Friday, December 15, 2006
Lizzie was excited for her night out with Jonathan at Cassie's Christmas party. Jonathan fretted that perhaps Sarah was sick and they shouldn't go out. As Lizzie listened in, Reva wondered if Jonathan was making excuses to not have to see Tammy. Reva assured that the baby was fine and Jonathan agreed to attend the party with Lizzie. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do," Jonathan called out to Reva as she ran out for her date with Cal. "As if there is anything you wouldn't do," she laughed. Meanwhile, Alan wanted Lillian to use her babysitting time to help him get closer to Sarah, but she refused. "I could tell the police a lot," she warned, threatening to have him sent back to Ravenwood. Beth comforted Alan about his estrangement from Lizzie. Meanwhile, Tammy was spending her evening getting drunk. Beth walked into the bar and wondered why Tammy wasn't at Cassie's bash. "I'm having my own party, right here," Tammy slurred. Beth praised that thanks to Tammy's selflessness, "You have a friend and her name is karma." "Karma kicks me when I am down," Tammy spat and stormed off.

Josh and Cassie finished the preparations for their Christmas party. Gus and Harley were the first to arrive with baby Sydney. Outside, Reva warned Cal that her sister's new boyfriend was also Reva's ex. "You are going to owe me," he laughed. Josh introduced RJ to Billy's date, Sheila. The boy wondered if she was a "sleep-over friend." (Oh, they grow up so fast.) Cassie was happy that Reva arrived with a date. While Cassie claimed she wasn't worried about losing Josh to Reva (though let's face it, maybe she should be), she still got "weirded out" before seeing Reva. "Well, she seems nice for the woman who stole your husband," snarked Cal to Reva.

Lizzie arrived with Jonathan and made him dance with her. Lizzie awkwardly suggested that she and Jonathan make their relationship "real" by consummating their marriage. Tammy walked in as Lizzie was nuzzling Jonathan. To get rid of Jonathan, Lizzie asked him to get her a sweater from Cassie's closet. Tammy and Lizzie argued over Jonathan. Tammy chided that she didn't realize Lizzie was going to use the baby to get Jonathan love her. Lizzie couldn't believe that Tammy would prefer Jonathan be in a loveless marriage than love Lizzie. "I'm not the one stalking him at parties!" Lizzie marveled. Meanwhile, Reva congratulated Josh on throwing a good party. She assured her ex that she was neither lonely or depressed. "Tell Cassie not to worry!" she laughed. Cal made the excuse that he may have left the stove on and he and Reva made a speedy exit. At the Beacon, Cal revealed he used the stove line to get her alone. Reva teased that she was ticked off because he hadn't invited her inside yet. Tammy and Jonathan saw each other outside. "I have to be where you are," Tammy explained of her unexpected appearance. "Don't do this," he pleaded. "The mistake was when I let you go and you went." Jonathan asked her to go and she challenged him to make her. Instead, Jonathan kissed Tammy passionately.

