Dion

And as Kylie prepares for wedding #4, her memory decides to come back and ruin everything! She, TK and Sophia should form a club, maybe bring Maia back too. And Sass (though that was a clear cut case of self defence)

Wednessday July 1, 1981 Luke and Robert visit Benny the fence in their endless search for the Ice Princess. Benny points out that every time that Luke is around there is trouble and calls Luke a lousy con-artist. Luke and Robert try to entice Benny by hinting at a big deal, but Benny wants no part of it. Luke dangles $30k in cash in front of Benny and Benny starts naming names. Edward, Alan and Monica are very content (for once) after finishing dinner. After remarking that Lila and Alex have gone out for the evening, Edward says he enjoys this time of evening when they (Alan and Monica) start coming up with excuses to go out. Edward is surprised that for once Alan and Monica insist they will spend the evening at home. Alan questions Edward about the financial troubles at ELQ, but Edward says that he has been assured that the financial troubles will soon be over. Alan says that Alex has been giving those assurances ever since she came to Port Charles. Alan eventually excuses himself to make a phone call (to Susan at the Disco of course). Larry, the PI watches as Susan talks to Alan on the phone. Charlie Lutz is watching baseball with his feet soaking in a foot spa, much to the chagrin of his wife Emma, who is expecting a visit from Lila and Alex. When Lila and Alex arrive, Emma is too embarrassed to let them in and tries to arrange a meeting with them at the mansion. Alex asks Emma to give them the statue - promising to arrange a photographer to put her on the society pages, but Emma refuses to handover the statue and shuts the door. A mad Emma blames Charlie and pours his beer into the foot spa. Later, Emma sobs as she kisses the Ice Princess, calling it her 'ticket to high society' and sits down to eat a box of chocolates. Charlie comes in looking for his coat and is agitated when he can't find it. Emma is upset and calls him a slob, saying she had to slam the door to the Quartermaines. Charlie says that he'll make it up to her by taking her to the 'Bucket of Blood'. The two discuss how they met (turns out they married after a five day courtship) and Emma is pacified when Charlie reminds her that he told her that he'd been looking for a broad like her his entire life. The two kiss. Kemo reports to Tony that his men have not been able to find Luke and Robert. Alex comes to him and Tony tells her that Luke and Robert have escaped. Alex tells Tony that she has found the statue. Tony is anxious to get the statue but Alex says that the situation requires a more delicate feminine touch and that she wants to get the statue back for him as she is the one who took it in the first place. The two embrace. A short while later though, Tony is still worried about the statue. Alex explains that the statue is currently in the possession of a woman who doesn't know its worth. This calms Tony down and the two embrace again. Larry speaks to Susan, introducing himself as 'Leonard' and claiming that he is a production manager looking for disco locations for a big picture. Susan is skeptical, saying that she thought sets would be built for that. Larry Leonard says that these days the public wants more realist locations. Susan says that she would have to talk to her partner (Alan) about it first. Leonard offers to buy Susan a drink, but she refuses because of her pregnancy. Leonard offers his best wishes. Benny tries hard to think of people that Luke and Robert might be looking for, but Luke and Robert aren't satisfied with his suggestions. Luke and Robert go off to the Bucket of Blood to leave Benny alone to think. Not long afterwards, Benny's pawnbrokers is raided by the police and he is arrested. Lila returns to the Mansion just in time to play a game of bridge with Edward, Alan and Monica. Monica asks Alan if they will play as husbands and wives or if they will mix and match. Lila begins to tell Monica about her visit with Emma, but Edward says that he doesn't want to hear about her miserable evening. Monica convinces Edward to switch partners, but Alan refuses saying that he'd prefer to play with his wife as always. Edward makes a crack about double entendres and starts dealing out the cards, with the husbands playing with their wives as per usual. Luke plays on the pinball machine at the Bucket of Blood. Luke and Robert then discuss what could have happened to the statue. Emma and Charlie arrive with some friends, Robert teases Luke about Emma being one of his romantic assignations but Luke hides his face from Emma and says that she is likely to beat him to death with her lip gloss. Robert goes to call Benny, but a police officer answers and Robert learns that Benny has been arrested. Robert tells Luke and Luke believes that Benny won;t be talking to them once he gets out. Luke and Robert go back to talking about past events and Luke suddenly gets an idea and looks at Charlie. Larry Leonard explains the plot of his movie to Susan, Bryan, Claudia and Amy, saying that it is a horror film about a doctor that goes off the deep end and it is a Jekyll and Hyde type story. Amy is excited at the thought of being in a movie, but Bryan and Claudia point out that it will only be as an extra. After exchanging further pleasantries with Susan, Leonard Larry calls Monica, interrupting the Quartermaine bridge game. Alan answers the call and tells Monica. Edward subtly suggests to Alan that he eavesdrop on the call, but Alan decides not to. Meanwhile Larry tells Monica that she'll have grounds for divorce sooner than she thinks (but doesn't tell her about the pregnancy yet). Having finished making love with Tony, Alex gets ready to depart the yacht. She promises Tony that she will get the Ice Princess first thing in the morning. Tony asks why he trusts Alex when he doesn't trust the rest of the world. Alex tells Tony to get some sleep and that tomorrow they will begin their lives of wealth power and love.

Ummm, this situation is really odd. It seems June Brown's done a Beverlee McKinsey: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/feb/21/june-brown-says-shes-played-eastenders-dot-cotton-for-last-time https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a31028624/eastenders-june-brown-quits-dot-cotton/ Seems her final airdate was last month when Dot left for Ireland! Somebody recorded the radio interview with June Brown's limerick.

Actually, Lucky was presumed dead in 1999, so Genie Francis wouldn't have been eligible to be nominated for Lucky's death until the following year, when Susan Flannery won.

(The following is all pieced together from Wikipedia and the whos who profiles on soapcentral which are surprisingly extensive for some of the early GL characters). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guiding_Light_(1937–49) https://www.soapcentral.com/gl/whoswho/ray.php https://www.soapcentral.com/gl/whoswho/meta.php https://www.soapcentral.com/gl/whoswho/mama.php NBC cancelled the show in November 1946, CBS picked it up in June 1947. The CBS version shifted production from Chicago to Hollywood and the show's locale from Five Points to Selby Flats. Rev. Dr. Ruthledge appears to have died just before the end of the NBC/Five points run, with his lamp being transferred to his friend the Rev. Dr. Matthews in Selby Flats. Selby Flats originally revolved around Rev. Dr. Charles Matthews and his interactions with an ex con, Roger Barton sr. aka Ray Brandon, who'd been framed for a crime he didn't commit. There was a roughly year-long storyline involving Ray wanting to reconcile with his son and get revenge on the man who'd framed him, while falling in love with Charlotte at the same time. When that was all cleared up and Ray was exonerated, Ray became a lawyer, married Charlotte, and together they adopted Chuckie who was Meta Bauer's son in 1948. This heralded the arrival of the Bauers. Meta was initially estranged from her family and as @Paul Ravensays, was going by the name Jan Carter. Mama Bauer had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and this was the impetus for Meta's reunion with her family. The show moved production to New York City in 1949, Bert was introduced and she and Bill married at the end of 1949. Mama died whilst Bill and Bert were on their honeymoon. At some point, Rev. Dr. Matthews was replaced by Rev. Dr. Keeler and eventually the religious aspects were phased out as the Bauer's become the central point of the show. Meta eventually reclaimed her son and married son's father Ted White, later shooting Ted dead after Chuckie was killed in an accident while in Ted's care. This lead to the famous trial storyline in 1951. The show stayed in Selby Flats until 1965-66 when it began to transition to Springfield.

Referred to as an infant in this 1969 article about Marlowe joinng AW, so 50, maybe 51 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1917&dat=19690830&id=_KVGAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Y-kMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3682,6447586&hl=en

My guess is that they would have shown everything up to and including the iconic shot of Amanda looking through the railings and mouthing "Oh my god" before being hurled down the stairs by a secondary blast. After that point it cuts abruptly to a series of shots showing some of the characters starting to get up (Michael first, Peter and Jo next, then Sydney...).

