PREVIOUSLY ON AMC
Alex to Dimitri: "You were talking about moving out of Wildwind." Edmund: "I'd like you to stay."
Greenlee to Leo: "Leo, I'm seriously scared.
Gillian: "Jake might survive a bullet, but will he survive it when I tell him about us?" [he's managed without her so far]
David: "What a fool I am for thinking that I could make you forget Dimitri!" Erica: "You're a loser, and you always will be!"
DAVID'S OFFICE
David and Erica are lying in each others arms on the couch, post-desktop-boink. David is still wearing his black long-sleeved shirt and he's wearing black boxers -- a nicely muscled thigh takes center stage. Erica is wearing a white, high-cut lacy teddy. They marvel at how magnificent their lovemaking was -- it hasn't been that amazing since the last time they had a big fight! [I marvel that there doesn't appear to be a wet spot OR butt-cheek prints on Alex's desktop] Erica says lack of passion was never their problem. David suggests that something this good should be worth holding onto. Erica says she refuses to have a relationship based on animal lust. David: "Erica, animal lust is NOT all we have. But since we DO have it, we should at least cherish it, enjoy it, build on it." The hired saxaphonist is busy playing their tune. Erica doesn't want to think about it, she just wants to DO IT and they commence having another go at "the most intense, pleasurable sex it's possible to have" [I marvel in astonishment that the door to David's office IS actually locked!] Suddenly Dixie tries to come in, after pounding on the door and yelling to ask if he's in there, she gets out her own keys. David and Erica jump up and quickly pull their lower garments on, but he never calls out to Dixie to wait a sec, so she just barges in -- David and Erica are still only partially dressed and Dixie gasps.
HUNTING LODGE
Dimitri and Alex snuggle on the couch. A large, ornate desk chair is blocking the view of Finola Hugh's extended baby-belly. Her leg is also raised and her hand is across her lap, but the camera is too high as it pans around the chair, and we STILL see more than a little evidence of her pending bundle of joy. Dimitri tells her how, when they were apart, the memory of them doing the Sunday Times crossword puzzles kept him going. Alex stumbles over her words (and he wonders if that means they can't do the crosswords, after all) as she tries to tell him that she just can't believe he's actually THERE! They lovingly kiss.
ERICA'S HOUSE
Greenlee is wearing an odd, boxy suit consisting of a shiny mauve material with black piping, a black lace tank top and a truly ugly chapeaux [it looks like scrap dark foam rubber pieces pressed together, but it later turns out to be velvety black leopard print]. She stands in horror looking at Wade who is sitting in one of Erica's chairs. She asks why he's there and he says he's angry with her -- she called the police. She denies it -- the police DID question her, but she didn't tell them anything -- they have a business arrangement which will shortly conclude, and then they'll never have to see each other again. Wades says that's not quite accurate. He has different plans, but he doesn't feel he can confide in her as to what those plans might be. She begs him not to hurt her grandfather. Wade: "You will have forgotten about your grandfather long before you ever forget about me." Arrival noises are heard outside the front door. Wade warns her not to tell anyone about his little visit. He leaves the back way -- Leo and Bianca enter the front way. Bianca, seeing Greenlee's getup, lambastes her for getting into Erica's things (Oh PUH-LEASE!!!! Erica would never be caught DEAD in THAT outfit and it IS way too big -- it's too big on Greenlee!]
AN EASTERN EUROPEAN HOSPITAL
Ryan asks Gillian how she is doing and she says it doesn't matter -- the only thing that matters now is Jake. He's in a lot of pain. Ryan tells her not to make it harder than it has to be. Gillian doesn't know what to say to Jake. Ryan says she doesn't need to say anything right now, but she says she thought about it all last night, and she HAS to tell him. Ryan: "Now?" Gillian says yes, as soon as he's strong enough [Soooo, NOW? No not Now, but Now Now, or maybe Later Now.]. He would want to know. Ryan lovingly kisses her a couple of times and they meaningfully hold hands and stare soulfully into each other's eyes (this is in a hospital corridor next to a busy nurses' station and just outside Jake's room). She goes into Jake's room. Jake's eyes are closed and his face is grimacing in pain. He hears her and opens his eyes and looks lovingly at Gillian.
Gillian tells him she was there last night, and he says he knows. He says he's having a little residual pain from the surgery, but that means he's healing -- it would be worse if he didn't feel ANYTHING and BTW, it's okay if she cracks a smile now. She smiles in embarrassment and pulls her hair back from her face (she's doing this CONSTANTLY). She says she doesn't even know where to begin to tell him what she's feeling right now about how he took a bullet to save her and Ryan. Jake asks how Ryan is and Gillian guiltily jumps: "What do you MEAN?" Jake points out that Ryan took out a sniper and killing a man is very traumatic. Gillian agrees it was traumatic for ALL of them. He tells her to tell Ryan how much he appreciates Ryan saving her life [I keep pointing out to the TV that Gillian should never have been there in the first place, and bringing Ryan along wasn't such a great idea, either] Gillian says she knew Jake was a good man, but she had no idea HOW great. Jake goes modest, but then groans in pain [it ain't easy being modest]. Gillian offers to leave, but he grips her hands [I notice her hand is gripped over his IV needle] and asks her to stay -- they have a lot to cover. Gillian looks worried. In the corridor, Ryan paces and broods.
ERICA'S HOUSE
Greenlee tells Leo nothing happened -- she was just there all alone and she panicked. Leo scoffs at Greenlee being scared. Bianca still wants to know why Greenlee is wearing her mother's clothes [a notion which continues to make me plotz]. Greenlee acts like a zombie and says she hasn't been herself lately. Bianca says she's being EXACTLY like herself and Greenlee distractedly says she'll go and take them off. Leo tries to make Greenlee get a move-on on changing out of Erica's clothes and says she should grab any magazines, food, dirty laundry and whatever else she'll need to stay snug in the laundry room. Leo says they (he and Bianca) have to go get ready for the party. Greenlee freaks and says she CAN'T be left there alone! She looks frantically over her shoulder toward the open French doors. Leo and Bianca guess that Wade has been there and Bianca is incensed that that man was here in her mother's house [she looks as if she just found out that donkeys, goats and gibbons had been grazing in the living room! HELLO??? What did you guys expect? Greenlee is hiding out from a mobster and you're SURPRISED he showed up?] Leo takes a half-second look outside the doors and declares that Wad is gone, then strides to the phone to call the police. Greenlee REALLY freaks and says he can't do that -- Wade already knows about the first visit from the police -- he knows about everything she does and, yes, of COURSE he threatened her!
