JenniferH.

I just, gosh, I must have watched the Katie and Simon scenes (yes, actual, honest-to-God, sharing the same space, Katie and Simon scenes!! It's a bleedin' miracle!!!) at least ten times already and I've been on the computer the last hour, so that tells ya how much I've been watching them. In fact, as soon as I'm done posting this, I'm gonna watch them again! :)

Sigh, where to start?

Okay, okay, I know it was 'Donovan' and not 'Simon' but it was still nice to see Katie and the actor who plays Simon kissing in the first scene. I felt guilty for thinking that, but damnit, they DO have chemistry. We wouldn't all be here were that not the case, and besides Terri looked so pretty! And her little "bye bye" as Donovan pointed the gun at Simon was so cute. Well, it WAS just a nightmare, and not real. Please do allow me a moment to be giddy at actually seeing my favorite actress on screen. LOL!

Anyhoo, ya know, as much as I love Coco-Simon (and I do, I really do) I lived on an island full of coconuts, trust me, by now (heck, a few weeks after the falling off of Coco-Simon from the coconut tree) that baby would have been dried out as a raisin, husky and a lovely, mottled shade of faded brown. Simple homework really helps with those details, guys.

But anyway, back to the fun of Katie tagging along with Paul and Henry and how easily Katie got Paul (boy, Terri must have a ball keeping the names straight, LOL!) to agree to her insistence upon coming with. I was actually a bit surprised that Henry showed any surprise at Paul's quick capitulation. After all, wasn't he the one who told Simon that it was impossible to resist a "Peretti in full battle mode?" I think it was, indeed.

A small note, I admit I was bit annoyed to see Katie compare her glorious love with Simon to that of Paul and Rose's. Uh huh, okay, if you say so, writers ... not! Sorry, P/R fans, you know they ain't my cup of tea.

Okay, one more quick little nitpick again: Why did Katie change? I thought the black top she had on was adorable and I would have actually preferred that over the gueruilla warfare outfit she was wearing for the -- sound the trumpets! Aaahhh!! -- reunion. I mean, weren't they in a hurry and all? Why would, on the cusp of -- sound the trumpets! Aaahhh!! -- their reunion, Katie decide to go do a quick outfit change ... and then change to an uglier outfit (and even remove most of her makeup)? Puzzled am I.

But that was just one teensy little nitpick that really doesn't matter because today we got the -- sound the trumpets! Aaahhh!! -- reunion! Yes, the reunion. A kiss through the bars and then another kiss, dialogue -- "missed you, is it you" -- and then another one -- "it's me, it's really me" -- and another kiss -- "oh, it's you!" -- and then another kiss. And then this oh so KnS exchange, "you're supposed to be working on getting me out, instead you're getting me all worked up!" Kiss -- "first things first" -- kiss -- "first things first" -- kiss .........

Ah, nice to know that, as usual, our duo have their priorities in order. LOL! Even Henry noted the rather interesting state of those priorties with his, "what with our timeframe, you might want to postpone the sex!" ROTFL! Anyhoo, back to the -- sound the trumpets! Aaahhh!!! -- reunion! They kiss, and then Simon has his little convo with Paul and Henry and then Henry and Paul have their own little convo and then Simon tugs slightly on Katie's hand and smiles at her, whispering "come 'ere." Henry leaves and Paul returns his attention to Simon and Katie and, of course, they are kissing. Again.

God, these two crack me up! Priorities, people, priorties!! Of course it got even better. The two go off away from Paul, having this wonderful discussion of missing and loving and knowing each other, etc. all the while touching each other faces, hands, arms, chest, etc. Sigh. Then Paul calls out Simon and his "yes" sounded annoyed! Just killed me ... again, priorties, people. LOL!

And of course, I wouldn't have them ... Any. Other. Way!

Oh, oh, oh, in that last scene there were two little things I loved (aside from all the big, obvious things I loved), Katie had her left hand curled around Simon's arm. Don't know why, I just loved that! And Simon's whispered "I love you."

{{{ Sigh }}}

Oh, and then the final scene was so sad, Katie not wanting to leave him, afraid of never seeing him. {{{ Sigh }}} I so very, very much LOVED seeing them together again!!! As usual, Terri and Paul (the actor, not the character -- although Scott Holroyd - Paul, the character - did pretty durn good as well!) were their excellent selves. I just so loved seeing them together. I certainly haven't forgotten how good they are onscreen, but it was certainly lovely to be reminded of just how good they are! As for the other Avanya-trapped characters, Rose sorta annoyed me -- per usual -- and I rather blanked out during the non Katie/Simon scenes in Avanya, but that last scene with the three (morons r us?) staring at the inaccurately-still-green Coco-Simon was hilarious! Absolutely hilarious!

But of course, what matters, what this episode will be remembered for is the – sound the trumpets! Aaahhh!! -- reunion!

{{{ Sigh }}}

JenniferH.

Did I mention in my 'KnS are back' post that I figured that Friday's ep would be good? Well, I was wrong ... it was fabulous! Just utterly, completely and absolutely fabulous! The kisses, the 'baby's, Katie in Simon's shirt, Katie lying her head on Simon's lap, the honesty, the openness, the absolute love permeating every single scene ... just exquisite. Not to mention the ever-present humor that underlies many of even their serious scenes. I adored Simon's "looking fat in jeans test" -- Paul was just so real and natural (and hilarious), not to mention devastatingly sincere and so very in love with Katie throughout the whole episode.

I haven't written my Friday post until today because, well, frankly I was all-gushed out from the rest of the week and I gotta be honest, I still am pretty gushed out. I really don't know what else to say at this point. I just loved it.

Malynda and I must have turned to each other about a dozen times during the ep to just "awww" and we were both teary-eyed at those last desperate kisses, the "I love you so much, Katie Frasier, "I love you so much, Simon Frasier" (Terri's delivery on that "Simon Frasier" gets me every damn time!) and then her face crumpling as she runs to the door. Sigh, double sigh, triple sigh.

What can I say about Terri and Paul? They were both beyond excellent this week. They could easily grab any of the last three days for Emmy Reels next year, (meaning, yes, damnit, I expect BOTH to get a nomination!) they have both been that good, hitting every nuanced emotion, playing heart and soul, subtext and meaning.

Weeks like the last only reinforce my devotion to this couple and serve to remind me of just how wonderful they are and why I love them so.

Kim ...

All of the scenes we got last week were excellent. I think if I wasn't already a fan of KnS, Paul and Terri then those scenes would have done it for me. Scenes like these are what make you fall in love with KnS all over again and why we love this couple.

Katie and Simon are learning to make these decisions that will effect their marriage together. They talked about the pros and cons of why Simon should or shouldn't go to Avanya. Katie knew they wouldn't be able to live with themselves if something were to happen to Rose. She knew there was only one decision and that was for Simon to go and help Paul get Rose home safely.

Simon and Katie used to put themselves first before anyone else. Like Katie said, before she knew Simon, it was always "Katie, Katie, Katie" and now she is thinking of others first because of Simon and her love for him. They have both grown so much in this marriage and are putting each others needs before their own.

I absolutely loved the part where Simon made Katie promise not to follow him to Avanya. He knows his wife so well and knows that she would want to be by his side no matter what. He wants her to stay in Oakdale where he knows she will be safe and not in harms way. Just as Katie made him promise to stay at home for awhile when he is back from this adventure.

The last scene made me teary eyed too. It was like they were desperately holding onto one another and not wanting to say goodbye. My favorite part of the scene had to be the "I love you so much, Katie Frasier" and the "I love you so much, Simon Frasier" They truly have found a love of a lifetime in each other and it was never more apparent then in this whole weeks worth of episodes that we got.

Paul and Terri were awesome in this episode as they conveyed the emotions that KnS were feeling at having to say goodbye in that last scene. They have given 110% in their performances this whole week and I wouldn't be surprised if they were both nominated for Emmy's next year.

JenniferH. and Kim

You may want to mark this date in your calendar cuz it's a doozy! Except for the first few seconds of the last KnS scene, my absolute favorite moments in today's most excellent, excellent show were the Katie/Lily scenes. Yup, you read that right! Katie and Filter-Girl were my favorite parts of the show. (I even considered removing that filter status.) I think that Terri Colombino and Martha Bryne compliment each other beautifully and today when Lily wasn't being a total selfish bitch to Katie, I found that I liked her. And I can actually see these two working as friends.

Yup, you read that right too. Katie is probably the only person who wouldn't kiss Lily's feet ... ever! And let's face it, Lily really needs someone like that in her life. Another reason, were Katie and Lily actually to become real friends, I'd never fear a redux of you know what. One more reason: I'd like to see Katie have a friend. And this Lily -- the one we've seen the last few days -- is one that I wouldn't mind seeing as Katie's friend. Thinking back on the entire KnS story, I do believe that yesterday and today is the absolute first time that ANYONE has honestly taken into account Katie's very legitimate concerns about her husband's presence and safety and put those concerns first. And the person who did this is Lily! How could I not like her right now? Plus, I understood where she was coming from. I have a sister and I would do anything for her ... even beg the favor of the wife of an ex-boyfriend.

And heck, just from a viewing point of view, I'm happy because things were said today that I have been whining about for months. Namely, the fact that Lily has a tendency to depend on Simon to save her family from their many dramas and the fact that Katie has got to be sick and tired of it. And both things were acknowledged. I also liked the fact that Lily stood there at the door and listened to Katie's spiel -- which was well-deserved, in my opinion -- and then turned to leave, not only understanding but agreeing without spite or bitterness. And unlike some, I don't believe that Lily cried to get at Katie. She's pregnant, hormones are in effect pretty heavily and she's worried about her sister. It happens and Katie, proving just how much she has matured and that she DOES have a good heart, let her right in, set her down and got her something to drink.

However, what I liked most was the fact that for the first time in any scene between Katie and Lily, Katie did not come away as wanting or less than. She was clearly on the same level as Lily. When Lily listed all of the reasons why Holden was needed there, and Katie responded with, "I need Simon here," Lily (nor any hint of skewed writing favoring Lily) indicated that Katie was anything less than entitled to that statement of need. And I liked that ... a lot. I also liked that while Lily's plea made an impact on Katie, it wasn't that plea that made her change her mind. It was her love for Simon. As simple as that. And that brings me to one of the things I loved most about today's episode.

I wrote yesterday about Katie and Simon both needing to figure out what compromise meant and that is exactly what they did today. By talking it through -- Simon with Lucinda, and Katie with Margo -- they both talked through the why of both points of view. And in doing so, they both walked away determined to do what would make the other happy because by talking it through they UNDERSTOOD why it would make their spouse happy. Simon's little speech to Lucinda about the "terrific girl" who fell in love with the real him and married him, was just perfect in every way. And as he fought and fought Lucinda's many, varied entreatments to get him to agree to go after Rose, at the end, with his final "I'm sorry, but I can't" before he got up and walked away, it hit me with a sense of wow! He is really, really in love with Katie. Yes, yes, I know he loves her. Of course, I do. And there have certainly been moments in the past where it's been especially apparent that he loves her, but something about his whole attitude today and THAT speech just completely eradicated any remaining doubt (and I wasn't even consciously aware that I had any) that Katie is THE one for him -- the love of his life, the woman that he is truly and absolutely, insatiably in love with. He really, truly and completely loves her.

And she loves him just as completely and today just utterly cemented that fact as well in her conversation with Margo. Like I said, it wasn't Lily's distress that made her change her mind -- although, it obviously affected her -- it was her love for Simon, the man she married, the man she loves above all else that convinced her to let him follow his adventurer's spirit. When she walked in the door and told him that she was wrong to extract the promise from him and that she ("and Snickers and a can of paint") would be waiting for him, it was one of the most mature moments of Katie's life.

I also liked that we got from both sides not just the completelness of their love, but also complete honesty. Honesty that was at odds with those they spoke with ... Margo was clearly willing to say just about anything she could to get Katie to agree to okay Simon going with her peace of mind intact. Just as she had during the Stenbeck case, she said what she felt she needed to to get Katie to lay off Simon and that bothers me -- but not against the show. I think there is a point. We've seen Margo play the not-so-perfect older sister too pointedly lately for it not to be coincidence. I still like Margo, but I'm not altogether happy with how she is treating Katie, constantly putting her sister's happiness beneath her job (without Katie even knowing it). Again, though, I think there is a point that will be revealed with the upcoming Margo story planned.

And about their conversation in specific, I found it poignantly sad that Katie had to ask if Margo would ever bail her out like @#%$ is always doing for Rose. And I wanted to smack Margo for even asking, "how can you ask that?" Well, Margo, she asks that because of how you treat her. Before Simon, I don't believe that Katie has ever felt truly and completely loved and accepted by anyone in her life. No wonder she doesn't want to lose him so desperately. And I also had to roll my eyes at Margo's contention that she was always bailing Katie out. Uhm, when would that be, Margo? When she was thrown out onto the street? Or how about when she was on that island starving to death? Locked in a Maltese dungeon? Running away from a Corleone-Wanna-be? I think that it was Simon who did the rescuing there, not you. I think she's been working too hard, her memory is fading fast.

As for the general tone of the discussion, it was clear that Margo definitely had ulterior motives in directing the conversation the way she did. And the same can, obviously, be said for Lucinda. While, like Katie, Simon was literally pouring his heart out, talking through what Katie wanted and why it mattered and really getting it, Lucinda was going on and on about dangerous contacts and hidden ties that frankly I'm not sure I believe even exist. However, what matters is that both Katie and Simon used Margo and Lucinda respectively as sounding boards in working through a delicate and potentially relationship-impairing situation and they both came through with flying colors.

Which leaves me with that little bit I mentioned at the start of this rather long post: the first few seconds of the last KnS scene. Simon was hammering away, Katie walks in and pauses to just look at her husband with such love, complete love and then Simon looked up with the sweetest, contented smile on his face and said softly, "hi." It was just a few seconds, but it was a wonderful bit of a capper to an episode that had crystallized so strongly the love that they do feel for one another. And I loved it. Just adored it.

In conclusion, (yes, I'm finally almost done and anyone who got through this thing without skimming, but actually read every word, congratulations!) I can not end my thoughts on this episode without discussing the writing and the acting of all five parties involved. The dialogue in all of the Katie and Simon scenes was just magnificent. The themes from yesterday's show were beautifully carried over today and were given a wonderful sense of understanding that captured the heart of the compromise that had eluded them. Not to mention that some of the throwaway lines were just fabulous, especially, Katie's "not that you ever do" in reference to @#%$ and her family never paying Simon for his heroic efforts on their behalf, Simon's aforementioned "terrific girl" bit as well as that all-over-the-map and yet entirely realistic discussion that Katie and Margo shared in their first scene. Excellent writing today, just excellent.

