Episode 4962 Friday, December 22, 2006
Christmas Miracle Alert! Christmas Miracle Alert! Didn't I predict this last week? Didn't I? What's a soap opera Christmas with out a miracle?
Stephanie ordered Pam to escort their mother back to Chicago. They were in the middle of the family Christmas celebration and she did want Ann there. But Allie, Hope, and RJ came running to the door to see what was going on. Ann was thrilled to see her great-grandchildren. Phoebe and Thomas, also Ann's great-grandchildren, were shocked to learn the woman was alive. The entire family moved into the foyer to see what all the commotion was about. Seeing his grandmother, Ridge instructed Thomas and Phoebe to take the small children into the kitchen for cookies. After they were gone Ridge lit into Ann. It was too late for any apologies or family reunions. It was obvious Stephanie did want her mother there. So she should leave.
Stephanie could not believe Ann and Pam would show up on her doorstep on Christmas day unannounced and uninvited. Eric stepped up. He put his arm around Ann and stated he had invited her for the holiday. Her visit was his surprise gift for Stephanie. La Forrester was appalled. It was obvious Eric was out of his mind. Stephanie turned to her mother and said she was not going to forgive her. It was too little too late. Ann understood her daughter's attitude. But before she returned home to Chicago she had to make it clear how sorry she was for what had happened. She had indeed been a horrible mother. If she had a chance she would change things. But she couldn't. For the past 30 years she had dreamed of spending Christmases with her family. But that was obviously not meant to be. Butthead Ridge chimed in. Since he is the purveyor of all correctness, he echoed his mother's sentiments. No one wanted her there. She had to leave. Stephanie agreed. But Taylor stepped in. She asked to speak to Stephanie alone in the library. Stephanie resisted. Taylor insisted.
After the two had departed, Ann wanted to address the remaining family. She tearfully recalled not defending her daughter against John's abuse. She had been afraid. She had tried to be a dutiful wife. She didn't know how to stop what was going on. But now she saw how strong Stephanie had become. She saw how much her children and grandchildren loved and admired her. Ann was ashamed of what she had failed to do and wished she had been more like Stephanie. Ann felt faint. Bridget, Brooke, and Pam helped her sit down and got her a drink of water.
In the library Stephanie didn't want to listen to Taylor's advice. But the shrink gave it anyway. It had obviously taken a lot of integrity and humility for Ann to come and ask her daughter's forgiveness another time. Stephanie had to heal. And the only way for her to begin the process was to put the past behind her. She didn't have to forget everything that had happened. But it would be a big step to simply accept her mother's apology. Stephanie was dead set against such action. She could not do it. Taylor pointed out how the entire family would learn from that gesture. Christmas was about love. If Stephanie could simply reach out to her mother it would be a lesson for everyone in the house that day. Stephanie understood what Taylor wanted but she could not deliver. She asked her friend to go to the living room and tell her mother to leave.
Taylor sadly returned to the family and told Ann and Pam that Stephanie wanted them to leave. The two women turned for the door. Eric sat at the piano and decided it was the time for a Christmas carol. He plunked out "What Child Is This?" and sweetly sang the first line. The rest of family gathered around the piano and joined in. The melody was so touching and sweet it made Ann and Pam turn at the door to stop and listen. (Yes it was very moving. But I would have suggested Eric start the anthem in a lower key. The chorus got a little bit high in register for our ladies. Although it seems Phoebe has quite a nice voice.) In the library Stephanie could hear her family joining in chorus. She ventured out to check the festivities. When she did, she looked across the living room and saw her granddaughter, Allie, walk over to Ann and take her hand. She pulled Ann toward the piano. She wanted her great-grandmother to join the rest of the family. Of course there wasn't a dry eye in the house - and I'm talking about MY house. Stephanie saw the unconditional love in Allie's gesture and was suddenly filled with Christmas spirit. She approached her mother and gave us...
The Quote of the Holiday: "All right mother. I forgive you."
Eric changed his tune and sang "I'll Be Home for Christmas." Ann and Stephanie embraced. I reached for my box of Kleenex.
4961 Thursday, December 21, 2006
Fast forward to the Forrester Family celebrating Christmas Day at the Forrester Mansion. Eric, Stephanie, Ridge, Brooke, Thorne, Taylor, Felicia, Thomas, Hope, Allie, RJ, Dominic (Dino), and Bridget all gathered in the living room to celebrate the holiday. The entire family had spent the morning at a shelter for battered women and their children. Everyone was grateful for the loving family surrounding them. Felicia had put Dino down for a nap. She commented she could use one as well. Taylor suggested she try some of Eric's infamous egg nog. Felicia retorted...
