| "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" #6 (cont.) “You’re not used to being challenged, are you?” Frank taunts, as if trying to provoke Caleb’s wrath. “You’re like this walking time bomb,” Caleb observes, sneering derisively. “One mistake after another until finally you’re just going to go boom, aren’t you?” “That’s not your problem,” Frank retorts, indifferent to Caleb’s derision and threats. “Hey, when the mistake challenges me, it becomes my problem,” Caleb smiles sinisterly. |
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| Snappies of "The Gift" scenes taken by A. Armstrong |
| “You’re real good at telling me what I can’t do,” Frank says, pouting like a scolded little boy with delusions of grandeur. “You got a better plan? There’s a whole town waiting to be taken,” he suggests, giving a diabolical sneer. “How about we make some new recruits?”
“We’re not. You’re not,” Caleb rebukes him. “You’re losing your touch, man!” Frank accuses. “No, what I’m doing is losing my patience, Francis,” Caleb growls, saying the name “Francis” with mocking emphasis. “Do you really think that I care if you’re angry?” Frank persists. “I’m doing things my own way.” “You sound like Joshua,” Caleb laughs scornfully. “Of course, Joshua’s dead. But maybe you’d like to join him. . . . What is it with you, Frank?” he continues, his tone becoming hypnotically seductive. “You got a death wish? You don’t want to fight me, and you know it. You’re lost, you got turned. Now you’ve got to be a big boy and deal with it.” “I didn’t ask for this, damn it!” Frank snivels self-pityingly. “Where am I supposed to go? This used to be my place!” “The times have changed, my friend,” Caleb says, condescendingly soothing, and puts his hand on Frank’s shoulder. “And now you’re leaving. What I suggest you do—you take some time and you reflect upon if you belong someplace at all. OK? Or if this is the beginning of a long, slow descent into Hell. Now, if you choose the latter, I’ll be happy to help you get there.” He shoves Frank, forcing him out of the Elixir. “Don’t drink and drive,” he sneers, then walks back to the bar. “Thanks for taking out the trash,” Jack smiles and hands Caleb a beer. They clink their bottles together, celebrating the expulsion of Frank and the beginnings of their new partnership. |
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| Chastened but unrepentant, Frank is not about to give up his binge of self-destruction and nihilistic vengeance. “Somebody’s going to pay for this,” he mutters and, seeing someone emerge out of the shadows, leaps out at the approaching victim.
To Frank’s misfortune, however, the person he attacks is Rafe. Brandishing a stake, Rafe is well-prepared for a fight. Knocking Frank to the ground, Rafe hovers above him, stake poised for the fatal blow. “Back off, Rafe!” Caleb, emerging from the Elixir, commands. “Back off now!” |