As for the acting ... I mentioned above that I like how Terri and Martha Bryne play opposite each other and I do. And I felt that Byrne hit every scene -- including those with Paul over the phone and later with Holden -- pitch perfect. Elizabeth Hubbard was, as usual, wonderful. I just adored her "excuse me? forgive me?" everytime Simon tried to walk away and I find it amazing that she can completely disregard my favorite character's feelings and selfishly think of her own concerns and yet I don't feel a moment of upset with her. Elizabeth Hubbard just rocks and I can NOT wait to watch Lucinda and Katie teaming up together. Can not wait! After Katie, Margo is by far my favorite female character -- although, she's been a tad annoying the last few days, LOL! -- and that is partially the dialogue, partially the relationships with her siblings, but most of that must be laid at the door of Ellen Dolan's always marvelous, harried, yet caring performance. And I think that she and Terri have truly hit their stride as a realistic sister pair onscreen.

Finally, Paul Leyden and Terri Colombino: They only shared one scene today and yet, in every second of the separate Simon and Katie scenes, I could feel the presence of their other half and that was all due to the heart and soul that both Paul and Terri poured into their performances. You could feel all of the frustration and all of the understanding fueled by love that both characters were experiencing. Every look, every bit of body language, every line reading was perfection. Emmy reel material for both, in my opinion.

Bring on tomorrow!

Kim ...

I absolutely loved today's show. O.k. I loved all of their scenes this week. I loved that we finally got more then two days of airtime and I thought a decent amount at that. Plus, they will be on tomorrow so it has been a pretty good week.

I felt Katie and Simon needed to discuss some of the issues in their marriage concerning settling down and being part of an adventure. They started the conversation in yesterday's show about how they saw their future. They proceeded to want to do what was best for the other person in today's show.

I loved the part when Lucinda asked Simon why the hell he wouldn't go to Avanya and help Rose. He said because he loves his wife. Plain and simple--he wants to give Katie the life she deserves, of them being together and making their cottage a real home with children one day. He told Lucinda the type of person he was and that Katie fell in love with him anyway. That she truly loved him for him and not the person he used to be.

I have to admit I loved the scenes between Katie and Lily. These are scenes that needed to be done and said since alot of bad blood has gone down between them. Lily finally admitted that she did depend on Simon more then she should and that she runs to him to help her whenever tragedy strikes her family. Katie admitted her fear that she didn't want Simon to go to Avanya because who knows what could happen to him there. Yes, it is dangerous and he could get hurt or worse killed. Katie needs him just like Lily needs Holden. It shouldn't matter that Katie is the only one who really needs Simon like Lily was to point out that Holden has responsibilities.

I could understand Lily's sadness over not being able to help Rose. She feels helpless and is turning to the two people who could help her get her sister back. She knows Simon will only listen to Katie and that is why she is asking for Simon's help through Katie. Simon isn't there to answer Lily for himself but if he were, he would have to say no to Avanya in keeping with the promise he made Katie. Lily would do anything for Rose and this got Katie to thinking would Margo do the same for her. They are sister's after all but they didn't grow up together. They have been living in the same town the last few years and are learning more about each other everyday. But, that isn't to say they wouldn't be there for one another in a crisis and help the other person out. Margo is a sounding board for Katie and the issues she has about Simon and his adventurous streak. Katie fell in love with who Simon is and that is the man who would go from one adventure to the next helping out someone if they needed help. She realizes this and what she needs to do.

This is the first real relationship for either one of them and they may stumble, fall and make mistakes as they go along. But, it will not stop them from wanting what is best for the other person. Simon turned down Lucinda's offer to go to Avanya so he could stay at home with Katie and make their cottage a home and just be with her. Katie decided in the end that he would not be happy sitting at home when he could be helping out someone who needed it. She decided he should go to Avanya if that is what he really wants. They love one another so much that they are each willing to sacrifice what will make them happy for the other person.

JenniferH. and Kim

One of my pet peeves with the KnS story from its onset has been the fact that for the most part, the show has played favorites with the characters (for me at least). I could see Katie's point of view -- more often than not -- and be absolutely infuriated with Simon, or see Simon's and be annoyed with Katie. And that is why I was happy with how the scenes were done today because I could see both point of views quite easily, not just through the excellent writing, but also through the marvelous performances of both Terri Colombino and Paul Leyden. With body language, emotions and reactions running through their eyes, line readings -- so well done that they didn't play like dialogue -- and even their stance, the two conveyed the frustration, the hurt and most importantly the love that Katie and Simon feel for one another.

I reiterate what I said about yesterday's episode that Simon was not forthcoming with how he really felt about the Avanya situation making Katie believe that they were on the same page. And his sneaking those books in -- and no one watching those scenes can say that he was doing anything other than trying to keep Katie from knowing what they were consciously -- wasn't his greatest idea ever. I write consciously because I believe that he wanted Katie to know, but didn't want to come out and say it. Which, really, he should have done.

But he didn't, and it's easy to undertand why he didn't. Katie is obviously tired of the running around and the danger. When you really look at the last year, Katie went from a couple of months starving and heartsick on an island in the middle of nowhere, all but forgotten, followed by playing unwanted visitor to Malta where she was arrested, held at gunpoint, locked up, forcibly removed from the country and then ditched by her husband. After that, she hooked up briefly with a mob boss-wanna-be who threatened the life of her husband and she spent a few weeks running across the country trying to escape the thug and protect afore-mentioned husband. Then at last she got a few months of rest before being suckered in by her husband's ex-sister-in-law, facing lies by her husband, threats against herself, falling bodies, falling elevators, near-bombs and struggling over guns.

That is a HECK of a lot of adventure, and through much of that she didn't have the surety of love or committment from the man that she was committed to. On the other hand, Simon didn't have as much adventure as she did, which really is beside the point because even if he had, that has been his modus operandi for most of his life. So when Simon said that he wanted to stop the adventuring for a while and just relax and have the adventure of just being Mr. and Mrs. Fraiser, Katie was more than happy, ready and willing to go for that. And then a day later, he changed his mind and wants to go running off to a dangerous country on another adventure. I understand where she is coming from, I really do ......

On the other hand, Simon IS used to a life of adventure; he is used to running from one scheme to another, but more than that, there is a huge difference in his adventuring now as opposed to years past. Back then, his adventures were of his own selfish making and he was Simon Frasier: Con Man Extraordinaire. Now, he is doing this for the good of people and I think that makes him feel good. He is giving into those wild urges to go and adventure, and instead of being the bad guy, he is the hero this time around.

So you see, it's easy to understand both points of view and not get upset with either because I can see where they are both coming from. I get Katie; I get her frustration and I definitely get that she doesn't want Simon to be hurt. And furthermore, I also get her anger about the 'take and the take' and not being willing to give up her dreams to keep him. For most of the last year and a half, Katie did give and give and give while Simon just kinda sat there and dismissed her. Did he ask for her to give? No, but she still did it and I can understand why she thinks it's only fair that Simon do some giving in of his own.

Then again, I get Simon too; I get his frustration and I definitely get that he doesn't want to be tied down in that 'Donna Reed' fantasy he dreaded not so long ago. And I get that he has got to be feeling hurt right now. Katie is supposed to be the one who loves him exactly as he is, flaws and all, wandering adventure in his blood included and here she is telling him basically that what she wants in a future is not what he is. And I can understand why he thinks it only fair that Katie accept that part of him, she always has said that she would.

I wrote that I didn't like today, but I meant more that I didn't like that KnS weren't all lovey-dovey (as I admittedly prefer them). However, I did like the scenes in terms of the couple and keeping them real -- provided they're happy at the end of the arc, of course. And today's scenes were real and they were natural and honestly dealt with who these two people are, past and present. The thing that keeps sticking out in any of these little domestic spats that remain true to the characters, is that while they've been married for a year and a half now, and Simon has been married several times, honestly, neither one really has a clue what being married means. They are still learning.

Marriage is a compromise and I don't think that either one of them has quite mastered it. Katie did "give and give and give" during the first eight months of their marriage, but they weren't exactly really married, so I don't know that that quite counts. And prior to this little disagreement here, they were basking in newlywedded bliss and the dealing with the horror of ED, so there wasn't much time for compromise.

So now, they need to work on that compromise, but Katie's idea of compromise is that Simon give to her to make up for all of the giving she did in the first part of their marriage, while Simon's idea of compromise is giving into Katie while wanting to do something else. And that ain't compromise, either definition. Hopefully, the first arc of this storyline (probably concluded this week), will show the pair actually getting the hang of real compromise. Simon being completely honest, but still understanding where Katie is coming from and Katie being understanding, while still being completely honest with her feelings.

Communication is as important a key to marriage as is compromise, and they kinda need to work on both. Fighting and being flippant (Simon's attitude generally) or being pissy and running off (Katie's attitude generally) are not how you communicate effectively and far from the road of compromise. But I have hope because they do love one another very much and I do believe that they will find the right path ... it just will take some practice.

Heidi ...

Ok I never thought that I would say this knowing my solid Simon backing side but.... I have to agree with Katie on this one. Sure I can see that Simon doesn't want to live a dull life but realisically you don't have to. But to lead a non dull life doesn't mean you have to chase danger.

To say that you will always come walking through that door is something nobody can say especially if your doing the dangerous things he wants to do. So that is very little comfort where Katie is concerned. I hate the fact that they are making it now seem like living a normal married life with Katie would be like a tiger trapped in a cage. Not to long ago that was what Simon did want a nice married life with the woman he adores in their dream cottage. Now all of a sudden they make it like he almost can't stand it as if we are looking at the Simon of old before he realised he really loved Katie.

Katie is right you have to have some sort of plan or your just floundering and before you know it you have nothing. I certainly wouldn't want my husband to go off everytime and risk his life. He has got to start worrying about his own life and leave others to worry about theirs. L i l y is right (very comendable I might add , not want to bring Simon into this and disrupt their life for once she is actually thinking of Katie's feelings and not wanting to run to him for help. I thought it was great) They have many detectives they can hire to go look for Rose , what would they do if Simon never darkened their doorstep , they would of had to hire someone right, right. And I don't care what you say Paul may not know where Rose is right now BUT he is there and he can look for her just as Simon could. Also Simon saying that if you want to nest that's what we'll do , with this fine we'll live a crappy boring life look on his face isn't a aww moment for me neither. I mean if you love someone as much as he says he loves Katie a home and kids should be a more than welcome thought in his mind and no one can make me think differently about that. What are they doing to our couple !! Who is writing this BS!

To be frank I honestly don't know where this fun hilarious summer adventure is. Or what that person was talking about when she said she saw it. To me it looks like crap. It doesn't look or sound fun and I really don't enjoy seeing after a looong horribly written storyline like ED , my fav couple arguing over how they don't want the same things and they are not on the same page. LIke all of a sudden the love they had for each other isn't gonna hold up or something. They also seem to be implying that Katie will not go with him on this adventure and so again I say where is the happy fun KNS storyline we were promised. Frankly I'm getting tired of this whole thing , We are getting shafted as far as KnS goes. going from one crappy storyline to another. Lack of decent airtime. It's a joke really ! Well I could go on & on about this but I'm sure you are all sick of hearing me rant about this , so I'll shut up now ...

JenniferH ...

and I'm gonna argue Simon's point of view here. Yes, as I said, I completely get where Katie is coming from and you nailed it perfectly with this: To say that you will always come walking through that door is something nobody can say especially if your doing the dangerous things he wants to do. That was an admittedly stupid thing to say and basically is the heart of why Katie doesn't want him going. I get that, but I get Simon too.

Katie KNEW when she fell for him, chased after him and told him literally a million times that she was his adventure, what Simon was like. She absolutely, 100% knew this and they even discussed this the day of the fantasies. Simon straight out laid this all out for her:

1. "If I buckle down and give us simple life here, then I'm not gonna be the man that you fell in love with. So you have to work out and decide what you want -- the man that you love right now or the man that will give you the life that you think you need."

Of course, they didn't follow through really with her response, but it seemed to be pretty much accepted that yup, she got that and didn't want to change him. She even said today, "I don't want to change you." And she doesn't ... she just wants compromise. But as I said, neither one of them quite gets how to do that yet. Anyway, back to Simon, he isn't doing this to hurt Katie and I don't even think that he is doing it because he thinks he'll be bored. This Avanya thing just sorta fell into his lap. And he wants to help. Simon likes helping.

Finally, I do agree with you on one thing, I am a tad peeved that this episode is making it look like Simon feels trapped by the happy home life with Katie future, but I am not terribly upset because I don't think it's true. I think he simply doesn't want to put a label on it and Katie is laying on the homey-homey aspect pretty thick when I honestly think that she would get pretty bored herself without some adventure to spice things ups. THIS adventure is just coming way too soon for her.

Finally, a little off-subject, the selfish-not-thinking-about-others award that normally would have gone to Lily goes straight to Margo. I really adore Margo now, but I am most annoyed with her today. Does she EVER think about the state of her baby sister's marriage and thus her happiness? Gosh!!

Molly ...

I think it's rather interesting they are sitting on opposite sides of the fense on this HUGELY important issue. One that could very easily break their marriage. It's so damn obvious Simon isn't ready to sit down and have the BORING life of Holden and Lily(clarification: There is no way on God's Green Earth that K&S would ever be THAT boring. The boringest of K&S days if there is such a thing as a boring K&S day wouldn't come close to the best H&L day. What I mean is that Simon isn't ready to settle down and probably would view settling down as H&L and would see it as boring! LOL) Katie wants to settle down, Simon does not. Katie wants the kids/the pot roast (etc) Simon just isn't ready for that yet and frankly there is nothing WRONG with it. He has the 50% say in how their life will go. I think they both have VALID points and I can see and understand both. I mean Simon is a born adventurer, Katie is not. She's had her fair share and she wants it over and done with. Simon cannot help but want it. He lives and breathes these types of adventure. Where there is a little danger to get the heart pumping. He probably needs that to sorta round out his happy little life. To some people two kids, a pretty wife and a dog don't cut it. So it's like what to do?!? Like Simon had told Katie ealier in their marriage that frankly he wouldn't be the same man without the excitment of an adventure here and there. But now Katie is saying she isn't really willing to screw around anymore. Interesting storyline ideas could be (or maybe should be) in the works!

This isn't something that can be passed around the rug. It's HUGE. Simon simply will not be happy settling down, so where does that leave Katie?

It won't be easy for Katie, but really the only thing she can do is allow Simon to have his adventures sometimes. And Simon has to realize sometimes he CANNOT go running around the world and he has to stay home and decide on floor tile color. He has to "bore" his life down a little because he is married and basically part of being married is settling down. If he cannot do it, or won't do it, then he better start packing.

I still do not think Simon was lying about being INTERESTED in going to the island! Like he said he didn't have his bags packed, he didn't bring it up, he was just gathering some info. SO WHAT? Where is the rule that you MUST tell your husband/wife EVERYTHING you are interested in learning more about? He made his intentions known to Katie at the police station that he was very interested. I mean what about Katie then? Shouldn't Katie have told Simon about the contractor appointment? I mean she should have at least made her intentions known to Simon before that (; See I think it flies both ways. Being interested in something and want to learn more about it, is far different than acting on it and I firmly believe Simon wouldn't run off in the middle of the night w/o talking to Katie first.

