4919 Friday, October 20, 2006
At The Forrester Convalescence Home for Wayward Troublemakers, Stephanie could see right through Shane's façade. It was obvious he wanted something in return for testifying on Taylor's behalf. Shane made a production of reminding Stephanie how she had badgered him into believing no one would take his word of what happened. She had grilled him on details of the accident and convinced he didn't stand a chance if he went to the police with his story. Stephanie told the young man to cut the bull. Taylor needed his help and he could have whatever he wanted if he'd just come to the courthouse immediately. An evil grin crossed Shane's face as he followed Stephanie out the door. (As if! Yeah, Stephanie's going to pimp out her granddaughter for your testimony. Dream on, Yard Boy!)
Phoebe and Thomas met with their father and Brooke in Ridge's office at Forrester Creations. Thomas was shocked by the news of his mother's deeds. Storm arrived and explained what had happened in the courtroom. Taylor had pleaded guilty to all the charges against her and had asked to be sentenced that very afternoon. Storm arranged with DA Angie Hubbard to allow Ridge and the kids to visit her in her cell. Ridge, Phoebe, and Thomas took off. Brooke was happy to see her brother but hated the circumstances. Wasn't there anything he could do to help Taylor? Storm replied Taylor loved Thorne so much she didn't want to cause him any prolonged pain. Brooke guessed Thorne loved Taylor just as much. (How would Brooke know? Has she spoken to either Thorne or Taylor in the past month? I doubt it.)
In her jail cell, Taylor told Thorne she was sorry for all the heartache she had caused. Thorne didn't know which was worse - what she had done to Darla or what she had done to Alexandria. Then Thorne railed against Taylor for covering up the truth. He cried how he had allowed himself to fall in love with her. And all the time she had been untruthful about everything that mattered to him. Taylor admitted she had lied about her part in Darla's death. But she had truly loved him. Thorne was sickened by Taylor's act. He could not believe anyone would buy her story that Darla actually fell into the path of Taylor oncoming car. Darla was not stupid. Taylor broke down and agreed. Darla had only been trying to help Phoebe. Darla was a saint!
After Thorne left, Phoebe, Thomas, and Ridge dropped in the cozy cell for a visit. Taylor told her family she didn't want any arguments. She had to pay the consequences for her actions. There would be no more talk about trying to convince anyone the accident had been Darla's fault. Thomas and Phoebe didn't want their mother to go to prison. They didn't want to lose her again. But Taylor was adamant in her conviction. She was going down for her crime. Ridge promised to take care of their kids. The bailiff arrived with Storm. He handcuffed Taylor and took her away for her sentencing. After a weep-fest and a group hug, Ridge led his children down the hallway. They didn't notice Thorne had been standing behind a column and listened to their conversations. (What kind of jail is this? Security is so lax just anyone can loiter in the hallways between the cells? I know I feel safe.)
Meanwhile, Stephanie drug Shane into the courthouse. He freaked and told La Forrester she hadn't warned him the place would be crawling with cops. Stephanie spat...
The Quote of the Day: "What did you expect? It's a COUTRHOUSE! What are you, some kind of sociopath?" (Well, my guess the answer to that question is "yes.")
In the courtroom much of the cast assembled for Taylor's sentencing. Sally, Eric, Thorne, Phoebe, Thomas, Brooke, Ridge, and Bridget (BRIDGET?!? What on earth is she doing there?) all prepared to hear the judge's decision. It was just as bad as everyone expected. Taylor was sentenced to the maximum 10 years for her crime. But before the judge to bang his gavel and adjourn the court Stephanie pushed through the doors with Shane in tow. She begged the court's indulgence. She had a witness who could state for the record that Darla's death had been an accident. DA Angie Hubbard objected. The judge asked if it was true Shane had been at the at the scene of Darla's death. Thorne rose in disbelief. Shane answered that he was indeed at the scene of the accident. Thorne directly questioned the swindler. Was it true Darla had fallen into the path of Taylor's car? Was it? Was it?
Sweet Search For Tomorrow we'll have to wait until Monday for Shane's answer.
4918 Thursday, October 19, 2006
At the courthouse, Stephanie and Storm were stunned at Taylor's guilty plea. But what was done could not be undone. Thorne sat like a stone in his chair and watched the proceedings. The judge announced sentencing would occur in three months. Even though Storm requested bail and Stephanie insisted she'd be able to post whatever the cost, the judge condemned Taylor to stay in jail until the sentencing hearing. Taylor turned and looked at Thorne's cold face. She then spoke to the judge and requested her sentencing take place much sooner. She had caused enough trouble, pain, and scandal for Thorne and his daughter. The sooner the matter was settled the better off everyone would be. The judge agreed to give Taylor her punishment that afternoon.
