Friday, December 16, 2005
Tess emerged, began attacking Viki, Antonio and Clint and demanded to see Nash. Meanwhile, Nash, pretty gloomy in the California cottage, heard Tess call his name. Tess told Jessica's family that Jessica was an idiot. Tess made it clear that she knows all the secrets. Antonio got Nash on the phone for Tess and could barely control his hurt when Tess and Nash began talking. When Nash said he was getting on the next flight to Llanview, Antonio grabbed the phone and hung up on him. Tess called him a pig. Viki told Tess that she loved her, that she was her daughter. "It's time for the pain to go away, not you Tess," said Viki, and asked Tess to please tell her what happened. Tess sniped, "You know what Mommy, maybe I'll just do that." Tess remembered being at the bar but then decided she didn't want to remember any more. Viki explained that Dr. Fox couldn't help this situation as he has Jessica under hypnosis and therefore he has no control over Tess.

Nash was running to the airport when Mr. Reston (Nash had been engaged to his daughter Claudia) and two thugs dropped by. Reston blamed Nash for causing Claudia's breakdown. Nash got jittery but nearly punched Reston when he learned Reston had been behind the fire at the winery. The thugs beat Nash into the proverbial bloody pulp.

Someone left a really creepy skeleton doll in Todd's cell. The guard reminded him that everyone hates baby killers. Blair told Hugh that Todd was set up by Margaret. Blair let it slip that Todd had taken the Margaret out in a boat, which made Hugh very happy, and Blair, well, nervous.

Spencer remembered the first time he met Margaret and told her he was the guy who was going to make all her dreams come true, which included getting Todd Manning to be with her.

Bo wasn't happy that Paige wanted him to stay in the hospital. He was worried about Matthew's holiday. He took a little trip to Nora's hospital room and had a one-way conversation with his ex-wife. Then Hugh and Marcie paid Nora a visit. Hugh wanted to discuss the Todd Manning case with Nora, but couldn't, of course.

Michael overheard Marcie go on and on and on about Hugh. Michael had some news to share that he hoped he'd be doing some surgical training with Dr. Spencer Truman, making Michael one of the few people in town who actually likes the doctor. Paige said she'd approve his application, but warned Michael about getting to close to Spencer. Michael then visited Spencer to see how his application was going and then was given the fellowship. Michael could barely hold back his enthusiasm and rushed to tell Marcie, only to find her with Hugh, again.

Blair askd for Spencer's help YET AGAIN. Blair told Spencer all about Margaret's swimming prowess, and then told him about what happened in the boat. Spencer tried to be sympathetic and reminded Blair it's difficult to be accidentally strangled. Blair asked for Spencer's help in proving that Todd is innocent. Spencer was not ready to do that. Blair was determined to find the one man who really wanted Margaret dead. Blair seemed at her wit's end.

Thursday, December 15, 2005
Rex paid Bo a visit which was interrupted by Natalie, who stated nothing would ever be okay with her life again. Rex left Natalie with Bo. Bo suggested she "just unload on your old uncle. None of this is your fault." Natalie agreed but added that she doesn't know what's right anymore.

After the aforementioned few words of encouragement from Uncle Bo, Natalie headed to the prison where she promptly asked Cristian for a DIVORCE, after explaining that she needed some Natalie time, without Cris or John. Cris thought that was a really bad idea. Natalie didn't. She said she left the divorce papers with the security guard. Cris was not amused.

Rex ran into Adriana and apologized for their previous conversation. Rex made arrangements for Adriana to visit Cris.

John visited Cristian, who looked very citrus-like in his bright orange jumpsuit. John let Cris know he was backing off the relationship with Natalie and suggested Cris do the same. "For what it's worth I think she hates both of us," John added.

Bruce visited Nash in his California hideaway. Bruce told him that the Restons were still angry with him. (Apparently Nash was involved with a Reston daughter, I'm sure more will be revealed.) Nash apparently didn't have enough money to give Bruce the cash he demanded. "All I've got is this vineyard." "Well I guess you'll have to sell it." Nash said he'd do whatever he has to for Tess, and if that means sell, well... Bruce gave him two weeks. Nash placed the vineyard on the market, but remembered Antonio's offer to help him.

Niki told Dr. Fox she was on to him, and asked him to promise she wouldn't be pushed out. Fox asked Niki, "Why are you so scared?" Niki denied it any such thing. "I ain't worried." Fox asked Niki to remember when she used to take Jessica to those bars. "She followed me in." Niki remembered that the place was packed, great music. "Jessica was wandering around," she said. Then Jessica had a flashback and remembered taking a strange man's hand. She fainted into Antonio's arms. Fox woke Viki up from the hypnosis and then VIKI CAME BACK. Oh, how we missed her. Viki asked to be put under again. But the family said no way. Jessica volunteered to find Tess, but Antonio was adamant, NO NO NO. Jessica reminded Antonio that it wasn't his call and then explained that having Tess come out was the only way Jessica could heal. Her family reluctantly agreed to support her decision. Dr. Fox started Jessica counting back from 5,4,3,2.1. Dr. Fox asked to talk to Tess. "Allow Tess to come forward." She did and immediately asked for Nash.