DAVID'S OFFICE/LIVE PORN THEATER
Rather than simply leave, Dixie drops her papers and sputters about Adam's attending physician needing David to look over some lab results. Rather than asking Dixie to give them a couple of minutes, David sputters about X-rays as he self-consciously buttons his shirt, then tells Dixie to dig up some bloodwork there in his office while he goes to get the X-Rays, leaving a still-dressing Erica with Dixie. Buttoning her sweater, Erica babbles to Dixie that she just stopped by to tell David about Stuart coming back to life. Then she expansively asks if Dixie knew that DIMITRI was alive! Dixie is grinning like a crazed circus clown and manically sorting through all the papers David had swept to the floor to clear Alex's desk [which must have been polished with Love Potion #9 and pheromones]. She gushes effusively that, yes, it's WONDERFUL! She's so glad that Erica finally knows the truth -- every time Erica showed up when Dimitri was there being treated, Dixie just felt SO AWFUL! Erica: "Dimitri was being treated? Here? By David?" Dixie "uhhhh -- oh -- uhhhhhhh" Just as David walks back in, Dixie conveniently finds the lab results. She stands, hands them to David and beats a comically hasty retreat. David walks up to Erica laughing sheepishly at their getting caught. When he looks at Erica's face, though, he realizes she's upset about something. David: "What?" Erica: "How long have you known that Dimitri was alive?" David looks annoyed in a doctor/patient c onfidentiality kind of way, steps back and straightens up.
He says they've already had their daily argument about Dimitri and he refuses to fight with her about Dimitri ever again! Erica: "Oh, well, that's where you are so completely wrong! I came in here, and I told you that Dimitri was alive. And you -- you kept quiet. And then we argued about Dimitri and you kept quiet. And we just MADE LOVE, and you didn't tell me about Dimitri! David plays the doctor/patient card and Erica fumes that DIXIE knew about it! He tells her don't EVEN go THERE! She asks if he doesn't see how cruel and unjust it was to keep the news from her: "Me -- the most important woman in his LIFE!!!" David yells that she is NOT the love of Dimitri's life! Erica: "I certainly AM!" David: "He's MARRIED, Erica! And even Alex, HIS OWN WIFE, didn't know until recently!" Erica: "You could never, EVER accept what was between Dimitri and me, not EVER! It was eating you up alive all the time, knowing that Dimitri was the [all together now] LOVE OF MY LIFE!!" David tells her that her fantasy world must be impenetrable -- he MUST be jealous -- it can't possibly be because he was constrained by medical ethics! Erica: "You don't have any ethics! Oh, you're a doctor, but to you that means you can just do anything and say anything you want to hurt anybody you want!" David says that if they want a relationship, they are going to have to learn to TRUST each other. Erica: "Me have a relationship with YOU? No, I'm sorry, that is a product of YOUR fantasy, doctor! David: "All right, fine, fine. You know something? You're absolutely right. I mean, even the best sex in the world isn't worth this!" Erica: "What happened here this afternoon was a mistake. It was a complete mistake. And as for being the best sex in the world -- that is YOUR opinion!" She says she had come there to ask David to be her date for her daughter's party that night, but she'd rather go alone! She whirls (her hair looking like a used mop due to the sweaty sex) and storms out. Dixie waits all of about 11 seconds to open the door and say "Me and my big mouth, huh?" David shakes his head.
ERICA'S HOUSE
Leo apologizes for calling Derek and says they have to smuggle Greenlee out of town and then he'll find some way to take care of Wade. She says she doesn't want Leo to get hurt. Leo says he'll be smart [BWAHAHAHAHAA!!] Bianca reminds them about the party. They decide that Greenlee WILL go, after all, and they can smuggle her out as the party winds down. Leo: "You'll be safer there than here. It'll be harder for wade to kill you in a crowd. Greenlee: "That's not funny." Leo: "Call your maid and have her send over some clothes. We'll leave from here. Greenlee: "Ok, Leo, whatever you say ... Oh, GOD! I just realized how much trouble I'm in! My maid couldn't accessorize to save her life!" She runs up to change clothes. Leo apologizes to Bianca for all the trouble and she brushes it off as nothing -- she'd rather be iced by a mobster than go to this party! They go to get ready. [I marvel at Bianca's (and Leo's for that matter) obliviousness to the danger they are all in]
AN EASTERN EUROPEAN HOSPITAL
Jake tells Gillian how beautiful she is. He says he thought about her every day since he left Pine Valley and he's ashamed of himself [as well he SHOULD be!] She cuts him off and says he was saving lives every day. He demurs and says he just did what he had to do once he got there, just like Joe or Tad or many others would have done. She says the children are alive because of HIM. He denies it and says they are alive because of HER! And it's HIS fault -- he made her come into a war zone to look for him and he put her in danger. She protests that that's not it! He talks about seeing such horrible things since he has been in Chechnya and seeing people lose EVERYTHING. It made him see that the reason WHY he left PV, the hurt and sense of betrayal he had, was just about pride. All he was thinking about was himself [uh huh] and he hurt her. She says SHE hurt him, TERRIBLY! He says a lot of people kept the truth about Colby from him, but he took it out on HER and walked out on their marriage and gave up what they had [not much]. He's ashamed and apologizes for it. He should have loved her as much as she loves him. Jumping in front of the sniper was the least he could do for everything she's done for him. Gillian, of course, is wracked with guilt and protests throughout his speech.
HUNTING LODGE
Alex and Dimitri get ready for Bianca's party [considering what just happened with them and Erica at David's office, they have a lot of damn nerve, don't they?]. Dimitri is buttoning the cuffs on his extremely creased and rumpled shirt. Alex is, of course, dressed in black (a very nice, cross-draped dress with a big silver pin [the nut doesn't fall far from the tree]. They laugh and cuddle and talk about going to Vadsel. The doorbell rings and Alex laughs over her shoulder to Dimitri as she answers the door. It's Edmund, wearing a tuxedo and bearing a corsage, asking if they are ready to go to Bianca's party.
