**The Week in Review: May 12 - May 16**

I.  The Quartermaines

A.  Edward and Emily

Edward:  "Now, I've gotten very used to having a granddaughter, and I don't want to find myself suddenly deprived of the, uh, of the one that I have."

Edward:  "I always wanted a daughter like you.  And instead I got Tracey."

Edward:  "Do you believe I love you?"
Emily:  "I wasn't sure."
Edward:  "Then I have to make myself abundantly clear so there can be no mistake.  I have come to love you very much.  And there's a place in my heart that's all your own."

Edward:  "As a rule I never trust anyone.  But I'll make an exception in your case."

We opened the week with a very nice scene between Grandfather and Granddaughter.  I complained last week that Edward seemed grumpier than usual, but I think it was a grumpiness born primarily out of fear.  I was glad to see he took Ned's advice and talked to Emily himself.  He was cute, starting out fairly indirectly and still criticizing a bit, then seeing Emily's doubt and finally stating clearly that he loved her and trusted her.  I was pleased to see he remained his grumpy old Edward self while at the same time allowing her into the kind, calm spot in the middle of his gruffness.  His face was so sweet.

Emily was fairly direct, and I was glad to see she can see behind his rough manner with her, even if she needs some confirmation that she does see clearly.

Finally, I really like that the Emily storyline is letting us see the sweetness behind all of the Quartermaines, but again, I hope we don't ever get them completely rewritten into a kinder, gentler, family.  Where's the fun in that?  :)

II.  Sonny/Brenda/Jax

A.  The Airport

i.  Jax and Brenda

Jax was taken away for questioning at the beginning of Monday's episode.  Brenda protested, and actually gave the agents information about Jax's business, rather than making them search  for it themselves.  But I suppose I understand her guilt over this.  After all, she just caused him pain--she's pretty sure he know's she slept with Sonny--and now he's facing this.

ii.  Brenda and Sonny

Sonny:  "Because either you know something about me or you don't."

Brenda:  "Whatever you say to me, I'm gonna believe you.  But I need to hear it."
Sonny:  "That doesn't mean I, I need to say it."

Sonny:  "No, no, no.  See, the real question was rather our making love meant something or it didn't.  Because you thought we were gonna die in our sleep.  But now, I know the way you've been handling it.  I guess I have my answer, don't I."

Brenda asked Sonny to tell her whether or not he had anything to do with this, and he refused.  The thing is, she's making this all about herself and their past, when Sonny's just told her all about the big drug ring and the attempt to nail Dorman.  He did tell her that he was upset with the way she had shelved their relationship after the way he tried to play things her way, but then he got back to the subject at hand.  But he never gave her a straight answer.

iii.  Jax

In questioning, Jax insisted that he was being set up, but the agents would hear none of it.  They're right that he's a logical suspect, but I don't think they'd actually believe he would carry a kilo of heroin in his overnight bag.  They actually suggested that someone in his "organization" was trying to set him up, if anybody.  I don't buy it.

iv.  Brenda

Taggert showed up next, and told Sonny that he had a friend in the DEA, so he was keeping tabs on their investigation.  More of the usual, then Brenda asked Taggert to help her find out what was going on.  Through all of this, Brenda called him her husband, except when the agent asked her directly if they were married.  And she wonders why Sonny's irritated with her.  She continued trying to help Jax, telling him she would make things right and she would get a hold of their lawyers.  He responded with silence--and a look from her to Sonny.

v.  Jason and Sonny

Jason arrived late in Monday's episode as well.  We finally found out where he'd gone when he got that call about Robin.  Apparently, Robin got a fake call from the clinic and left and no one could find her.  While Jason was out of town figuring things out, Dorman paid off Jax's driver to put drugs in Jax's bag.  Of course, we saw nothing of Jason from last Wednesday until this Monday, and we saw Dorman's dealings with the driver in the ever dreaded flashback.  Now, these flashbacks to things we didn't see work well for me when the big Spencer storyline's involved.  Nice suspense, nice time to conjecture.  But if they thought for a minute I didn't think it was Dorman behind this, they were majorly mistaken.  And if they think Monday's episode needed any more mistaken, they were insane.

Sonny sat down with Jason and caught him up to speed.  Now, I could watch Sonny dial a phone almost as happily as Luke, but they've turned him into exposition man the past few weeks, and I want some true Sonny scenes in the days to come.  Anyway, they put things together and figured out that Dorman had gotten Jason out of town and framed Jax to divert attention.  I was one of the few people that actually saw the logic behind Dorman framing Jax, but I still think it worked.

vi.  Sonny and Taggert

Taggert:  "Who we plottin' to kill today, boys?"

Sonny:  "I can't believe I'm...I'm even asking this.  I need...I need to speak to you for a minute."

Sonny:  "He's a decoy, and I know who made him one."

Sonny:  "And if you screw up what I'm about to tell you, I'm not gonna be responsible.  Because this is your chance to do it the right way.  This is your chance not to waste six weeks on a wild goose chase like you did with me.  You understand what I'm sayin'?  This is your chance to get the real felon locked up and the drugs off the street."

When he got back, Sonny told Taggert he wanted to speak with him.  After Taggert went on for a while, Sonny told him that he was going to tell him what he knew and give him the chance to bring the guy down.  I found this move interesting.  I don't believe Sonny thinks he has anything to prove to Taggert; I don't think he cares, really, what Taggert thinks of him.  Maybe he wants, in part, to show Taggert that he had things wrong about Deke.  Mostly, I think, it wasn't personal.  But Sonny's having trouble nailing Dorman on his own, and he knows that if Taggert becomes convinced that Dorman's the one, Taggert could indeed bring him down.  Actually, I'd like to see them having to work together.  Not that I hope they'd like it.

B.  The Bail Hearing

i.  Ned and Brenda

Ned:  "Yes, people who have burned as many bridges as you and I have need a fireproof last resort."

Brenda commented that Ned hated Jax, but he told her that Jax wasn't the one that came to his door in the middle of the night--he was there for her.  I'm glad we've had some scenes of their friendship lately; I want more.  Ned is proving that he can separate business and friendship, and I hope he doesn't trespass that boundary again with her any time soon.

ii.  Sonny and Jason

Sonny:  "Taggert's not here.  I was gonna give him Dorman.  He blows me off.  I hate cops."

Sonny and Jason were there to meet Taggert, we found out.  Jax wasn't pleased to see them, and accused Sonny of making this into a spectator sport.  Sonny complained that Taggert wasn't there and explained to Jason again that they couldn't bring down Dorman themselves; they need the cops.  I still find it interesting that Sonny's chosen Taggert at this point, rather than taking his info to Mac.  Does he think he needs to prove something to Taggert, or does he simply want the joy of proving Taggert wrong?

Sonny also told Jason that they had to get the attention shifted back onto Dorman because Jax didn't do it.  While Sonny hates Jax and knows how he does business, he doesn't want him charged with this.  Part of that may be the fact he knows what it's like to be pegged as the drug lord when you're not, but most of it is that he wants Jax free and clear so Brenda can't worry about him.  And I think he recognizes that he owes Jax for the cave.

iii.  Ned and Justus

Ned commented on Justus' being Jax's lawyer and asked him if he would do the same for Ned.  Justus implied that he wouldn't, but said that it was business and he was defending an innocent man.  I really would like to see more of these two.

iv.  Justus and Dara

Dara:  "You may write a wonderful brief.  But when kids die, nobody cares."

Dara told Justus that he couldn't make this an easy case because the community was demanding proof that this isn't where the drugs were coming from.  The people want answers.  Of course Justus was right; this case is lame and should  be easy, but Dara's right about pressure from the public.  At the same time, we saw what she did on the Kevin Collins case, and I hope she doesn't make this any messier than it has to be.  Personally, I'd enjoy seeing her out after Dorman, if and when it comes to that.

v.  Jax and Brenda

Brenda:  "No, she had that I-wanna-make-an-example-out-of-somebody tone in her voice."

