| "Tainted Love" Diary 23 (c) by 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. |
When Michael asks Caleb where he is going, Caleb sneers malevolently. "To kiss the bride," he answers. "I won't let you hurt Eve," Michael vows sternly. "That's sweet, Michael. Real sweet," Caleb says mockingly, pursing his lips and making kissing sounds. "You think you can stop me?" But mixed with Caleb's snide bravado is an expression of hurt and disgust. "I'm the only one who can," Michael reminds Caleb. "You wouldn't do that," Caleb responds, swallowing slowly, as if choking on the thought of another woman wearing his beloved's wedding dress. "Destroying a twin is like destroying a part of yourself, Michael. And distress is not part of your gig." "Never forget that I know your secret, Caleb. And if pushed far enough, I'll do whatever it takes to protect Eve. Now, do you understand me?" Michael says threateningly. Once again, Caleb swallows hard, his disgust now tinged with worry and desperation. He comes back down the stairs, paces around the room, licks his lips, and wearily sits down on the floor. "I'll tell you what I'll do," he sighs, his face sad and tired. "I'll give you a couple hours. But if that dress is not back by dawn, all Hell breaks loose, Michael. All Hell breaks loose." Fulfilling his part of the bargain, Michael then appears at the cabin where Eve and Ian are happily celebrating their wedding and the impending birth of their baby. Knocking on the door, he interrupts their quiet intimacy, and, when invited into the cabin, nervously informs the couple that they have made his brother "very angry." He tells them about the argument and apologizes about needing to return the dress immediately. "The dress--it's one of the only things he has to remind him of someone he truly loved," Michael explains. When Eve, handing Michael the dress, begins asking questions about Caleb's anger, prying into his past, Michael says he has to leave. Once outside the cabin, standing alone in the dark woods, Michael addresses Caleb's invisible presence. "Caleb," he warns," if you're out there, it's done. If you harm these people, you will answer to me." The duality within Caleb (manifested by his argument with "Michael") is also represented by the contrast between Caleb's and "Michael's" attitudes towards their women. Whereas Caleb sees Eve as a whore who has tainted the purity of his beloved's wedding dress, he reveres the memory of his dead fiancee, seeing her as sacred. Michael, not admitting to any possible lustful feelings towards Eve, behaves towards her like a knight towards his unattainable Lady, vowing to protect her from Caleb's impulses (which are, of course, actually his own). Caleb, Michael, and Jack, alike, are torn by their conflicting desires to ravish and destroy as well as to protect and cherish the women they love. |
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| Snappies of "Tainted Love" scenes taken by A. Armstrong |