Edmund says he WAS invited by Bianca. Alex looks shame-faced and says they know (she was THERE, after all). Dimitri reminds Edmund that circumstances have changed. Edmund says he's not going to just lock himself in his room and ponder his awareness of the changed circumstances. Dimitri asks if Edmund thinks he and Alex are going to go as a couple. Edmund says no, the THREE of them are going to go together and present a united front to avoid gossip. Word has spread that Dimitri is back and everyone will be watching them closely. Dimitri: "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, I guess it IS wise to complicate matters with the three of us going. Sure. I understand. Edmund plays the children-getting-hurt card [is he planning on bringing the kiddies?]. Edmund says they are going to present a united front to the world, even if it's a lie. Alex and Dimitri share conspiratorial looks and Dimitri walks into the bedroom. Alex gives a slightly challenging look Edmund's way and Edmund gives an unquestionably challenging look back.
AN EASTERN EUROPEAN HOSPITAL
Gillian tells Jake he had EVERY right to feel hurt and betrayed and his has NOTHING to be ashamed of [I beg to differ]. He wants her to forgive him, not just for risking her life [HELLO? SHE'S the one who dropped in uninvited!], but for walking out on their marriage and what they had. She says there's nothing to forgive. He begs some more, gasping in pain, and she relents, forgiving him. She notes his pain and says she's going to go get a nurse. He stops her and tells her not to be afraid whenever she sees that he's in pain. It looks scary, but it's normal and he's okay. He's going to survive this. He wants to pick up where they left off, but he knows they can't do that and she agrees. He says that before it was all about Colby. She cries as he begs her to give him another chance to show her how much he loves her.
ERICA'S HOUSE
Bianca descends the stairs in a becoming floor-length black dress (fitted, spaghetti-strapped bodice and full skirt), with a lacy white shawl over her arms. Her hair is upswept. She stands in front of Erica's portrait and looks humbled and unworthy in the glow of it's magnificent beauty. She sighs and walks toward a mirror, her shawl practically dragging on the ground. As she dejectedly checks herself out, we hear Erica's loud sigh at the vision of beauty in her living room. Erica is still dressed in the boinking clothes, but her hair is pinned up now. She continues to gush over Bianca and says that if she's to be put to shame by a younger and more beautiful woman, she's glad it's Bianca. Erica starts to tell Bianca she looks perfect, but stops to adjust Bianca's hair and says that NOW she looks perfect! Bianca humbly tells Erica that she'll NEVER look as beautiful as she. Erica apologizes for being late, but she's had a very traumatic afternoon: "But this is YOUR night, so I'm just going to put all that behind me!" Bianca tries to tell Erica that she invited an extra person. Erica waves the importance of it away and says she's always happy to meet Bianca's friends. Bianca informs her that the person she invited was Travis. [Erica really IS having a traumatic day, isn't she?] Erica is aghast and asks why Bianca would DO that to her? Bianca stares in confusion.
THE HUNTING LODGE
Alex asks Edmund if he thinks this is a good idea. If he REALLY wants to go to the party, she and Dimitri will stay home. Edmund says he doesn't give a damn about the party -- people are going to talk about them no matter WHAT they do [so why is he INSISTING on the three of them going?] because what's happened is too deliciously bizarre not to. She agrees and apologizes. He tells her it's not her fault. He says they'll get through it and someday they'll all laugh about it, but right now he doesn't want to talk about Poor Edmund who gained and brother and lost a fiancee. They'll let people stare and act as if they are all together. [Does anyone else have a say in the matter? Are ANY of them thinking about the impact this will have on BIANCA? Is ANYONE besides Erica happy about this party?] Dimitri returns to the room as Alex agrees to get it over with. [Are these people are going to be the life of the party, or what? Why would Bianca want a bunch of old, angry people at her party?]
ERICA'S HOUSE
Bianca is shocked at her mother's reaction to inviting Travis to the party. Bianca: "I didn't do ANYTHING to YOU. I thought you said that this was MY party!" Erica: "Of course it's your party, sweetheart! And if you -- if you want to invite your father to your party, well, then, of course you may. I mean, what *I* want doesn't matter." Bianca explains that Travis was going to be in D.C. anyway and since he'd be so close anyway, she invited him. He said he couldn't think of anything better! Erica: "Oh. Well, then, it's a fait accompli, isn't it? Ok. Well, I'm sure you two will have a wonderful time together. Uh -- that unbearable WIFE of his isn't going to be here, too, is she?" Bianca: "No, she's not, and she's not UN- [she sighs and gives up] -- Barbara is home in Seattle." Erica tries to explain that she's put a lot of time and effort into the party and it will be very stressful for her to try and make sure everything runs smoothly, so she would prefer not to talk to her [Barbara]. Bianca: "Mom, I really don't see why having Dad there would cause you any more stress!" Erica rolls her eyes at Bianca's utter naivete' in the face of marital discord, deceit and [losing] custody battles. Bianca tells her she doesn't have to talk to Travis because he has lots of friends in PV. Erica grits her teeth and tells Bianca that she already said it's FINE if she wants her father there. She's wasn't as enthusiastic as she should have been because she really has had a DREADFUL day [pause for reaction -- no reaction] -- but never mind about THAT. Bianca flounders and babbles that she just thought that if the press were there, Travis would know how to handle it and could help her cope with it. Erica is insulted that Bianca didn't believe her when she said there would be no press at the party. She starts into a speech about Bianca not believing in her, but Leo interrupts, bopping into the room in his tuxedo and exclaiming: "Put on your sunglasses, ladies -- I'm looking GOOD!" He tells Bianca she cleans up nice and she replies "Likewise". Leo looks Erica up and down and chides her on her attire -- she's not wearing THAT to the party, is she? Her patience is being tried as she explains that of COURSE she's not going to wear that -- she's not dressed yet because she's just had a really WRETCHED DAY [pause for reaction -- no reaction]. Leo snaps his fingers: "Chop, chop!"
