Episode #10,242
Tape date-1/13
Director-Herb Stein

Claire comes home from the hospital, as seemingly, all the rest of Salem gathers at the courthouse, all trying to get someone to tell the truth to Hope.

BELLE PICKS UP CLAIRE, happy that she is going to be taking her home today. Shawn & Mimi come in, with Shawn holding Claire for a bit. Mimi notes how good he is with babies, and will make a great dad. Belle says Philip has gone to the arraignment, so she was hoping they would help her take Claire home. Bonnie looks in, telling herself that Shawn can never know he is Claire’s father. (Guess with Kate not there, someone else has to pick up the slack, talking to themselves about Shawn being the daddy)

Outside the door, John, Marlena & Alex arrive, with John commenting what a happy day for them as grandparents. He reminds Marlena that the two of them are grandparents, and Alex has nothing to do with this and should not be there. Marlena lets him know that she & Alex will be renewing their wedding vows, and once they do that, he will be Claire’s step-grandfather. Alex says he has some work to do, and will see her later and leaves. John & Marlena enter the room, but John soon leaves, saying he has to check on something. Shawn & Mimi go outside in the hall, while Marlena helps Belle pack up, as she tells Belle that she & Alex will be renewing their vows, that she hopes Belle will be there with them, and be happy for her mother. Belle is not a happy camper. Out in the hall, Shawn & Mimi talk about their wedding, and agree they should wait a while. His family has to have time to grieve and heal. Bonnie, naturally, listens to every word and she is not happy about this.

Meanwhile, Alex is with a disappointed Lois, who complains about being locked away in an institution AGAIN. Alex tries to reassure her, saying it will not be for long. In comes John, wondering what the heck Alex is doing there. Alex pulls out the old “She was my patient, and I am a psychiatrist, and am trying to help her” baloney. John isn’t buying it, and leaves. Lois comments that John is a very determined man, but Alex says John is smart, but he is smarter, and by the time John gets wise to him, it will be too late. Alex attempts to comfort a very suspicious Lois, who doesn’t like the way things are going. He tells her to follow his plan, and she will be getting everything she deserves. (THAT doesn’t sound good for Lois, lol)

BELLE COMES HOME with Claire, helped by her mom, with Shawn & Mimi bringing in some groceries. As they put them away in the kitchen, Belle says something to her mom, about being happy to have Claire home with her & Shawn. Marlena is surprised, & Belle covers, just saying he has been a huge support to her & Phil. Marlena reminds her of how she called out Shawn’s name, when she was in labor (hmmm, I thought Marlena lost all her memories) Belle tells her how Shawn was there thru all of Claire’s illness, and then about the dream. (Amazing that Shawn & Mimi do not hear this, as they are just a few feet away). She tells her mother what Zack said, and that both she & Shawn had the same dream. Ring, Ring, the doorbell. Mimi opens the door, to find Bonnie standing there with arms full of grocery bags. She talks about celebrating Claire’s return home (boy, just as pushy as Kate, I swear), but Mimi says Philip is not there, and it is rather inappropriate just now. Nothing deters Bonnie to mentions that then they could celebrate Mimi & Shawn’s engagement. Mimi tries to shut her mother up. John arrives, telling Marlena about finding Alex with Lois, but Marlena defends him. Bonnie hears Mimi & Shawn discussing having kids, with him asking Mimi if their lst son could be named after Zack. They are still talking of waiting for a while before getting married. Bonnie pulls Mimi out in the hall, and tells her she has to get married right away, or she won’t be getting married at all. Mimi doesn’t understand, so pushy Bonnie blurts out that Shawn is really the father of Claire. Mimi is shocked.

AT THE COURTHOUSE, Frankie argues with Billie about her determination to protect Chelsea. Billie insists Chelsea is just a kid, but Frankie reminds her that Chelsea is 18, and an adult. Billie wants no attorney, insists she is going to plead guilty and that is the end of it. She makes Frankie promise to keep her confidence.

In the hall, Patrick is confronting Chelsea, telling her he knows she is the one who was driving the car and hit Zack, and that he has proof. Chelsea whines (BTW, bandage is now gone) that Patrick doesn’t care about her.

In the courtroom, Caroline urges Bo to tell Hope the truth. She walks in, overhearing and demands to know what they are talking about. Caroline leaves. Bo stands mute. He wants her to leave, but she insists on staying there to see Billie get what she deserves. An officer of the court comes in putting something on the table. As Bo is about to begin to tell Hope, she spots the item on the table, and gets all upset. It is a plastic bag containing the clothes Zack was wearing. Hope picks it up, crying. Bo tells her that is why she should not be there. He goes to get her some water and runs into Caroline. She insists he return and tell Hope the truth. He goes back in, but before he can say anything, Hope faints. He gets her to a bench, and she comes to, insisting she is all right. Hope leaves, and Caroline scolds Bo, telling him Hope should hear it from him, before she hears it from someone else.

Patrick & Chelsea are arguing in the hall. Inside the room, Frankie is still arguing with Billie. She hears the voices and comes out in the hall, and rants at Patrick, ordering him to keep quiet. Caroline has run into Frankie and both admit they know the truth, and know it is going to eventually come out. Patrick argues with Billie, but she will not budge, and warns Patrick to keep quiet. Hope comes around the corner, asking Patrick what he is doing there. Patrick looks at Billie, telling her she has to stop lying. Hope asks, “Lying about what”. Silence, as Billie looks at Bo, then Patrick, while Chelsea looks at Billie. Bo steps alongside Hope as she demands to know what is going on here. The camera freezes on her face, as black & white pictures of Billie, Chelsea & Bo appear on the left side of the screen. And the previews show………

Chelsea to Max: You have to take me somewhere far away from here, where they are never gonna find me. Please say you’ll help me.

Mimi: I knew this was too good to be true Bonnie: What are you talking about? Mimi: There’s no way I can marry Shawn now

Sami: She said you were two completely different people now, and that it is over between you. Austin: I’m not giving up, no matter what she says

Lucas to Carrie: Austin Reed & Co. Our lst order of business will be to crush them. (this sounds like perhaps Carrie is now working for Titan??)

Barb

Episode: 10,241
Directed by: Phil Sogard
Tape Date: 1/12/06

Friends and family gather at the courthouse (better picture will be posted tomorrow) for Billie's arraignment while Patrick and Frankie win the Early Edition Award for sharing the Salem Brain today.

THE SALEM COURTHOUSE is HUGE ..as our Salemites gather to lend their support to Bo & Hope/Billie at the arraignment. Sami, Carrie and Lucas arrive together. Sami hopes they throw away the key on Billie and Carrie suggests a little more discretion be used being Lucas is Billie’s brother. Sami doesn’t cave, but says if the same thing were to happen to Will she knows that’s the way she’d feel. Carrie goes to offer Bo and Hope her sympathies as Lucas and Sami discuss the takeover and Carrie and Austin’s break up. He warns her that she has a snowball’s chance in Hell of getting Austin back as Austin’s in love with Carrie and won’t be looking for anyone else. He’ll never love her (Sami) as much as he loves Carrie. Carrie suggests Sami offer her condolences to Bo and Hope, but Sami tells her that too much has happened while Carrie was gone and they wouldn’t want anything from her. Carrie tells Sami that she and Austin are two different people now and asks if it’s really over with her and Lucas. Carrie knows her sister well and despite Sami saying she is, Carrie can tell by Sami’s facial reaction (tensing her lips) that she’s not. Sami admits still wanting Lucas, but knows he left her at the altar and doesn’t want anything to do with her…just like Carrie would never want Austin back either. Carrie admits Austin has been a disappointment and after what she and her employees lost, she can’t look at him in the same way again. Sami suggests Carrie move on with her life. Sami mentions how supportive Austin has been and asks Carrie if she’d be okay if a future with Austin was still a possibility for her.

CAROLINE JOINS CHELSEA in the courtroom. Caroline tells Chelsea that Max talked to her, which puts Chelsea on guard. We find he only told her how much Chelsea loved Zack. Caroline clues Chelsea in that Billie’s past might be used against her and she might go to prison. Chelsea knew Billie’s past wasn’t perfect, but didn’t know there was anything that could be held against her. Caroline puts the fear in her Billie might even receive the maximum sentence, but doesn’t want her to worry about it. Chelsea tells Caroline she’s upset because she’s worried about her mom and Caroline hugs her granddaughter and goes to comfort Bo and Hope.

HOPE TELLS BO that she hopes Chelsea learns from this and will watch her speed when she drives again. Carrie arrives and hugs Bo and asks what she can do for them. They both are happy to see her back in Salem. Hope just wants to see Billie go to jail for killing their son. She thanks Carrie for being there and lets her know they’re there for her too. Carrie regrets not getting to know her little cousin. Later Bo comforts Hope and suggests getting them some coffee before the arraignment (just what they need to keep those nerves calm..how about some Salem Tea instead?) Hope’s cell phone goes off with Zack’s voice programmed into it to pick him up from school. Bo takes it, silences it and hugs her. Caroline joins them and they tell him about hearing Zack’s voice and Hope didn’t even know he had recorded it. Hope excuses herself and Bo pulls his ma into a private room and tells her the truth about Chelsea driving and his giving his permission for her to drive. He takes the blame for Zack’s death.

KATE AND AUSTIN talk with Billie in the visitors room at the courthouse. She feels confident her confession will take care of it, but Frankie walks in saying that’s not necessarily true. Billie stands firm she doesn’t want a lawyer and insists on doing things her way. Kate firmly tells her daughter she won’t say anything, but insists that Frankie represent her. She leaves and Frankie puts his crutches down wanting to talk before they go in to the arraignment. Later Austin asks Billie to listen to Frankie and leaves. Frankie asks why she’s lying and she tells him he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Frankie corrects her saying HE did his homework and with one phone call learned she was on a Titan jet arriving at Salem International Airport when Zack was hit…(AHA..I KNEW IT…check back to January 17th EE and I predicted that!!) He knows the car picked her up and dropped her off at the Lockharts. He asks what’s going on. He prepares to go tell the judge what he knows, but she begs him not to and accidentally blurts out that no one can find out that Chelsea was driving the car…oops. She remembers (flashback time) about the discussion with Chelsea and Bo at the hospital when she learns that Chelsea was driving and that Max knows what happened. She tells Frankie she’s doing this for both Chelsea AND Bo. He’s surprised to learn Bo knows and letting her do this, but she tells him Bo has begged her not to. She tells Frankie how she knows what would happen if the truth came out.

KATE AND LUCAS chat outside and he tells her that he’s there for both Billie AND his cousin Hope. He agrees it doesn’t make sense that Billie would drive away from the scene. She tells him that Austin is there and in with Billie now. Lucas fills her in about Austin buying up Carrie’s company. Kate’s surprised and he says Nicole was trigger happy and didn’t do her homework. Lucas tells Kate how devastated Carrie is about this. He reports that Carrie now only thinks Austin is a cold blooded heartless bastard. Kate wants to go talk with Carrie, but Lucas tells her to stay the hell out of it. . She blurts out of course she wants to protect Billie just like she protected Philip. He asks what she means and she changes the subject to Carrie. She’s on to Lucas having some involvement in Austin and Carrie’s dilemma. She asks if he’s going to be conveniently nearby to pick up the pieces of Carrie’s broken heart, but before Lucas can answer, Austin walks up and says…”over my dead body”..a popular Salem saying. The brothers are both sure they’ll get Carrie and Lucas warns Austin that Titan will take over his company just like he took over Carrie’s and he will get Carrie. After Lucas goes back inside, Austin warns Kate that if he finds out that Lucas had anything to do with keeping Carrie and him apart, he’s a dead man..even if he is his brother. (maybe Austin Reed, Inc. should invest in a mortuary the way he keeps promising dead people! and I’m not sure how Kate finds time for Basic Black with all the problems her kids and grandkids have-for now she has another problem to control.

CHELSEA CALLS ABBY and worries she’s going to jail (ya think?). Caroline tells Bo that this has gone to far and the truth needs to come out. Bo agrees that Hope needs to know the truth and Hope walks in hearing that, asking what he means.

AT THE ACCIDENT SCENE, PATRICK remembers (cue the replay tape) Billie asking him to let her handle things her own way at the cop shop and tells himself he can’t let that happen. He’s doing his own investigation (all those CSI shows do come in handy, ha!) with who was really driving the car. He spots a security camera near the accident scene (in a residential neighborhood..big brother IS watching, LOL) Later he goes into a convenience store and the male clerk is obviously smitten with Patrick. Patrick asks about seeing the tape from the camera (they keep the tape for that long?) as the clerk asks if he’s a cop or private dick, citing his favorite characters like Mike Hammer, Marlowe, etc.. that were..with Shaft being his favorite, LOL. He asks “handsome” what’s in it for him if he lets him see the tapes (being Salem’s finest lurked around the hospital until Billie confessed, I guess they didn’t need to investigate any further). Patrick whips out his wallet (just how is he filling it with green stuff nowadays?) and offers to make it worth the clerks while, but the clerk only wants Patrick’s number and a martini with him at Alice’s later. Patrick agrees, writes down his number and the clerk informs him he’s off in a couple hours. He goes off to get the tape for Patrick. He pops the tape into the vcr and flirts some more with him, but has to leave to help penny man, a customer who always brings pennies and who had dropped them on the floor. He hands the remote to Patrick to look on his own. At the end of the show Patrick has a close up picture of Chelsea behind the wheel and the clerk joins him, recognizing her saying she comes in all the time to buy sodas and Teen People magazine. She’s got an attitude, but not a criminal type. The door bell beckons another customer and disappointed, he dashes off. Patrick looks at the freeze frame of Chelsea driving (with date of 1/1/06 and time of 1:03 A.M. on the tape as well) and says…”so that’s why Billie’s doing it. To protect Chelsea.” with both his face and Billie’s on the screen…As the previews roll…

ALEX TO LOIS: “We are both going to get exactly what we want.”
Lois takes a deep breath.
JOHN walks in and asks Alex just “what the hell are you doing in here”?

MARLENA TO BELLE: “that’s the person with whom I belong..not your dad.”

MIMI AND BONNIE are arguing and BONNIE says: “this is not about fortune telling, it’s about Claire .”MIMI: “Claire?”
BONNIE: “She’s Shawn’s daughter, Mimi.”
Cue shocked expression on Mimi’s face.

PATRICK TO BILLIE in the courtroom: “I know what’s going on Billie.”
HOPE walks in and says “Damn it, is someone going to tell me what’s going on here?”

PS: If anyone recognizes the building used for the courthouse, please e-mail me. Thanks.

And the credits roll….
Linda

Episode # 10240; Tape Date: 1/11/06; Air Date: 1/30/06; Director: Roger Inman

Summary: Bonnie puts 2 & 2 together and puts the squeeze on Kate…Marlena tries to convince John to let her go, but he continues to hold on tight…Mimi tells Belle some of her wedding plans…Shawn asks Philip to be his best man…Alex and Lois discuss their plans to ruin Marlena’s life.

In the Hospital Nursery…Shawn, Philip, Belle and Mimi are still with Claire. Philip is anxious to take her home and goes on and on about her. He realizes that maybe considering what Shawn lost for her to be well, they shouldn’t be so happy. But Belle says that Zack would be happy too, he saved her life. They gather around the crib as Philip tells Claire how fortunate she is and how no one will ever take her away. Belle and Mimi go to get coffee as Philip tells Shawn that he will never forget what they did for them. Shawn says he loves Claire and would do anything for her. Belle and Mimi talk and Belle thanks them for being there for them, especially Shawn, considering all he has been through. Mimi thinks that perhaps this was therapy for Shawn. He feels like Claire is almost like his own daughter. Belle smiles and says she is. Mimi asks what she meant by that and Belle clarifies and says that he just feels that way about children…he gets so attached to them. Belle says that if anything were to happen to her and Philip, they would want him and Mimi to raise Claire. Belle asks Mimi if she has thought any about her wedding plans. They talk about Kate’s offer and Mimi says she isn’t even so sure that there will be a wedding. In the other room Philip asks Shawn if he is having second thoughts about marrying Mimi. Shawn says that he does want to marry her, but just not sure the timing is right. Philip pushes him to accept Kate’s offer and describes what the honeymoon would be like. Shawn asks Philip if he would be his best man. Mimi also tells Belle that the timing isn’t right for a wedding and she really doesn’t want to elope, as Kate suggested. She wants to get married in Salem surrounded by family and friends. Belle tells her it should be the way she wants it and not to settle. She says she will help her plan everything and even design her dress for her. But Mimi says the dress she wants to wear already exists…she wants to get married in Caroline Brady’s dress…hitting a nerve with Belle. She finally says she doesn’t mind as Mimi says she will talk with Shawn and then they will set the date. Mimi says in the wedding of her dreams, she would want Belle to be the maid of honor. Belle says she would love to be and they hug. Philip tells Shawn of course he would be his best man and the do their handshake. Claire cries and Philip rushes over and picks her up as she is fussy. He hands her to Shawn and she immediately hushes up (cute as she sneezes several times). Shawn talks about how he loves her and Philip is impressed at how good he is with children. He tells him he will be a great dad someday.

In the Cafeteria…Bonnie tracks Kate down (saying she snuck away from her). Bonnie tells her she knows that Shawn is Claire’s father. Kate plays dumb, but Bonnie is sure. Kate sits back down and tries to reason with her, saying it isn’t true. Bonnie says Philip may be clueless but they both know the truth. She tells her that Mimi was suspicious after Kate’s offer…but she has put 2 & 2 together. Kate asks her if Mimi knows and Bonnie says no. Bonnie asks Kate if she just has her suspicions or is she sure. Kate says she knows for sure. They say that both of them want their children happy and decide maybe they should work together. Bonnie has done her detective work…counted backward and looked into the fire where Shawn and Belle were rescued. She said she checked the reports and learned that they were pulled from the barn, barely alive and ‘naked as 2 jaybirds’. Kate is impressed and they decide that both of them should keep their mouths shut. Kate says they have a deal and sticks out her hand to shake on it. Bonnie says she is skipping a step…Kate is rich…if she wants to seal the deal…there is a price. Kate says she should have known that Bonnie would try to blackmail her. Bonny says that she and Mimi will accept all of Kate’s offers…so far…but she wants more….such as a truck load of makeup, all of Basic Black’s business for Alice’s, new designer clothes, oh and this…as she slips Kate a piece of paper. Kate looks at it and tells her okay, but if the truth slips out…it could mean an early grave for Bonnie. Bonnie says that as long as Mimi is happy, her lips are sealed. Kate leaves and Bonnie spikes her coffee and takes a deep breath. She says she is going to grab that brass ring again.

John takes Marlena to her office…to try and jog her memory. She starts her “Alex is my husband” mantra and tells him to accept it and move on. He talks about family, Izzy and Clarie in particular. She says she doesn’t remember raising Belle, but they must have done something right from the way she turned out. John says she can’t abandon them now. He thinks she should see another doctor…someone who actually WANTS to cure her. She becomes upset with him and they begin to argue. She says they have both made choices and asks just what he wants from her. He says that Belle needs her family, but Marlena says so does Sami…but they are both grown women…everyone has moved on…so should he. She thinks that John is just using the situation to his advantage, but he yells at her that he took vows and they meant something to him. She says she has no intentions of reconciling with him. She loves Alex now and is going to check on him. John grabs her by the arm and begs her to just look around her office again. She says she has no memories of life with him. She has made her choice…she has strong feelings for Alex…and he has risked his life to save her. She asks John if HE has ever done that. He says, yes…a time or two. Well, I don’t remember she says. (poor John) She says that Alex saved her from Lois up on that roof. But John says he just doesn’t believe that. She goes to leave and he says he will never let her go. He talks about his suspicions of Alex and she tells him that she just doesn’t have feelings for him. John thinks that Alex has done something to her to make her forget but she tells him to just let her go.

Kate arrives outside Marlena’s office and listens as Marlena tells John she doesn’t remember being happy and loved by him. He says he cannot stop loving her but Marlena says he will just have to. She tells him that he has feelings for Kate and she IS a lovely woman. John admits he has feelings for her, but he does not love her…and never will…like he loves Marlena. Hearing this, Kate leaves in tears. Marlena says she and Alex deserve to be happy and he must let her go. With that she leaves. Sitting alone, John says he can’t let go…he loves her…as it fades to their wedding photo.

