Friday, April 7, 2006
An invitation was slipped under Katie's door as she promised Mike to never keep anything from him again. Mike spied the invitation, Katie opened it and revealed Lucinda is throwing a party that night for the new book, Oakdale Confidential. The newly-reunited couple decided to make out and play a stripping game instead. Nancy showed up to talk about Lucinda's party and brought Katie an advanced copy of the book. Mike came downstairs and they told Nancy they were getting married in June — and nothing was going to stop them. Nancy left and Mike tried to convince Katie to forget the party. Mike relented, and while Katie was getting ready, he checked out the book. Katie came back downstairs and Mike freaked that they were in the book and that Katie was on the cover. Mike said there was stuff about their past in there, and he said they were going to the party because they had to find out "who wrote this piece of garbage."

Holden and Lily brought Luke home from the hospital. Jade showed up and he found out she was staying at Cal's place. Jade told Luke she was okay with the decision and took off. Jade texted Luke to come and see her, so he snuck out. Jade said her staying at the guest place was better for their plan and they still have to make it look like they can't keep their hands off each other. Luke told her he was going to tell his parents he is gay once he feels better, so Jade better get on his mom's good side on her own. Holden caught Luke sneaking back into the house and warned him that Lily isn't a fan of Jade's so he'd better be careful. Holden left for a bit and Lily took Lucinda's call and told her she wouldn't be going to her book party. Luke told Lily she should go but she wanted to stay home and talk about Jade. Luke told Lily it was awesome that Lily and Holden were having another baby, and Luke and Lily promised to take care of each other. Meanwhile, a half-dressed Jade opened the door to Holden and he asked her what was going on between her and Luke. She said they were crazy about each other and she planned to abide by Lily's rules. Holden warned her he didn't want Luke to relapse so she needed to stay away from him. Jade said she was only staying there to be with Luke, but Holden insisted that Luke couldn't handle the stress of being around her.

Will and Gwen tracked Jennifer down in the Lakeview lobby and Will freaked that Jennifer was dropping the charges against Paul. "Just because he's our brother doesn't mean he should get a free pass," he declared. Jennifer said it was something she had to do and he figured out it had to do with Dusty. Jennifer explained everything to Will and said the photo is proof that Dusty is out there somewhere. Jennifer and Will warned Gwen about their dysfunctional family. Will told Jennifer to be careful but she was convinced Paul was going to lead her to Dusty and left. Gwen told Will he can't run from his family forever and he said the only family that mattered to him now was her.

Meg hid in Paul's penthouse while Paul romanced Emily to keep her from finding Meg. Emily said they had champagne in the refrigerator and showed him the teddy she got for him. Emily said she wanted them to treat it like their wedding night. Paul went to get the champagne and kicked a set of keys on the ground toward Meg, who quickly grabbed them. Paul returned with champagne and told Emily to go and put the teddy on. Meg emerged and threw Paul the keys she found in Emily's makeup kit, but had to hide again when Emily came out of the bedroom to get help on her zipper. Paul hid the keys behind his back, and Emily demanded to know what was in his hand. Paul showed her "the key to his heart" and she wondered why he was going through her makeup kit. He said he was looking for aspirin and asked what the key was for. Em said she didn't remember. "If I didn't love you so much, I'd be offended," she said. Paul helped Emily out of her dress and he said he'd really like to see her in the teddy. Meg about gagged when Emily demanded that Paul make love to her now. Paul kept stalling Emily and she went to the bedroom to change. Paul quickly got Meg out of the apartment before Emily showed back up in the teddy. Meg lingered outside the door as Paul and Emily began to make love. Jennifer arrived and wondered what Meg was doing out there.

Meanwhile, Dusty used the fork to break open the lock, then scrambled to unwrap the chains around his arms and ankles. He then tipped over the radiator the chains were attached to, slid out of the chains and walked off.