Brenda:  "You're amazing."
Jax:  "And you're here.  Which is amazing."
Brenda:  "Did you think that I would ever be anywhere else?"

Despite Jax's coldness at the airport, Brenda showed up to worry over him at the courthouse, hugging him and telling him over and over that she would be there for him as he had always been there for her.  She hasn't defined in what capacity she's there, however--friend, lover, or wife.  I know they'll have to put that aside while they get Jax out of this mess, but she's doing the same thing again--stringing him along and letting him think they'll be back together some day.  I hope he remembers to question that assumption as he knows to do.

Brenda and Jax, as well as Ned, overheard Dara's talk about community demand, and Brenda got a little worried.  But Jax got out on bail and Justus recommended an early trial date while the prosecution still had no evidence, suggesting that they not give them any time to build a case.  The cops also showed up with a search warrant  for the penthouse, and in the last line of Wednesday's episode, Jax hinted that perhaps someone--perhaps Sonny--might have planted drugs at the house too.  (The line was "Unless...", and I of course thought of The Lorax.  Anyone else?)

C.  Brenda and Jax

Back at the penthouse, Jax was still blaming Sonny to his dad on the phone even as the DEA people searched the flat.  Of course, I don't understand why he thinks it's Sonny, since what Sonny wants is Brenda and she and Jax have split up--and he owes Jax for saving him from the cave.  Maybe it's just jealousy since he knows that Brenda slept with Sonny.

Jax:  "Well it still...it was still a foolish thing to do.  Brave as hell.  Thanks for sticking up for me like that."

Taggert showed up, asked about the pills they found, and kept the heat on.  Brenda admitted her addiction, though I'm not sure that was a good idea.  Jax didn't either, but he thanked her for it anyway.  Brenda just keeps offering all this information to the cops, and I'm wondering if she's going to get Jax in more trouble with all her "help."  Probably not, but it'd be kind of fun to watch.

Brenda:  "Promise me that you're not gonna go after Sonny."
Jax:  "Who you worried about, him or me."
Brenda:  "Makes me really sad that you have to ask that."

As she left, Brenda asked him not to take action against Sonny, and then made him feel guilty for asking her whom she was more worried about.  I thought it was a pretty good question, myself.

D.  Brenda and Sonny

Luke told Sonny that he'd be better off focusing his attention on Dorman and staying away from Brenda.  He even tried to run interference and keep Brenda from bothering him right now, but Brenda breezed on past.  So funny.  

Brenda was there to ask Sonny to get Jax out of this mess.  I had problems with her on several counts.  First, she seems to be glorifying this organization that she claims to dislike by assuming it could get all her problems taken care of.  Second of all, Sonny *explained* this drug guy to her already, and she hasn't put two and two together to know Sonny's not the one setting Jax up?  While she's right in saying Sonny owes Jax (though Sonny didn't admit it), she's not going to win Sonny over by throwing that in his face--and I'd bet Jax doesn't want Sonny's help.  Finally, she's asking Sonny for this help but she's not willing to believe him when he's saying he's already doing everything he can.  

But, having said all that,  I was glad she did go to Sonny, because it does indicate that she doesn't really think it's him.  And if Sonny helps her, she's going to see that Sonny's willing to look at the big picture (Dorman, Jax's innocence) and their friendship over his squabbles with Jax while Jax insists on looking at Sonny in the same negative light.  It makes Sonny look good.  Not that he needs any help.  :)

E.  Sonny and Taggert

After Luke caught Sonny up on Switzerland, Sonny caught him up on Jax's arrest and his work on Dorman.  Sonny was still irritated with Taggert for apparently ignoring his information and theory about Dorman, and wasn't happy to see Taggert when he showed up at Luke's.  Luke offered to throw him out, but Sonny just told Luke to stay so he wouldn't hit Dorman.  Luke left once their conversation got underway.

Sonny:  "So he's gotta make a move.  Now."
Taggert:  "And we will bust him.  Now."

Sonny started by accusing Taggert of ignoring his information, but Taggert assured him that if Dorman was the guy they were after, they would catch him.  He also told him that he'd better be right, since the police had a lot of men invested in this theory.  Sonny reiterated the theory about the suppliers breathing down Dorman's neck, and in exchange, Taggert explained that they were keeping the heat on Jax so Dorman would think he was home free.  Of course that's the smartest thing they could do, but Sonny was almost surprised to hear Taggert was doing something that made sense.

Sonny:  "Ho!  If I'm not mistaken, you just said something very important, and you're trusting me with your confidence.  Why?"
Taggert:  "Worry about it.  Take your mind off that lousy love life of yours."

Of course, I've thought all of Taggert's actions have made sense, but I'm glad to see him on the trail of the actual drug lord now.  I'm glad we're still getting a dynamic relationship between Sonny and Taggert,  and hope the new actor can live up to Real Andrews, who's just been smashing, in my opinion.  I don't know why he felt like he needed to reassure Sonny--almost defend himself.  I suspect it's for the same reason Sonny feels like he has to prove Taggert wrong.  I think they both want to prove the other's wrong, but they also want to earn the other's respect.  Each of them has an opinion of the other based on his relationship with Deke--and I think they're negotiating towards an understanding of each other based on what they know first hand.  It's an intriguing relationship, and I'd be sorry to see it go.

III.  The Spencers

A.  Luke

i.  in Switzerland

Luke:  "Well, being knocked out wasn't part of the plan, but I guess it...it lent a certain reality to the situation."
Laura:  "Reality's not what...not all it's cracked up to be, is it."

Laura:  "Luke?"
Luke:  "Yes, angel."
Laura:  "What if I asked you to let him go.  Would you do it for me?"

Luke:  "Let Stefan go?  Honey, that would be like spitting into the wind.  It'd just come right back in our face."

Laura:  "I'm so tired of obsessing over every move the Cassadines make.  It was one thing to fight for my mother.  But why do we have to fight for this?"

Luke:  "And yes, it's true I do enjoy the sport.  Give my old brain cells somethin' to think about.  But he's not gonna get away with this, honey.  I love you, and our kids, and Lesley.  I can't let him get away with this.  You're such a great actress.  If I hadn't written the script myself, I would have believed every moment out there."
Laura:  "I wasn't acting when you hit the ground."

Luke started the week unconscious, but woke up quickly and set off to follow Stefan.  Laura asked him not to, to let him go, and he replied quite honestly, I thought.  He said he couldn't let the Cassadines get away with whatever they were planning, and admitted he liked the sport of it.  He didn't seem concerned at all, however, that he had almost died, and I wondered if he knew that Stefan wouldn't kill him or if it was simply the adrenaline.

Luke:  "Don't make me ruin this brand new parka for nothin' man, hang on."

He couldn't take time to comfort Laura much more than that, and set off down the mountain after Stefan.  He stopped, however, when he heard cries for help, and started hauling the person up onto the path (one person on ratsa claimed that leaving a stranger to fall was the most despicable thing Stefan's ever done--while I won't go that far because I don't know if he even realized the person fell yet, I will say that it impressed me greatly that Stefan didn't even stop to apologize because he had that egg while Luke stopped even though he was after Stefan).  Then Nik's hat dropped off and they each realized who was on the other end of that grip.  A lot of emotions flitted across Luke's face--surprise, bewilderment, and even anger--but somehow I didn't believe that he was contemplating dropping Nik.  While he was betting Stefan wouldn't shoot him, I think he knows that he'd have more trouble with Laura than he could handle--and would probably be on the run for his life from the Cassadines.  Alright, maybe it crossed his mind for a second, but I think it was more of a wish than an actual option.  Maybe that's just because I read the spoilers and was expecting it.  Although it's conceivable that he did get a kick out of making the kid sweat.

