| "Tainted Love" Diary 55 (c) Alison Armstrong |
| An analysis of the "Tainted Love" episodes of the show "Port Charles," formerly of ABC-TV. This site will focus on the scenes featuring the vampire character Caleb Morley (portrayed by actor Michael Easton). The character of Caleb Morley 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. |
| "That was such an incredibly sad story, Caleb," Livvie remarks. "So beautiful and sad, the way it ended." "That was then," Caleb replies, trying perhaps to change the mood a bit. "We can add our own ending now, write our own story, make it a happy one." |
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| But just as Caleb tries to focus on his hopes for Livvie, his attempts to make her his, Livvie starts thinking again about her family and Jack. "My family is worried about me being with you," she says,"because they think you're dangerous. But if they could only see what I see and know what I know . . ." When she touches his face, Caleb looks rather startled and sad, perhaps a bit apprehensive, like a wild creature used to being feared and hunted rather than caressed. |
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| "What do you know, Olivia?" Caleb murmurs, wanting to hear her say what she feels about him. "That you are gentle and giving. You've been hurt, and you're afraid to be hurt again," she replies. Livvie, like Tess in later "Port Charles" arcs, sees the vulnerability within Caleb, the human aspects Caleb hides in order to protect himself. "Call them and tell them what you know," Caleb suddenly suggests. "You're serious?" Livvie asks, stunned. "Let the people you love know you're not being held against your will. Let them know I would never hurt you," Caleb tells her. "They won't understand," Livvie says. "Then make then understand," Caleb urges. "I know you can. Make them understand." He kisses her cheek and ears. |
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| When Livvie calls her father and tells him that she's "having a really wonderful time" with Caleb, Kevin refuses to believe that his daughter is not being coerced. "You don't know anything about him or what I think" she says defiantly and then asks to speak with Jack. Caleb, meanwhile, is sitting in a corner, holding a white rose, twirling it between his fingers, his expression sulky and jealous. He seems uncomfortable, nervous about temporarily relinquishing control, distrustful of his rivals. As in "Tempted," Caleb perceives all those Livvie loves as enemies, a perception which turns out to be valid, since, unlike Livvie, her loved ones can only see the danger and evil of Caleb. An outsider, vilified and persecuted, Caleb knows that to trust and let down his guard can bring destruction; he cannot allow himself to be too open with humans. He must always be a predator, wary and cunning, in order to survive. |
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| At the mention of Jack's name, Caleb gets up and yanks the phone out of Livvie's hands. "Relax, Dr. Collins," he says firmly. "I promise I'll take good care of her," and then hangs up the phone. "But I wasn't finished yet," Livvie protests. "Your father knows you're safe and happy. He'll tell all who are concerned. That's what you wanted, isn't it?" Caleb reminds her. When Livvie agrees, Caleb tries to divert her attention back to him and to their world of escape, magic, and sensory delights. Seeking to forget his anguished past and the vulnerability he fears, he again assumes his charming, seductive aspect. "Now, do you think maybe we could get them out of your mind for awhile?" he suggests, with a mischievous smirk and a glint of desire in his eyes. "Just focus on us? If you promise to do this, I promise you the best is yet to come." |
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| Snappies of "Tainted Love" scenes taken by A, Armstrong |