**The Week in Review: September 8 - September 12**

I. The Cassadines

A. Stefan and Katherine

Katherine showed up at the end of last Friday's episode and planted a big wet one on Stefan.  On Monday, he was formal because Alexis was there (nice look from him over to her during the kiss at the end of Friday).  But Katherine said he had been formal with her earlier as well and she wanted to know why.  She pleaded with him that she loved him; he replied that he thought of her constantly but didn't really answer her question.  She backed off, saying she could be patient, and started to leave.  But Stefan stopped her and gave her a necklace--a family heirloom--saying he wanted her to have proof of how much she meant to him.  Alexis, listening in the hall, was flabbergasted.

B. Alexis and Stefan

Alexis:  "And after all this time you need oaths and vows from me?"
Stefan:  "In all this time I have never set you a task so private and intimate."

After Katherine left, Stefan called for Alexis.  He pleaded with her to help him.  She promised; he thanked her.  She vowed to him that he would never be alone in this and that she would always protect and shield him.  She asked what he would do if they couldn't find incontrovertible proof; he said he'd ask Katherine.  She reminded him of what he already knew (but what still doesn't quite make sense to me--seems like Katherine could keep a secret if her life depended on it), that Helena would have her killed.  He went up to bed and she called Leo and told him to set up the proof.

On Wednesday, Katherine gushed over the necklace on the phone to Stefan, but she knew something was wrong because of the way he was talking.  He simply said he was tired of waiting, but when he got off the phone he demanded to know where the government guy was.  Apparently they paid off some guy to bring them the immigration paperwork on Natasha and Kristen.

Alexis:  "You have no idea how sorry I am."

The guy did show up, and he gave them proof that Kristen and Natasha had come through immigration sponsored by Avery Stanton and had gone to live at Serenity.  When he left, Stefan was in shock, but was convinced Katherine was his sister...for a moment.  Alexis tried to comfort him, but after a few moments of pondering what he would tell Katherine, how he would face her, he turned around and looked for more proof.  He jumped on the Internet and looked up the death certificate...ya, like that would happen.  And in the meantime, Katherine awaited his call at the hospital.

Stefan:  "Life isn't like that, Alexis; it's not that simple.  It doesn't unfold itself in neat little packages."

Alexis had been nervous about him looking, and questioned him what he was looking for.  He didn't notice her nerves, and instead rejoiced when he found the "proof" he was looking for.  On Thursday he showed her the proof and told her that his sister was dead.  She questioned the source of the information and suggested that somebody could lie about the death to keep her safe.  Stefan immediately set out for Natasha's grave, taking Alexis with him.

Stefan:  "I have to know."

Stefan:  "Katherine, this is the last time I will let anything come between us.  You have my word."

When they got there, I remembered that scene of Kevin and Lucy standing over Ryan's supposed coffin and waiting to see what the officers dug up.  I was hoping we weren't in for a similar treat....  The guy was hesitant to dig the coffin up, but money talks (but it don't sing and dance and it can't walk).  Katherine actually called at this point (I'm surprised she didn't hear the shovel in the background).

Alexis:  "Excuse me, may I see that record book?"
Grave Digger:  "You won't understand it."
Alexis:  "You'd be surprised."

Alexis:  "I never thought that I would be doing anything quite this...morbid.  It feels inhuman."

Alexis:  "I would do anything for you, Stefan.  Anything."

Stefan actually helped the guy get the coffin out of the ground (he needs to take some of Sonny's delegation lessons, or he'll be catburglaring again).  He then sent the guy away, but Alexis took a look at the record book, trying to avoid opening the coffin lid (though I think she knew what he was going to find).  He insisted he would open the coffin.  Alexis was nervous and seemed disgusted, but I think she was nervous about the pain she was inflicting on Stefan.  She refused to leave his side.  And at the end of Thursday, Stefan opened the coffin.

Stefan:  "Perhaps children's corpses are harder to come by."
Alexis:  "Don't."
Stefan:  "Oh, is that in poor taste?  Forgive me.  It's not every day I find out that I've been pining for my own sister."

On Friday, we saw with Alexis that the coffin was empty.  Stefan said it was the same ruse he used with Lesley.  But there was a slip of paper with numbers, and when checked with the reference book, it was clear that Kristen had bought the grave plot under the name "Kimberly Bell of Serenity, New York."

Stefan:  "I didn't want Stavros dead; I...I mourned him.  I even avenged him.  And I was only too happy to take his place, to lead the family, to raise his heir, to love Lasha, the woman he loved.  If it's a mortal sin to covet your brother's wife, what must be the punishment for wanting your own sister?"