The Quote of the Day: "I said a nap, not knocked out cold." (At that hilarious joke Taylor's egg nog came out her nose.)
Meanwhile, Phoebe had snuck off to The Malibu Beach House to spend some time with Shane. He presented her with a wooden jewelry box he had made. It had her name inlaid in the top. He told her he hoped to be able to fill it with diamonds for her someday. Phoebe replied she didn't need diamonds. Shane hoped he could find a job and be worthy of such a wonderful young woman. They kissed by the Christmas tree and the crackling fire. A phone call from Ridge prompted Phoebe to leave. But the couple planned to spend next Christmas together.
Up in the friendly skies on the Forrester jet (or at least what used to be the Forrester jet) Ann and Pam winged their way to Los Angeles. Ann worried Stephanie would reject her once again. Pam encouraged her mother to keep a positive attitude. But once they landed Ann instructed the pilot to keep the engine running. She feared they would not be gone long.
Back at the Forrester Mansion Phoebe arrived fashionably late. Ridge inquired if she had seen Shane. Phoebe did not confirm or deny the accusation. Instead of handing out a lecture Ridge simply told his daughter how important she was to him. He never wanted anything bad to happen to her. They agreed to enjoy the holiday festivities. Later, in the library Ridge, Hope, and RJ surprised Brooke with some kisses under the mistletoe. Brooke surprised her family with a rousing rendition of Jingle Bells.
Back in the living room Stephanie chatted with Eric. She had been thinking about the bonds of family - especially the bond between mothers and daughters. She wished Kristen had been able to come and bring her family. And she, of course, was thinking about Darla and Allie. Eric wondered if perhaps Stephanie was also thinking of her own mother. Stephanie scowled and said Ann Douglas was the last person she would think of on such a beautiful holiday. La Forrester then presented Allie with a special gift. It was a scrapbook filled with pictures of Darla, Thorne, and Allie. (All right. It wasn't exactly "filled" with such photos. And that's because this little girl started playing Allie on the same day Darla was killed off. So we had to settle for a couple of forced family photos and two glamour shots of the gorgeous Schae Harrison.) Stephanie also included blank pages so Allie could add photos of her life with Taylor as well. Allie didn't need to worry. Her mother was always looking out for her. Then we heard a voice over from heaven above. Darla told her daughter to live life and be happy. She would always be there for her.
Stephanie then gave the pre-dinner speech. She thanked her family for being there to celebrate Christmas together. It had been a tumultuous year. (What year isn't for this family?) She appreciated them all sticking by her and sharing love and compassion no matter what had happened. Stephanie loved her family and wouldn't have anything any different. Felicia pleaded with Eric to cancel his plan for Ann's surprise visit. Stephanie was happy. They shouldn't spoil the holiday. Eric figured Stephanie would be even happier when she would be able to forgive her mother.
Think again egg nog brains! Stephanie answered a knock at the door. She was flabbergasted to see her mother and Pam there. They had not been invited! She told them to leave immediately!
Ah Steph, it's such a long flight back to Miami, I mean Chicago. Have a heart.
4960 Wednesday, December 20, 2006
The future had arrived. Days had passed. According to Brooke there are "a few" more days until Christmas. We could tell by all the holiday decorations strewn about the sets. But you'd never know it by the ladies' attire. I know it's California. And I know I'm no fashion expert. But Taylor, Brooke, and Felicia were all wearing shoulder-baring tops today. What's up with that?
At the Forrester Mansion Stephanie and Eric bickered about sending Christmas cards, Stephanie's bad recipe for Busche Noel, and Eric's over-decorating the tree. Eric suggested maybe Stephanie should find it in her heart to forgive her mother. Ann's love may not have been what she needed when she was a child. But maybe it was what she needed now. Stephanie thought that idea was about as good as last year's fruitcake. Felicia dropped by with gifts and greetings. (It seemed Dante was coming home for the holiday.) Seeing how chummy her parents were, Felicia deduced they might be having sex again. When her guess was confirmed Felicia gave us...
The First Quote of the Day: "Joyful all ye nations rise." (If I had a drum, I'd give a rim shot.)
Stephanie had an errand to run and took off. Felicia asked if she was picking up a gift for her favorite daughter. Stephanie stung with...
Another Quote of the Day: "Oh, is Kristen here?" (Touché!)
Meanwhile at the Building Formerly Known As the Forrester Convalescence Home for Wayward Troublemakers Thorne, Taylor, and Allie unpacked a lot of Christmas décor. Taylor encouraged Allie to hang her mother's stocking on the fireplace since Darla would always be a member of the family. Thorne was happy to have moved in to BFKAFCWWT. It would make the holidays much happier for him and Allie both. Thorne mentioned Sally was spending Christmas with CJ in San Francisco. But when she returned he wanted to spend extra time with her. She had suffered a lot of loss over the past couple of years. Taylor agreed. They also discussed Stephanie's difficulties with her mother. Taylor wondered if they both were destined to be lonely the rest of their lives.