And can I just say nothing is worse than coming home and having someone question what's in the bag and FORCING you to hand over the package. My mom used to do it and damn it to hell that used to irratate the friggin HELL outta me. *Flashbacks to my high school days after the incident with Katie/Simon/books!* I love my mom but sometimes I just wanted her to BACK OFF THE PACKAGE! LMAO (Not saying Katie didn't have a right to know what was in the bag, just saying it reminded me of my mother! LOL)

Kim ...

I have always been on the fence when it comes to KnS. I have always been able to see both sides and didn't necessarily agree with one over the other. That is how I felt watching these scenes today. This discussion or whatever you want to call it is something that has needed to be said. These are issues that need to be addressed in their marriage. Katie and Simon have never had to do this before through the early stages of their marriage because they were not together then. Now they are and they do need to sit down and discuss the future and how they would like to live. I don't think KnS will ever be boring no matter how settled they may become in this marriage. For some reason, I think they could find an adventure in whatever they did.

Simon is a born adventurer. It is in his blood and I don't think it will ever go away. He was a con man for most of his life and that was an adventure--a way of life for him. Now he is finding the adventure in helping other people and being the good guy. I think he wants to remain the good guy in Katie's eyes more then anything else. He isn't the type of person who could sit still and let life pass him by. He needs to get out there and do something.

Katie wants to settle down since she has had enough adventure in her life. She grew up moving from place to place and now she wants to build a life for herself and Simon in their cottage. She wants to make it a home and have children one day. I think more then anything else she is scared that one day Simon will be on his next adventure and he won't be walking through that day. He may tell her that will never happen and he will always come home. He can't predict the future and he can't predict that he will always be safe on these adventures.

I believe they will be able to find some common ground. Something they can both live with in their lives. They could still combine the settled homey life with adventures. I am sure they will be able to compromise on this and their marriage will be stronger in the long run for it.

JenniferH. and Various Posters

First scene:

*Oh look. They opened the show. Big shock.

*Lovely blanket. Where d they get it? More dumpster-diving?

*And why are they doing, uh, it, in the middle of the living room, instead of in their bedroom?

*And wasn t the couch angled the other way yesterday?

* & into my nether regions. ROTFLMAO.

*LOL, what s Katie dumping poor Simon on the floor for?

* Be gentle& be nice. Um, Simon? Katie s not two& (Hey, maybe he s practicing his toddler-speak. :D)

*LOL at the no hands exchange. Why do I have a feeling they ve done this more than once before?

*I still love that answering machine greeting.

*I love Margo!  & whatever normal is for you guys. She s come a long way, as a now-supporter of their relationship&

*Look, Katie s randomly weepy! Am I allowed to blame it on the hormones? (Forget  allowed -I m blaming it on the hormones.) (Sorry Caroline! You can yell at me later!)

Second scene:

*I m such a sucker for girls wearing their guys shirts. It s so& I don t know, married. LOL.

*Awww at the identical crossed arms. They re so cute!

* & that people learn about each other in the first year of marriage. Um, Simon dear? You guys have been married just short of a year and a half now&

*Jeans  n no-shirt Simon is always lovely. Just an interlude.

*Ok, Simon has SO clearly spent way too much time fixing up the house&  & this is a do-it yourself project. I d call him Bob Vila, but, well, he beat me to it&

Third scene:

*Simon, why did you hesitate before you called yourselves  pretty smart people? Do you not actually think that you re pretty smart? LOL!

*Sigh, I love her little nod after  we love each other.

*Ok, I know I m not the only dirty mind on this board& no comments on the  inside and out line? :P

* I mean, when you have a husband with a past like mine, things are bound to pop up. Ow! Hogan, please stop hitting me over the head with foreshadowing! So glad to know we ll be visited by a couple more of Simon s ex-wives, fiancees, etc&

*They re so cute.

* Loving someone as much as we do is about as scary as it gets. Dude, that line reminds me of something& I m not sure if it s something KnS (maybe it is-maybe that discussion in the car, after Bryant s funeral?) or some other couple, but something&

*  I don t know if I have the guts. Ok, mini-rant-how can any writer-ANY writer-ever insinuate that Katie doesn t have guts? Hi, girl who crash-landed a plane, scuba-dived into the ocean, hitchhiked across Malta, across the US& etc, etc, etc. Dumb line.

Fourth scene:

*LMAO at Simon s confused look and oh-so-adorable finger in the mouth! Awww! He s so cute! (And LOL at the  try easier line, too.)

*Am I allowed to claim all of the  rebirth and  new beginning mentions as foreshadowing? (But Katie s wearing a gray shirt, damn. And Simon s not wearing a shirt at all. :P)

*Aw at Simon s  Frasier line.

*I do love the fact that it s Simon s idea. About time he started out-nutting Katie.

Fifth scene:

* Have you lost your mind.  Absolutely, a long time ago. Yep,  round about last July& when he fell for Katie. LOL.

*Um, what neighbors? I thought they lived in the middle of nowhere?

*Love the pillow-tossing. LOL!

* Ah, those nether regions. LOL!

*Wow, if I really really wanted to, I could stretch SO much crap in this episode to be foreshadowing for a you-know-what. Remember the insanity I spoke of, in my very first warning post, a long time ago? This is it. :)

*I really thought she was going to end that line with a joke about having to divorce him. LOL!

*And LOL at her shriek-better run and catch up with her, Simon!

*Only KnS would celebrate by streaking. Only KnS.

-Carrie PS: Crap, I never did speak about my title& my point was to be, essentially, that I love the double-entendre of the baring all/nakedness today& the emotional and the physical. But now I m too tired to elaborate. LOL!

Carrie

Ooh, ED's back, and I realize I didn't miss her and her annoying smirk at all.

Okay, of course I loved the "welcome home, my love" -- especially the 'my love' part -- but was I the only one who really liked (for some reason) the way he stood with his arm raised up almost like curving against the top of the door? I don't know why, I just thought it was cool.

Like the jacket, love the shirt, she could so lose the pants. Uhm, that didn't sound right. More like something Simon would say. Okay, let's just say, I didn't particularly care for the pants.

He called her 'baby.' I can always flow with that.

I love catty Katie - "besides I'm in much better shape than she is."

He called her "my wife" - another thing I never tire of.

I love cats. I want them to have a cat to play with Snickers!

She sounded so cute with her, "here, kitty, kitty, kitty." And I just loved the little domestic picture created in my head by her words, "go get a saucer and some milk," Simon and Katie by the roaring fire with the cute little kitty lapping up milk in a saucer. Awww.

Loved the little lift off of the stairs. Just the physicality -- always big for me with couples.

Loved the touchy-feely-ness. We haven't had that in a while.

And man, they are just so back in fine form.

Simon: I'm going up there.
Katie: I'm going with you.
Simon: I'm going alone.
Katie: If you're going up there, mister, I'm going up there with you.
Simon: (Exasperated) Fine.

I've missed them so.

"Pussycats love me." Loved the grin, loved the line, missed that arch innuendo that used to be so prevalent in their scenes.

Loved her wrapping her arms all around him as he's walking up. See my 'touchy-feely' comment above.

Okay at the end of the second scene with that last giggle, did anyone else think that Simon was going to turn around and give her a kiss or was it just me?

Loved the fear in his voice that something had happened to her. Then loved his "you broke my fall." What can I say? I loved about every second of them today ... can ya tell?

Aww, he has his hand on her calf/knee throughout the beginning of the 4th scene. Awww.

This is exactly what I thought when Simon realized that Katie had hurt her wrist. Ooh, ooh, ooh, Katie has a fractured wrist! She has to go to the hospital! Doctor will look at her! She's pregnant!! I swear I'm as bad as Carrie.

Oh, oh, oh -- I missed this the first time cuz I was out of the room, but he was carrying her in his arms! Awww -- am I wrong or is this the first time (minus the fake carry over the threshold to fool the INS agents on their 'wedding night') that Simon has carried her so?? Is it?? Oh, so sweet, so romantic! Now if only he was carrying her so to bed for a glorious, romantic, passionate love scene. Calgon, take me away .... (some of our younger viewers may not get that reference)

Katie cracks me up: "How am I gonna sell videos if I can't curl?"

Okay when Simon said "she's gone too far this time," my sister's mother-in-law commented, 'oh, killing the lawyer wasn't too far?' And I was like, well, Katie and Simon are not exactly the 'good guys.' They both pretty much only really care about each other - - yes, I know Katie cares about Margo/Craig, etc., but really, it takes her awhile to even acknowledge them when she has problems. KnS are just both pretty selfish, caring only about each other as much as themselves. And it actually stands to reason that Simon would think Katie getting hurt was "going too far," whereas the Jill Scully thing didn't. Pretty bad, but hey, again, these two aren't the good guys. And that's kinda why we love 'em, though.

How sweet were her words to him, full of conviction and togetherness -- "I'm with you." Sigh. Thank God, KnS are BACK!

Okay, that was a really dinky staircase, I hardly think falling from it (even from the side) could kill them, so Katie's "we could both be dead" was a bit of an exaggeration. But hey, she called him "babe" and said, 'we're in this together." Sigh. Thank God, KnS are BACK!

Nice bit of realism and romance mixed in when she reached to touch his face (romance) and then her hand hurt (realism). I liked that she just went to touch him, I've missed that. See above comment on touchy-feely-ness.

Another "baby." Sigh.

"I'm so glad I married you." That line, the look on his face -- ooh, this one's a keeper.

"We're having our own adventure. Just you and me and no Lily." Okay, I KNOW that I am not the only person who LOVED this line. It's as Michelle said in the BBB's today, it's as if the ATWT writers are saying to KnS fans: See, it could be worse! Lily could be involved!! So shaddup and stop complaining!

I just loved, loved, loved that line and the fact that ONLY Katie would say something like that. (And I also rather loved that Simon just laughed about it.) And then when she said, "you know how long I waited for you to worry about me like you worried about her?" it was just so odd (yet wonderful) because just the other day I had been talking with Carrie about the fact that Katie had once said that Simon had taken a knife for Lily, but he'd never take a knife for her. (At least, I think it was Carrie.) And I know it's not the same thing, but it's the same general principle and as a devout Simon/Lily-hater, it made my little KnS heart go pitter-patter.

"Here we are in our own house, with our own adventure and I'm happy." And then his, "and I am too," and then that final kiss -- which I LOVED and then that final "I love you" -- which I LOVED, and her "I love you" -- which I LOVED and then one more kiss for the road. Sigh!!!

Thank God, KnS are BACK!

JenniferH.

Simon on the other hand is running scared too. He has a woman bent on getting revenge trying to destroy everything precious he has with Katie. She first tried to do it by making Katie a wealthy woman, using her depraved efforts to show Katie that Simon only wants money. The truth of the matter is Simon re-married Katie when she didn't have money. In fact, it was not too long after Bruno had paid off the $285,547 (I think) she owed the airplane company for crashing the plane and had finally left town. So, as you can see, in accordance with woman Simon has married in the past, this doesn't fit the pattern.

Since Dahlia couldn't lure Katie away from Simon, she found herself bent on making his life miserable and having him pay for Monique's death. She crashes her car and leaves newspaper articles lying around, after she had goaded him and sworn revenge that very night. She hids keys in his shaving kit and that in itself scared Simon. It scared him so much, he was afraid to go to the police because of how the obvious reaction to the situation could be. Finally, after thinking things out, he decides that it is the smart thing to do. Still, Katie and Simon getting these clues. It's gotten to the point where they have to make Dahlia believe that her revelation about Simon is true, so they fake her death.

After watching the scenes at the mill again, I found Simon's attitude as trying to keep up a brave front while hiding how scared and desperate he is underneath. When he got scratched, he said "Oh great" in a manner as if he felt stupid for it happening. If he had anything suspicious about it, there would have been some twinge of anger in his voice. The fact that he didn't think about buttoning up goes to show that he thought it was a minor thing. He has no motive to kill Jill.

His character, good name and livelyhood is all in doubt because of ED's doings. He was hurrying to get the ropes on Katie because he wanted to get this over with. He was also putting them on in a sloppy fashion. He didn't see Jill and found that strange. When Katie was screaming and Simon came back from getting the camera, he dashed in there immediately. When he realized that the body she found was Jill, he showed that he was just as scared as was. He was totally surprised. He knew that something was off for her body to be stashed in the same place (not a very well-known one at that) that they were planning to stage their crime.

Outside, when Katie felt sick, he was right by her side. When she was feeling better, the first thing he wanted to do was get her out of there. When she told him to let go, he did so immediately. Same thing when he was putting the rope on her inside. The reason he didn't want her to call Margo right away was he was there by himself. He's been under suspicion since Dahlia's disappearance. He's been fighting for what he shares with Katie and feels as though what they have is slowly slipping away. It's just like when they found the keys. Simon was panicking and he is seeing things through the cops' eyes.

We still don't know how Jill died. I think maybe she was calling Katie not because she was teaming with Dahlia but instead she realized that Dahlia was off her rocker. We'll never know what she was going to tell Katie. For all we knew, she could have been forced to say what she did on the phone at gunpoint by ED. Anyhow, I see this situation as a problem that Simon and Katie have to stick with each other in order to fix it.

Well, I had no idea this post will turn out to be so long. After watching Friday's show, I am even more convinced that this is all about KnS and a test of their faith in one another. It has been fascinating to watch because both Paul and Terri have risen to the challenge. I feel as though things can only get better for the Frasiers. If there is more fallout, I hope we see them handle it as the team we know them to be.

EJSimon

Okay, disclaimer outta the way. Oops, one more -- brief upcoming spoiler mention, but if you've watched soaps longer than a month and saw today's episode, you won't be terribly spoiled at all. Oh heck, if you have a brain and watched today's show, you'll know the spoiler.

On July 5th, 2000, I believe it was, GL gave us (what I thought at least) was a beautiful renewal of vows. While I had a few small gripes here and there, overall I absolutely adored it. But that's not the point of this post, this is: now, one of my small gripes was that at the beginning of the episode, Danny asked Michelle to tell him again what her dream wedding was and she proceeded to briefly do so. That 'again' was a surprise to viewers, however, because there had never been a scene where the two discussed such a thing.

Seems like a small thing, but on the message board I was on at the time, several of us wrote small interpretations of what that scene would have been like and frankly, how much we would have loved seeing it: The smile on Michelle's face as she told him, clearly seeing Danny in the role of the groom now, the adoration on his face as he listened to her recite her fantasy. Not only would it have been wonderful to see such a scene, but also it would have given the moment of Danny unveiling his recreation of her dream wedding (but for the white horse) an added layer of love and tenderness and made the moment so much more special. But alas, we didn't have that scene, just an out of the blue reference that was thrown in to lead up to the renewal of vows that was taking place in that very episode.

While watching the second KnS scene in today's episode of ATWT, I couldn't help but think how blessed we were to have a show, with a writer who understood that a little thing like viewers seeing and hearing our couple talk about their dreams was simply what made us happy. Those of us who are even mildly aware of spoilers know that Simon is going to attempt to recreate Katie's dream wedding (and of course, him actually saying so in today's episode lends credence to that). And I know, without a doubt, that the recreation of that dream will have a deeper level and layer for us viewers simply because we the viewers were invited to share in Simon's initial discovery of that dream.