Stefan:  "She was my last chance to be...more than a Cassadine."
Alexis:  "You are."

Stefan:  "My sister is simply another thing that I love and can never possess.  So I suppose Katherine has taken her rightful place in my life."

The pain in Stefan's voice was clear, even as he worked through the explanation, wondering about now-trivial details almost in shock.  But even more painful to watch was Alexis, who was really upset by the whole thing but remained quiet.  Stefan recited all the evidence, and then started in contemplating his family.  Not regret, really, but calm accounting of the past and the future as he now saw it...without Katherine.  Alexis was still concerned with whether he would tell Katherine.  He then talked about being glad to be second-born because of the freedom...and then choosing power over freedom and the price he paid.  He then spoke of Katherine and still wanting her.  Alexis was choked up by this time.

I enjoyed Stefan's talking about his family; I've missed such ruminations.  I was sad to hear him talk about his revenge for his brother's death and his love for Laura in the past; I don't believe either of those is behind him.

Alexis:  "I'm not comfortable with manipulation.  Turns out that I'm quite good at it."

Alexis:  "My own cousin.  My best friend.  We trusted each other no matter what, and now I've broken that.  For Katherine Bell!"

Alexis:  "I didn't want to do this.  And I hope to God that I never have to do it again."

Stefan left Alexis to have the caretaker finish, and as he left she quietly sobbed out her apology.  Then Leo joined her; he had been waiting some distance away.  She talked about her regret for what she was doing and her learning manipulation from Stefan...who would never manipulate her.  They had always been allies, and she had turned everything he taught her against him.  She ranted against Katherine Bell's past gold digging and insisted that she had tried to warn Stefan about her.  She was angry and upset.

This plot doesn't fly with me, but the scenes we had at the end of this week were good and true to characters, despite the plot.  I liked the fact we got to see into Alexis's thought process a bit, because that's what's been bothering me almost the most about this so far.  And I was glad to see both the loyalty and separation between these two cousins.  Some good stuff in the midst of it all.

C. Stefan and Katherine

When he got back to the house, Katherine was there.  He left her at the end of Friday saying that he had something important to tell her...

II. Carly and AJ

A. The Confrontation

AJ:  "In fact, I haven't for a long time.  But you already knew that, right?"

Carly:  "Obviously you wanna hurt me.  You wanna think my friendship was a lie.  You wanna think I didn't mean a damn word I ever said to you.  That I have no feelings at all.  Well I can't stop you.  If it makes it easier on you, so be it."

AJ:  "I almost believe that you do care about me.  I stand here, knowing what I know, and I feel sorry for you?  You're either the greatest liar the world's ever known or you're more screwed up than I've ever dreamed of being."

Carly:  "AJ, you've gotta stop this.  It's not good for the baby."
AJ:  "Well neither is a psycho mother!"

At the end of last week, AJ had shown up at Carly's door.  On Monday, she tried to play it casual, but he kept jibing at her until she thought he had been drinking, and at that suggestion he let loose.  He told her everything she had done, taunting her in a sarcastic tone, and she could only respond with coldness.  She said he was playing a game with her, that he wanted to hurt her, and that he was in denial.  She tried to just get him to leave; he wouldn't bite.  He demanded to know why.

AJ:  "See, I'm just twisted enough that it was almost flattering to think that I was so important to you.  I wanted to be important to you.  Ya, maybe it started off as a harmless crush on my neighbor's girlfriend, but since the spring, since I got sober, there's only two reasons I got out of bed.  And that was my sobriety...and you."

She started slipping up, and she grew more and more desperate.  She stuck to her story and brought up Mick; AJ held up her check for a hundred dollars.  The look on her face was priceless.  She grabbed for it and he snatched it away from her.  He then grew sad, thinking of their friendship and how dumb he felt for believing he was important to her.  She was upset by this, and I believe it was because she really cares for AJ and was having to see first hand how many ways she had hurt him.

Carly:  "I didn't have a choice, ok?"

He wanted to know what she got out of this.  He pushed, she dodged, and he realized that she had wanted him to leave town and that's why she was hounding him about rehab.  He didn't understand that either, why she didn't just ignore him or why she kept him around.  She finally fell back on that good ol' Spencer explanation: "I didn't have a choice."  That line gives away all responsibility, because with it, Carly says that there were no other options, that she didn't weigh and turn down other courses of actions, and that the conscious decision wasn't hers.