At Brooke's Old Place Ridge read T'was the Night Before Christmas to Hope and RJ. When the kids were safely off screen, I mean in their rooms, Brooke commenced wrapping more presents. (It seemed Ridge's gift wrapping skills stink.) But Ridge's icky sexual commons were in full swing. He suggested Brooke wrap herself in the festive paper so he could unwrap his Christmas gift early. Luckily (for us) Stephanie showed up for a chat with Brooke. She wanted to thank her past and future daughter-in-law for making her son so happy. They agreed they had both said and done things in the past they wished they could take back. But Stephanie was pleased for a second chance. (Second?!? Don't you eighth or ninth chance?) La Forrester was happy her family would be together for the holiday. Brooke wondered if Stephanie would ever be able to forgive her mother. "Never," replied Stephanie. Some things were unforgivable. She never wanted to see her mother again.
Back at the Forrester Mansion Eric confided to Felicia he didn't know what to get Stephanie for Christmas. She didn't care about jewelry and he didn't dare get her something to wear. Eric started some banter with...
More Quotes of the Day: "It's hard to think of something that won't annoy her."
"How about a tropical bird. She'd hate that," Felicia offered.
"I was thinking of something more rare," Eric murmured.
"An iguana," surmised Felicia, "No, they'd probably end up getting along."
"You're right," Eric agreed.
No, Eric had an even niftier idea. He rang up Pam and Ann and invited them back to Los Angeles for the holiday. Ann wasn't so sure but Eric convinced her not to give up so easily on her daughter. Ann agreed to the trip. Felicia could not believe what her father had done. She closed with...
The Final Quote of the Day: "This could have been the best Christmas ever. Now it's going to be a train wreck." (And that's how we like our holidays on the soaps, isn't it?)
4959 Tuesday, December 19, 2006
At the Forrester Mansion Ridge told Thorne to beware of Taylor getting close to Nick. He was trouble. Although grateful his brother was concerned about his future Thorne made it clear he and Taylor had everything under control. After placing an ornament on the Christmas tree (how Martha Stewart-ly domestic) Thorne asked Ridge to be his best man at the wedding. Ridge accepted and a manly/brotherly hug followed. (Can someone just wake me up for the Christmas episode?)
At Forrester Creations Jackie listened outside the CEO's office and tried in vain to hear what was happening during Nick's session with Taylor.
I'll tell you what happened! More hazy black and white flashbacks were ordered up and another aging sitcom star was hired to play someone we'd never heard of before! Mr. Hal Linden (Barney Miller) appeared as Captain Jerry Kramer in Nick's memories. Am I the only person who finds it odd the never-before-seen flashback mechanism has been employed for two different stories within the past month? Is it just me? I'd better be careful or Santa's going to leave me a stocking full of coal.
Taylor prodded Nick to recall what had happened to make him not want Captain Kramer around his home any longer. Nick remembered the holiday season when Jerry had given him the pearl earrings for his mother. Young Nick had immediately presented them to Jackie. She was surprised and pleased but thought the gift far too extravagant to accept. Jerry smiled and said a beautiful woman deserved a beautiful gift. Back in the present Nick struggled with his memories and thought it best to stop the session. Taylor reminded Nick he had twice before abruptly stopped their investigation when he recalled his childhood. She wanted Nick to try harder to recall why he had no longer wanted Captain Kramer around. Nick didn't see the big deal. Things changed. People changed. Maybe Jerry had lost interest in him as a kid. Maybe Jerry had stopped bringing present so Nick didn't care any longer. It could have been any number of reasons. But he was busy and needed to get back to work. As he ushered her out the door Taylor made Nick promise to meet again after the holidays.
Jackie had been lurking in the lobby. As soon as Taylor had left, Jackie made a beeline for Nick's office and inquired how his session had gone. Nick explained how Taylor had made him think about places and people he hadn't considered in a long time. Jackie seemed quite nervous and wondered what good that would do him. It had always been her opinion that the past was past. If it has been good you could remember it fondly. If it had been bad it was better to let it rest in peace. Nick asked if his mother recalled Captain Jerry Kramer. Although it was obvious from the look on her face she did remember him Jackie lied she could not recall all the sailors Nick had befriended. In fact, many of them had been vulgar drunks and the less they remembered about them the better off they'd be. Not wanting any further interrogation Jackie made an excuse she had lots of work to do and vamoosed. Alone in his office Nick recalled telling Jerry he didn't want him to come to their apartment ever again. He strained but could not recall why he had such a change of heart.