Luke:  "You tellin' me you schlepped all the way up here to make sure your Uncle didn't hurt my family?"

After he pulled Nik up, I do think he was understandably incredulous that Nik came up out of concern for Spencers (I loved that laugh!).  I think he saw the irony in that.  Stefan just took extreme measures against the Spencers, and his own nephew comes running to check up on them?  Especially since he's spent all this time proclaiming his uncle's innocence in the Lesley situation.  But I think he believed Nik didn't know what was going on from the boy's face.

Luke:  "But what about the woman in between those two generations.  You don't care about her?"

Luke:  "The only one in danger of buyin' the farm tonight was you, Nikky.  You're lucky I came along; I guess I'm your guardian angel."

Nik:  "I'm not leaving here until I see my sister and my grandmother."
Luke:  "Ya, what about Laura.  What about your mother?!  Hey, mountain boy, nobody invited you anywhere!"

The most interesting thing was that Luke gave up chasing Stefan to accompany Nik to the chalet.  Sure, he doesn't want Nik alone with the women, because there's the chance he's a threat.  I think, however, that he went primarily to taunt Nik about his concern for Spencers--especially the fact that that concern didn't include Laura.  Luke called Laura Nik's mother over and over, almost taunting the kid with that fact.  I loved that Luke didn't give out any information about the encounter with Stefan, even saying that the only life in danger had been Nik's.

Luke:  "Well, go ahead, tell the tale.  If you lie, I'll jump in and correct you."

Luke:  "It lacks a certain dramatic effect, but basically that's it."
Laura:  "You, you could have been killed.  The drop offs around here are..."
Luke:  "Substantial, yes.  You oughta watch your footing, kid."
Laura:  "You saved him."
Luke:  "Ya."

On Tuesday, I came to understand Luke more--or maybe I just reunderstood him.  But he managed to surprise me, and made me very happy.  The episode started out with Luke making Nikky tell Laura that Luke had saved his life, as if he didn't want to admit it himself--or maybe he just wanted to make Nik have to admit it to Laura.  I also think Luke doesn't buy Nik's story that he just fell, and wonder if he suspects the truth.  Laura, after all, questioned it too.

When he came back from getting Lulu and Lesley, he said nothing to Nik.  Now, that might be rude or hostile, but the fact that he kept silent, rather than wisecracking, struck me.  His looks with Laura weren't frustration or irritation or anger, but more like resignation or worry that she would be hurt again by her other son.

I loved that we heard Nik's interaction with Lulu on top of a shot of Luke looking out the window as if on guard--or maybe it was that he couldn't stand looking at Nik with his daughter and family.  He did have some cracks for Nik about the egg as he left, but that's to be expected.  :)  And I loved that he hugged Laura immediately after Nik left, knowing she needed it because she couldn't hug her son.

Luke:  "Honey on this subject I'm always serious...dead serious."
Laura:  "We can't pretend that what happened here today didn't happen."
Luke:  "What happened, except that our daughter got set up for a great disappointment over a damn pony."

Laura:  "You don't believe that.  If you believed that you wouldn't have saved his life."
Luke:  "Well angel, I hate to disillusion you, but my saving the kid was a split second decision made strictly out of practicality."
Laura:  "I'm just not buyin' that."
Luke:  "What, you don't think there's somethin' in it for me?  Come on.  Stefan can't bad mouth me now with the same enthusiasm.  I mean, I, you know, I saved the life of a kid everybody knows I hate.  So what's he gonna do, go around sayin' , "He stole me egg."  Oh, ok, alright, then try this one.  Nikolas owes me now."
Laura:  "I owe you now.  When you were given the chance you saved my son's life."
Luke:  "There is that."
Laura:  "Yes there is.  And there's also that you know in your heart, which I've known all along, he is growing into a fine young man.  I just wish that he could see the truth about Stefan."
Luke:  (only whispered) "I love you."

Finally, it was his conversation with Laura that surprised me.  In the middle of a scheme against the Cassadines, he managed to all but admit he had softened towards Nik.  You could actually see him conjuring up all those excuses.  I truly believe now that Luke would not have dropped Nik.  I also believe that he will remain suspicious of Nik for a good long time, that he does suspect Nik's arrival was part of the Cassadine script, and that he relished the fact that this will get Stefan's goat.  But Laura saw through all of that and saw that Luke wouldn't have dropped Nik because of her.

No matter what he thinks of that kid, most of his worry comes be cause he thinks that kid will hurt her again.  He's seen the pain she's gone through--all of it--but I think he also sees that his trying to protect her hurt her as well.  He's trapped between his need to protect her and his final understanding that keeping her away from Nik hurts her more than he's willing to hurt her.  I loved that he gave all of the other reasons, but when Laura pushed him, telling him that she knew he had seen that there was hope for Nik and that he was growing up to be a good person, and finally said that she hoped that he would see Stefan for who he really is, Luke didn't maintain the front.  He didn't admit she was right, and maybe she wasn't.  Maybe he simply can't admit his hatred in the face of her hope.  But I suspect she was right--she usually is.  All he could do was smile and whisper "I love you" in return.  And I have to say I cried as they hugged.

Give that man an Emmy!

I also re-realized where the true power lies in that family.  Luke is certainly the head of the family--master schemer, primary protector, etc.--but the women in that family hold the true power.  He can rant and rave all he wants, but Laura is the one who determines his priorities and rules his heart, and everything he does is for her (no matter that sometimes his logic is warped).  Both of them will do what the other wants, to a certain degree, even as they speak their minds and stand their grounds.  But finally, when Laura puts her foot down Luke lets her.  Lesley too, for that matter.  And Lulu, of course.  Laura has a quiet power in that family, and a steady power.  And it's very interesting to me that the family we're supposed to be cheering for in this feud is the one guided by a core of women--while the Cassadines are centered on a central, individual masculine power.  Finally, it's American family values v. European monarchy.  But I'll leave the political metaphors to someone else.  :)

Luke will continue to fight Stefan.  He has too.  But I think that he realized something on that mountain.  I think he realized that he couldn't drop Nik, and I think he realized the reason why.  Because he loves his wife.  And maybe, just maybe, because he's met a Cassadine he doesn't quite hate...or could come to not quite hate.  In time, of course.  After all, he's not a forgiving man.  ;)  But Luke's quiet and unadmitted realization on Tuesday floored me.  And Tony Geary proved again (as if he had to) the power and subtlety of his performance.  He was absolutely amazing.

ii.  With Lucky

I found it interesting to watch how Luke went from a gleeful description of his  confrontation with Stefan to a hesitant admission of what had happened with Nik.  He could have said nothing at all, but I think that he spoke about it not only because he wanted to keep everything on the table with Lucky, but also, perhaps, because he wanted someone to shore up his anti-Cassadine attitude.  Finally, though, I think he's still trying to figure out what he thinks about all of it.  He's trying to decide whether Laura was right at all while still maintaining all the practical reasons behind his actions.  Again, I think it was a combination, but it'll be interesting to watch Luke come to terms with the part of the reason that says he doesn't really hate Nikolas.

And I love him with Ruby.  :)  (Ruby, aren't you glad both of our names are attached to the Spencers?  ;) )

iii.  With Sonny

Luke:  "What are you, the auxiliary Port Chuckles police force, man?  I mean, do they give you a tax break for this or, or, or maybe pick up your expe...expenses?"

On Thursday, Luke was back at Luke's and catching up with Sonny.  I adore these two together, and I'd really like to see one last Luke and Sonny scheme go down.  I worry that I won't get my wish with all the rumors of Maurice Benard's leaving and Tony Geary's 10 week vacation this summer.  As I said on ratsa, if Sonny and Brenda do leave and get married before they go, all I know is I'll be very disappointed if Luke isn't the best man.  :)

Luke:  "Well, Stefan got a little aggressive when I tried to throw his Easter egg over an alp, and other than that it, uh, went as planned.  Except for one surprise.  I saved little Nikolas's life."

