prison breaks.  :)

X.  Tony and Carly

Of course, the reason Katherine and Stefan forgot her appointment with Tony was so Tony would become suspicious again.  I loved him with the distracted Dorman, and the expression on his face after Luke's handball line was choice.

Tony:  "If he hurts Bobbie as badly as I did, Bobbie may get over it but I won't."

Luke:  "You know, stick to the truth, whenever possible."
Carly:  "You enjoy the hell out of this, don't you."
Luke:  "No.  What's to enjoy, Caroline, watching you live a lie?"

Tony really doesn't realize when he says things like this how much they hurt Carly.  Luke does, I think, and the look he exchanged with Carly was very sad and sweet, as well as the coded exchange about Virginia Benson before they slipped out into the hall.  Carly did a good job at first of not letting it show, but it was clear she was reaching her limit.

She started off passive aggressive, worried that he didn't love her anymore.  She said she was feeling insecure and asked him to hold her.  She started to tell him about her mother, and Lucas showed up and was snide.  She was anything but patient (and understandably so, I thought), and after Lucas left, she finally spoke her mind and I was happy to see it.

She was angry that he wouldn't listen to her and she was angry about Lucas and she was mad that she comes third behind Lucas and Bobbie.  Fourth, if you count the patients.  Finally, the bottom line was that she was angry about Bobbie, as she always is.  She's right though, because aside from the secret that Bobbie's her mother, Tony does favor Bobbie over Carly often.  And he still thinks of her as a child, to a certain degree.

I was struck by the fact that while Tony kept calling her names, she was the one that made logical arguments with examples (as much as that's possible).  Finally, she resorted to calling names as well, naming Bobbie a whore, and then she wasn't playing fair in Tony's eyes.  And he did indeed almost say "wife."  And he wouldn't admit it.

At the start of Friday's show, Carly almost told Tony the big secret that's underlying all of this.  But she couldn't go through with it.  She did throw her past up in his face again, because that is who Bobbie is to Carly.  But she also claimed he wanted her to be perfect, which isn't true, I think.  He's right.  That is something she's put on herself.  She compares herself to Bobbie over and over.

She told Tony to tell her if he wanted out, but when he left he didn't give her any sense of whether he would come back or not.  And she did something completely in character.  She made herself up and went out to find someone who would make her feel wanted and needed and beautiful.  She went to Jason's, and I wish she had found him, because he could have made her feel better and kept her from doing something stupid.  Instead?  She found A.J.

Tony, on the other hand, went to stay with Lucas, who apologized for his behavior.  He was sweet, but still doesn't understand completely.  It was cute that Tony called him "Luke" once.  Tom came down, and it was sweet of him to offer a listening ear.  I was glad Tony took it; these are my favorite kind of scenes, as you know.  He said he was sorry and intended to apologize.