Greenlee walks in behind Erica, but tries to stay out of her line-of- sight. Leo tries to buy time by nattering on about how Erica can't be fashionably late to her own party -- but then maybe ERICA can. Greenlee tiptoes to the front door and somehow manages to open it without Erica hearing her, despite Erica being only about 4' away from her. Erica tells Leo that, as Bianca's escort, he has to be on his best behavior -- attentive, but not TOO possessive. He needs to be there if Bianca needs rescuing. He promises to be a regular St. Bernard, minus the brandy. Erica turns almost all the way around and Leo calls to her because he just remembered he had to ask her something. Impossibly, Erica doesn't see Greenlee slipping out the door. Turning back to Leo, Erica also does not hear the door latch click into place. Leo pretends to forget what he wanted to ask her, but is saved by the doorbell -- it's GREENLEE! He and Bianca share conspiratorial, whew!-that-was-close looks. Erica answers the door and is stunned into silence by Greenlee gaily announces to Leo that she's finally there. Erica's eyes get big as she follows Greenlee into the room. She asks Leo what Greenlee is doing there. Leo walks over to Erica and lowers his voice in confidence: "Greenlee couldn't find a date to the party -- it's kind of a mercy date." Erica shakes her head in I-can't-believe-this wonder and asks Leo if he remembers what they were JUST talking about. He says he's more than enough for 2 dates. Erica doubts it. Leo puts his arms around both Greenlee and Bianca and says: "Chop-chop, ladies! Bene, bene! Andiamo! Ragazze! You better hurry up, Erica! There isn't going to be enough beluga left!" The trio leaves and Erica gnashes her teeth and makes faces, finally exclaiming to the empty room: "I don't BELIEVE this! And what is the point of being the PERFECT MOTHER when no one else cooperates?" She heaves a sigh and puts her hands on her hips.
AN EASTERN EUROPEAN HOSPITAL
Gillian tells Jake that he's right -- they can't just pick up where they left off. Jake continues to grimace in pain as he says he loves her. The pain gets worse and he's writhing and moaning on the bed (but insisting he's fine). Joe and a nurse come in and Gillian states the obvious.
THE HUNTING LODGE
Dimitri says it's time to get going. Edmund asks for a second and he walks over to the mirror, pinning the corsage on his lapel [I thought it was for Alex -- okay, it's now a boutonniere]. He stares at himself and remembers asking Alex to marry him, finding Dimitri and Alex together after an obviously intimate reunion, choking Dimitri, and asking Alex how he's supposed to stop loving her. He breaks from his reverie to discover that he has crushed the boutonniere. He sighs and puts it down, following the Marricks out the door.
DAVID'S OFFICE
David asks Dixie why it always ends like that with shouting matches and hurt feelings on both sides. Dixie says she doesn't know -- she thinks she's depleted her entire arsenal of advice with him :-) He ruefully says it obviously wasn't taking -- and now he gets to watch as she and Tad work through their rough spot in NY. Dixie tells him to not even go there [twice in one episode] -- it was SO embarrassing the way she just reacted and ran out. David thinks her reaction was entirely appropriate, given what she saw. Dixie says that all they did that night was to hold their tongues [well, not ENTIRELY] and resist all impulse to yell and scream. David: "What if the person you are with DESERVES to be yelled at for being SO pigheaded and self-involved?" He throws up his hands at the futility of it. Dixie says her mom used to say: "You hate most in others what you see in yourself." David feels like he's just been insulted. Dixie wishes him well with his problems and gets up to leave. He's disappointed that she's leaving and they give each other meaningful looks -- she firmly (but not with the usual lip-gritting or nervousness) tells David that she HAS to go home to TAD and she walks out. David regretfully watches her ass walk out of the room with a what-a-woman! look, then says aloud: "I would NEVER yell at someone like YOU, Dixie."
ERICA'S HOUSE
Erica is on the phone gushing about O-Town (the band) and reiterates that Ashley needs to make sure he makes a big deal over Bianca. Erica is STILL not dressed for the party. She hangs up the phone and runs to answer the doorbell. It's Jackson, bearing a little gift for Bianca. Erica tells Jack it's too late to catch Bianca -- she's already left with her date and his other date. Jackson (head-bobbing): "I'm sorry?" Erica: "Exactly. Well, believe me, you don't want to know about it -- it's way too upsetting, especially after the ghastly day I had today!" She pauses and bats her eyes at Jack, waiting for him to take the bait and respond. He doesn't. Erica: "Well, never mind!" Jackson: "Okay." He grins, but Erica pretends not to notice he was playing with her by NOT playing with her. Erica looks coquettishly downcast and says: "Well, suffice it to say that I told my date that I no longer needed his help." Jackson: "I see. Well, then Erica, I guess I'll see you at the party then." He grins and pretends not to notice her passive-aggressive bid for his services and starts to walk out. Erica stops him and says: "Oh, Jack, wait! That reprehensible Brooke isn't waiting in the car for you, is she?" [BWAHAHAHA!!!] Jack makes faces and rolls his eyes and head and finally says, with exaggerated patience, that no, she's NOT. Erica: "Oh so you DON'T have a date for tonight?" Jack: "No, but I have the feeling I'm about to." Erica is thrilled at his quickness -- she always liked that about him. He says she's not really dressed for the occasion, and she tells him she'll be down in a minute. Jack: "Oh, sure you will! Where do you keep your copy of War and Peace?" Erica laughs delightedly and tells him he's so funny! Jack sits down in front of Erica's portrait, grabs an apple and sits back to relax for a while.
VALLEY INN DINING ROOM
Waiters are setting tables and guests are starting to arrive. A busboy seem to be staring at the trio. Greenlee is worried that the busboy is one of Wade's men. Bianca looks around the room and appears to be on the verge of hurling with anxiety. Leo asks if she's all right. Hyperventilating, she says she doesn't think she can do this and if she doesn't get out of there right now, she thinks she's going to THROW UP! [I told you] Bianca rushes out and Leo starts to follow, but Greenlee grabs his arm and stops him.
AN EASTERN EUROPEAN HOSPITAL
The nurse pulls a hypodermic needle out of one of Jake's body parts. [That must have been some kind of shot, because the suction caused by her pulling it out was pretty loud -- from the sound of it, I fully expected some of his guts to be sticking to the wall] Jake continues to breathe hard and fast, but seems to be reacting slightly to the shot as Joe grimly grins. Gillian walks out of the room and over to Ryan. He asks her what she told Jake.
On the next AMC:
Ryan asks Gillian if she's falling in love with Jake.
Leo incredulously asks Greenlee: "What exactly do you expect me to do if Wade shows up?" Greenlee (smiling charmingly): "Save my butt!"
As an endless stream of what appear to be hoodlums enter the Valley Inn dining room, Erica announces the entrance of O-Town from ABC's hit show, "Making of the Barf--er Band"!
Ashley o' O-Town asks Bianca for a dance.