Taylor returned to her office to do some paperwork and was surprised by a visit from Jackie. Ms. M told Taylor it would do Nick no good to dig up his past. He needed help dealing with losing his family with Brooke. She thought the best way to do was for Taylor to dump Thorne and see Nick on a personal basis. Taylor replied Nick was her patient. She couldn't very well date him. Jackie then used another tactic. If Taylor's mission was to get Forrester Creations back for the Forrester family she should concentrate on the present and not the past. Taylor was impressed by Jackie's concern for her son. Jackie emphatically stated she would do anything...ANYTHING...for her son. Feeling Taylor wasn't listening to her pleas Jackie stormed off. To herself Taylor whispered...
The Quote of the Day: "Oh I heard everything you just said."
Sweet Abe Vagoda! I wonder what happened between Jackie and Barney Miller that has caused so much commotion.
4958 Monday, December 18, 2006
Some time had passed since we last saw our favorite Forrester Family. We knew this because the Forrester Mansion was decked out for the holidays with a Christmas tree and enough lighted garland to wrap around the Grand Canyon. Felicia reported to Ridge, Thorne, and Taylor how Ann and Pam had shown up for a visit and she let them in. Ridge and Thorne were surprised to hear Grandmother Ann had come clean about her not stopping Stephanie's abuse as a child. La Forrester then appeared with Eric and announced she didn't care what her mother said now. It was too little too late. The conversation turned to Taylor's attempt to shrink Nick's head and make him realize he didn't want Forrester Creations after all. Stephanie warned Taylor not to trust Nick. After Taylor left to meet with the sea captain, Stephanie urged Thorne to set a wedding date as soon as possible. She didn't think it was beneath Nick to use Taylor for further revenge against the Forrester family.
As Taylor was driven to her appointment, she contemplated her previous sessions with Nick. She thought he was burying something painful in his past and thought they might uncover that event when the talked that day. (Taylor has a driver? What is that about?)
In the CEO's office at Forrester Creations, Jackie told Nick that Clarke's designs were quite adequate but certainly not up to Forrester standards. Nick made it clear he wanted to make a success of this venture. But he was more concerned about Jackie's recurring headaches. Jackie was interested in how Nick was getting along with Taylor and their therapy sessions. Nick laughed and said it seemed all Taylor wanted to talk about was his idyllic childhood. Jackie was taken off guard. Nick thought of his childhood as idyllic? Nick said he knew they had shared some tough times but he had enjoyed helping her and hanging out at the seaport. Jackie M was thrilled to see Nick had remembered his childhood fondly but seemed worried about his analysis by Taylor. Jackie had pushed Nick to pursue Taylor because she was an eligible, intelligent woman. But if she was only interested in getting the company back for the Forrester family Jackie didn't know if it was wise for her son to keep talking to her. (Hmmm? Is there another reason Jackie doesn't want Taylor getting too deep into Nick's psyche?) Nick replied he enjoyed talking to Taylor. She seemed to "get" him. Taylor arrived for their appointment and Jackie got up to leave. She did not find it amusing when Nick thought Taylor could help her uncover her deep dark secrets as well. Jackie left and tried to listen at the door again but was thwarted by the thick mahogany.
Inside Taylor jumped right on the subject at hand. She wanted to help Nick understand holding grudges and seeking revenge would not make him happy. He had lost Brooke and it was obviously devastating to him. Nick wondered if perhaps Taylor had felt the same way when she lost Ridge. Taylor admitted her life had striking parallels to Nick's situation. But from henceforth her private life was off limits in their sessions. Taylor was interested in picking up where they had left off in their last session. Nick had talked about Captain Jerry Kramer. He seemed to be a favorite sailor of Nick's. Nick agreed. Captain Kramer had been in charge of the biggest ship at the seaport, the Pacific Star. Nick was always excited when he heard the horn of the Pacific Star. He'd watch by the window to see if Jerry was coming up the walk loaded down with presents. Nick recited...
The Quote of the Day: "My face would light up like fireworks on the Fourth of July." (Why that particular holiday? Are fireworks on Independence Day brighter than those on New Year's Eve?)
Then Nick recalled how his excitement of hearing that horn changed to dread. After a while, for some reason, Nick would watch at the window and pray Captain Kramer would not come for a visit. Taylor found that very strange. Why the change? She encouraged Nick to try and remember why his attitude had changed. Something had happened to make him feel differently. He should try and figure it out.
Boy, that Taylor is good, isn't she? It's good to see all that medical school paid off.