Luke:  "Came real close to just, uh, walkin' away, lettin' gravity run it's course."
Sonny:  "Woulda saved you  lot of grief."
Luke:  "Maybe, but, you know, since I was hit by that avalanche back in '82 or 3 or whenever it was, I guess I get sentimental at high altitudes."

Luke caught Sonny up on the Cassadine offensive, and again, he volunteered the information about Nikolas.  It's almost as if he has to tell this story.  I don't know if he's telling it to gain a particular response from Sonny, or if he just needs to tell it to help himself work through it.  Again, the most interesting thing about Luke right now is how he's dealing with that incident, and I hope they continue to handle that well.

Most of all, I was just glad to see Luke smoking a cigar at Luke's, laughing at Mike and Sonny's bickering and warning Sonny away from Brenda.  Ha!

At the end of Thursday's episode, Tony called Luke and told him about Bobbie's decision.

B.  Laura

Laura was worried for more reasons than one.  She believed--even if Luke didn't (and he may have)--that Luke's life was in danger from Stefan.  But more importantly, she was scared of what Stefan would tell Luke if pushed much further.  Luke believed that she had been acting her concern, and I was actually sad to see that.  I wanted him to call her on it.  But he said it was all in the script, and wrote off her concern to the draw outdoors, his bump on the head, and her weariness of worrying about the whole situation.

Finally, Laura's empowering Stefan in this whole situation.  Luke's right.  He's on the defensive right now, and he's trying to regain control of more than that egg, even if they don't know that.  They at least know that Bobbie's starting to question so he's got to attend to that.  I want so much for her just to tell him so Stefan won't have this last weapon.  But at the same time, that's the thing that's keeping the Spencers from having the upper hand completely, and we wouldn't want this thing to get lopsided, now, would we?  ;)

When Luke left, she called someone to bring back her mother and Lulu.  Of course, I wondered if Stefan would show up, having circled around to the back exit knowing Luke would be off down the mountain.  Nope.

Laura:  "Nikolas?  What happened?"
Nik:  "Your husband...saved my life."

Laura:  "I know you may not want to hear this, but, um, if you didn't feel any connection to me at all, do you think you'd be this angry?"
Nik:  "You can speculate on my state of mind all you want if you have nothing else better to do.  But don't try to pass it off as some kind of maternal instinct."

Luke and Nik showed up at the end of Monday's episode, and at the beginning of Tuesday, Nik told the truth.  The look on Laura's face as she realized Luke had saved Nik's life--the change from anger to surprise to thankfulness--was wonderfully done.  I think she felt sorry that she had assumed the worst of her husband.  That woman deserves an Emmy!  :)  Luke went to get Lulu and Lesley, and Laura asked Nik why he was there.  She did very well with him, I thought.  She didn't push when he insisted he didn't worry about her and that she didn't have any right to tell him what he thought or suggest what he was doing.  But she was right about him, and she told him he wouldn't be so angry if he didn't feel something for her.  She let him have room, but she insisted on thanking him.

I absolutely loved Laura's whispered "I love you" to Luke when Nik wasn't watching.

Finally, Laura proved that she not only understands Nik, but she's got her husband's number quite clearly as well.  She was wonderful with him after Nik left.  She didn't let him rush back off to the plan; she questioned him on it, and then she didn't let him ignore what had happened there with Nik.  Most of all, she didn't let his explanations stand; she insisted that despite himself, he had seen that night that Nik wasn't his Uncle's pawn and that there was hope for him.  And she's the only one that could say that and garner that wonderful reaction from him.  He'd have kept up the front for anyone else.  I love them together.  They both deserve Emmys!  :)

C.  Lesley

Lesley:  "So, do we get a hug and a kiss?"

Lesley:  "And I am what, chopped liver?"
Nik:  "No, Lesley."
Lesley:  "Oh, sorry, you don't get to call me Lesley."
Nik:  "Ok, then what should I call you?"
Lesley:  "Well, um, this little one calls me something sort of like gam'ma.  And Lucky calls me Grandma.  But you seem a little more formal than that.  Would you like "grandmother"?"
Nik:  "Yes.  Goodbye Grandmother."
Lesley:  "Sweet boy."

I love that Lesley stands up for Nik and doesn't hesitate to sing his praises in front of Luke.  I think she understands the situation well enough to know Luke doesn't like hearing it, but she does it anyway.

D.  Lulu

We got to see Lulu on Tuesday!  She's so precious.

E.  Lucky

Lucky:  "It's something' I'm workin' on for my Dad."
Ruby:  "Will it make anything blow up or take over a government agency?"

I love Ruby, and this exchange was a hoot.  I also love Ruby's relationship with Luke, and would like to see more of it.  She loves him and his family so much, and at the same time he drives her up the wall.

Luke:  "So, we let him steal the inedible egg, right?  Now, what I need to know is when he opens it up and he finds the microchip, with the b..bb..."
Lucky:  "Binary codes."
Luke:  "Bi-na-ry codes, is he gonna be able to tell that it's cloned?"
Lucky:  "No.  I'm almost 95% sure it's fine."
Luke:  "95% sure?  Good odds."

Luke:  "You are still enrolled, and everything, right?"
Lucky:  "Ya.  Pretty much."

Luke got home on Wednesday's episode and came to see Lucky at Kelly's.  Now we find out that Lucky's not only helping his father figure out what's going on with this egg, but we're finding out that he's working with the WSB (under an alias) setting up a computer model to test the chip--and that he's cloned the chip in the egg and kept the original.  While he's skipping school, it looks like he's getting some good experience--though I don't know how you put this on a resume.  :)

Again, this is us learning what's been going on when we've had no indication that it was going on before this.  I liked the thought that Luke was laying low and trying to help his sister while the women were away.  Of course I didn't think they'd given up the plan completely, but  I would have liked some indication that some of this was going on, even if we weren't allowed to know exactly what it was until now.

Luke:  "I saved him."
Lucky:  "You what?"
Luke:  "Ya, well, he was hanging' off the side of a cliff.  I could kill the kid, but I can't let him die like that.  So I pulled him up."
Lucky:  "Am I missing something'?  Wha...what's different, man?  What's goin' on here?"
Luke:  "I don't know.  But maybe one day I can use it against him.  That could come in handy."

This will be interesting to watch, because while Luke gets a positive response from Laura for what he did, he's also got to face Lucky's negative response.  If Luke stops hating Nik, or stops acting on it, or changes his attitude in any way, Lucky will throw a fit.  But at some point, Luke will have to be honest with Lucky.  We're seeing Nik turn away from Stefan, and I hope that Luke can keep things honest with Lucky so that Lucky won't go through the same thing.  I don't think, actually, that Lucky would ever walk away from Luke, but I'd like to continue to see them negotiating their relationship.

Ruby:  "And at what school does the third period coincide with the lunch hour?"
Lucky:  "I really just lost track of time."
Ruby:  "Well you better get a note from your father."
Lucky:  "I, I know his signature."
Luke:  "Ya, he does it better than me.  (Ruby hits him.)  What's wrong with that?"

Again, this was a hoot.  People always complain about Luke's parenting tactics, but for me they fulfill a childhood family.  I always told myself stories about being a child brought up by the mob or having parents that went on these adventures, etc.  Lucky gets to do all that and skip school.  And finally, while I also like the realistic storylines, most of the reason I watch soaps is to watch fantasies.  And the Spencers are indeed that to me.  I've wanted to be Lucky in my past, and now I'd love to get to do the things--and especially say the things--Luke and Laura do.

IV.  The Cassadines

A.  Stefan

i.  in Switzerland

Stefan left after threatening Laura with their secret one last time and tore off down the mountain.  He's gone from one set of blinders to another, and as he barreled down the mountain, he didn't even pause when he passed someone...or when he knocked that someone off the path.  I can't wait to see him have to take this in stride--the fact that he knocked his nephew...his son...off a mountain.  He's adjusted for his mistake in paying too much attention to Katherine Bell, but now he's gone to the other extreme, and, in trying to put the house in order, is paying too much attention to the master plan.