And finally, finally, finally, somebody said exactly what I would.  AJ refused to believe she didn't have a choice and asked her who was holding the gun to her head.  She told him that he was, but wouldn't explain.  He came to the conclusion that the only thing she could have against him was that first night they were together.  She asked him again to leave; he finally agreed, because he had something to go on now.

This confrontation was fantastic, with good writing and good performances.  I'm so glad we got out of the repetitive loop we were in with these two and have brought things to a head.  I can't wait to see the fallout (hopefully we won't stall out again).

B. Carly and Jason

Carly:  "I don't care if he's in surgery; I need him now."

Of course Carly called for Tony right away.  Her selfishness knows no bounds.  (On Wednesday she went up to the hospital and Amy commented on her selfishness--too funny.)

Jason came up and commented on her...er...condition.  She commented on his suit, but then broke down crying and he just rolled her eyes and held her.  Later, she handed back the handkerchief and he said she could keep it--and I had this really bad flashback to that scene in Gone With the Wind where Rhett tells Scarlett to keep the handkerchief because he's never known her to have one when she needed it.

Carly:  "Maybe I just need one person in this world to believe that I can do this."

Carly rattled on about Tony's care and Jason was skeptical.  He doesn't like Tony, and asked her why that mattered if she was happy.  She insisted she was indeed happy, but I'm not sure Jason bought it.  Carly whined about Bobbie, then asked him if he thought she'd be a good mom.  She had read that it was easier to be a good mom if a loving mother had raised you, and something about the question really struck me.  This girl has so much baggage with her about her mother, and it explains so much about her.  And I really feel for her--even after what she's done to AJ--because I can understand why this baby means so much to her.

She went off on needing this baby and this family, and Jason reminded her that this baby was a person, not something that would fix her relationship with Tony.  She blew that off and insisted that whatever she did, she was doing for her child.  I was glad to see Jason speak the truth to her, and wasn't surprised that she didn't want to hear it.

Carly:  "Why do you listen to me?"
Jason:  "It doesn't usually cost much."

Carly:  "I don't understand your business."

Jason:  "Things don't last, Carly, they're not forever.  And you can't make 'em be."

Carly:  "No, Jason, you don't run or walk away from love.  You stay and you fight no matter what it takes.  You hold on to it."
Jason:  "You do."

Carly lightened the mood, then asked what was wrong the other night at The Outback and why he was here and all dressed up.  He was still convinced that he had done right in leaving the hospital and told her that he had broken up with Robin.  But that last exchange above was quite telling, and I was amazed at the characterization in two little lines of dialogue.  She told him that she liked him...in case she never saw him again.  It was clear she was afraid the truth would come out and she might have to leave.

Tony:  "Now, you are not a little girl afraid of the dark.  You're a grown woman."

Carly was still waiting for Tony on Wednesday, and was thinking about the confrontation with AJ (big flashback).  When he finally showed up, she told him she was calling off the wedding because she didn't want to go through the ceremony because of a nightmare she had that people were laughing at her as she walked down the aisle (comforting followed, of course) but that she was really tired of putting up with Bobbie.  She told him she wanted to elope and she wanted to do it tonight.

At this point, Keesha entered and accosted Carly.  I couldn't believe that somebody was actually going to win the busybody award away from Bobbie for the week.  She had just promised AJ that she wouldn't say anything, and then immediately went and confronted Carly.  Sigh.  She crowed about getting the truth out of Mick, and just as Carly started playing innocent, Tony walked up and Keesha told Carly to tell him what she'd done.

Carly:  "Look, I am so sorry."
Keesha:  "Ya, you really are."

When the scene continued on Thursday, Carly covered with some story and managed to use double speak to get Keesha not to spill the beans at that point...though it looked questionable and we had another of those faux-cliffhangers right before the opening credits.  Carly didn't take much reassuring or comforting this time, because she was looking forward to the elopement.  Tony was still hesitant, wanting to speak to Lucas, but Carly talked him into it...actually, whined him into it.

Later, Carly thanked Keesha for not telling Tony.  Keesha was adamant that Tony would find out, even in the face of Carly's reassurances that AJ wanted the best for her and Tony and the baby.  One more person telling Carly she would be a bad mother.  But Carly was still set on eloping, and Tony had made the changes in the schedule.  He didn't look very happy, but was willing.  Tony checked in with Bobbie about a patient and headed off.  Meanwhile, Carly made one way ticket reservations to Vegas.