In the Psych Ward…Alex and Lois are kissing as she says this is crazy. He says it’s wonderful crazy and he missed her as much as she missed him. She rubs all over him but he tells her to be careful…they may be watched. She talks about all she has done for him, playing the demented psycho. They laugh about him pretending to be in love with Marlena.

Lois talks about his hatred for Marlena, but he says he doesn’t hate her….he feels sorry for her. Lois talks about what he did to Marlena years ago and calls her a romantic fool. She says that Alex brought about her first bout of hysterical amnesia and he says he just wishes he had finished the job back then. She talks about how they have to be careful and proceed cautiously. He asks her what she has done and she says nothing. He warns her not to mess things up and she tells him to just be careful of John Black…he is smarter than he looks. Lois hugs him and asks when is he going to get her out of there. He tells her he has business to take care of first…but not to worry…he holds Marlena’s fate in his hands and there is nothing John Black can do to save her now. Lois asks about the plan and he tells her that Marlena will continue to rebuff John. He talks about the seed Lois planted about Kate and how Kate actually really loves John. He says that eventually John will want a woman and since he can’t have Marlena, he will turn to Kate. He says that everything is going according to plan. He says that John has always been right about him, but no one will ever believe him now. Lois ask swhat if Marlena regains her memory and remembers her life with John. Alex says it doesn’t matter, because by the time she remembers…it will be too late for anyone to save her…as the previews show…

Carrie (to Sami): What about you and Lucas? (Sami): What about us? (Carrie): Is it really over between the two of you?...

Lucas (to Austin): You can raid as many companies as you want to…but when the time is right, Titan will destroy you just like you did Carrie’s company…

Billie (to Frankie): I am begging you…no one can know that Chelsea killed Zack (she let it slip out)…Shocked look from Frankie…

Bo: I have to tell Hope the truth…(as Hope walks up behind him and asks): The truth about what? (as he turns around)…

And the credits roll…
Laney

Episode: 10,239
Directed by: Albert Alarr
Tape Date: 1/10/06

At the hospital, everyone rejoices as Claire's vitals are back to normal; Bonnie has possession of the Salem Brain and onto Kate's motives; Alex and Lois chat..while at the Cop Shop Bo is still torn about what to do.

AT THE HOSPITAL...Marlena and Alex return to the hospital to see how Belle and Claire are. He’s concerned after what happened the night before that it might be too soon, but she says she won’t turn her back on her family. He asks if that includes John…who we also see strolling down the halls…with Kate. She softly reassures him that John will always be a part of her life, but he’s (Alex) the man she’ll spend the rest of her life with. The two couples run into each other outside Pediatric ICU and learn that Claire is off life support and there’s no limit to visitors (didn’t seem to be one before anyway, LOL). Marlena and Alex coo about how much she appreciates him coming back to the hospital with her and she’ll make the visit short and take him home for some TLC. Alex offers to wait outside to avoid any more tension and will go sit and wait for her. Kate suggests she’ll go thin out Claire’s visitors and suggests John and Marlena wait outside while she does so. John starts up about the Lois Banks situation while Marlena pours coffee. He says he’s her husband and she tells him, no, he’s not.

John wants to talk with crazy Lois, but Kate tries to talk him out of it. Lois looks at him through the window and yells she knows why he’s there and what he wants. She tells Kate she knew she was a hooker and was a great help to John to make his dividends rise, LOL. John agrees, she’s crazy. She does manage to stir up John by saying Alex is the real danger to Marlena and will do anything to get what he wants. He knows she’ll try to use his distrust of Alex and she says BINGO. Lois has Kate’s number, knowing if Alex is out of the picture, John’s hers. Lois babbles how Marlena loves Alex and Kate loves John…she should have gotten rid of Marlena years ago..then bursts in maniacal laughter. They leave and Lois instantly sobers, telling herself that worked like a charm.

Mimi, Shawn, Belle and Philip watch as a nurse checks Claire over, Bonnie walks in. The nurse turns off the monitor and Bonnie says “Sweet Jesus, after everything this baby has been through, don’t tell me she didn’t make it.” No, just the opposite. Claire doesn’t need it anymore. Bonnie is thrilled, gives a huge gift basket to Philip (which she’s nibbling from or handing out from for most of the show, haha) and tells Shawn how wonderful Zack was a match, which he admits gives him comfort. Bonnie blows it by saying..if it hadn’t, there would have been two dead babies. Cue look from Philip and Belle and Mimi saying “Momma!”. Bonnie tries to cover and passes out the treats from the basket saying they have a lot to celebrate..Claire’s health and Shawn and Mimi’s engagement. The nurse tells them that Claire’s vitals are perfect and when Belle asks if she can hold her, the nurse says as much as she wants. Bonnie gives the nurse a biscotti for that great news (yum). As Belle and Philip tell their beautiful daughter (yes, we get to SEE her today!!) that she’s going to be spoiled rotten after all she’s gone through. Bonnie asks Mimi and Shawn if they have any wedding plans yet..which kind of throws some cold water on Belle’s happiness. Belle says they can’t elope as she knows how much a big wedding means to Mimi. Mimi only cares that they’re married by a priest. John walks in and learns the good news about Claire and tells Shawn how sorry he is about Zack and for Shawn to know that part of him is still with them, in Claire. Zack’s a hero and his parents are too for agreeing to the transplant. Shawn’s thankful his brother was a match as Bonnie and Kate’s expressions say and we know why. Belle asks Marlena if she wants to hold her granddaughter and she gasps and happily accepts (poor Philip hasn’t even held her, LOL). Marlena steps away cooing to Claire as John watches. Belle and John talk quietly about Marlena, then join her as he tells Belle how they rushed her to the hospital when she was a baby and how Marlena didn’t leave her side. Marlena tells them she remembers when that happened, which thrills both of them. John pushes how she’s his wife and calls her doc causing Marlena to bristle and tell him not to do that.

Alex takes the opportunity to visit Lois. He shows the guard standing in front of Lois’s door (which is right off the main hall..isn’t psych ward usually behind locked door as well?) his doctor ID and says Dr. Carver wanted him to do a preliminary interview. No problem, the guard lets him in and says for him to knock when he’s done. Lois fluffs her hair and happy to see him. He asks Lois if she knows how Marlena almost got killed. She tells him she’d do anything for him and he knows it. He asks her what she plans on telling people. She says nothing and asks if he's there for anything else. He tells her he's also there for this and pulls her into his arms and gives her a big kiss.

MEANWHILE…AT THE COP SHOP…
Patrick talks to the rookies, who are anxious to leave and call it case closed now that Billie confessed. A replay of Hope hugging Chelsea and Bo saying she’s his daughter and Hope’s his wife. She needs to know exactly how she’s involved in this! Hope tells him Shawn and Chelsea come before her and Chelsea uses the opportunity and asks to speak with him alone. Bo agrees and Patrick joins Hope. She asks if he’s there to see his girlfriend. He tells her no, he just wanted to tell her how sorry he is and how special Zack was. Later she asks Patrick to be there for Chelsea. The poor girl lost her parents to drunk drivers, now her mother hit and killed her little brother. Thank goodness she still has her father. Patrick comments that she’s holding a lot of anger. She says that’s what’s holding her together. He tells her Shawn and Bo are the focus for her to continue on and to stop dwelling on what happened in the past. She refuses to go forward until the one who’s responsible is punished. She excuses herself and he tells himself he wants the responsible person punished, but knows it wasn’t Billie.

Chelsea balls, continuing to plead with Bo to keep his mouth shut. Bo says no, he’ll get her the best lawyers, etc., but Hope needs to know the truth. Chelsea whines about how they’d go easier on Billie, but Bo knows better. He says if Chelsea had called 911 when she hit Zack it would have been an accident, but now it’s hit and run. Chelsea reminds him how Hope will hate him for signing her temporary license (she burned it, it’s his word against hers, LOL) and she and Billie will hate him also if he turns her in. Bo is torn. He says he’ll hire Mickey and Frankie to represent her, but she scoffs that it’s Hope’s Uncle and his brother. He says being she’d being represented by members of Zack’s family is a strong statement. Bo says he took an oath to uphold the law and vowed to never lie to his wife. These lies are going to stop, right now! Bo says he will fess up for signing her license and letting her use the truck. Chelsea reminds him (and us for the umpteenth time) that he’ll lose his daughter and his wife if he does this.


BACK AT THE HOSPITAL…
Kate takes the opportunity to ask Mimi if she wants to talk wedding plans and Bonnie overhears and anxious to join the conversation as they all slip out the door. Bonnie listens as Kate tells them about how Basic Black will pay for the wedding and honeymoon and do a story on it for their magazine. She shows pictures of gowns for both bride and mother of the bride as Mimi can’t believe her good fortune..but Bonnie knows why Kate is doing it. Kate offers to set up an appointment for Bonnie and Mimi to try on all the gowns and get them fitted. Mimi accepts and while Kate uses the pay phone to do so, Bonnie tries to make Mimi see what’s happening. Mimi is only thrilled about her good luck and reminds Bonnie she’d have to pay for it if Kate didn’t. Wasn’t she the one who told her never to look a gift horse in the mouth? Bonnie’s reply..a gift horse, right, just as long as it’s not a Trojan horse (good come back). Mimi asks what could Kate gain by sending her on a honeymoon around the world (uh, Shawn out of the picture for all that time?). Kate and Bonnie chat alone and Bonnie lets Kate know she’s on to her and why…that Shawn’s the real father to Claire, not Philip. Cue shocked face on Kate…as the previews roll…

Bonnie to Kate: “You want to seal our deal, you’ve got to meet my price.”

Mimi to Belle: “She (Claire) means so much to him (Shawn)…it’s almost like she’s his own daughter.”
Belle: “She is.”

Marlena: “I love him and right now I’m going to go check on him.”
John grabs her arm and says she’s not going anywhere.

Alex to Lois: “By the time Marlena remembers who she is, it will be too late for anyone to save her.”

Linda

Episode # 10238
Tape Date: 1/9/06
Air Date: 1/26/06
Director: Jim Baffico

Summary: The lies in Salem get deeper…as some people want to expose them, yet others want to just bury them deeper. Sami convinces Carrie that she is her friend…Chelsea’s guilt is eating away at her, as is Max’s…Patrick digs deeper into the accident, determined to get to the truth.

At Sami’s Place…Austin is still trying to apologize to Carrie for what happened. She tells him that she has to return to LA and face her former employees. He begs her for forgiveness. She gets angry and goes to leave but he stops her, swearing he would not have gone through with the takeover had he known the truth. Lucas comes in distraught and Sami immediately thinks something has happened to Will. He tells them about Zack’s death and Billie’s confession. He goes on to tell them about how Zack’s liver saved Claire. Austin thinks it must be a mistake…Billie could not be responsible. Sami takes the news hard, having thoughts of Will. (She says if it were him, they could just bury her right next to him, for she would die). Sami goes to call Caroline as Austin and Lucas go across the hall to call Kate to get more details. Austin talks to Kate and tells her to give Billie their love. After he gets off the phone, Lucas takes another swipe at Austin for the way he does business and how he hurt Carrie. He rags him about asking Carrie forgiveness and says she will NEVER forgive him for what he has done. He has ruined her life and it is time to move on. They argue about Austin pursuing her and Sami and Nicole’s involvement. Lucas is sure that they knew the truth about Carrie being the CEO and kept it from Austin, calling them manipulative witches. Lucas says it is over between Austin and Carrie. Austin thinks that maybe Lucas knew the truth as well and kept it from him, as Lucas continues to shift blame toward Sami and Nicole. Lucas tells him to just stay out of Carrie’s life. Austin laughs at Lucas for thinking that he has a chance with her and says he will NOT walk away from Carrie. Austin gets angry and goes to leave as Lucas tells him that Carrie doesn’t want anything else to do with him. Austin just wants to try to explain everything to her and vows to get her back and warns Lucas not to get in his way.

Back at Sami’s, she gets off the phone with her grandmother and says she was so distraught, she couldn’t even talk. Carrie says she was gone so long, she never even met Zack and that the first time she saw Claire, she was already sick. Sami says there is nothing they can do for Bo and Hope, for nothing would make them feel any better. She asks why something bad always has to happen for something good to come of it. She says that Carrie lost a lot today as well and asks if she is really through with Austin. Carrie says she believes that Austin really didn’t know the truth, but she was still disappointed at the way he went about the takeover. She thinks he has become ruthless. Sami points out that she was against the takeover from the beginning and that Austin did try to find out who the CEO was…although didn’t try very hard. Sami says it is her fault…she should have looked at Carrie’s card…then she would have known. But Nicole just kept pushing Austin to move forward. Carrie asks if something was going on between Austin and Nicole and Sami says she hopes not…he deserves better. Sami says that maybe Austin is just different since leaving Salem…as Carrie adds…when he dumped you at the altar? She apologizes for being so blunt and says maybe he is different because of that and the fact that she cheated on him with Mike, maybe he turned bitter. Sami says that sometimes they just have to move forward. Carrie remembers the conversation she overheard between Sami and the bathroom attendant in LA and says that she thinks Sami meant what she said. Carrie thanks her for being a good sister as well as a good friend. Sami says she tries (LOL). Sami admits that when Austin returned she was interested in him but backed off when Carrie entered the picture. She says she thinks she has learned from her mistakes. Carrie thanks her for being honest and says she thinks she can trust her again. Sami promises not to break that trust and they hug.

At Max’s shop…Chelsea comes rushing in upset as Max tells her the guilt is eating at her and she can’t let Billie take the blame. But Chelsea is still trying to justify her actions. She asks what he has told Patrick as he walks in asking why she is there. He says he found something in Max’s records…the call that was made about the accident was made from a cell phone and asks who made the call. They claim they don’t know but Patrick still smells something fishy and is sure that there is something wrong with her story. He thinks that Billie is covering for someone else. Patrick decides to go down to that station and talk to the cops. After he leaves, Chelsea wants to go get something to eat and Max is appalled, saying she just can’t go back to her normal life. He says that Patrick will keep digging and get to the truth and that perhaps he already suspects, but just doesn’t want to believe it. He lectures her for lying and letting Billie take the blame and forcing Bo to lie to Hope. He says she killed Zack and a lot of people are now suffering. He says that even more people will suffer when the truth does come out, including him and Abby for obstructing justice. She says that won’t happen if everyone keeps quiet. He says if she allows this to continue, she is not the girl he thought she was. Later, she is gone and he is on the phone with his manager talking about him getting back into racing. He tells him of the problems with his family and he will think about a return in the spring. After he hangs up, he looks at his poster on the wall and talks about the press he will get…perhaps being indicted as a part of all this. He says that Chelsea MUST tell the truth before more lives get ruined.

At the Police Station…Bo is hugging Billie as Hope walks in asking what the HELL is going on. She thinks he is comforting Bille as Bo tries to tell her that isn’t what is going on. She is furious and rails at Bo for siding with Billie. Bo starts (yet again) to tell the truth, but Billie steps in and covers. Hope gets in her face as Bo has to pull her away. Bo hugs her, saying he understands her anger, but it has to stop. Billie jumps in again and tries to explain it was all an accident. She says she confessed and she is going to jail…out of their lives for good. She tells them that Zack is gone, but they need to be there for their other son, Shawn and for Chelsea. She will need them now more than ever. She says for them to let nothing come between them. Hope, still furious, says she can’t look at Billie anymore and storms off. Bo tells Billie that he can’t continue to lie to Hope. But Billie tells him that if he wants to save his marriage, he has no choice. She tells him that Hope will never forgive him. She says if Chelsea were to go to jail, she would never recover from it and she won’t let that happen to her daughter…this is the only way. Meanwhile, Patrick has arrived and is talking to the two rookie cops for more info. He tells them that there is something not right with Billie’s confession. He learns that they have no other evidence other than the confession and the cops tell him that as far as they are concerned, case closed. Chelsea is now there and is watching from the hallway when Hope runs into her. She sees that Chelsea is upset as they hug and cry, Hope saying how sorry she is for her. Chelsea says she feels terrible about what happened and she shouts she never meant for this to happen, as Hope stares at her (just as Bo walks up and hears/sees this). Billie is crying in her cell, vowing to do everything she can to protect Chelsea. She says if the truth comes out, all of their lives will be destroyed. Hope continues to console Chelsea, saying that this is rough on all of them. Hope says that is why she wanted Chelsea to go to the driving school, so she would never be involved in something like this. She cries she already has. Chelsea cries that she doesn’t want her mother to go to jail and babbles on about her parents dying. Bo is listening to all this and steps in, telling him that he can’t do this anymore…as the previews show…

John (to Marlena): Doc, you don’t…(Marlena): Don’t ever call me DOC…that’s not who I want to be anymore…not ever again…

Chelsea (to Bo): I am going to prison! (Bo): Chelsea, it’s out of my control… (Chelsea): Just let Billie take the blame…it’s not like I asked her to do this…

Hope (to Patrick): Billie deserves to be punished…there’s no moving on until that happens…

Bonnie (to Kate): The only reason you are doing all this for Shawn and Mimi is because you know that Shawn is Claire’s real daddy…

And the credits roll…
Laney

Episode #10,237
Tape date-1/6
Director Herb Stein

The coverup of Chelsea continues, as Patrick acts on his suspicions, Bo tries to get Billie to retract her confession, Jennifer visits Hope, and Marlena makes a decision regarding Alex.

AT THE HOSPITAL Kate has told John about Zack, and Billie confessing to the hit and run. John doesn’t buy it, claiming Billie would never have left the scene, especially being and ex-cop and ISA. He then tells Kate all about Marlena, Alex and Lois, but still does not trust Alex and wants to check on her. In Alex’s room, a nurse tells Marlena that as soon as his test results come back, he will be released. She is very happy, and tells him she wants to return to the penthouse, she is sorry for what John has put him through, and wants him to know that her marriage and love for John is dead & she is sorry for doubting his love for her. John overhears this, as he and Kate arrive. He accuses Alex of not protecting Marlena from a stalking Lois, but Marlena defends him, saying doctor/patient confidentiality came into play here (Oh, brother!). Alex & John argue over WHEN does the danger to another void that decision to remain silent, as they rehash all the various times John caught Alex in a situation where he appeared to be about to do harm to Marlena. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz. Marlena asks both John & Kate to leave, and they depart.

Outside the room, John is not satisfied, smells a rat, and is going to do some further investigating on Lois Banks. (About time!) He goes to visit Lois, who is confined in a strait jacket, and laughs maniacally as she tells him that Marlena is lost to him forever, but that she is still not safe from Alex. He leaves, telling Kate that it still does not explain Marlena being beat up and the picture proves it. Alone in a corner, Lois calls for Alex to come and that they will be together forever. John goes back to check on Marlena.

The nurse has brought the papers for Alex to be released. Marlena is very happy, and makes a long loving speech to Alex, asking him to renew their wedding vows. She talks of making plans for their long future together, and he asks her to promise that he will never have to worry about her leaving him again. (Hey, Alex, she did not leave you the lst time, did she? It was YOUR decision, supposedly). John is outside the room, looking in as they embrace and kiss. Two nurses gossip about how romantic it is for Dr. North & Dr. Evans, and how they are going to renew their vows.

AT HOME, HOPE is cuddling one of Zack’s teddy bears, the doorbell rings, and Jennifer has arrived. Hope tells her that Gran, Julie & Maggie were there, but she send them home, she just wanted to be alone. Jen comforts Hope, telling her she can leave Zack’s toys around for a year if she wants to, as Hope talks of how much she misses her baby. She tells a shocked Jen that it was Billie who hit Zack, then asks Jen to just talk to her, talk about anything, just talk. Jennifer tells her about the DVD that Jack left behind, and how happy she was to see and hear Jack on it, though his message was not received well. They talk a little about Frankie, long friendships, and Hope says how glad she is to have Bo to lean on through all of this. She decides to go to the station, and abruptly grabs her coat and leaves, with Jen saying she will lock up for her.