Thursday, April 6, 2006
At the police station, Emily had a tense moment with Hal in which she maniacally demanded to know the instant Paul was done being processed. Meanwhile, Paul was in the interrogation/make-out room with Meg. Between the hugs, hand-holding and almost-kisses, they got down to the icky business of whether he was going to consummate his marriage to Emily — which means she’ll have to look for evidence of Dusty’s whereabouts while he’s getting busy with his new bride. When Em caught them together, they feigned mutual hatred (though Emily accused Meg of being in love with Paul). Later, Em and Paul discussed their new union, and as usual it wasn’t clear whether he was really affected by his wife’s heartfelt sentiments, though he did fish around for any “deep dark secrets” that she could share now that they’ll be spending the rest of their lives together. Next, they had a hilarious run-in with Barbara. “How 'bout those Cubbies, Emily? And how long do you think it will be before you try to drive my son to suicide again?” snarked the mother-in-law, who then turned to her son: “Call me when you’ve chewed off your leg and you can crawl back to freedom.” Since defending women against Barbara works as a great aphrodisiac for her sons, Emily demanded that they begin their honeymoon instantly, at the penthouse. He tried to stall (though it seemed kind of half-hearted) because Meg was there snooping. In between fantasizing about her future with Paul (in which they did more than hold hands but he just ended up getting got shot again anyway), Meg found some ancient-looking keys — shackles, anyone? — then managed to drop them just as the Ryans were coming home — “We’re home! I want the whole world to know we’re home!” he blustered outside the door — forcing Meg to duck behind a chair.

At the Lakeview, Barbara asked a skeptical Lisa for help “welcoming” Gwen to the family: Babs wants Lisa to do Gwen a favor, but keep her name out of it. Meanwhile, the unsuspecting teenaged newlyweds were kissing in the new library set. A super-amorous Will wanted to take the make-out session home, since Hal was working a double shift, but she called him on his avoidance of studying and coming up with a plan for his future beyond lots of sex, then wrote “DREAM” on his knuckles, which should make him really popular in the janitor’s locker room. He took off to “take care of something,” while Lisa stopped by to offer her a job with Casey (per Barbara’s big favor) at the new nightclub. Gwen accepted, as long as it doesn’t interfere with her schoolwork. As she celebrated with Will, Lisa reported back to Barbara, noting that she would have offered Gwen the job anyway. Lisa, clearly thinking she was onto Barbara’s plan, made a point of smugly telling her that Gwen and Casey are getting along fine now, but Babs subtly made it clear that that’s exactly what she was hoping for.

Nick claimed that he didn’t mean to break up Carly’s marriage, but she wasn’t really interested in hearing his excuses. “For what it’s worth, Jack’s a fool to walk,” Nick added. “Don’t trash my husband,” she said, before being summoned to the station by Hal. Too bad he had decided to make her worst week ever even crappier by taking Parker away. Carly, in her awesomeness, stood up for herself in the fantastic scenes, pointing out that Hal didn’t do such a hot job raising Will (the former brainwashee/workaholic totally put all the blame on Barbara!). That said, her record’s gonna make it difficult to fight him, so now poor Carly has lost Jack and Parker. At least she still has Sage and...oh yeah — the kid that her husband got from his dead mistress.

Katie and Mike were in the bliss of reunion when she started worrying about when they’d have time for their wedding, now that she’s had to get rid of the reception hall for June. Mike doesn’t need a fancy venue, and they cutely discussed tying the knot tonight. She suggested they wait a little longer, since they’ve clearly already beaten the “something will dramatically happen to break us up curse.” He then grilled her about what’s happened with Nick while he was gone. Nick then came home from his run-in with Carly to announce that he’s leaving town, before finally telling Mike the whole truth. Mike gave both his fiancée and cousin a sound scolding for being so naughty while Daddy was gone, but eventually convinced Nick not to cut and run just because things went bad in Oakdale, though he had to briefly steal his carburetor to do it. (Must be a guy thing.) Way to go, Mike. Katie was making a Carly-style promise to be truthful forever and ever when a fancy letter for her was slipped ominously under the door. What's that she was saying about a curse?

In his dungeon, Dusty found an errant fork and got down to business jimmying the lock on his chains. (Not to make it sound easy — we should point out that the sweaty, dirty, huffing, puffing, stretching, crawling struggle took him the entire episode.)