Irreverently submitted,
Robin "David's office should be christened 'O-Office', for entirely different reasons" Coutellier
Alex to Dimitri: "You were talking about moving out of Wildwind." Edmund: "I'd like you to stay."
Greenlee to Leo: "Leo, I'm seriously scared.
Gillian: "Jake might survive a bullet, but will he survive it when I tell him about us?" [he's managed without her so far]
David: "What a fool I am for thinking that I could make you forget Dimitri!" Erica: "You're a loser, and you always will be!"
DAVID'S OFFICE
David and Erica are lying in each others arms on the couch, post-desktop-boink. David is still wearing his black long-sleeved shirt and he's wearing black boxers -- a nicely muscled thigh takes center stage. Erica is wearing a white, high-cut lacy teddy. They marvel at how magnificent their lovemaking was -- it hasn't been that amazing since the last time they had a big fight! [I marvel that there doesn't appear to be a wet spot OR butt-cheek prints on Alex's desktop] Erica says lack of passion was never their problem. David suggests that something this good should be worth holding onto. Erica says she refuses to have a relationship based on animal lust. David: "Erica, animal lust is NOT all we have. But since we DO have it, we should at least cherish it, enjoy it, build on it." The hired saxaphonist is busy playing their tune. Erica doesn't want to think about it, she just wants to DO IT and they commence having another go at "the most intense, pleasurable sex it's possible to have" [I marvel in astonishment that the door to David's office IS actually locked!] Suddenly Dixie tries to come in, after pounding on the door and yelling to ask if he's in there, she gets out her own keys. David and Erica jump up and quickly pull their lower garments on, but he never calls out to Dixie to wait a sec, so she just barges in -- David and Erica are still only partially dressed and Dixie gasps.
HUNTING LODGE
Dimitri and Alex snuggle on the couch. A large, ornate desk chair is blocking the view of Finola Hugh's extended baby-belly. Her leg is also raised and her hand is across her lap, but the camera is too high as it pans around the chair, and we STILL see more than a little evidence of her pending bundle of joy. Dimitri tells her how, when they were apart, the memory of them doing the Sunday Times crossword puzzles kept him going. Alex stumbles over her words (and he wonders if that means they can't do the crosswords, after all) as she tries to tell him that she just can't believe he's actually THERE! They lovingly kiss.
ERICA'S HOUSE
Greenlee is wearing an odd, boxy suit consisting of a shiny mauve material with black piping, a black lace tank top and a truly ugly chapeaux [it looks like scrap dark foam rubber pieces pressed together, but it later turns out to be velvety black leopard print]. She stands in horror looking at Wade who is sitting in one of Erica's chairs. She asks why he's there and he says he's angry with her -- she called the police. She denies it -- the police DID question her, but she didn't tell them anything -- they have a business arrangement which will shortly conclude, and then they'll never have to see each other again. Wades says that's not quite accurate. He has different plans, but he doesn't feel he can confide in her as to what those plans might be. She begs him not to hurt her grandfather. Wade: "You will have forgotten about your grandfather long before you ever forget about me." Arrival noises are heard outside the front door. Wade warns her not to tell anyone about his little visit. He leaves the back way -- Leo and Bianca enter the front way. Bianca, seeing Greenlee's getup, lambastes her for getting into Erica's things (Oh PUH-LEASE!!!! Erica would never be caught DEAD in THAT outfit and it IS way too big -- it's too big on Greenlee!]
AN EASTERN EUROPEAN HOSPITAL
Ryan asks Gillian how she is doing and she says it doesn't matter -- the only thing that matters now is Jake. He's in a lot of pain. Ryan tells her not to make it harder than it has to be. Gillian doesn't know what to say to Jake. Ryan says she doesn't need to say anything right now, but she says she thought about it all last night, and she HAS to tell him. Ryan: "Now?" Gillian says yes, as soon as he's strong enough [Soooo, NOW? No not Now, but Now Now, or maybe Later Now.]. He would want to know. Ryan lovingly kisses her a couple of times and they meaningfully hold hands and stare soulfully into each other's eyes (this is in a hospital corridor next to a busy nurses' station and just outside Jake's room). She goes into Jake's room. Jake's eyes are closed and his face is grimacing in pain. He hears her and opens his eyes and looks lovingly at Gillian.
Gillian tells him she was there last night, and he says he knows. He says he's having a little residual pain from the surgery, but that means he's healing -- it would be worse if he didn't feel ANYTHING and BTW, it's okay if she cracks a smile now. She smiles in embarrassment and pulls her hair back from her face (she's doing this CONSTANTLY). She says she doesn't even know where to begin to tell him what she's feeling right now about how he took a bullet to save her and Ryan. Jake asks how Ryan is and Gillian guiltily jumps: "What do you MEAN?" Jake points out that Ryan took out a sniper and killing a man is very traumatic. Gillian agrees it was traumatic for ALL of them. He tells her to tell Ryan how much he appreciates Ryan saving her life [I keep pointing out to the TV that Gillian should never have been there in the first place, and bringing Ryan along wasn't such a great idea, either] Gillian says she knew Jake was a good man, but she had no idea HOW great. Jake goes modest, but then groans in pain [it ain't easy being modest]. Gillian offers to leave, but he grips her hands [I notice her hand is gripped over his IV needle] and asks her to stay -- they have a lot to cover. Gillian looks worried. In the corridor, Ryan paces and broods.
ERICA'S HOUSE
Greenlee tells Leo nothing happened -- she was just there all alone and she panicked. Leo scoffs at Greenlee being scared. Bianca still wants to know why Greenlee is wearing her mother's clothes [a notion which continues to make me plotz]. Greenlee acts like a zombie and says she hasn't been herself lately. Bianca says she's being EXACTLY like herself and Greenlee distractedly says she'll go and take them off. Leo tries to make Greenlee get a move-on on changing out of Erica's clothes and says she should grab any magazines, food, dirty laundry and whatever else she'll need to stay snug in the laundry room. Leo says they (he and Bianca) have to go get ready for the party. Greenlee freaks and says she CAN'T be left there alone! She looks frantically over her shoulder toward the open French doors. Leo and Bianca guess that Wade has been there and Bianca is incensed that that man was here in her mother's house [she looks as if she just found out that donkeys, goats and gibbons had been grazing in the living room! HELLO??? What did you guys expect? Greenlee is hiding out from a mobster and you're SURPRISED he showed up?] Leo takes a half-second look outside the doors and declares that Wad is gone, then strides to the phone to call the police. Greenlee REALLY freaks and says he can't do that -- Wade already knows about the first visit from the police -- he knows about everything she does and, yes, of COURSE he threatened her!