I can't wait for Luke to taunt Stefan with the fact that he saved Nik's life (surely he will).  I hope that's the first Stefan hears about it and he puts two and two together himself and figures out he almost killed the Cassadine heir.

It's kind of ironic that the complaint I had about Stefan's storyline for those weeks was that they weren't balanced and now that's exactly the problem he's facing.  Imbalance.

We ended Monday with Stefan on the plane, egg safely in hand.  He had one of those awful flashbacks as well, which had shown up in the scenes-from-last-week at the beginning of the episode, but I found it interesting that he thought of *Laura*.  I don't think we've seen the last of his dealing with those feelings.  At least I hope we haven't.  No thought at all to the person he'd "passed" on the mountain.

Stefan:  "It's all happening on a beautiful Aegean island.  A distant one, where no one uses a surname.  So I won't need mine."

On Tuesday, however, Stefan was thinking of Katherine instead (I found it very interesting that he thought of Laura damning him and had to turn to thoughts of Katherine and leaving behind his name--does he think it was merely his name that kept (keeps?) Laura away from him?).  While I hate those little fantasies of his usually, I did like this one because it showed that he was wondering if he could ever put his name and family behind him.  I found that interesting, because he thinks he's won since he got away with the egg scot free.  But instead of reveling in his power, he's thinking of being free from all of this.  Maybe he's thinking about getting out when Nik takes over?  After all, he's doing this in part for Nik, to confirm the power before Nik takes control.  But it was still a sharp contrast from last week's power trip with Alexis.  I like this conflicted Stefan, even if we had to see a fantasy.  I still wonder if he's going to remember that person he passed on the mountain.

ii.  With Bobbie

Stefan:  "I'm not afraid of your disapproval, Barbara, only of losing you."

Bobbie's sarcasm wasn't lost on Stefan when he returned home at the beginning of Wednesday's episode.  He played it safe, I thought, and admitted where he'd been, recognizing she already knew.  When faced with her rules and demands, he slipped easily into charm mode--talking about how being a Cassadine meant you assumed people would hate you if you were honest about who you were and what you were up to--and took her to bed.  She did go with him, but her position in the shot of them in bed sure wasn't welcoming (nice shot of the medallion, however).  I don't know if Stefan still thinks his charm is still working or not, but I hope he still knows he's not home free with Bobbie...though I don't think he could possibly know how out of the loop he is.

I found it interesting how he talked about being a Cassadine immediately after Alexis had talked about it with Bobbie as well.  I kept getting the same feeling I get when I watch the doors close in that last scene of The Godfather.  He lies, and then he shuts her out again.  I don't think it's going to work much longer.

iii.  With Alexis

Alexis:  "Slay any dragons?  Conquer any small nation?"

I think Stefan was a bit taken aback by the tone between Alexis and Bobbie, and may have actually wondered what Alexis had said.  He simply ignored her comment, however.  Later, he let her know that all was well with "business" before he tactfully sent her away.

Note:  I found it interesting that now we know Alexis has a medallion she wears it so prominently, rather than hiding it inside her clothes.  She was handling it today.  A nice touch, I think, in her conversation with Bobbie, actually.  I also loved the sweater she was wearing.

At the end of the episode, Alexis returned and she and Stefan began to open the egg.  They were stopped by Nikolas, and I sure was ready to see if they could get themselves out of this one.  At the beginning of Thursday, they admitted the truth with no argument, but Nikolas was still angry.  In their fight outside, Stefan almost gave in and hit Nik.  Again, I think he's been frustrated by Nik lately, but only because of his own inability to deal with him.  Finally, he's frustrated because even now that he's taken some steps to get his family back under control--left Katherine, retrieved the egg, paid attention to Bobbie (and notice he drew Nik's attention to this)--he still can't seem to find the control over them he once had.

Finally, I wondered this week about our responses to Stefan.  While the writing has lacked balance for a while (we're only seeing one side of Stefan at a time), I don't think he's that different a character than when he first came.  I don't see him as any more clearly or simply villainous than he ever was, nor do I think he's treating Nikolas or Bobbie any worse than he did before.  I'm wondering if the difference is the way the other characters respond to him.  At this point, the only person who's responding to him positively is Alexis, and she's always worried about him.  But before, we had Nik and Bobbie--and in the beginning, Laura--responding positively to Stefan.  If he hasn't really changed, then are the other characters' responses affecting ours, or do you think he has really changed?

B.  Nikolas

i.  In Switzerland

Nik:  "You sure you wanna save the bastard's life?"

Nik:  "I didn't know anything 'til I saw you."

I wonder who thought up the punny idea to have last Friday's Nikolas cliffhanger actually be a cliffhanger...  :)

Of course we knew that was Nik coming up the mountain.  I wonder if he will tell Stefan what happened--he didn't tell Luke anything, and I do think he realized it was Stefan that passed him and caused him to fall, even before Luke told him one of the cars was Stefan's.  When he realized that it was Luke hanging on to him, I think he truly believed Luke might drop him.  The fear showed on his face.  And when Luke accused him of not caring about his mother?  I'm not sure what he was thinking.  I wonder if he let himself think of Laura (heh heh) at all, or kept himself focused on Lulu and Lesley.  On Monday, I was looking forward to more Nik and Laura scenes.

Nikolas:  "I guess Luke and I are even now, though."

Nikolas:  "And where do you get off telling me what I feel, or what I would or wouldn't do, or why I'd do it."
Laura:  "Am I wrong to assume that you're here to see that we're all safe?"
Nikolas:  "We meaning you included?  No, no, that's definitely wrong.  I came here to check up on my sister and on my Grandmother.  I knew you were fine, because you always are.  Not that I really care.  I mean, hell, even when you're dead you're fine."

Nik:  "What'd I do besides almost get myself killed and...and give macho man Luke Spencer the chance to be a hero and brag about it."

We had good scenes between Nik and the Spencers on Tuesday, so I wasn't disappointed.  I was glad he maintained distance from Laura, telling her exactly where he stood.  Yes he's angry, and yes he actually cares about her.  But he's got too much going on now to make himself vulnerable in that way so easily.  I know they will work things out, but I hope he does it on his own terms.

Nik:  "Or if you can't come over and visit, then you'll know that he's there."

He was very sweet with Lulu and Lesley, and his hesitation when he spoke of the pony he would buy his sister and keeping it for her if she couldn't visit was well done by Tyler Baker.  I'm glad he's holding his ground on this too--that he's demanding to see his sister and his Grandmother.  Most of all, I think Laura is right.  While he denied it, I do think he's standing up to Stefan, and if he had found Stefan still there, I think he would have confronted him.  At the same time, perhaps he would have set up a united front; I don't know if he's ready to confront Stefan in front of the Spencers yet, and he's been taught not to let anyone outside of the family know what he's thinking.  ;)

Luke:  "Our last guest stole that egg thing you gave Lulu."
Nik:  "My Uncle never does anything without a reason.  I'll replace what my sister has lost."

But finally, at the beginning of the week I was ready to argue that Nik's ready to draw the line in the sand with Stefan, even though he's still unsure about it.  When he left, Luke made a crack about the egg being stolen, and Nik vowed he would return it to his sister.  It will be interesting to see if he demands to know why that egg's so important, or on what points he will confront Stefan.  But at the end of Tuesday, he was still on the mountain, remembering Stefan passing him and causing his fall.  He believes Stefan's being materialistic and putting business above family to the degree that he didn't stop to see who he had passed or hear the cries.  And I had this strange feeling that he wasn't going to go down the mountain at all, but that he was going back up to the Spencer's house.  Maybe to demand a few things, maybe to admit some things about his Uncle.  I'm not sure why I got that vibe.  Suffice it to say, whatever he does, I'm completely intrigued.

ii.  At Wyndemere

On Wednesday, Nikolas returned and called Bobbie, giving her the excuse about being at the library.  He was actually outside of Kelly's, and I don't know why he was there.  Was he going to see Lucky?  Gina?  But he saw Luke enter and backed off, watching from outside.  It's almost like he's intrigued by the Spencers, somehow.