Wednesday, April 5, 2006
At the police station, Jennifer begged Hal to let Paul go so he could lead them to Dusty. When Hal resisted, she accused Hal of hating Paul more than he loved Jennifer. Jennifer said she won't testify against Paul, so Hal's case will go up in smoke. Meanwhile, Emily was upset Paul was still in jail. Paul tried to get the truth about Dusty out of Emily by wishing they could tell Hal where Dusty was so then this whole thing would be over. Emily said everything she did was for Paul and began to confess something but pulled herself together and changed the subject. Emily took off to take care of something. Paul was brought up to the interrogation room to talk to Jennifer. Jennifer asked him if he loved her and he replied, "since the day you were born." Jen told him he was always there for her growing up and she realized he thought he was saving her by lying to her about Johnny's death. Paul was confused, but Jennifer revealed he was now a free man because she won't testify against him. Jennifer was adamant that Dusty was alive and would come back to her, and she wanted a fresh start for all of them. Hal came in with papers for Paul's release and Paul vowed he will make this up to Jennifer. Paul left the room and Jennifer thanked Hal, who hoped this plan worked and called for Paul to be tailed when he left the station. Meg showed up, found out Paul was being released and they embraced.

Emily showed up at the cabin to feed Dusty and he wondered what her plan was. Dusty started to push Emily's buttons by asking about Daniel. Dusty promised to keep the kidnapping a secret if she released him. Hal's call interrupted them, and Hal told her to get down to the station as soon as she can so she ran off. Dusty tried to free himself, kicked his tray of food and there was a close-up of the fork.

Meg met up with Emma at the Lakeview and said she wouldn't need Emma's lawyer much longer. Meg told Emma that Dusty was alive. Emma wondered about the bloody gloves, and Meg explained that she found Dusty's bloody wallet and that is what she threw in the river. Emma warned Paul was trouble and to stay away from him. Barbara showed up and said a quick hello. After she left, Emma blasted Meg for being taken care of by a married man. Meg defended Paul, then left.

Carly looked at the compass and was on her way out when Gwen arrived. Gwen asked her what was wrong, but Carly didn't have time to explain and ran out. Meanwhile, Jack walked into Emma's kitchen and found Nick making himself at home and eating some pie. Jack told him to get out, but Nick wanted to thank him for saving his life, his job and his reputation. He put out his hand for a handshake. Jack wasn't interested and told him to go to hell. Jack reminded Nick that he went to the Lakeview to have sex with his wife and he hasn't forgotten that. Jack said they'll work together, but he won't like it. Nick replied that it wasn't personal and he wasn't proud of what he did. A disgusted Jack took off and came face-to-face with Carly on the porch. Jack told Carly he was all talked out. He said he might stop by later to visit the kids and Carly reminded him that they are all a family. Jack told Carly that nothing was going to change, and she tried to give him their compass. He wouldn't take it because "it's a cheap reminder of what we used to have." Carly started to cry and her non-waterproof mascara streaked down her face, so it was quite a sight when she got down on her knees and started to beg Jack to stay. He grabbed her hands and said he's leaving because the woman he loved made him feel like half a man. She declared he was the love of her life and she was the love of his, and if he walked out she would never love again. She pleaded for Jack to fight for them and promised they could fix it. Jack said they couldn't and took off. Carly called after him and sobbed on the porch. Nick came out the door and put his hand on Carly's shoulder.

At the Lakeview, Casey met with Lisa about her new club, Crash. Barbara showed up and was surprised to hear that Casey and Gwen were still friends. Casey left and Lisa was happy that Barbara seems to be accepting Gwen. Barbara said that if Lisa could accept Margo, she could get used to Gwen. Lisa told her to get inside Gwen's head and find out what she likes. Barbara said she would — but she needed Lisa's help.