DAVID'S OFFICE/LIVE PORN THEATER
Rather than simply leave, Dixie drops her papers and sputters about Adam's attending physician needing David to look over some lab results. Rather than asking Dixie to give them a couple of minutes, David sputters about X-rays as he self-consciously buttons his shirt, then tells Dixie to dig up some bloodwork there in his office while he goes to get the X-Rays, leaving a still-dressing Erica with Dixie. Buttoning her sweater, Erica babbles to Dixie that she just stopped by to tell David about Stuart coming back to life. Then she expansively asks if Dixie knew that DIMITRI was alive! Dixie is grinning like a crazed circus clown and manically sorting through all the papers David had swept to the floor to clear Alex's desk [which must have been polished with Love Potion #9 and pheromones]. She gushes effusively that, yes, it's WONDERFUL! She's so glad that Erica finally knows the truth -- every time Erica showed up when Dimitri was there being treated, Dixie just felt SO AWFUL! Erica: "Dimitri was being treated? Here? By David?" Dixie "uhhhh -- oh -- uhhhhhhh" Just as David walks back in, Dixie conveniently finds the lab results. She stands, hands them to David and beats a comically hasty retreat. David walks up to Erica laughing sheepishly at their getting caught. When he looks at Erica's face, though, he realizes she's upset about something. David: "What?" Erica: "How long have you known that Dimitri was alive?" David looks annoyed in a doctor/patient c onfidentiality kind of way, steps back and straightens up.
He says they've already had their daily argument about Dimitri and he refuses to fight with her about Dimitri ever again! Erica: "Oh, well, that's where you are so completely wrong! I came in here, and I told you that Dimitri was alive. And you -- you kept quiet. And then we argued about Dimitri and you kept quiet. And we just MADE LOVE, and you didn't tell me about Dimitri! David plays the doctor/patient card and Erica fumes that DIXIE knew about it! He tells her don't EVEN go THERE! She asks if he doesn't see how cruel and unjust it was to keep the news from her: "Me -- the most important woman in his LIFE!!!" David yells that she is NOT the love of Dimitri's life! Erica: "I certainly AM!" David: "He's MARRIED, Erica! And even Alex, HIS OWN WIFE, didn't know until recently!" Erica: "You could never, EVER accept what was between Dimitri and me, not EVER! It was eating you up alive all the time, knowing that Dimitri was the [all together now] LOVE OF MY LIFE!!" David tells her that her fantasy world must be impenetrable -- he MUST be jealous -- it can't possibly be because he was constrained by medical ethics! Erica: "You don't have any ethics! Oh, you're a doctor, but to you that means you can just do anything and say anything you want to hurt anybody you want!" David says that if they want a relationship, they are going to have to learn to TRUST each other. Erica: "Me have a relationship with YOU? No, I'm sorry, that is a product of YOUR fantasy, doctor! David: "All right, fine, fine. You know something? You're absolutely right. I mean, even the best sex in the world isn't worth this!" Erica: "What happened here this afternoon was a mistake. It was a complete mistake. And as for being the best sex in the world -- that is YOUR opinion!" She says she had come there to ask David to be her date for her daughter's party that night, but she'd rather go alone! She whirls (her hair looking like a used mop due to the sweaty sex) and storms out. Dixie waits all of about 11 seconds to open the door and say "Me and my big mouth, huh?" David shakes his head.
ERICA'S HOUSE
Leo apologizes for calling Derek and says they have to smuggle Greenlee out of town and then he'll find some way to take care of Wade. She says she doesn't want Leo to get hurt. Leo says he'll be smart [BWAHAHAHAHAA!!] Bianca reminds them about the party. They decide that Greenlee WILL go, after all, and they can smuggle her out as the party winds down. Leo: "You'll be safer there than here. It'll be harder for wade to kill you in a crowd. Greenlee: "That's not funny." Leo: "Call your maid and have her send over some clothes. We'll leave from here. Greenlee: "Ok, Leo, whatever you say ... Oh, GOD! I just realized how much trouble I'm in! My maid couldn't accessorize to save her life!" She runs up to change clothes. Leo apologizes to Bianca for all the trouble and she brushes it off as nothing -- she'd rather be iced by a mobster than go to this party! They go to get ready. [I marvel at Bianca's (and Leo's for that matter) obliviousness to the danger they are all in]
AN EASTERN EUROPEAN HOSPITAL
Jake tells Gillian how beautiful she is. He says he thought about her every day since he left Pine Valley and he's ashamed of himself [as well he SHOULD be!] She cuts him off and says he was saving lives every day. He demurs and says he just did what he had to do once he got there, just like Joe or Tad or many others would have done. She says the children are alive because of HIM. He denies it and says they are alive because of HER! And it's HIS fault -- he made her come into a war zone to look for him and he put her in danger. She protests that that's not it! He talks about seeing such horrible things since he has been in Chechnya and seeing people lose EVERYTHING. It made him see that the reason WHY he left PV, the hurt and sense of betrayal he had, was just about pride. All he was thinking about was himself [uh huh] and he hurt her. She says SHE hurt him, TERRIBLY! He says a lot of people kept the truth about Colby from him, but he took it out on HER and walked out on their marriage and gave up what they had [not much]. He's ashamed and apologizes for it. He should have loved her as much as she loves him. Jumping in front of the sniper was the least he could do for everything she's done for him. Gillian, of course, is wracked with guilt and protests throughout his speech.
HUNTING LODGE
Alex and Dimitri get ready for Bianca's party [considering what just happened with them and Erica at David's office, they have a lot of damn nerve, don't they?]. Dimitri is buttoning the cuffs on his extremely creased and rumpled shirt. Alex is, of course, dressed in black (a very nice, cross-draped dress with a big silver pin [the nut doesn't fall far from the tree]. They laugh and cuddle and talk about going to Vadsel. The doorbell rings and Alex laughs over her shoulder to Dimitri as she answers the door. It's Edmund, wearing a tuxedo and bearing a corsage, asking if they are ready to go to Bianca's party.
