4939 Friday, November 17, 2006
A new day dawned. But the mood was definitely mostly cloudy around Los Angeles. Before her trial resumed Taylor met with Phoebe in a secure conference room. Taylor questioned her daughter repeatedly about what Shane had done to her. Phoebe sternly denied any reports Shane had tried to hurt her. He cared about her. He wouldn't behave that way. Taylor asked if Phoebe was developing feelings for the man. (Hmm, interesting theory.) They were interrupted by Ridge and Storm's arrival. Ridge reported Shane could not be found. Storm wasn't so confident of their chances for an acquittal now that their star witness was MIA. They couldn't put Phoebe on the stand because she had lied to the police after the accident. Taylor couldn't testify unless she was willing to rescind her signed confession. They were definitely between a rock and a hard place.
On the way to the court house with Eric and Stephanie, Thorne learned of Shane's abrupt departure. He feared Taylor would be convicted without that testimony. As Storm met with DA Angie Hubbard and Judge Mack from Knots Landing in the judges chambers to ask for a continuance, everyone started to congregate in the courtroom. Phoebe checked on Harry's wounded head. Ridge thanked Hector for helping keep his daughter safe the previous evening. Dante told Felicia about Bridget losing the baby. Felicia expressed her sorrow for her husband's loss. Storm exited the judge's chambers and told everyone, including the ever-increasingly dowdy Taylor, they had not been granted a continuance. The trail would proceed as planned. (Well, not exactly as planned since Storm didn't have the foggiest clue how to get Taylor off the hook without Shane's story.)
The trial resumed and DA Angie Hubbard announced she had no more witnesses. It was Storm's turn to present Taylor's case. (All right. This makes no sense at all. So Shane was called as a witness for the prosecution? He would have been Storm's witness, don't you think? I'm confused.) No matter. Storm admitted his list of witnesses was depleted. So he called Taylor to the stand! Taylor was shocked. She had not intended to testify. But there she was in the witness box. She wasn't playing Storm's game either. In fact, Storm asked permission to address the witness as hostile. (DA Angie Hubbard objected to that since the witness was his own client!) Here's the thing: Storm was trying to paint a picture that showed Taylor as an innocent victim. Taylor screamed for him to stop. Then, under oath, she yelled it had been her fault. She should have been able to hit the brakes but the glasses of wine she had consumed prevented her from doing that. (That's no way to get acquitted, Taylor!) After Storm gave up in defeat, DA Angie Hubbard provided...
The Quote of the Day: "The state would like to thank Dr. Hayes for her forthright testimony. No further questions." (Of course not, you lazy lawyer. She just signed her own 10 year sentence! Taylor did all your work for you.)
Storm sadly announced he had no further witnesses. But Thorne stood up and asked to be put on the stand. A general murmur spread through the courtroom. With little coaching, Thorne told a story of what a wonderful woman Taylor was. She was protecting the memory of his dead wife. Looking back, Thorne realized all the times Taylor had tried to tell him the truth. But he didn't want to listen. She had attempted to do the right thing and even went out of her way to help him and his daughter with their grief. The death of Darla had been an accident. But convicting Taylor of a crime would not be an accident - it would be a miscarriage of justice. As the widower of the deceased he implored the jury to set Taylor free.
I've got just one question. Why would judge have allowed Thorne to make a speech - a closing argument, actually? Shouldn't a witness only answer questions that are posed to him? I'll admit I'm no Perry Mason, but even William Shatner on Boston Legal knows that.
4938 Thursday, November 16, 2006
At the county jail, Taylor's friendly guard stopped by for a chat. (You'll recall Taylor had once hosted a radio call-in show. The guard needed help dealing with her son's homosexuality. Taylor was, apparently, most helpful.) The guard encouraged Taylor to keep the faith. She also advised her not to get overly concerned with what was going on in the outside world. It would drive her crazy because there was obviously nothing Taylor could do about the circumstances of the free world. Alone, Taylor remembered some fond times with Thorne and Allie. (Ah yes, that fabulous game of "London Bridge." Good times. Good times.)
Meanwhile, at Thorne's Beach House, Thorne had some problems of his own. He had lied to his daughter that Taylor was away in London. (Ah, I see the London Bridge connection. Good times. Good times.) Allie was eager for Taylor to return to help her make her costume for the upcoming Thanksgiving play. Stephanie, who had stopped by for a visit, offered to help with the Indian Princess costume instead. After Allie went to bed Thorne spoke with his mother about his uncertain future. He realized Darla's death had been an accident. He didn't think Taylor should go to jail for her role in the tragedy. But he wasn't sure he would be able to continue his relationship with Taylor since she was the cause of Darla's death. Stephanie understood her son's concerns. But she pointed out how attached Allie had become to Taylor. There was no turning back now. La Forrester suggested Thorne forget about the past and look to the future. Alone, Thorne prayed for Darla's guidance.
