| "Tempted": Allure and Menace in Port Charles' "Tempted,"An Analysis (c) by Alison Armstrong |
| An analysis of the "Tempted" 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. |
| "Tempted" Episodes 18-22 (cont.) “It was just a bad dream,” he says softly. “Close your eyes again and dream about something wonderful. Dream about us and how I used to hold you in my arms, make love to you.” Livvie’s mind drifts back towards the Villa, their ecstatic union, his sensual beauty, the fierce passion only he could arouse. “That’s it, Olivia,” Caleb soothes. “We’re a long, long way from over, baby. In fact, it’s just beginning.” He smiles, his mouth curling slightly in a snarl. “Better dream?” Caleb asks as Livvie awakens again. She nods “yes”. “Good.” “But I.,” Livvie hesitates. “I think I have to go because Jack, he’ll worry.” “That’s because he doesn’t trust you, not like he should,” Caleb explains. “That’s the problem with temporary beings, Olivia. Their love, their trust, it’s also temporary.” Although Caleb lounges calmly, his hand behind his head, his words reveal his tragic, bitter past—his memories of his fiancée whose love for him ended when she found out what he was. Her inability to love him after he revealed his vampire nature left a wound in Caleb’s soul that would never heal. When he killed her in a fit of passion and anger, the wound grew into a cold, unappeasable ache, a brutal hunger mixed with gnawing self-hatred. Perhaps by keeping her beautifully preserved body with him all those innumerable years he kept his wound from ever closing. His wound was his love, his soul, his essence, an addictive pain he needed in order to feel he existed. Although the Michael side of himself eventually buried Olivia, perhaps as an act of atonement and self-annihilation (killing the hunger and desire which made Caleb survive), Caleb found another self-lacerating obsession in his new Olivia. She was his wound, his hunger, his reason to live. |
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| Livvie refuses to accept Caleb’s cynical views towards human love. She wants to believe that her friends and loved ones can prove Caleb wrong, can redeem themselves. “But it’s because of what you’re doing to them,” she argues.
“Yes,” Caleb admits. “And as my enemies get weaker, I feel my strength flooding back. Oh it’s a rush, Sweetheart, almost as good as sex.” He smiles lewdly. “Almost.” |
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| “But sooner or later, they’re going to figure out it’s you,” Livvie points out.
“That won’t happen, my love,” Caleb scoffs. “They’re too busy mistrusting each other. I’ve given them just enough truth for the lies to seem believable. I’ve taken the seeds of fear and doubt in their secret hearts. The spark’s already there. All we have to do is fan the flames.” His hands gesture gracefully, theatrically, making waving motions as if kindling a fire. “Yeah, but they’re my friends and family,” Livvie complains. “I’m all you need now,” Caleb replies. “Our souls are entwined. And we have an eternity together—you, me, and the child we deserve.” “But I don’t want you to do this anymore,” she insists. “Soon you’ll understand,” he says condescendingly. “No,” Livvie exclaims. |
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| Snappies of "Tempted" scenes taken by A. Armstrong |