AT THE COP SHOP Abby & Max cannot believe that Chelsea is letting her take the fall for what she did. In Roman’s office Patrick questions Chelsea, asking her for the truth to what she knows. She dances around it, supposedly angry that he might think it was her. Patrick leaves the office, confronts Max asking him what happened to Bo’s SUV. He tells Max he wants to check out the garage and they leave. Abby tries again to convince Chelsea to own up, but Chelsea is only worried about her own hide. Abby attempts to reason with her, saying she is again only thinking of herself, but Chelsea retorts that Abby is not being a good friend to her. (rolling eyes here). She takes out her temp license, sets fire to it, so there will no “evidence” that she was able to drive.At the garage, Patrick is looking around, but the cops have impounded Bo’s vehicle. He knows Billie could not have been driving, must be covering for someone, and is convinced the cops have probably missed something. (With the Salem P.D. that is a given, lolol)

Meanwhile Bo is arguing with Billie big time. He just cannot withhold the truth from Hope any longer. Billie pleads with him, telling him that when he tells Hope that he signed for Chelsea’s temporary license, and gave her his car, that will be the end. She will never forgive him. (Can Days hit us over the head any harder to show us what is coming down the road?). Bo leaves, but returns in a while, having thought about the situation, but now is inside the cell with her. Billie tells him his marriage would be over once Hope learns the truth (Yep, cannot have a single married couple in Salem, can we?). Bo beats himself up, and kudos to Peter Reckell, who pulls out all the stops as he portrays the grieving father who will no longer get bear hugs from his boy, or be invited to play trucks with him, or watch over him during the night when he runs a fever and needs his daddy. Bo cries, as he talks, while Billie begins to talk of how she felt losing her baby, Chelsea, and he was not there for her, she had no one. She says she would not wish that sort of grief on anyone, and that Hope needs Bo to be there for her. He apologizes to Billie for not being there for her when she lost her baby (yes, Days, that baby WAS stillborn, wasn’t it?), and puts his arms around her to comfort her. Cue Hope to walk in on this scene. And the previews show…….

Patrick: I found something in your records, Max, maybe the key to setting Billie free and finding out who really did run down Zack and kill him. (Chelsea is there in background with Max)

Bo to Hope: You don’t know what’s going on here

Sami: He’s a different man than he left Salem after he…. Carrie: Dumped you at the altar?

Austin: I WILL get her back and don’t stand in my way Lucas: I guarantee you, there’s no way you’ll get Carrie back

Barb

Episode: 10,236
Directed by: Phil Sogard
Tape Date: 1/5/06

IT'S A SAD DAY IN SALEM...Carrie's over what Austin did to her, and for Austin what he did to Carrie; Hope over losing Zack and Bo about his own guilt for his part in it; Billie is booked and tells Kate her "secret"; and Chelsea still refuses to take the blame.

AUSTIN REED, INC.
Nicole and try to convince Austin that he can’t undo the take over, but he’s determined to try as it meant so much to Carrie. Sami and Nicole bicker over who’s to blame for not finding out who was the CEO. Sami goes so far as to accuse Nicole of knowing Carrie was the CEO. Nicole says that sounds like something you’d do and Austin gets a light bulb moment as his eyes pop and agrees with Nicole. Sami denies knowing it was Carrie and Austin takes the blame on himself. Nicole and Sami continue their blame shoot until Austin tells them to SHUT UP (thank you Austin). He vows to give back to Carrie what belongs to her if it’s the last thing he does (she doesn’t OWN the company, is just the CEO and my guess is she probably would be fired for letting the takeover happen to begin with?) Austin called someone and found out that there’s no going back. Nicole and Sami continue their bickering about who should be fired. Austin says no one is getting fired, he’s the boss and signed off on it. Nicole suggests they move on and with him in charge, High Style will be a big success. Ding Dong…Carrie’s there. He tells her about his attempt to reverse the takeover, but can’t. He asks if she can forgive him.

Across the hall Lucas comforts Carrie and tries to reassure her she’ll find another company, but saying it has to hurt that Austin was the one who took it away from her. She agrees and will never forgive him for it. Losing him hurt more than losing her company. She tells Lucas she couldn’t get Austin off her mind after breaking up with Mike. She loved Mike, but could never forget Austin. It was too good to be true that Austin was still available and wanted to be with her too. Crying, she says she doesn’t even recognize Austin anymore. Lucas stokes her Anti-Austin fire and asks if she can give Austin up. She talks about forgiving Austin and leaves to go see him, much to Lucas’ chagrin.

AT THE BRADYS…
Bo heated up some soup and insists Hope should eat it. He says she hasn’t eaten since… She hugs Zack’s t-shirt and hopes Billie rots in prison. Bo says there’s something I have to tell you. A flashback of him telling Chelsea he won’t lie to his wife as Chelsea whines about her life being over (uh, like Zack’s?) and then flashback of him telling Billie that he’s the reason his son is dead and knowing that Hope will always blame him. He backpedals and tells Hope that he loves her and nothing will ever change that. She hugs him tight and he tells her that they’ll get through this together. She finds a wrinkled up drawing that Zack drew in his backpack. It says Mommy and Zack and stick drawings of them holding hands. Bo hugs her with the drawing between them. She tells him this was the surprise Zack had for her and clutches it to her bosom, promising Zack she’ll keep it forever. Hope tells him all she has left is her memories and the doorbell rings. She doesn’t want any visitors, but he comes back and says it’s Mrs. H., Maggie and Julie. Hope goes out and cries in Gran’s arms. Later the 4 women are in the kitchen telling Hope what they brought to eat. Hope can’t eat, not even Gran’s homemade chicken soup, as they tell her she needs to keep her strength up for Bo and Shawn if not for herself. Bo walks in wearing his jacket and Maggie asks where he’s going. He tells them now that Hope is in their capable hands, he’s going down to the station. Hope says to check on Billie, the woman who killed their son. Gran tells Bo to go do what he has to do and they’ll take care of Hope. Bo gives Hope a kiss goodbye, saying he won’t be long. Hope starts to go after him, but Gran takes her hand instead.

Later Hope’s hugging Zack’s stuffed animals as Maggie and Julie walk in saying she hadn’t eaten much. Hope thanks them, and they say they love her, concerned. Hope hugs them and says she loves them too, but needs to be alone and hopes they understand. She looks at the framed family picture they had taken on Christmas.


AT THE COP SHOP
The door slams on her cell as we see Max and Abby taking Chelsea to turn herself in. She still doesn’t want to, but her friends remind her that Bo will be telling Hope soon anyway. Chelsea doesn’t think that Bo will tell Hope. When Abby asks how can she let her mother go to prison for her, Chelsea said her mother is dead and was killed by a drunk driver. At least she wasn’t drunk. Abby reminds her that it was an accident. Chelsea figures her mother’s driving record and ISA background will get her off. She refuses to confess. She tells them she was looking for her cell phone when the accident happened and knows it’s against the state law to drive and talk on cell phone. (just checked on the net and Illinois and Minnesota don’t allow beginning drivers to use cells while driving.) Later Patrick asks to speak with Chelsea alone. He asks her to be honest.

Billie’s being booked as Kate arrives at the cop shop and Patrick fills her in on Billie’s confession to hitting Zack. They both know Billie wouldn’t have left the scene and he fesses up to caring for Billie and wanting to help. Without going through procedures or a search, Kate walks into the cell area and the guard gives her 10 minutes to chat with her daughter. Kate doesn’t understand Billie’s behavior and demands the truth. Billie agrees and asks her to promise not to tell anyone else. She’ll understand once she knows what really happened. Kate says this insane after hearing the truth and tries to convince Billie so. Kate says she’ll tell the truth if Billie won’t. They’ll find her a good lawyer. Billie tells Kate to be quiet and to mind her own damn business! Billie says she’s doing it because Chelsea is her daughter, that’s what mothers do….unlike Kate who didn’t protect her children and let their abusive father have his way. Ouch. Kate says there was nothing she could do then. Billie breaks down saying she’s going to do what Kate didn’t do for them, protect her. Now that she’s found her daughter again, she’s not letting them take her away again. Billie says she’s older and knows the system, unlike Chelsea. She wasn’t there for her daughter when she was growing up, but she’s there for her now. Kate runs into Bo as she starts to leave and asks him to talk Billie out of what she’s doing. Bo tells Billie she’s not going to jail for Chelsea and putting a stop to the lies right now.

As the Previews roll…

Chelsea sets fires to some papers as Abby says: “Chelsea, what are you doing?”

JENNIFER TO HOPE: "You know that Bo is destroyed by losing Zack."
HOPE (crying) responds: "I just don’t understand how he could even talk to her. "

BILLIE TO BO: "It could be the end of your marriage. Is that what you want?"

MARLENA TO ALEX (who’s back in his hospital bed): "I would like very much if we could renew our marriage vows."

As the credits roll…Linda

Episode # 10235
Tape Date: 1/4/06
Air Date: 1/23/06
Director: Albert Alarr

Summary: It looks like this is the first show filmed after the Christmas break, but Peter and Kristian haven’t lost their intensity…they give powerful performances again as they return home to find Zack’s empty room…Austin grovels for forgiveness at Carrie’s feet…Roman tries to talk sense into Billie…Patrick is determined to get to the truth…Jen convinces Frankie to hang around.

At the Deveraux House…Jen is thinking about Frankie’s goodbye and rushes to the door to stop him from leaving. He is standing there to return her keys that he forgot. She admits that she was going to try to stop him from leaving and wants to talk with him. He comes in and she says she has some things she needs to say to him. She apologizes for her reaction to his confession and he apologizes as well for upsetting her. She tries to explain and thanks him for being honest with her. She says now it is her turn to be honest with him. She admits that yes, she probably thought of him as more than just a friend and says that when she and Jack were apart, she thought of him more than she should have. After all, he was her first love…and you never forget that. Frankie says he knows that she was in love with Jack and probably always will be. She says that they thought they would grow old together, but it just wasn’t to be. Frankie says that Jack knew he was dying but didn’t want her to stop living as well. She says that they were happy and she didn’t want to betray him or their memory and apologizes if she was sending him mixed signals. He says he has to leave, but Jen asks him not to go and she stops him. She says her family needs him there. She says she is sorry if she was sending him mixed signals and won’t be doing that anymore, but she knows that Jack is gone and she needs her friend there to help her. He finally says he will stay for as long as she needs him and they hug.

At Lucas’s Place…Carrie is furious and lashes out at Austin. He tries to explain as Nicole rushes in, informing him that the entire Highstyle staff has been pinkslipped. He tries to shut her up and then she asks what’s wrong as Sami explains. Nicole says OOPS and has a sheepish grin on her face. Carrie blubbers about them stealing her company but Nicole says she ran it into the ground. Austin tries to explain to her but she says he was only playing her. He swears he didn’t know that was her company as Lucas backs Carrie. Sami claims none of them knew until it was too late. Carrie says that is why they were in LA to scope out her company. Nicole retorts (with the line of the day) saying “no, we were in LA to go Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride”. (LOL) Carrie hauls off and slaps Austin across the chops. Austin tries to grovel, swearing he didn’t know the truth, but Carrie asks if he DID know…would it had made a difference? She goes on about how stupid she was and tells them to go on and celebrate. Austin says maybe they can fix it, but Nicole says the deal is done…no going back now. Austin tries to figure out a way to help, but Nicole says no, Highstyle is like Humpty Dumpty…it is finished. Austin swears that he tried to find out who the CEO was and talk to her, but never could. Lucas takes advantage of the situation and rails at Austin, saying he didn’t care who he hurt. Carrie says even if it weren’t her company, it wasn’t right (that is the nature of big business, honey). He continues to swear if he had known it was her company, he wouldn’t have gone through with it. Lucas (playing every trump card) calls him a heartless corporate raider that stabbed Carrie in the back and is now twisting the knife. Carrie doesn’t even want to talk to him, saying he disgusts her. She talks about how her work was her life and how she let her employees down. Austin promises to make it up to her. Sami chimes in, saying she tried to stop Austin and Nicole but they wouldn’t listen. Playing the sympathetic sister, he says she also sorry about her and Austin. Carrie says she let her guard down and this is what happened. Austin is still trying to tell her he didn’t want to hurt her but she says she hates what he has become…maybe he was like this all along and she just didn’t realize it, as Lucas comforts her. To herself, Sami thinks that Carrie doesn’t want Austin anymore…it’s only a matter of time before he is all hers.

At the Lockhart House…(or at least I think that’s where it is)…Chelsea sits alone and cries about how horrible she feels, but she CANNOT go to jail. Some guy comes in (oh, that’s Patrick…it’s been a while since we have seen him ;-) He has a paper and knows all about Zack’s death and Billie’s arrest. He says that Chelsea can’t let Billie take the blame for something she didn’t do. Chelsea says she confessed but Patrick doesn’t believe it and says there is more to it and is determined to find out the truth. She claims she doesn’t know anything but he keeps on pushing. She covers but Patrick says there are too many holes in Billie’s story. She asks him what he thinks is going on and he says he thinks she is covering for someone else and he is going to find out who. He leaves to go to the station to talk to Billie. Alone, Chelsea cries again, saying she can’t go to jail and if Billie wants to take the blame, she can. She tries to justify what Billie is doing and says it will work…IF everyone that knows the truth just keeps quiet (bahahaha, yea right).

At the Cop Shop…Roman wants to talk to Billie alone before she is booked and takes her into his office. He tells her that he knows the truth, Bo told him, brother to brother. Billie is angry that Bo told him and says that no one can prove it was Chelsea and she goes to leave. He stops her, telling her that this is wrong and that the truth WILL come out. He tries to convince her to tell the truth, but she is determined to protect Chelsea, saying that Chelsea going to jail won’t bring back Zack. Roman tells her that Bo WILL tell Hope the truth. Billie says that he (Roman) has to stop him…Hope can never know the truth. He tries to talk sense into her but she won’t listen. She tries to explain that she is only protecting her daughter and will not let her go to jail. However, she (Billie) can handle it…Chelsea can’t. Billie says that if Bo does tell Hope the truth, she will never forgive him…for he is at fault as well and their marriage will be over. Roman says that Bo and Hope have weathered many storms together and he is sure that eventually she will find out the truth. But this time, their marriage may not survive, if he continues to lie to her. The cops come to get Billie and as they go through the outer office, Patrick is now there. He asks her what the hell she thinks she is doing. She tells him to just let it go, but he says he doesn’t believe her story. He says she needs a lawyer, but she insists she is guilty. He says he knows there is more to it and she begs him to just drop it…there is nothing he can do. She hugs him, telling him she loves him. They lead her away to the booking room as he vows to get to the bottom of it.

At the Brady House…Hope stands outside Zack’s room saying that is all that is left of him. She goes in and starts crying all over again. She picks up a shirt and sniffs it and holds it close. She sits on the bed and begins to gather up some of his toys, holding them close. Bo tries to get her to leave, but she won’t. She takes it all in, talking about how sweet he was, crying that he is never coming home. She can’t let him go. Bo holds her, telling her that they will make it through this together. Hope wants Billie to pay for what she did to her baby as Bo says it was an accident. That infuriates her, crying that her baby is gone forever. She lies down on the bed and sobs as Bo picks her up and carries her from the room, as the camera pans over to his toys. Later, they are in the living room as Bo builds a fire. Hope still can’t believe how reckless Billie was and Bo says that she has to accept it was an accident. But she becomes angry again, spitting that she HATES Billie for taking her baby away. Bo tells her she has to let go of the anger, but she says she can’t. He tells her that Zack would want them to move on and they need to draw their strength from each other now. He is worried about her and goes to get her something to eat. As she cries alone, Zack comes charging down the stairs calling “Mommy” and runs to her and she holds him as he tells her he loves her. Then she realizes it isn’t real. She says “I love you too Zack…I will always love you, baby” as she holds his stuffed animal and cries. Fade out on Hope…as the previews show…

Patrick (to Chelsea): Why is Billie taking the blame when you and I both know she is innocent?...

Kate (to Billie): If you won’t tell the truth…then I will…

Bo (to Hope): There’s something I have to tell you…something you need to know…

Nicole (to Sami) Your sorry ass is going to be out in the unemployment line… (Sami): You don’t even know what you are talking about…

Lucas (to Carrie): Question is…now that you have seen him for what he really is…can you give him up?...

And the credits roll…
Laney

Episode: 10,234
Tape date - 1/2/06
Director - Herb Stein

Summary: Austin and John find out some bitter truths, as Shawn, Roman, Hope and Kate have lots of questions.

Austin is on the phone discussing his plans to dismantle Highstyle. He tells Sami that he loves this type of work: the challenge of taking something that is failing and making it a success. He has to do the hard work in order to make it work properly; like breaking some eggs to make an omelet. He is disappointed that Carrie lost her company, though. He tells Sami that Carrie will want to go back to LA, and since he now has business there to take care of, he is going to go with her. Sami wants him to stay and work on the business, but he would like to do it from there. CEO probably won’t want to work with him. He still thinks he did her a favour and saved her product line. Sami gives in and offers to postpone his appointments for him and rattles a whole list of them. He wants to be there for Carrie. Sami tells him to go tell Carrie about his business deal and explain why he can’t go with her. He doesn’t think she’ll want to hear it, but Sami insists. Austin’s company is going to be a big part of their future. Carrie may have lost her company, but he still has his. He thanks her for her support and apologizes for thinking she would try to come between them again. As he goes to leave, he realizes that he doesn’t even know the name of Carrie’s company. As he goes online to find out, Sami tells him that Carrie gave her a business card. She gets it from her address book (where she says she put it without looking at it) and tells him she is so sorry, she doesn’t know what to say. He takes the card and the light bulb finally goes off – Carrie is the CEO of Hightstye and the person whose life he just destroyed. How could he not know that Carrie was the CEO? He wanted to talk to her, and tried, but he didn’t have time. If he had known it was Carrie, he would done things a lot differently. He ends up yelling at Sami. He is going to try to go talk to Carrie. He will make sure that he takes all the blame, and not Sami. It will be the hardest thing he has ever had to do.


Kate tells Shawn that she is sorry about his brother. He was a special little boy. She knew that another family would have to face tragedy for Claire to survive, but she is glad Claire is doing well. Mimi had gone home to sleep and Belle and Phillip were resting. They won’t go home until Claire does. Shawn starts questioning Kate’s motives behind her generous offer. She tells him it is good business, and besides, she wants to thank them for everything they did for Belle, Phillip and Claire. He reminds her that Basic Black was supposed to pay for Sami and Lucas’ extravagant wedding, but that offer was to keep Sami from knowing that Kate was plotting behind her back. She doesn’t even like him, or Mimi. He tried to kill her son with his motorcycle and break up his marriage, and Mimi wasn’t good enough for Rex. She counters that she believes Shawn has matured and will never break up Belle and Phillip now. He finally tells her that he will think about it and discuss it with Mimi, but he is going to find his parents. He says thank you for her caring, but as he leaves she comments that the only thing she cares about is Phillip’s happiness. The sooner they are married, the sooner Phillip’s marriage is safe.


Up on the roof, Marlena tries to tell John that it wasn’t Alex who tried to throw her off the roof – it was Lois. He doubts her story and asks if she is sure. She says it was Lois and tells him what happened. Lois tries to lie, but finally admits it and tries to run. Of course the door is stuck again, and Marlena grabs her and they struggle on the roof. John finally grabs her and holds her as Alex verbally attacks John. Lois confesses to trying to kill Marlena for a while, but everytime she got close, someone came running to her rescue. How many men does she need? She deserves to die and stay dead! A security guard responds to John’s call and Kate arrives with him and wants to know what is happening. They explain it to her. Alex doesn’t want Lois in jail, he wants her in a psychiatric facility. Neither Alex or Marlena will press charges. John reminds her that she tried to kill her – but Marlena counters that he tried to kill Alex, maybe he should go to jail, too. John tells the guard to take her to a secure room until Lexie can see her. Kate asks more questions and Marlena explains to her the rest of what happened. Alex tells them that he could have been killed, too. He tells her that he is tired and wants to go back to his room, and Marlena goes with him. Kate tells him that, like it or not, they are going to be closer now. He still will not rest until he gets her away from him.

Roman is at the hospital and apologizes for not being there sooner. He tells Hope he is sorry and hugs her. Hope wants Roman to make sure Billie gets punished. She is sure that Billie is trying to destroy her family. Roman assures her that Billie will be punished to the full extent of the law, but it was an accident. She didn’t know she hit Zack. Hope reminds him that Billie stole Bo’s car and committed a hit and run, if it wasn’t murder, what was it then? Shawn is in with Bo and Hope and apparently has been told about the latest developments. He wants explanations, too. Bo tells him to stay with his mom and takes Roman out in the lobby to talk to him as brother, not a cop. He tells Roman everything…how it was Chelsea, and how Hope was so upset he couldn’t tell her, and Billie wouldn’t let him get a word in edge-wise. Roman wants to know what Bo wants him to do to help. Bo tells him the rest – about Chelsea’s license and lending her the car. He tells Roman that when Hope finds out the truth, she is going to turn her back on him, and he can’t let her go through it alone. Chelsea has a history of reckless driving, it will ruin her life. Billie has a clean driving record. Roman tells him to stop rationalizing. Bo admits he is scared. Roman tells him he has to tell the truth, and no matter what happens, when the truth comes out, and it will, he will have to worry about his marriage.