She made the reservations and called Tony, telling him not to go by the apartment (because she didn't want him to run into AJ), but Tony was actually going to go by the Spencer house and see Bobbie.  Carly fantasized about Tony and the baby and their decision to go to San Francisco.  And she prayed to God to let this work.  Sigh.

C. AJ

On Wednesday, AJ called the library about some books on repressed memories.  On his way out, Keesha stopped him.  He tried to dodge her, but she demanded to know everything that happened.  She said she wanted to help, but also claimed that she had a right to know because she was a part of this (which irritated me).  AJ told her what he had said to Carly and Keesha couldn't believe that he didn't demand an explanation and wasn't making her pay for what she had done.  He said he didn't want her to be forced into a corner and start lying again.  Then Keesha started harping on him telling his family; AJ wanted to have things straight in his mind first.  Keesha moved on to Tony; AJ insisted that his was his problem and he would tell people when he decided it was time.  She promised not to say anything--after much protesting.  Once she left, AJ was still convinced there was more to learn.

Bobbie:  "I have to take credit for my own pushiness."

Bobbie showed up at this point and told AJ that his family was hurting.  Who knows why she took this upon herself, but she said she would listen if he wanted to talk.  He told her he would take care of himself, and then asked her to recommend a hypnotherapist.  I loved her explanation that she worked with disturbed people because they get sick.  I'm not sure that counts.  But of course she recommended Kevin Collins, unlicensed therapist extrordanaire, when the scene continued on Thursday's show.  Yay!  AJ thanked her for her support and concern, and when she left he called Kevin.

Kevin was hesitant to take AJ's case (It was sooooo good to see him!!  And I actually see him most days on PC!), but AJ convinced him to at least hear him out.  Kevin was on his way.  AJ told him the whole story off camera, then we rejoined them as he told Kevin that he had to know why Carly had done what she did.  Kevin agreed, and the hypnosis began.  AJ remembered, and insisted on continuing even when Kevin told him he could stop.  He did stop, though, at the end of Thursday's episode, because it was so vivid and because he was scared of what he was remembering.

Kevin:  "Ya, there's something very liberating about having crashed and burned.  I don't know, maybe it's seeing your worst self and knowing that you survived.  Then again, maybe it's just not having to wear a tie."

On Friday, AJ was scared and didn't understand why, but he insisted on knowing right then.  Kevin put him under again, and he remembered everything.  Though he didn't tell Kevin what he saw, there was no way Kevin could not know what he remembered, but AJ swore him to secrecy, as if that were necessary.  Kevin told him that things would be as though they just happened, and that he shouldn't act on them immediately.  AJ agreed.

These scenes with Kevin and AJ were good, though there isn't much to say about them.  And did I mention how good it was to see Kevin?

AJ went to bang on the door at Carly's, not able to take Kevin's advice (must have been those flashbacks added to the memories), but when he ran into Tony in the hallway and heard about the elopement, he covered, then headed to the airport to stop Carly.  He showed up, much to her horror, at the end of Friday's episode.

III. Sonny and Brenda

A. Sonny at the Docks

Of course the Tin Man was the one dead at the beginning of Monday's episode.  Big surprise.  Sonny knelt over Joseph, telling him, "I took care of it."  My favorite phrase, as most of you know, but it was a sad irony that Sonny could take care of things only after Joseph was dead.  Sonny noticed the blood on his hands (and I knew it was flashback material) and said the Lord's prayer over Joseph's body, pausing on the "forgive us our trespasses" line (nice effect, Maurice).

Sonny:  "I had his garage built on...as a wedding present, along with a  little red foreign job he wouldn't drive because...he didn't wanna get it dirty.  This is the day his wife dreaded ever since.  Two guys showing up in suits at his door, lookin' sorry."

Jason showed up and filled Sonny in on what had happened.  They cleaned up, dumping the Tin Man's body into the river (which sparked a conversation on ratsa about who all and what all was down there).  Sonny was worried about Joseph's family and had Jason make arrangements.  Then they prepared to go and visit the family (I was hoping we would get to see that scene--Sonny visiting the family--but we didn't).  Jason tried to reassure Sonny that he was getting out, it was over for him, and Brenda was not going to have to face two guys with suits at the door coming to tell her he was dead.  Sonny didn't seem convinced, and for the rest of the episode he was deep in thought.

Sonny told Jason not to tell Brenda what had happened; he said he'd cover it.  He went to get the car, leaving Sonny to brood one last time in this episode.