Stephanie was beside herself and told Taylor not to give up hope. She would find a way out of this pickle. Taylor was led away in handcuffs. Stephanie then talked with Thorne. Couldn't he see this arrangement would be bad for everyone? Thorne didn't agreed. He felt sorry for Taylor but could not forgive her for killing his beloved wife. Stephanie reminded Thorne that everyone agreed it was an accident. Thorne didn't want to hear that Darla's death had anything to do with her actions. It was someone's fault, alright, and that someone was Taylor! She had to pay. Stephanie knew Thorne would not listen to Phoebe's side of the story. Even the judge would assume she would lie to protect her mother. Then a light bulb went off above La Forrester's head. She asked Thorne if he would believe an impartial third party's testimony. Thorne said there was no such witness to the situation. Stephanie told him to hold his horses.
Later Storm visited Taylor in her jail cell. He told her that her love for Thorne was blinding her judgment. If she'd only let him, Storm knew he could help her out of the predicament she was in. But she had to quit playing the martyr. After Storm left, Thorne dropped in the cell for a little chit chat. Although still sullen and mean looking, Thorne thanked Taylor for not dragging Darla's name through the mud by insisting on a trial or a long period before sentencing. It was preposterous to make anyone think Darla's death had been an accident. Taylor didn't argue. She got teary eyed and apologized for all the pain she had caused him. She wanted him to know he was the first man who had ever truly loved her. He knew all her problems and had cared for her anyway. He had made her face her demons. She would always love him for all he had done for her.
At Forrester Creations Brooke found Ridge in his office. She could not believe the news articles she had been reading. Could it be true Taylor was responsible for Darla's death? Ridge confirmed Taylor confession. He was lost. The mother of his three eldest children had been spinning out of control and he had done nothing to help her. He felt he was responsible for her fate. Brooke tried to comfort Ridge. He had always been a loving father and a good husband to Taylor. It was not his fault Taylor had been involved in the terrible accident that killed Darla. Ridge thanked Brooke for her concern and sympathy. Brooke reminded her ex she would always be there for him. Ridge took the opportunity to tell Brooke he still wanted to build a life with her.
Over at The Forrester Convalescence Home for Wayward Troublemakers, Shane read the newspaper account of Taylor's confession. He verbally expressed his disbelief. Nearby, Hector wondered what the excitement was all about. Shane explained with...
The Quote of the Day: "It's the newspaper, blind man." (What? The inmates are running the asylum now?)
Hector was shocked to hear of Taylor's confession but glad the gig was up. He told Shane he'd better pack his bag because he no longer had any power over Taylor or her family. But Shane was no dummy. He knew exactly what his next part would be. He pretended to pack a bag and headed out the door when he heard a car pull up. Stephanie stopped him from leaving and said she needed his help. His eye-witness testimony could prove Darla's death was an accident. Shane reminded Stephanie she had recently told him to keep his big mouth shut. He wasn't so sure he could help her out.
Don't con a con, Shane buddy. Stronger men have tried to wrestle with Stephanie Forrester and they have all lost.
4917 Wednesday, October 18, 2006
The morning after Taylor's arrest a strange array of characters gathered at the Forrester Mansion. Eric, Felicia, Dante, Sally, and Jackie read the newspaper accounts of Taylor's confession. (All right, I'll believe Felicia and Dante were there out of family concern. Sally was there because Darla was like a daughter to her. But why on earth was Jackie there? What connection does she have to any of this?) Phoebe came downstairs to explain to everyone what had happened. (We learned Phoebe spent the night at her grandparents house. So who on earth is watching over The Forrester Convalescence Home for Wayward Troublemakers? Blind Hector and Con Man Shane just have the run of the place? That makes a ton of sense, doesn't it?) Phoebe told the motley crew of guests how her mother had done nothing wrong. Darla's death had been a horrible accident. Her mother couldn't go to jail. She just couldn't.
Meanwhile, Ridge stopped by Thorne's Beach House. Thorne complained he had been left in the dark. He felt like such a fool for falling in love with the woman responsible for his wife's death. Ridge understood his brother's grief. But he had to know Taylor had not acted maliciously. It had to have been an accident. Thorne could not want Taylor to go to jail for something over which she had no control. Taylor was planning to plead guilty because she thought that's what Thorne wanted her to do. He was the only person who could help her at this point. Thorne shook his head and walked out the door.