Hope asks Shawn about Claire’s transplant and he tells her that is was a success and Zack was a perfect match. She tells him that she prayed so hard that there would be a donor, she just never imagined it would be her baby. We see a flashback of them at Zack’s Christening as she says she is afraid to close her eyes because she may forget his voice. She says she doesn’t want to face tomorrow as it will be the first full day without him, and then it will be his birthday and Christmas and then New Year’s again. She misses him. Another flashback. Shawn reminds her that Zack was happy every single day he was with him and more importantly, so were they. Maybe God wanted him home. She doesn’t understand why.Shawn and Hope talk about missing Zack. They love each other and they will get through it. She just wants her baby back, as she cries on Shawn’s shoulder.

At Lucas’ place, Carrie is feeling helpless and needs to get back to LA to reassure her employees that she isn’t hiding, and to try to find a way to save her company. Lucas offers to go with her and help her, if he can. Carrie can’t accept his very generous offer, for various reasons. He will leave the room while she talks to the employees and offers Titan resources to invest cash and halt the takeover. She still wants to do it herself. She still wants to know who raided her company. Lucas goes on about how “HE” is heartless and only cares about the bottom line. Carrie knows he was hoping they could be more than friends, and is disappointed that she reconnected with Austin. She says he is a good friend – she chose Austin, and he is still willing to help. She was using the company to redefine who she was. Austin had a point, though, she was too busy making them love her to make sure they still had jobs. Becky calls and Carrie tells Lucas that he doesn’t need to go to LA with her, her company is gone and she can’t save it. What kind of heartless person would do this to her employees? Carrie reads some emails from her very disgruntled ex-employees. She tells Lucas it was her fault for not protecting her company. Lucas tells her that the guy was heartless - could have talked it out with her and not fired all of her employees without warning. Carrie tells Becky to close out all the accounts and give the capital to the employees. Lucas tells her she can’t or she will go bankrupt. Carrie doesn’t care. The doorbell rings and Lucas opens the door to Austin. Sami follows him in the door. Austin asks her how she is. She says lousy and tells him that she just found out there is nothing she can do and about the scathing emails. She wants to get her hands on the monster who did it. Sami and Lucas smirk in the background. He tells her that he is the monster.
Fade to black and white on Carrie’s face, and the previews:

Carrie to Austin (with Nicole in the background) Your trip to Los Angeles. You were there scoping out my company, that’s why you were there, wasn’t it? And she slaps him across the cheek.

Jen: Listen, I think I need to be honest with you.
Frankie: About what?
Jen: My feelings for you.

Patrick (to a very uncomfortable Chelsea): For some reason Billie is taking the fall. Why would she lie and say she killed an innocent little boy?

Hope (to Bo): I hate her for taking away my baby (as Billie’s face appears)

And on to the credits…

Sandra

Episode # 10233; Tape Date: 12/15/05; Air Date: 1/19/06; Director: Herb Stein

Summary: Kate makes a generous offer to Mimi (but she has ulterior motives of course)…Frankie decides it best if he leaves…John comes to Marlena’s rescue, but gets the wrong impression…Chelsea stays quiet (and lets Billie take the rap) despite Max & Abby’s best efforts to change her mind.

In the Pediatric Ward of the Hospital…Shawn and Mimi get coffee as they talk about Kate blurting out their “secret”. They say it’s not what they intended, but glad everyone now knows. Mimi says she is just lucky to be marrying him. In Claire’s room, Belle and Philip say they are happy for them. Kate goes on and on about how wonderful Mimi is. She is just glad that Mimi found happiness again after Rex left. She says she is a great influence on Shawn. Everyone is smiles, but Belle’s eyes tell a different story. After Belle leaves, Kate tells Philip she has an idea to help Shawn and Mimi. Mimi goes to call Bonnie to tell her the news about Claire. Shawn is in the lobby having a flashback of his dream of Zack when Belle walks up. She asks him if he is thinking about the dream. They sit and talk as Kate and Philip watch from the nursery. She has told him her plan and he approves. Belle and Shawn don’t know what to think of their dream, especially the part where he said they would end up together. Mimi gets off the phone with her mom as Kate has tracked her down and tells her they need to talk. She says she is sorry for blurting it out about their engagement but Mimi is okay about it. She tells her that her mom is thrilled, but knows she can’t afford to throw the wedding she would like to. Kate tells her she has a wedding gift for her…and as her first assignment for Basic Black is to elope with Shawn. Mimi is confused but Kate explains she wants to pay for their wedding and honeymoon but Mimi asks what’s the catch? Kate explains that she go and have a wonderful time, but when she returns, she is to write an article about it for Salem Style Magazine. Belle asks Shawn what if he weren’t with Mimi and she wasn’t with Philip, would they be together now? Shawn tells her that they have both moved on and a dream doesn’t mean they throw it all away. It just wasn’t meant to be. She is impressed with his level of maturity as he says the old Shawn is gone. Mimi is thrilled with Kate’s gift as she assures her it will be incredible…and it is simply a thank you for all she has done for Philip, Belle and Claire. She rushes off to discuss it with Shawn. Shawn tells Belle that life is to short for ‘what-if’s’ It is time to move on…and he is happy for her…and now he is doing the same with Mimi. She congratulates him and they hug…just as Mimi walks up and sees them. Belle hugs her and congratulates her as well. Philip comes out and wishes them the best and hopes that they end up just as happy as he and Belle are…but Belle looks crushed.

Jen and Frankie…(Actually there is nothing new here…basically the same dialogue we have been hearing for days now). He admits he still loves her, even though he knows she will always love Jack. She appreciates his honesty and is flattered. He admits the main reason he returned to Salem was to see her again and he didn’t come back sooner (while Jack was presumed dead before) because of her feelings. Then, he learned that Jack was really alive and stayed away. He says he should have never returned at all. When he arrived, Jack didn’t know he was dying. Then he talks about Jack finding out and getting his idea of Frankie replacing him and how he wore him down over time. They go back and forth here (time for the FF button). Jen has a flashback of them in the shower and feels guilty about her feelings as she admits she wanted him to kiss her. He says he should have left the day Jack died, but stayed out of selfishness. She asks him about other women in his life as he rattles off a list, but none could compare to her. He says he knew he could never replace Jack but he kept on and on and he couldn’t say no to him. They both agree that they can never be together now. He gives her his card with all his numbers on it and tells her if she needs anything to just call…he will be there. But he knows she will be fine. He takes his bags, ready to leave, saying this is for the best. He kisses her goodbye and leaves. (What, Jen…you can’t even help the poor guy on crutches out to his car?) After he leaves, she cries as she looks at Jack’s picture…asking how could he do this to her. From outside, Frankie looks in and quietly says he loves her…always has…always will.

Up on the Roof of the Hospital…Loony Lois pushes Marlena off the rooftop as Alex gets there. John has arrived and finds Alex is not in his room and goes looking for Marlena. He goes to her office and sees the mess (from the fight) and is frantic, sure he is too late. Alex pushes Lois away and tries to pull Marlena (who is clinging on to the ledge by her fingers) to safety. Lois comes up behind him and whacks him over the head with the pipe and he collapses. She crawls over to the ledge and begins to pry Marlena’s fingers loose (doing her “this little piggy” routine) as Marlena begs for her life. Alex pulls Lois away and holds the pipe over her head, poised to strike. John comes charging out the door onto the roof, gun drawn. Lois yells that he is trying to kill them as John hears Marlena’s screams for help. He rushes over and pulls her to safety. Then he goes after Alex…then Marlena begins yelling it was Lois, NOT Alex who was trying to kill her.

Outside the Hospital…Abby comes rushing up to find Max (she is the one he called for help) asking what is wrong. Inside, Hope is going ballistic on Billie. Billie is trying to explain how she came to be driving Bo’s car. She says she was just getting home from a business trip and her car broke down. She saw Bo’s car (and knowing where he kept the spare key) took it. (Using Chelsea’s story) she says she thought she hit a pot hole in the road and didn’t go back to check. She says only later did she discover she hit Zack. Bo says this is wrong…she shouldn’t do this as Hope is yelling at the cops to arrest her. The cops start reading her Miranda rights but Bo tells them to stop. Outside, Max has told Abby the whole story, leaving her shocked and even more so to learn that Billie is covering for Chelsea. Max begs Abby to help him convince Chelsea to tell the truth. Hope turns on Bo, asking what is WRONG with him as Billie insists they arrest her. Hope is yelling for them to get her out of there before she kills Billie herself. Max and Abby come in to find Chelsea going to pieces and drag her into the hallway. Abby urges her to step in and tell the truth…trying to convince her that eventually the truth WILL come out. They tell her the longer she waits, the worse she will look and how the sooner the better it will be for everyone…including herself. Eventually, they get through to her as she says they may be right and makes up her mind to do it. But she says she needs to talk to Bo and Hope first. With Max and Abby for support, they go back inside. Bo is trying to explain to hope and she is hysterical, yelling that he is protecting Billie again. He admits that he is protecting someone…but not Billie. Hope looks over and sees Chelsea crying and says “Oh my God…it’s Chelsea”. She thinks that Bo is trying to protect her (considering all she has been through already this year) from the fact that her mother is a murderer. Hope wants Billie arrested NOW as she lashes out at Bo for ALWAYS putting Billie first, over her. She begins yelling she hopes that Billie rots in prison as Bo tries to restrain her. Hope storms off as he quietly tells Billie this isn’t over…the truth will come out. But Billie begs him to keep quiet…this way only one life (hers) will be ruined. Chelsea (witness to all this) runs outside, with Max and Abby on her heels. The cops cuff Billie and lead her out of the hospital past Chelsea, Max and Abby. She tells Chelsea everything will be fine…remember she loves her. Chelsea hugs her and tells her that she loves her too, but she can’t…but Billie says ‘yes you can…everything will be fine”. Then the cops take her away. Abby and Max plead with Chelsea to speak up, but she says she can’t. Bo goes to Hope and tells her that they took Billie in. He tells her that he is sorry and she apologizes as well. She says she understands that he was only trying to protect Chelsea after all she has been through. She cries as Bo holds her and she says Zack is gone, but at least now the person who is responsible will pay…justice will be done. Freeze frame on Bo’s troubled face…as the previews show…

Bo: When I tell Hope the truth, she will turn her back on me…and I can’t let her go through this alone…

Carrie (to Lucas): What kind of heartless person would do this to my employees?...

Austin (to Sami): Carrie is the CEO of HighStyle…she is the person whose life I just destroyed…

Hope (to Roman): She stole Bo’s car and committed a hit and run…what do you call that…what is it…if it isn’t murder?...

And the credits roll…
Laney

Episode# 10,232
Tape date-12/13
Director-Phil Sogard

Austin celebrates his success with his friends, Jen learns of Jack’s plans for her, while Marlena is once more in jeopardy, and Billie insists on taking blame for Zack’s death.

JENNIFER rants to Frankie about the DVD that Jack left behind, demanding Frankie tell her what was going on. He tells her about Jack’s plans. They argue, as she is appalled. He tries to explain that he agreed to help out as they were friends. Jennifer realizes Jack did crazy things, but in a good way, but cannot understand why Frankie went along with the plans. He tells how he said no at first, he would not go along with the idea, but eventually Jack wore him down. He mentions how Jack knew they were close once, but Jen interjects that they were teens then, for heaven’s sakes. Frankie reminds her how Jack was always making them relive memories, the tape of them dancing, pictures, etc. Jennifer protests that Frankie had his own life in D.C. and why agree to stay in Salem. He replies that he first came to Salem on business, & to see his family, make sure Max was o.k., etc. but then Jack & Jen were so nice to them, opened their home, they began to sort of hang out. Jack evidently liked him, thought there might still be a spark or too. Jennifer cannot believe all this. Frankie then confesses that when he agreed to stay, it wasn’t just for Jack, but for himself as well, and admits he still loves her.

AUSTIN is toasting champagne with Carrie as Sami & Nicole come in. He is bubbling over with happiness because of his acquisition, but soon realizes something is wrong with Carrie. He asks what is wrong, and she says she needs his help. She wants to know how to stop a corporate giant from taking over her company. Sami, on sidelines, looks on in satisfaction. Nicole wants to know what Sami is holding back. Nicole taunts Sami about what happened with her wedding to Austin in Vegas (he dumped her, after learning she lied about Lucas hitting Will), and reminds Sami that before Austin left Vegas, it was Nicole that he came back to kiss in the lobby (cue flashback scene here of the very juicy kiss, lol). Austin tells Carrie she needs an attitude change, that it is all nice and good to give perks and frills to the employees, but the bottom line is that she was not doing what she needed to do for them, and that was to insure their jobs. Sami comes up, oh, so sorry for Carrie losing her company, hug, hug. Sami is loving this as she has that cat that swallowed the canary look on her face, while appearing to be oh, so concerned. Love that Sami. LOL. Nicole interrupts, needing to talk to Austin privately about business. Sami takes the opportunity to really pile it on to Carrie, sympathizing that sbe was not even called, bemoaning how unethical this all was, etc., really attempting to score all the Brownie points she possibly could.

AT THE HOSPITAL, Alex tries to get out of his restraints, as he needs to help Marlena. Meanwhile, Lois has Marlena up on the edge of the roof, ready to push her off. She babbles, as usual, about Marlena taking Alex away from her, yada, yada. Marlena tries to fight back, and they struggle, rolling around on the roof itself. Meanwhile, Alex gets loose and out of bed. Up on the roof, Marlena momentarily gets away from Lois, and runs to the door, but has difficulty trying to get it open. (Naturally!). This gives Lois the opportunity to pick up a handy, dandy pipe and smack Marlena on the head. Out she goes. (Anybody counting how many times now Marlena has been hit on the head, in the last day or so?). Lois lays her on the roof ledge, ready to push her over, but first has to rant on and on AGAIN about taking Alex away from her. Enter Superman, ooops, I mean Alex, who stops Lois, telling her that yes, he has loved Marlena, and still does. Ah, but that does not deter Lois, who complains she did not kill them both back then, and had to wait 30 years. When she knew Alex was coming to Salem to help Marlena regain her memory, she knew she had her chance. Alex argues with her, but too late. Lois pushes Marlena over the ledge, as Alex yells Nooooooo.

Chelsea goes outside the hospital, telling herself she should be blamed for Zack’s death, not Billie, as she did it. Max comes outside, and she tells him about Billie taking the fall. He cannot believe she is letting Billie do this, and reminds Chelsea that when the cops examine the evidence they will know Billie was not the driver. Chelsea asks what evidence, Max says fingerprints, explaining he was at the garage and the cops were taking fingerprints and it will show Billie was no where around the car. Chelsea immediately says, well, she could have been wearing gloves. (And if so, Chelsea, they would have wiped away ALL the other fingerprints on the steering wheel) She whines about having just gotten her mom and dad and 2 brothers back. Max reminds her that one brother is now dead because of her. She says if her mom wants to take the blame, it was o.k. Max asks her why she is now calling Billie “mom” and what happened to Billie the witch. Chelsea replies that things change, that Billie & Bo are her real parents. Max urges her to confess, but Chelsea has her usual pity party, & as selfish as always, insists that if Billie wants to take the blame, it is o.k. Max tells her if she doesn’t tell, he will. Chelsea refuses, saying she is going to let Billie take the blame if she wants. She goes back inside. Max takes out his cell, calls someone, (Abby?) saying Chelsea needs you.

Meanwhile, Hope is crying, wanting to know how Billie could possibly be involved. Bo & Lexie try to calm Hope down, but she is hysterical. Lexie leads her away, to get her back into bed. Bo confronts Billie, who insists she is taking the blame to protect their daughter. She talks of how young she is, and tells Bo he has to keep quiet. As they argue, Billie tells Bo she has it all thought out, she will say she took his car without his knowledge to run some errands. He mentions fingerprints, she retorts “gloves”. She insists she will just say she did not know what she hit, etc. etc. Bo replies he is an officer of the law, and cannot do this, that he should never have signed that temp license (Am still wondering why he had to sign a temp license for an 18 yr. old???) and talks about Chelsea needing to take responsibility. Billie protests that with her excellent driving records, she would get off easier than Chelsea, who would probably be facing 20 years, and would lose her youth. Meanwhile, Hope has gotten out of bed, needing to know who killed her son, and comes out, just as Billie is saying to Bo, you’re going to tell Hope that I was driving the car that killed Zack. Hope goes ballistic, Bo holds her back. Billie apologizes, just as Chelsea comes back in to hear it all. And the previews show………

Philip, arm around Belle, to Shawn & Mimi: The only thing I wish for you guys is to be as happy as Belle & I are

Frankie to Jennifer: There’s a part of me that thought we would end up living happily ever after Jen: It can’t.

Bo to Hope (in the waiting room) I’m not protecting Billie, but yeah, there is someone else I’m protecting”…Hope replies “Oh, my God", as she looks beyond Bo to Chelsea, who has come in with Abby & Max.

Barb

Episode: 10231
Directed by: Albert Alarr
Tape date: 12/13/06

Jennifer sees Jack’s video, Bo’s talk to Hope is interrupted by the police; Kate meddles once again and High Style take over is complete….

JENNIFER AND FRANKIE….
Jennifer returns home as it’s snowing lightly outside. She looks up, in tears, telling Jack she needs him more than ever now. Inside Frankie replays the video from Jack on the tv. We see Jack telling him that he’s following up on him and hoping he’s taking care of Jennifer and there for her, making her see that there’s life after Jack. In his one sided discussion, he tells Frankie not to argue with him and make Jennifer love him once again. Frankie wells up a little and hears the door open as Jack finishes. Jennifer walks in asking what he’s watching. He asks about Zack, changing the subject. She tells him in tears about what happened to Zack and how it saved Claire’s life. She tells him she justed dropped Gran off at home and they checked on Claire and she was doing okay. Jennifer sobs, not knowing how to feel. She’s thrilled for Belle and Philip, but her heart is broken for Bo and Hope. How can they survive after something like this. She tells him how Bo’s holding up, but Hope needed to be sedated. She mentions Bo’s car being suspected, but it doesn’t make sense. Frankie asks if he can help (hmmm..he’s a lawyer, right?) and will be there for them anyway he can. He’s not gong anywhere. The two of them hug as they look out the window (gorgeous snow capped landscape outside). Jennifer asks about JJ and Frankie says he just went down for a nap. Although she wants to hold her son, she knows being he just went down and shouldn’t. He settles her on the couch and goes to make her tea. She sees the tv’s still on and turns on the cd player. Jack pops on the screen, telling Frankie there’s one last thing. He can show it to Jennifer when he feels she’s strong enough to see it. He loved Jennifer and tells her Frankie is the right one for her and their kids and she should not feel guilty for loving him. He’ll always love her, but doesn’t want her mourning him the rest of her life. He wants her to fall in love again and maybe another brother or sister for JJ. Nothing would bring him more peace and happiness than to know that she and Frankie are living happily ever after. Jack gets up and turns off the camera. Frankie stands with her tea at the door, knowing what she just saw, as Jennifer takes what she just saw in.

AT AUSTIN REED, INC…..
Nicole works at the computer telling Sami she needs more coffee. Austin walks out, putting on his shirt, LOL. Sami offers to fetch bagels/donuts, but he says no, as she tells them she’s helping out in more ways than they know. Nicole asks Austin if he wants the honor of hitting the last ENTER key to buy up the last of High Style’s shares. He feels a little guilty about buying up someone’s company that they put so much hard work into, but Nicole eagerly isn’t, saying they obviously didn’t work hard enough. High Style’s CEO is a light weight and deserves being taken over. They high five giddily as Sami watches. Nicole suggests champagne be poured to celebrate. It’s poured, but before Austin takes it, says he has to do something he’s been dreading the most. He sits down at the computer.