Tuesday June 30, 1981 Hutch and Toby are in the prison infirmary with digitalis poisoning. The doctor says that they will have to be moved to General Hospital. Soon afterwards, Rick, Noah, Georgia and Bobbie discuss the case. Rick gets Georgia to take care of the security arrangements and Georgia says that she has assigned Bobbie to the case so Hutch will see a familiar face when he wakes. Emma is surprised to find the Ice Princess. She rings up the Quartermaine mansion. Stella answers and Emma asks to speak to Lila. Emma and Lila speak on the phone. Emma apologises to Lila for being rude to her at the auction. Lila is shocked when Emma says that she has the statue as she thought that Luke stole it. Emma suggests that she can give it back to Lila over a nice glass of sherry. Alex walks in as Lila is getting Emma's contact details. After finishing the call, Lila tells Alex that Emma has the statue. Lila says that she won't go over and have sherry with Emma, but Alex convinces her that they could sell the statue to raise money for General Hospital. Alex gets Emma's address. Slick brings an excited Laura (wearing her Lucy wig) to the apartment. Luke and Laura are reunited again. Luke asks Laura questions about Duval. Laura reports that Duval got nervous when she mentioned the Ice Princess. Robert asks Laura if she saw a formula, but Laura says she didn't see it. Robert asks for Duval's address but Laura refuses to give it until she receives some answers. Laura asks about O'Reilly and why Robert is there. Robert admits that he is an agent. Luke tells Laura that the cops who picked him up at the mission were Cassadine's men. This is enough to satisfy Laura and she gives the address. Luke, Slick and Robert head off to Duval's apartment. Joe comes over to visit Lesley and asks her if she still has Rick's gun. They check the box and sure enough the gun is gone. Later, Joe accompanies Lesley to the hospital where she picks up some messages from Amy. Rick informs them about Hutch. Joe informs Rick that the gun is missing. Luke and Robert break into Duval's apartment. Slick helps them search the apartment for the formula. They have no luck finding anything, even though Robert resorts to cutting off the heels of Duval's shoes. Bobbie watches over Hutch and Toby. Toby begins to stir so Bobbie gets Noah to come check on him. Meanwhile, Amy asks Georgia if Joe's presence has anything to do with Hutch. Georgia tells her that she is in training to watch patients, not visitors. Joe paces back and forth until Burt arrives. Joe tells Burt about the gun being missing. Burt tells Joe that he still hasn't found the gun. Alex calls Emma. Alex tells Emma that she wants to buy the statue. Alex says she'll come over with her aunt (a lie since Lila has refused to meet with Emma). Emma realises that her apartment is still too messy so begins to tidy up again. Laura visits GH accompanied by O'Reilly. Amy asks her sister where she has been and who is the lady accompanying her. Their conversation is interrupted by Georgia, who sends Amy away. Laura thanks Georgia. Georgia says that Amy has a habit of putting her nose in business where she doesn't belong. Laura tells Georgia that she'd like to see her mother. Georgia tells Laura that Lesley is in CICU with Rick. Lesley says that Hutch is doing very well considering his history of heart surgery and is lucky that the prison got him here so fast. Rick agrees with her assessment. Rick and Lesley note that Toby looks like he's starting to come around. Rick says it should take around two or three weeks for them to recover. Rick and Lesley mention the security at the prison. Lesley notes that it would be safer for them at the Hospital and says that it is very depressing as a doctor to make someone well and cure and release them, then send them back to get poisoned again. Rick says they can;t control that. "Imagine how he's going to feel about going back there" Lesley says. Laura and O'Reilly talk in the lounge. O'Reilly gives Laura some love advice and then sings a line from a song - "A good man is hard to find, You always get the other kind". O'Reilly tells Laura that she can live happily for ever after. Just then Lesley arrives. Lesley tells Laura that Hutch has been brought to the hospital, but that the prognosis is good. Lesley explains that Hutch and another prisoner were poisoned. Laura is enraged and suggests that the prison officials are either incompetent or as crooked as the cons. Lesley says that maybe it's a little bit of both. Lesley says that Hutch was poisoned with a combination of digitalis and arsenic in the coffee but adds that he should recover, but says that no one can visit them. Lesley then changes the subject to O'Reilly. O'Reilly awkwardly introduces herself. Laura then tells Lesley that she can't see Tony anymore as he is involved in dangerous things with the Quartermaines. As O'Reilly, Amy and Georgia look on, Laura and Lesley start arguing when Lesley realises that this is all based on what Luke has said and Laura refuses to go into details. Lesley remembers that O'Reilly was the woman Luke locked in the mummy case at the auction. "I can't deal with this! I can't deal with any of this!" Lesley says as she angrily storms off. James Duval finds that his apartment has been trashed. He tries to ring Alex but when he fails to get through to her he starts packing. At one point he opens the heel of the shoe he is wearing and pulls out the formula (thus showing that Robert wasn't so crazy to check the shoes after all, just that Duval was wearing the pair with the formula hidden in them at the time). O'Reilly says that while she is disappointed that Lesley didn't believe Laura's warnings, she can't blame her. Laura says that she'll have to find some way of convincing Lesley, O'Reilly says that they will have to come up with something. Laura tells O'Reilly that she wants to be alone to do some things but O'Reilly won't leave her alone. "I'm sorry kid, but from now on you and I are sticking together like the Siamese twins, in other words, like glue". Laura wants to go over to Duval's apartment, but O'Reilly won't allow it and convinces Laura to go someplace else with her instead. Slick brings Luke and Robert some soggy fast food dinner. Robert and Luke figure out that Duval must keep the formula with him (in the heel of his shoe like Robert though earlier). Robert suggests Slick watch over Duval's apartment while he and Luke go to Benny (the pawnbroker). Meanwhile, Duval hides the formula in the lining of his suitcase. He tries to call Laura to no avail, before leaving his apartment with the suitcase.

Monday June 29, 1981 A new day dawns over Port Charles. Anne and Amy are on shift together at the Hospital. Amy questions why Anne never goes to the disco, then goes off on a tangent about the way that Joe is treating Heather. Joe interrupts her! In prison, Big Ralph speaks to Toby. Toby tells Ralph that he thinks people aren't happy that he failed to kill Hutch. Ralph says that he will get someone else to kill Hutch and that he'll take care of Hutch. Big Ralph tells Toby that there is a new guard in the prison that can't be bought. After Toby leaves, Ralph starts laughing as the guard walks past for some reason. Later Hutch fakes anger when Toby is sent to bring his food to him. Toby warns Hutch that Big Ralph is still out to get him and that Ralph told him about a new guard who is on the level. Hutch is skeptical. The new guard interrupts their conversation. He tells them that he knows everything and that he is there to protect both of them. Luke finally wakes up with a very sore head. He is surprised when Robert reveals that they are in a secret room in his penthouse. O"Reilly calls and warns Robert that Cassadine's men are swarming all over the place. The two then hear noises and run back into the secret room. Luke is amazed by all the 'James Bond" stuff in the secret room. The two bicker as Robert still refuses to tell Luke the full facts about the Ice Princess. Cassadine's men break into the apartment and search for Luke and Robert but exit to search the other apartments when they don't find Luke and Robert. Anne moans about Amy's meddling to Joe. Anne tells Joe that she spoke to Jeff and says that Jeff and Steven-Lars have settled into their new lives. Anne says that she thinks that Jeff will never come back to Port Charles and that Jeff asked her to consider moving her and Jeremy out there. The conversation returns to Heather. Anne wonders where Heather would have gotten the gun. Joe begins to wonder the same thing. Luke complains about O'Reilly causing him trouble but is somewhat amazed when Robert tells him that it was O'Reilly who cut the power 'the other night'. Luke tells Robert that Alex has been using Laura as a go between between her and Duval and adds that they have to warn Laura about the frame up. Just then, Cassadine's men return, followed by O"Reilly posing as a maid. She absolutely eviscerates the henchmen for causing a mess in the penthouse and drives them out, before giving the all clear to Luke and Robert. O"Reilly then smuggles Luke and Robert out in the garbage cans, whilst complaining about possibly getting a hernia. Anne and Joe continue talking, with Joe saying that he is enjoying being back in his old neighborhood (The Waterfront). Rick arrives and tells Amy off for forgetting an admissions list. Amy leaves to run that errand. Joe then suggests to Rick that Heather could have gotten a gun when she was out of the sanitarium last Christmas. Rick suggests that Joe check Lesley's house. The new guard explains that the warden has sent him down as he wants to know what is really going on. He sends Toby away so the others won;t get suspicious. Hutch is still skeptical of the new guard, but the guard says that it is his job to see that Hutch doesn't get out, but it's also his job to ensure that Hutch stays alive. Later Toby is out in the yard. The new guard says he wants to break Big Ralph's operation in the prison and advises Toby to come up with a system so he and Hutch can help each other. The new guard gives Toby and Hutch 15 minutes to talk. The two figure out that Big Ralph will take them out at the same time. The new guard gives them coffee and Hutch plays a tune on his guitar, but suddenly starts to feel ill. Toby decides to go and get help, but he quickly collapses. Obviously something was in that coffee! O'Reilly meets with Slick and tells him that they have to get Luke and Robert over to Laura's apartment without being seen. Slick is amused when O'Reilly tells him that she hid Robert and Luke in some garbage cans. Soon afterwards, Luke, Robert, Slick and O'Reilly are all at Laura's apartment. Luke explains to Slick about the plan to frame Laura. Robert says that it's likely that Alex would have planted items that Laura couldn't possibly afford. Slick quickly finds the fur coat, while Luke finds the airline tickets. Slick sits down at the window seat, after a while he eventually realises that he is sitting on the money. With that found, the four head upstairs to Luke's apartment. Slick and Luke speak to Laura (unseen) on the phone. Luke tells Laura that he'll send Slick over to get her. After Slick leaves, Luke and Robert share a drink. Luke asks Robert if he is a good guy and whether he believes that good guys finish last. Robert says that they have no choice but to win otherwise they'll all be dead. Robert asks Luke if he can even guess as to who has the Ice Princess. Emma and Charlie Lutz are arguing. Charlie is not happy with the state of their messy apartment and demands Emma clean it up. Emma starts cleaning and is shocked to find the Ice Princess in her closet!

