Thursday, November 23, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving from Soap Opera Digest and Weekly! Check back for your recaps on Monday.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006
"Count Your Blessings" was the title of today's Wednesday episode. The show opened with an outdoor shot of snow lightly falling outside of the Spauldings' home. Inside, Alan got dressed and wrote a kind note for Lizzie. He left it on an elaborately decorated table and wondered if Phillip had any idea his daughter is coming. After, Alan told Beth he wants them to feel like a family. He promised her that Lizzie and the baby would come home and be there for Christmas. Alan then had a fantasy in which the entire family happily admired the baby together. Alan-Michael and Alex weren't surprised that Lizzie still hadn't shown up, but Alan was confident that she'd eventually arrive. Beth joined him outside and told Alan that she wants Lizzie home, too, and would be willing to put up with Jonathan and Reva. Alan asked Beth if she ever thinks about their deceased baby and if she thinks that would've prevented her from having an affair with Rick. Beth didn't want to discuss it.

Meanwhile, Lizzie received a blanket from Alan, but decided not to come. The driver returned and informed Alan that Lizzie's spending Thanksgiving with Reva's family. Alan stated that Lizzie will just have dessert with them instead. This was A-M's cue to leave. Alan was furious, but A-M wouldn't give in to his demands. Alan was thrilled when Lillian arrived, but disappointed when she informed him that she can only stay for a minute because she needs to return to the hospital. Alex decided to leave, as well.

Beth chatted with Rick on the phone and felt bad that he's spending the day alone. Rick explained that Mel is going to her family and he's not welcome. Beth returned to the dining room and found a hurt Alan tearing up the place cards. Beth tried to make Alan understand that Lizzie isn't coming and that her baby can't replace theirs. He was aghast when she told him that she's leaving to help out at a clinic. Alan flipped out when he realized she's going to see Rick. "I'll be back," she tearfully said. "I always am."

At home, Lizzie complained to Lizzie and Jonathan (who was wearing a T-shirt with a cute saying) about her various pregnancy pains. Jon made them laugh by imagining all of the awful scenarios which could take place during Thanksgiving dinner. Reva mocked Jon's shirt and told him to change into something nicer. She asked Lizzie if she's going to miss her family. "I am seeing my family," Lizzie replied.

At the Spauldings', Alan urged the puzzled staff to join him for the meal. They explained that they need to leave to be with their own families. An alone Alan, angrily yanked off the table cloth, destroying the fancy spread. He went outside where he sadly took a walk in the snow. En route, he ran into Reva, but wasn't exactly friendly. "Didn't you almost die a week ago?" he snarked, before questioning her about Lizzie. Reva said she's enjoyed having Lizzie around and thinks the young woman will be a good mother. She urged him to support Lizzie and Jonathan's marriage. Alan wanted to know how she gets so many people to love her and admitted he's lonely.

Later, a resigned Alan sat down at his dining room table. He was shocked when Lizzie, Reva and Jonathan arrived with pizza. At first Alan mocked that meal, but then gave in and went to find the proper wine to serve with some Little Caesar's. During dinner, things were going well until Alan said that Lizzie's baby will be named "Titania," like Shakespeare's fairy queen. He was furious when they laughed at him. "When she goes to school, what are kids going to call her for short?" chortled Jon. "I'd rather my daughter be named after a motorcycle than a fairy." "That worked for the Coopers," quipped Reva. "You'd probably name your daughter 'Gasolina,'" Alan retorted. Alan gave in and said they can name her whatever they'd like so long as they let him be a part of the baby's life. They went around the table counting their blessings. Alan was hurt when she said that Reva's home was the type of home she'd always wanted to be in. He and Jon came to blows. And that's when Lizzie's water broke.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Mallet and Dinah enjoyed a between-the-sheets reunion and chatted about their reconciliation. Dinah told him she didn't want to be taken for granted and he assured her that wouldn't happen. Deciding they had to face the outside world, they very reluctantly left the bed.

Gus and Harley were at Cedars to test his fertility. She tried to cheer on nervous Gus as he attempted to, um, make a deposit in a little cup. He told her he couldn't "make the deposit" and asked her if she'd sneak into the room with him. She went "in the name of science" and they smooched. An elderly patient opened the door to the room and caught Harley and Gus in the middle of their hanky-panky; he passed out! Later, Dr. Sedgwick assured the couple that the old man was fine and that the nurse never saw him smile so much. Gus told the doc the sample never made it into the cup and she gave them the okay to finish their "project" at home.

Marah visited Jonathan at Outskirts, but he didn't recognize his sister at first. After he welcomed her home, she asked him what they were going to do about their screwed-up family. Jon admitted he had an issue with Josh being with Cassie, but said that if Reva didn't mind, he didn't either. He filled in Marah on his break-up with Tammy and Lizzie's pregnancy . Marah cracked that she'd heard something about that, then thanked him for being there during Reva's recovery. Marah begged a reluctant Jonathan to come to Thanksgiving dinner and admitted that she was hoping to push Josh and Reva back together. Jon seemed impressed by her scheming.

