| "Naked Eyes" : Analysis of the "Naked Eyes" Arc of ABC-TV's Port Charles
(c) Alison Armstrong |
| An analysis of the "Naked Eyes" 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. |
| "Naked Eyes" #9 (cont.) After Stephen and Elizabeth have finished laughing and the quietness of embarrassment has temporarily hushed the conversation, Elizabeth announces that she has to leave because “all this prattle” is giving her a headache. “I guess that’s the lady’s way of saying she finds our conversation tiresome. And no offense, Alison, but so do I,” Stephen says in a bored, exasperated tone as he and Elizabeth start to leave the table. “You know what? The next time you want to conduct an interview, call my publicist,” he adds, throwing a wad of bills on the table. “I’ll even throw in a couple of autographed pictures.” He and Elizabeth are on their way towards the door when suddenly, inexplicably, he turns around and hisses at Rafe. His mouth is contorted in a bestial snarl, an expression of loathing and disdain. It is unclear whether Stephen meant this as another sarcastic joke, acting as the vicious vampire Rafe and Alison have been trying to provoke him into becoming, or if he is giving them a warning disguised as a joke. Either way, he has made his hostility known and signaled his readiness for battle. Once again, Caleb has triumphed, while Rafe has made himself look ridiculous. As Rafe and Alison pick at their nearly untouched meals and discuss Elizabeth’s devotion to Caleb, Rafe explains that to most people, including Elizabeth, the idea of vampires is “laughable.” “Is that why you said the whole line about being a vampire slayer, to make them laugh?” Alison asks somewhat peevishly. When Rafe tells her that Stephen’s plan is to make anyone suspicious of him look like a fool, Alison agrees that his plan is working. Even though she loves and trusts Rafe, she is skeptical of Rafe’s claim that Stephen will eventually “let his guard down.” Embarrassed somewhat by Rafe’s behavior at the restaurant, she feels that the dinnertime inquisition was a “complete bust.” Not content to act the fool, Rafe also reveals himself to be a thief. Smirking with satisfaction, he shows Alison Stephen’s wallet, “borrowed,” he claims, so that he can trace Stephen’s Social Security card information and confirm Stephen’s true identity. As soon as Stephen gets back to the hotel room, he notices that his wallet is missing but seems strangely unalarmed. Telling Elizabeth that “whoever found it will do the right thing,” he shifts his attention to her. When she worries that he, who could have any woman he wants, must be weary of all the “baggage” she has heaped upon him these past few days, he reassures her that she is special, treasured. He soothes her fragile ego, takes her mind off of her embarrassing evening, all the while lulling her into a false sense of security, seductively preying on her vulnerabilities. |
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| Snappies of "Naked Eyes" scenes taken by A. Armstrong |
| “Don’t worry about tonight,” he murmurs. “I’ll handle the vampire slayer. All you need to worry about is handling me.” With a sensual smile, he leads her towards the bed. Together they collapse upon its silken softness, kissing and caressing. The hunger of her lust drives out all thoughts of embarrassment, “baggage,” or unwelcome guests. She yields to the ecstasy only he can bring.
He bequeaths his gift of transformation. Creative, resilient, resourceful, and unafraid, he has learned how to adapt his ancient, predatory ways to the world of modern man, using the powers of music and seduction to enthrall and subvert. |