Across the hall Carrie panics as she watches her company stock being bought up. Lucas asks who could be doing this and she knows. She asks if Titan was doing it, Lucas strongly denies it. She wonders if Victor might have done it, but Lucas also stands behind Victor not doing it 100%. She questions how he knows that, but he suggests she call Becky. She does so and Becky’s freaking out with the takeover and how their employees are reacting. She tells Carrie she just received an email (not a phone call??) telling her to shut down the product line and to lay off most of the development, sales and marketing personnel (did the email have a sender’s NAME?) It’s really over, isn’t it? Carrie confirms it is and she’ll talk to their people when she returns to LA, but to tell the people to start looking for other jobs. Becky asks if that means her too and Carrie replies, “I’m afraid so.” Carrie breaks down and hangs up. Lucas takes her into his arms.

Sami watches silently as Nicole is exuberant and Austin’s feeling remorse over not contacting the CEO before the take over. He wants to talk to her now and explain. Sami rationalizes that being he just swallowed her company, the CEO won’t want to hear from him. Nicole says the company wouldn’t have lasted anyway. Sami feels bad all those people lost their jobs. Austin said he’ll probably hire them back, and sooner than later. Nicole says they’ll collect some unemployment until then, a paid vacation. Sami (having been there, done that), says that’s not the way it is. Nicole continues you have to break a few eggs to make an omelette..but being Sami doesn’t cook, wouldn’t know that, LOL. (side note…..today on Martha Stewart, Martha teaches Days of Our Lives star Alison Sweeney how to make adorable birthday favors for kids.) Nicole stops Austin, saying they have a lot of work to do. Sami tells Nicole that Austin can take five minutes to go tell Carrie his big news and knows how happy Carrie will be for him. Austin says Sami is freaking him out…but thanks her. He heads down the hall. Nicole looks oddly at Sami, who smiles in return.

Austin decides to go tell Carrie his big news. We see her telling Lucas how whoever it was that took over didn’t even try to contact her. She calls them brutal, bloodthirsty predators and she’ll never forgive them for as long as she lives. Austin knocks on the door saying he has news and Carrie wipes tears from inside, saying so does she. She opens the door and he picks her up and swirls her, saying he needs her to help him celebrate.

AT THE HOSPITAL….
Belle and Shawn are joined with Philip, Mimi and of course, Kate. Philip announces he and Victor got access to the drug for transplant rejection, but Belle happily announces Claire’s fever broke and knows she’ll be just fine. Shawn mentions Zack said she would, which of course raises some eyebrows. They tell Philip about what Zack said and while he goes to see Claire, Belle and Shawn quietly say they wouldn’t tell him about Zack saying they belonged together..but Kate overhears that). Shawn tells them he is happy for Claire and doesn’t want them ever to feel guilty about Zack’s part in saving her life. Before they leave Belle and Philip alone with Claire, Mimi offers to get them coffee and Kate offers to help. She takes the opportunity to put a little concern to Mimi about Belle and Shawn getting closer again after this. Mimi assures her that Shawn will never go back to Belle. Kate asks how she knows and Mimi tells her about Shawn’s secret proposal. Kate says it’s the second best news she’s heard today.

Kate returns and questions Belle (alone) about what she overheard what Zack said. Belle doesn’t deny it, nor does she know why he said it. Kate explains it as her being exhausted and she just needs to deal with what’s real. What Zack said was in her imagination and Philip and Claire are what’s real. She advises Belle to forget all that other nonsense and to focus on her daughter and husband.

Shawn joins Mimi in the waiting room. Shawn tells Mimi that Zack told them that he and Belle belonged together. Mimi stands up saying maybe that’s the way it should be then, but Shawn stands up too. He says he didn’t want ANY secrets between them and he’s crazy about her and madly in love with her..otherwise he wouldn’t want to marry her. She kisses him back and says she loves him too. They hug and decide to go see their goddaughter as Kate watches. Kate tells Belle and Philip that despite the tragedy today, so many other good things happened…Claire’s going to get better and Shawn and Mimi got engaged. Cue surprised look on Belle and Philip’s faces as Kate apologizes (yeah, right), figuring THEY would know even though it’s a secret.

Bo watches over Hope, softly saying his daughter was the one who hit their son and he was the one who gave her the car. Hope opens her eyes saying that’s not true, still groggy. She asks if she had a bad dream and is Zack home sleeping in his bed, safe and sound. Bo tells her he’s sorry. Hope remembers them saying it was Bo’s car that hit Zack. Bo changes his tune and says whoever it was, it was late at night and they probably didn’t know they hit someone. Hope can’t believe he’s defending this monster and demands to know if he knows who did this! Hope breaks down sobbing, borderline hysterical, wanting answers as to who did this. Bo tries to get her to relax, but she refuses. One of the rookies walks in saying they have the person who killed their son. Bo looks shocked.

Earlier, Billie confirms to the rookies that she was the one who hit Zach Brady. (Didn’t we hear Billie just got back to town? How long will it take these ace rookies to find she was on a plane at the time the accident happened?) She tells them she was scared and didn’t stop (and you’re a former cop and super duper ISA agent, yeah, right) Chelsea cries as she silently watches. They ask for her name and address (228 Whitley Street for all you address keepers) and her proof of insurance and drivers license (guess they’ll get the paperwork done before arresting her for fatal hit and run driver.) They turn their backs on her to look at her documents as Chelsea asks what she’s doing. Billie said to protect her, she’s her daughter and she loves her. Chelsea asks what Bo will do when he hears what she did? Billie quiets her and Chelsea asks how she can thank her, “mom”. Hug hug as the rookies ask if she wants a lawyer. Billie says no, she’s ready to give them her confession right now.

At the end of the show, Hope demands to see the woman who hit her son and storms into the waiting room. The rookie points at Billie, who looks sadly at Hope as Hope says “Billie?” as she breaks down sobbing…and Bo stares in shock from behind her (Chelsea’s still weeping nearby too)….as the previews roll..

MAX TO CHELSEA: I just think that for the rest of your life, it would better if she did the right thing now.

HOPE TO BILLIE: You killed Zack?
CARRIE TO SAMI: “I don’t know what to do now.”
SAMI: You should find out who the son of a bitch is that did this to you and make them pay for ruining your life. (Austin is talking to Nicole in the background)

LOIS TO MARLENA (as they struggle): You kept the love of my life away from me and now you have to pay (this was what..25-30 years ago at least that she took him away, LOL?)
MARLENA: “No, No, don’t kill me.”

FRANKIE TO JENNIFER: “…and I never stopped…”

As the credits roll…
Linda

Episode # 10230; Tape Date: 12/12/05; Air Date: 1/16/06; Director: Jim Baffico

Summary: Unbeknownst to Carrie, Austin is about to begin the takeover…Lois attacks Marlena yet again…Shawn and Belle discover they had the same dream about Zack…Billie blows back into town and tries to convince Bo to cover for Chelsea, but he refuses…so she takes matters into her own hands.

At the Apartment Building…Carrie and Austin return from their all-night date and talk in the hallway about his big day ahead. Carrie says she had a great night, one she will never forget. There is silly talk about the lobsters as they laugh. From inside her apartment, Sami hears them laughing and wonders what is going on. Carrie talks about hating to have to return to LA, but he assures her that he will be there a lot on business and they will have plenty of time together. They kiss looking forward to the great times ahead. Sami, with her eye pressed to the peephole is spying on them as Nicole wanders up asking her what is so interesting in the hallway. She begins to badger Sami and goes to open the door. She tells her about Austin and Carrie and Nicole says they have to do something about them. Sami says that Nicole already has. Austin wants to pull another all-nighter soon but Carrie says she is exhausted and that she wants the next all-nighter to be in bed. Austin tells her he has a big day and has to go, so they kiss. She says she wishes she knew more about his big deal, but he says he don’t want to talk about it and jinx it…but he will celebrate with her later. They say their good-byes and go their separate ways. In Lucas’s apartment, Carrie tells him about their evening and how she thinks things just may work out with them this time. Over at Sami’s she questions Austin about his date. Sami pretends to be supportive of them, even though he is skeptical. She says she is sure that everything will work out they way it should for everyone. Nicole, who has been taking all this in, pipes up, saying she too wants Austin happy, but NOT with his ex-wife. Austin tells Nicole that his relationship with Carrie is none of her business and to butt out of his personal life. She goes on and on about how she has busted her ass for his business and he says he appreciates her hard work and will be rewarded. She says that he deserves all the credit and Sami agrees…she thinks that everyone should know that he is the one behind the takeover.

Over at Lucas’s Carrie gets a call from a distraught Becky, telling her that there are rumors of a takeover. Carrie gets upset over the news and can’t imagine who would steal her company right out from under her without even a word of warning. Sami paces the floor, going through the newspaper as Nicole asks her what is up with her. She can’t understand why Sami doesn’t want any of the credit, being as to how she has always been vying for Austin’s attention. Sami tries to smooth it over, but Nicole is skeptical of her story. Austin calls them over to the computer and tells them it is time to begin the takeover.

In Marlena’s Office…Lois talks to a sleeping Marlena, saying she don’t know why she was so set on killing Alex…Marlena is the problem. If she kills HER, then Alex will be all hers. She grabs Marlena around the neck, waking her up, and begins throttling her. They struggle as she chokes Marlena until she stops moving. She walks over to Marlena’s desk (with her back turned) as Marlena picks up a glass vase or dish and whacks her over the head. They begin to fight as Lois grabs a letter opener and tries to stab her with it. Marlena retreats as Lois chases her around the office, babbling the whole time. Marlena apologizes for hurting her and tries to reason with her, telling her that Alex doesn’t love her (Lois). Not sure THAT is what I would have told her, lol. Lois is ballistic and insists that she and Alex would have had a great life if not for Marlena. She lunges at Marlena with the letter opener and they end up on the floor struggling. Marlena kicks her off and gets to the door, trying to escape. Lois picks up a paperweight from Marlena's desk and whacks her over the head with it, drawing blood and knocking her out cold. Next we see Lois with Marlena loaded into a wheelchair, and wheels toward the stairwell.

In Claire’s Room…Shawn and Belle are both asleep as Zack walks over and wakes Shawn up. Shawn asks if this is a dream but Belle says she sees him too. Shawn asks Zack if this is real…is he alive. Zack walks over to the crib and asks Claire how she is doing. Belle says she has a fever but she is fighting. Zack tells them not to worry…she will be okay. Shawn asks if that is why he is there and he nods. Shawn tells him that he loves him and missing him already. Zack tells him he will always be there…and so will Claire. He also tells them that they were meant to be together. Belle tells him that she is married to Philip and that Claire is their daughter. Zack says that Claire is the daughter of the man that Belle loves and Belle says yes, I love Philip. Belle talks to him about when he was little and how she used to help Shawn baby sit and how they played. She hoped that someday he and Claire would be able to play together as well. Zack tells Shawn that he loves him and that he will always be his big brother and that everything will be okay. Shawn asks him not to leave…as he fades away. Shawn wakes up, shaken. Belle wakes up as well and goes to check on Claire. Shawn tells her not to worry…Claire will be okay. She looks at him strangely and tells him that she had the strangest dream. They start talking and realize that they both had the same dream about Zack. Belle says maybe it wasn’t a dream at all and they both remember him telling them they belong together, as both of them are weirded out. Claire cries and they rush to her. Later the nurse tells them that her fever has broken and she was probably crying because she is hungry. Shawn and Belle hug as Shawn says that everything Zack said is coming true…well almost everything.

In the Waiting Area…Chelsea is still begging Bo not to tell Hope the truth but he says he won’t lie to her. He reminds her that the cops have evidence and know it was his truck that hit Zack. Billie comes rushing in, telling Bo she heard about the accident and asks how Zack is. Bo tells her that Zack is dead, shocking her. Billie feels sorry for Chelsea, for all the tragedy she has had to face. Chelsea turns on the tears as Billie talks about what great parents Bo and Hope were. Bo explains that Hope is having a rough time and was sedated…but when she wakes up, things are going to get even worse. Billie doesn’t understand, so Bo explains how Zack was at a friends and wandered in to the street and was the victim of a hit and run. Billie asks if they caught the driver…they must find the monster (her word). Bo tells her HE knows who did it…it was Chelsea (as Billie’s tune changes). She whirls around and asks Chelsea if that is true and she admits it, but swears it was an accident. She asks them who else knows and what are they going to do. She is horrified to learn that Max knows the truth as well. She says they have to find a way to fix this and save Chelsea. Chelsea tells her that Bo won’t help her and asks Billie to talk to him. Billie tells her to relax, everything will be okay, she and Bo will figure out what to do. Billie tells Bo she is so sorry about Zack and talks about how they thought they had lost Chelsea at birth. Bo is beating himself up, saying he never spent enough time with Zack and the past year, spent a lot of time with Billie searching for Chelsea. But she was right here in Salem all along. He says had they never found her, maybe Zack would still be alive. He says he loves Chelsea and even though it has been rough, Zack seemed to make it easier. He loved having a big sister. Through tears, he asks WHY did this happen. He is worried about how Hope will react when she learns the truth. He explains how Chelsea ended up behind the wheel (being his fault) and how Hope will never understand or forgive him. He says he can’t even forgive himself. This will always haunt him…he is the reason his son is dead. He is sure that Hope will always blame him as well. He tells her that the rookie cops have evidence linking the accident to his truck, but Billie says he can NOT incriminate their daughter…keep her out of it. Bo says no, she can’t ask him that. She pleads, but he says the truth will come out…they can’t cover it up. He says he can’t dishonor his son and his family by lying.

He says he is going to check on Hope as Chelsea rushes over to Billie asking what are they going to do. She tells her that Bo won’t lie for her and for her not to blame Bo for this. Chelsea turns on the tears and starts her “I’m sorry” mantra. She whines about what Zack must think of her and how ashamed she is. Billie tells her that the truth must come out as she takes Chelsea by the hand and they walk over to the cops. She tells them that she knows who killed Detective Brady’s son. They asks who it was and she says…ME. Chelsea’s head whips around as she stares at Billie. Freeze frame on Billie…as the previews show…

Sami (to Austin): Carrie’s going to be thrilled for you…(Austin): I am going to go tell Carrie right now…

Carrie (crying to Lucas): I will NEVER forgive him as long as I live…

Mimi (to Shawn): It’s strange how you and Belle had the same dream… (Shawn): Belle and I belong together…

Bo (to a sleeping Hope): I want to tell you…my daughter…is the one who hit our son…(as Hope’s eyes open)…

And the credits roll…
Laney

Episode #10229
Directed by: Phil Sogard
Tape Date: 12/9

Carrie and Austin grow closer; Claire’s is back in her private room as Belle and Shawn watch over her; Lois and her syringe continue to bop around the hospital; and Bo is torn what to do about Chelsea.

Carrie and Austin decide to watch the sunrise on the Salem Pier (it’s January 2nd in Salem, right?). They kiss and decide not to focus on their screw ups in the past and to look forward to the future. He has a surprise for her and asks her to close her eyes. He blindfolds her with a bandana. He takes her to a fish market she remembers going there with him when they first dated. Flashback of them buying 2 lobsters. Carrie names one lobster Austin (because he’s handsome and looks like a fighter) and he names the other Carrie (because she’s a red hot mama and will get hotter and redder when they cook them up). They decide they can’t kill their namesakes …it would be lobsterside…and set off for the St. Lawrence Seaway to set them free (they must be close to it apparently). Back to present time Carrie says “Austin” is the lobster in the tank as she recognizes his broken claw. She insists they buy him, but they learn he’s been sold to Hector…a guy sitting in the corner. Carrie wonders what Carrie Lobster would do without Austin Lobster and he decides to do a little lobster napping. He joins Carrie outside with Austin in a bag, saying he did it legally and paid a kings ransom to Hector. Hector waves the money and thanks him. She asks how much and he quickly replies it came out of the Austin the Lobster defense fund (good one) and they head off to let Austin Lobster lose to join Carrie Lobster. They set him free in the water on the pier (which is the Salem River? ). He holds Carrie as they hear a little thunder above. Austin said he’s not letting her go again (but we all know that the thunder is a precursor to trouble ahead for them ;-)

AT THE HOSPITAL
Marlena, Belle and Shawn watchover Claire, who’s back in her ICU private room in her blanket sheltered bed (seems she’d be in a more sterile environment and on monitors after just having transplant surgery?)

Marlena tells Shawn how sorry she is about Zach. She thanks Shawn and his whole family for the life saving gift of Zach’s liver. Belle tells them that Victor and Philip went to see a doctor who’s working on an experimental transplant rejection drug and hope they won’t need it. Marlena tells them to just enjoy Claire’s still being alive. Shawn tells them that Mimi went to the loft to get them fresh clothes. Lexie asks them to step outside so she can check on Claire. Outside the room Belle questions Marlena about what Alex did and Marlena clarifies how John shot Alex at the Penthouse and he’s now fighting for his life. Marlena doesn’t know why Alex was outside her window, but will ask him WHEN he wakes up. She tells them she’ll pray for both Claire and Zach and will be in her office putting up her feet for a while (why not hang with Alex?) Shawn tells Belle that Claire means the world to him. Lexie steps out, shaking her head, wishing she had better news. Claire has a high fever and may be rejecting the transplant. Belle breaks down, the stress beginning to take a toll on her (kudos to Martha…(Belle)…she’s had a rough couple of months in Salem. Shawn tells Claire that Zach gave Claire his lucky blanket and now his liver. Belle looks down on her daughter and says Zack was a strong and healthy boy and she’s got to get better. The door opens and they both look up to see Zack walking in. He says “Hi Shawn, Hi Belle. Don’t be sad. I’m okay.” As he smiles at them. Shawn put his arm around Belle’s shoulder and they both are surprised, but smile back at Zack.

We see Marlena yawning in her office, so she takes her throw and lies down on her couch (I hope she closed and LOCKED her door this time!). She dreams of Alex being her psychiatrist (as he says he can be both her husband and her psychiatrist) as she lies on the couch in his office. He warns her to not listen to John Black when he tells her that he’s a threat to her, but warns her that Lois Banks is.

John talks with Abe outside Alex’s room. Abe tells John he’s stopped feeling sorry for his lack of eyesight and appreciating the fact he still has Lexie and Theo. They go in to see Alex, much to Lois’ chagrin as she hides. Alex overhears John and to himself, tells John that Lois is the threat to Marlena, not him! Abe tells John about the forensic evidence linking Bo’s car to the one that hit Zack. Lois fondles her trusty syringe as she impatiently listens to John and Abe talk about current and future disasters that could befall them. He’s confident at least Alex can’t hurt Marlena now as Alex’s hand continues to move. Lois pops out from behind the curtain and skirts around John’s question where she came from by saying she wanted to check on Alex. He introduces her to Abe, who didn’t recognize the name. John explains how she helped them nail Alex for being a wife abuser. Lois asks where Marlena was, if she’s still resting in her office and John questions why she wants to know. Alex tells him why subconsciously, but of course John can’t hear (or read closed captioning). John stresses that Marlena is fine being Alex is not a danger. She sees Alex’s hand move and suggests he be put in restraints as he could hurt Marlena if he wakes up. John likes her thinking and leaves to get a nurse to do so as Lois excuses herself to Abe. Alex practically falls off the bed as he gyrates from his anxiousness about Marlena while John and Abe discuss Bo’s situation. Abe figures Alex will go to prison for what he did and might be better off dead. John claims he won’t shed a tear if so, saying Marlena would be safe. Alex silently rants Marlena’s not safe at all.

Lois decides since Marlena is alone, she’ll take care of her now. We return to Marlena hearing Alex warn her in her sleep that Lois is a danger and she has to watch out for her. We see Lois and her syringe’s shadow approach Marlena’s door (the song ME AND MY SHADOW are playing in my head…LOL) For the umpteenth time we hear Lois vow to get rid of Marlena now and then Alex. Marlena rolls over on the couch and knocks the syringe out of Lois’s hand and onto the floor. Lois silently tells Marlena she’s clumsy and will pay for this. She picks up the needle and is furious as she clenches it.


