| "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 25-27 (cont.) “You honestly believe the words coming out of your mouth, don’t you?” Caleb scoffs. “It’s all true,” Rafe affirms. |
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| “Repent, sinner. Change your evil ways. Embrace the salvation!!” Caleb mocks, adopting the tone of a streetcorner preacher frothing with rabid piety. In his mockery Caleb also indirectly implicates his own priestly aspect, the part of himself he loathes but cannot completely escape.
“It can happen,” Rafe persists. “It’s too late,” Caleb argues. “If you think it is, it is” Rafe replies, naively confident that he can somehow change Caleb’s mind and gain other recruit. “But if you want it, if you end your reign of terror now and vow to never harm another being, if you yearn for peace, hunger for it, crave it . . . ‘’ “The same way I crave blood?” Caleb asks. |
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| “You can have what your soul cries out for, Caleb—serenity, balance, rest,” Rafe continues with his spiel.
“Even now? After everything I’ve done?” Caleb inquires skeptically. “If your desire for change is true, then yes,” Rafe promises. “Eternal peace is waiting for even you.” “Or what? Double my money back?” Caleb jokes. “You know it’s in my job description to be able to forgive,” Rafe boasts. “Then you’ll have to forgive me if I need to think about this. Let’s see . . . “ Caleb pauses dramatically, placing his fingertips on his chin, as if in deep reflection, weighing his options. “Eternal power, eternal peace. Eternal power, eternal peace. Peace, power, peace . . . I’m afraid I’m going to have to pass on your offer.” |
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| With this sarcastic reply, Caleb rescues us all from the prospect of a saccharine Hallmark moment. We are spared the “feel-good” resolution common to traditional morality tales, the “sinner” being saved and changing his ways, the Scrooge scampering down the street suddenly filled with manic cheer for all mankind. Instead, we are given a decision true to Caleb’s personality and in keeping with his proud, defiant, sensual vampire nature. |
| Snappies of "Tempted" scenes taken by A. Armstrong |