| "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" #3 (cont.) “I don’t think I can make it there right now, I’m serious,” she replies, feeling scared and vulnerable. When Caleb offers to take her to the hospital, she, at first, refuses, fearing that Rafe would “freak out” if he knew Caleb helped her get there. But as the symptoms get worse and she becomes progressively more dizzy, she leans on Caleb, resting her head on his shoulder. He strokes her hair, awkwardly, as if knowing how Livvie would interpret this soothing, sympathetic gesture. “Shh, just trust me,” he murmurs. “This is going to be all right.” |
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| Snappies of "The Gift" scenes taken by A. Armstrong |
| “I just feel cold and sick,” she says softly.
“Yeah, I have this effect on a lot of women,” he jokes, trying to lighten the mood. “My God, look at us!” she suddenly laughs, seemingly struck by the incongruity of the situation—her being gently caressed by Caleb as she confides her worries and troublesome symptoms. Beginning to feel a bit better, she thanks him for his company and advice. “It’s true what they say about you, isn’t it?” she smiles impishly. “That you really have your way with women?” “Especially the ones going through heavy withdrawal,” he quips. “You give them some drugs, yeah, that’s me. I’m there to score.” No sooner have Alison’s symptoms nearly vanished than they start to resurface. She clutches her stomach, and Caleb, noticing her distress, offers to help her return home. Wobbling on unsteady legs, she collapses. He holds her to him, cradling her in his arms, and is in the process of carrying her home when he is confronted by Livvie and Rafe. They stare at him and Alison, eyes blazing in jealousy and rage. Caleb and Alison’s innocent encounter is perceived with suspicion. Rafe’s little angel appears to be taking a walk on the wild side, or, at least, stumbling on the outskirts of it, and Caleb seems to be guiding her into temptation. Rafe and Livvie, however, fail to realize that they are the ones driving Alison and Caleb to seek peace away from home. Their negativity is helping to bring about the thing they fear the most. When the magic of the ring is combined with the force of these destructive personality traits, such as jealousy, anger, fear, and obsession, the potential for undesirable consequences increases. A wish arising out of spite, greed, or insecurity may ultimately create the very circumstances one hopes to avoid. |