Big things were happening poolside at The Forrester Convalescence Home for Wayward Troublemakers. Shane had attacked Harry. Harry lay on the ground with a bleeding gash on his forehead. Shane screamed at Phoebe she had ruined everything. Hector arrived with a baseball bat! He ordered Shane to get away from Phoebe. Enraged, Hector swung wildly. He felt blood splatter on his face. (Yeah, it's always a good idea for someone who can't see to swing a bat around.) Phoebe screamed. Shane lay on the ground with a really nasty looking head wound. Hector inquired about Harry's condition. Phoebe checked on a revived Harry while Hector called the police and an ambulance. But Shane had regained consciousness and taken off. Lt Baker arrived at the scene. (Well of course he did.) He managed to sort out what had happened. (It was a bit confusing since Hector and Harry swore Shane had tried to attack Phoebe but Phoebe insisted Shane had merely gotten a little anxious. She knew he'd never hurt her.) Phoebe thought Shane may have gone to his apartment. They had to find him so he'd testify at her mother's trial the following day. Harry, Phoebe, and Lt. Baker took off like a flash.
Across town, on the wrong side of the tracks, Shane had indeed arrived at his apartment. But before going in he paused. When Lt. Baker, Phoebe, and Harry arrived there was no answer at the door. Two officers kicked the door in and found the apartment empty. Lt Baker then received a phone call from a convenience store down the block. The caller identified himself as the store's manager. A man calling himself Shane McGrath had stumbled into the store. He was hurt very badly. Lt. Baker and Harry left for the convenience store. (Harry went along to make sure it was actually Shane. But why? Lt. Baker knows what Shane looks like. He sat next to him in the courtroom and watched him testify. Now that's just silly if you ask me. But how else can you get Phoebe alone in Shane's apartment?)
And that was necessary because Shane had been up on the roof the entire time. In fact, it was he who made the phone call to Lt. Baker! Phoebe was startled when Shane entered the apartment. He told her all he had ever wanted to do was love her. But her lack of trust had ruined everything. Despite Phoebe's pleading Shane decided the only thing for him to do was run away.
And so he did.
Stephanie was right all those episodes ago. The man is a sociopath. Which brings me to my...
Quote of the Day: "I sure do hate it when no one says anything I can use as the quote of the day."
4937 Wednesday, November 15, 2006
At the Forrester Convalescence Home for Wayward Troublemakers (FCHWT) Ridge had a pow wow with Phoebe, Harry, and Hector. Ridge planned to visit Taylor at the county jail. While he was gone, no one was to answer the phone or the door. Storm was going to keep Shane busy for the evening going over his testimony. Ridge felt Shane's interest in his daughter was inappropriate. He was not welcome at the house.
Across town in Shane's tacky apartment, Storm reminded him he had to be convincing to help in Taylor's case. Shane was not interested in any advice the lawyer might have to give him. All he had on his mind was making out with Phoebe. Although Storm felt it would be advantageous to review his testimony a few more times, Shane felt it would advantageous to kick Storm out the door. Shane then called Phoebe to invite her over to his skanky apartment. Phoebe lied that her father had instructed her to stay at home. But he could come meet her by the pool if he still wanted to get together. (Are you kidding?) Shane took off. On his drive over to FCHWT Shane told himself this was going to be a special night and he was not going to mess it up.
At the country jail, Taylor and Thorne chatted in a secure conference room. Taylor was concerned that Shane get his testimony completed so he would be out of her family's life. She worried he was pressuring Phoebe to something she wasn't ready to do. Ridge arrived and was happy to see Thorne visiting his ex-wife. Ridge thanked his younger brother for having a change of heart. If he had not been so supportive Taylor, the mother of Ridge's children, would be headed to prison for a long time. Storm came in as well. (Taylor is more popular in jail than when she was living alone at FCHWT.) Storm reported Shane had seemed preoccupied during their meeting. But he was confident his story would get Taylor off the hook. After Ridge and Storm left, Thorne told Taylor he believed in her innocence. He was certain the jury would see it that way too. Taylor thanked Thorne for his forgiveness and support. If and when she was freed from jail, she was going to make sure each day was used to its full potential. She would certainly never take the love of her family and friends for granted again.