B. Sonny

On Tuesday, images of the night on the docks flashed through Sonny's mind.  Brenda came into the room wondering why he was up so early; he said he couldn't sleep...and then she noticed his face.  He dodged her questions and was saved by the doorbell.  It was Renaldo checking in; Brenda asked where Joseph was and Sonny lied to her, as planned.  She started to quiz him, then checked herself.  She headed off to make breakfast, saying she understood.  Sonny went back to brooding.

Sonny:  "This is the worst tasting coffee I've ever had in my life."

Some things never change.  You'd think Brenda could at least make orange juice by now.  :)  But Sonny grew serious and told her she could back out and he'd understand.  Part of me thinks that he was hoping she'd take him on the offer.  He explained again the danger; she wouldn't hear it and insisted that this was what she wanted.  Then she told him that...well, I can't tell you what she said exactly because I had a weather warning.  But I'm sure it was mushy.  ;)

Brenda:  "But once we leave here and once you hand everything over to Jason things are gonna be so different.  And I know you're kinda...worried about that because you've always hidden in the darkness.  And you don't know what it's like to just bust out into the light."
Sonny:  "Maybe."
Brenda:  "I'm not afraid.  So I want you to depend on me.  Cuz I am gonna show you what it's like to be so happy and so bold and so full of love.  And I wanna do that for you, but if you're not gonna allow it, maybe I should let you go."

Actually, when we came back to these two, Brenda said that everything would be different.  She said he was worried about the change but that everything was going to be great.  She turned the tables back on him and told him he wanted to want to be happy.  Sonny agreed, and the mood lightened.  They spoke of happiness and love and he admitted that this was the first time he actually believed they could do this.  But he was still concerned.

C. Sonny and Brenda

At the beginning of Thursday's show, Brenda came home with shopping bags and big hair.  She had been trying out different hair stylists for the wedding because hers had backed out on her because of scheduling.  She was hungry and headed to the kitchen, but he told her that she was going to eat...once she changed into a little something he had laid out for her on the bed.  I could see we were in for the last romantic evening with Sonny, and I was prepared to be charmed.  :)

Brenda:  "What do you think?"
Sonny:  "I think I have great taste."

Sonny:  "Miss Barrett, would you allow me the pleasure of accompanying you to a private party...in your honor?"

Brenda:  "You wouldn't have liked me anyway, in High School."
Sonny:  "Why not?"
Brenda:  "Because I was, um, selfish and spoiled and I thought I knew everything."
Sonny:  "So did I."

Brenda came down in this red dress...and the big hair (which I actually rather liked) and then noticed the changes in the décor.  Sonny had set up their last big date as an unmarried couple there in the penthouse, and it was beautiful.  He had even brought in the waiter from the No Name!!  She was starting a scrapbook, and they chatted about that and what it might have been like if they had met each other earlier in life.  He said that maybe he'd have become an accountant, and I thought of that dream sequence with Brenda imagining Sonny as an accountant back when they first got together.  Too funny!  But she told him that she liked him just the way he was, danger and all.  And he returned the mush.

Sonny:  "Is this our song?"
Brenda:  "We don't have a song."
Sonny:  "They all are.  Every one ever written."

Later she talked about where they might end up and he apologized for having to keep her in the dark.  She said she didn't care, just as long as she was with him and they were safe.  They went out to the balcony and looked over Port Charles.  They were both going to miss it, and he thanked her for knowing this was the right thing to do and being brave.  She was unrelentingly optimistic, and while it was sweet, I don't think she's being realistic.  She was ready to head upstairs, but Sonny wanted to dance.  Really, really sweet dance from Sonny (Crazy Love--Van Morrison or a cover, I don't know), and because I knew what was coming (I cheat and read spoilers) I was just bawling.  Yes, I'm a softie sometimes.

Sonny:  "I never believed love was enough.  I thought it could never be more important than what I did or what I owned.  But I look at you, and I know it has to be.  Cause nothing else matters without it."
Brenda:  "We'll always be enough for each other."

On Friday, they talked about thinking of each other when they were apart and the fact that they were never going to be apart again.  The mush was wearing thin, but I really liked the things Sonny was saying.  He has changed over their time together, and while this scene was bittersweet, I was glad to hear him saying these things and meaning them.

D. Sonny and Jason

Jason:  "Nice dress."

Brenda teased him about being nervous about the wedding, and as they were headed upstairs the door sounded.  It was Jason.  Brenda went upstairs after thanking Jason, and Jason caught Sonny up on the financial things.  More helpful hints from Sonny.  Sonny told him to move into the penthouse until he found someplace.  Jason mentioned calling Sonny, so I guess he is indeed going to remain in contact with Sonny.  Sonny admitted it was hard to let go; I wished he'd admit that reality to Brenda.

