| "Tempted": Allure and Menace in Port Charles' "Tempted,"An Analysis (c) by Alison Armstrong |
| An analysis of the "Tempted" episodes of the show "Port Charles," formerly of ABC-TV. This site will focus on the scenes featuring the vampire character Caleb Morley (portrayed by actor Michael Easton). The character of Caleb Morley and any other characters relating to Port Charles are the property of ABC and their creators. This is a fan-run site and is not an official site, nor is it affiliated in any way with ABC, Port Charles, or the actors portraying any of the Port Charles characters. No copyright infringement is intended. The writings on this site are copyrighted by the author, Alison Armstrong, and may not be reproduced without the author's express permission. |
| "Tempted" Episode 36 (cont.) “That’s not true,” Livvie argues. “Not since Jack’s been helping me.” With this statement, Livvie reveals her dependency and insecurity, her lack of faith in herself and her sanity. Livvie needs Jack as psychological support and moral guide. Without his help, she feels lost, desolate, adrift in her lonely, unstable consciousness and prone to madness. Her need for emotional support affects her relationship with Caleb as well as Jack. Wanting to be coddled, pampered, guided and absolved from moral responsibility, she goes from the nurturing protection of Jack to the seductive tyranny of Caleb. Although Livvie tries to assert her independence, the childlike part of herself seeks the sheltering domination of her lovers. Since both Jack and Caleb want Livvie to remain dependent and vulnerable, they encourage and enable her insecurity and immaturity. "You and I both know I'm the only one who can take care of you," Caleb tells her, trying to smother her resistance by convincing her she doesn't know what she wants or needs. "Then why do I feel so much better when I'm with him?" Livvie retorts in a snide tone. "Did you feel so much better when he walked out on you?" Caleb inquires, reminding her of Jack's all-too-flawed human love. "That's because I hurt him," Livvie says, struggling to control her tears. "And Jack is willing to help me. Now, that's real love." "You're just setting yourself up for more heartache, Sweetheart," Caleb soothes. "Think about it. These people have always hurt you. When you turned to them before, what did they do? They just tried to control you." By accusing Livvie’s loved ones of trying to control her, Caleb skillfully deflects attention away from his own manipulative tactics, paradoxically making it seem that he is giving her the freedom the other significant people in her life have always denied her. |
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| “They were just protecting me,” she replies.
“How? How?” he asks aggressively, like an attorney badgering a reluctant witness, as he dredges up her worst fears and tries to break her will. “By locking you in your room like a child? And who knows what they’ll do this time. Maybe they’ll throw away the key. Or, better yet, maybe they’ll have you committed like they did to your mother.” "No, stop it!" Livvie sobs. "You're twisting things. Jack promised me he'd help me." "And I promised you eternal life and a life with more pleasures than these people could ever dream of," Caleb smiles suggestively. "And I keep telling you all I need, all I want, is Jack," she insists. "Fine, then have him. But I wouldn't count on him being there forever," Caleb warns. "You know only I can give you that. But you'll never know," he adds teasingly. |
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| Snappies of "Tempted" scenes taken by A. Armstrong |