IN ANOTHER HALLWAY AT THE HOSPITAL….
Bo and Chelsea are alone in a room as he asks her to remember what happened earlier. She tells him it was too dark to see what happened (especially when you weren’t even looking out the window). He accuses her of hitting Zack and killing his son. He tells her how the evidence all proves it was his truck (not SUV?) that did it. He pounds his forehead and like all parents (who can’t believe they let their love win over their brain) is furious with himself for signing her temporary license and then giving her the keys to his truck. Bo breaks down, clutching his head and says: “My truck is the one that hit my son..and you were driving it What did I do, What did I do..My God…what did I do. Zack…I’m sorry, I’m so sorry…” Chelsea cries back that Zack was her brother and she’s so sorry. Bo isn’t buying it was too dark and missed a little boy in the road. She took her eyes off the road and now Zack is dead. Chelsea breaks down and tells her dad how sorry she is and asks him not to hate her. Bo takes her in his arms and assures her that he doesn’t hate her. He lets her go and can’t even look at her though. He says she’s reckless and irresponsible, but so is he. He breaks down and says it’s all his fault. Chelsea said it’s no ones fault, it was an accident. He wonders how he’s going to tell Hope that his daughter killed their son. Chelsea tells him that he can’t tell Hope. He says he’s not going to lie to his wife. She blocks the door worrying about going to prison and her whole life will be over if that happens.

Max remembers his earlier conversation with Chelsea where she felt she might have been the one who hit Zack. He’s called out of his memory by the two rookies asking to question him. They have to check with their watch commander first, then want to talk with him. Chelsea rushes up to him and tells him he can’t turn her in (please Max..turn her in!)

JENNIFER stands over Hope, who’s lying down on a hospital bed. Hope can’t believe that Bo would be the one who hit Zack. Bo’s such a careful driver and couldn’t have done it. Later we return as Hope wonders if she’s being cursed…was she too proud or complacent? Jennifer assures her she wasn’t and reminds her what Gran said. They’re Horton woman and need to be strong and not give in to our sadness. Later Jennifer checks on Hope, who finally fell asleep, calling for Zach in her sleep. Bo walks up and Jennifer questions him about his car. Bo covers Hope with a blanket and while she sleeps, apologizes to his fancy face. Lexie checks on Hope and assures them she’s okay, just exhausted and the nightmare will continue when she wakes up. (they all stroke Hope’s face and rub her arm…leave her alone and let her sleep…I know that would wake me up) Meanwhile Chelsea pleads with her father to not turn her in or tell Hope. She wants to be a part of their family (yada yada..we’ve heard it before) Bo is torn as he looks at Hope and thunder crackles behind his still face as the previews roll…

CARRIE TO LUCAS: “Someone had to steal my company right from beneath me. I can’t believe someone could do that.”

SAMI TO AUSTIN: “I think everyone should know that you are the one behind this take over.”

A flash of Zach on the screen and then
SHAWN TO BELLE: “You had the same dream.”
BELLE: “Maybe it wasn’t a dream.”
SHAWN: “You and I ..”
BELLE: “are meant to be together.”

BO: “I know who it was.”
Billie: “Who was it?”
BILLIE TO THE TWO ROOKIES: “I know the name of the person who killed Detective Brady’s son. It was me.”

As the credits roll…Linda

Episode # 10228
Tape Date: 12/8/05
Air Date: 1/12/06;
Director: Roger Inman

Summary: Sami and Lucas play the blame game…Claire has her surgery…Chelsea fears the worst and begs Max for help…as the cops continue to question Bo for answers.

At Lucas’s apartment…he and Sami are going at it in bed. Afterward, they are both talking about how incredible it was…oops, it was all just a fantasy (now WHY did I suspect that?) Actually they are still talking as she claims she was only sleepwalking and both have flashbacks of their respective dreams. She says she thinks he regrets breaking up with her but he says what they had is over. They argue some and both accuse each other for what happened. She storms off (wrapped in his sheet) as he follows wanting his sheet back. She says he managed to take off her nightgown and she couldn’t find it. She will return the sheet later. In the living room, they argue some more and he asks IF she was dreaming of Austin, then why didn’t she just ‘sleepwalk’ a few feet instead of all the way to his bed. Well, she doesn’t have an answer for that one but Lucas says he knows…she was dreaming of HIM. She puffs up and insists she WAS dreaming of Austin. Lucas tells her to just leave, he has a better chance with Carrie than she will ever have with Austin. He tells her he has checked with her astrologer and there is no one in her future…she will end up all alone with four walls and possibly a cat. She spits out “we’ll see” and storms out. In the hall, she says SHE will have the last laugh on him. Lucas will be the one all alone and she will have Austin. She goes back to her apartment and crawls into bed. She says once Carrie finds out that Austin is taking over her company, she will never speak to him again and she will get Austin. Lucas will be the one alone and miserable. In his bed, Lucas is sure that Austin will never get involved with Sami again and once Carrie learns the truth, HE will be the one with Carrie.

At the Hospital…Lexie leans on Abe for support before the surgery. They talk about losing ‘Isaac’ again. Abe thinks she is not up to the surgery, but she is determined she can do it. She says she couldn’t save Zack, but she must make sure she can save Claire. Later, the surgery is in progress as she is taking Zack’s liver. She gives commentary as she is telling ‘Isaac’ he is doing a wonderful thing and how this will be a miracle, saving Claire. The other doctors tells her that Claire is ready to receive the liver, but she is bleeding quite a bit and her blood pressure is dropping and it doesn’t look optimistic.

In Claire’s room…Shawn tells Belle and Philip if Claire lives it is like Zack will live on. Belle talks about how much she loved Zack and Shawn hugs her. Mimi goes to get them water as Bonnie rails her out for leaving Shawn and Belle alone. Belle cries on Shawn’s shoulder saying she doesn’t know how he or his family will make it through this. But he is more focused on the driver being punished. He tells Belle to just concentrate on Claire. Bonnie pushes Mimi go get back in there and be by Shawn’s side, even though Mimi says all that is irrelevant right now. Bonnie tells her SHE should be the one comforting Shawn, not Belle. Eventually, Mimi goes back inside and Shawn thanks her for being there. Philip returns (he went to check on Claire) and tells everyone the surgery is underway.

They all talk about how it was a miracle that Zack was a match for Claire and Mimi begins to talk about it. Bonnie comes in wishing everyone well and offering condolences to Shawn, trying to assure everyone that things will work out. She practically drags Mimi out into the hallway and tells her that she should not be talking about things like that (Zack being a match for Claire) outloud. Belle has a feeling that things aren’t going well, but Philip encourages her to be positive. But Shawn is sure that something good will come out of Zack’s death. Bonnie tries to convince Mimi not to dig into the fact that Zack and Claire were a match. She says right now, Mimi needs to concentrate on being supportive to Shawn. She tells her to get herself together and get back in there (well, Bonnie, YOU are the one who keeps making her leave!) After Mimi goes back inside, Bonnie says ‘Shawn CAN’T be Claire’s father…oh God…you can’t do that to us” (does she KNOW the truth?) Mimi hugs Shawn and assures him that they will all make it through this. They all go to the chapel to pray. After , Shawn tells Mimi that God is watching out for Zack now and he is going to help Clarie. Mimi assures him that someday they will all see him again. Lexie comes and tells Belle and Philip that the surgery was a success, but they need to keep praying. The next few days will be critical and they are hoping she doesn’t reject the liver. Shawn is sure that there is a reason for all of this and is sure that Clarie will make it so Zack can live on.

Elsewhere in the Hospital…Chelsea is trying to convince herself that it wasn’t her that hit Zack. Max walks up and wants to know what is wrong and she says it’s all her fault. Meanwhile, the cops are saying it was Bo that was driving the vehicle that killed Zack as Bo flies off the handle at them, calling them incompetent. Hope says they are wrong but the cops says they have proof that it was Bo’s vehicle that hit Zack. Hope says she and Bo are the only ones who drive it and asks Bo if he lent it to anyone (as he has the flashback of Chelsea begging for the car). Bo wants to see their proof. Max asks Chelsea what was her fault and she tells him that she overheard the cops and realized that she may be the one that hit Zack. She goes to pieces saying if it is true, she could never forgive herself and can’t imagine how Bo and Hope will react. Bo looks at their report as the cops explain what they know. Hope tells Bo to tell them the truth and goes ballistic as Jen comes over and pulls her away. Bo tells them he was NOT the driver and they ask who was, but he tells them he must check on Hope. He explains to her that the two cops are rookies and have made a mistake and he needs to talk to them. He assures her it is all a misunderstanding and leaves. Hope is distraught and Jen tells her she needs to trust Bo, but she says she is confused about what the cops said. Bo stops to talk to Abe as the cops wonder why he is avoiding them and not giving them a statement. Abe asks Bo if there are any leads and he tells Abe of the evidence. Bo swears it was not him as Abe asks if he lent the car to anyone. Max and Chelsea walk in with her begging for his help to help get her out of Salem. Abe wants the truth from Bo as Chelsea tells Max that Bo is staring at her and she can’t stay there. She fears going to prison as Bo tells Abe that he must find out what happened before he talks to anyone else. Abe tells him he needs to be honest with Hope. Hope overhears this and asks him, honest about what? The cops refuse to leave until they get a statement from Bo. Hope wants the truth from Bo and asks if he knows something about the accident…she just wants answers. She is becoming more and more agitated as Jen goes to Lexie (who is there now) for help, suggesting something to calm her down. But Hope is demanding the truth…NOW! Lexie gives her something but Hope says she only wants the answers. She starts crying all over again as the cops return and says they want Bo’s statement. Abe holds them off and tells them that Bo will talk to them, but right now he needs to be with his wife. Hope tells Jen that she needs to find out who killed her baby. The cops remind Abe that he is not the commander anymore and even though Bo Brady is a cop he is still either a suspect or knows who did it. If he refuses to talk to them, that is obstruction of justice. Bo storms over to Chelsea, telling Max he needs to talk to his daughter alone. Bo tells her he wants the truth…did you hit Zack?...Did you KILL MY SON?? Freeze frame on Bo’s face as the previews show…

Hope (mumbling to Jen): Zack…oh please God…don’t’ take him from me…

Bo (yelling at Chelsea): You hit my son…you killed Zack…

John (to Abe): My main concern is Marlena. At least now, I know she is safe. (An unconscious Alex is thinking): Safe? She’s not safe at all…

Lois (to a sleeping Marlena): Now look what you have done…you are going to PAY for this…

As the credits roll…
Laney

Episode #10,227
Tape date-12/9
Director – Herb Stein

While both Sami & Lucas have some realistic dreams, we have another very emotional episode, (have your tissues close at hand) as Bo & Hope say good-bye to their son, Lexie reveals to Belle & Philip the identity of the liver donor, & the owner of the car that struck Zack is revealed.

SAMI IS DREAMING about seducing Austin, tossing and turning in her bed, murmuring his name. Across the hall, Lucas is having the same sort of dream about Carrie, and murmurs her name. Sami, evidently still asleep, gets up, saying aloud, “Austin I want you”, and somehow ends up climbing into bed with Lucas. They begin to make love, each calling out the name of someone else. Sami suddenly wakes up, realizing it is Lucas, as he does the same. He jumps up, turns on the light, wants to know why she is there. She says she is in her own bed……then realizes she is not. He accuses her of trying to have him get her pregnant again, because her son doesn’t love her anymore. She accuses him of drugging her, he says that is her speed, she retorts about Kate drugging her & Brandon. The usual Lucas/Sami stuff flies back & forth. She is nearly out the door, but tells Lucas she thinks he is sorry he threw her away, and he says he thinks she still loves him, they get close to each other, and in the next second, are kissing, fall back onto the bed, making passionate love.

AT THE HOSPITAL Victor tells Kate that a liver has been found for Claire. She is thrilled, until he tells her about Zack dying and being the donor. She expresses condolences, then warns him not to tell Shawn about the paternity. Victor tells her that Shawn has lost a 2^nd brother, and this one permanently. He says that if Bo & Hope knew their child’s liver was saving their grandchild, it might ease their pain. Kate refuses to listen to this, saying Philip’s happiness should come first.

Jennifer comes over to Shawn, who is very upset. Mimi is holding him. Jen tell him about Zack being a match for Claire, and able to be a liver donor. Shawn is overjoyed, saying “Zack is going to save our baby”. Mimi looks stunned. He goes on to say he could not love Claire more than if she was his own child, that he feels such a connection with her. Jennifer tries to comfort him, talking a bit about dealing with the loss of a loved one. Shawn goes on, saying some folks are forgiving, but not him, and he wants to see the driver of that car pay for what they did.

Chelsea is crying, telling Max how Zack wanted her to play Go Fish with him, & she told him “later”, and now there will be no “later”. As she cries, she again remembers driving the car, hitting the bump (flashback), and finally gets a clue. She tells herself it cannot be, it is too weird, Max asks what, she says nothing. She comments to Max that the accident happened in front of Bo & Hope’s house, but he tells her no, that Max was on a sleepover at his friend’s house. Chelsea asks where that was, and he tells her on 3^rd & Elm. She tells herself that is where she hit the bump, the lightbulb goes on, and no, it could not be.

Lexie tells Philip & Belle about the liver that has become available, and they are thrilled, they have their miracle. She then informs them that it is Zack, and Belle is overwhelmed. She just cannot accept the liver, she loved Zack, she cannot let them cut him open. Philip tells her he already had surgery, while Lexie talks of how she loved him, brought him home from the hospital, raised him. She explains that a part of Zack will be living on in Claire. Shawn comes in, with Mimi, and agrees with Lexie. He tells Belle & Philip that Zack loved Claire, was worried about her, and that it is o.k. Belle finally agrees and signs the papers.

Bo & Hope are questioning the cops, wanting to know who killed their child. Just as they are about to give their information, a nurse comes in, saying the transplant team is ready, and they have to take Zack. Bo tells Hope they have to say good-bye to their son. The cops leave, as they go into the cubicle. Hope is distraught and cannot bring herself to say goodbye to her baby. Bo does a very emotional good-bye to his little man, as Hope gets hysterical. She cannot do it, she cannot say good-bye to her son. Through her tears, she tells him she cannot bear to think of not holding him again, of not having him come to her bedroom door asking who is going to tuck him in. Bo has to physically pull her away. She runs out to the waiting area, screaming at the cops that she wants to know who killed her boy. They stand there, mute, just looking at each other. Jennifer takes Hope away for a moment to try and calm her down. The cops finally mention that it was an SUV, they have witnesses seeing it towed, and they traced it to Max Brady’s garage. You can see Bo having his own light bulb moment now. Hope returns. In the background, Chelsea looks nervous. Hope is insistant they tell her their information. Reluctantly, the cop says, Detective Brady, I think you already know this. It was your car that killed your son. Hope is shocked, and whirls around to face Bo, with a look of utter disbelief. And the previews roll…..

Sami to Lucas: Having me in your bed, kissing me. You regret breaking up with me, don’t you?

Max to Chelsea: You are the driver that killed Zack

Bonnie to Mimi: Leaving the two of them alone like that…are you trying to lose Shawn? (we see Shawn & Belle hugging in the background)

Hope to Bo: You tell me the truth. You tell me you had nothing to do with it. You tell me you weren’t responsible. I want to hear it from you.

Barb

Episode: 10226
Directed by: Phil Sogard
Tape Date: 12/6/06

Austin and Carrie tell their feelings for each other which the rest of the show takes place at the hospital….Bo and Hope make a difficult decision while others agonize with pity or anger; Lois finds killing Alex not so easy and Belle and Philip get encouraging news. More kudos to the cast for an awesome performance tomorrow..especially Kristian and Peter.

ON THE ROOF…

AUSTIN AND CARRIE return to the roof. She admits that he, not Sami, was her biggest fear in returning to Salem. She can’t believe he’s still single and wonders what were those women in NYC thinking? He hugs her and kisses her softly, worried about moving too fast and losing her. She agrees, but says there’s a problem, Sami. She worries that they might just have stars in their eyes and are they really meant to be back together. He knows how she feels and they’ll work out their long distance relationship. His cell rings and they both laugh how late it is to get calls. He looks at the incoming call number and says it’s business and excuses himself (it’s Nicole worried about things). Carrie calls someone with ideas about her company and says how happy she is about being back with Austin. She’s hangs up and we hear Austin telling Nicole how he wished he could have warned the CEO of High Style about the take over. Carrie tells him she can’t believe it. Of course she didn’t overhear him, she found a piece of paper from their past and found it by their initials carved on the wall. She asks if he still feels the same way about her. He tells her that he loves her and never stopped. Does she feel the same way? She says she does and he suggests they take things a little further and kisses her as the camera pans to their initials.

AT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL…

ALEX room continues to have a revolving door on it as Lois walks in unnoticed, shuts the door and closes the blinds. She takes her trusty syringe out of her pocket and tells him her plans, causing his blood pressure to rise. She’s even more determined now that she realizes he can hear her despite being in a coma. She tells him she loved him even before she became his patient. His eyelids flutter as she tells him how upset she got when that ISA agent approached her (John?) and told her that Alex was still involved with Marlena. She told herself she wouldn’t let that happen. We see Alex clench his fist while listening to her rant. We return to her laughing maniacly while rubbing his hair, ranting about how upset she was to hear that he and Marlena were back together. She vows to kill both of them. Once he’s gone, there’s nothing to stop her from killing Marlena. He surprises her by grabbing her wrist, setting off alarms (this IS ICU, right? Where are the nurses?) and tells her that her days of threatening Marlena are over. She wrestles her arm away as he weakens, and tells him to say goodbye.


MIMI brings coffee to SHAWN, who still can’t believe his brother is gone. He remembers playing ball with Zach and will miss seeing if his brother could have played pro ball. He continues to be angry with the person who hit Zach.

CHELSEA continues her “poor me” speech to Max, still not realizing SHE was the one who killed Zach. They see the officers talking to Abe and Max says the guilty person will be put away for a long time. Chelsea’s glad (can’t believe she hasn’t even put 2+2 together that he might have been what she hit, not a pot hole!) They overhear Jennifer telling Victor about Zach’s accident and Chelsea still can’t believe someone would have left him there. Later she moans about her losses again and hopes they lock away the guilty party forever.

ABE tells the new officers about how he had adopted Zach and he was his son for a while as well. He wants the driver found and put away for life. The officers apologize to Abe that they can’t tell him anything they’ve found being he’s not with the PD anymore. Abe understands and approves, wanting this case to be solid to put the guilty person away for a long time. Abe walks away and the officers ponder how Salem will react when they realize who hit Zach (thinking it was Bo). They receive word that the tests prove Bo’s car was the one that Zach and know it’s a rock solid case, but worry how it’ll tear apart the family.

BO, HOPE, LEXIE AND JENNIFER stare down at little Zach (we never see his face). Lexie assures them that specialists have seen Zach and reviewed his test results. The brain damage is irreversible. She starts to tell them how they could make something positive out of this, but Bo and Hope are still too distressed to hear. Hope especially refuses even thinking about letting her son die to help another. Bo tells Lexie, who tells them she wouldn’t ask if she thought there was any chance of saving Zach, that this is not a good time. Lexie calmly tells Hope that the respirator is the only thing keeping Zach alive, but he could save a life by donating some of his organs. She reminds them about Claire and there’s a possibility Zach could save Claire’s life. Hope realizes that they might be able to spare Philip and Belle the agony of losing their child as well and reluctantly, yet tearfully agrees and cries into Bo’s arms. As Hope sobs, he tells Lexie that they approve Zach’s being taken off life support as they know how much Zach loved Belle and would want to save her daughter. Lexie barely keeps her emotions in check as she tells them they’re doing the right thing. She leaves to get the papers as Bo and Hope cry over their little man. Bo tells Zach it was a privilege to be his parents and to share his life with him. Bo breaks down while telling his son goodbye and Hope tells Zach how much joy he gave them and kisses him as Bo sobs watching, then hugs her tightly (these two are amazing actors).

Lexie returns with the clipboard and Bo signs the papers agreeing for Zach to be taken off life support. Hope sobs and Lexie (fresh tears in her eyes) tells them that they just made one of life’s biggest decisions, but they did the right thing. Bo tells Hope that he just hopes something good comes from this as we see Chelsea across the hall at the desk, looking sorrowful. Max tries to get Chelsea down to the cafeteria to eat and keep her strength up, but she isn’t hungry and asks why everyone is taken away from her that she’s close to. Max reminds her that he was Zach’s uncle and is upset too, but Bo and Hope need them to be strong now.

Lexie waits impatiently for the lab results to see if Zach is a candidate for a donor to Claire. Abe comforts her as they remember how hard it was to lose Zach before. The lab results are back and Lexie looks at them.