Jason:  "You can still want something and still have it tear a hole inside of you.  No, I don't...I don't want you to go, Sonny.  I don't.  But I want you to be happy too, and if that means being with Brenda, then you have to leave."

Jason:  "Because now I understand for the first time in my life what it feels like to miss someone.  And I'm gonna miss you.  You and Robin, you're my family.  And I love you.  And love just doesn't stop when someone leaves, Sonny."

Jason:  "It's no one's fault."
Sonny:  "A world without blame?"
Jason:  "What?"
Sonny:  "Something Brenda used to say.  You're the only person I've ever met who lives there."

Jason asked him if he was changing his mind and told him this was his chance.  Sonny asked what he wanted, and Jason said that he had set Robin free and would do the same for Sonny.  Jason understands Brenda and their situation completely, and he told Sonny to leave and live.  He admitted he was mad and wouldn't let Sonny look away.  Then he told Sonny he loved him.  Sonny talked about the pain going away eventually, and I wondered if it was foreshadowing.  But he didn't tell Jason he loved him, and I was a bit disappointed.

Jason said there was someone downstairs wanting to talk to Sonny, and Sonny told him to bring the guy up.  Brenda came down and reprimanded him for the way their date was dwindling, and he promised things would get better.

E. Trouble

Davis Reese showed up, saying he knew about the plans and there was no escape.  Nice Friday cliffhanger.

IV. Mac and Felicia

Mac:  "Look, I don't really have a problem with the man personally.  I don't like what he is, but he's been great for Robin."

Mac and Dara talked about going to the big wedding as the "law enforcement contingent."  Mac had to take pictures for Robin and said that Sonny had been there for Robin always.  Dara said that L&B had gotten her into singing and that Brenda probably wanted to bury the hatchet after the Dorman murder investigation.  They decided to go together.  Felicia misunderstood (perhaps willfully) their reference to "dates" as she walked up, and wasn't too happy to have them laugh at her.

Bobbie:  "I mean, was Tony absent from medical school the day they mentioned birth control?"

Bobbie:  "And Lucas is becoming like Lucky Spencer Jr., you know, because they're having this video night.  So before I left, I said, 'Oh, Lucas, have you done your homework?'"
Felicia:  "What did he say?"
Bobbie:  "Well, you know, it began with 'man' and ended with 'man,' and somewhere in the middle there was a 'lame.'"

Bobbie arrived (in a blue dress Adrian will just adore) in time to save Felicia from Mac and Dara's giggling.  Bobbie lit into Carly getting pregnant to snag Tony again.  Then she described Lucas starting to emulate Lucky--too funny.  She said Lucas was still wondering about what happened with Stefan.  Felicia changed subjects completely and asked her if she ever secretly hated Tom.  Bobbie blamed him for helping L&L stage Laura's death.  More grousing about Tony and Carly, Tom, etc.

Bobbie left and Katherine arrived.  Katherine asked her if she had been featured in their gossip, then took note of Mac and Dara, saying it was clear they were flirting.  Felicia wasn't happy about this at all.

Tuesday found Mac trying to meet all the breakfast order and reprimanding Felicia for being late and for over-compensating for a customer's wrong order with 2 free dinners.  She forced him to tell her that he had missed her desperately; he made her help.  Mac was happiest when Dara phoned.  Felicia continued to hound on the glasses he had chosen and quizzed him about Dara.  In turn, he told her he was going to the wedding with Dara and she turned away.  Later, he asked her if she wanted to go with them and told her they weren't a couple.  She told him she already had a date but that it was a surprise.  Oh dear.

V. The Teeny-Boppers

Lizzy:  "What did you expect me to do?  Wait until after the wedding?"

On Tuesday we got our first glimpse of PC High (at least this incarnation; have we seen the actual school before?).  Sarah and Lizzy snarked at each other over the whole Nikolas incident.  Sarah insisted that the whole thing was a rumor and that she was only angry because Lizzy tried to hurt her, but her behavior didn't support her assertions.

Lucky came up and Lizzy gushed over the fact they had a lot of the same classes.  Lucky turned from her to Sarah.  The rest of the sweathogs joined them, ignoring Lizzy, and it was clear she was going to be the outsider looking in.  Nikolas would be right there with her, as nobody seemed to enthusiastic about him when he came into the room.  We were treated to some smart remarks back and forth between Lucky and Nikolas, then Nikolas asked to speak to Sarah alone.