Actually that was pretty much it. After the Shelly storyline (which as you say lasted way too long), there was a brief arc involving a loan shark (about 4 or 5 episodes) that followed on from the Shelly arc (as Jake was broke and needed money to keep Shooters afloat) and then Jake got involved with Jane.

Not sure whether there are two unavailable episodes or whether the show may have been pre-empted. June 25 appears to seamlessly follow on June 22, with the exception that it is a new day. Wish I had episode numbers. Thursday June 25, 1981 It is a new day in Port Charles. Alex and Tony talk on the phone, and Tony updates her on the situation with Luke. Meanwhile, Laura meets with Edward at ELQ and tells him that she is resigning. When Edward probes Laura's reasons for quitting, Laura says that it is the personality clash between her and Alex. When Edward asks her to stay for a few more weeks, Laura refuses, citing "urgent business". Edward accepts Laura's resignation and offers to have her and Lesley over for lunch. Alex arrives, and Edward tells her about Laura leaving. Alex is angry until Edward points out that Laura quitting fits perfectly into their plans for a frame up. O'Reilly rings Robert and updates him on what is happening at the yacht. They believe Luke is still on there. Robert makes a report to Control, saying that the truth serum Tony used on Luke has failed. Control tells Robert to keep an eye on the situation, ordering him to eliminate Luke if it looks like he is going to spill the location of the Ice Princess. Robert later goes over the plans for the yacht. Joe is at GH where Jessie tells him about all the emergencies at the hospital. Joe is looking for Burt who is interviewing people about the car accident that preceded the burst water pipe. Joe heads up in the lift and is greeted by Bobbie who asks him if he heard about all the emergencies. Joe finally meets with Burt and the two discuss criminal insanity. Joe is worried about Heather possibly being sent to an institution for the criminally insane. Burt notes that such places are overcrowded and says that some of them are snake pits. Noah arrives at the hospital and talks to Bobbie and Jessie as they are sorting out files. Noah invites Bobbie for lunch. Lesley arrives at the nurses station, followed by Rick. Lesley tells Rick that Edward has invited her and Laura for a friendly lunch. Just then Rick gets paged. Lesley turns around and finds Jessie and Bobbie looking at her (obviously thinking that things are going well for a reconciliation between her and Rick). Lesley gets all flustered and leaves. Joe tells Lee about his meetings with Rick and Burt about criminal insanity. Lee tells Joe that Heather will make for a very beautiful and compelling figure on the witness stand. Lee says that it can cloud your judgement when someone you know is involved. Joe remembers that Lee was close to Diana, Lee confirms this and says that that's why he was asked to handle the adoption proceedings for PJ/Steven-Lars. Joe says that Diana knew what Heather was capable of but no-one believed her. Lee agrees, and says that he'll never forgive himself for not believing her. Joe asks if Lee thinks that Heather is capable of murder, Lee says that her past actions combined with the LSD suggest that she is but Joe isn't convinced about that. Lee says that Heather will be put in an asylum. Joe says that he'll be the one guilty of putting her there, but Lee tells Joe that they have a responsibility to the truth above all else. Alex surprises Tony at the Yacht and the two embrace. Tony says that the truth serum used on Luke didn't work as expected and that he'll have to use other methods. Alex is concerned that the use of torture on Luke will kill him and suggests trying her plan to frame Laura instead. Laura tells Lesley about quitting ELQ just before they meet with Edward for lunch. Edward is called away to take a phone call so Lesley continues questioning Laura about her reasons for quitting. With Lesley suggesting that Luke is behind it, Laura quickly has enough and storms out, much to the (somewhat feigned) surprise of Edward. Bobbie and Noah discuss rock music over lunch. Bobbie thinks that rick is too common for someone like Noah but Noah goes on about how many rock stars are educated and adds that he is interested in many forms of music. Noah tells Bobbie that he is going to serenade her right there in the cafeteria. Bobbie points out that he'll look really silly. Laura and Slick talk at Kelly's. Laura is anxious to help Luke but Slick isn't convinced that it is a good idea. Laura tells Slick that he is going to call Kurt Wheeler (a.k.a James Duval) and Slick insists on going with her when she does. Slick says he has to go make some money on the taxis and leaves Laura in charge of looking after the coat with the missing button. After Slick has gone, Laura rings Kurt (James) and tells him that she wants to see him tonight. O'Reilly reports to Robert that Alex made another visit to the yacht. Robert says he has a plan and tells O'Reilly to stay invisible until he gets there. Edward tells Alex that he arranged to be called to the telephone, which left Lesley and Laura to argue. Edward tells Alex that he has jimmied the safe so it looks like someone has broken into it. Edward notices that something is up with Alex, so Alex tells him that she has arranged for the Quartermaine fortune to be safe. Lesley tells Rick about Laura quitting her job and that she went bananas on Laura and Laura stormed out of lunch. Rick and Lesley note that last summer appears to be happening all over again. Meanwhile, Slick accompanies Laura over to Duval's apartment. Slick is concerned about Laura's safety and tries to come up with plan to extricate Laura if she is in trouble (he'll knock on the door and tell her that her cab is waiting). Laura is dismissive of Slick's plan and of many potential threats to her safety. Slick is also concerned when Laura mentions that 'Kurt Wheeler' also goes under the name 'James Duval', he insists that Laura stick to the plan so Laura reluctantly agrees. --- Friday June 26, 1981 Monica makes a phone call to confirm an appointment with someone. Soon afterwards, Kathy discusses her new car with Alan and Monica. Kathy says she will go off to the disco and that she feels free now that she has a car. Alan is annoyed (since he wants to visit Susan) Monica wishes that Kathy have a good time. Luke (looking a bit worse for wear) is brought to Tony, who is eating dinner. Tony tells Luke that he'll be free if he tells him where the Ice Princess is, but Luke says he knows that Tony will never let him walk of the boat alive. At the disco, Claudia is mad that Bryan stood her up for their date last night. Bryan explains about the emergency, Claudia says that she understands but that Bryan should have called her. Claudia is enraged when Bryan tells her that he was afraid she'd go off with another guy and then kisses her. The kiss appeases Claudia much to the amusement of Kathy. Alan is watching Kathy and tells Susan that Monica will use all her resources to find out about them, including Kathy. Bobbie tries to talk about work with Noah but Noah says that Bobbie is starting to nag and goes off to dance with Kathy. Bryan and Claudia note that there is trouble in paradise. Laura talks to an agitated James Duval. Laura tells Duval that she has quit ELQ. Laura explains that she thinks that the Quartermaines are hiding something and suggests to James that they are hiding things from him too. Laura plants doubts about Alex in James' head and notes that the way he has been living (cooped up in a small apartment) is unnatural. Laura tells James that she knows he is connected to the Ice Princess and that she wants to help him. Duval asks Laura if he can call her, Laura says yes and the two exchange some pleasantries before Laura exits the apartment. Monica meets with a man, Larry Corrigan at a seedy dive. The two briefly discuss why Larry left the FBI. Larry asks Monica how she is related to the Quartemaines. Monica explains that she is married to Alan, but hopes not to be. Monica explains that she wants her freedom and custody of her son. Monica gives Larry all the details about Susan and her beau. When Larry notes that its strange that Alan isn't more agreeable to a divorce, Monica rages against the arrogance of the Quartermaine men. Robert and O'Reilly go over Robert's plan. Meanwhile Tony continues to question Luke about the whereabouts of the Ice Princess. They are interrupted by Robert's arrival. Tony threatens to make Laura talk if they can't force Luke to talk. Tony then tells Luke and Robert the entire plan to frame Laura. Robert then convinces Tony to let him take a turn at questioning Luke. Robert says that he'll have five point to make and that Luke will be gone with point five. With every 'point', Robert flicks his lighter but after point four, Tony pauses the interrogation to analyse those four points for a moment. Slick takes Laura to the Mission and Laura talks to Brother Alkins (the preacher). Alkins tells Slick and Laura that two policeman took "Lloyd" (Luke) away but that he doesn't believe that he was a thief. Slick also notes that something is up. Slick asks around at the Mission while Laura makes a call to the precinct house. Laura tells Slick that there is no record of Luke's arrest. The two ask Alkins about what happened in the lead up to Luke being arrested and taken away. Alkins mentions a woman that came to visit Luke and Slick and Laura figure out that it was Alex. Laura visits the Quartermaine mansion and demands to speak to Alex but Stella the housekeeper says that Alexis asleep after a tough day. Laura makes a bit of a scene but Slick comes along and takes Laura out of the mansion. Noah asks Bobbie why she is suddenly so quiet. Noah says that he had some 'low thoughts' last night. Bobbie says that there are some thoughts more important than the urges of the season, like trust. Their conversation is interrupted by Kathy again who drags Noah back onto the dance floor. Meanwhile, Susan tells Alan that she wants to go away for a while. Alan tries to persuade her from leaving. Their conversation is interrupted by Kathy who says that she is going home. Tony has figured out that Luke and Robert are up to something. Luke and Robert deny this and attack each other but Tony has his men stop them fighting and tells them that arrangements have been made to dispose of them both. Luke finally lies to Tony that he has hidden the statue in a public locker. Robert offers to stay on the yacht as a hostage while Kemo accompanies Luke to go get the key for the locker. Robert then tricks Tony into lighting a cigarette for him. This gives the signal to O'Reilly to cause a blackout on the yacht so Luke and Robert can escape.

