| "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" #2 (cont.) Jack, meanwhile, continues to besiege Caleb with ideas regarding the band. Although irritated by Jack’s persistence, Caleb is uncharacteristically restrained in response. Instead of reacting with violent outbursts of anger, as he used to do, Caleb, with annoyed, frustrated forbearance, merely warns Jack not to do anything without permission. Caleb sternly reminds the band, as well as Jack, that he is the boss; Caleb is the only one in charge of the band, and any proposed changes must obtain his approval. Quietly yet firmly Caleb thus quells any anarchic tendencies that may have been brewing as a result of Joshua’s poor leadership. Livvie, though, is less easily suppressed. Stroking his face, she assures him that “all anyone here wants to do” is make him happy. She tries to placate and entice him, but he bristles at her coy demands, telling her he has “other things” on his mind. “OK, well, why don’t you not concentrate on that ring for, like, two seconds,” she responds sarcastically, “and maybe think about something else, like us, maybe? Do you think you can do that?” Her voice grows sad, pleading. “I’m just . . . I’m missing us.” |
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| Snappies of "The Gift" scenes taken by A. Armstrong |
| “I know,” he sighs. “It’s just not knowing where the ring is is eating me up inside.”
“You know, I’m tired of trying with you,” she snarls, finally wearying of her act. “I give up, Caleb. I don’t know what to do anymore.” “Hey, where are you going?” Caleb, startled, inquires. “I’m not going to look for your precious ring,” she grumbles, walking out the door of the studio, “if that’s what you’re worried about. So now that you know that, do you really care where I go?” Calling out her name, Caleb turns to follow her. Angrily, he glowers at the band members, their stares of surprise seeming to magnify his feelings of frustration and resentment. “What are you looking at? What are you looking at?” he snarls, then strides with sullen ferocity from the studio. |
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| He finds himself at the waterfront. It is July 4th, and fireworks illuminate the sky, flickering briefly with a spectacular burst of color then disappearing with a blast of sulfurous smoke. Their vibrant yet ephemeral brilliance reminds him of mortal existence.
He, Livvie, and others of his kind have escaped the bonds of flesh and time. He and his Morley forebears have even grappled with the threads of fate, using the ring as a means of projecting their will upon the forces of Nature and destiny. Yet despite their determination and wisdom they have not completely mastered the ring that bears their insignia. Karmic laws of desire and consequence prevail. With every wish there is a corresponding fear, the fear of losing or never obtaining that which one most desires. The fear reflects the wish. It is a monstrous mirror image of one’s fantasy ideal. |