Paige paid Spencer a visit. Spencer referred to Paige as a murderer. "I didn't mean for that man to die," she said. Paige begged that Spencer had no more plans to hurt the Buchanans. "As long as you keep doing what you are supposed to." She pleaded, "Tell me you are not going to do anything to Bo." Oh, Paige, if you only knew the half of it." We viewers then saw flashbacks of Spencer and Margaret talking.

Blair couldn't believe Todd thought Margaret framed him. "If all that did happen, then Margaret is the only one who can corroborate your story, and she's dead." Or is she? Todd flipped when Blair let it slip that Spencer had helped with the tree. Blair didn't think the "Margaret can swim" argument would work as Todd was the only person who had heard her say she couldn't swim. Todd was not convinced. Blair assured Todd that she believed him and left with a stack of papers for Evangeline. They kissed good-bye. "If we just had someone who knew who happened to Margaret." Then we the viewers saw flashbacks of Spencer taking to...yes, MARGARET.

Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Antonio and Jessica shared a holiday cuddle in front of the Christmas tree, to be rudely interrupted by Clint and Niki who asked Jessica, "Where's the little old winemaker?" Jessica asked Clint why Niki was let out of her room. Niki was going to be hypnotized, not Jessica? Niki was not happy about that and she stormed back upstairs. Jessica tried to convince Clint to let Tess come out (via hypnosis) but Clint remained adamant. Antonio also sided with Clint. Then Nash called and Jessica answered. (It was no biggie callwise though Nash clearly missed Tess, as he was all alone in that California cabin.) Dr. Fox (who was going to do the hypnotizing) arrived to the sounds the of the alarm going off. Apparently, Niki was trying to climb out the window. Clint brought her back and Jessica explained that she needed her help. Niki listened and agreed to help her. "Just don't get used to it," Niki retorted.

David paid his big brother a visit and asked for an update on Spencer's plan to take over Llanview. Those battling brothers — David and Spencer — got into it about Blair and brotherly bonds. David asked Spencer, "If you get together with Blair, will you leave Paige and me alone?" Spencer's answer? "No." David began a small speech (beautifully delivered by Tuc Watkins) about brotherly relations. "You are not obligated to like me...you failed me as a brother a long time ago and you are still failing yourself as a man." It was a touching speech and David almost, ALMOST, got through to Spencer. (Spencer didn't say a word as David left his office.) But then the phone rang and it was Blair and all became right in Spencer's world.

Rex and Todd rejoiced (if one can actually rejoice behind bars) over the news (and documentation) that Margaret could do much more than just the dog paddle in the water. Rex had college newspaper reports about Margaret's stellar swimming record. At that point, Todd flashed back to Margaret telling him she couldn't swim. Todd speculated on what Margaret was thinking that night. Rex was horrified when Todd admitted he had hoped to kill Margaret, so he told Todd to go to hell and started to leave the prison. But he didn't get far. Todd explained that his plan to kill Margaret was only a fantasy. Todd added that Margaret had kept him captive, and had tried to kill both his children. Margaret had thrown herself overboard. Rex said he was in no position to judge. Todd added that he now wanted to keep someone else "from destroying my family." And we're sure that meant Spencer. Rex pressed for details and Todd hinted that "Someone was interested in Blair." Todd and Rex reviewed their plan, and discussed the possibility of Margaret still being ALIVE.

A sullen Starr made it clear she didn't want Christmas, she just wanted Dad — AKA Todd — to come home. And with that remark, the Christmas tree toppled over. Blair turned to Spencer for holiday help. Starr refused to pretend to enjoy the holidays. Jack asked if "we were cursed." (Starr taught him the word.) Of course, Spencer said he'd be right over. And he came over with a HUGE, SPARKLY Christmas tree. Blair showed her gratitude by giving him a kiss ON THE LIPS. Then she pulled back, somewhat awkwardly. The two chatted, flirted and smiled. Starr interrupted. "What's going on?" Spencer managed to calm the kids down and Blair headed out to visit Todd.

Kevin and Kelly sparkled and snuggled in front of the Christmas Tree. The mood was interrupted when a man came to the door and presented him with papers. "You've been served. Merry Christmas." He was subpoenaed to testify against Todd. David dropped by to tell Kelly he was happy the surgery went well. Kevin headed off to work and David congratulated him on the beautiful engagement ring he had given to Kelly.

Dr. Fox began hypnotizing Niki, and asked if she knew about Jessica's alter and why she was created. Niki said she did. Rex and Blair crossed paths in front of Todd's cell. Todd presented Blair with proof that he was being framed for Margaret's murder.

Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Spencer and Blair ran into each other at the graves of Margaret and Todd Manning Cochran Jr. Then they ran into Ellen Foley, Margaret's sister and Ginger's mother. Talk about awkward. Ellen thanked Spencer for trying to save "my little girl." Blair was relieved that Ellen didn't recognize her. Duke showed up and made nice with the weeping mom. Duke and Adriana made up, apologized and noted that grieving Ginger had put things into perspective. The service began, with the group of mourners standing around the newly dug graves. Rex arrived late, only to catch Adriana and Duke holding hands. Duke tried to comfort Ellen, while Rex made a beeline to Adriana. Adriana didn't want to hear Rex's attempts at a declaration of affection. Adriana responded with "Rex, you are right; we have nothing in common," and returned to Duke's arms. Rex began talking to Ellen and inadvertently learned a huge tidbit about Margaret: she had been a champion swimmer. Uh-oh. Then Ellen remembered who Blair was, blasted her and called Todd "the devil."

David tried to drown his troubles at the Capricorn bar. Kevin came to pick up dinner for Kelly and exchanged words with David. David reminded Kevin how lucky he was to have Kelly. Kevin told Dorian that David's drunken state was "embarrassing, heading toward maudlin." Dorian exploded when Kevin told her Kelly had had the procedure. Dorian blasted David and said he should get a cab right now. Kevin went home to Kelly and proposed to her. She said yes.

Rex paid Todd a visit in prison. Todd asked Rex for some help. "I have some money," he said. At first Rex wasn't interested and headed off to the funeral. Rex returned to Todd's cell with news that Margaret could swim, news "that changes everything." We'll drink to that.

It was just a hubbub of activity in the foyer at Llanfair. Jessica tried to convince Clint that Tess could help the situation. Nash offered his two cents. Antonio showed up and told Jessica the news that Cristian was alive. Kevin showed up and learned that Niki was back. (He was shocked, to say the least.) "MY mother is Niki again and no one told me?" Kevin was kind of testy, and Clint explained that he hasn't had a lot of time to tend to "the family pipeline." Antonio, Clint and Jessica agreed that Nash's input would be necessary in "sorting all this out," as Clint said.

Natalie paid Cristian a visit. (If looks could kill...that's all this recapper has to say.) Cris tried to be nice. "Don't get all protective on me" she sanpped and started asking the question WHY WHY WHY. She read Cris the riot act and was NOT cutting him any slack. Cristian began explaining what happened, the whole Carlo Hesser thing. "Keep talking," she said, avoiding eye contact. "I wanted you to remember the way I was." He then got on his knees, proclaimed his love and said he had asked John to promise to keep the secret. Natalie tensed up. She reminded Cris that she should have had a choice. "You wouldn't be so angry if you didn't still love me," Cris said. Natalie's eyes welled up as she let Cris kiss her. Cris 1, John 0. Then Natalie pushed Cris away and started getting angry again. "What we had is dead," Natalie said and stormed out of Cris's hospital room, but she stayed outside to watch him being led back to jail.

Monday, December 12, 2005
John watched as Natalie cleared out her desk at the police station. She asked him if he had planned to keep her in the dark about Cristian "for the rest of our lives?" John explained that he was trying to honor the promise he made to Cris. John added that he never planned getting involved with her. Natalie accused John to being in cahoots with Cris and that the two would decide who would get her. John tried to explain that he was stuck in the middle. John then offered Natalie a heartfelt apology, something that Natalie did not accept. "I never will forgive you." Natalie did change her mind about something: She wasn't going to quit her job at the station. She declared that not only will she never forgive John, she now hates him. Natalie then stormed over to Statesville and demanded to see her husband.

David hinted to Asa that he has some interesting information. "This better be good," Asa barked. David let Asa know that Spencer was out to get the Buchanans, but that was old news for Asa. David added that he had something specific. David asked Asa to be a go-between, to put in a good word on David's behalf to win back Dorian. If so, then David would divulge what Spencer's been up to. Asa turned down David's offer and pointed out that Spencer cheated at poker. "Only weasels do that." Asa compared David to "that crap I scrape off the bottom of my boots." Asa got up and ran right smack into Spencer. Spencer demanded an apology for Asa's barging into his operating room. Spencer demanded that David tell him about his conversation with Asa. David said he had told Asa nothing and referred to Asa as "the old buzzard."

At Capricorn, Nash and Rex bonded over their relationship problems. Rex knew exactly who Nash was and tried to explain his connection to Tess. He's "her host body's sister's brother." [Translation: Rex is her host body's (Tess' host body is Jessica) sister's (that would be Natalie) brother.] "It's a long story."

Clint and Jessica got ready for Dr. Jamerson's arrival. Niki was not invited to that meeting. However, knock knock, Vinnie, Niki's lawyer, showed up. Clint let himself into Niki's room and took away her phone. Jessica tried to explain the Niki/Viki situation to Vinnie. Niki was delighted to meet Vinnie in person and loved hearing him demand that she be released from captivity, now. Clint sent Jessica back downstairs, while Niki began ranting about Daddy's little girl. Clint began to explain Niki's mental illness to Vinnie, but Niki would have none of it. Clint brought out a letter that Viki wrote that Niki should be sent to a mental institution when and if she came out. Vinnie saw that it was legally binding. Niki was far from amused. Dr. Jamerson had a family emergency and was a no-show. Nash showed up at Llanfair. "I still can't stay away," he said. Jessica told Clint she was the only one that could get rid of Niki, and she was going to do that with the help of Tess. Nash was pleased to hear of that plan.