Good question, hopefully we will find someone who was watching all the way back then. I'm not surprised people complained about the Webbers, it seems the show quickly pivoted around them within months. They did at least tie the Webbers to Steve, although I've always thought it was a little out of character for Steve to have an adulterous affair with a friend's wife, even if it was when he was younger. EDIT: Just watched a clip of Jeff telling Rick that Steve is his father and even though it turns out Lars and Helene were separated when she slept with Steve, it still doesn't sit right. That's my feeling too, the first few years after Lesley's arrival (1973 - 75) seem to have been dominated by the continuing drama surrounding Phil Brewer and the Taylors with Lesley playing a supporting role. It wasn't a sudden takeover as in the case with the Webbers. Interestingly from some of the 1975 episodes I've seen, I believe it was her geode that was used to kill Phil and while she was not really considered a suspect, it did give her a small role in that story. Of course, at that time she also had a love triangle brewing with Cam and Owen Stratton - the proto-Rick! (Lesley and Owen even ran a free clinic together and had issues about potentially having children, sound familiar?) so even in the year leading up to Laura's arrival she was starting to become prominent. One thing that's interesting to me though is that Lesley's earliest lead storyline - when she was treating her ex lover's wife - ended up being the catalyst for introducing characters and situations that have driven story for over 45 years.

Steve and Audrey were supposed to go away together on vacation together (June 11 episode with the disastrous dinner party where the Hardys attempted to play peacemaker between the feuding Webbers and Baldwins) but a week later (June 18) Audrey said that Steve had gone off to a medical conference (at the last minute presumably) and their plans to go away together had gone out the window. Rick has been left in charge as temporary chief of staff so we currently have an arc about Rick being grouchy due to overwork (managing the hospital and his clinic) and clashing with Noah over Noah's attitude. Yes, Georgia usually appears when Jessie is not around but it also makes sense that they would at least try to have them both around for an episode such as this where there is a crisis at the hospital and they want to show an "all hands on deck" situation (only Alan and Monica were unaccounted for during the emergency, everyone else on staff was either there or in the case of Steve, not in Port Charles).

June 22, 1981 Hutch speaks to Bob, the guard who he calls Tiny Tim and says that he knows that he told the warden a story about what happened. Big Ralph asks Bob what went wrong but Bob says that the warden is on his case. After interviewing a number of prisoners, the warden is convinced that Hutch is lying. Bob taunts Hutch and calls him a walking dead man. Dan is busy at the hospital trying to sort out the power situation. He rings up the power company but they are very little help. Rick and Lesley arrive. Some time later, Rick tells Dan and Georgia that they have to sort out main power before fails. Dan sends Bryan down to switching room to get a report, while Jessie arrives. Dan sends her off to the ER, and Rick and Lesley head there as well. Dan decides to head down to the switching room himself. Bobbie and Noah are having dinner at Dino's. Noah says that he likes music, art, literature, poetry, wine, women, song, women, women, women... Bobbie asks him to be serious and Noah says that he is serious about the woman sitting opposite to him. Noah starts drumming on the table, but his beeper goes off. Ignoring the beeper, Noah just continues drumming away on the table using utensils. Luke has been brought to the Cassadine yacht where Tony and Robert are. Luke says that he doesn't know what the Ice Princess is and that he doesn't know where he is. Tony mentions the formula which Luke has no idea about. Tony continues to harangue Luke about the Ice Princess and threatens torture. Luke continues to insist that he doesn't have the Ice Princess but Tony doesn't believe him, getting Kemo to apply pressure to Luke's throat. Robert insists on asking Luke some questions. While interrogating Luke, Robert subtly tries to let Luke know he's on his side before pretending to get angry at him, with Tony's henchman having to restrain Robert. Audrey is busy wheeling a patient on a gurney around while Amy talks to a few patients. Rick and Lesley visit a boy who has appendicitis. Lesley comforts the boy and offers to accompany him upstairs to surgery. Jessie informs Rick that everyone has answered their calls, except for Noah. Bryan gives Rick a report on the state of the generators. Audrey tells Rick that the patients are getting panicky. Back at Dinos, Noah refuses to answer his beeper, but Bobbie eventually persuades him to call the hospital. Noah grumbles to Bobbie about the emergency, but the two finally decide to go. Anne is at the nurses station, while Gail is transferring a patient. Ruby walks in and says the supply room looks like a swamp. Anne sends Ruby on an errand. Finally Noah and Bobbie swan in and Rick doesn't look too happy. Later, Rick tells Lesley that he has to decide between two cases that have to go into surgery. To Rick's surprise, Noah offers to do one of the surgeries. Robert heads up to the deck while Tony injects Luke with truth serum. On the dock, Robert meets with O'Reilly and he updates her on what is going on with Luke. Robert heads back downstairs and observes as Tony interrogates Luke about his plans. Luke recounts how he got Bobbie to get rid of Kemo by screaming and how he put O'Reilly in the mummy case. Tony is confused and frustrated when Luke starts talking about a button and a man with distinctive cologne. In the end, Robert has to pull Tony off Luke. Georgia is on the phone as hospital staff mill around her. Bryan gives an increasingly agitated Dan a report on the situation, prompting Georgia to tell Dan to cool it. Bryan says that there is going to be a blackout when they switch from auxiliary to main generators, and that if the main power still doesn't work it will take several minutes to switch back to the generators. Meanwhile, Amy, Jessie, Gail and Lesley are talking when Dan comes along and tells them about the impending blackout. Lesley is worried as both Noah and Rick are operating. Bryan comes along and says that the power will go off in 30 seconds. We are then treated to a tense montage of the clock, Rick and Noah in their surgeries, and the rest waiting. Bryan counts down from 5 and then the power goes off for a brief moment before coming back on. "And Dan said, 'let there be light' and there was light", Dan says. Tony finally gives up as Luke remains incoherent. Tony tells Robert that he'll have to use torture, but Robert says that Luke might just say Tony says that he might have to kill Luke, but Robert says that the house of Cassadine can't be implicated in such a crime and suggests that he let Luke go as Luke won't tell the police. Tony says that he can't have Luke being able to tell tales. Robert then heads back to the dock and tells O'Reilly that if Luke doesn't come up with something to satisfy Cassadine, he's through. "he's going to be so far under the water that Cousteau won't find him", Robert says.

