| "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" #12 (cont.) “Yes, I’m talking about Jamal,” she scolds. “All because of this stupid ring. You nearly snapped his neck just because you could. So forgive me if I don’t want to hear anything you have to say. As a matter of fact, I really couldn’t care less if I ever even saw you again.” |
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| Snappies of "The Gift" scenes taken by A. Armstrong |
| “I thought I could help you out,” he replies. “My services,” he pauses slightly, suggestively, “as a musician. I thought you might like to have the Stephen Clay Experience play at your fashion show.” |
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| “Why would you offer something like that?” she asks, suspicion in her voice.
“Hey, do you want the show to be a success or not?” he retorts. “And no matter what you think of me, I know you like my music.” |
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| “Well, I like a lot of things that aren’t good for me,” she concedes. “I like chocolate and fudge and a lot of things.”
“And if you’d like a good turn out at the gym, you’ll let us play because you can’t buy the kind of press you’d get from us,” he boasts. “Right, and, uh, what’s in it for you?” she probes. “A step towards a peaceful co-existence,” Caleb smiles smugly. “Oh, so this is just, like, a measure of good will, is that it?” she sneers, unconvinced. “Of course not,” he admits. “No, I . . . I want something, too. . . . I’d like to try out the band’s new single, something we’ve been working on. I’ve been looking for a live venue, something obscure where I could get some feedback. So what do you say? I get my showcase, you get your fashion show.” |
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| Even though Alison seems definitely against this proposition, she opts to let Rafe decide whether or not to accept it. Rather than speaking for herself, she weakly defers to her male protector, assuming that he will firmly, forcefully reject Caleb’s suggestion. Why she feels the need to have Rafe be the spokesperson, the voice of authority, is unclear. Does she fear Caleb or the temptation of his offer? Does she fear that Caleb will refuse to take her “no” as an answer and that she, unable to resist his persistent, seductive persuasion will succumb to his dangerous allure? Walking towards the gym with Caleb, Alison sees Rafe and tells him about the offer. |