| "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" #2 (cont.) Like Rafe, Caleb avoids confrontation with his loved one by retreating into himself. In Caleb’s case, the inward retreat is also an attempt to reconnect with his creativity. The loss of the ring and the desperate quest to find it, combined with Livvie’s persistent nagging, have drained his emotions and imagination. To clear his mind and revitalize his spirit, he heads to the studio. There he and his band members, along with Livvie, look over the new songs Caleb composed. The band is enthusiastic, eager to get “back in the groove,” but, plagued by worries over the ring’s whereabouts and the dangers its powers may pose, Caleb is unable to fully concentrate on the music. His attempts to focus on his work are further foiled by Jack (who eagerly confronts Caleb with plans for managing the band) and Livvie (who wants to talk with him about their argument the previous night). |
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| Snappies of "The Gift" scenes taken by A. Armstrong |
| Jack’s motives for wanting to become Caleb’s band manager are somewhat obscure. Having bitterly and continually fought against Caleb in the past, there would seem to be no reason why Jack would ever want to join in any partnership with Caleb. However, as the “Surrender” and “Desire” arcs have revealed, Jack is not the idealistic young man he used to be. As a result of losing Livvie and then Tess, Jack no longer believes in undying love, soulmates, and the supposed rewards of virtue. He has begun to embrace his darker side and, having become involved with the mischievous, fun-loving band member Reese, is adopting an increasingly amoral philosophy towards life. Whatever benefits him and the people he cares about are his top priorities, regardless of ethics and notions of “good” vs. “evil.” Since Jack is currently dating Reese, he apparently wants to show Caleb and Reese that he can put aside his former anti-vampire prejudices, rid himself of his uptight tendencies, and work with the band to produce mutually satisfying results. Caleb, however, is in no mood to hear Jack’s spiel about becoming the manager and ways to promote the group. “Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Caleb cautions, as Jack starts rambling about his plans for t-shirts, covers, and the new direction he thinks the band should take. “What makes you think I’d entrust The Experience to somebody with no experience?” Caleb points out. “Besides I didn’t think you embraced our lifestyle.” |
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| “No, vampires are good for business,” Jack, undeterred, replies. “I know a good business opportunity when I see it. “ He starts to discuss his plans for the covers, but is cut off by Caleb, who, promising to look at it later, heads towards his office, followed by Livvie. |
| Livvie’s reasons for being at the studio, unlike Jack’s, are blatantly obvious. She is driven by her insatiable need for his attention. Although she tells Caleb she is sorry about their argument, her apology is motivated by anxiety rather than regret. She is afraid of losing him, so in an attempt to ease his anger and diminish the sense of distance between them, she feigns concern for his work. Ironically, given her nagging interruptions, she even suggests that Caleb just try to “focus on the music” instead of obsessing on the ring. When he reminds her that he is trying to do that, she proposes that they spend some time alone together. It is clear that her reason for being at the studio with Caleb is to continue their discussion from before and get him to pay attention to her. However, her ploy meets with little success. Caleb remains fixated on his ring, and as he explains, will not “be able to focus on anything” until he gets it back. |
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