| "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" #18 (cont.) “Is that even possible?” he reprimands in the tone of a disapproving schoolmaster. “You have made so many mistakes of late, I am beginning to wonder if . . . ” |
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| Snappies of "The Gift" scenes taken by A. Armstrong |
| “If what?” she goads, both of them repeating the “if” threatening the core of their union. “If what? If what? If I’m worth it? So what you’re saying is you’re refusing to help me.” “It’s been a long night,” he mutters, his tone softening. “Let’s just go home.” “No. I’m not going anywhere with you,” she tearfully protests. |
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| “As you wish,” he replies matter-of-factly, an icy half-smile upon his lips as he walks away from her. Livvie selfishly assumes she can manipulate people and events to serve her purposes. Then, if things do not turn out as she had planned, she childishly believes she can avoid responsibility for her actions and magically make things better. The ring, to her, represents a way of escaping the consequences of her past misdeeds. Focused solely on her own needs and desires, she never takes into consideration the implications of her choices, the possible long-range results. Caleb, however, knows that the ring is not a cure for problems or a means of evading responsibility. With its immense power comes a massive burden of responsibility. It must not be used to try to undo the past, to fix mistakes. Depending on the ring to solve problems only intensifies the potential for disaster and weakens the inner strength of its user. To possess it and resist using it, on the other hand, strengthens one’s character. The ring, if understood and worn with reverential restraint, can be a tool of mystical insight, but if wielded with folly and disrespect, it can enslave the soul. |