Edmund says he WAS invited by Bianca. Alex looks shame-faced and says they know (she was THERE, after all). Dimitri reminds Edmund that circumstances have changed. Edmund says he's not going to just lock himself in his room and ponder his awareness of the changed circumstances. Dimitri asks if Edmund thinks he and Alex are going to go as a couple. Edmund says no, the THREE of them are going to go together and present a united front to avoid gossip. Word has spread that Dimitri is back and everyone will be watching them closely. Dimitri: "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, I guess it IS wise to complicate matters with the three of us going. Sure. I understand. Edmund plays the children-getting-hurt card [is he planning on bringing the kiddies?]. Edmund says they are going to present a united front to the world, even if it's a lie. Alex and Dimitri share conspiratorial looks and Dimitri walks into the bedroom. Alex gives a slightly challenging look Edmund's way and Edmund gives an unquestionably challenging look back.
AN EASTERN EUROPEAN HOSPITAL
Gillian tells Jake he had EVERY right to feel hurt and betrayed and his has NOTHING to be ashamed of [I beg to differ]. He wants her to forgive him, not just for risking her life [HELLO? SHE'S the one who dropped in uninvited!], but for walking out on their marriage and what they had. She says there's nothing to forgive. He begs some more, gasping in pain, and she relents, forgiving him. She notes his pain and says she's going to go get a nurse. He stops her and tells her not to be afraid whenever she sees that he's in pain. It looks scary, but it's normal and he's okay. He's going to survive this. He wants to pick up where they left off, but he knows they can't do that and she agrees. He says that before it was all about Colby. She cries as he begs her to give him another chance to show her how much he loves her.
ERICA'S HOUSE
Bianca descends the stairs in a becoming floor-length black dress (fitted, spaghetti-strapped bodice and full skirt), with a lacy white shawl over her arms. Her hair is upswept. She stands in front of Erica's portrait and looks humbled and unworthy in the glow of it's magnificent beauty. She sighs and walks toward a mirror, her shawl practically dragging on the ground. As she dejectedly checks herself out, we hear Erica's loud sigh at the vision of beauty in her living room. Erica is still dressed in the boinking clothes, but her hair is pinned up now. She continues to gush over Bianca and says that if she's to be put to shame by a younger and more beautiful woman, she's glad it's Bianca. Erica starts to tell Bianca she looks perfect, but stops to adjust Bianca's hair and says that NOW she looks perfect! Bianca humbly tells Erica that she'll NEVER look as beautiful as she. Erica apologizes for being late, but she's had a very traumatic afternoon: "But this is YOUR night, so I'm just going to put all that behind me!" Bianca tries to tell Erica that she invited an extra person. Erica waves the importance of it away and says she's always happy to meet Bianca's friends. Bianca informs her that the person she invited was Travis. [Erica really IS having a traumatic day, isn't she?] Erica is aghast and asks why Bianca would DO that to her? Bianca stares in confusion.
THE HUNTING LODGE
Alex asks Edmund if he thinks this is a good idea. If he REALLY wants to go to the party, she and Dimitri will stay home. Edmund says he doesn't give a damn about the party -- people are going to talk about them no matter WHAT they do [so why is he INSISTING on the three of them going?] because what's happened is too deliciously bizarre not to. She agrees and apologizes. He tells her it's not her fault. He says they'll get through it and someday they'll all laugh about it, but right now he doesn't want to talk about Poor Edmund who gained and brother and lost a fiancee. They'll let people stare and act as if they are all together. [Does anyone else have a say in the matter? Are ANY of them thinking about the impact this will have on BIANCA? Is ANYONE besides Erica happy about this party?] Dimitri returns to the room as Alex agrees to get it over with. [Are these people are going to be the life of the party, or what? Why would Bianca want a bunch of old, angry people at her party?]
ERICA'S HOUSE
Bianca is shocked at her mother's reaction to inviting Travis to the party. Bianca: "I didn't do ANYTHING to YOU. I thought you said that this was MY party!" Erica: "Of course it's your party, sweetheart! And if you -- if you want to invite your father to your party, well, then, of course you may. I mean, what *I* want doesn't matter." Bianca explains that Travis was going to be in D.C. anyway and since he'd be so close anyway, she invited him. He said he couldn't think of anything better! Erica: "Oh. Well, then, it's a fait accompli, isn't it? Ok. Well, I'm sure you two will have a wonderful time together. Uh -- that unbearable WIFE of his isn't going to be here, too, is she?" Bianca: "No, she's not, and she's not UN- [she sighs and gives up] -- Barbara is home in Seattle." Erica tries to explain that she's put a lot of time and effort into the party and it will be very stressful for her to try and make sure everything runs smoothly, so she would prefer not to talk to her [Barbara]. Bianca: "Mom, I really don't see why having Dad there would cause you any more stress!" Erica rolls her eyes at Bianca's utter naivete' in the face of marital discord, deceit and [losing] custody battles. Bianca tells her she doesn't have to talk to Travis because he has lots of friends in PV. Erica grits her teeth and tells Bianca that she already said it's FINE if she wants her father there. She's wasn't as enthusiastic as she should have been because she really has had a DREADFUL day [pause for reaction -- no reaction] -- but never mind about THAT. Bianca flounders and babbles that she just thought that if the press were there, Travis would know how to handle it and could help her cope with it. Erica is insulted that Bianca didn't believe her when she said there would be no press at the party. She starts into a speech about Bianca not believing in her, but Leo interrupts, bopping into the room in his tuxedo and exclaiming: "Put on your sunglasses, ladies -- I'm looking GOOD!" He tells Bianca she cleans up nice and she replies "Likewise". Leo looks Erica up and down and chides her on her attire -- she's not wearing THAT to the party, is she? Her patience is being tried as she explains that of COURSE she's not going to wear that -- she's not dressed yet because she's just had a really WRETCHED DAY [pause for reaction -- no reaction]. Leo snaps his fingers: "Chop, chop!"