Thursday, December 14, 2006
Lizzie urged Reva to attend the cancer survivor singles' mixer. Lizzie noticed she and Jonathan got an invite to Cassie and Josh's holiday party. Reva got one, too. Meanwhile, Tammy dreamed of a black-and-white future in which Lizzie still uses Sarah to manipulate Jon with guilt. When Reva left Lizzie and Jon alone, Lizzie craved...attention. At Towers, Lillian introduced a nervous Reva to the mixer. Reva approached Cal, who ogled a young waitress, and didn't want Reva to ruin his chances. Tammy fretted to Cassie about being a homewrecker — but maybe Jon isn't happy. Meanwhile, randy Lizzie came on to Jon, who fled the house. Cassie cautioned Tammy to learn from her mistakes when getting involved in someone else's marriage: If it's fate, they will be brought together. Back at Towers, Reva gloated over Cal getting shot down, then got overwhelmed and fled to the elevator, where Josh was just arriving to make party arrangements. Reva said she will attend his party, adding that this was a singles' mixer. Josh gave his blessing with a peck on the cheek that Cassie saw. On Main Street, Jon ran into Tammy. She suggested it was fate they met. Jon related how Lizzie complains that he's too fixated on Sarah, but he's "not there" in terms of loving Lizzie. In fact, he's working on that relationship because Tammy made him want to be a better man. Tammy said Lizzie was just using Sarah, so he should start a family with her instead. Jon agreed and they kissed. But it was a fantasy! She awoke to Jon saying he wants to do better, and maybe he'll see her at the party. Meanwhile, Lizzie consulted Ashlee about a dress for the party and whined how Jon ignores her, leaving her feeling like a "milk factory." Ashlee said if she wants Jon, she should take him. Lizzie vowed to be so sexy at the party that Jonathan would have to notice her: "He doesn't stand a chance." At Towers, Cal needled Reva about "that guy" who kissed her even as Josh returned home and got a call from Towers saying Cassie canceled the party! Cassie suddenly appeared and dumped his clothes on the floor. A panicked Josh explained he was just supporting Reva. But Cassie understood — she was just taking his clothes to the cleaners, and she canceled Towers because she wants to have the party "in our own home." She's not threatened by Reva. Reva, meanwhile, invited Cal the party. Later, Tammy ran into Ashlee, who encouraged her to skip the party, because "Lizzie has everything." Santa asked Tammy if she'd been nice or naughty. "Way, way, too nice," she spat.

Buzz wrapped Olivia in a robe he "stole" from the Valley Inn and left to check on Company. Jeffrey arrived, and she told him to leave town. On Main Street, Ava told Coop she's looking forward to leaving town. Alan-Michael watched as they smooched. Jeffrey accused Buzz of tossing his joint, and Olivia was thrilled. He insisted he has apologized enough for raping her, but he offered to turn himself in down in San Cristobel. She called his bluff. He asked what more she wants. "I want everything," she answered. On Main Street, Buzz warned Alan-Michael not to underestimate Coop. A-M interrupted Ava/Coop with a loud cell call about business. Ava left Coop to put Alan-Michael's business in order. Buzz urged Coop not to let Ava linger with A-M. Coop changed the subject to Buzz's aborted proposal. Then Coop dragged Ava away from A-M to propose they move to England right now. She balked, but embraced him. Olivia arrived and embraced Buzz, praising him for sending Jeffrey a "message." Buzz saw Jeffrey lurking.

Jonathan returned home to find Lizzie sleeping on couch. She secretly watched him play with Sarah and thought, "Poor guy doesn't stand a chance."

Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Gus showed Harley why they ran from the cops: He took Sydney. "You didn't," she sighed. He did. "She could be ours," he said. "We're not keeping her; we're cops," Harley pointed out. Gus wanted to save the child from being bounced from foster home to foster home. Harley tried to summon Frank, but Gus stopped her. He sat her down and told her that he had been "compromised" by "complications" on one of his first FBI missions. Suddenly he was forced to flee by hotel security and fled to Main Street. There he resumed his story — sort of. He talked about a disaster during the Oklahoma Land Rush and a crazy sale at a department store — but he got his point across when he mentioned an Olympic swim team: "The swimmers never make it to the finish line." In other words, he's sterile. "We can always adopt!" Harley chirped. Gus admitted he loves Zach and Jude, but he took seeing Harley holding Sydney as a sign to save her from foster homes. "I love this kid," he insisted. "And I love you, too — Ma." Harley resisted being swayed, protesting that there are rules. Still, maybe Sydney was destined for them. But how can they hope to keep her now?

Dinah introduced Gus and Harley on her new show, LIGHT ON SPRINGFIELD, which she was broadcasting from Company. Frank showed up with some uniforms, but allowed Gus and Harley to make their public pitch to keep Sydney. Gus recapped finding the baby during a drug bust, and Harley justified breaking the law by suggesting, "sometimes you have to do what's in the best interests of the child." As Dinah's camera rolled, Frank had to do his duty and take them into custody. "We can't save everybody," Frank admitted.