Alan visited Lizzie at Cross Creek and showed her pictures of Tammy and Jonathan looking cozy. Lizzie defended Jonathan and kicked her grandfather out. On his way out, Alan told her she should be with her "real" family on Thanksgiving. Alone, Lizzie mulled over the snapshots alone and slapped them down on the coffee table in anger. When Jon showed up at Cross Creek and saw the incriminating photos. Lizzie came down the stairs with a suitcase and informed Jonathan that she'd packed his bags. He explained that Tammy needed him when the reporters were harassing her, but noted that he should have walked away. Crying, Lizzie asked if he slept with Tammy. He said no, but copped to the kiss. A sobbing Lizzie cried, "You promised me!" and ran back upstairs. Jonathan decided to to prove his dedication ... with a tattoo. He got his chest inked with a heart, dagger and a flower (with a blank banner to fill in the name of his daughter). Lizzie was moved by the gesture.

Alan-Michael and Alan met to discuss business. Alan explained that he's working on a project that has strong implications for the future of the family. A-M goaded his dad into admitting that he needed his son's help. Alan asked A-M to spend Thanksgiving with the family, A-M laughed and said he'd rather carve off his own drumsticks. Alan pleaded that it was for the future of the family and asked if they could put aside their animosity for one day, then added that Lizzie had been co-opted by Reva and he needed to get her and the baby back because they were Spauldings. Alan criticized his dad for being so controlling. Alan reasoned that when Phillip returned he wanted to say he did everything in his power to get Lizzie back. A-M agreed to go to dinner. Satisfied, Alan left just as Beth showed up to ask for a Spaulding donation to her low-income clinic project. She also promised to keep Ava away from Coop. A-M agreed to write her a check and she asked for six figures. "Wow, is that really what it takes to hang on to a married man these days?" A-M smirked. He left and Rick entered. Beth said how excited she was to see him, but then noticed Mel who added, "That's why he's brought his lawyer with him." Beth and Rick discussed paperwork, but when the ladies were alone for a moment, Beth made catty digs at Mel. Beth claimed that she admired Mel then asked if she'd considered a revenge affair. Later, Mel replayed the conversation she had with Beth about having an affair in her head. She pulled out her phone and called Jeffrey....

Dinah and Mallet met Gus and Harley for drinks to celebrate Dinah and Mallet's reunion. During the champagne-fueled get-together, Mallet and Gus both tried to slip notes to their girls. Thanks to a mix-up, Harley and Dinah got each other's notes. Everyone quietly excused themselves to sneak out to meet their significant others, but when Dinah went out on to the terrace to meet Mallet, she was shocked to find Gus who kissed her because he thought she was Harley! Meanwhile, Mallet turned to kiss who he thought was Dinah, but quickly realized it was actually Harley and pulled away. After the awkward situation, Gus and Harley said they have to leave to to finish their "project," congratulated Dinah and Mallet once again on their reunion, then they left in the elevator where Harley pulled the emergency button and passionately kissed her man.

At the Spaulding Mansion, Alan informed Alexandra that he's sending her off to a spa for Thanksgiving. She was, of course, suspicious of his generosity. Alan admitted he was trying to lure Lizzie to celebrate Turkey Day. An argument ensued. Later, she told him whatever he was trying to do to trick Lizzie wouldn't work. Then, Alan screamed that Lizzie would come back home where she belonged.

Monday, November 20, 2006
Jeffrey paid Ava a visit, claiming he felt they needed to discuss their new relationship as father and daughter. Surprised, she reluctantly let him in and sarcastically inquired if he preferred that she call him Daddy.... Meanwhile, Buzz took Olivia out for coffee on Main Street, and Liv wondered why he was so anxious. He excitedly told her there was more than just coffee involved. Then Liv admitted she was glad they were getting out considering her life was such a mess and she wasn't able to get Ava and Jeffrey out of her head. Buzz pulled out the engagement ring on the sly and looked at it while Liv ordered her drink.

At Outskirts, Lizzie rushed a tray full of drinks to a table. Beth arrived and exclaimed she never thought she'd live to see the day when Lizzie was waiting tables and advised her daughter that she should be at home, resting her tired, swollen feet. Lizzie said she was fine and never felt better in her life. Beth admitted she was worried about her living situation with Jonathan at Cross Creek, but Lizzie explained that she loved living with Jon and they were both excited for the baby's arrival. When Beth continued to complain, Lizzie tried to convince Beth that she was truly happy and gave props to her grandfather for teaching her that "family is what you make of it." She explained that she and Jon would have something real, marriage and all, but it would take a little time. Then she assured her mom that Jon does care "whether you believe it or not" and that she had her own version of happiness. Beth said she feared Jonathan would will hurt Lizzie. Lizzie exclaimed that she finally had her chance to make a family and that Jon could've bolted a long time ago, but he didn't. They argued and left.