😂 --- June 19, 1981 Hutch calmly talks to Toby saying that he can't do it (kill Hutch). Toby drops the shiv. Toby admits that everyone in the prison has pressuring him to kill Hutch for weeks. "We're both as good as dead", Toby says. Hutch says that he won't let that happen and that there must be a way to at least save Toby's skin. Robert warns Tony that Alex will double cross him. Robert attempts to leave, but Tony insists that Robert stay for dinner. Over dinner, Tony asks Robert what he knows about James Duval. Robert says that Tony's affair with "the actress" (Tiffany Hill) drove Alex into Duval's arms and that it was easy for her to persuade him to steal the statue. Tony gets a telegram (sent directly to the yacht via wireless) confirming that Duval is in Port Charles under the name Kurt Wheeler. Robert already knew this information and tells Tony that it proves that Alex and Duval are "still thick" (as thieves presumably). Luke sings "Cheek to Cheek" (Heaven...I'm in Heaven...) while picking up trash. The preacher notes his joy. Luke tells the preacher a little bit about Laura. Luke's jubilant mood instantly changes when Alex walks in. "Hello kid", she says. Luke initially tells Alex he doesn't have the Ice Princess (which he doesn't) but then lies and says that he does. Luke gives Alex the run around, imitating a preacher and quoting scripture at Alex. Alex warns Luke that his time is almost over and that he should give her the Ice Princess. Luke compares Alex to the viper in the garden of Eden. Alex threatens Luke but Luke says her threats make no difference to him. Alex says that she'll reach for his weak spot. Luke says he has no weak spots, but Alex says that he is wrong - his weak spot is Laura Baldwin. At the Waterfront clinic, Rick tells Joe about his problems with the hospital and the clinic while eating some soup. The conversation turns to Heather and Joe says that his plan to have Deputy Martin identify Heather failed. Joe admits that he likes being around Heather and that he felt something when Heather kissed him goodnight. Rick again reminds Joe about what Heather did to Jeff. Joe asks Rick what it means, medically speaking, if someone is criminally insane. Rick explains the definitions of insanity and realises that Joe is talking about Heather. Joe admits that he's hesitant about Rick tells Joe that Heather's mother doesn't trust Heather so Joe can;t either. Rick suggests that Joe approach the situation as if it were a doctor-patient situation, as he may be more able to view it more objectively that way. Hutch formulates a plan to get Toby out of trouble, they'll say that Hutch was pretending to sleep when Toby made his move and that Hutch managed to defend himself. The two begin fighting and cause such a commotion that the guards arrive and take Toby away. Robert and Tony finish dinner. Alex phones Tony and says that she found Luke. Both Alex and Tony don;t believe Luke's claims that he doesn't have the statue. Before telling Tony the address for the mission, Alex extracts a promise that Edward won't be punished financially for her coming to side with the Cassadines. Tony gives that promise and Alex gives him the address. Tony sends Albert to fetch Luke. Meanwhile, Luke is in a hurry to leave the mission. The preacher asks him if he is in trouble, and - noting the cliche - Luke asks him if he can spare a dime to make a call to Laura. Unfortunately, Laura is not home so Luke asks the preacher to tell Slick and Laura that he'll be in touch if they come by the mission. As Luke leaves the mission, he is suddenly arrested by two cops for robbery. Hutch tells the warden that Toby attacked him. Bob (the guard) says that he sent Toby in to give Hutch some coffee, but Hutch says that Bob knew about the shiv. Toby backs up Bob's story (as he and Hutch planned). The warden is angry and says he'll notify the parole board. After the warden and Bob have left, Hutch and Toby briefly acknowledge one another. Later, Big Ralph speaks to a bruised Toby and tells him that the job still needs to be done. He sends Toby to get fixed up in the infirmary. Lesley tells Alice about the accident and the water main bursting at GH, adding that she wasn't there as she was at the Clinic. Just then, Rick arrives. Alice and Rick briefly discuss Heather. Rick says that Alice always seems to have something she wants to say to him but Alice denies this. Rick and Lesley then converse privately. Rick apologises for being stubborn, Lesley says that it is his best quality and that some would call it perseverance. Rick asks to sit closer to Lesley. She agrees. Rose and Joe talk at Kelly's. Joe tells Rose that Heather confuses him and plays tricks with his mind. Rose suggests that the reason he sees Heather differently is because he is a different Joe. Joe heads for bed, just as Slick arrives. Slick and Rose talk about the jacket again, with Rose mentioning that Jeremy took a look at it. Slick says that no one is following him now, which worries him. Alice pours tea for Rick and Lesley. Lesley invites Alice to stay but Alice insists that she has to leave. Rick hopes that Noah Drake won't give him any further problems but Lesley says that he is anticipating and reminds Rick to think of the time that he was young and eager. Rick agrees to give Noah a break. Lesley gets a call from Georgia saying that the issue with the water-main has affected the electrical supply and that while the generator for the cardiac unit and surgery is working, the generator for the rest of the hospital cannot be started, and thus most of the hospital is without power. The two rush off to the hospital. Tony learns that his men have Luke and tells Robert this. Robert says that Luke won't give up the location of the statue so easily but Tony disagrees. Robert asks Tony where he fits in now Tony is back with Alex. Tony asks if he had anything in mind. Robert decides to take a stroll on the decks to think. Alex stops by and expresses her glee that her and Tony's plans appear to be coming to fruition. She again reiterates her request that Edward not be harmed financially before leaving. Robert comes back and notes that Tony had a visitor. Finally the two fake cops arrive with Luke: "Well, well, well, good evening Mr Spencer", Tony says.

Roman going after Alan for what he did to Sami would alone have probably kept him busy enough for nearly a year, couple that with a (completely platonic but one that stirred up feelings of jealousy in Bo) friendship (and mentor-ship) with Hope that started when she was still amnesiac and calling herself Gina. This would have added more to the Bo and Hope storyline which I've always felt (Jude St Clair aside) Reilly didn't know what to do with them once Hope got her memory back and Lisa Rinna left. Heck, instead of bringing Franco to Salem Kate could have instead tried to push Hope and Roman together only to fall for him herself while still married to Victor.

Correct, and he promptly bribed the judge to sentence John to the gas chamber.

That reminds me that Reilly did in fact have Stefano lose his memory and become paralyzed for a few months post-possession (coz Mardevil threw him out the window or something?) and Marlena felt very guilty about it and moved him into her home!