At the County Jail Taylor was forced to wear an incredibly unflattering orange jumpsuit. (Jumpsuits are so 1975.) Stephanie requested a talk with Taylor in a visitor's room. La Forrester pleaded with her former daughter-in-law to think about what she was doing. Taylor replied she knew exactly what had to be done. She was going to plead guilty for her crimes and pay the price. That was the right thing to do. Stephanie disagreed. The entire family needed Taylor in their lives. Sure, Thorne was angry now but he would come around. He would not want her to go to prison for 10 years. Without the dulcet tones of an announcer telling us someone knew was playing Storm Logan, Storm Logan pushed his way into the room. Stephanie explained they had hired him to defend Taylor. The incarcerated shrink said it had been a waste of time and money. She knew what she was going to do. Stephanie then spat...
The Quote of the Day: "Taylor, I love you but you are the most pigheaded person I know." (I disagree. Ridge is generally much more pigheaded.)
It was time for court. Taylor was lead away in handcuffs.
In the courtroom we were treated to cavalcade of soap opera stars. First of all, Storm Logan is being portrayed by Mr. Michael DeVry. He was despicable as the rapist who impregnated Lesbian Bianca on All My Children. OK, he was rotten but he's yummy to the core. Second, the District Attorney is actually Angie from All My Children. Miss Debbi Morgan is fierce! I hope she sticks around a long time. And finally, the judge is Mr. Kevin Dobson who was good guy Mack on Knots Landing. I was so distracted by all the star power I really didn't care about Taylor's hearing.
The DA was initially upset with Lt. Baker. She had heard Storm Logan was defending Taylor. She had agreed not to press obstruction of justice charges against Phoebe, Hector, and Stephanie if Taylor pleaded guilty to the charges. If that changed she could not make any promises. The judge started the closed proceedings but agreed to let Stephanie stay for moral support and, when Thorne arrived unexpectedly, he was allowed to stay as well.
DA Angie read the charge of driving with a suspended license. Before Storm could stop her Taylor said she was guilty. The charge of obstructing justice was read. Again Taylor pled guilty before Strom could stop her. The final charge was gross vehicular homicide. It carried a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years! Storm cautioned Taylor to think carefully. This was very important. Taylor turned to look at Stephanie. La Forrester begged her not to throw her life away. Taylor then turned to Thorne who could muster nothing but a scowl.
Taylor faced the judge and told him she was GUILTY!
4916 Tuesday, October 17, 2006
At the Forrester Mansion Stephanie made a phone call to some attorney and pleaded with him to take Taylor's case. Ridge arrived and said he had contact Storm Logan to help out on Taylor's case as well. (Storm Logan!?! Brooke's brother? The lawyer from San Francisco? I think we're in for a treat if Mr. Storm Logan really does show up.) Ridge berated his mother for convincing Taylor to keep the secret she had been responsible for Darla's death. La Forrester didn't appreciate her son's Monday morning quarterbacking. Sure, it was easy for him to toss his self-righteousness around now that the truth was out. Stephanie explained she had found out the real story long after it had happened. By that time Taylor and been a great help to Thorne and Alexandria. She had not seen the sense in revealing the truth. It would have served no purpose. Ridge was concerned about Phoebe being dragged into the whole fray. It was a lot for a young girl to handle. Stephanie agreed and apologized. She had never intended to cause her granddaughter any harm. Ridge understood. His main concern at the moment was to try and keep Taylor out of jail. Ridge feared he would not be able to accomplish that without Thorne's help. (Getting Thorne's assistance with this matter will be about as easy as trying to convince the latest object of my affection that six phone calls in an hour without leaving a message does not constitute stalking. People are so sensitive these days.)
At the police station, Taylor used her one phone call to contact her daughter. She told Phoebe she had told the police the truth. Although her daughter feared for her mother's future, Taylor convinced her it had been the right thing to do. After Taylor hung up, Lt. Baker had some further questions. Taylor's signed confession made it clear what had happened that night. But it did not explain how and why Phoebe and Hector had not told the correct story of the incident. Taylor didn't want anyone else to be prosecuted. She had confessed. She had been the person driving the car. Wasn't that enough for the law to deal with? Lt. Baker felt Taylor's pain. But if he was going to convince the District Attorney to go as easy as possible on everyone involved he would need the entire story. Taylor reluctantly admitted Phoebe had lied for fear of losing her mother to prison. Hector had misguided romantic feelings for her and was trying to be her savior. Lt. Baker wondered if Stephanie knew the truth. She had certainly cut him off every time he got close to discovering what had happened. Taylor replied Stephanie had found out what happened much later. She was only guilty of wanting her family to move on. Ridge showed up and Lt. Baker agreed to give them time to talk. Ridge vowed that he would do his darnedest to keep Taylor a free woman. They would need Thorne on their side. Taylor didn't think that was likely to happen. Ridge gave up...