Back at FCHWT Phoebe told Harry and Hector not to worry about her. She would be fine meeting with Shane down by the pool. He would never do anything to hurt her. Harry asked her if she was developing feelings for Shane. Phoebe completely avoided the issue. Harry followed her down to the pool. He was nervous about her meeting with Shane. Harry did not trust the man. Phoebe again defended Shane. But when they heard Shane's car pull up, Phoebe agreed that Harry could hide in the bushes. She told him to stay hidden until called for his help. Harry hid in the nearby palms as Shane arrived. Shane seemed disappointed Phoebe only had water to offer him. He pulled her close and said it was going to be a special night for them. He would make certain it was a night she'd never forget. Phoebe pulled away and said she was tired and nervous. Her mother's freedom hung in the balance. She really could not think of anything other then her mother's trial. Shane grew agitated. Was she stringing him along? Shane grabbed Phoebe by the shoulders and asked if she had any feelings for him at all.
Harry flew from his hiding place and told Shane to unhand Phoebe. (You cad!) Harry added insult to injury by accusing Shane of holding his testimony over Phoebe's head so she would have sex with him. Harry continued with...
The Quote of the Day: "Do you really think she'd ever be interested in a dirtbag like you?" (Harry! Such language! Dirtbag? Where's the soap?)
Things grew heated. Punches were thrown. Harry ended up with a bleeding head wound unconscious by the pool. Shane started yelling at Phoebe. She was just leading him on, wasn't she? The couple argued. Hector appeared from no where and screamed for Shane to leave Phoebe alone. Hector had a baseball with him. He lifted it into the air and ordered Shane to leave. The argument continued and Hector swung the bat with all his might! There was silence and Hector was spattered with blood. Who got hit?
Sweet Louisville Slugger! I'm thinking a blind man with a bat is not the safest form of protection. Does anyone else agree?
4936 Tuesday, November 14, 2006
It was the day to begin Taylor's trial. Stephanie and Eric arrived in the courtroom. They discussed Storm's strategy to win the case. Storm overheard and said they had a good chance IF Shane showed up and gave the testimony he had promised. At that moment Ridge, Thomas, and Phoebe came in. Phoebe could not believe Shane was not in court yet. Thomas announced Shane had not returned to the Forrester Convalescence Home for Wayward Troublemakers the previous night. Ridge stated Shane had expressed a little too much interest in Phoebe so he was staying somewhere else. Phoebe ran to the hallway to try a call to Shane. She was relieved when she found him waiting there. Shane was excited to celebrate that evening after Taylor was exonerated. Phoebe just smiled at him.
Thorne, Felicia, Sally, Hector, and Harry arrived. Taylor, looking incredibly dowdy in a dark suit and minimal make up, was brought into the courtroom. The trial began. DA Angie Hubbard gave her opening statement to the jury. She accused Taylor of being a horrible person, a cold blooded killer, and not a very snappy dresser. (OK, the District Attorney didn't mention Taylor's clothes. But she should have.) Storm explained Taylor's sad story. She had only acted out of fear for her daughter's safety. Darla's death had been a horrendous accident.
DA Angie Hubbard presented her case. She had Taylor's signed confession and handed it to the jury. She stated it proved the defendant herself had admitted her guilt. Storm wanted it stipulated Taylor's lawyer had not been present at the time of the confession. Then Lt. Baker took the stand. He told the District Attorney he had smelled alcohol on Taylor's breath at the hospital after Darla was brought in. But Storm shot holes in that story. Since a breathalyzer test had not been administered there was no way of knowing if Taylor's blood alcohol level had been above the legal limit.
The next thing we knew, Shane had taken the stand and was being interrogated by DA Angie Hubbard. She made sure to point out it had been a very dark and foggy night. It would have been difficult for Shane to have seen everything in great detail. But the jury was especially intrigued to hear Shane had been living with Taylor and her family at FCHWT. Even though Shane tried to explain the situation the damage had been done. DA Angie Hubbard thanked Shane for his testimony and then puzzled us with...
The Quote of the Day: "Your witness, counselor." Wait! Shane was a defense witness. Angie's Quote indicated she had questioned Shane before Storm. If Shane was indeed a witness for the defense, the defense lawyer would have questioned him first. Hey, I watched LA Law back in the day. I know how it works.
Storm was coaxing Shane's story out of him when Judge Mack of Knots Landing was handed a note. He called a halt to the proceedings. He had an urgent matter to attend to. The trial would reconvene the next morning. Taylor was upset. She had wanted to end the matter that day. Phoebe panicked! She told Harry she had promised Shane she'd "celebrate" with him that night. Shane pulled Phoebe into the hallway. He fully expected her to live up to her end of the bargain. Phoebe gritted her teeth.