I think that one of the big reasons that I love watching this show so much is that we get those little things that other shows simply don't think of or care to take the time to do ... and we get them all the time.

JenniferH.

Okay, my stupid grin started as soon as I saw the exterminator with Snickers. Is it possible for a bunny to look indignant? (Because that guy was totally manhandling him) I knew Katie wouldn't be far behind Snickers (I was actually surprised the guy even got out of the attic with Snickers without Kate on his back). But she snatched him right out of his hands as soon as she could. That's our Katie.

And then "the look" (tehehe) on Simon's face when he saw Katie was like...wow. Wasn't that just the greatest look ever? Like he couldn't believe that she was standing there not two feet from him. You could tell that Simon was blocking out everything but Katie in that moment. He didn't even blink!

And Katie's outfit was just the cutest thing. I love the matching jean jacket and pants with the little faded spots and the bandana. Terri looks cute in everything! If I didn't adore her I might have to hate her for being just so darn cute! And of course she says, upon seeing Margo and Simon, "I'm back!". I couldn't help but to do my own barely audible little "yay!" when she said that.

I don't give a lot of credit to Margo for being a good sister but her tears and emotional "baby" endearment when Katie asked if she missed them (meaning she and Snickers) and then the sisterly hug really had me a little misty. And how cool was the look that Simon and Katie shared over Margo's shoulder during the hug. That's called chemistry folks!

Sounds like Katie had quite the adventure while she was away. Simon's little laugh at Katie's re-telling of he stay in the convent was funny.

And then the thing we've all been waiting for--- besides Simon finding Katie, Simon admitting his feelings, Katie and Simon doing (well you know), and Bruno rotting in a dugeon somewhere (okay that might just be me)--- Katie being included as part of Bryant's grieving family. How sad it must have been for her to sit up and the attic and hear everything that was going on and because Bruno the Butthead be too afraid to come out of hiding. And I swear is there a time when Terri C. does not deliver?! Because she said maybe three sentences about Bryant's death and yet in those three sentences I felt more for her than I have for Jen, Billy, etc in all of their 4 days of grieving. Terri is the best!

And the way Simon hugged his arms around Katie's waist and then pulled her to him and buried his face in her hair--AHHH! I wish I could make snappies of that scene. Because the image of that hug alone would make this whole big long terrible drought worth it. Then "I'm not just saying anything. Katie, I love you."

*THUD!*

When Simon's says those greatly anticipated words, Katie gets this catch in her breath. If that wasn't an awww moment and a half I don't know what is.

The last scene (God they weren't on enough)opens with Katie standing really close to Simon and she says "You love me?" and he says "I do, god help me, I do." And then Katie has to go and ruin the moment (she has a awful little habit of doing that) by bringing up Bruno and pulling away. Simon says "come here" and pulls here back. Like he didn't want to let go of her. (Jenn he said "come here"!). Katie was really worried about what Bruno would do to Simon so Margo left for the police station to bring Bruno in.

Then Katie and Simon have the aww moments of all aww moments where Katie says (the way only Terri can deliver) "Say it again." and Simon says very sincerely (the way only Paul can deliver) "Katie Frasier, I love you so much." Then Katie goes "I love you more than you could ever know." and they kiss.

They barely get to get a good one in before the doorbell rings and Katie Pulls away, to which Simon says "come here" again and pulls her back for more kissing (quite the switcheroo, huh). Eventually Katie detangles herself to answer the door and it is Bruno. ARGH!

Malynda

I *love* that Simon was in route to defending Katie when Margo made her first little catty comment about her (my how things have changed) and then I loved that Margo corrected herself by saying "...but she's my little sister and I love her." Finally she remembers! She does love Katie!

I don't get why Margo would think that Simon is sick with worry and searching frantically for a woman whom he doesn't love and wants to break up with (??), but it made for a very funny scene so I'll allow it.

Margo's reaction to Simon's "I don't want to end it." was beyond priceless.

And I think Simon was humoring Margo by letting her lay out what life with Katie would entail for the next 50-60 years. He knows what saying those three little words and making a committment to his marraige means. But I did so love the little imagining grin Simon had at Margo's reference to "the house, kids, picket fence, lap-dog and bunny". Although, I don't he was grinning over the sweet little domestic picture. I think he was grining at a picture in his head of the pure chaos it is going to be if he and Katie even attempt to live in that kind of domestic bliss. LOL. And of course he'd love every minute of the chaos.

As for the convent scenes...

The first sister's look when Simon told her who he was there for was priceless. I thought "Yep, Katie's been there".

Okay, who else wanted to scream when they saw Bruno. I'm sooooooooooooooooooooo sick of him. I just want someone to drive a stake through his heart so he turns to ash and blows away. ARGH!!!

On a lighter note, I loved Sister Mary.

Katie take a vow of silence? I don't think so. I think the only time we've seen Katie be really quiet is on the plane ride back from the island. And it was so unnerving that Simon started yelling at her.

In the same vein, I didn't have a mirror but I'm sure I had an identical expression to Simon's at Bruno's "That my little songbird" comment.

SHE IS NOT (punch) YOUR (kick) LITTLE SONGBIRD (knee in the groin).

And the rest of the stuff I could actually hear Katie saying. It was like she was in the room saying them. So that was cool.

For the record, if there are any Katie haters lurking, I loved loved loved that she suggested the host would go down better with guacomole.

1. Simon agreed and said so *to Sister Mary* and *in a church* (so while Katie haters aka Extremist Lily/Simon fans are blowing Katie's antics out of proportion to point out how sacreligious and stupid she is, just remember that Simon agreed and *said so* and then get out your trusty little edits and rewatch the Malta scenes in which stupid, infantile Katie saved the day for a woman who hurt the man she loved many times and consistantly treated her like crap.)

2. It reminded me of the Manny scene in which Danny gave Michelle a sloppy guacomole kiss (GLers will get this)

Anyone wonder where Katie went?

Simon is right. What DOES Bruno know about Katie and Simon's situation? NO-thing. So GET LOST Bruno Bonehead!

And please, "Katie has changed my life." Psycho!!

Malynda

Yes, I wrote a post about the September 19th show when it aired, but re-reading it, I see that the post didn t even begin to scrape the barrel of praise for Paul and Terri s acting prowess that day. I knew that Paul and Terri could deliver comedy, light-heartedness and sexual tension, but this was the episode where I saw real angst. No, I am not a masochist. I do not enjoy torturing myself at all, but I can appreciate good drama and this was drama at its finest.

The episode started with Katie and Bruno at the airport, getting ready to head out to St. Maarten. Katie had made sure to tell Simon where she was heading and why, but as it got closer to the time that she would leave, you could tell that Katie really didn t want to leave Simon. As she drummed up false enthusiasm, she left Bruno to try to call Simon again. But, she didn t reach him, because he had headed for the airport as soon as she closed the penthouse door. Simon confronted Bruno, warning him not to hurt Katie. I could see how much Simon cared for Katie, and didn t want her to leave. But, the man was stubborn! He knew how to keep his wife at home; he just couldn t bring himself to do what he had to do: tell Katie he loved her. Paul s tone of voice evoked how much he disliked Bruno and he had just the right edge to make sure Bruno knew Simon's warning should be heeded.

Katie came back from her call to see two men fighting over her. She had never had someone fight over her, so at first she was a bit excited to see the two men almost come to blows, but she quickly dismissed Bruno, because she wanted to be alone with Simon.

Katie thought that Simon came to the airport to stop her. She thought she had worn down his defenses, but Simon STILL wasn t ready to confess his feelings. This is the stuff good drama is made of! I was on the edge of my seat, yelling at my TV  Just tell her, Simon! (Yes, I have watched these scenes many times, but I still get worked up about them!) I am a sucker for tears and anguish. I am an easy crier, so I was moved to see Terri s eyes gleam with unshed tears, while her voice betrayed the tears that wouldn t fall. As Katie practically begged Simon to tell her how he felt about her, his stubbornness was shining through. Paul played Simon as a man trying to keep his emotions in check. He would not betray his emotions, even if it killed him. His voice was gruff as he told her that she needed love, not sex. Paul made Simon's desperation come through in those scenes. I wanted Katie to see that Simon was trying to say how much he cared about her. How could she leave when he had come for her? How could he let her go?

Terri showed us Katie's frustration with Simon when she scoffed at his "I like you a lot" declaration. She started their conversation hopeful, but quickly became angry at seeing that Simon was too stubborn to admit how he felt about her. She wasn't going to be second best anymore! Terri made Katie's anger grow line by line. She had been argumentative before, but now she had had enough. Katie was confident as she told Simon he loved her. Her voice was sad as she asked Simon if he really thought she didn't need the niceties that a lady should be shown. He had taken her love for granted for so long.

And Simon... I wanted to just hit him over the head during this whole episode (both in anger and just to knock some sense into him!). He was so close! All he had to say was he loved her. But, you could see Paul accentuating Simon's frustation with his body language and facial expressions. Simon thought he could get Katie back by just showing up at the airport, but he hadn't prepared for her defiant stance. He was exasperated and, towards the end, DESPERATE. He couldn't stop her from leaving. You could see that thought running through his head. His speech was slightly stammered and his jaw set.

I was sobbing by the end of the episode, when Simon made one last ditch effort to stop her... with a WARNING! Ugh, Simon, no, that was not the way to stop her!

And the final kiss? I knew it wasn't goodbye, but it sure could have been! She poured her heart into it, but he was too stunned to respond fully. The first time I watched it, I had hoped he would hold her closer to him, but after reading other people's thoughts on it, I can understand that he didn't know it was goodbye.

This is a soap opera! Now, KnS have often been accused of being a  light couple. True, I hadn t been privy to too many scenes filled with tears or angst, but these scenes showed me that a whole new layer had been added to this couple. They can handle the drama as well as the comedy, without losing any of the magic that make KnS great. I applaud Terri and Paul for showing me yet another side to this amazing couple!

It feels good to be able to say that my favorite couple can do it all!

Frances

Yeah, you'd think they would show her a little more respect, but hey Margo doesn't at all, so why should she -- she's nicer to her scumbag brother who lies and cheats and schemes and steals and bilks and uses people for the sheer fun of it. In other words, I'm really, genuinely peeved at Margo for how she continues to treat Katie. What I wouldn't give to see Simon give HER a lecture! But yeah, Shanks was funny. (And, yes, I still love Craig.)

I realize that Katie just got back from an island, but we're in jackets here, over long pants and sweaters& and she walks around in a sleeveless top with a bare midriff?

Katie without a midriff-baring top? Is wardrobe capable of that?

"& claiming she was born to be my greatest adventure& " Love how he's clearly thinking about Katie! And I love how he picked that out of her comments to him as they split at the airport& I think it's a perfect description for KnS.

I just, oh Lordy, words can't express how much I loved that line. Hogan SOOOO gets this couple because that's it, that's them -- how often has "adventure" been used to describe what Katie and he could be like? So often and it makes such perfect sense that he would use that phrase. I loved it. Truly.

"Katie, I miss you." Yea!

I thought that was a bit forced -- there needed to be some kinda of transition -- like in the plane he had the montage, a quick flashback of something should have occured here. Not that I didn't like the words from a KnS pov, but from a viewer's pov, there should have been a bit more there.

You know, I used to worry a bit about one of Simon's prior wives coming back. But if that's the kind of taste he had, they're so not competition for Katie!

ROTFLMAO!!!

Again, Carly-Katie issues notwithstanding, I love how Katie just ignores Carly's insults& LOL, I think Simon's conditioned her to it! :P

Alas no, Craig, Margo, Henry, Lily, Rose, etc. have conditioned her to it. Simon has actually never insulted Katie without it being obviously a joking one.

Woohoo! Policeman called her "Mrs. Simon Frasier."

And I'll join your 'woohoo!' and raise you a 'yeehah!'

"You keep your fingernails to yourself, young lady." ROTFL!

Mucho funny. Have I mentioned recently how much I love Katie?

Yeah, Bruno, I'm sure Craig wants to hear about your 'do not disturb'age with his BABY SISTER! (And for that matter, I'm not so sure I want to hear about it, either& )

Okay, so I read the transcripts and I'm thinking two things:

1.) Dude, Katie really got to him
2.) ewwww!!!

LOL at Jack's reaction to Bruno's blond-haired 'girlfriend.'

Dude, that was hysterical. Perfectly understandable confusion. But uhm, Bruno is calling her his 'girlfriend?' What is up with that???!!??

Bruno's "& and a body that'll make you believe in God." Am I the only ex-GLer that cracked up at that?

Still rolling!

~Love Carly's stray cat analogy. She and Simon should get together for coffee sometime. He could share his thoughts on 'my wife as an exotic houseplant.'

Uh, no. Maura West has chemistry with everyone. We don't want to give those Simon lovers who hate Katie yet someone else to pin their Simon-dreams on ... besides, Carly belongs with Paul!! (Yes, I have decided. It's Paul.)

Okay, so Molly didn't invite Craig& but she invited Katie? Um, doesn't she, like, hate Katie? Y'know, 'cause of the whole stalker thing? I'm so confused...

I know it was a while ago, but, uhm, Molly did invite her in for Thanksgiving last year and while it wasn't 'yes, Katie, I forgive you,' it was clear that Molly had ... furthermore, Molly told her after the Endicotts that she herself had been lower, but look where she was now so Katie could too, so I sorta can buy this. And besides, the invitation was probably for "Simon Frasier and guest." He and Jake did hang out a bit.

So much to say about that final Sigh scene! "Home", two and a half months ago, he was so vehement that 'Oakdale is not [his] home.' "To my wife." Yippee! To quote Katie, 'he said wife!' And that smile& sooooo adorable. Ooh, he's just so cute!

Dude, you know I just keep replaying that scene over and over in my mind and it makes me damn near giddy. He's so smug and self-assured and yet adorable and cute at the same time. The way he waggles his ring finger, saying "my wife" -- garsh, I loved it.

Poor Simon& I give up any former wants of sufferage! He's suffered enough!

Yeah me too.

JenniferH.

How long 'till Halloween again?

Carrie

Read JenniferH.'s Response

I'm honestly not sure. But he certainly didn't grab it because he was leaving town& the bag may've been packed because he was angry at Katie, but after she walked out the door, he walked into the other room, grabbed the bag, and followed directly after. (Why am I remembering the eppy of Seinfeld with the man purses, and thinking, 'Maybe it's Simon's man purse?' How odd.) Point being, don't know why he had the bag. Maybe just to make that one point, LOL. :)

OK, not sure how to explain this one, but here goes: Ah, the "childish Katie" that I don't want to ever change appeared today. She is at the airport, but still wants to call Simon to try and get him to stop her. She tried to be mature during the call, but at the very end said if he left Oakdale, she would hate him forever and quickly hung up. LOL, reminds me when I'd hit the boy I liked and then run away (always hoping he'd run after me.)

I love how she did that. It shows Katie's true spirit shining through& and I love it! (This is where the 'only because it's a soap' clause shines through, though I'd have serious issues if I knew Katie IRL. LOL.)