VICTOR watches Shawn talking to Mimi and gets angry with himself for not telling him the truth about Claire.

PHILIP tells Belle they should take Claire off life support. He tells Claire how much they love her and don’t want to lose her. Belle steps away and he tells her that their daughter is dying and they have to accept that. She asks him to go somewhere with her and they go to the hospital chapel and light some candles. She prays to God for guidance as Philip watches, saying Claire’s life is in his hands and pleads with him to let her daughter live. If he must take her from them, help them understand why, otherwise to please spare her. Philip says they need to be with Claire. They get up to leave and she looks down on the floor and tells Philip it’s a sign, God sent them a sign. Later we find Belle picking up a sprig of babies breath (the delicate white flowers you find in flower arrangements) and tells Philip when she was visiting her grandmother in Colorado and saw them growing wild there. Her grandmother told her when an angel whispers a prayer to God and when the prayer is answered, the angel thanks God with an offering of babies breath. Philip said they could use an angel to whisper their request to God for them. Belle’s confident this is a sign and asks for him to be patient for a little longer. A nurse finds them and says Dr. Carver needs to see them right away, it’s an emergency. They rush out. Lexie tells them they found a liver, but warns them that it might be too late. They still have to see if Claire’s body will accept the new liver. Belle and Philip are so encouraged by this news.

BO AND HOPE rush up to the two officers after leaving Zach, demanding to know who hit and killed their son. They ask if it was a drunk driver. They ask to speak with Bo alone, but Hope is back and says absolutely not! Bo said they want to know two things… who was driving the car that hit their son and how they’re going to be punished (this is DETECTIVE Brady asking two rookies?) Bo warns the officers to keep the driver away from him as he’ll tear them apart. They exchange glances and Bo asks why. They say they know who did it (NO, you know the car that did it, not WHO!)…as the picture freezes on Bo and Hope staring at the officers….

ON THE NEXT DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Sami is in bed holding the sheets up to cover herself. She looks shocked as Lucas rants:
“What are you trying to do, seduce me? You trying to get another kid out of me because the one we have hates you?”

Belle tells Philip and Lexie: “I cannot do this. I can’t.”
Lexie: “Are you saying you don’t want the transplant?”

Hope rushes angrily at the officers, yelling at the top of her lungs.. “Who killed my son, you tell me now! Who killed him? Who killed my boy?” (just where is Commander Brady during all this is my question..he should be there!!)

We see a flash of Zach’s face and Max asking Chelsea what’s wrong….as her face registers the truth of what happened…..

As the credits roll
Linda

Episode # 10225
Tape Date: 12/5/05
Air Date: 1/9/06
Director: Albert Alarr

Summary: Lois continues to stalk Marlena…Jennifer feels guilt over what happened with Frankie…Family and friends continue to gather at the hospital as the news spreads about Zack’s condition as practically the entire Horton/Brady families are there to offer their support….and Chelsea still doesn’t realize that she is at fault. This was a tough one to watch… If you have a tender heart…have a hanky near. Powerful performances from Kristian Alfonso, Peter Reckell, Renee Jones and Jason Cook.

At the Deveraux Place…Frankie tries to take the blame for what happened, saying it was all his fault, he put her in an awkward position. He says maybe he should just leave. But she asks him not to, saying it was all her fault. Later, he hobbles in on crutches and wants to talk and tries to assure her she did nothing wrong, but she still blames herself. He tells her that he will be there for as her friend, but she says she has ruined everything. He tries to assure her that what happened didn’t mean anything and that they will ALWAYS be friends. She asks him to stay, but from now on, when it comes to showers, he is on his own. Maggie calls with news about Zack. She doesn’t offer any details other than that there was an accident and she thinks that Hope may need her there. Jen says she will be right over and rushes out as Frankie tells her he will watch JJ. Later, he is in the kitchen and finds an envelope addressed to him from Jack. Inside is a DVD which he pops in the player. It is a video from Jack, telling him if he is watching this, it means he is dead. He wants to make sure that he is following up on his promise to him and asks him to do whatever it takes to make Jennifer realize that there is “life after Jack”. He is sure that Jen can fall in love with him again…and for Frankie not to give up. He tells him at some point to show this to Jen, to show to her that this is what he wanted. He then addresses Jen, telling her not to feel guilty for this is not a betrayal, he just wants her to be happy again and that Frankie is the best man for her…give him a chance…and to remember that he will always love her.

At the Hopsital…Marlena has the feeling that someone is following her (Lois is) as she runs into John (literally) and is startled. He is upset to learn that she was looking for Alex. She still thinks that there is something going on here that they don’t know about. She tells him that she thinks maybe she should go be with Belle and not think about Alex or Lois for the moment. She thinks she may be able to help her prepare for what is about to happen with Claire. John says he will go check on her and suggests that Marlena go lie down in her office. He takes her to her office as she looks around and says ‘so this is where I work’. He tells her to lie down, he will be back soon. Marlena turns off the light and lies down on the couch as Lois slips into the room, syringe in hand. To herself, she says ‘Alex can’t help you now’. John walks up behind her and asks what she is doing there. She shoves the needle in her pocket and explains that she was worried about Marlena and was checking on her. Marlena wakes up and points out that this is the second time tonight she has woke up to find her standing over her. Lois tries to explain that she can’t help but worry about her, she was like a sister to her and feels protective. John has bad news…on his way to see Belle, he ran into Mickey in the hallway and he told him about Zack. This upsets Marlena, who feels that she needs to be with Belle when she hears the news about Zack so they rush off. Lois says she will catch up with them later…and then under her breath, she mutters ‘and when I do, you will be a dead woman’.

Outside the Waiting Area…The 2 cops worry about telling Bo it was his vehicle involved in the accident. Inside, Lexie explains to the family that she did all she could but they lost Zack. A distraught Hope falls in to Bo’s arms (Mickey and Maggie come rushing in as the news is being broken). Everyone is in shock and tears as Hope clings to Bo. Shawn goes charging off in a rage, followed by Mimi. He goes to the chapel, cursing God for doing this to them, asking what kind of a God he is. He throws a candle and then crumbles to the floor as Mimi holds him. Through her tears, Hope demands to see her son, refusing to believe he is gone. She begs Bo to find out who murdered their son. Abe (who is now there) hugs them and vows to make the culprit pay. Celeste is also there (I assume she drove Abe over) and is trying to comfort a crying Lexie. Chelsea (who still hasn’t put 2 and 2 together) cries on Max’s shoulder about losing her little brother. She cries that everyone around her just disappears as Max assures her that whoever did this will pay. Maggie asks Julie about Alice and she explains that she was overwhelmed and Doug took her to Lexie’s office to lie down. As Julie and Maggie talk, Julie talks about how they loved him and recalls the food fight they had while babysitting him once (as we see flashbacks) and then tells Maggie she is going to check on Doug and Alice. Lexie is beating herself up for not doing enough to save Zack as Abe tries to assure her she did all she could. Celeste fears that Lexie will never get over losing “Isaac” again. Hope wants to see her son, so she and Bo go with Lexie.

They stand over his bed as Hope talks to him, telling him how much they love him and she loses it all again. She lays her head down on his chest and says Oh my God…he is breathing…he is still alive. In the chapel, Shawn is venting to Mimi about losing Zack and vows that whoever did this will be dead as well when he gets his hands on them. Chelsea continues to cry to Max, not sure what to say to Bo or Hope. She remembers that Billie is out of town on business and wants to go call her and let her know what is going on. Abe introduces himself to the two rookie cops and asks if they have any leads. They explain that they do and that they may be making an arrest soon. Victor arrives and sees Caroline crying (she explains that popShawn is with Alice right now). She says she doesn’t know how much more she can take…first Claire and now Zack. He takes her in his arms and holds her as she sobs…as popShawn walks up and sees them. Lexie explains to Hope and Bo that Zack is breathing, but the machine is doing it for him, for he is on life support…how long he continues to breathe is up to them. Mimi tries to reason with and calm Shawn down, but he says it is what he has to do…for Zack’s sake. He won’t listen to her…saying that someone took Zack’s life and he will do the same to them. Mickey comes in and then proceeds to lecture Shawn. He says that their parents didn’t raise them that way…to hate. He assures him that justice will be served, there is s system in place and his folks are a part of that system. He knows that he is talking out of grief right now. Mickey seems to get through to him, telling him that this revenge will only make things worse and will not honor the memory of his little brother. He tells him that right now, he needs to be with his parents…they need him. Shawn finally sees the light and goes to be with Bo and Hope and thanks Mickey. Jen arrives in the waiting area, full of questions for Maggie, asking if he is okay. Maggie didn’t want to tell her over the phone just how bad it was, but hits her with the news now, telling her that Zack is brain dead…as they cling to each other crying. Shawn interrupts Caroline and Victor and she thanks Victor for giving her a shoulder to cry on (literally) and he says anytime. As he leaves the waiting area, he talks with the two cops in the hall, introducing himself and telling them if they need anything to let him know. After he walks off, the cops worry about how to break the news to the family. Hope holds out hope that as long as Zack is breathing, he may recover and wake up. Lexie explains it isn’t that simple as she tries to explain the gravity of his condition. Hope holds onto his little hand and kisses it, refusing to give up on her baby. We learn that Chelsea couldn’t get Billie on the phone. As Shawn comes through the waiting area, Jen offers her condolences and asks if there is anything she can do. He joins his parents and hears Hope saying that she will not take Zack off of life support, giving him a few seconds of hope. Then Lexie explains that the machines are the only think keeping him alive and that he is brain dead. Bo tells them they have a tough decision to make. Hope starts up again (she must have been dehydrated after filming this) saying she can NOT say goodbye to him and Shawn agrees. Bo says he has no chance…but if there was even one in a million chance, they would keep him alive. He asks Lexie…is there? As she solemnly shakes her head no and says there is no chance at all. Bo says Zack is gone and they have no choice but to turn off the life support. Bo, Hope and Shawn hover over his bed and cry…as Lexie turns away and quietly cries alone…and the previews show…

Shawn (to Mimi) He had quite an arm…I would tell him all the time ‘if you want to pitch in the majors, you can’…now we will never know…

Philip (to Belle): We have to say goodbye to our little girl…

Carrie (to Austin, who is on the phone): My God Austin…I don’t believe it…

Bo (with Hope by his side): We need to know 2 things…who was driving the care who killed our son…and how they are going to be punished (cut to a shot of Chelsea)…

As the credits roll…
Laney

Episode: 10224
Directed by: Phil Sogard
Tape Date: 12/2/06

In the wee wee hours of New Years morning…we find Jennifer and Frankie baking cookies and showering; Salem's finest solving a crime in record time; and University Hospital having a very busy night. Have the tissues handy folks, you'll need them. MAJOR KUDOS to Kristian Alfonso (Hope) and Renee Jones (Lexie) for heartwrenching performances tomorrow.

AT JENNIFER’S
Jennifer finds Frankie folding clothes in the kitchen. He admits not having clean clothes which required he wash them that late. She admits not being able to sleep, so she decided to make cookies for the kids. He agrees to help and she tells him she’s glad he stayed. Later he says he didn’t have any choice to stay, but will when he’s healed. Jennifer tells him that she’s decided she doesn’t want him to go. She’s very comfortable having him there, but doesn’t want to be dependent on him. He laughs saying right now he’s dependent on her. She repeats she wants him to stay. Frankie loves the great smells in the kitchen and says it brings him back to when Mom (Caroline) made cookies when he was a kid. Jennifer repeats she doesn’t want to be dependant on any man as it would make her feel unfaithful to Jack. She remembers whatever she saw in the garden and him telling her to move on. Frankie knows she’ll always love Jack but he is there because he’s her friend and nothing more. He hobbles over for a cookie and she wants to give him a thank you hug…but he hasn’t figured out how to shower in the cast and concerned about how he smells and holds her back. She offers to help him shower and he accepts. Later he’s in a towel and a plastic bag over his cast. She offers to help him in the shower without peeking and he's not too sure about it, agrees. Jennifer turns on the water and promises not to look as she helps him in the large shower stall. He washes himself as she looks up. He slips and starts to fall and she grabs him. They end up face to face in the shower. He tells her to go dry off and said he’ll hold onto a wall. Jennifer looks in the mirror and wonders what’s wrong with her. Her husband is barely dead and she wanted someone else to kiss her already. We see Frankie, dry and towel around his waist, as he leans against the wall listening.

MAX’S GARAGE
We see Salem’s finest arrive at the garage as Chelsea ponders inside if she might have hit a small animal or something. Max said they’d be dead if she did in that big thing. Caroline calls Max and tells him about Zach. Chelsea is upset to hear about Zach and they both rush to the hospital as she tells Max she loves that little guy. The police spot the SUV inside, but no one is there now. They find the door unlocked and figured they should check it out. They decide to run the SUV’s plates to see who owns it and find the damage to it and tread marks correlate to the ones at the scene. They learn it’s Bo’s SUV.

AT THE HOSPITAL
Alex is still unconscious, but remembers what happened years ago. It was Lois who was using Marlena as a punching bag, saying she couldn’t have her man. His monitor starts beeping as we seeing crazy Lois sneering down at him. We see back to when he came to Marlena’s aid after Lois beat her. Lois (in her doctor’s coat) hides when a nurse comes to check on him. She hears the nurse tell Alex he has to calm down and injects something into his IV before leaving. Lois rubs his head saying she has something even better, something that won’t let him wake up. She tells him she’s going to take care of him once and for all. Alex remembers her saying the same thing years ago and is grabbed by two men in white coats. Marlena hugs him, thanking him as we hear Lois screaming while being pulled down the hall. She vows to get rid of him, then his precious Dr. Marlena. She hears Marlena and Belle outside the room and decides to get rid of Marlena first while she has the chance.

Marlena rushes up to ICU looking for Alex. Belle spots her mom and happy that she decided to come after all, hugs her. Marlena remembers that Belle is her daughter and Belle is so happy to have her mom back and the two hug. They go in to see Claire (where did Philip go?) and Marlena can’t even imagine what Belle is going through, but is there for her now. Marlena tells her that amnesia may stop her from remembering, but not from feeling. She knows she’s her mother and can’t bear to see her in pain. She will help Belle get through whatever she has to and the two say they love each other. Belle returns to her daughter, encouraged by Marlena’s visit.

Shawn is very angry at what’s happening to his family and blaming God for picking off his family one by one. Mimi tries to comfort him and suggests they get some fresh air or go to the chapel, but he refuses.

Bo tries to reassure Hope that Lexie will take good care of their son. Hope tells him she can’t help but remember seeing him lying there in the road all alone. She remembers yelling at him because he left a few toys in the kitchen that morning and hopes he’s not remembering that. She remembered promising to see him in the morning and Bo said it’s a promise she’s going to keep. He decides to call the station for any news. We see memories of taking him to see Santa Claus and him dressed as Santa at Jennifers. Doug and Julie arrive. When asked, Bo tells Julie they’ll find the bastard that hit Zach as Doug comforts Hope by telling her that Zach is tough like his mom and dad and not going anywhere. He tells Hope that “what ifs” never help anyone. Alice joins them and tells Hope they must have hope as they hug. Hope blames herself for not making Zach understand not to go out alone and Doug tells her she need to stop blaming herself or the driver and to focus their positive energy on him and put their trust in God for Zach’s recovery instead. Shawn walks up saying God doesn’t care about his family. I don’t have close captioning, but swear she says Zach at first, then Shawn as she tells him that’s not true.

Max and Chelsea arrive and she rushes into Bo’s arms. Later she tells Bo how Zach’s saying he loved her and accepted her as his sister right away was the best Christmas present she got. She loves him and would do anything for him. He doesn’t deserve this. First her parents get hit by a drunk driver and now this happens to Zack…she walks off with Max in her wake.

Julie asks Mimi how Shawn is doing and Mimi tells her. She tells Julie it’s hard to watch the man you love and are going to marry go through this…which catches Julie off guard. Mimi tells her their engagement just happened and they weren’t going to tell anyone under the circumstances. Julie confirms she always thought Shawn would marry Belle, but their family needs something positive like a wedding now. Mimi says she loves Shawn and he loves her and they’ve been through some rough times. He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to her (buh bye Rex I guess). Julie says loving him is the best thing she can do for Shawn right now and they hug.

Lexie is in surgery (they really need more doctors at that hospital, LOL!) and is asked if she’s okay. She tells them she is and tells Zach that mommy, er, Aunt Lexie is right there. Later the assistant surgeon (?) tells her the CT scan showed there was too much damage and there’s nothing they can do. Lexie cites her "Failure is not an Option" mantra and continues to work on Zach. A nurse comes in and says the MRI showed Zach is brain dead. The other doctor tells Lexie she is a doctor, not God, and can’t save him. He had massive head trauma and never really had a chance. She takes off her bloody gloves and washes her hands as the other doctor offers to tell the family. She says they’re her friends and will do so. She calls Abe and asks him to come to the hospital. She breaks down saying she needs him. The two cops arrive at the hospital wondering how they’re going to tell Detective Brady it was his SUV that hit his son. Bo’s on the phone as Shawn rants to Hope, Doug and Alice about how God is always testing them. Hope knows it’s not fair, but not to blame God. She tells him she’s seen first hand how prayer helps. Chelsea and Max return just as Lexie comes out and her look alone tells Bo and Hope what happened. Hope says no, no, no a few times and screams, jumping up and down (one of the most heart wrenching scenes I've seen on DOOL in ages) as Bo wraps his arms around her, staring at Lexie in shock himself, mouth open….as the previews roll…

Frankie watches a video Jack made for him, telling him that he promised him. Jennifer loved him (Frankie) once and he knows she can do it again…

Mimi tells Shawn they’ll get the person who did it and put them in jail. Shawn says no, if he gets his hands on him, he’s dead. Chelsea is watching nearby, crying.

John walks up as Lois stands over Marlena smirking…(Marlena’s on the couch asleep). He asks her what she’s doing.

Hope to Bo: “They’re not turning off the machine. You’re not taking my son from me.”

As the credits roll..

If you want to see Hope's reaction before tomorrow...go to
http://www.nbc.com/Days_of_our_Lives/

look down the left hand side till you find "Hot Moments" click on Daytime tab, then Days of our Lives. When it loads, choose the first picture (of Bo holding Hope) and get the Kleenex ready. It is VERY emotional.

Linda

Episode # 10223
Tape Date: 12/1/05
Air Date: 1/5/06
Director: Herb Stein

Summary: The party at Sami’s place winds down…Philip and Belle (joined by Caroline and Alice) continue their prayer vigil for Claire…Bo and Max work to repair his truck, as the cops collect evidence on the hit and run…Alex has surgery…Zack’s condition is worse than thought.


At Sami’s…things are winding down as Austin and Carrie congratulate her on a successful party. They think that maybe she is starting off the new year on the right foot. Sami tells Carrie she is glad she came and jokingly tells her if she ever needs a wedding dress, she has a closet full. Lucas and Eugenia keep an eye on Sami and both are sure she is up to something. (BTW, we learn that Nicole ran off to do business…right…on New Year’s Eve?...never mind last time we saw her she was 3 sheets to the wind). Lucas and Eugenia try to figure out why Sami is being so nice to Carrie and even consider that she may know the truth about the HighStyle CEO. Sami and Carrie clean up the mess as Carrie questions her about being so supportive. Sami swears she has learned from her past mistakes. Austin agrees that Sami has changed. Lucas tells Eugenia that none of this matters once Carrie learns the truth about the takeover…she will hate Austin. Austin tells them that he must call it an evening, tomorrow is a big day…they are closing a deal. Carrie questions him about it, but he gives no details. Sami reminds him it is late and he and Carrie wish each other a Happy New Year and kiss. As everyone prepares to leave, Eugenia advises the “Samster” to stay out of trouble in the new year. Carrie thanks Sami again as Sami tells her she hopes she gets everything she deserves in the new year. Carrie, Lucas and Eugenia all leave as Sami notices that Nicole guzzled down all her vodka. Austin helps her clean up as they talk about when Will was younger. She asks him if he thinks things will work out for him and Carrie. In the hallway, Eugenia says her tipsy goodnights and leaves. Lucas and Carrie go to his apartment, talking about the party and he asks her if she thinks she and Austin have a future and she says yes. He asks her if she is buying Sami’s total support and she admits to being suspicious, but is not going to worry about it. Lucas asks her how it can work between her and Austin with her working in California and she thinks they can work something out…besides she cannot turn her back on her employees. Sami and Austin talk about the takeover with him being so excited about the deal, but still is upset that he didn’t get to talk to the CEO. Sami tells him no use worrying about it, it’s a done deal. Lucas informs Carrie that Austin has changed this time around and that he has a “take no prisoner” attitude and thinks that he just may hurt anybody to get ahead, and attributes that to Nicole. He thinks that Austin is only thinking about the bottom line. Sami asks Austin if he has any second thoughts and he says the CEO will end up hating him. Sami says it doesn’t matter…it was a good deal.