Meanwhile, Bridget stopped by Dante's Day Care to see Dante. She had some bad news for him. She had been bleeding that morning so she went to see Dr. Castleberry (or whatever her name is.) They had not been able to detect a heartbeat. Bridget had lost the baby. As Bridget cried, Dante offered comfort. He knew she would make a great mother one day. She needed to be patient and someday she would deliver a happy, healthy baby. Bridget thanked Dante for his compassion. She hoped the father of her future baby would be as kind and understanding as Dante was.
Sweet red light, green light! That story ended abruptly.
4935 Monday, November 13, 2006
At his Malibu Beach House, Thorne helped Allie get ready for bed. She asked when Taylor was going to come visit them again. She had created some artwork for her favorite aunt. Thorne promised Taylor would come see her as soon as she could. In the mean time he'd make sure Taylor got the pictures. After Allie drifted off to dream land Thorne asked Darla to help him know how to deal with Taylor's lies and his daughter's future.
At the county jail, Storm discussed trial strategy with Taylor. He thought it would be most effective to have Shane take the stand last. That way his testimony would have the greatest emotional impact. (Take the stand last? Exactly who else is going to testify? It's my guess Shane is the first, last, and only witness you've got, Storm-areeno.) Taylor wanted Shane in and out of the courtroom as fast as possible. The sooner he was out of Phoebe's life the better. Taylor was glad Harry was looking out for Phoebe and keeping her safe from Creepy Shane. Storm announced they had selected the jury that day. He was pleased with the panel and hoped for a fast acquittal.
Thorne then made a surprise appearance to see Taylor. Storm left. Taylor was pleased yet stunned that Thorne had come for a visit. It had been a long time since he had talked to her. Thorne knew things were strange between them. But he had come with Allie's pictures. His daughter missed Taylor very much. He had lied to her and said Taylor was in London visiting Steffy. Taylor was touched. Thorne's protection of her in Allie's eyes meant a lot. Thorne then said he hoped Taylor would come and hang out with Allie once this nightmare was over. Allie needed Taylor's influence in her life and had become very attached to her. Taylor readily agreed. She understood things might never be the same between her and Thorne but she wanted to be there for his daughter. Thorne hoped the jury would find her innocent. He knew Darla would not want her to go to prison for something that was not her fault. Taylor hugged Thorne in gratitude.
At The Forrester Convalescence Home for Wayward Troublemakers Harry frantically tried to reach Phoebe on her cell phone. Hector managed to swindle Shane's address from the landscaping company he had worked for. (Good security measures at the firm. I'm glad I don't work there.) Harry took off to save Phoebe.
At Shane's run-down, sad-sack apartment Phoebe was amazed at Shane's declaration of love. She told him he could not make her fall in love with him. Shane said he understood. All he wanted was a chance to woo her. He was certain she would return his feelings once she got to know him better. Phoebe was more than creeped out by the shrine of her photos on the wall. Shane explained he had found them in a shoebox at Phoebe's house. They were far too lovely to be kept in a shoebox. (I've got a bone to pick here. There is no way Shane would have had access to any shoeboxes at FCHWT until after he moved in there. When did he take the photos? When did he return to his apartment? Why did he bother hanging the photos in an apartment where he no longer lived? This is a sore point with me. Please don't bring up the photos again.) Phoebe thought it best if they call it a night. They had a big day ahead of them with her mother's trial. Shane wanted to continue their dinner. But that was a no go when Harry arrived and started pounding on the door. He forced his way in and insisted Phoebe leave with him. It wasn't worth getting involved with a loser like Shane just to save her mother. Shane directly asked Phoebe if she was only leading him on so he'd testify on Taylor's behalf. If that was the case he'd get on a bus right then and never come back. Harry said that proved his point. Shane was using his knowledge of the accident to get to Phoebe. Phoebe convinced Harry to leave so she could talk to Shane alone. Harry reluctantly agreed and left with...
The Quote of the Day: "You lay one finger on her and I'll come after you myself with the hedge clippers." (Why? Does Shane need a haircut?)
Alone with Shane, Phoebe said she was developing feelings him. But the most important thing to her was gaining her mother's freedom. She was depending on him to deliver a convincing testimony to the jury so they would set her free. If that happened she would celebrate with him the following night. Shane was thrilled.
I'd be thrilled if someone explained those darn photos to me.