The Quote of the Day: "He's got to see closure and revenge are not the same thing." (Hey Ridge! Can you convince my date from Saturday night of that while you're at it?)
Taylor was then led to her dreary jail cell to have a long think about what she had done.
Meanwhile, Phoebe went to Thorne's Beach House to speak to her uncle. At first the grieving widower was not receptive. But Phoebe's pleading convinced him to listen to what she had to say. Phoebe told Thorne that Darla's death had been a horrible accident. It was true her mother had been driving the car which hit her. But it had not been anyone's fault. Thorne railed against Phoebe for her lying. His daughter had depended and fallen in love with both her and her mother. Now Alexandria was going to have to deal with loss all over again. Phoebe replied it didn't have to be that way. Thorne corrected her. It had to be that way because neither her nor Taylor were welcome in his house again. Phoebe understood Thorne's anger. She told him it was OK to hate her and hate her mother. But would it really make things better if Taylor went to prison? Not receiving an answer, Phoebe left.
Alone, Thorne went to the Darla Shrine and picked up the snapshot of Taylor which Alexandria had placed there. Thorne held the photo in his palm and then crunched it into a little ball and tossed it to the floor.
Yep! He's angry.
4915 Monday, October 16, 2006
Taylor was ushered into the Los Angeles Police Department in handcuffs and taken to Lt. Baker's office. The head cop reminded Taylor she had the right for an attorney to be present. Taylor didn't care what her rights were. Telling Thorne the truth had been hardest thing she'd ever done. Now it was time to pay the price. Although advised by Lt. Baker she should have a lawyer on hand, he accepted her taped confessional. Taylor laid it all out just as it had happened. She was driving the car which hit and killed Darla. As Taylor posed for her mug shot Lt. Baker's assistant congratulated him on cracking the case. Lt. Baker wasn't feeling all that proud. He had not been able to garner any proof. Taylor had simply confessed. Later, the head detective showed Taylor a transcript of her confession. He warned her that once she signed the paper her confession was admissible as evidence. Taylor understood and replied with...
The Quote of the Day: "I just want to get this thing over with." (When she said that it sounded awfully familiar. Then it hit me. My date told me that this weekend before the appetizers arrived.)
Taylor placed her John Hancock on the dotted line and asked Lt. Baker exactly with what she'd be charged. He said the District Attorney would decide that for sure but he assumed she'd be going away for a very long time.
Over at The Forrester Convalescence Home for Wayward Troublemakers, Ridge dropped by with some European gifts for Phoebe. She was obviously distracted and Ridge wondered what was bothering his daughter. He was flabbergasted to hear her tell him what had happened the night of Darla's accident. He could not believe Taylor had been responsible for her death. He was really upset to learn his own mother had known the truth and convinced them to keep quiet. Phoebe blamed herself for the mess her mother was in. She wished she had stayed in London as planned. Then none of this horror would be happening. Ridge comforted his daughter. Nothing that was going on was her fault. He would make sure she was safe and sound.
Meanwhile, a dejected Thorne made his way home. He told Catherine to take the rest of the night off. His evening had not gone as planned. (What is Catherine? Just some hired help that gets tossed from one child to the next? Yeah, I suppose that's it.) After Thorne put Alexandria to bed Stephanie stopped by to check on her son. He was obviously devastated but had enough energy left to go ballistic when he learned his mother had known Taylor was the cause of Darla's death. How could she have let him fall in love with the woman who killed his wife? Stephanie explained when she learned the truth it was too late to do anything about it. The damage had been done. But Taylor had been good for Thorne and he had been good for her. She had hoped something good would come out of Darla's senseless death. Thorne told his mother he had hoped the same. But now that could never happen. All he wanted was his wife back. Stephanie understood her son's pain.
Yeah, but does she understand the pain I endured choking down seared Ahi tuna while sitting across the table from the spawn of Satan last Saturday night?