Will met with Maddie at the library to study calculus and Maddie warned him if he didn't pass the upcoming test, he wouldn't graduate. Will spied a book on music and Maddie said she was trying to learn more since Casey and Gwen knew what was hip. Maddie went to check out more music books and Gwen showed up. She told Will that Carly is having problems with Jack, and she only went over there to tell her sister that she and Will are married. Casey found Maddie looking at music books and they kissed.

Tuesday, April 4, 2006
Carly heard Jack's bitter words in a dream, and awoke to confront him. Both admitted they couldn't sleep. She apologized, confident they could get through this, but Jack changed the subject to the kids — he wanted to tell them they are separated. Today. Carly feared it was too soon, but he insisted they tell the boys together. He sat Parker and J.J. on the couch and told them he and Carly were going to be living apart — but they both still love the boys. Jack admitted it could be a long-term thing, which upset Carly, but she agreed the kids deserved a united front. She told them they are still a a strong family. Jack explained he and Carly had an argument and are essentially going to separate rooms to cool down, and hopefully salvage the good stuff while getting rid of the bad. But it's not the kids' fault. Jack will stay with Emma, and the kids will stay with Carly. When Parker asked if they were no longer a family, Carly said they're connected by love. J.J. wanted to go with Jack. Parker asked if they are getting a divorce. Carly said no, but Jack said they do'’t know. "Did you stop loving Mom?" Parker asked. "I'll always love your mother," Jack replied. Parker wondered if this was happening because of "the lady." Jack sent the kids upstairs and laced into Carly for involving Parker. Jack warned Carly that custody of the kids may change. Jack hugged Sage. told her he loves her, and left. The boys wanted to stay home from school, but she sent them anyway, and Sandy took Sage for the day.

Nick visited Katie, who questioned why he let Carly off the hook. He said did it for her kids, and he's grateful to Jack for getting Nick his job back. The doorbell rang, and it was a flower delivery. Katie said she was expecting balloons — but this turned out to be Mike behind the flowers! His brother recovered, so he came home. The doorbell rang again, and this time it was the balloons, but Mike took the delivery. He read the card, which referred to Nick's reinstatement, and demanded his cousin tell him what's up. Nick mumbled that it was handled and left. Katie pretended she didn't miss Mike, and they flirted and smooched. He asked her to marry him again, and they began to make love on the couch.

Henry literally ran into Emily, spilling her bags, which included some lingerie she planned as a "homecoming present" for Paul. Henry suspected she was planning to spring Paul and feared she's planning to get Henry into trouble to get Paul out of it. Emily insisted she was just being upbeat and positive. Henry warned her to leave Paul in jail because he might be plotting something.

Hal told Jennifer that the photo proved Dusty was alive, and probably within a 50-mile radius. Jen burst into interrogation and demanded Paul tell her what he knows about Dusty. Jessica said that since Paul had recanted his confession he'll be free soon — especially since Dusty was alive as of yesterday. Then she got a call from a judge about the case. Jennifer demanded to know why he confessed to a crime he didn't commit. "I had nothing left to lose," Paul sighed. He assumed Dusty was dead and his body gone, so he figured it would be easier on Jen if she had closure and somebody to blame. Jen accused him of protecting Meg, but Paul angrily denied it, piquing Hal's interest in Meg. Jennifer asked Paul why he married Emily, and he answered: "She has everything that I need." Back in his cell, Paul told Emily that Dusty is alive, but missing. Emily was ecstatic, but he was guarded, and suspicious of the timing of the news. He suspected Emily knew something, but she denied everything, insisting she was just eager to start a new life with Paul. Jen told Hal she told Meg Dusty is alive, and Hal flipped, so Jen accused him of hating Paul for stealing Emily. Jessica returned with news that the murder charges were dropped, but Hal gloated that with so many charges pending, there was no way Paul was going home. Jennifer begged him to release her brother. Emily planned a big dinner, but Paul said he can't go home with her.

Jack went to the Snyder farm, where he found Nick sitting at the kitchen table.

Monday, April 3, 2006
ATWT's 50th anniversary show began with Lucinda, Barbara, Susan, Kim, Emma, Lisa and Nancy all bound for Springfield for a ceremony honoring Nancy for 50 years' devotion to the Women's Service League. Lucinda chartered a van. Susan was late, then told Barbara that Paul and Emily got married in jail. "This is going to be a long ride," Nancy predicted.