On Main Street Tammy was confronted by the press and a reporter asked her about Jeffrey and if he was really violent. Jonathan came to her rescue and chided the reporter, "You want violence? I'm about to give you a face full." They left for Outskirts together.... Meanwhile at Towers, Josh and Reva realized they had been set up to meet each other, then Marah, who’d just flown back from Paris showed up and surprised her parents. She explained that she wanted to see them and came back as fast as she could. She told Reva she looked great and admitted she freaked out on the plane because she was fearful they wouldn't be able to do things together again as a family. Josh welcomed their daughter home and Marah replied, "I'm glad to see you guys together together...like you're supposed to be." Reva agreed the three of them did need to talk. Reva apologized to Marah for lying to her about being sick and admitted she couldn't bear the thought of her daughter visiting her at her deathbed. Josh assured Marah that they loved her and she smirked that she just didn't understand how he could hook up with her aunt Cassie.

Back in Ava's room, she asked Jeffrey if he was nervous then harshly told him what he did was unforgivable. She cut his reply off short and demanded to know what he wanted. Jeffrey joked that it was awkward for him because every other time he was in a woman's room he was either "taking her to jail or taking her to bed." He explained he wanted to ask Ava some questions about her past. She began to tell him about her childhood and her parents and explained she was happy with her childhood and knew that she made the right choices in life before she stopped short and blurted that she still didn't know what Jeffrey wanted. She cracked that she already learned how to ride a bike and already knew about the birds and the bees, and she didn't need him to tell her how to steer clear of bad boys because her father was one of them. Cassie showed up and said that she heard Jeffrey's voice, then wondered if she was interrupting. Ava said no and left to get some fresh air. Cassie noted that she obviously walked into something at a bad time and inquired if Jeffrey and Ava were an item. He gasped, "No!" She said good because Ava is young. Jeffrey responded that he new exactly how old she was.... Meanwhile, Cassie asked Jeffrey if the two of them were ever going to become friends. He urged her to believe that he could make things better.

Back on Main Street, Buzz and Olivia discussed how awkward the situation with Jeffrey was and Buzz told her she brought joy to his life and that she made him happy. They shared a laugh when Buzz admitted Liv affected his heart. "When you walk into a room, my heart stops...like a kid on Christmas day." They hugged, then he picked her up and exclaimed that she made him feel like a great man every day, then he told her he loved her and shouted "You hear that world? You hear that Springfield? I love this woman!" He said he had something important to say to her then bended down on one knee when Ava walked by, interrupted them and told Liv that Jeffrey had paid her a visit. They argued and Liv asked Ava if she was really going to believe Jeffrey's lies. Ava responded, "He may be a monster, but at least he didn't try to kill me." Ava left and Buzz commented that he wished Liv could just get past the situation with Ava. Liv retorted she wasn't going to be happy with Jeffrey and Ava's friendship then vowed she wouldn't quit until Jeffrey was run out of town or run into the ground. Buzz took a look at the ring again in private and Liv begged him to please tell her what he was saying before they were interrupted. He told her it wasn't important. She gave him a kiss and left.

Beth and Lizzie arrived at Cross Creek. Beth asked Lizzie how long she planned to live there and why she stayed there. Lizzie said because Jon was there. Beth gave in and admitted she was happy for her daughter, then went back to Outskirts to retrieve Lizzie's purse for her.... Meanwhile, at Outskirts Jon and Tammy reminisced about the time they used to spend there together. Tammy said she shouldn't be there, but admitted they did have a life there, even though they both had new lives. They gazed at each other and Tammy said she had to leave to study. Jon suggested they have a drink to celebrate the life they once shared. He admitted that he would love Tammy until the day he died. Tammy told him that being there was too much and turned to leave, but Jon grabbed her and they kissed. She pulled him away and told him to go home to his wife. Beth walked in just as Tammy left..... Back at Company, Josh and Reva tried to convince Marah that everything was okay, but Marah didn't give in. She wanted to know exactly how and why her dad fell in love with Cassie. She told him it wasn't too late to fix the situation and plead for him to go get back with Reva, but Reva told her daughter it wasn't going to happen this time. Cassie entered and Marah scolded her. "It's a little late to be thinking about intruding," she said. Cassie apologized to Marah for any pain or shame she caused her and Marah begged her to fix it. After declining Josh's invite to watch her favorite movie, Marah told her parents that despite the craziness, she was glad to be home. Reva agreed and suggested to Cassie that they all get together for Thanksgiving dinner, after all.

Later, Olivia ran into Jeffrey and told him there was an eviction notice under his door and that he had to leave. Ava overheard and barged in claiming she was tired of hearing them argue like brats on a playground. Jeffrey asked Liv if leaving town would make up for a life filled with hate. She told him it would be a start.... Meanwhile, Tammy ran into Remy and she suggested that they spend some time together. Remy complained that she only Wanted to see him after she saw Jonathan. She assured him that was not the case and they walked off together.

2005 recaps