The Vigil around Claire’s Bed Continues…with Philip and Belle now joined by Alice and Caroline. Belle thanks them for being there as she refuses to give up and vows to hold out for a miracle. Alice says all they can do is pray. Caroline invites Alice to go to the chapel with her but Alice says that God can hear her just fine right there. Caroline offers a prayer and asks that God’s will be done. She prays that if there is a family out there who lost a child that they will do something good and life-giving in their loss. She also prays that God will watch over that family during their grief and all families in need. After the prayer, Belle says it sounded as if they were praying for someone to die. Alice says no, they are praying for life. Belle wants to go and check with Lexie, but Philip says they should stay there with Claire and live in the moment…Lexie will let them know if there is any change.

In the Trauma Unit…Lexie tells Marlena, John and Lois that Alex is losing blood and needs surgery. Marlena refuses to believe that Alex was out to hurt her but John is still convinced he was (as Lois has flashbacks). Marlena tells John that Alex told her that Dr. Banks was the threat. Later, they are in the waiting area as Lois fetches them tea. Marlena is still refusing to believe that Alex was trying to hurt her and that he was upset that Lois was there. John says Alex just wanted to shut Lois up. But Marlena is sure that Alex couldn’t have done those things to her. They argue about his shooting Alex but John swears he did what he had to do to protect Marlena. Lois says that Marlena is acting just like she used to, defending Alex. John thinks that Alex somehow brainwashed her to turn her against him. She says that everyone is TELLING her that Alex is dangerous, but she has never seen it. She reminds John that HE was once Stefano DiMera’s pawn…a trained killer. Lois tells Marlena that if Alex survives, it is only a matter of time before he kills her. Marlena says she just wants the truth. John reminds her of the photo she saw…she just doesn’t want to accept it. The nurse comes in and tells them that Alex is out of surgery and has been transferred to ICU but is still in critical condition.

At Max’s Shop…They have hauled Bo’s truck there to check it out (as Chelsea has flashbacks). She thanks Bo for promising not to tell anyone. Back at the scene, the cops vow to find out who is responsible. Later, they are canvassing the neighborhood and have found tire treads. Max tells Bo the damage isn’t that bad (a dented fender and a broken light) so Bo tells him to do what he needs to. Chelsea is still worried about losing her license and adamant about Bo not telling Hope, for fear she will never let her forget it. He says he won’t go out of his way to tell her, but if it comes up, he will. He asks her if she plans on telling her mom and Chelsea doesn’t want her to know either. At the scene, the cops find fragments of the light and some paint chips as well. Bo tells Chelsea and Max he needs to get back to the hospital to check on Claire (as he fills them in). He decides to call for an update and notices his phone is turned off (Hope had been trying to call him). Chelsea admits to turning it off earlier. He sees a ton of messages from Hope and calls her. He gets her on the line and she tells him to get to the hospital NOW and he rushes off. The cops at the scene have learned from a neighbor that they saw a tow truck from Max’s garage about a mile away as they wonder if it could be the same vehicle that hit the kid. After Bo leaves, Chelsea looks at the damage and tells Max she feels so selfish with her problems, considering what Belle and Philip are going through. Max tells her she is lucky she didn’t hit someone or hurt herself. She is sure she only hit a pothole and swears that she will never talk on the phone again while driving.

At the Hopsital…Zack is wheeled off to the Trauma Center as Hope breaks down, trying to explain to Shawn what happened (flashbacks of her finding Zack). They rush in there, Shawn demanding to know who did this. Lexie (who is paged while with Alex) comes and is shocked to find the hit and run is Zack. She examines him and says that he has a severe head injury and trauma to the spine. Hope says she shouldn’t have moved him but Lexie assures her she did the right thing getting him there. Hope tells them that he squeezed her hand and was talking and thinks that is a good sign. Lexie orders a CAT scan as Hope rushes to call Bo. Shawn and Mimi stand over him and cry as his blood pressure begins to drop. Shawn talks to his little brother, talking about how they lost JT and it almost killed them, but the God sent him to them. They can’t lose him too…begging him to live. Later, Bo arrives as Hope meets him, telling him what happened. Bo is in shock as he asks Lexie how bad it is. She tells them that he is bleeding around his brain and they need to stabilize him, but he needs surgery immediately. Bo bends down, talking to his “tiny man”, telling him he will be okay. Shawn asks what kind of bastard could do this as Bo vows they will find out just WHO did this to Zack. Lexie tells them they are taking him to surgery as the monitors start alarming and his blood pressure is dropping. Bo and Hope are freaking out as the previews show…

Marlena (to Belle): I know that you are my daughter…and I am your mother…(Belle): and you are here now…

Jennifer (to herself in the mirror): You were in that shower with him and you wanted him…you wanted him to kiss you (as Frankie overhears)…

Lois (to an unconscious Alex): First I’ll take care of you…then I’ll get rid of Marlena…

Hope (crying to Bo): I promised him that I’d see him in the morning… (Bo): And that’s a promise you’ll keep…

As the credits roll…
Laney

Episode #10,222
Tape date-11/30
Director Herb Stein

Salem Hospital fills with Salemites on New Year’s Eve, as the vigil continues over Claire, Alex is brought in with a gunshot wound, and little Zack is rushed into Emergency. (I am never going to forgive Days for this last one – Never!)

PENTHOUSE – A replay of Alex arriving, calling out to Marlena at her bedroom door, then outside to the ledge, where John spots him, calls out, then shoots him. Alex falls. Lois stands over Marlena, ready to plunge the scissors into her, when Marlena abruptly wakes up wondering what that was. John bursts in, making sure Marlena is o.k., then questioning Lois as to what she is doing there. Marlena explains she let her in, yada, yada, and John tells them how Alex escaped and came here, gun in hand, to try and kill Marlena. She refuses to believe him. The camera goes outside to where we see Alex lying on the ground. Cops arrive, call for an ambulance, John & Marlena rush out. The cops ask what happened, John does his very good impression of Sergeant Friday from the old Dragnet series, as he rattles on about being ISA, and gives a verbal “police report” on how he stopped the attack. Marlena still defends Alex, refusing to believe he meant her harm. She talks about his phone call, warning her about Lois. But Dr. Banks insists that he was only trying to discredit her, since she knew the truth about him, and what he did to Marlena. Alex is not dead, a cop says the awning over the entrance is ripped, and probably broke his fall. (gee, first Marlena, now Alex falls from that penthouse and both live…..guess it is not as high up as we think) Ambulance arrives and gets Alex on a stretcher to take to the hospital. Marlena insists on going along, so John says he will go with her.

AT PARK & ELM ST, Bo is comforting Chelsea, telling her it was just a little accident, not to worry. Chelsea whines & moans about how she was being very careful, did not know what she hit, doesn’t know what happened, etc. etc. Bo says there was lots of black ice, she probably skidded, hit a snow bank, or a mailbox or something. Max arrives with the tow truck, checks the car, (which they are now saying is a truck), says the headlight is broken, and they would have an insurance claim. Chelsea has a fit, no, no insurance claim, no one can know. Bo starts to call Hope to pick them up, but again Chelsea has a fit, Hope must never know. She already thinks Chelsea is irresponsible, and Chelsea does not want to give her more cause. (yes, we are all rolling eyes here). Bo says he never lies to his wife, but Chelsea asks him if he told Hope about signing for the temp license and giving her his car tonight. Bo says he just did not get the chance. Max tells Bo that Shawn, Bo & he can probably fix the truck themselves. Bo lectures Chelsea about driving responsibly, that even though she was doing all the right things, accidents DO happen. Cue Chelsea to remember how she had the radio blasting, and was on her cell phone….all things she promised not to do…..when she “hit something”. She promises to finish the driving lessons and be the best driver she can possibly be, while making Bo promise not to tell Hope, that not telling is not lying. Max turns away, saying to himself, “and Chelsea dodges another one”.

SALEM HOSPITAL – The vigil over Claire continues. Lexie tells Belle & Philip that Claire now has acute liver failure, and it is hard to maintain her blood pressure. Belle insists that there is going to be a miracle that will save her baby. Outside the room, Victor & Kate argue about telling Philip AND Shawn the truth about Claire’s paternity. Kate insists she will not let him do that, Victor insists that Shawn has to know, he is going to tell him, and Kate had better prepare Philip. Bonnie arrives, sees Shawn hugging Mimi, which puts a big smile on her face, as she tells herself her baby is starting the New Year out right. Victor wants to talk to Shawn alone, so Mimi goes to see her mom. Bonnie is in her usual “take advantage” mode, but Mimi tells her how bad it is with Claire, and they want to take her off life support. Bonnie is, for a change, saddened, but Mimi tells her about Shawn proposing, which makes Bonnie nearly jump for joy. Mimi explains that under the circumstances, they are keeping it all quiet. Meanwhile, Victor talks to Shawn, who gives an impassioned speech about how much he loves Claire, the connection he feels, then goes on about proposing to Mimi. Victor learns that Shawn knows Belle & Philip love each other very much. Shawn draws a parallel between Victor & Caroline, Shawn & Belle….how neither can never be. He says he loves Mimi, she loves him, and he feels she would be good for him, that he will have the kind of life he wants with her. Kate tries to talk to Philip, but he asks her to leave, as he & Belle would like to be alone with their baby. Outside the room, Kate prays for a miracle. Victor comes up, admits he did not get a chance to say something to Shawn, as Kate says she did not tell Philip either. Shawn gets a message to meet his mother & Dr. Carver in the trauma unit. He panics, sure it is his dad. Bonnie tells Mimi to go with Shawn.

AT 3^RD & ELM ST., Hope is kneeling beside her son, Zack, crying as she tells him how much she loves him, that she is right there, that everything is going to be all right, and she is not going to leave him. Mrs. Morrison rushes out, sees them, cannot understand what happened, is rather hysterical as she tries to explain that Zack was in bed, and she does not know how this could happen. Hope tells her to go back into the house and call 911. We hear Zack whimpering (we do not see anything except his arm & hand, as Hope hold it, kissing it, assuring him all will be o.k.) Hope constantly talks to him, as we hear sirens, and she comforts him, telling him the ambulance will soon be there. He moans, and she covers him with her coat. Police arrive, telling her that all the units are busy, lots of accidents, & they will have to wait for an ambulance. Oh, no, not this mother, Hope is going to take him herself. The police say she cannot leave the scene. Oh, yes, she can and she will. She gives Mrs. Morrison her keys, tells her to bring her car here, she is taking Zack herself. She calls the hospital, leaving a message for Shawn to get Lexie and meet her in the Trauma Center.

Shawn arrives in the Trauma Center, no Lexie, no Hope, and does not know what is going on. Mimi comes in, and Shawn is getting panicky. Hope comes in, carrying a Zack (a big bundle of blankets, and we do not actually see him) yelling, help me. 2 nurses come with a gurney, telling Hope to put him down, but Hope cries that she cannot leave him, he is so scared. They reassure her, wheeling him away. She cries on Shawn’s shoulder, “I can’t lose him, I can’t lose my baby”. And the previews show…..

Lois to Marlena: If he recovers and you welcome him back with open arms, it’s only a matter of time before he kills you.

Bo as he holds Hope: Whoever did this to our boy, we’re going to find him Shawn, with arm around Mimi: What kind of person could hit a little kid and just keep driving

Sami to Austin: So, you think things are gonna work out between you & Carrie, huh?
Austin: Yeah

Lucas to Carrie: So it looks like you & Austin are gonna have a future together, huh?
Carrie: Yes

Barb

Episode: 10221
Directed by: Deveney Kelly
Tape Date: 11/30

Summary: Sami's party continues as Sami tries to keep Austin and Carrie apart; Bo rushes to Chelsea's aid as John and Alex rush to Marlena's; and Hope's maternal instinct has her go to get Zach and take him home.....

AUSTIN REED INC. NEW YEARS PARTY...
Austin and Carrie head to the roof as Sami watches and slips out her window to the fire escape. Lucas tells Eugenia what’s going on. As she polishes off the champagne, she reminds Lucas what will happen when Carrie finds out that Austin took over her company and not to worry. He agrees, turns up the music and starts dancing (?) to it as Eugenia claps. Nicole gets off the elevator, hears the music and figures it’s so like Sami to have a party and not invite her (hmmm..it’s after midnight and she probably just got the papers notarized and returning home, wide awake). She tells herself that if Sami thinks she’s going to get Austin, she’s got the shock of her life. Nicole walks in finding Lucas and Eugenia gabbing on the couch, grumbling she was stuck working while everyone else played. They tell Nicole that Austin’s on the roof with Carrie and silently Nicole vows neither of the Brady sisters will get Austin.

Sami stands on the fire escape listening to Austin and Carrie both telling each other this is where they want to be, with each other. Sami sticks her fist in her mouth and falls backward (uh oh). She hung on, but knows the world will come crashing in on Carrie the next day anyway after she learns they took over her company. Carrie and Austin remember another romantic time on the roof (as we see a flashback of her with short hair dancing with him and their kissing. Carrie said those were special times. He asks her to dance and they both say work has held them over, but 2006 should be much better. Sami watches, disagreeing to herself. Carrie comments on his living arrangement, but he explains how it happened and is going to put down roots in Salem now. She tells him her company is on the west coast, but she hopes to settle down and have kids one day. He would too, saying finding out that Will wasn’t his own son still hurts (cue look on Sami’s face). They start to kiss as Sami stops them and climbs up off the fire escape. She says she was on the fire escape taking a break from her “guests” and overheard them, so climbed up the fire escape. Rubbing her shoulders, Sami comments on how cold it is. Carrie agrees. Austin realizes that’s true and takes off his jacket and puts it over Carrie’s shoulders, much to Sami’s chagrin ;-) They tell her they were up there sharing old times and she asks if they’re coming back down with her or staying up there. Sami vows that Austin will be nothing but a memory to Carrie soon.

Nicole has had a few martinis by the time we return. A sober Lucas listens to her gloat about their success this time around and how grateful Austin will be for all her hard work. She knows the CEO is a woman, but doesn’t know who it is. Lucas smirks the CEO is in for a big surprise. In the morning the CEO will find out and her boss (Austin) will wake up a big “wiener” as she uses her German accent, LOL. Lucas toasts her with cider to Austin’s big surprise the next day. Austin and the Brady girls return and he apologizes about her not being invited..but he just found out about the party himself. They ask about the surprise and Lucas covers, saying it was Nicole’s and she quietly tells Austin that High Style is theirs. Lucas tells Eugenia he’s better for Carrie than Austin is and Carrie will realize that.


AT THE JAIL
Alex pounds and screams until a guard comes and he repeats that Marlena Evan’s life is in danger and she’s alone with a psychopath in her apartment. They need to send someone over there NOW. Later Tek calls John with an update on Alex’s being genuinely worried about Marlena’s safety. After just talking with Marlena, John knows she’s okay and orders Tek to put Alex in maximum lockup (uh, remember..you’re NOT a Salem cop John) and Tek says he’ll do so. Tek walks up to Alex’s cell and sees him looking the opposite direction, talking out loud about how worried he is that Marlena’s life is in danger. Tek orders an officer to put Alex in maximum security and leaves to go do something. The officer pushes open the jail cell door and Alex takes the opportunity to punch him, take something off him and leave.


PENTHOUSE
Guess there were too many pillows in Marlena’s bed. She takes some out and crawls under the covers, turning off the light. Lois sneaks up the stairs with the knife and opens Marlena’s door. Marlena wakes up and calls the hospital (Lois snuck back out). She had a bad dream about Claire and calls to check on her. She talks to then nurse, then John. She wants to come over to the hospital, but he tells her there’s nothing she could do and to stay home. She tells him about Alex’s call and he insists on calling the station and muzzling Alex. She asks him to tell Belle she loves her (even though she doesn’t remember her, LOL) and is thinking about her. (She doesn’t mention Lois being at the penthouse). She turns off the light again and Lois steps inside.

AT THE HOSPITAL
The monitor beeped as Claire had another arthymia (sp). Philip asks Lexie to tell them if there’s any chance for their daughter. Lexie feels it’s time they took Claire off life support, but Belle still refuses, confident a donor will save her. We return to Belle singing to Claire and telling Philip their daughter isn’t suffering and they can’t give up. Shawn and Mimi walk in and he agrees with Belle.

Kate thanks Victor for not telling anyone about Claire’s paternity. Looking at Bo and Hope, he doesn’t feel right that Claire’s grandparents don’t know the truth (much less her father). He tells her she has to stop playing God.

A replay of Shawn proposing to Mimi as she gasps. He doesn’t think she’s ready, but she tells him she’d love to marry him. He suggests they keep it a secret for now, much to her surprise. He explains this is not the time to share their happiness and she agrees.

Hope repeats her thankfulness about their kids being healthy to Bo. He stops her from calling to check on Zach again. The nurse tells Bo he has a call. It’s Chelsea on her cell in the car. She tells him something bad happened and she needs him right away. He asks if she had another accident and she says no. The cars just not running right and it’s not her fault, she swears. She’s at the corner of Park and Elm and he says that’s not far and he’ll be right there (he and Hope drive separate cars?) He tells Hope that Chelsea needs a lift and she’s grateful Chelsea’s not driving and understands this little inconvenience is okay. He remembers his conversation with Chelsea, not telling Hope he not only signed her temp. license, but loaned her their car.

BACK AT THE HOSPITAL
Hope tells John how sorry she is for all they’re going through. He asks what else is bothering her and she asks him to tell Bo that she went to get Zach and is taking him home. Victor overhears and is upset, telling Kate that Bo and Hope should be there for their granddaughter.

Tek calls John (on the hospital phone…the nurses must be getting tired of playing switchboard, haha) and tells him that Alex has escaped.

Philip agrees with Shawn and Belle and the four of them will pray together over Claire. Lexie says it’s their decision.

AT THE PENTHOUSE…
Lois is raising the scissors over Marlena when Alex arrives (how did he get in?) and calls out to Marlena (Lois has locked the bedroom door). He runs to use his handy window entry and John arrives and looks up (now..what floor is that penthouse again?) saying “oh God no”. He orders Alex to stop, but Alex is determined to save Marlena before it’s too late and continues. John shoots Alex in the left shoulder and he falls (hmm…to the terrace below them, we don't see???) Marlena wakes up inside as Lois has the scissors raised behind her.

ZACH
At the beginning of the show we see a replay of Chelsea driving with blasting music and flipping open her cellphone as Zach steps off the curb and she feels a ka-thump. All we see is what Zach was carrying on the ground.

Bo arrives after getting Chelsea’s call (see above) and finds Chelsea near the car. The front fender is damaged. She tells him she hit something and then the car wouldn’t steer right after she went over a curb. She swears she wasn’t speeding and it wasn’t her fault..but needs his help. He tries to calm her down, saying she did right by calling him. She’s mostly worried about losing her license again. Later he checks the car, said it probably just needs realignment and it’s okay and nothing to lose her license over. She’s relieved and thankful he’s her dad…hug hug.

Hope arrives on foot to get Zach at his friends and sees something in the street. She goes to get it saying “What is that?” looking to the right and says "Zach, Zach, oh my God, Zach…” as the previews roll…

John to Marlena: “You’ve got nothing more to fear, Alex North is dead.”
Marlena’s sitting in bed and looking startled.

Chelsea to Bo: “It’s the cops. Dad, what am I going to do?”

Kate to Philip: “I’ve got to talk to you.”
Philip: “Now is not the best time mom.”
Kate: You’ve got to prepare yourself. I have some pretty devastating news.”

We see the paramedics rushing Zach into the ER as Hope tries to follow. Shawn stops her saying “you can’t go”.
Hope: I can’t lose him. Oh my God, I can’t lose my baby.”

As the credits roll…
Linda