Greenlee walks in behind Erica, but tries to stay out of her line-of- sight. Leo tries to buy time by nattering on about how Erica can't be fashionably late to her own party -- but then maybe ERICA can. Greenlee tiptoes to the front door and somehow manages to open it without Erica hearing her, despite Erica being only about 4' away from her. Erica tells Leo that, as Bianca's escort, he has to be on his best behavior -- attentive, but not TOO possessive. He needs to be there if Bianca needs rescuing. He promises to be a regular St. Bernard, minus the brandy. Erica turns almost all the way around and Leo calls to her because he just remembered he had to ask her something. Impossibly, Erica doesn't see Greenlee slipping out the door. Turning back to Leo, Erica also does not hear the door latch click into place. Leo pretends to forget what he wanted to ask her, but is saved by the doorbell -- it's GREENLEE! He and Bianca share conspiratorial, whew!-that-was-close looks. Erica answers the door and is stunned into silence by Greenlee gaily announces to Leo that she's finally there. Erica's eyes get big as she follows Greenlee into the room. She asks Leo what Greenlee is doing there. Leo walks over to Erica and lowers his voice in confidence: "Greenlee couldn't find a date to the party -- it's kind of a mercy date." Erica shakes her head in I-can't-believe-this wonder and asks Leo if he remembers what they were JUST talking about. He says he's more than enough for 2 dates. Erica doubts it. Leo puts his arms around both Greenlee and Bianca and says: "Chop-chop, ladies! Bene, bene! Andiamo! Ragazze! You better hurry up, Erica! There isn't going to be enough beluga left!" The trio leaves and Erica gnashes her teeth and makes faces, finally exclaiming to the empty room: "I don't BELIEVE this! And what is the point of being the PERFECT MOTHER when no one else cooperates?" She heaves a sigh and puts her hands on her hips.
AN EASTERN EUROPEAN HOSPITAL
Gillian tells Jake that he's right -- they can't just pick up where they left off. Jake continues to grimace in pain as he says he loves her. The pain gets worse and he's writhing and moaning on the bed (but insisting he's fine). Joe and a nurse come in and Gillian states the obvious.
THE HUNTING LODGE
Dimitri says it's time to get going. Edmund asks for a second and he walks over to the mirror, pinning the corsage on his lapel [I thought it was for Alex -- okay, it's now a boutonniere]. He stares at himself and remembers asking Alex to marry him, finding Dimitri and Alex together after an obviously intimate reunion, choking Dimitri, and asking Alex how he's supposed to stop loving her. He breaks from his reverie to discover that he has crushed the boutonniere. He sighs and puts it down, following the Marricks out the door.
DAVID'S OFFICE
David asks Dixie why it always ends like that with shouting matches and hurt feelings on both sides. Dixie says she doesn't know -- she thinks she's depleted her entire arsenal of advice with him :-) He ruefully says it obviously wasn't taking -- and now he gets to watch as she and Tad work through their rough spot in NY. Dixie tells him to not even go there [twice in one episode] -- it was SO embarrassing the way she just reacted and ran out. David thinks her reaction was entirely appropriate, given what she saw. Dixie says that all they did that night was to hold their tongues [well, not ENTIRELY] and resist all impulse to yell and scream. David: "What if the person you are with DESERVES to be yelled at for being SO pigheaded and self-involved?" He throws up his hands at the futility of it. Dixie says her mom used to say: "You hate most in others what you see in yourself." David feels like he's just been insulted. Dixie wishes him well with his problems and gets up to leave. He's disappointed that she's leaving and they give each other meaningful looks -- she firmly (but not with the usual lip-gritting or nervousness) tells David that she HAS to go home to TAD and she walks out. David regretfully watches her ass walk out of the room with a what-a-woman! look, then says aloud: "I would NEVER yell at someone like YOU, Dixie."
ERICA'S HOUSE
Erica is on the phone gushing about O-Town (the band) and reiterates that Ashley needs to make sure he makes a big deal over Bianca. Erica is STILL not dressed for the party. She hangs up the phone and runs to answer the doorbell. It's Jackson, bearing a little gift for Bianca. Erica tells Jack it's too late to catch Bianca -- she's already left with her date and his other date. Jackson (head-bobbing): "I'm sorry?" Erica: "Exactly. Well, believe me, you don't want to know about it -- it's way too upsetting, especially after the ghastly day I had today!" She pauses and bats her eyes at Jack, waiting for him to take the bait and respond. He doesn't. Erica: "Well, never mind!" Jackson: "Okay." He grins, but Erica pretends not to notice he was playing with her by NOT playing with her. Erica looks coquettishly downcast and says: "Well, suffice it to say that I told my date that I no longer needed his help." Jackson: "I see. Well, then Erica, I guess I'll see you at the party then." He grins and pretends not to notice her passive-aggressive bid for his services and starts to walk out. Erica stops him and says: "Oh, Jack, wait! That reprehensible Brooke isn't waiting in the car for you, is she?" [BWAHAHAHA!!!] Jack makes faces and rolls his eyes and head and finally says, with exaggerated patience, that no, she's NOT. Erica: "Oh so you DON'T have a date for tonight?" Jack: "No, but I have the feeling I'm about to." Erica is thrilled at his quickness -- she always liked that about him. He says she's not really dressed for the occasion, and she tells him she'll be down in a minute. Jack: "Oh, sure you will! Where do you keep your copy of War and Peace?" Erica laughs delightedly and tells him he's so funny! Jack sits down in front of Erica's portrait, grabs an apple and sits back to relax for a while.
VALLEY INN DINING ROOM
Waiters are setting tables and guests are starting to arrive. A busboy seem to be staring at the trio. Greenlee is worried that the busboy is one of Wade's men. Bianca looks around the room and appears to be on the verge of hurling with anxiety. Leo asks if she's all right. Hyperventilating, she says she doesn't think she can do this and if she doesn't get out of there right now, she thinks she's going to THROW UP! [I told you] Bianca rushes out and Leo starts to follow, but Greenlee grabs his arm and stops him.
AN EASTERN EUROPEAN HOSPITAL
The nurse pulls a hypodermic needle out of one of Jake's body parts. [That must have been some kind of shot, because the suction caused by her pulling it out was pretty loud -- from the sound of it, I fully expected some of his guts to be sticking to the wall] Jake continues to breathe hard and fast, but seems to be reacting slightly to the shot as Joe grimly grins. Gillian walks out of the room and over to Ryan. He asks her what she told Jake.
On the next AMC:
Ryan asks Gillian if she's falling in love with Jake.
Leo incredulously asks Greenlee: "What exactly do you expect me to do if Wade shows up?" Greenlee (smiling charmingly): "Save my butt!"
As an endless stream of what appear to be hoodlums enter the Valley Inn dining room, Erica announces the entrance of O-Town from ABC's hit show, "Making of the Barf--er Band"!
Ashley o' O-Town asks Bianca for a dance.
Irreverently submitted,
Robin "David's office should be christened 'O-Office', for entirely different reasons" Coutellier
No comments:
Post a Comment