June 17, 1981 A Lovers'S Holiday (by Change) opens the episode as we find Joe and Heather at the Disco. Heather tells Joe that she appreciates the way that he treats her. Later, as New Toy (Lene Lovich) plays in the background Joe introduces Heather to Roger Martin (Deputy Martin, who spoke to Heather the night of the accident and Joe also spoke to on June 4), a cop buddy of his. Roger asks Heather to dance. Slick arrives at Kelly's and tells Rose about how he was looking for the coat with a missing button in Scorpio's closet. Rose points out that the coat he is looking for is hanging on the coat rack right next to his! Slick examines the coat and Rose tells him that the coat has been hanging there for weeks. Slick convinces Rose to help him watch out for the owner of the coat. Alex enters Laura's apartment and starts planting the Mink coat and plane tickets as part of her plan to frame her for embezzlement. She hides the plane tickets inside the back of a painting and the coat under the bed. Alex leaves the apartment but hears Mrs Wilson (Luke and Laura's landlady) yelling at an unseen Laura as she arrives home. Alex hides on the stairwell as Laura's landlady continues to yell at (the still unseen) Laura through the apartment door. "Welcome home Laura", Alex says. Robert meets O'Reilly down by the docks where the Cassadine Yacht is moored. O'Reilly is fishing. O'Reilly tells Robert that somebody saw Laura get off the bus but there is still no sign of Luke. Soon afterwards, Robert talks to Tony and tells him that Laura is back in town and that she doesn't have the Ice Princess. Tony says that Laura could have taken it with her. Robert is unconvinced and adds that Luke doesn't have the statue either., telling him about how Slick was searching his apartment earlier. Tony doesn't believe him but Robert suggests that Alex has the statue and that Duval is in town. Robert and Tony continue to talk but then Alex rushes in all excited before stopping stone cold when she sees Robert. At the Waterfront Clinic, Lesley and Bobbie see their last patient for the night. Bobbie and Lesley discuss how Rick has been running ragged between the hospital and the clinic. Bobbie asks Lesley if she knows what went on between Rick and Noah. Lesley tells Bobbie about the incident with Karen Banko (Benko?). Lesley mentions that she will be going to dinner with Rick. A grouchy Rick then comes in and asks why the clinic is still open. Amy talks to Joe and Heather and says that Roger is a lousy dancer, even though Heather had said he was a good dancer. Amy and Joe bicker about cops being bad dancers, before Amy takes Heather off to the powder room. Once alone with Roger, Joe asks him if Heather was the nurse he saw on the night on the accident. Roger says that Heather could be the woman he thought was Shelly Vernon but that he can't be sure as her hair is different, saying that the way a woman wears her hair can make her look totally different. Roger reminds Joe that his partner got a better look at the woman but he is still on extended leave and can't be contacted. Roger remarks what a great dancer Heather is before leaving. Heather then returns and tells Joe that she has a terrible headache. Joe agrees to take her home. Rose watches as a customer points out the coat to another customer, Buddy. Buddy briefly examines the coat before deciding that it's not his. The two leave. Rose tells Slick about the incident and that the coat business is making her feel nervous but Slick commends her for keeping an eye on the coat. In front of Alex, Robert teases Tony about the actress he used to see (Tiffany Hill). Robert continues to tease Alex and Tony before Alex confirms that she and Tony are back together. Robert reminds Tony that Alex stole the statue off him and calls him a fool, angering Alex. Robert tells Alex to back off, saying he's not above hitting a woman. Robert calls Tony one of Alex's good time boys. Rick wants Lesley and Bobbie to speed things up at the clinic so he can go home. Lesley reminds him that it has been a long day at the clinic and that Bobbie has volunteered her time. Rick apologises to Bobbie for being grouchy, explaining that it's been one of those days where everything has gone wrong. A playful Lesley chews on a pen while teasing Rick, saying they should never put their burdens onto other people. Rick brings up Jacob's Law: "To err is human - and to blame that error on someone else is even more". Lesley retorts by bringing up Kovac's conundrum: "When you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal", prompting giggles from Bobbie. Just then Noah arrives. Rick is surprised that Noah didn't get their earlier, saying that he left work half an hour earlier. Noah says that he finished his rounds, but Rick says there was a big traffic accident about three minutes after he left and that they needed his help. Rick adds that a water pipe also burst in a supply room and that the staff had to rescue supplies. Noah says that Rick has some kind of chip on his shoulder and tells Rick to get off his case. Rick orders Noah to leave his clinic and not to finish work until 3:30. Robert says that he thinks Duval has the statue but Alex says that he doesn't. Robert calls Alex a snake and suggests that Alex is buying Duval time to escape, only to stick Duval in the back like she has been with Tony. Alex responds by telling Tony that Robert is trying to twist their love into something sick. "When I think of your love for one another I need a heart transplant!" Robert retorts. Robert also points out that Tony will end up walking off into the sunset with his actress friend and have the last laugh. Joe has walked Heather back to her room at Kelly's. Heather tells Joe that she hopes that he really likes her. Joe claims that he's not pretending and that he really likes her. Heather embraces Joe and gives him a quick peck, but sensing his hesitancy, she backs off and bids him goodnight. Downstairs, Slick reminds Rose to keep her eyes on the coat before leaving. Joe comes down and Rose offers him a cup of coffee. Burt arrives, so Joe tells her that he took Heather to the disco but Deputy Martin couldn't identify Heather. Burt suggests that even if they do prove that Heather killed Diana, then Heather could get off claiming insanity. Rick declines Lesley's invitation to dinner. Lesley tells Rick that he was hard on Noah but Rick disagrees. Lesley says that they can't expect Noah to feel the same way they do, at least not yet, but Rick says that he can't believe Noah went though with his residency with his attitude. Lesley says that the part of Rick she saw tonight was the part that destroyed their marriage. Lesley says that Rick shouldn't demand more of people than they are able to give. "We are after all, only human," Lesley says. "Even you". Alex gives Tony an ultimatum about whether to trust her or Robert. "I know my instincts Alex," Tony says. "I know diamonds blind and dazzle. We all have to be very careful. To be dazzled is marvellous, to be blinded to the truth is very dangerous. I will not be blinded. I trust you both. My decision is to follow Luke Spencer." --- June 18, 1981 The episode begins in the early morning. At the Mission, Luke is using the printing press again while the rest are singing "Bringing in the sheaves". Later Slick arrives. Luke reiterates that Slick is not to tell Laura where he is. Slick gives Luke a message from Laura - "She wants to know if you need her", Slick says. Luke gives Slick a note to give to Laura. In Prison, Hutch plays on his guitar before pulling a wire off his bed and hiding it in his jeans pocket. Meanwhile Big Ralph gives Toby the shiv and tells him that tonight is the night. With Toby still hesitant, Big Ralph suggests that he put Hutch at ease before doing the deed. When Toby mentions that he has a parole hearing coming up in six months, Big Ralph says he will guarantee that Toby's last six months in the joint will be very comfortable. Big Ralph suggests that Toby volunteer to stand guard of Hutch while he sleeps. Later, Toby speaks to Hutch and offers to watch over Hutch as he sleeps. Alex updates Edward that she successfully planted the items in Laura's apartment, and that Laura has returned. She doesn't tell Edward about her run in with Tony and Robert though. Alan arrives home and mentions the traffic accident (the one Rick was arguing with Noah about in the previous episode) and that Monica is still at the hospital. After Alex goes upstairs, Alan phones Susan to tell her that he is on his way. Edward overhears and chides him, warning him that Monica will be hot on his tail. Georgia tells Anne that things are under control in the supply room and that all of the accident victims are out of OR with no fatalities. Audrey arrives (briefly mentioning that Steve is now at a medical convention and that their plans to go away on vacation went out the window) and Georgia allows her to take Anne off to dinner. Meanwhile Monica tells Gail about what happened at the disco. Monica says that she thinks that Alan was going to tell her everything but that Edward stopped him. Monica tells Gail that she reckons the Quartermaines approve of that sort of thing, so she's hired a detective to investigate. Slick visits Laura and passes the letter Luke wrote for her. Slick refuses to take Laura to Luke. Laura says that she is going to marry Luke and doesn't care if it is dangerous. Laura puts on her Lucy Johnson wig but Slick still refuses to take her to Luke. Laura turns on the (fake) tears to convince Slick to take her to Luke. Slick checks to see if the coast is clear but unbeknownst to him, Alex was hiding on the staircase and follows them out. Alan explains to Susan why he changed his mind about telling Monica. Susan says that he did the right thing and that she was worried that she'd never see him again. Alan and Susan both figure out that Monica's next move will be to hire a detective and that they won't be able to see or call each other for a while. The two passionately kiss each other goodbye. Anne, Audrey and Jeremy arrive at Kelly's. Jeremy is despondent after losing a baseball game. Rose offers Jeremy some dessert. Jeremy notices the coat and when Rose says that she doesn't know who the owner is, Jeremy offers to help figure it out for her. Jeremy notes that the owner of the coat is not a smoker (since there's no smoke smell) and that the coat smells of a cheap women's perfume. Jeremy also tries on the coat and notes that it doesn't belong to skinny person. Hutch talks to Toby, mentioning Luke and Laura. Hutch says that he never knew how good it could be - changing - and asks Toby to tell Luke and Laura that he doesn't regret anything. As Hutch appears to drift off to sleep, Toby prepares to make his move and looks set to plunge the shiv into Hutch when Hutch opens his eyes. "You can't do it man", Hutch says, "I've been there, not even I could do it to a friend anymore". Slick takes Laura to the mission where (after nearly six weeks) Luke and Laura are finally reunited. Luke, while being thrilled to be with Laura again, is at the same time not happy that Slick and Laura are there. Laura stands her ground and convinces Luke to take her to the mission dormitory so he can tell her the truth. Upstairs, Laura tells Luke that Beechers Corners wasn't the same without him and Luke says that it wasn't the same for him when he went back there either. Luke also mentions the graffiti on his wall. Luke then explains that he didn't steal the statue and that Tony Castle is Tony Cassadine and that while he is not a threat to Lesley, he could be a threat to them. Luke also explains that the Ice Princess is the largest diamond in the world. Laura tells Luke about Kurt Wheeler, that Wheeler's real name is James Duval and that he has been holed up in an apartment for months, claiming to be doing research for ELQ but without having any lab equipment. Luke asks Laura to find out more about Alex and Duval and says that their future depends on getting hold of the Ice Princess. Slick interrupts them and Luke escorts Slick and Laura out. Luke and Laura share a fond farewell outside before Slick and Laura leave. They remain unaware that Alex followed Slick and Laura to the mission and has been lurking outside the whole time. After Luke heads back inside the mission, Alex follows him...

And so with the return of Desi and Leanne in the same episode, Damo now finds himself in a love triangle. Tbh he's better off alone as both pairings have been ruined: Leanne, when she ran off with her baby daddy and didn't bother to come back when Damo was shot and needed a liver Desi, when she slept with half of L.A while visiting her daughter.

hmmm... **warning totally unfounded speculation...a conspiracy theory if you will** Maybe J&M was Reilly's endgame all along, but to placate NBC he put John with the younger Kristen (even going so far as to give them their own long drawn out rocky path via Tony and then the priesthood) whilst simultaneously keeping Marlena front and center in a series of crazy situations that continually reminded viewers and fans of John and Marlena's love (Maison Blanche, Possession, the kidnapping of Marlena in Aremid post John's rescue from the gas chamber). NBC eventually had no choice but to acquiesce to the wishes of viewers and Reilly and thus John and Marlena finally started to draw closer again. However, instead of just tossing Kristen aside, Reilly turned her into one of the most renowned villains of the 1990s which ended up garnering an emmy for Eileen Davidson.

I was going through old posts on this thread and saw this and thought I'd offer my insights (based on my current viewing of 1981 episodes): 1. As Heather told Joe, Heather's father (provided Heather was telling the truth about it of course but the show hasn't given me any reason to doubt it) was physically abusive. 2. Heather's mom Alice is one of the most passive-aggressive characters ever to inhabit Port Charles.

