GH and PC in Review: August by Amy McWilliams

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General Hospital

The Spencers

Lucky and Elizabeth

Bobbie

Port Charles

The Spencers

Lucky and Elizabeth

• Audrey is shocked to see the mess in Liz's room. Elizabeth tells her grandmother about the lineup and her new belief that she will never find the rapist. Audrey suggests that they go to counseling together. Afterwards, Lucky admits that he saw Liz trash her room and stuck around to make sure she was alright. (9/1)
• Audrey and Liz go to the hospital, but Lucky makes remarks that let Audrey know that he knows about Audrey's rape (he had overheard, if you remember, and Elizabeth told Audrey so later). Audrey is also upset by something Bobbie said, but she goes into the session with Elizabeth. In session with Gail, Audrey grows increasingly agitated, and finally says that Elizabeth was stronger than she was--that Elizabeth had handled her rape in a better way. Elizabeth comforts her grandmother and they agree to help each other. (9/2)
• Meanwhile, out in the hallway, Bobbie reprimands Lucky for turning his back on two loving parents. (9/2)
• Liz and Lucky have a date at the No Name. They put their troubles out of range and have a romantic time. When they dance and almost kiss, Lucky grows uncomfortable and they leave. (9/7)
• Worried about his sexual feelings for Liz, Lucky meets with Tammy. He wants to have sex, but ends up realizing that this is something special that he wants to save for Liz and that it's ok to have these feelings--he knows he won't act on them inappropriately. (9/8)

Bobbie: "I suppose your idea of a good parent is one who facilitates your birth and then leaves you alone for the rest of your life?"
Lucky: "Well, if the only alternative is to stick around and lie and to pretend to be something you're not, then yes. Why not? I mean, it's a lot easier on everyone, isn't it?"
Bobbie: "Well, forgive me, but you don't have a clue how lucky you are. Where do you suppose you would be if you didn't have two parents who love you and care about you the way Luke and Laura do?"
Lucky: "I probably ought to leave before I say something you really don't want to hear."
Bobbie: "Ya, Lucky, you're really good at that, I've noticed. You know, you may have been able to dismiss your parents and may have bullied them into submission, but that is not going to work with me. Your parents have loved you since the day you were born. They would have gladly have laid down their lives for you. And even after all the garbage you have dumped on them, they still love you."
Lucky: "So that's why dad took off, right?"
Bobbie: "Your dad took off because he thought he was making it easier for you and for Laura. And for reasons I don't understand, no matter how much abuse you continue to heap on your mother, clearly she adores you and she keeps on coming back for more."
Lucky: "Yes, that's right. See, when you marry the man who raped you, it must just become a natural way of life."
Bobbie: "You are so busy being angry and vindictive about things, you don't comprehend how lucky you are. You know, some people don't even have parents, much less two who care so much about them. And yet, instead of being grateful, all you can think about is how betrayed you feel over something that happened before you were even born."
Lucky: "Can I leave?"
Bobbie: "Don't bother. I'll save you the trouble. You know something, Lucky? One of these days you're going to realize what a jerk you've been. I hope it's not too late to make amends."

Some people wanted to slap Bobbie for speaking to Lucky this way. They might say that she was an adult and shouldn't speak to him like this, or that she's too willing to defend her brother, even to the detriment of his son.

I, on the other hand, thought this conversation wen beautifully and effectively to the heart of why Bobbie feels the way she does about Lucky's estrangement from his parents and his overall attitude towards them. As she talked about his having loving parents, it became quite clear to me that she was talking about herself and abusive father and dead mother--the fact that she ended up whoring on the street, dependant on her brother Luke and her Aunt Ruby, both of whom did their best but gave her life that left something to be desired. It's why she's fiercely loyal to Luke--why she so easily forgives him--and also why she can't comprehend Lucky's act of throwing away his parents without an attempt to understand them or at least put up with them. She doesn't understand how anybody could walk out on family because she herself had such little of it. This is, of course, part of the reason for her current frustration with Laura. In 1997, it was that Laura had walked out on Nikolas; now it is that she's (in essence) walked out on Luke and Lucky--turned her back on family. The irony is, of course, that Lucky criticizes his parents for not turning their back on each other after the rape.