Alexis:  "Before you take your Uncle to task you should know that the information contained on that chip is critical to the future of our family."
Nik:  "Why, is there a map inside that tells where all the bodies are buried?"

At the end of Wednesday's show, Nik walked in on Alexis and Stefan opening the egg and demanded to know what they were doing.  At the beginning of Thursday, they told him straight out, but he still didn't give them any slack.  He demanded to know why Stefan had lied to him, both about what was in the egg and about going to get the egg.  Alexis left them alone on Stefan's request, and Nik didn't object; his main fight was with Stefan.

Stefan:  "Can you ever forgive me?  Come.  Give me a hug and let's put this behind us."
Nik:  "Don't.  I have never been more angry with you than I am right now."
Stefan:  "Well, fortunately we have a system for channeling that anger."
Nik:  "Won't work."
Stefan:  "I think it will."
Nik:  "Don't say I didn't warn you."

Stefan tried to smooth over the incident without hearing Nikolas out, acting as if Nik's complaints were minor.  Nikolas wouldn't have it, though, and interrupted his Uncle in the above dialogue.  Stefan led him outside to do some Tai Chi, thinking that it would calm him and, I would bet, believing that Nik would be submissive after doing those exercises.  Nik attacked him instead, and Stefan finally gave in and almost hit him.  Stefan immediately apologized, but Nik remained angry, confident that Stefan was showing the person he really was.  Nik repeatedly alluded to things that happened in Switzerland, but never confronted Stefan with them or admitted he had gone there.

Stefan:  "Find the peace and balance within."
Nik:  "I'm not gonna find that here."
Stefan:  "Where are you going?"
Nik:  "To find my peace."

At the end of Thursday, Nikolas walked away from Stefan.  Stefan told him that this never helped anything, but he left anyway.  And I suspected he was headed for the Spencers.

iii.  With Katherine

At the beginning of Friday's episode, Katherine was working out on her own and fell.  Before that, she had this strange Obi Wan Kenobi thing where she heard Stefan's voice in her head; she rejected him and insisted she had to do this on her own.  When Nik found her and helped her up, she insisted that she had to do this herself because people leave; I was sad to find out that her newfound independence is a reaction to Stefan.  Her anger now is spurring her on just as her love did before--it's still all about him.  Sigh.

Nik:  "Let me tell you something.  That decent and caring man tried to kill me while was over there.  Maybe that little piece of information will finally change your opinion about him."

Nik:  "Should it matter who...who I was?  Murder is murder."

I wondered, throughout this scene, why Nikolas needed to tell this story to Katherine.  I wondered if he was headed to her house to find the peace he spoke of (his look into her eyes says he still wishes he could find it there), or to tell her this from the start.  She didn't give him any encouragement romantically, so he launched into a tirade against his Uncle, telling her about his trip to Switzerland (Katherine was quick to realize that Laura was in Switzerland).  I found it amazing that Katherine tried so hard to defend Stefan; that's exactly what Nik didn't want to hear right then.  But I think she simply can't bring herself to speak badly of Stefan, or do anything  but encourage peace between him and Nik--because if there isn't peace, she's partly to blame and she knows it.  Instead, she told Nik he brought out the good in Stefan.  She encouraged him to hear Stefan's explanation; but Stefan's explanation wouldn't be of any comfort, because there's nothing he could say--even the truth--that will make this up to Nik.

Nik:  "Of all the people to save me in this world.  The irony of it makes me wanna choke."

Just as Luke's view of Nikolas has changed, I will be interested to see how Nik's view of Luke has changed.  These two are going to be best buds *no* time soon, but it'll be fun to watch them circle each other, negotiating territory.  Because the question Nik didn't ask--or answer--is this: "What kind of man stops in the middle of  chasing his dire enemy and saves a total stranger?"

Nik:  "I'm just as much a prize as that stupid piece of porcelain he was so desperate to get back."

Nik:  "You don't get it.  Katherine, what kind of a person would hurt an innocent man but not his upstart nephew, huh?"
Katherine:  "I don't know.'
Nik:  "Well I'll tell you.  A Cassadine, that's what.  The man that I was born and raised to be.  A man with selective morals and a different code of behavior.  Why, just because we're  better than everyone else and only family need apply?  Well, I'll tell you what, I ain't gonna live like that.  I refuse."
Katherine:  "What're you gonna to do?"
Nik:  "I'm gonna get as far away from him as possible.  While I still have a soul."

Nik:  "Oh my God.  He did it.  My Uncle shot you."

Nikolas finally put all the  moments he's witnessed togther along with Katherine's reaction and found out the truth.  No one had to tell him--but it's the fact that no one did that has completed the rupture to his worldview that began with suspicions about his Uncle and came to a crisis on the mountain with Luke.  At this point, with this opinion of his Uncle and the extreme emotions that go with it, it will not be easy for Nik to reconcile with his Uncle.  While I hope he does keep a relationship with Alexis, and I know he'll keep one with Bobbie, I think that at this point, he will find more peace with the Spencers.  And that's a sad statement.

At some point, I hope that he can reconcile with both his parents and not have these violent disillusions about either of them.  He's had it amazingly bad since he's come to Port Charles, and I think that given that, he's come through beautifully.  But he's speaking of going away; I don't know if he's planning to leave town for good or not.  Obviously the character isn't being written off, so something will happen to keep Nikolas around.  Personally, I'd like to see him work against his Uncle for a while; I think that's the way he's going to find his way back to his family--and become their leader.

C.  Bobbie

i.  At Wyndemere

Bobbie:  "What's so funny?'
Alexis:  "You.  You don't get the hang of us, do you.  I hope you never do."

Alexis:  "But when that happens and you're a Cassadine, you never, ever challenge the other person.  You assume they're lying for a good reason--probably not as good as your lying to them."

Alexis was comforting Bobbie at the beginning because she was worried about Nik's being gone.  Nik had called and said he was at the library both late at night and early this morning, but Bobbie didn't buy it.

I do like the scenes we've had with Bobbie and Alexis.  I believe Alexis wants what's best for Bobbie--but not enough to tell her to get free of the Cassadines.  Instead, she wants to help Bobbie understand the family she's married into.  I think Alexis optimistically thinks that if Bobbie can understand and settle in, she'll do some good for Stefan and Nikolas.  I think Alexis does put her own family above her concern for Bobbie, and I suspect she knows a little about the reason Stefan married her.

Bobbie:  "You went for that damned Faberge egg you were so distraught about, didn't you."

Bobbie:  "So the reason why you're making this clean breast of things is because you know Luke will tell me about it anyway?  Stefan, I never expected you to inform me of your every move and every thought.  We have never had--nor have I ever wanted--that kind of relationship.  But here are the bare minimum requirements, since apparently they need spelling out.  I will not be made a fool of, and I will not be lied to.  And when I ask you a direct question, I expect the answer to be true."
Stefan:  "Barbara..."
Bobbie:  "And don't tell me you're sorry , and don't tell me you won't do it again, because I know you will."

I absolutely loved Bobbie standing up to Stefan about the lie.  He tried to charm his way out of it, but she wasn't to be charmed.  She doesn't understand what the big deal is about the egg, and she doesn't like Stefan's attempts to explain.  It's not the egg that bothers her really , but Stefan's treatment of Nik.  And she has every right to be fed up with him, especially since she also suspects him of an affair with Katherine.

ii.  At the Brownstone

Bobbie:  "Luke was right; everybody was right.  Everybody who's been telling me that I put all my faith in all the wrong people.  God help me, that's true."