Sarah wasn't happy to be pulled aside or that Nik was making it public.  She refused to answer the questions--some of them the same questions from before.  She insisted that nobody had said anything; he didn't believe her.  He pushed, and Lucky intervened.  Sarah reassured Lucky that things were under control, but when he asked her if she wanted to take a look around with them she went, even though she chided him for stepping in.

One of the friends pointed out they were all in Murty's English class, and I could see the wheels start to turn in Lizzy's mind when they all left on the walk without her.  She headed off to find Mr. Murty.

Nikolas:  "You and your father.  That's all you two know how to do, isn't it, fight with your fists."
Lucky:  "Well, some people don't understand any other way, if you catch my drift."

Lucky:  "What are you doing here...Nikky?  Why aren't you at home...with your fancy tutors?  Did you come to see how the other half lives?  Huh?"
Nikolas:  "It's a plot.  This is all a plot to take over the school, Lucky."

Lucky:  "Do not mock me.  You haven't seen trouble yet."
Nikolas:  "Would that be an invitation?"

Nikolas stopped Lucky and Lucky responded in typical Lucky style.  Nikolas accused him of spreading rumors; Lucky denied it but said he was ready for a fight.  For some unknown reason, Nik went from this to the fact he saved Lesley Lu's life.  I liked the dialogue that followed: Nik asked Lucky to come up with one good reason for hating him, other than his father's instructions and Lucky didn't answer.  But the conversation suffered because there was no logical link between the initial confrontation and this question, for me.  It was too out of the blue.

And besides that, Nik painted himself as guiltless in the whole thing.  Now, while I agree that Lucky's hatred of him is sometimes thoughtless, and that Nik isn't at fault in a big way, I haven't forgotten the way Nik treated Lucky--with hatred, or at the least distaste--when he first came to PC.  And I haven't forgotten the way he's treated Laura.  Now, while I would argue he's been justified in all of his reactions and actions towards her, I totally sympathize with Lucky's reaction to him as well.  Finally, I wanted to have this confrontation, but I didn't want it to come out of the blue, and I didn't want it to make things seem so black and white.  They aren't.

What cracked me up is that just as things were getting good and snarky, the guidance counselor interrupted and told Nikolas that his uncle had asked him to take care of Nikolas and get his schedule set up.  Talk about undermining your tough image!  Ha!

Sarah returned and chided Lucky again, saying she could fight her own battles.  Lucky charmed his way out of it, for the most part, but she had made her point.

Meanwhile, Lizzy found Mr. Murty--my newest FGC (he's an English person, after all!).  This scene was a scream.  She lied and flattered, and when he asked for honesty she admitted it was for some guy.  He let her in the class!  I like his style.  Especially later, when it became clear that she had gotten into more than she had bargained for.  Now I'm praying for he to get a crush on Mr. Murty...right after the one she's just *got* to develop on Luke.  After all, he is Lucky all grown up and sexy....  ;)

Lizzy showed up in class on Wednesday, much to Lucky and Sarah's surprise.  Nikolas showed up too, bearing a note from the office...what a cute nerd.  :)

Mr. Murty launched into an introduction to Bronte's Wuthering Heights with a little forced humor and some banter with the students.  Lizzy started to realize what she was in for when she heard the assignment for that night...and on the first day of class, no less!  I don't have much more to say about the class scenes except that if they need a consultant on the Brontes...or Nineteenth Century British Lit in general...I know were they could find one.  :)

Nik passed Sarah a note in class, which Murty intercepted then gave to her.  Afterwards, she wouldn't read it, saying she didn't want it to confuse her.  She tried to apologize for her treatment of him the other night but told him she didn't want to see him because she might not be around very long if there were to be trouble in Bosnia and her parents came back.  He didn't buy it, and said they were already involved.  He asked if the same rule applied to Lucky; she said it was none of his business but yes it did.  She pushed her and mentioned their talks about her grandfather and she blew up and ran away.

Lizzy brought Lucky food from the vending machine as thanks for helping her keep her job.  At this point, we had a discussion about the title of Wuthering Heights and Lucky took off on some big explanation that he would probably never ever know...too funny.  She complimented him on his way with people (who knew), but when Sarah showed up he ignored Lizzy completely and let Sarah eat the food Lizzy had brought him.

Lizzy stormed off to the vending machines, where Nikolas helped her retrieve her stuck potato chips (or whatever she was eating) and then quizzed her about Sarah.  Lizzy brushed him off.