I FINALLY saw Simon reacting to Katie's tears with some mistiness of his own! I had waited for that for a few shows now! And I LOVED when Katie touched his face and it looked like she was wiping a tear away. Was she? Or am I hoping? I don't think she did& only because where she rubbed with her thumb it was a bit high for a tear to be there. But who knows. And I loved seeing him get emotional, as well& it's about time! Quite pleased with that.

Gosh, I wanted him to answer her question "Yeah, what would it feel like?" (after he told her he'd know if he loved her and he said he would know if he was in love because he'd feel it). He could talk in the abstract, but we'd know it was about her. On the other hand, maybe it can't be explained. But I wanted to hear the answer anyway. (possible fanfic anyone?) Me too. It would've been an awesome scene. But at the same time, I agree with JenniferH. -0 it would've ALL been over had he done that. I think that would've been an excellent setup for admission of feelings if it wasn't a matter of needing to send Katie away so Terri Conn could be offscreen&

Just had a mini-brainstorm. How much would it rock if they revisited this, perhaps on Halloween? Simon tells Katie, in the admission of feelings scene, that he wants to answer her question. She responds with 'what question,' and he says, "What it would feel like to be in love." Then he launches into his description, and finishes with something to the effect of, "And I know how that's how it would feel because that's how I feel& about you, Katie." Aww! (Er, sorry, tangent!)

Go Katie and Hogan! The love Simon feels for Katie is bigger than anything he felt for Lily and she finally pointed it out! It almost makes me want to see a Simon/Lily scene where he realizes it himself! He could go see Lily to try and disprove Katie's theory, but then the lightbulb moment occurs. Eek, I wish I could write fanfic, because I would want this scene to play out too!

I really loved that line, "More than you thought you loved Lily." Yes, I feel bad for the Simon and Lily fans -- it SUCKS to have your fanbase screwed over, I've been there. But at the same time, as a Katie and Simon fan, I do like that they're writing Lily away& it's sort of a case of revisionist history, I guess, but there have been several comments now that have dimished her place in Simon's life and I think that's because Sheffer and co realized that KnS were the ones with the growing fanbase and the possibility of rising to supercouple status& they're not there yet, but I've seen the word mentioned in the mags a few times now, and they may get there. (I'm very picky about who I'll call a supercouple.) But anyways, I think they know that if they want KnS to get to where they might be able to get, they HAVE to shake off the extraneous people& and thus, Simon and Lily's whatever is written away as almost a puppy love& a la Michelle and Jesse on Guiding Light, sorta.

He admits he wants her, but not loves her. Damn these baby steps! While watching this last scene, I was reminded of Jack and Jennifer from Days. Not sure how many of you watched them the first go-round, but they are distantly parallel to KnS in some respects. Jennifer loved Jack and tried to get him to admit he loved her, but he was stubborn. She was about to marry Emilio and he kidnapped her. But he still wouldn't say he loved her. I got the same feeling today, but on a sadder note than JnJ.

Not a J&Jer from way back when, but I'm semi-familiar with their story, and I see the parallels. But like Jenn said, both men have good reasons to be cautious& and since we have another 18 mos at least, I'm willing to go with baby steps. The chase is often the best part& and it's going to be so much more satisfying to see the get-together play out after six months of the skirting around feelings than if he'd rushed off to rescue her in mid-June and they'd gotten together right then.

As far as the sadder note goes, I agree, but I'm also a little surprised -- and honestly, though I think it was perfect for these scenes, I hope we don't see it often. Not that I really think we will, but the trademark of this couple thus far has been their lightness and humor, and to go heavy would rock the boat way too much, IMO.

Lastly, I wish the camera would have panned out during their last kiss. I wanted to see if he pulled her towards him in response to the kiss. What about you?

Mm, it wasn't a thought I'd had until I read it on the board. I think, for me, in the purposes of the scene, it would've been irrelevant -- for him to pull her in would've simply shown that he wanted her, which we already knew. To me, the kiss was a goodbye& wanting and longing not mattering so much as what NEEDED to happen for both the couple and the individual character of Katie to be taken to the next level in their evolvement. Simon too, in the long run, but in a more subtle way. I've likened it to for those who are familiar with GL's Michelle and Danny, the goodbye when Danny let Michelle go, after the FBI betrayal and he slept with Drew. That's simply what I keep thinking back to, EVERY time I watch it. (Holy cow batman, I just realized that was 2 ½ years ago!)

Overall, I was very pleased with 'this week.' I'm intrigued -- though I'll admit a bit (or quite, depending on my mood) worried about the interim& as I (and I think we all?) have tended to go, "Okay, we have the airport scenes, but they reunite at Halloween, so it's okay," and forgotten that a few things DO happen in the five or six weeks in between. But that's for another post, LOL. I'm pleased that what's been done with this couple is what's needed to be done so that when they DO eventually get together, it'll be without the overhead 'crap& ' everything is nice and neat and dealt with, and they can just spend all of sweeps, uh, blissful. Yeah.

Carrie

Well, wasn't Simon already planning on leaving? Isn't that where the Tahiti line came from? So, I figured he had the bag and maybe even left for the airport thinking he'd say whatever to Katie, she'd forget about Bruno and maybe they'd take off together. He did oh so casually mention her coming with him to Tahiti.

Okay, not sure how to explain this one, but here goes: Ah, the "childish Katie" that I don't want to ever change appeared today. She is at the airport, but still wants to call Simon to try and get him to stop her. She tried to be mature during the call, but at the very end said if he left Oakdale, she would hate him forever and quickly hung up. LOL, reminds me when I'd hit the boy I liked and then run away (always hoping he'd run after me.)

Oh my God! I so totally agree. I love Katie -- I love her to bits and love the fact that she can be so childish and petty and just so durn original. I adore this character so much! I think Terri said it best in the recent Soap Opera Update about why she re-signed: "I have the coolest character on daytime, and I'm not afraid to say it .... Katie could do anything and it would make sense."

I FINALLY saw Simon reacting to Katie's tears with some mistiness of his own! I had waited for that for a few shows now! And I LOVED when Katie touched his face and it looked like she was wiping a tear away. Was she? Or am I hoping?

Well, I can't tell on the little vid screen about that last bit -- but it was obvious that he was very affected by her tears and I agree, it's about time.

Gosh, I wanted him to answer her question "Yeah, what would it feel like?" (after he told her he'd know if he loved her and he said he would know if he was in love because he'd feel it). He could talk in the abstract, but we'd know it was about her. On the other hand, maybe it can't be explained. But I wanted to hear the answer anyway. (possible fanfic anyone?)

Oh, me too! Still, it was part of why he looked away (forced himself to look away) ... if he had started talking about it, even in the abstract, it would have melted into all about her and the next thing he knew, he'd be on his knees, pledging eternal love.

Go Katie and Hogan! The love Simon feels for Katie is bigger than anything he felt for Lily and she finally pointed it out! It almost makes me want to see a Simon/Lily scene where he realizes it himself! He could go see Lily to try and disprove Katie's theory, but then the lightbulb moment occurs. Eek, I wish I could write fanfic, because I would want this scene to play out too!

The coolest thing is that YES, Hogan is laying the groundwork now with lines like that (that Simon so clearly did not deny) that Lily was NOT this great love and that it won't be a case of Simon settling for Katie because he couldn't have Lily. It's pretty clear that KATIE is his true love -- and I LOVE IT!!!!

He admits he wants her, but not loves her. Damn these baby steps! While watching this last scene, I was reminded of Jack and Jennifer from Days. Not sure how many of you watched them the first go-round, but they are distantly parallel to KnS in some respects. Jennifer loved Jack and tried to get him to admit he loved her, but he was stubborn. She was about to marry Emilio and he kidnapped her. But he still wouldn't say he loved her. I got the same feeling today, but on a sadder note than JnJ.

Yup, very similar -- and both guys have their reasons for being so pig-headed: both had been hurt terribly by women they loved (we won't even go into what Jack did in retaliation, however, for his love not being returned) and felt unworthy of such complete love from someone else. And yes, KnS were much sadder. I doubt we will ever see Simon in a Fireman's outfit (although, I can see a pretty hot Katie fantasy there) dragging Katie away from a wedding to another man while the strains of Aretha Franklin's "Rescue Me" play as the truck goes driving down main street. And am I the only JnJ fan who can't hear that song without vividly remembering that sequence?

Lastly, I wish the camera would have panned out during their last kiss. I wanted to see if he pulled her towards him in response to the kiss. What about you?

I'm kinda mixing this response up with Kally's in the other thread when she mentioned that she wanted a full-on, desperate kiss from Simon .... I can see why we didn't get that kind of passionate, total response from Simon and why his response at all wasn't highlighted. That kiss was all from Katie and I say that for two reasons.

1.) Katie was saying goodbye. Katie was pouring her love and passion for this man into that goodbye kiss. She knew that is was it was (will ignore that we know it isn't). Simon didn't.

2.) Simon no doubt believed that with that kiss she was chucking Bruno out the door and staying with him and so he didn't feel it was goodbye, but merely a continuation of where they'd left off in that room in Malta. Katie was where she belonged, in his arms and there was no urgency anymore.

You could tell by the look on his face when she said "I'm gonna miss you" that he was shocked as hell! He didn't realize she was saying goodbye until she said those words. And by the time it really hit him, she'd already walked away and I honestly think he was just shell-shocked ... just could not believe it.

JenniferH.

Frances

Read JenniferH.'s and Carrie's Responses

The last two days have been tremendous in terms of developing the KnS relationship. I was really proud of Katie yesterday. With the brief lapse when she was pleased they were fighting over her (and, really, who can blame her for that? :-), she was really mature, honest and not a walking doormat. She absolutely had to get on that plane yesterday (although I sort of wish she was leaving for some reason on her own and not with Bruno).

And loved Katie's call home and the way she ended it with "Simon if you leave Oakdale, I'll hate your forever!" She really was trying to be cavalier, but its so not Katie. The way she ended the call was the real Katie.

I absolutely loved how, not once, but twice, yesterday, Simon told Katie that he KNEW her. The first was when he told her she didn't want to do this. "I know you, you don't want to do this." And then, when she was asking what was wrong with Bruno wanting to ravish her, and Simon's reply. "I know you, Katie. I know you. You don't want sex, you want love. You need love."

Both Terri Conn and Paul Leyden get kudos for the unwritten subtleties yesterday. I heard the quiver in both of their voices that demonstrated that they were both on the verge of tears. I was really surprised to hear it in Simon's voice, because I think it was the first time.

And, as I have posted before, Simon views part of "this thing they do" (i.e., her telling him he loves her, him denying, her calling him delusional) as a game. And yesterday, he tried to start the game again. Katie tells him that she knows men and if they don't grow up, they end up like her brother. Simon gets a little grin and says, "yeah, well you'll have to catch me first." I think he was reaching for something familiar and safe, and he was absolutely stunned when Katie didn't play her part, instead she told him "No. I don't." He reacted with a visible look of fear.

And, I am convinced that Simon admitted he loved Katie today - he just didn't say the actual words. His tortured, "You KNOW how I feel about you." Katie has been telling him for months that he loves her. I think that was his way of admitting she was right without actually saying those three scary words.

And, I absolutely adored when Katie told him that he loved her "more than you think you loved Lily." I love the fact that they slip these comments about Simon and Lily's relationship being something less than a great love story.

The one thing that disappointed me was the kiss. From the angle, it didn't appear that Simon really kissed her back. I wanted to see a desperate, put-all-your-feelings-and-the-things-you-can't-say kiss from Simon and I didn't get that from him. My heart broke for Simon today, even though I was someone who wanted him to suffer, but, he really is to blame for this. Katie gave him every opportunity to give her a reason not to go and he couldn't, or wouldn't, do it.

I don't feel sorry for Bruno - he is obviously aware that Katie loves Simon. I was afraid it would appear that Katie was using Bruno.

And, I want to see Simon go home and get the message from Katie about how he better not leave Oakdale.

JWAG

... the Best: Katie leaving with Bruno. Wow, to say I LOVE Terri Conn is an understatement! I love that girl so much, if she were a roll of Charmin tissue, she'd get squeezed to death by me! Still, that's an understatement.

I am continually in joy of watching anything this actress does. I find her so wonderful in so many little ways. I am so grateful that she re-signed. She can bring so much to so many nuances in scenes that I can find new things almost every time I watch it. And she also works so well with every actor I've ever seen her opposite of, so natural and so fitting to every relationship she has with that character. She is just wonderful.

Almost equally as heartbreaking was Simon turning to see Katie out the door, his tear choking, "Katie" and then his grabbing a bag and heading after her. Oh yeah baby, THIS is what I LIKE!

I kept saying that I wanted Simon to suffer after all the crap he put Katie through, especially staying in Malta, but in just a few episodes, I'm already taking it back. I don't want to see him suffer anymore, I just want them both happy.

Of course, ANYTHING with [KnS] works. I don't know why, but it just does.

These two are so amazing simply because there is NOTHING, no aspect of coupledom on daytime that they do not excel in. You want angst? It's there. Humor? In spades. Chemistry? Go and rewatch those cross-scenes. Passion? Definitely hot. Friendship? The two are best friends. Sweetness, tenderness, fun, laughter, tears, love, everything ... just everything. I am so very glad that I found this couple before they really began to take off, I've so enjoyed watching their relationship grow so naturally and so wonderfully.

The look on Katie's face when Craig said if Simon didn't come back, then he was never hers, was SO painful;

Just heartbreaking.

the shock on Simon's face when Rose commented he was the only person who didn't realize he was in love with his wife;

And the pain in his voice when he said "he's trying to steal my wife."

Simon telling Katie he hadn't heard [her] laugh like that in a LONG time (a VERY telling line, so out of character for Lynn), And it's true. The last time she laughed like that was back in May when she fire-extinguished Ruby. That was quite some time ago.

and my favorite, Simon's reaction to learning where Katie was going, "another island!" LOL! These two ALWAYS save the day or make it better and brighter.

One of the many things I love about them is that even in the midst of a true heartache and angst, the writers are remaining true to the already successful humor that the pairing has in spades without sacrificing the heart and meat of where they are at now.

Theresa ...

I agree the scenes between Katie and Simon were fabulous in this episode. I thought both Terri and Paul played these scenes perfectly. I understand why Katie is doing what she is doing even if I don't like it. Believe it or not I also understand why Simon is acting the way he is too, even though I DEFINITELY don't like it. I have hope that the payoff for this couple will be wonderful because as you said it really does seem that anything these two do works.

That is what I am most happiest with at this point -- that I can understand the motivations of both characters, even while I'm frustrated with them. Usually, I'm frustrated with the writers because I'm scratching my head trying to figure out just what the heck the characters are doing. In KnS's case, it all makes sense ... it's just still frustrating. LOL!

Carrie ...

I love that we're getting to see a bit more seriousness now. I'm coming to appreciate Terri (and certainly Paul as well!) more and more each day. It's difficult to do the lighter stuff and takes an excellent actor to pull it off, as well but I tend to be much more wow-ed with the emotional stuff. And boy, am I wowed.