Indeed, this was a fabulous scene in the guise of filler that illuminated the motivations of both of these relatives. Bravo and Brava.

Elizabeth: "Gram, that's why I was so happy when you said you would come with me. I thought it would help us connect, you know. The last thing in the world I'd want you to do is to censor your feelings."
Audrey: "The way I've censored yours?"
Elizabeth: "No, gram, that's not what I meant."
Audrey: "No, it's true. It's true. Yes, I cut myself off from your feelings in order to distance myself from my own. Oh, darling, how many times have you tried to discuss your rape with me and I've put you off?"
Elizabeth: "A lot."
Audrey: "That's why you moved out of the house, isn't it? Because instead of trying to listen to you and trying to help you, I treated you as if you should be ashamed because that's exactly the way I've felt all these years. And I wouldn't blame you if you would never forgive me because, frankly, I don't think I can ever forgive myself."

Elizabeth: "You sound as if you've never done anything for me."
Audrey: "Well, name one thing that I've helped you with since the night you were raped."
Elizabeth: "How about when you come into my room at night to check on me and you rearrange my quilt. You smooth back my hair. And you sit in that chair across from my bed for hours, just watching, because you know how afraid I am to go to sleep. And how about when you helped me clean my room. You didn't say a thing to make me feel bad. And how about you just being here today. You know, when you said you were going to come with me, god, I felt so loved. But nothing compared to how I feel listening to you say what's in your heart. For the first time since I was raped, I finally understand how you feel. I've spent so much time thinking about my own pain that it never occurred to me to think about what it was like for you to relive your own. All these months, I thought you were judging me because I couldn't be stoic like you. And I was angry, gram. I was angry with you because I didn't realize that my behavior was forcing you to deal with something that was just as painful for you as it is for me."
Audrey: "It still terrifies me to think about it. But you, darling--oh, Elizabeth, you--you confront things head-on. You're such a much stronger person than I."
Elizabeth: "Don't say that, gram. That's not true. I just deal with things differently."
Audrey: "I tried to ignore my feelings all these years, thinking they'd go away, but they're still there and they still hurt."
Elizabeth: "You did the best you could do. That's all you can ask of yourself. You have nothing to be ashamed of. And neither do I."

This scene was a long time coming, and it was worth the wait. While I would have liked to see more of this in the weeks that followed, either in session or out, the scenes with Elizabeth and her Gram coming to terms were beautifully done. It was lovely to see Susan Brown as Gail over on GH again, and Rachel Ames and Becky Herbst were fantastic. When people complain that Liz's rape storyline was all about Luke and Laura (or the creation of L&L 2), I will point to this scene, as well as the other wonderful scenes we've had of the Hardy women.

Lucky: "Why do you have so much trouble seeing it? What--you say I'm the only person you can talk to. Why is it so difficult for you to understand that it works both ways?"
Elizabeth: "I don't know. I guess you just--I don't think of myself as being someone who can help anybody else. The only thing I know about being a friend is what I've learned from you."

Maitre d': "Before you order, it's my pleasure to inform you Mr. Morgan has arranged to pay for your dinners. His exact words--'make sure they eat a lot.'"

The date at the No Name was enchanting. Jason's treat was almost expected but still charming, and the two of these kids dancing--and Liz looking so lovely--and Lucky finally pulling away were very real and very effective. I appreciate that they haven't dropped Elizabeth's fascination with the mob and with the more elite parts of society as they've developed her character; I remember when she was so excited to see Brenda at Kelly's back before the non-wedding to Sonny. I identify with those fantasies of glamour...

Tammy: "You're a good-looking kid."
Lucky: "You're a good-looking woman."
Tammy: "You know, I bet you have to beat the girls off with a stick, huh?"
Lucky: "I don't beat girls."
Tammy: "Well, I like that in a man."