At the end of Wednesday, Bobbie showed up at the Brownstone.  I don't know if she expected to find Tony there or not, but she told him she needed to get out and this was the only place she knew to come.  She then admitted to him (without much prompting) that she had been wrong all this time.  Hallelujah!  I loved this moment; I've been waiting for it for weeks and months now, and while I know this will be hard on her to admit, she needs to get out of there.  I hope, however, that even if she turns her back on Stefan she'll find a way to be there for Nik.  Actually, it's going to be interesting to watch this unfold, because it seems that Nik's going to manage to make and keep some friends and become a Cassadine people trust while Stefan's going to be left out in the cold with the rest of his relatives.

Bobbie:  "How could I have been so blind for so long?"
Tony:  "'Cause you're a good person and you give people the benefit of the doubt."
Bobbie:  "Ya, well, not anymore.  I gotta get away from him."

On Thursday, Bobbie asked Tony to hold her, even though she wasn't sure she had that right, and he told her he'd always have a shoulder for her.  At that point, Maxie showed up to say that she would always remember B.J., especially on the anniversary of her death, reminding Tony and Bobbie what they had together.  Bobbie then told Tony, who wasn't surprised.  She said it was bigger than Katherine Bell, bigger than the egg, that it was about the lies and the way she was being handled.

Bobbie:  "I'm not even sure I know who the man is.  But I've never met anybody before in whom the connection between actions and words is so utterly meaningless."

In the end, she told Tony she was going to go back and tell him off, and that she might need a place to stay that night.  He said she was always welcome.  She should be; it's her house, as people on ratsa remembered.

This is the Bobbie who gets no slaps from me.  In this mode, Bobbie still has her faults, but she recognizes them, and, instead of beating herself up, she's taking action to get herself out of the situation and tell off the person who hurt her.

iii.  At Wyndemere

But at the end of Thursday, Bobbie returned to Wyndemere to confront Stefan and was faced with the mail from Justus' office--from Carly--which said Tony was suing for sole custody.  The confusion on her face was awful to see, and I have to say that while I sympathize with Carly just as much as Bobbie in all of this, at this point I was completely on Bobbie's side in this mother/daughter battle.  She's taking the right steps, and I hope that the confusion over the law suit can be cleared up and explained (Tony was doing it because of Stefan, after all) before Bobbie gets too down on herself again or loses her momentum with Stefan.  And at that point, I just wanted her big brother to show up, not say I told you so, and give her a big hug.

Bobbie:  "Explain it to me, Stefan.  Tell me what kind of a man cheats on his wife.  What kind of man learns her every secret, her weaknesses and her strengths only to use them against her.  Tell me about that, if you can."

Bobbie:  "No.  Things are different now Stefan.  Things are very different."

But instead, Bobbie went on a terror.  She accused Tony of acting like a friend while he plotted this, and ranted and raved about him using her past against her.  All with damn good reason, from what she knows.  And even though she doesn't know Tony had backed off the case, and even given the reason he was doing it--Stefan--the fact remains that he was using her past against her.

And while she went off on Tony, she not only managed to imply that Stefan would be held in just as much contempt (and I'm glad he finally got to see her in full blown Spencer mode) and that she was suspicious of him, but told him things were different without taking the time to explain now; I hope he didn't think she only meant that her son was in question so she wouldn't allow herself to be comforted.  And then the most beautiful thing happened.  She turned around and used Stefan the same way he's been using her all this time--for his power, prestige, and money.  And she didn't bat a wide eye while she did it.  The best thing?  There was no way he could refuse her, and she knew it--because he knows she suspects the affair.  She was in control, and she was beautiful.  And Adrian can quote as much of this as he likes on The Bobbie Zone.

I do worry about Bobbie, and I hope we get a nice scene with Luke soon (although he knew about this custody suit and encouraged it--strike fifteen).  I'm sorry all of this is hitting at the same time--and the worst is yet to come.  But today she showed me again that even though I worry, she's going to be just fine.  Barbara Jean is still a Spencer, and she can take care of herself.

V.  Kevin and Lucy

A.  Kevin

At the beginning of Tuesday's show, Kevin read Lucy's note and didn't miss the fact that she hadn't told him where she was going.  He suspected, I think, but didn't take action to find her until her assistant Don showed up ready to set up Lucy's home office.  Don didn't know where she was, or even that she was going to be gone, and Kevin got on the computer and found out she had headed to France.  He called the convent and told them what to do.  At the end of Tuesday, Mac showed up and we found out that he had headed to France as well.

Note:  Don's box o' stuff had "E.R." written on it....

Did anyone else get the impression that Don was gay and had a thing for Kevin?  He mentioned Brenda's beauty only in passing, but he delivered that line about keeping an eye on Kevin with a little twinkle, I thought.  ;)

Also, I loved Don's description of Lucy in the business world; he talked about how she plays the ditz and gets people to believe she doesn't know what's going on while all the time she was launching some huge move.

While I'm sorry that Kevin just missed Lucy, I'm glad he's getting to see very clearly how his lying has affected her--it's driven her to do the same thing.

B.  Lucy and Felicia

Lucy:  "Ok, just tell me something is it because you are a blonde?"
Felicia:  "Blondes sleep better?"

Lucy:  "You know, for me, my entire life is one grey area."

Lucy:  "No, no, it's not ok.  Because I am ashamed.  I am a very successful female person in the 90s, and I am terrified of women in wimples."

Felicia:  "Then again, she's a nun.  So she probably is holier than thou.  I think she's entitled."

Felicia:  "I just keep thinking about those nuns in The Sound of Music.  Remember, when they didn't know what to do about Julie Andrews.  I always wanted to be the pretty one.  The one, you know, that looked like Lila Quartermaine?  Anyway, you can be the grumpy one."
Lucy:  "Stop!  Ok.  Look, you are just going on and on.  You're sort of babbling.  You're beginning to sound like me."

We haven't had many fun storylines lately, and while this one got off to a flaky start back with Felicia and Mac in jail, I really enjoyed seeing her and Lucy together in this trip to France.  From Lucy's complaining about the hotel room to their visit to the convent (complete with improv about being Hollywood people) to their plotting on how to get back in the convent, their scenes on Tuesday were a real scream.  The best line (and I was hoping for it) was the above line about The Sound of Music.  Ha!  And she promptly made headgear out of a curtain.  Very funny.

Question:  I do have a small question.  They kept talking about finding the package.  Do they actually think that whatever Kevin sent would still be in the package?  I guess so; it's a soap, after all.  :)

Lucy:  "And they don't speak, right?"
Felicia:  "Something else you know nothing about."

Felicia:  "I told you this wouldn't work."
Lucy:  "Ok, so it's navy, not black.  But it only looks navy under the fluorescent lighting.  I know nuns have sworn off fluorescent lighting forever."

On Wednesday, Lucy and Felicia continued talking about their plan to infiltrate the convent.  Oddly, Felicia started saying it was impossible while Lucy refused to give up.  After Lucy's failure with the navy habits, she came up with the idea that they could climb the wall and steal real ones.  Felicia said she'd go through with it only if Lucy could keep a vow of silence.  Lucy did admirably, but it was funny to hear her take off babbling when Felicia gave her permission.

Felicia:  "They don't talk about makeup and movie starts and all that fun stuff."
Lucy:  "Well neither do I.  They do because they're virgins."

Felicia:  "I wonder if nuns have stock in starch.  Cause if they don't they should."

Finally, the two of them donned the habits they had stolen and set off for the convent at the end of Wednesday's episode.  This is another of those schemes that's completely unbelievable, but I think it's pretty fun to watch the two of them so far.  It's a welcome lightness in the surrounding serious scenes.  And we get a lot of Lucy, and that ain't a bad thing.