At the tribute dinner, the gang spoke to Nancy's loyalty and devotion to friends, family and community. Nancy flashed back to memories of her family, including Christmases, chats in the kitchen and times with her son Bob. "It seems like a lifetime, and like no time at all," she summed up.

[Today's title sequence was the show's original black-and-white one, complete with organ music. The bumpers at the half-hour break were also in classic B&W.]

On the ride home, Barbara was in such a rush to return to Paul that she ordered the driver to take a "shortcut." After it became clear they were lost, Lucinda tried to get the driver to turn around, but Barbara grabbed the wheel and caused a crash. Everyone was okay except Kim, who suffered a cut on her forehead. The driver struggled to get the van out of a ditch. There was no cell service. Emma fetched the first-aid kit so Susan could patch up Kim. Kim confessed she was upset because she had an argument with Bob that morning, and when Susan was late for the bus, it brought back "bad memories." Fans shared them in flashbacks of the Kim/Bob/Susan triangle. Susan promised Kim the cut would leave "no scar," and mentioned she saw Bob at the hospital ordering flowers for Kim. They chuckled and hugged. Lucinda dispatched the driver "15-20 miles back" to the highway to look for a phone.

Emma started a fire, and the ladies discussed whether to sit tight. Barbara felt like she was being blamed, and stalked off. Kim followed and suggested Susan might be exaggerating about Paul's marriage. Barb lamented trying too hard to protect Paul from James Stenbeck, leading to more flashbacks, including the one revealing James as Paul's daddy, and Hal holding the newborn Will. Barbara thanked Kim for being so nice to her. Kim told Barbara, "You're such a pain, but I love you." Kim insisted that she's "not a saint," flashbacking on the time she admitted to Bob that she'd secretly arranged for them to meet even though he was involved with Kim's sister at the time. Kim left and Barbara pulled out a candy bar. Back at the fire, Lucinda flashed back to confronting Holden over Lily, and Lily vowing never to forgive Lucinda for deceiving her about her biological mother, Iva. Barbara heard a noise: it was a black bear!

Barbara reminded herself: "I've handled worse." She recalled being charged by a bull, shot, and seeing Stenbeck return from the dead. Then she hoofed it out of there. Nancy flashed back to her life with husband Chris (the late Don MacLaughlin). Lisa recalled "a lot of men and a lot of heartache," leading into a montage of smooching set to "You"re the One That I Want" from Grease. Barbara returned to camp, unfortunately leading the bear right to rest of the gang. Lucinda got the idea to start singing "The Bear Went Over the Mountain," which scared the creature away. Barbara confessed to sneaking the candy, and challenged Susan to lock her up for it. "We tried that," Susan spat. "It didn't work." Furious, Barbara tried to drive the trapped bus away. Lucinda took the wheel and got the bus moving — sideways! It rolled over, pinning Lucinda, who moaned she had survived chemo only to die in a ditch. Emma found a hacksaw and some rope; Barbara smelled gasoline. Lisa and Nancy were warned away from the fire as Barbara tied a rope around the driver's seat. The ladies pulled and freed Lucinda. They scrambled away from the wreck, now leaking a stream of gasoline. The fuel reached the campfire and flames raced back to the wreck. But before the fire could get there, the rear of the bus exploded.

Birds signaled the arrival of dawn, and Susan realized that all of them — with the exception of Nancy — had been in love with the same man: John Dixon (Larry Bryggman). Flashbacks depicted all the women battling over John, including him and Barbara snuggling by a fire and proposing to Lisa via skywriting. Emma set out to "do something." Later, Emma returned in a pickup truck. Amid squeals of joy, she said she found the truck with the keys in it nearby. Kim insisted on taking a picture of the entire crew before they departed.

At the end of the episode, viewers heard Don Hastings' (Bob) voice: "Thank you for watching for 50 years; we couldn't do it without you."

2005 recaps