Tammy: "Nothing. It's just that you've been reminding me of someone ever since you walked through that door, and I just figured out who it was. Go ahead."
Lucky: "Who?"
Tammy: "Oh, it's not anyone you'd know. He's a club owner."
Lucky: "A blues club not too far from here?"
Tammy: "You're Luke's kid, right? You got to be."
Lucky: "He's someone that you--you see?"
Tammy: "Oh, no. I mean, he just poured me a couple of drinks one night and talked my ear off. Seriously. No. I would never bring up a client."
Lucky: "It might not be the greatest strategy to bring up a client's father, either."
Tammy: "Point taken."

Lucky: "So I figured that if I came to you I could somehow get rid of those feelings that I know aren't ok for me to have for her. Or does that not make any sense?"
Tammy: "Are you asking me if this will work? Because what you describe with this girl and what goes on in here are two pretty different things."
Lucky: "See, that's what I want. I want to keep them separate."

Lucky: "You were right. It's not the same. I mean, no offense. You're--you're beautiful. You're great. But she's--I mean, I'm--why did I think I would want to get rid of that? I don't. I want to keep it. Like it was something sacred. I guess it sort of is, right? Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I should shut up. That's..."
Tammy: "Just don't ask me for my car keys or my life savings right now, ok? Buy her something nice."
Lucky: "I think I already did. Thanks."

I loved these scenes with Lucky and Tammy. Not only do I adore Patricia Healy and her alter ego, but these scenes were also such a nice way to point out the similarities as well as the differences between Lucky and his father. Tammy knew he was Luke's son by his appearance and manner (it does amaze me how much Geary and Jackson look like father and son), and even the act of going to a hooker to keep sex and adolescent love separate was very much Luke's style. He grew up at Aunt Ruby's brothel, after all, and has told Bobbie before that he couldn't identify with Lucky's crush on Sarah because he bypassed all of the mooning in his own teenage years--he had ready sex, and the other was separate. (I've always thought that explained a lot about his feelings towards Laura back in the late '70s, personally, but that'll wait until another time.)

Here is Lucky taking the same approach--and not going through with it. He's not taking his Dad's way out of--or into--anything, and the nice thing is that he doesn't even realize, perhaps, the choice he's just made not to do so. But as much as he proves his difference, even in the end he proves that connection is still there when he insists on paying Tammy for her time and his lesson. He is such the gentleman and has such a way with words in this moment that it could have been the young Luke parting from Tammy. For Luke reminds me of Shaw's Pygmalion (or My Fair Lady, if you prefer musicals). Eliza says that she will always be a flower girl to Henry Higgins, because he always treats her as such; she'll always be a lady to Col. Pickering because he treats her like a lady. And Luke Spencer would always treat Tammy like a lady.

Bobbie

• Bobbie tells Monica about an upsetting letter from Carly and worries about the future. (9/2)
• Bobbie visits Felicia and talks about Jerry. Felicia notes the passion that Jerry stirs up in Bobbie, and vice versa, and says it's a good thing. (9/3)
• Jerry finally convinces Bobbie that he truly cares about her and they make love. (9/4)
• Bobbie asks Jerry to keep their affair a secret. (9/7)
• Without warning Bobbie beforehand, Jerry moves into Felicia's old apartment. (9/8)
• Tony asks Mac what he can do to reverse the restraining order. He's brought along Felicia, who's brought along Bobbie. Laura's present too (she's asked Mac to give her any news of Luke and told him that she knows about Lucky but would like to be called if he's in any trouble), and things don't turn out the way Tony wants. (9/11)

Bobbie: "You look as if the heat's getting to you. I made some lemonade. It's pretty good."
Jerry: "I think that was an invitation. Yes, that was definitely an invitation. Thank you! I warn you, I drink cold liquids very slowly."

Bobbie: "I don't want to be a conquest."
Jerry: "What do you want to be?"
Bobbie: "I don't know."
Jerry: "And there's the rub. I like you."
Bobbie: "I like you, too."
Jerry: "Good. I'm sorry I've pursued you like a dog. But I'm not sorry I find you attractive. I don't apologize for that. I promise I won't pounce."

Jerry: "I've only got so much restraint. If I'm going to leave, I should probably go now."
Bobbie: "Don't go."
Jerry: "You sure?"
Bobbie: "Mm-hmm."