On Thursday, we had Lucy trying to get away with a bit of style in her habit and Felicia disallowing it.  They headed to the train despite Lucy's hunger and her complaints about feeling like a frumpy librarian again.

C.  Kevin and Mac

Kevin:  "Mac, can't you trust me one last time?"

Kevin:  "Alright.  Here's my situation.  I have one--one--last secret.  And I will tell you about it.  I'll tell you everything, Mac, I swear.  But I have to be able to tell Lucy first.  If I don't, I'll lose her, Mac, and I can't afford that right now."

Mac:  "Did you say nuns?"

Kevin:  "Mac."
Mac:  "Ya."
Kevin:  "I won't let you down."
Mac:  "Ok."

Mac showed up on the train with Kevin, accusing him of stalking Felicia and not buying his protestations.  Kevin explained as much as he could to convince Mac of his innocence on that count, and told him that he would explain all after he explained everything to Lucy.  Mac joined him on the trip, but at the end of Thursday, they were left behind when two nuns stole their passports...

I really liked these scenes with Kevin and Mac.  I like Mac, and I like him maybe the most with Kevin (I liked them when the hated each other too; they're just good together).  And I'm glad Mac's along on this little adventure.

D.  Four on a Train

Lucy:  "Well, I suggest you march right in there and ask Kevin what the hell is goin' on."

Lucy and Felicia found Mac and Kevin on the train and the scenes that followed were a scream.  Lucy crunching bread and reading her bible upside down, Felicia pick pocketing the guy's passports, the guys trying to be gentlemen in the face of these wacked out nuns, etc.  These scenes were so much fun, and a welcome change to many ratsa-ers.  I can't capture everything that went on in these scenes, but I'll say that I loved Lucy's crossing herself as she entered the car, personally, but my favorite moment follows:

Kevin:  "I'd swear that cross-eyed nun with the round glasses just felt me up."

E.  To the Convent

Kevin and Mac faced the train conductors and tried to explain that their passports were gone while the "nuns" left.  Of course, Felicia left the passports where they could be found, which allowed Kevin and Mac to follow them.  Keeps the plot rolling, I guess.  I might have been tempted to take the passports with them and come back and let them out of jail later.  ;)  I loved Mac talking about his bad passport picture.  As they left, Kevin said that he hoped that Lucy and Felicia hadn't gotten to the convent before them.

On Friday, Lucy and Felicia broke into the convent and we were treated to several hysterical moments of them scaling walls, participating in vespers, bemoaning Felicia's new perfume, running around halls looking for whatever it is, and dodging the mother superior.  I'd bet this is the most action that convent's seen in a while.  :)  At any rate, it was a hoot.  My personal favorite moment was Lucy going off on Saint Damien.

Mac:  "Well then I hope they're in a haystack and Felicia's forgotten her antihistamine."

Mac:  "Then maybe we should leave it alone."
Kevin:  "We could.  Lucy can't."
Mac:  "Then, uh.  Then we deal with it.  And I'm with ya."
Kevin:  "Thanks.  I don't think I've ever needed a friend more than I do right now."

Mac and Kevin arrived and thought they had beaten Lucy and Felicia there.  Kevin reassured Mac that he had to do this, and Mac told him he'd support him.

Lucy:  "Thank you?  You gave me a cross.  Look where I am; there are like 50 million thousand crosses in here.  What am I supposed to do?  Hello!"

The final shot of the week was of Lucy reacting to whomever or whatever she found in the room marked by the cross she saw in her vision.

Kevin:  "I have a bad feeling about this."

At the end of Friday, Kevin realized (in a very Han Solo moment) that the bell-ringing was a diversion of some sort.  He set off to find out what was going on, while Mac tried to help the nun who was swinging from the bell pull--and realized it was Felicia.

VI.  Katherine

On Tuesday, Katherine seemed frustrated with her workout, and since every time she spoke of happiness or getting what they wanted the shot cut to Stefan, I guess we know why.  She's also missing Miranda, I suppose, and that's what Mac showed up to ask her about.  Poor Mac.  Even when Robin left for college she almost left without a proper good-bye and just a note!  He's always getting the brush off it seems.  And I actually think Mac deserves better.  I like him.

VII.  Carly and Tony

A.  Carly

On Wednesday, Carly called the hospital about her mother.  She was so positive about her mother, but told the nurse that she couldn't miss any more work or she'd lose her job.  She dodged the question about her address by claiming her mother didn't need to send her a thank you card and told the nurse to tell her mother that she loved her.  I'm glad to see Carly being positive about her mother, and I would really like to see scenes with them together again.

Carly's call was interrupted by a knock at the door.  It was A.J., returning the earring she'd lost.  She was, as always, anxious as to what he'd say, and grew more anxious when Tony returned home.  She tried to listen in on their conversation when Tony sent her to check his messages, but had to ask Tony what they were talking about.  She was realizing that Tony knows A.J., and that they do talk--and that she's not off the hook.  Finally, she got the great news at the end of the episode that A.J. was moving in next door.  Isn't it strange how many people we know in the Chuckles live next door to each other?

Carly was also irritated with Tony leaving so quickly again.  She claimed that she wasn't pouting about Lucas, and that she missed him.  But at the same time she made a snotty remark as he left that told us she was indeed hacked...again.

B.  Tony

i.  At the Apartment

Tony seemed glad to chat with A.J. and sorry he didn't realize everything that was going on.  I'd actually like to see more of them, because with Tony, A.J. has somebody who cares about him but isn't a member of his family.  That could be a good thing.  Tony said he'd make some calls about getting A.J. an apartment.

Tony was gracious with Carly, I thought, and bought her explanation that she missed seeing Lucas.  I'm glad he doesn't avoid the topic of Bobbie with her and at the same time realizes that it irritates her.  Tony said he didn't think Lucas would ever be alright away from Bobbie and that he was glad he'd called off the custody suit.

ii.  With Bobbie

I was glad Tony was there with Bobbie, not saying I told you so and at the same time admitting calmly his own suspicions.  He let her talk and promised her he'd be there for her as a friend.  But after that pain over the memory of B.J., I think he was really looking hard at what he had left--and probably who he had left her for.  And when he hugged Bobbie, it was quite clear that he was struck by some kind of feeling for her.  I figured we'd get a flashback to Luke asking him if he wanted Bobbie back, but at least they spared us that one.  ;)

C.  The Brownstone

On Friday we saw Tony eating with Lucas.  Carly came with dinner, and Lucas actually didn't throw a fit.  Carly was still upset by him, but she let Tony coax her in to eat with him.  After dinner and a heart to heart about Carly's past (again), Tony asked her to dance.  Very sweet.  He assured her that the past was gone and that even though they could promise all kind of things the future was always uncertain (Carly didn't like that), but that he just wanted her in the present.

Bobbie:  "I hope like hell we're interrupting something."

They were interrupted, however, by Bobbie and Stefan.  Monday should be good.  :)  I already said I was against Carly's move at this point because of what it did to Bobbie, but from the trailers, it looks like she's going to immediately admit what she's done--unless she's going to tell a lie.  I have such the same responses to each of them it should be very interesting to see them interact; it's been a while.

VIII. Other things

A. Sets

Were those two new sets at Wyndemere--the garden where Stefan and Nik fought and the fenced courtyard where Bobbie asked Stefan if he'd break the law for her?

B. Port Charles Ads

The new ads are looking good; the one with just the new people walking down the hall bored me.  Hello, Scotty!  He never did it for me, but he's doin' it big time in the new ads.  He just wasn't old enough in the footage I've seen, maybe.  ;)  And I love Kevin and Lucy's pillow fight; I'm sorry it's only on there a spilt second.  And finally, where is the bad guy (Wayne Northup)??  The new cast members look very young to me (and the one girl has Juliana Margolis hair from E.R.), but I like that gal from The City.  But then there's that one guy that kind of does it for me...  ;)