| "The Gift": Analysis of "The Gift" Arc of ABC-TV's Port Charles
(c) Alison Armstrong |
| An analysis of the "The Gift" episodes of the show Port Charles, formerly of ABC-TV. This site will focus on the scenes featuring the vampire character Caleb Morley/Stephen Clay (portrayed by actor Michael Easton). The character of Caleb Morley/Stephen Clay 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. |
| "The Gift" Analysis #10 While Jamal, surrounded by Caleb and Rafe outside the gym, stalls at forfeiting the ring he confessed to having, those inside the gym are entertained by the flamboyant antics of Elizabeth’s designer friend, Georges (Chris Ramsey in disguise, doing Elizabeth a favor by masquerading as her no-show celebrity guest). Livvie, an exile in the midst of the convivial crowd, is, like the tense opponents outside, unable to forget old wounds and betrayals. She cannot understand her father’s newly genial and contrite demeanor, his transformation into the “nice, sweet, fuzzy old Kevin” he used to be. Having told him, no holds barred, that she liked him better before the transformation, she has tried to convince him that “being nice is overrated” and that even though “things aren’t exactly perfect” in her life, at least she is with the person that she loves, whereas he, lonely and repentant, still pines for Lucy. Despite her intense dislike for Lucy, Livvie has urged Kevin to “fight” for the woman he loves. But, resisting her pleas, he remains committed to making amends for his past misdeeds and is working hard at establishing a truce with Ian. Fondly reminiscing with Lucy about happier times, Kevin joins the others inside the gym in wishing the new fitness club future success. Sullen and resentful, Livvie wanders through the gym. Without Caleb by her side as sneering co-conspirator, without her father as mean-spirited ally, Livvie feels lost, even somewhat vulnerable. When Jack approaches, surprised that she and Caleb are not, as usual, “joined at the hips,” Livvie sorrowfully accuses him of always saying “horrible” things to her. Even though Livvie has betrayed Jack, has spurned him for Caleb, a part of her still seems to love Jack, or at least the memories she has of him during their youthful romance. Jack, however, refuses to acknowledge the good times, the love they once shared. Clinging to bitterness, he finds refuge in scorn. “The only things that’s horrible are the memories I have of you,” he spitefully retorts. “You’re Caleb’s headache now. And I’m sure he’s popping aspirin as we speak.” When she insinuates that he is merely jealous she chose Caleb instead of him, Jack continues his mean-spirited taunts and boasts of the “great girl” (Reese) he has now. He claims to be happy living a life without strong emotional commitments, without cravings for blood or love. Yet his casual, no-ties relationship with Reese is not as satisfying to him or Reese as he talks himself into believing. Reese is beginning to want more of a commitment from him, and Jack, as a result, is gradually losing interest in her. He appears to be growing restless, wanting new challenges. As manager/owner of the Elixir and new manager of Caleb’s band, Jack has gotten accustomed to associating with vampires. He has cast aside many of his scruples, as well as his anti-vampire prejudices, and learned to take what he needs, do what he must, to survive. He has gotten a taste for power and danger. Although happily mortal, Jack has helped Jamal come to terms with being a vampire. With Jack’s advice and support, Jamal has begun to embrace his vampirism, to see it as source of power that can be used for good as well as evil, that can enhance as well as destroy. Having admitted to Caleb and Rafe that he has the ring, Jamal stalls for time, trying to delay giving it back. Although Rafe, at first, seems to share Caleb’s skepticism regarding Jamal’s sudden confession (blurted out to protect Imani from Caleb’s threatening interrogation), he nonetheless sides with Jamal when Caleb accuses Jamal of lying. Jamal confides that he has had the ring since Caleb and Rafe killed Joshua but, asked to hand it over, claims that he left it at the bike shop and can meet them there after he finishes “something” he needs to do. |
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| Snappies of "The Gift" scenes taken by A. Armstrong |
| “No, no!” Caleb laughs scornfully. “I don’t think so, Jamal. We’re going there tonight, together, you and me. Let’s move. I said, let’s move!” he yells. |
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| “Caleb, stop!” Rafe growls, pushing himself between Caleb and Jamal. “You’re not going anywhere near that ring!” Grabbing a huge metal pipe, he brandishes it at Caleb.
Lights suddenly begin to flicker inside the gym, their wavering flutterings into darkness echoing the tense struggle between the forces of light and darkness battling outside. Alarmed by the flickering lights, Jack, Ian, Lucy, Kevin, Alison, and Livvie hurry out of the gym. |