Later, Gus discussed Christmas presents with Zach and Jude, saying they're getting something early: Sydney. Harley likened Sydney's needing someplace to live with the baby Jesus needing a place to be born. Frank called with the news that they can keep Sydney pending a hearing — and Gus doesn't have to go to jail for 10 or 20 years. However, the judge is sending a social worker to check out their living conditions at the house. "We have lawn furniture in our living room," Harley cried. "We're in a transition period," Gus replied, as they frantically tried to hide stuff. Suddenly Frank arrived with Buzz — and a couch and a coffee table. Marina brought a box of stuff, like wax fruit and a bowling trophy. Alan-Michael appeared with a crib from himself and Alex. Rick brought some flowers he stole from the hospital.

Stern-looking Miss Stone from social services arrived, and promptly tripped over a charged-up electric circular saw. Marina "helpfully" suggested that the kids participated in building the house. Miss Stone touched a tangle of wires and got a shock that blew out the lights. Suddenly, Frank appeared and recognized "Linda." He offered to help her locate a place to live. When her inspection was completed, Linda said, "This is hardly a perfect family," but "who the hell needs perfection?" She revealed she looks for "real homes with real love," and that's what this is, so she recommended they keep Sydney.

Later, Gus and Harley sweated at the courthouse before and after their hearing. They dodged a judge who hates Gus, but he fretted over Harley's many marriages, and she worried about his drug use. Mel gave them the good news: they are officially Sydney's temporary guardians. They were handed the screaming child with the warning, "adoption is a very long process." They brought Sydney home to the Cooper family, and Gus made a toast thanking friends and family for pitching in. If it takes a village to raise a kid, then "Sydney has come to the right village."

Later, Gus wondered how much Harvard costs, and Harley told him it's okay if his "swimmers" don't make it across the pool. Sydney started crying, so Gus showed her the moon, the stars and the whole crazy world. "That's yours," he whispered. "You're not alone. We'll be here. Promise."

Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Gus overheard Mallet and Marina talking about Sydney going missing and hid the baby from them. Alan-Michael caught Gus stashing the baby at the Beacon and Gus covered that the baby's father had been in an accident and he was caring for her in the meantime. Alan-Michael gave Gus diapering tips and Gus eventually confessed that he had kidnapped the baby. Alan-Michael called his lawyer to help Gus. Dinah showed up at the hotel with her camera crew. Gus offered her an exclusive interview for the next week to get rid of her and called a babysitter to care for Sydney. Meanwhile, Mallet showed up at Harley's house, where she buttered up her ex before asking him to take on some of Gus' workload so that he wouldn't be forced to work 24 hours straight as he had the previous night. Mallet spilled that he knew Gus wasn't working because Mallet had just talked to him at CO2. Harley told Mallet that Gus' file was sealed. She worried that her husband was sleeping around. Gus came home and shortly thereafter the police arrived. Gus urged Harley to trust him and they fled out the window.

Ashlee stole an episode of THE LAW for Dinah and Ashlee noted the chemistry between Mallet and Marina on the tape. Later the women encountered Mallet and Marina looking chummy on the street. Dinah announced that she had a new idea for her show: "How to spot a cheater!" Mallet wondered if Dinah might be jealous of the success of THE LAW — or Marina's role on the show — but she downplayed his accusations.