VI. Jax and V

On Tuesday, V came up with a smart solution for one of Jax's business concerns.  Good for her!  She's been kind of bumbling and accident prone since she started, so I'm glad to see her good qualities--dedication, smarts, etc.--coming to the forefront with Jax.

Jax:  "Hey, when I exploit you, you'll know it."

Mac:  "She's going to fingerprint all your employees and have them sign Miranda warnings in advance.  No pun intended."

V:  "Sorry.  I'll stay here and man the office.  That doesn't really sound right, but 'person the office' doesn't sound right either.  Maybe I'll just run it."

Jax:  "How is it that I never noticed you were so insecure before?"
V:  "I was wearing a gun."

He rewarded her for her great idea by taking her out to breakfast.  They went to The Outback, where he got to tell Mac V worked for him now.  But then he saw the invitation to the wedding lying on the bar and grew sad.  V asked him why his mood had changed and feared it was because of her idea.  He told her he was going to California and that she was to stay here and "man" the office.  She was still worried that he was upset with her and he reassured her.  But she understood things completely after he left when she saw the invitation on the bar.

Meanwhile, Jax remembered their wedding day, when Brenda said she was "crazy, head over heels, in old-fashioned love" with him (I always liked that line, and applauded this little flashback).  Then he left, turning the lights out on their penthouse.  Nice touch.

On Thursday, Jax got a funny message from V, who was checking in, and called her back with instructions--and told her to take credit for her idea.  I love the effect he has on her self-confidence, and I like these two together.  I'm not sure I want them involved romantically, because they're isolated enough as it is, but I would like to see them continue on in scenes together.

Katherine:  "Frankly I think the two of you would make a spectacular couple."
V:  "Why?"

V went to GH to give Katherine the Nurses' Ball stuff, as per Jax's request, and we had a nice little scene between them (I want more!).  V filled her in and Katherine complimented her on her new look.  She had a package for Jax, and V waited.  While she waited, she called Jax again...too cute!  While I want more of that ruthless businessman I've heard Jax can be, his scenes with V are winning me over big time.  Katherine got back and suggested that V follow her impulse and take the package to Jax personally...in Malibu.

Jax:  "Is there anything else?  I'd prefer you asked me now than...rather than try to wing it."
V:  "Nope.  Actually, sir, it's a, uh, a little late for that."

V:  "Good evening, Mr. Jax.  Guess who."

V decided she would do just that, and she called him from the plane to make sure he was still there.  She called again later, and he managed not to make her feel stupid about calling.  She suggested that she come out to California and he said no.  We then were treated to a very fun but insecure fantasy from V about showing up at Jax's house and being thoroughly rejected.  It was exaggerated and over the top and really, really fun.  But she didn't back off.

Jax:  "Could I possibly hear this explanation sitting down?  I mean, since you're here and everything, why not come inside?"

She started in making excuses, and Jax was a little surprised at first, but he didn't drive her away.  He invited her in.  What a guy.  He told her about the place and they compared interests while he teased her about her previous "obsessive pursuit of law and order."  She told him that if he committed a major felony not to get caught.

He then set her to reading the instructions to a telescope while he assembled it.  Then they squabbled over Jax's realization that they had left the lens cap on, then he teased her about her father's words of wisdom.  She spoke of her old job, and he spoke of cutting your losses and moving on.  Then she called him "Mr. Jax" one too many times and he told her to call him by his name.  She asked if he meant "Jasper," and he just laughed and corrected her.

He helped her with the telescope as she used his name again, and then he told her that he wanted to know her name.  The bet was about to be paid on ratsa....

VII. Alan

Alan ranted at Amy over a patient file until Bobbie set him straight and he apologized.  Bobbie asked him what was wrong and Alan filled her in on AJ.  I actually liked seeing these two because it was, again, one of those pairings we don't see too often.

Katherine stopped him and informed him of an appearance she had set up for him (would a PR person set him up to speak at AMA?), and he complimented her on her necklace.  She gushed, but wouldn't tell him who had given it to her.

Alan:  "She does seem a bit high strung."

Bobbie and Alan continued their conversation and Alan told her that he had been checking up on AJ and knew he wasn't at rehab yet and had lied.  Bobbie warned him that Carly would be bad news for AJ.  She actually said Carly would have helped AJ slip up, giving no reason for her assumption.  That was kind of out of left field for me, and I don't know how or why Bobbie would come up with that.  She comforted him and then they parted.