Yeah. I remember when I first started watching and it was all light stuff, I asked a friend how the heavier stuff was, she didn't really recall, so when I got some back tapes, it was interesting watching that heavier stuff. And what's really great is that while both Terri and Paul were good in some of those earlier heavy stuff, they have both grown so dramatically in the, well, the dramatic department. And then there is the fact that while they are great at the heavy stuff, they can also do the light stuff so beautifully!!!

To see Katie struggling so much to hang on to her dignity, really, and not break down and beg& I just wanted to give the girl a hug. But I'm so glad that Katie finally has some conviction and self-respect& even if it does have to come from Bruno. Sigh.

Yeah. Well, Bruno helped, but I think it really began with Cooley (of all people), was strengthened by Simon's attitude once he rescued her and then him playing along with her in the basement, dreaming about her, and finally the inspector were all well on their way to building up that self-respect. Craig and Lucinda's compliments no doubt helped even more ... Bruno was just the final nudge, he doesn't get all the credit by any means.

As I've said elsewhere, they have the potential to be a supercouple& we'll have to see what comes of it.

If the writers keep writing them as is ... I think supercoupledom is assured. And how long has it been since ATWT got buzz like this on a couple? Sure, Jack/Carly and Molly/Jake get attention, but not the buzz-building, must-see variety that KnS are starting to get.

And I'm thankful, again, that Terri re-signed. I'm constantly amazed that this couple can hit both sides 'humor and drama' without either looking forced, with both fitting logically not only into the story but also the characters, and without compromising the integrity of the show, characters, or actors. They're all amazing.

Yes, yes, yes ... exactly what I was trying to say earlier, but put much more succintly.

JenniferH. and Various Posters

LOL! Ditto. I love that we're getting to see a bit more seriousness now. I'm coming to appreciate Terri (and certainly Paul as well!) more and more each day. It's difficult to do the lighter stuff and takes an excellent actor to pull it off, as well but I tend to be much more wow-ed with the emotional stuff. And boy, am I wowed.

Watching Katie, back to Simon, speaking confidently of moving on with Bruno, secretly waiting for any scrap of hope and then struggling to keep her tears at bay when Simon wouldn't give it to her, was heart BREAKING!

Oh, absolutely. To see Katie struggling so much to hang on to her dignity, really, and not break down and beg& I just wanted to give the girl a hug. But I'm so glad that Katie finally has some conviction and self-respect& even if it does have to come from Bruno. Sigh.

Almost equally as heartbreaking was Simon turning to see Katie out the door, his tear choking, "Katie" and then his grabbing a bag and heading after her. Oh yeah baby, THIS is what I LIKE!

It's certainly why I tune in, LOL. I'm adoring, still, Simon's very gradual fall for Katie& and now that he's finally starting to realize that he needs her around, I've stopped wanting to give him a little whop upside his head (don't worry, wanted to whop Katie upside the head a couple weeks ago, too, I'm an equal opportunity whopper.) I'm positively thrilled that he's doing the chasing for a bit now& but I'm also thrilled that there's a light at the end of the tunnel.

Of course, ANYTHING with [KnS] works. I don't know why, but it just does. I mean even Lynn can't screw these two up! This is the gold mine, the embarrassment of riches that Hogan can NOT afford to lose.

I agree completely. As I've said elsewhere, they have the potential to be a supercouple & we'll have to see what comes of it. And I'm thankful, again, that Terri re-signed. I'm constantly amazed that this couple can hit both sides 'humor and drama' without either looking forced, with both fitting logically not only into the story but also the characters, and without compromising the integrity of the show, characters, or actors. They're all amazing.

The look on Katie's face when Craig said if Simon didn't come back, then he was never hers, was SO painful; the shock on Simon's face when Rose commented he was the only person who didn't realize he was in love with his wife; Simon telling Katie he hadn't heard [her] laugh like that in a LONG time (a VERY telling line, so out of character for Lynn), and my favorite, Simon's reaction to learning where Katie was going, "another island!" LOL! These two ALWAYS save the day or make it better and brighter.

Always! I do watch ATWT all the way through, almost every day& but KnS are certainly my stars of the show. There were at least a dozen lines that I simply adored& and it was lines like the 'another island' line that made me remember this couple's inherent humor, even in dramatic situations. Such a great, great couple, I'm so glad we have them.

Sarah and Carrie

Read JenniferH.'s and Various Posters' Responses

Oh, I think this episode should be submitted for Emmy consideration if either are nominated. I think they were both THAT good.

Did anyone see how quickly Simon's head jerked up when Katie said "one thing led to another." Poor Simon must have thought Katie slept with Bruno.

Oh, God, I know. And the way he said "what one thing led to what other thing?" Yeah, he wasn't testosterone, he wasn't jealous, oh no, not at all.

Then, Simon's petulant little boy tone when he told Katie that "that godfather wannabe is just a con man." was so real. It was that slightly ridiculous response that people come up with during discussions when they need something to say and his tone of voice conveyed so much.

Yup, Paul so rocked in this ep -- all the way around, facial expression, body language, tone of voice ... just superb.

Loved when he told Katie she had plenty of assets.

Yeah, me too. {vbg}

Loved the fear in his voice as he asked Katie if she was in love with Bruno.

That's it! I responded to EJ that it was more than "tender" and I couldn't put my finger on it ... you did. His voice was soft and tender yes, but there was also fear.

Katie's been telling him she loved him. Lilly told him Katie loved him. He's admitting to himself that he loves Katie. To think that she could so quickly decide she loved someone else must have been like the floor giving way beneath his feet. Lily told Simon she loved him and then decided she really loved Holden. Simon must have felt like it was happening all over again, even if only for a second. I don't think he really believed it, but the possibility must have scared the hell out of him.

Absolutely and Paul was able to convey all of that with the tone of his voice -- even if my slow brain didn't pick up on it right away. And that I commented on in my "I do love Simon" post. That fear that it is happening all over again has got to be there, even on some subconscious level.

Loved Katie telling Simon that if felt great to have someone look at her and not take his eyes off her. Loved Katie telling Simon that it was nice to be around someone who appreciated her and wasn't always telling her what she does wrong.

I know, I know, I know, I know!!! And the look on his face as she said all of this -- can I say again how much Paul rocked?

Simon knows that she's right - he has admitted he hasn't been very nice all the time. I think what she was saying really hit home and that he felt bad that Katie had to get that positive reinforcement from someone else. I just think he was too freaked out to really handle it at that moment.

I think he was expecting a little petulant Katie attitude when he got back, he certainly wasn't expecting this and it is defiNETly throwing him for a loop.

I did like the fact that it hadn't seem to occur to Simon that he would be anywhere else when Craig mentioned sending the rest where ever he wanted.

I know!!!

This is going to be a tough week, but I think its going to be really good.

Absolutely -- heartbreaking, but absolutely stellar in terms of writing and acting if today is any indication.

And, as a final thought, I haven't warmed up to Bruno - he's just so cheesy, but I did think it was funny when he said, "well, I guess its time for me to go." and just calmly walked out.

I don't know - today I really liked him. His line about "this is the most fun I've ever had ... standing up," just killed me. It was funny, arrogant, cheesy, and yet so honest in an arrogant, cheesy way ... and I like that even in this short time he has fallen for Katie's quirky charms just like Cooley did. I like ... Katie deserves it!

JWAG & JenniferH.

Siggy: So, I have to ask. Was anyone else surprised when Craig gave Simon the check today or was I the only one who didn't know that was coming?

I was very much surprised when I found out about that. And I too love the ramifications -- Simon will have no excuses ... if he stays, it will be for one reason: his wife.

I was able to see/understand Katie's motivation behind what she's doing since returning from Malta.

Can I marvel in my Katie-knowledge for a moment and take pride in how completely and accurately and totally on the dot I got her motivation? Every single post I've written defending her actions was proven today: the way Simon has treated her, the length of time she's devoted to him, his devotion to Lily while leaving her in the lurch, her having a guy show attraction/attention to her, a guy liking her for her all for the first time. And I called every single one. Yeah, yeah, you can all take turns throwing cybertomatoes at me for my full-of-myself-ness, but dang, I be proud of myself!

I would come flat out and say there wasn't anything I didn't like but Bruno was there so that would be a lie - LOL.

Well, I could have done without so much of the repeat kissing, but even Bruno worked for me today -- utterly cracked me up. I do like Jaime Passar.

Frances: I loved every scene

Just HAD to ditto this! Ditto!!

Loved how quickly she jumped out of the tub and rushed to Simon's side to take care of him.

Yet another moment of utter adoration from Jenn.

When Katie said that she and Bruno were dating, Simon's face had me LMAO.

Oh, God, I was ROTF at Katie's casual "we're dating" and Simon's reaction -- only Katie. Lord, I love this character, only Katie.

LOVED him telling her he missed her when she asked!

I just so loved the way he told her and the way she looked so small against his tallness as they walked and looked down/up at each other too, it was just so -- it was so good. Simply good.

Katie: How do you see me?
Simon: I see you in lots of ways, Katie. Unfortunately somethings are kind of off limits now (couldn't hear him too clearly here, but he looked down at his wound)

I love that they are defiNETly keeping the sex in the equation. So often on daytime, when couples fall in "love," they seem to suddenly fall out of lust and dangit, you can have both -- and the fact that we're still seeing obvious signs of sexual attraction (this was the first of two obvious signs from Simon, as well as there being a few not so obvious ones as well) is a good thing in my book.

Loved her bending over looking for Bruno's number, making sure her butt was right in Simon's face!

And there was one of the not so obvious -- well, okay, it was pretty obvious. LOL!

And he brought up the drunk guy for Yo's!

And no he wasn't jealous then (well, he wasn't after he realized what she was doing, he was a teeny bit when he first walked in), but there are no ifs, ands or buts now -- he is completely jealous of Bruno and it's not in a he-man way -- it's exactly what Paul said in that clip -- he's jealous because this guy is spending "quality time with his wife." It's emotional jealousy because this guy is giving his wife something that he isn't ready to give her yet and she is loving it.

And he wanted to know if she was falling in love with Bruno. His voice was so tender.

It was more than tender, I can't put my finger on it. Maybe after I've seen the scenes on the TV, I'll be able to -- but Paul just did something with his tone of voice that was utterly heartbreaking. I haven't said it yet, but let me do so now, Paul Leyden was absolutely magnificent in this episode. Just fabulous ... I can't wait to see the airport scenes just for the acting alone!

Katie:It's kind of nice to have someone interested in me, for once. To have someone thats not telling me what I do wrong all the time. Someone who is not taking off all the time.

As wonderful as it was hearing this dialogue (and it WAS wonderful), the best part of this was the look on his face. Again, Paul so rocked this ep.

Poor Katie, she wanted to leave the room before she broke down and Simon was calling her back, but she ignored him.

It was obvious what was going on just by her body language. Paul was completely on today and he was matched scene for scene by Terri. These two are just fabulous together -- they create such a complex, riveting dynamic with just their interactions and reactions and responses to one another's acting choices. Sheer bliss.

gurl in love: I don't know who I felt worse for, Katie, struggling to get the man of her dreams to admit his true feelings, or Simon, struggling to tell the girl of his dreams his true feelings. You could actually see the hurt in both of their eyes.

Absolutely -- this is such a perfect distillation of today's scenes. You nailed it in a nutshell.

Kendra: I think we've all been a little confused as to Katie's motivations these past couple of days. Yes, we all could guess at why she was involved with Bruno, but we didn't get much in the scripts or direction to give us any clues as to whether our guesses were correct. Today we did get vindication in the script and in the performances.

Yes, we got vindication and while I do believe the execution last week could have been better, I wasn't confused about her motivations -- I think the history of the character the last year made those motivations perfectly clear. Or maybe it's just because my Lily-issues and Lily/Simon issues are as razor-sharp as Katie's that I was able to get so clearly what was going on? I don't know, it just was clear to me. Didn't mean I wasn't annoyed with her at times (the ring, the (aaarrggghh) kissing), but I understood where she was coming from.

Katie broke my heart today and even though I hate when my heart gets broken, it only makes my love for a couple grow stronger.

I know -- they both broke my heart today and yet I'm so glad because everything that was said today so needed to be said in order for these two to have a real future. And glory be, it was actually SAID!

Katie was prepared to move on with her life. It's a new start for her, but that doesn't mean Simon is out of it. Today was his opportunity to ask to be a part of it. Today was the day he could ask to continue being THE biggest part of her life, but he was too scared. He was too cautious. It's like there's some internal switch that prevents him from sharing how he feels. I think he wants to tell Katie how much she means to him, but there's a JBE stubborness that refuses to let him. Consequently, he's going to break both his and Katie's hearts.

Yup, exactly. I agree with every single word.

I'm glad he gave Simon the money. Craig's taking away all of Simon's excuses. He can't use lack of funds as a crutch anymore. Craig's payment took away Simon's excuses to Katie and more importantly, to himself. No more excuses.

Yup. Again, every single word ... ditto.

On another note, I thought the very short exchange between Craig and Katie was precious, as always. I love the way they have been written lately. The way Craig said "60 pounds of grapes....in the bathtub....call housekeeping. Got it." Without batting an eye was hysterical.

Oh, I'm LOVING the interaction between Craig and Katie since her return from Malta. It's as if both of their experiences made them appreciate the other and we are seeing that clearly and I love it, love it, love it!

EJ: I think this is one of the best written KnS shows in a long time.

Writing-wise, I'd put this one up there with the episode that completely hooked me, the "Birds of a Feather" episode. Actually, I'd rate it higher; I'd put it up there with an episode I haven't seen (but so want to), the ep after the balloon fight. (If you're so inclined, here are the transcripts for that episode. The balloon episode is actually the first one in that month, the one I'm talking about immediately follows.)

He and Katie did not start out on the best terms with her deceiving him about the pregnancy but they have come such a long way since then.

Actually, I somewhat disagree with this. Katie and Simon actually started out on pretty good footing -- his knowlege of the fake pregnancy came in about five months into their aquaintance. They had already stuck up for one another and were well into the foundation of their friendship before that happened. In fact, it was their relationship thus far that helped smooth over Simon's quick forgiveness over the scam -- because of how they already felt about one another, his attitude about the pregnancy (or lack thereof) worked.

I was proud of Katie for not wanting to have to ask Simon for his attention anymore. Malta changed her and changed what she wants out of life. Still, my heart broke for Simon, especially when he said "Katie, please wait". Paul does such a great job of playing Simon, it's impossible to stay mad at him.

Yup. I rescind every single "I want Simon to suffer" comments. Now, I just want to give him a big ole hug.

Craig continues to just crack me up. I love him and they've made him so much more of a rounded character.

Craig rules! Hunt Block is the bomb, baby! I love, positively, absolutely adore the man's delivery. I loved him on Guiding Light -- I will forever cherish "Nino, cookie?" -- and love him here on ATWT. As much as I adore Terri Conn and Paul Leyden, I gotta say that bar none, no one (not even those two) beat Block in the delicious line delivery day in and day out. He so rules!

