| "Tainted Love" Diary 59 (c) 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 scene then shifts to Jack's discovery of Olivia's body, entombed in glass like a perpetually waiting Snow White her dark eyes desolate as she lies forever in suspended animation. At first Jack seems to believe this is Livvie, murdered by Caleb. But as he looks closer, Jack realizes that she is not his beloved. Paging through a dusty old book, which turns out to be Caleb's journal, Jack learns of Caleb's agonizing experience. The flashbacks, presented in brief black and white scenarios accompanied by Caleb's narration, are deeply stirring and emotionally harrowing, but instead of helping Jack to understand Caleb and empathize with him, Jack rigidly persists in demonizing Caleb. Perhaps this is a defense mechanism on Jack's part, since Jack, struggling against his vampirism and hating what he has become, feels he has to hate Caleb in order to avoid a similar fate. Jack, like Caleb, has experienced the powerful urgings of bloodlust mixed with yearning, desire, and frustration, so Jack, too, must know how Caleb felt when faced with such devastating, dehumanizing rejection. Jack, however, suppresses his identification with Caleb and thereby hypocritically can remain judgmental. Throughout this series of flashbacks the past (recounted in Caleb's words) alternates with the present (Jack's viewing of Caleb's journal). There is no dialogue in these scenes--the narrative and the black and white images creating the effect of a silent, slow-motion dream. Eloquently using his facial expressions, gestures, and body language to convey without words slight nuances in emotion, Michael Easton depicts Caleb's anguish with such intensity that we too can feel his torment. "I can hardly describe my elation when at last she agreed to be mine," the journal entry begins. [We see here a vision of Caleb twirling Olivia as they dance together, he tall and elegant, she tiny and delicate yet vivacious. He picks her up and they playfully embrace, full of joy.] The day before my wedding I was beside myself with joy. I went to her that morning and gave her the gift I had made for her. [The scene shows Caleb presenting her with a bracelet. He smiles shyly, somewhat mischievously, as she expresses her delight.] I couldn't contain my excitement. I wanted to share everything with her right then that moment. So strong was my faith in her love." |
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| "What happened next was what I most feared," the journal continues. [We see them together on the floor cushions, holding hands. He shyly moves closer, baring his fangs. She looks at him, her brow furrowed, perplexed, then terrified, backing away. He shakes his head as if to say "no," to reassure her that nothing has really changed, pounds with his fists on the cushions, and crawls closer towards her, pleading, desperate.] She screamed and pushed me away. Her eyes, once filled with love, were now filled with terror and disgust. No amount of assurance could convince her I was still the man she wanted to spend her life with only seconds before. She told me to get out and never come near her again. I couldn't bear the thought of losing her, the thought of her thinking of me as some hideous, frightening creature. [The flashbacks go on to show Olivia writing a letter or a diary entry, crying and scribbling "Caleb is a monster. . . I'm afraid of him . . ." We then see Caleb walking into the room, chasing her, and grabbing her. As she struggles against him, he throws her on the bed, pins her down, and bites her. ] |
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| "If only I was able to show her, make her see how wonderful and extraordinary it could be I was sure she would no longer fear me," the journal relates. "But she wouldn't listen. She pushed me away again and this time I lost control. I killed her." The flashback sequence concludes here with a close-up of Caleb, his mouth covered in blood. We can imagine the trauma, guilt, and self-hatred tormenting Caleb for the rest of his existence. Perhaps some of these feelings were embodied in Caleb's alter ego, Father Michael, who continually thwarts Caleb's plans to obtain love and a family. |
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| Snapppies of "Tainted Love" scenes taken by A. Armstrong |