Ava didn't want to celebrate her adoption day/fake birthday, but Coop gifted Ava with plane tickets to England. Coop explained that Oxford had offered to let him enroll (Apparently Oxford is not the University it used to be if they keep extending offers of admission to students who have repeatedly turned them down). Meanwhile, Mel arrived at Jeffrey's room with visions of seduction dancing in her head, but Jeffrey urged Mel to be her "solid, respectable self." Mel agreed to keep her clothes on if Jeffrey would meet her for dinner. Coop told Jeffrey that he and Ava were leaving for England indefinitely and urged the disgraced mayor to stay away from his daughter. Meanwhile Rick pleaded with Mel that he wanted to spend time with her and Leah for Christmas, but Mel just wanted to talk about Jeffrey. Mel explained she wasn't having sex with Jeffrey — "I wanted to, but I didn't," she claimed — but she wanted to go into private practice with Jeff. She planned to make Jeffrey an offer that night.

Monday, December 11, 2006
Tammy overheard Lizzie tell Beth that Sarah was her best "trick" to capture Jonathan, but Cassie dismissed her concerns. Tammy rethought giving up Jonathan. When Cassie pointed out that he's married, Tammy said so was Josh. Lizzie returned to retrieve her cell phone, and Tammy cornered her. Meanwhile, at Cross Creek, Josh, Reva and Jonathan prepared for Christmas, including assembling a swing for Sarah. Josh told Reva he thinks of Sarah as his first grandchild. Tammy accused Lizzie of faking wanting to be a good mother. Lizzie assured her she misunderstood — and can't understand, because she's not a mother. Tammy lamented stepping aside to let Jonathan be happy because that life is a lie. Meanwhile, Cassie bought a tree and called Josh, but when she realized he was with family she let him stay there. Josh was asking about christening plans. Reva suggested a baby shower/christening party at Towers. Jonathan promised Sarah she would have everything he lacked — like loving parents. Tammy called Lizzie rich and spoiled, and wondered what Jonathan would say if he knew. Lizzie said Jonathan's world revolves around Sarah now, because they are married and happy. "Maybe some homes deserve to be wrecked," Tammy hissed. Reva told Josh how planning this christening makes up for missing Jonathan's. Josh suddenly recalled an appointment and fled. Jonathan and Reva took Sarah to meet mommy. Lizzie called Tammy the bad girl now. Then Jonathan and Reva arrived with Sarah. Cassie forgave Josh for being late, but warned him about slipping back into Reva's world. At Towers, Reva talked with Bradley, while Jonathan told Lizzie about the party. Tammy started to snipe, so Lizzie rushed Jonathan out.

Gus skulked outside his home, because Rick was welcoming Mel inside. Rick set up a romantic rendezvous, but she asked for a divorce. Gus took Sydney on the road. Rick insisted he was done with Beth, and he loves Mel. He suggested counseling. Mel agreed to think about it and left. Then Beth appeared, and told him she can't go home because Alan thinks she betrayed him. Instead of letting her stay there, Rick volunteered to take her home to talk to Alan. They hugged; he liked it. Later, Harley returned home to find the remnants of Rick's dinner party. She suspected Gus until he called to say he was working on a case. At the Spaulding mansion, Beth panicked when she heard Alan listening to opera, because that means he's plotting revenge. Rick and Beth entered to find Alan and District Attorney Doris sharing wine. Doris was looking hot, so Beth was instantly jealous. Alan said Doris will quash his restraining order. Rick warned Alan not mess with Beth. Alan reminded Rick that Beth isn't the woman Rick fell in love with 20 years ago, and he'll never replace Phillip in her life. Beth snarked at Doris' coif and sexy dress. Doris said she's upgrading. When Rick was ready to leave, Beth made him take Doris with him. Then Beth and Alan bickered over loyalty. She insisted she was being his eyes and ears, calling Doris "cheap and easily bought."

Meanwhile, skulking on a snow-swept Main Street with the infant, Gus told Harley he can't come home tonight. Reva called Josh. He was helping Cassie trim her tree, and put off Reva to smooch Cassie. Reva dialed Lillian and told her, "Let's go get us some men" at the cancer-survivors singles' group. As Lizzie and Jonathan fussed over Sarah and bonded, Tammy peered in the window.

2005 recaps