One thing that Hunt and Terri share is their incredible knack for great comic timing. His non-reaction to 60 pounds of grapes was a laugh riot. It's not a typical choice which made it even funnier. Hunt is truly a gem.

Ditto as evidenced by Hunt-gushing paragraph above. And yes, he and Terri do rock as an on-screen brother/sister team. Just adore 'em to bits. In fact, I can safely say that I have never, ever so enjoyed watching a brother/sister team on daytime before. I liked Michelle (Joie Lenz) / Rick (Michael O'Leary) on GL, but never got the true sense of underneath it all they were real family -- at least not from both parties. I defiNETly get that vibe from Terri and Hunt. I wonder if those two have a close relationship off-screen after the months of working together.

JenniferH. and Various Posters

I think we've all been a little confused as to Katie's motivations these past couple of days. Yes, we all could guess at why she was involved with Bruno, but we didn't get much in the scripts or direction to give us any clues as to whether our guesses were correct. Today we did get vindication in the script and in the performances.

I think this is one of the best written KnS shows in a long time.

Katie broke my heart today and even though I hate when my heart gets broken, it only makes my love for a couple grow stronger. Katie was prepared to move on with her life. It's a new start for her, but that doesn't mean Simon is out of it. Today was his opportunity to ask to be a part of it. Today was the day he could ask to continue being THE biggest part of her life, but he was too scared. He was too cautious. It's like there's some internal switch that prevents him from sharing how he feels. I think he wants to tell Katie how much she means to him, but there's a JBE stubborness that refuses to let him. Consequently, he's going to break both his and Katie's hearts.

After what Simon went through with Lily who could blame him? I put the most of the blame on what she has done to him in the past and the fact that she was so darn dependent on him in the present. He and Katie did not start out on the best terms with her deceiving him about the pregnancy but they have come such a long way since then. I was proud of Katie for not wanting to have to ask Simon for his attention anymore. Malta changed her and changed what she wants out of life. Still, my heart broke for Simon, especially when he said "Katie, please wait". Paul does such a great job of playing Simon, it's impossible to stay mad at him.

I don't mind that Craig interrupted. Heck, I was LOVING Craig today. He could do no wrong from my point of view by the time he entered the penthouse. Simon had stalled long enough.

Craig continues to just crack me up. I love him and they've made him so much more of a rounded character. Hunt has rocks as always, but up he was arrested for Barbara's accident, we had mainly been seeing Craig's dark side. We are seeing a character who is reaching out to more people (e.g. Carly, Bryant, Katie, Margo) and becoming more invested in their lives instead of solely serving his own agenda. I just love that!

I'm glad he gave Simon the money. Craig's taking away all of Simon's excuses. He can't use lack of funds as a crutch anymore. Craig's payment took away Simon's excuses to Katie and more importantly, to himself. No more excuses.

I think Simon was shocked and wasn't expecting it at all. His first instinct was to just be home. Everything happening with Katie has totally thrown him for a loop and now he has nothing to stop him from flying through the air.

On another note, I thought the very short exchange between Craig and Katie was precious, as always. I love the way they have been written lately. The way Craig said "60 pounds of grapes....in the bathtub....call housekeeping. Got it." Without batting an eye was hysterical.

One thing that Hunt and Terri share is their incredible knack for great comic timing. His non-reaction to 60 pounds of grapes was a laugh riot. It's not a typical choice which made it even funnier. Hunt is truly a gem.

Irlandesa and EJSimon

As for the overall show, it played out differently than what I thought it would, but I still thought it turned out to be an incredible show. I suppose the difference for me was the shift in power, so to speak, from Simon to Katie, as well as today being the first time I was able to see/understand Katie's motivation behind what she's doing since returning from Malta. A lot of things Katie said today made sense to me and maybe I just needed her to bounce what she's feeling off Simon before I could understand it. Who knows?

Another couple of things I loved about today without really even having a reason why were the way Simon said yes when Katie asked him if he missed her and the look on Katie's face as she stood in the background watching Craig give Simon his "getaway car". Wasn't it just heartbreaking??

Anyway, as you can see, there wasn't much about today's show that I didn't love. I would come flat out and say there wasn't anything I didn't like but Bruno was there so that would be a lie - LOL.

Siggy

JenniferH.: I would absolutely love that. One of my wishes for the character of Katie is to see her talk about her father -- esp. to Simon -- and just deal more with what he was like. I want so badly for someone to point out to Katie that her approach to life is actually very similar to her father's. I don't know if Hogan Sheffer actually did his homework and looked into the character of Casey Peretti or if it was just blind luck that he writes the same type of qualities he had in Katie.

EJ: Katie realizes that this guy finds her unique and special and she's loving the attention from him.

JenniferH.: I do think that's the bottom line. She's never received this attention before, how could she not like it?

EJ: I see this more as Katie discovering herself instead of doing what she can do to make Simon jealous.

JenniferH.: Honestly, I don't think that Simon is even coming into play right now. Simon is not there and he ain't gonna just mosey on in. I think this is ALL about Katie.

If she does take it off, it I'll be disappointed but I'd chalk it up to her frustration of Simon shipping her back to the states. She knows he loves her but he still put Lily first. Even though Katie would rather focus on the positive things, I think she's still hurting from that.

JenniferH.: Absolutely -- and well she should be.

EJ:The scenario I'd love to see is that lounge plays the song "There You'll Be" and all the memories of the island and the basement in Malta come rushing back to her. She tells Bruno, she's sorry but she has to go and runs off. Bruno is left thinking "what is it about that woman?"

JenniferH.: Hah! That would be nice, but I doubt it. I was really hoping that we would only see them on Tuesday and then again next Monday. For some reason I thought that was when Simon was coming home and that he would actually get to Oakdale on Tuesday, but since we know he gets back to Oakdale on Thursday, then I'm thinking we're gonna see Katie and Bruno on Tues/Thurs and maybe even Wed. As much as I'm not looking forward to what Simon walks in on, I think they need to show them all three days to get even to a remotely believable point where Katie would participate. Of course, they could just do the same crappy writing they did on Friday and ignore the character aspect of it and what would make sense and just put a round character into a square plot peg.

NEXT ......

Malynda I guess I have issues with Terri's acting choices (but I still love her) on Friday.

JenniferH.: I actually have issues with just about everything. The writing, directing, acting was just OFF for lack of a better word. I almost think that poor Terri was scratching her head trying to figure out how to play these scenes because they really, really came out of left field and didn't make an ounce of sense character-wise. See fitting a round character into a square plot peg. See, I just expected it to be sooo much worse ... which actually helped my dealing with the scenes, I guess.

Malynda The first scene annoyed the snot out of me and it colored the whole day.

JenniferH.: That was by far the worst scene in all three cases.

Malynda The fact that my anger toward JBE is wearing off didn't help either.

JenniferH.: See, well, I'm still mad at him. Since I know he isn't going to die, I'm GLAD he was stabbed. Serves the idiot right.

Malynda: She did not "jerk" back, she retreated. The fact is you have to "treat" before you re"treat" and I'm annoyed by that as well.

JenniferH.: I disagree. She wasn't really paying attention, she was sorta half there, half not, he leaned into a kiss and she just followed along and then it was like 'whoah! back the bus up, buddy' and she jerked back once she fully assessed the situation. My impression of it anyway.

NEXT ......

Theresa: First while I was not too pleased with how Katie was acting, I certainly wasn't surprised. I think Katie is just really angry and frustrated because she feels she was cast aside once again for Ms. Lily-After all the Times I've Been Kidnapped, I Should Know Better, But I Don't-Snyder.

JenniferH.: I agree, BUT, and this is the biggest problem and where comes in my latest fave analogy -- the round character in the square plot peg syndrome. If Katie had only been upset with Simon clearly to the viewers on Friday with Craig and Monday with Lucinda, Friday's episode would have made so much more sense, it's not even funny.

And it also would have made a hell of a lot of sense coming off her reaction to Simon as he left her on the plane. By making her the same desperate for Simon's attention, peppy, perky Katie in last Friday and Monday's episode as she has been for a year, it made her attitude on Friday a big "huh?"

What makes this even worse ... the absolute kicker in this situation is that it COULD have so easily been there had they played those two episodes differently. In fact, if I wasn't so determined to have every Terri scene on tape, it would actually make a hell of a lot more sense to just completely skip Friday/Monday scenes and go straight from her yelling that she was a treasure to Simon on the plane in Malta to back in Oakdale walking into the Lakeview and seeing the cute Italian guy.

What happened is that the viewer had to search for motivation for the character's actions ... and a viewer should NEVER have to search for that. It should be there ... easy and understandable. Let me grab a quote by Carolyn Hinsey (ironically enough) about Katie's character from a few months back: "Little Katie Peretti is such a well-written character -- all she wants is to be loved. Her motivations are clear, her actions understandable, her behavior believable. (And Terri Conn is fabulous.) I wish all soap characters were drawn as beautifully."

Maybe someone needs to send this as a little reminder to Hogan and Co. over there writing Little Katie Peretti (Frasier) these days.

Theresa: So she flirted with him in the middle of the Lakeview Bar, it is not like she slept with the man. (Unlike a certain Aussie I could name, who actually did sleep with another woman when he was angry and frustrated with the woman he "loved").

JenniferH.: The point exactly that I made earlier. Yup. It's not really that horrible, annoying and due to my new analogy which I won't repeat in full (round in square) doesn't make as much sense as it very well could have, but still not horrible and justification CAN be found.

Theresa: As for the dancing, I really did not see anything racy or overly suggestive about it. It was a slow dance standing next to a bar in a room full of people. Big Deal. If this is what they meant by "dirty dancing", then I cannot say I was too impressed.

JenniferH.: Ditto. Oh, you non-Manny fans, if you had any idea what we think of as "dirty-dancing" you would understand why we were soooooo worried about THAT spoiler. Thank goodness it was as bad as Emily choosing Juan over Zander (GH ZEm reference there -- don't you love that I've had so many different couples on so many different shows. I think maybe five people will get that reference.)

Theresa: Simon did a heck of a lot more than that when he was trying to con Ruby.

JenniferH.: Yup.

Theresa: And as for the almost kiss. Please, the guy tried to kiss her and she pulled back and didn't kiss him.

JenniferH.: Yup (too bad that's gonna change. I'm so hoping it's still only tentative and not full-on ... I mean, a tentative kiss would be enough to freak the hell out of Simon, right?)

Theresa: Once again Simon did more than that when he was conning Ruby. (or how about another example, Carly did kiss Craig and she loves Jack)

Me: Yup and totally double yup.

Theresa: I admit that it did piss me off that she was trying to remove her ring, but she didn't. At least not yet, so I have to wait until Tuesday to see how that all plays out.

JenniferH.: I really don't think she will and I think she'll come clean about being married right away.

Theresa: I also admit that I would have preferred that Katie show some acknowledgment that Simon is still in danger back in Malta. But on the other hand, Katie has no idea what is really going on in Malta now because that is how Simon wanted it.

JenniferH.: Really, this sounds terrible, but Katie didn't think of Malta as dangerous. She should have, but she didn't -- it was "fun" and "exciting," so she's not gonna be thinking in terms of danger, she is just not. Look at how long it took for her to lose her sunny outlook when on the island and Henry was in that mindset after about two days. Katie's brain just does not work that way. Tangled and all, you know?

Theresa: (And believe me if she knew she would probably be laughing as hard as I am about how lame this so-called meeting with Dante is going)

JenniferH.: I tell ya, Katie was the only one with brains and common sense in that whole outfit. The smart thing to do would have been to send Simon and Lily back to Oakdale and let Katie handle it. Luke and Holden would be home and safe by now.

Theresa: Simon decides to take on Dante when he is outnumbered and unarmed.

Me: Ah, but remember this is the moron who called the police on the house lady despite only him, Katie and Lily there, and danger all around. I tell ya, the list is growing of proof that beautiful he may be, but a box of rocks is rattling in that tangled brain of his. At least Katie is smart, Simon's just plain stupid.

Theresa: (Is it Halloween yet?)

JenniferH.: I never thought I would look so forward to All Hallow's Eve.

AND LASTLY ......

JenniferH.: Now, I'm still never, ever, ever going to watch these scenes again once I tape them, but considering what I was expecting, I can live with 'eh.'

Carrie: See, I'll even put them on my edit

JenniferH.: Oh, I plan on taping them, I'll just never, ever, ever watch them again after I edit them onto the tape. They will be FF material for all time. But dude, they're Terri -- of COURSE, I'm taping them. Katie could do an episode long orgy with every male cast member and I'd still tape it. Well, hinted at orgy -- this IS daytime! Okay, I might actually watch that more than once.

Carrie: I mean, if I had my way the situation wouldn't be this way, but I don't, and therefore 'eh' is better than, "OMG he drugged her and was kissin' on her on the couch!" (Somehow, the introduction of JP into this means this entire essay is going to be peppered with you-know-who parallels& lovely.

JenniferH.: Yup.

JenniferH.: The other thing that bugged me was Katie's initial reaction to Bruno when she walked into the room. I mean, I like Jaime Passar (Bruno) and all, but he did not look even remotely hot enough (in my opinion) to illicit that response or anything like it. That was just annoying.

Carrie: Right, totally plot-directed. I was saying last night in chat, a lot of this episode was just bad& from the writing, directing, etc.

JenniferH.: Yup. I agree 100%. Take what I wrote earlier about my latest analogy -- the round character in the square plot peg and that's what I'm thinking.

Carrie: Actually, I went so far as to say that I've seen better performances from every single one of the players involved (Conn, Passer, Byrne, Leyden, that Dante guy, even.)

JenniferH.: I know that I tend to often see Terri Conn in the best possible light, and well, I'm gonna still do that here and reiterate what I wrote earlier ... I'm cutting her slack because she really probably was caught in an acting quandary. Imagine her thought process as she read this script, 'How the hell am I going to play these scenes and have them make sense as they directly contradict Katie's actions and attitude for the last, oh YEAR???!!!'

Carrie: See, I agree. It just doesn't bother me that Katie's doing some flirting& if I can be ok with Simon being off in Malta with Lily, why would I freak about Katie *taking Craig's advice* and not drooling over Simon ever waking moment?

JenniferH.: Yes, but this theory doesn't fly for me for two reasons. 1.) I'm still pissed and will never be un-pissed about Dingo Boy being in Malta still. 2.) Craig's advice was to stop chasing Simon and make him jealous. Uh, Simon isn't there so how is she following Craig's advice? She's not. She's merely flirting with some guy who thinks he's the Italian Stallion reborn. And again, taking my argument above, had her attitude been different on Friday with Craig/Monday with Lucinda or if we had just jumped from her outburst on the plane to these scenes, it would have made a hell of a lot more sense.

Carrie: Knowing how Katie operates, she's no doubt been thinking on Craig's 'stop chasing' theory for the last few days (or has it just been hours? Oakdale time leaves me confused.) So she goes down to the bar and sees a guy, gives him an opening, and when he shows an interest, she responds.

JenniferH.: Ah, that's too calculated for me. And yes, Katie is calculating, but not like that. I just can't explain it; but it's not her modus operandi of calculation.

