| "Tainted Love" Diary 37 (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. |
| ************************************ The next episode highlights Caleb's mesmerizing effect on his lovers and foes, emphasizing in particular the thrilling, seductive menace of his allure. His major enemy, the rebellious initiate Jack, again discusses with Jamal the addictive nature of Caleb's vampiric gift. According to Jack, the more blood he drinks, the more he needs; however, he boasts that he doesn't need to be a "blood-sucking worm," trying to convince himself that he can keep Livvie safe and not give in to his urge to feed. Meanwhile, Caleb's new enemy, Lucy, tries to explain to Kevin the dangerous hold Caleb has over his minions. Describing how Caleb appeared when he was at her door, Lucy notes that he looked as if he "owned" her. "I hated that," she says with fear. "I had to make a choice. I had to choose to stop looking into those eyes. They're so blue--a bright, glowing blue." Unable to name the uncanny emotions these eyes stir inside her, she can only pronounce that they are "evil . . . just evil." Her assessment of Caleb seems to be validated later when she and Kevin decide to question Abe, the man Caleb attacked in the woods, but Abe becomes so frightened after he sees a police sketch of Caleb that he has a seizure and dies. The most vivid, stirring illustration of Caleb's irresistible influence in this episode, however, involves Gabby. As Gabby sits in her apartment, awaiting Caleb's return, he appears. He is angry over his encounter with Jack in the monastery and grabs Gabby by the throat, pushing her up against the mantelpiece. "Jack Ramsey's getting stronger," he growls. "Someone is helping him to feed. Tell me it wasn't you, Gabriella. Swear you would never betray me. Convince me. This is your last chance, Gabriella." "It wasn't me, " Gabby cries. "I don't know how he learned to feed." "Liar," Caleb hisses. "No, I would never betray you," she gasps. "Liar!" Caleb again insists, staring intently at her throat. |
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| "I love you!" Gabby exclaims. "I would never help Jack. I don't know how he learned to feed. I only do what you tell me. Only. Only." With an expression of weary disdain, Caleb releases her and begins languidly walking away as Gabby gasps for air. His hands gracefully limp, his posture elegantly listless, he holds his head as if temporarily shaken by such rare and unforeseen disappointment. |
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| Regaining breath, Gabby continues with her frantic explanations. "I wanted to tell you that so much at the hospital," she goes on to say, "but you walked away." At these words from Gabby, Caleb suddenly shifts mood. Caleb's mercurial fluctuations in mood and demeanor throughout this scene demonstrate Michael Easton's brilliant, perceptive talent, his ability to become one with his character, to fully enter Caleb's mind and let body, voice, facial expressions be vehicles to express Caleb's feelings. As Michael Easton subtlely shows, Caleb's reactions are a mixture of volatile impulse and skillful, seductive calculations. Shifting from rash, murderous rage to dejection, and then to charming, beguiling manipulation, Caleb succeeds in using Gabby's passionate desire as a way of making her a pawn in his scheme to attain Livvie and further his conquests. "What?" Caleb asks, bewildered. |
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| "At G. H., in the hallway," Gabby replies. "We talked. Remember, you were wearing that priest collar." "Idiot!" Caleb exclaims with a grimace of embarrassment and disgust, his brows furrowed. "That wasn't me. What, you think I'd be caught dead in broad daylight wearing a stupid priest collar? It's my freak brother." |
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| Snappies of "Tainted Love" scenes taken by A. Armstrong |