June 15, 1981 As the night out at the Campus Disco continues, Alan reiterates to Susan that he will tell Monica everything. Susan tries to talk him out of it but Alan is adamant. Meanwhile, Bobbie complains about Amy to Noah (that Amy has included herself in their date when she wants them to be alone). The prisoners taunt Hutch about Big Ralph. Bob the guard also threatens Hutch, saying that he'll tell stories to the parole board. Later, Big Ralph and Toby meet, and Big Ralph says he'll get someone to teach him how to use a shiv. As the prisoners start taunting Hutch again, Hutch grabs his guitar and starts singing "Who's afraid of the big bad wolf Ralph". Luke returns to his apartment with Slick and finds the graffiti Laura left in shaving cream several episodes ago. Luke puts on a funny accent and calls up the Quartermaines. Monica answers and gives the phone to Edward. Luke pretends to be from a credit union and asks Edward about Laura. Edward says that Laura went on vacation and after hanging up, tells Monica that the voice was familiar but he couldn't place it. Monica asks Edward about Alan but male chauvinist Edward says that any woman who locks her door against her husband deserves what she gets. Just then Alan and Kathy arrive home from the disco, Alan tells Monica that he wishes to speak with her. Edward asks Alan what he the devil he is up to. Edward tries to convince Alan not to negotiate with Monica. Edward says that Alan should wait until Monica demands a divorce. "God, this really depresses me" Alan says. "What depresses me is that you married yourself a tramp!" Edward retorts. "That's exactly what she is Alan. A tramp!" At Kelly's Rose finds a coat with a button missing from it. Meanwhile, Rick and Lesley are still at Kelly's. Rick invites Lesley on a trip with him, promising that this summer will not be like last summer (when Laura was on the run). Just then the man with the feather in his hat comes in, checks Kelly's and leaves. Noah and Bobbie try to ditch Amy at the Disco but Slick meets them as they attempt to leave. Bobbie gets to spend a few moments with Luke, updating him on what has been happening (that Kathy is filling in for Laura etc) before Luke and Slick leave. Bobbie returns to Noah but just as they were about to leave, Amy finds them. "Thanks a lot Luke" Bobbie says after Amy drags Noah off somewhere. Slick arrives at Kelly's and speaks with Rose. The feather man arrives again. Rose goes into the kitchen and finds Luke there. Luke gets Rose to go get Rick and Lesley without arousing the suspicions of the feather man. Rose gets the Webbers to come into the kitchen where they see Luke and tell him that Laura is at Beechers Corners. Luke tells Slick that Laura still loves him as she went to Beechers Corners. Rose notices that the Feather man has left, so Luke and Slick go out the front door as the Feather man has probably gone to the back door. Alan, having changed his mind about telling Monica about Susan, tells Monica that he thinks that Kathy needs a new car. Meanwhile, Bobbie and Noah speak to a tense Susan. Bobbie notices that something is wrong with Susan and suggests Noah check her over, but Susan refuses. Noah and Bobbie leave to join. Alan phones Susan and tells her that he didn't tell Monica. Susan is relieved but gets emotional. Alan speaks to Edward, who warns him to stay away from 'his woman' for a while. Luke and Slick return to the Mission Church after evading the Feather man. Luke asks Slick to find out anyone who has brought in art objects to sell....then the video abruptly ends with the last few minutes of the episode missing -- June 16, 1981 A new day in Port Charles. Dan arrives at the Nurses' station singing "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'". Jessie compliments him on the incredible entrance. Bobbie notes that Dan is very happy and Dan says that it is summer, but Bobbie points out that it doesn't officially start for a few days yet. Jessie and Bobbie note the great weather they have been having lately (All this talk about Summer and the weather makes me think this might be a little foreshadowing that the weather's going to take a little turn for the worse before Summer's end...). Dan mentions that there will be a series of concerts in the park. Dan gives Jessie a copy of the prgramme which both Bobbie and Jessie peruse and Bobbie recognises some of the composers. Jessie agrees to go with Dan, while Bobbie agrees to go with Noah (who has just arrived). Anne arrives, followed shortly thereafter by Rick and everyone congratulates Rick on being the temporary Chief of Staff. Alone, Rick ominously tells Noah that he needs to speak to him. Bert tells Joe that he has a new theory that proves that Joe was right all along. A neighbour of Diana's saw another nurse that wasn't Anne. Joe still wants to speak to Sarah. Slick is dressed up as a plumber. He turns off the water for Robert's Penthouse at Harbor View Towers. Slick then heads up to Robert's penthouse and speaks with O"Reilly in an Italian accent. O"Reilly lets him in. She momentarily gets suspicious but sends him off to the bathroom. Slick is holding the button Luke gave to him. Alex and Tony talk on the yacht. Alex is wearing Tony's pajama top. Albert arrives with breakfast and tells Alex that he is glad she is with them again. Alex and Tony make a toast to each other and to the Ice Princess. Tony asks Alex about James, but Alex doesn't want to give up Duvall's location just yet. Kemo enters and says that he spotted Luke leaving his apartment building, which makes Tony realise that Luke doesn't know where Laura is. Alex tells Tony about the plan to frame Laura. They decide to go ahead with it in order to lure Laura back and Luke to Laura's side. Noah is nervous and tells Bobbie that Rick is upset with him about a surgery he performed. After Noah leaves, Joe arrives looking for Anne. Joe tells Anne that he is getting close to proving Heather killed Anne. Anne is still worried that Heather will charm Joe. Later, Rick reprimands Noah for performing a surgery on a child, Karen without having the parents sign consent forms (the parents gave verbal consent on the phone). Noah gives his account of what happened but Rick says that it wouldn't have been a disaster if the operation had been held up for an hour or so. Noah argues that the child's life was more important but Rick warns him that if Karen had died the parents could have refused to sign the consent forms and sued the hospital. Rick tells Noah not to do it again. Alex is surprised to see Kathy at the front desk. Edward tells her that Kathy is spying for Monica. Alex tells Edward that she wants to go ahead with the plan to frame Laura. Edward agrees so Alex shows him the fur. She goes over the plan with Edward. Kathy puts Luke's (unseen in this episode) phone call through to Alex. Alex speaks to him but Luke doesn't answer any of her questions hangs up. Alex tells Edward that Luke said he'd come to her with the statue but was lying through his teeth. Later, Kathy eavesdrops as Edward and Alex are fretting about their plans (though they don't go into details). Edward goes off to a meeting and Alex sends Kathy off to lunch. Alex makes a phone call to Tony. While she is waiting for an answer, she sees Kathy's notepad with notes from her conversation with Edward and tells herself that she'll have to be more careful. Alex eventually gets through to Tony and tells him that Luke called and that she thinks he is right about Luke not knowing where Laura is. At Kelly's an agitated Rick speaks to Rose and Heather. Rose suggests that Heather take her break and talk to Rick. Rick mentions a confrontation he had with a doctor (Noah) and then he and Heather have a conversation about confrontation and Rick asks Heather about what happened with Anne the other day. Heather resents Rick judging her past actions and lays down one of her classic guilt trips onto Rick as Joe arrives. Joe and Rock talk about Heather. Rick reminds Joe that Heather sold her own son. When Joe defends Heather, Rick says that he'd hate to see Heather do to Joe what she did to his brother, Jeff. O'Reilly tells Robert that Alex was on Tony's yacht. The two figure out that the two may be involved. O"Reilly mentions that there is a plumber and Robert is somewhat bemused to find that it is Slick. Robert sees the button Slick has and figures out that Luke doesn't have the Ice Princess and that whoever has it, has a jacket with a missing button. Robert tells Slick that he wants to find Luke because he wants to help him. Robert asks Slick that Luke and Laura are in bigger trouble than they ever imagined. Slick realises that Robert is on the level and goes off to deliver a message from Robert to Luke on the proviso that Robert and O'Reilly don't follow him. Robert asks O"Reilly if she thinks Slick can convince Luke. "He has to, or else we're sunk, sonny" O"Reilly says. "Yeah and Laura winds up a widow before the wedding night even kicks off", Robert replies.

Shortland Street came back last Monday. Only Tim died from the bombing of the ambulance, but Boyd is now deaf. The bomb at the hospital failed to detonate. Frank has accepted that Kylie has moved on and is currently involving himself in Phoenix's life. Phoenix has embezzled money from the hospital. Cece realises that Sophia killed the pervy farmer on purpose, (it wasn't self-defence because Dawn already had the guy at gunpoint). After mourning Tim for a few episodes she now wants Frank.