Jerry: "In the spirit of not assuming anything, are you sure it's all right if I call you again?"
Bobbie: "You'd better."
Jerry: "Great answer. The power's still out. You going to be all right?"
Bobbie: "Ya. Why wouldn't I be?"
Jerry: "Because if you were nervous in any way, I would be very happy to escort you to your room and ensure your safety throughout the night."
Bobbie: "Good night, Jerry. Be sure to wear your seat belt."
Jerry: "Wait a minute. What about my good-night kiss?"
Bobbie: "Forget it."
Jerry: "Why?"
Bobbie: "Because one thing I've learned about you tonight is that you don't know when to stop."
Jerry: "Some women might consider that an asset. Come on. One more kiss and then I'll go."
Bobbie: "Can I trust you to mean that?"
Jerry: "There aren't many people I can say this to, but, yes, you can trust me."

I'm not really a fan of love scenes. They all start to look alike, etc., and while I remember one in particular with Kevin, Lucy, and a coffee table, most of the rest of them blur all together. This one was nice and in good taste, and it was about time! Ha! Jerry is charming and sexy, and, for that matter, so is Bobbie. These two make a great couple, and I hope that instead of her getting dumped on, she'll be the one to show him a better life than he had before. And I really want to see more of him and the potential brother-in-law--how about the three of them on a caper, hmmm? Yummers.

Felicia: "Well, you could probably have him evicted on grounds of impersonating a tenant."

Felicia: "You're sleeping with him, aren't you?"
Bobbie: "Jerry told you to say that."
Felicia: "When?"
Bobbie: "When you went downstairs. I am not sleeping with him."
Felicia: "Liar, liar, pants on fire."
Bobbie: "He told you to say that, too, didn't he?"
Felicia: "He did not. It's written all over your face."
Bobbie: "Ok. Once."
Felicia: "Aha."
Bobbie: "Once. You're making it sound like my national pastime."

Mac: "Jerry Jacks? And Bobbie? What, is she crazy?"
Felicia: "No. Lonely. No, not lonely. Ready."

I've already commented on Felicia and Jerry in last month's review, so I'll just say again that I enjoy this little group together. I thought the last lines above were wonderful. I didn't expect them, and they showed me all over again how perceptive Felicia is--and how succinct she can be. She's a good friend, and while her big heart and willingness to hope for the best may mean that she makes some mistakes (like the recent scenes with Mac and Felicia discussing Jason), she is one of the most tolerant people on the show, and I like that about her. We need some optimism, after all.

More fun than that? Jerry's moving into the Brownstone. Personally, I wish the timing hadn't been so tight and that we'd gotten some awkward-yet-fun situations with the two new lovebirds before Jerry was arrested. But I get ahead of myself...

Mac: "So, how are you, honestly?"
Laura: "I've been better. I've been worse--I've been dead. Think a little thing like missing my family wouldn't bother me so much."

Mac: "It is completely up to her if and when you see Lucas."
Bobbie: "As far as I know, it's not getting any cooler in hell."

Tony: "Well, she can say she did it to protect him, but you're still going to have one mad kid on your hands because I will never stop loving him, and he will always know that, and he's going to know that you're the one that stopped him from loving me. You gave up one daughter and you scarred her for life. Do you have to scar your other child, too?"

Bobbie: "Well, that man certainly knows how to sweet-talk a girl into changing her mind, doesn't he?"

This was a nice combination of characters, something we rarely see in today's compartmentalized GH. Laura visiting Mac and getting stuck in the middle of Bobbie v. Tony was brilliant. In the past, Laura and Tony had beautiful long conversations about their Spencer spouses, and they really were quite good friends. Put that in the same room with Bobbie, who has fought with Laura forever, add in Mac and Felicia, and you have a really nice scene. Laura spoke her mind and then got out of there, and it was clear that Bobbie and Tony were not going to come to terms. I was glad, actually, that Felicia invited Bobbie along so that those two wouldn't have to have another fight about Tony. And Tony? He drives me nuts.