June 11, 1981 Another new day in Port Charles Rick and Jessie are talking at the Nurses' station when Robert interrupts trying to find Laura. Lesley joins the conversation and notes that Tony also wanted to know where Laura is. Lesley tells Robert that Laura just wanted to get away and that she is fine. Later, Steve and Audrey remind Rick and Lesley that they will be having dinner together later. Alone with Lesley, Rick notes that they have been invited somewhere as a couple, Lesley says that the Hardys probably just like even numbers at their dinner parties. Alex shows Edward the tickets to Jamaica. Meanwhile, a restless James is at his apartment hideout. Alex calls James but the line is busy (we see James put the phone down at the same time but don't know who he called). Edward wants to know more about the Ice Princess business and how she tricked him out of the Ice Princess. Alex avoids answering Edward's questions, telling him he'll have to wait until she writes a book about it. Robert visits Alex and offers to find a temp for her. Alex refuses, saying she doesn't want him placing a spy at the front desk. After Robert leaves, Alex contacts James again and tells him that she is coming over. Joe visits Sarah at Forest Hills. A heavily sedated Sarah murmurs something about a uniform, blood and a gun. Later, Joe visits Heather at Kelly's. Heather has a pathetic little plaster on her head. Joe asks Sarah why Sarah tried to kill her, Heather gives her own partially true but distorted version of events and says that it's sad that Sarah blames herself for Edie's death. Heather says that Sarah is completely and hopelessly insane. Joe tells Heather what Sarah said but Heather tries to make it out about Edie, even though Edie drowned. Heather says that Sarah gets all mixed up about how Edie died. Heather gets annoyed when Joe continues to ask her questions about Joe and starts laying down one of her trademark guilt trips before storming off into the kitchen. Albert asks Tony about dinner but an irritable Tony doesn't want dinner and asks Albert to send Lesley flowers so she'll call him back to thank her and he can ask her about Laura. Albert notes that Tony hasn't been himself and suggests that they go back to the Mediterranean. Tony admits that he misses his old life but says that they have to focus on the Ice Princess. Kathy and Monica visit Edward at ELQ. Edward attempts to brush Monica off saying that he has work to do. After Edward gets all snappy at all the constantly ringing phones, Kathy sits behind the desk and starts redirecting phone calls and taking messages for Edward. Monica suggests that Kathy fill in for Laura as receptionist. Edward reluctantly agrees. Steve and Audrey's dinner party is revealed as a plot by the Hardys to get the Baldwins and the Webbers talking again. Lee and Gail arrive and Lee is not happy when he learns that Rick and Lesley will be there. Rick and Lesley arrive soon after and the mood is clearly awkward when Jeremy asks Lesley about Laura's vacation. However, after dinner the three couples are relaxed and enjoying hot beverages (not sure if coffee or tea or a mix of both). Steve asks Rick to take over as acting chief of staff while he and Audrey go on vacation and Lesley mentions that the Waterfront clinic is running along nicely. However, the mood turns sour again when Rick mentions Laura. Audrey desperately tries to play conciliator, but Lee says that he has lost Scotty and resents Rick and Lesley thinking that Scotty is being selfish. Rick and Lesley point out that all Laura wants is to get a divorce. Lee finally has enough when Lesley suggests that Scotty's absence is his way of getting back at Laura, so he and Gail leave. Alex brings champagne over to James' and shows him the plane tickets. Alex lies that Luke is coming back with the statue. James is thrilled and the two share a toast and then start kissing. Later, James is suspicious when James notes that the plane tickets are open but Alex has an explanation for that. James asks Alex to be with him and stay with him (as in...you know lol) but Alex puts him off. James gets angry and says that Alex must not be over her old lover. "That's nonsense. Pure nonsense" Alex says and then she leaves James' apartment. Robert visits Tony and tells him that he spoke to Lesley. Robert notices Tony's dinner untouched on the table, so Tony lets him eat it. Robert really enjoys Tony's dinner, but complains about Tony's wine selection. While Robert continues to chat away while consumed by the meal, Tony leaves the room unnoticed as if drawn to something... Joe and Heather apologise to each other for their earlier argument. Kathy and Monica come to Kelly's after seeing a movie and Joe suggests that Monica and Kathy accompany him and Heather to the disco! Monica says that she and Kathy will come later. Rick and Lesley arrive and Joe invites them to the disco as well! They refuse, saying that they have taken a long walk on the Waterfront and sit down. Monica has noticed them. Seemingly oblivious to Monica's presence, Rick asks Lesley if she thinks about the future and suggests that they think about it together. An observant Monica doesn't look very happy! Shelly Vernon brings Sarah her medication, but Sarah doesn't want it and wants to call Joe. Shelly persuades Sarah to take her pill and promises that Sarah can call Joe in the morning. As Shelly is about to leave, Sarah gets agitated when she realises Shelly resemblance to Heather. The commotion wakes Crazy Annie who yells at Sarah. Shelly manages to calm Sarah down by once again reminding her that she can call Joe in the morning. Despite being partly distracted by the presence of Rick and Lesley (who still haven't given her a second thought), Monica talks to Kathy. Monica says that they don't want to be out at the Disco too late. Monica then suggests to Kathy that she is very interested in what is happening at ELQ. Kathy understands her meaning, basically agreeing to spy on the goings on there for Monica. An upset Alex heads down to the docks. Tony is there and notices her tears. Tony asks Alex if she believes in fate and says that their chance meeting is kismet. "Fate leads those that follow and fate drags those that resist" Tony says. Alex says she doesn't believe that. Tony says that Alex was compelled to come just like he was and that he has been thinking of the old life. He tells Alex that he'd be very happy if they could walk again, just for a little while. "For a little while" Alex says and the two walk off together... (after that last scene, I could see myself shipping those two if I didn't already know their end lol) --- June 12, 1981 **mysteriously Joe and Heather are not at the disco, or in this episode at all, despite being headed there in the previous episode lol** Still the same night in Port Charles. In the prison, Toby tells Hutch that he hasn't managed to get word to either Bert or Joe. Hutch asks Toby how Big Ralph is able to wander about the cells at night, Toby says that guards let him out. Hutch wants to speak to the warden and attempts to blackmail one of the guards - Bob - with what he knows about Big Ralph. Meanwhile, Big Ralph approaches Toby and makes a cut throat gesture, referring to Hutch. Alex and Tony are at the dock where Tony's yacht is moored. Tony invites Alex aboard his yacht. Alex chooses to go with him. When they get to the yacht, Tony asks Alex why she was crying at the dock. Alex asks Tony why he left her for an actress (First reference to Tiffany Hill?). Tony retorts by asking her why she stole the Ice Princess. Alex says that it was the only way to hurt him back, she gets really upset and tells him to go back to the actress. Tony kisses Alex, but she breaks away. "You mean nothing to me!" Alex says. At the Mission Church of the Guiding Light Blinding Light, Luke is recruited to make fliers on a hand-cranked printing press by the reverend. Slick interrupts as Luke is doing a bad job of it. Slick later helps Luke pass the fliers around. Luke explains to Slick how when he attempted to steal the Ice Princess, he was stopped by a man with distinctive aftershave whose button he managed to rip off. Everyone then sings Amazing Grace off key. Luke and Slick duck out while the singing of Amazing Grace continues on unabated. Luke shows Slick the button he has and asks Slick to find Laura and tell her to stay out of it. Susan and Alan are at the disco talking when they are interrupted by Bryan, Claudia and Amy. Amy remarks how radiant Susan is. Susan asks where Laura is, the group tells her that Laura has gone away for a few days but Amy says not to worry as Laura would not do something crazy without telling her first. After the three have gone, Alan remarks that Amy is incorrigible but Susan is more worried that Amy has described her as being radiant because she is now showing. Just then, Monica and Kathy arrive. Alan is surprised to see them. Hutch tells Bert that Big Ralph is out to kill him, Bert asks Hutch if he has any friends inside. Hutch mentions Toby and Bert says Toby could be a witness they need. Later Bert and Hutch tell the warden about Big Ralph, but the warden is skeptical. Bert tells the warden that he'll look bad if he doesn't do anything and Hutch dies. Kathy and Monica tell Alan that they went to see a movie about a cheating husband. Monica then asks Alan if Arnold Wellington is there, but Alan says that he was talking to Susan about the business. Kathy then tells Alan that Kathy will be filling in for Laura at ELQ. Kathy goes off to dance and Monica questions Alan about the disco. Alan claims that he enjoys the music, saying that "you get used to it". "I wouldn't get too used to it if I were you, you never know when it will be taken away from you", Monica says. Steve and Audrey talk about the dinner party and remark that it's great that Rick and Lesley are on the right track, even if they can't get them back together with the Baldwins. Jeremy comes down and asks if he said anything wrong, noting that Lee gave him a weird look when he mentioned Laura. Steve and Audrey assure Jeremy that he did nothing wrong. Tony follows Alex back to the docks and the two kiss again. He takes her back to his yacht. The two have dinner and Alex explains that stealing the Ice Princess gave her satisfaction. Tony tells Alex that he loves her. "I will love you as I will love no other woman", Tony says. Later Alex and Tony are comfortable on a couch and the two reminisce about a time they were in Portugal. The two passionately embrace. Alan asks Monica if she has planted Kathy at ELQ as a spy. Monica confirms that she has but Alan says that it is a mistake. Alan then returns (using business as a pretense) to Susan and tells her that Monica doesn't know about them but wants them to slip up and make a mistake. Later Slick comes by and asks Amy, Bryan and Claudia where Laura is. Amy drags Slick onto the dance floor. Susan feels uncomfortable with Monica's presence. Kathy tells Alan and Susan that Monica is leaving but she is staying on and asks Alan to drive her home. Alan talks to Monica as she is leaving, but then returns to Susan and tells her that he is planning on telling Monica everything. The warden starts interviewing prisoners about Big Ralph with Bert and Big Ralph present. Two prisoners in a row lie and say they don't know Big Ralph. Bob the guard also denies knowing anything, adding that Hutch is loony. Big Ralph himself is interviewed and says the nickname is just other prisoners joking about his weight. When Toby is interviewed, he also denies knowing anything about threats on Hutch's life. Back at Hutch's cell, Hutch tells Bert that he wasn't sure if they had got to Toby, but Bert says that Joe Kelly is still working on the parole board. Hutch thanks Bert, who then leaves. Toby explains to Hutch that if he backed him up then he'd be on the hit list too. He apologises to Hutch and walks away. Big Ralph tells Toby to keep up the good work and that everyone is counting on him. Luke is surprised when the Reverend suggests that he'd make a good missionary. Luke tries to put him off by saying he goes on drinking binges. Slick arrives and tells Luke that no one seems to know where Laura is. Luke is worried and rushes out.