Carrie: I think TPTB have done a pretty good job establishing this, actually, via past KnS conversations. Simon's asked her 'twice off the top of my head, the day after the balloons and the first cross day' about other guys, and there really just haven't been any.

JenniferH.: Yup and I think that that is where the main core of why she is doing this comes from. She's NEVER had this -- it's flattering, it's surprising, it's a new sensation and it neatly and smoothly fits along with what the Inspector told her that she took to heart and then the Italian waiter's cute little flirting moment further established. And then Craig's attitude and then Lucinda's "fetching" comments just nailed home. She is a treasure. She is someone that is worthy of affection and attention and no one, including her JBE of a husband, have ever even hinted at that before. I take that back, Simon has, but in a 'so please get off my back' way. And somehow that just doesn't cut the mustard.

Carrie: It's nice, it's new, but that means it's also unfamiliar. And when that gets combined with the drinking, I'm not surprised at anything that happened. I think Katie was caught between liking the attention and wanting it, and wanting to be loyal to Simon. Come to think of it, since she's been with him, she's never really been without him. Of course, there's the island, but that was Henry and Cooley, and they don't count, LOL. What DOES she do when he's not there, she supposes he's coming back, but in the meantime & Life right now, for her, is all kinds of confusing. As EJ pointed out, I think it is more about her. Since she's joined the show, have we ever seen her not chasing after someone? She's not now, which opens up a whole new slew of opportunities.

JenniferH.: Yup. It's ALL about Katie -- it's not about making Simon jealous, it's not about not chasing Simon, it's not about Bruno or really liking him ... it's about Katie truly and fully appreciating Katie for the first time probably. And to take a peek into the future when Simon comes back and blows off any idea of jealousy, when Simon breaks the chain of ego-boosting that Katie has received (and sorely needed and deserved) lately, it's gonna be a crushing blow.

Have I mentioned recently how much I want him to suffer?

Carrie: As far as the kiss goes, I fall somewhere between the 'jerked' and 'retracted' distinctions. I'll plead again her inexperience when you add that to the drinking, the newness, the confusion, etc' and the fact that it's not exactly something she expected, so she was surprised her instinct may have been to lean in and kiss him when he began to lean to her. But then, once it dawned on her, she did pull back, I don't quite say jerk, because, well, his arms *were* still around her, so it's not like she took an actual step backwards or anything.

JenniferH.: I say "jerk" because once it dawned on her, she did jerk her head back, like 'whoah!' it was a clear and deliberate rebuff. She DID NOT want him to kiss her.

Carrie: One thing I'd like to see ... is some sort of larger point to all of this recent 'Italian' talk. I certainly hope it's not just a way to introduce Bruno. I'd love to see something as large as a storyline built around it, but I'd certainly be happy with Simon taking Katie there or some such.

JenniferH.: That's what I'm hoping -- and if it brings discussion of Casey into the picture, I'm all for it. And of course, Simon and Katie BETTER honeymoon (they are going to honeymoon) in Tuscany.

Carrie: I may be a royal you-know-what, but I'm not at all upset about that. I mean, he's the idiot that got back off the plane& so whatever happens to him is entirely his fault. He really has no place there, he's there by stupid choice, so why should Katie walk around constantly freaking out about him?

JenniferH.: Yup.

Carrie: Ok, ok, that's unsympathetic, I know she loves him and thus she worries about him.

JenniferH.: Well, I have no problem with her lack of worry as described above, RE: Her state of mind about the "danger" factor.

JenniferH. and Various Posters

Right, totally plot-directed. I was saying last night in chat, a lot of this episode was just bad& from the writing, directing, etc. Actually, I went so far as to say that I've seen better performances from every single one of the players involved (Conn, Passer, Byrne, Leyden, that Dante guy, even.) Everything just felt off for me, not so much from a KnS fan perspective, but from an ATWT fan perspective. Though I did, for once, like the editing and flow of storylines, which was a nice surprise. (Very patterned 'one storyline links to the next' type thing, with lots of segues where a final comment applies to the next scene& I love when shows are set up like that.)

But back to the point, right, I don't see why Katie would be all ga-ga over Ray (er, Bruno,) especially when she's so used to the likes of Simon. Hello! Following on the comments above, I've also seen Jaime look far hotter. LOL.

As for the scenes themselves

See, I agree. It just doesn't bother me that Katie's doing some flirting& if I can be ok with Simon being off in Malta with Lily, why would I freak about Katie *taking Craig's advice* and not drooling over Simon ever waking moment? I pled her case last night as this: (well, the bit of pleading I did, anyways): it's not like she went there, saw a hot guy, thought it might be fun. Knowing how Katie operates, she's no doubt been thinking on Craig's 'stop chasing' theory for the last few days (or has it just been hours? Oakdale time leaves me confused.) So she goes down to the bar and sees a guy, gives him an opening, and when he shows an interest, she responds.

He's feeding her those cheesy lines that she's probably never been fed before.

I think TPTB have done a pretty good job establishing this, actually, via past KnS conversations. Simon's asked her twice off the top of my head, the day after the balloons and the first cross day about other guys, and there really just haven't been any. She's done the chasing with Eddie, with Holden, with Simon and so this is one of the first, if not THE first, time she's ever been chased. It's nice, it's new, but that means it's also unfamiliar. And when that gets combined with the drinking, I'm not surprised at anything that happened.

I think Katie was caught between liking the attention and wanting it, and wanting to be loyal to Simon. Come to think of it, since she's been with him, she's never really been without him of course, there's the island, but that was Henry and Cooley, and they don't count, LOL. What DOES she do when he's not there, she supposes he's coming back, but in the meantime & Life right now, for her, is all kinds of confusing. As EJ pointed out, I think it is more about her since she's joined the show, have we ever seen her not chasing after someone? She's not now, which opens up a whole new slew of opportunities.

As far as the kiss goes, I fall somewhere between the 'jerked' and 'retracted' distinctions. I'll plead again her inexperience when you add that to the drinking, the newness, the confusion, etc and the fact that it's not exactly something she expected, so she was surprised her instinct may have been to lean in and kiss him when he began to lean to her. But then, once it dawned on her, she did pull back I don't quite say jerk, because, well, his arms *were* still around her, so it's not like she took an actual step backwards or anything.

And the wedding ring actually looked to me like she was having trouble *getting* it off, LOL. I doubt it actually comes off as well & but with this crew, who knows. Sigh. I've made the decision to trust them now & so trust I will, I guess. (Would take a *lot* for me not to.)

Carrie

Read JenniferH.'s Response

As for the dancing, I really did not see anything racy or overly suggestive about it. It was a slow dance standing next to a bar in a room full of people. Big Deal. If this is what they meant by "dirty dancing", then I cannot say I was too impressed. Simon did a heck of alot more than that when he was trying to con Ruby. And as for the almost kiss. Please, the guy tried to kiss her and she pulled back and didn't kiss him. Once again Simon did more than that when he was conning Ruby. (Or how about another example, Carly did kiss Craig and she loves Jack.)

I admit that I would have preferred that Katie show some acknowledgment that Simon is still in danger back in Malta. But on the other hand, Katie has no idea what is really going on in Malta now because that is how Simon wanted it. (And believe me if she knew she would probably be laughing as hard as I am about how lame this so-called meeting with Dante is going) I have to say that I am beyond tired of this whole story, now that Katie is gone. Even getting the opportunity to gaze adoringly at Paolo Seganti and Paul Leyden, isn't doing it anymore. I have honestly never seen a dumber group of would-be heroes in my life. Simon decides to take on Dante when he is outnumbered and unarmed. Damian comes ALONE to the cafe and voluntarily gives up his gun. WTF - have these people never watched any cop or detective shows on television. Everyone knows that you cannot trust the bad guy to keep his word and release his prisoners. Duh, then they would be witnesses. For that matter Dante is not too smart of a villian either. An old lady is sitting in the cafe about to witness him murder a group of people and he doesn't have a problem with her being there. Just end this story please because I am running out of Pepto Bismal.

Theresa

The thing that actually bothered me the most was the dress that Katie was wearing. Out of all of the dresses, all of the apparel in her wardrobe, they put her in one of the only TWO outfits Terri Conn ever wore in a photo shoot with Paul Leyden. And that, well, that was just wrong. Someone in the wardrobe department needs to be smacked upside the head for that one. It really, really, really pissed me off. The other thing that bugged me was Katie's initial reaction to Bruno when she walked into the room. I mean, I like Jaime Passar (Bruno) and all, but he did not look even remotely hot enough (in my opinion) to illicit that response or anything like it. That was just annoying.

As for the scenes themselves, well, I look at it this way. Here is this guy who is charming (and he was charming), good-looking, rich! and interested in HER. Here is a guy who is hitting on her, when it's always pretty much been the other way around. He's feeding her those cheesy lines that she's probably never been fed before. She's still on this Italian kick and he's Italian and where is Simon? He's off ready to forge into battle for his beloved Lily.

Really, it's similar to her reaction to the Inspector, with a few important distinctions. One: This guy is young and charming and good-looking and Simon isn't around doing his cute, 'I'm not jealous of this old geezer flirting with my wife, but I am going to play the territorial thing so that aforementioned old geezer knows that it is my wife he is flirting with' thing. Two: This young, charming, good-looking fella is hitting on her while her hubby is off ready to lie his body down on the ground for his beloved Lily to walk over lest her feet get dirty, instead of home where he should be making love to his wife.

So, yeah Katie flirted with this guy. She danced with him, but at that point -- and she actually said so -- she was "tipsy." Katie's not much of a drinker, we've been told that on more than one occasion and all she is doing is mildly flirting and doing a little slow dance with some guy. Look at it this way, when Simon was drinking (and he IS a drinker) and he was madly in love with his beloved Lily, he did the deed with someone else. I can forgive Katie a little flirt and dance. And it must be pointed out that she did look guilty and nervous in just about every second of the time she was with Bruno.

The near kiss - once it hit her that he was actually going to kiss her, she did literally jerk away and then there was her body language and her facial expression. As stiff as a board, holding herself away from him, the look on her face ... she did NOT want this guy to kiss her. Period. Good, Katie ... very good.

The wedding ring. Ah, the wedding ring, well I stand by my initial impression when I had just heard about the scenes. Here she is with a guy who is actually (gasp!) attracted to her, flirting with her, treating her like the beautiful, fabulous woman she is and do you honestly think she wants to give that feeling up so soon? Especially when she has been ignored for so long by Simon and then when he finally does acknowledge her somewhat, he still dumps her to go run off and save his beloved Lily. I totally see where Katie is coming from. She has no idea when Simon will be back or if he'll decide that he has any time for her while he's catering to whatever Lily needs. And here is a man, a good-looking man, who likes HER, who wants HER ... she ain't getting the attention anywhere else and hasn't in a long time, so yeah, she's having a little fun, probably feeling flush from the attention, why would she want to lose it so soon?

Hmm, I guess I really am a die-hard Katie fan if I can forgive Katie for today's episode and yet still be furious with Simon for being in Malta and his actions and attitude at the airport.

JenniferH.

Read Carrie's Response

We saw a side of Craig that had been hiding for quite awhile. I feel that since he has been given a new lease on life, it made him reevaluate the way he treated others. I think he felt bad about how he treated his little sis in the past and her being away for so long made him really miss her.

We also got to see Katie's frustration with her relationship with Simon. When she rattled off the laundry list of things in the past few months for Simon and Craig told her to just stop I cheered. I think that Katie is so used to making things happen to achieve her goars, she's now learning that sometimes there isn't anything you can do and have to sit back and wait for it to come to you. I think what she has with our Aussie is so real and now, we have to wait for it to come to fruition. I also loved how Katie threw back Craig's advice right in his face about doing the same with Carly. You could tell Craig was mulling it over but he wait was just too great for him. I'm kind of glad Rose took the phone away from him because she did him a favor.

Now this show seemed like a KnS day to me rather than just a Katie day. Even though Simon wasn't there, It was great to see Katie's reaction when Craig told her how Simon was acting while she was gone. It brought back the memory of how determined Simon was to find Katie and make sure she was okay. In a world where she seemed invisible (i.e. the time she left for the island) the person who took most notice of this was Simon.

Then, when Katie came down all refreshed, she was on top of the world. I loved her cute halter top she was wearing and she looked like she was on top of the world. I smiled when she called herself "Katerina Peretti". It's as if her trip to Malta awakened a new side to her that she never really paid attention to before. Her conversation with the inspector has turned out to be a wonderful pivot point in the person Kathryn Peretti Frasier is becoming.

EJSimon

Whether I like it or not, I do believe Simon makes Lily a stronger person and I'm glad he's staying to see this thing through. I think if he had left, he somehow would've ended up resenting Katie for it anyway and then it would become just another part of their unfinished business, in my opinion.

Anyway, I think most of my problems with today's show was because I had read the spoilers and I knew what was going to happen and even though I didn't actively speculate how it would play out, I think somewhere in the back of my mind I thought it would be more like the tiffs they usually have. I thought we'd see them in the airport and on the plane and that Simon would be telling Katie all the reasons he couldn't leave Lily and Katie would be telling Simon all the reasons he could. I thought the culmination of this would be Simon putting his foot down and getting off the plane while Katie told him she may not be at home waiting for him when he was finished in Malta. Unfortunately for me, the writers just didn't see things the same way this time and I think that threw me for my first loop.

The second one came in the last two KnS scenes today, when I felt the writers could've included some dialouge on Simon's part to show he understood today may have been a difficult day for her. When I said on the recap forum that I was worried Simon had set Katie up for a fall then, I was wrong. I was the one who took the fall because in the first scene, Simon seemed to be understanding and empathetic to the day Katie must've had.

When he said he was sorry she didn't see Italy, that he was sorry for a lot of things and then initiated that kiss, I was still happy camper, but in the next scene, when the kiss ended and Katie asked what other things he was sorry for, he went right into saying he was sorry about getting off the plane. That's the part that bothered me and I think the writers could've kept me happy by adding something as simple as him knowing this whole thing had been hard for her before he told her he was staying.

All else aside, I do think some positive things came out of today's show. The main one for me being the writers showing Katie as being completely understanding during Simon's lengthy conversation with Lily. I think it went a long way towards showing her critics that she really is a mature young woman.

Siggy

Anyhow -- those who've been around the board for a while may remember that initially, I was skeptical about whether Katie really loved Simon. I mean, I was certainly rooting for them, and thought that she would eventually fall in love, but I wasn't sure she was there yet. Now, I've certainly changed my mind, but if I hadn't, yesterday's last scene would've done it for me. And I'm thinking -- if a FAN of the couple was iffy, then non-fans, well, how is this all going to appear to them?

First of all -- we have Katie eating crow, and apologizing for putting Lily in danger. Now, personally, I don't think she NEEDED to do that, but, that's something that's going to endear her to those who think she's simply selfish. Clearly, she's NOT.

Secondly -- and mostly -- I LOVED Katie talking about Simon to not-sleeping Lily. There was just something about it, I don't know, but it really left me with a "wow" feeling. Like,"Wow, look how much she loves him. And this is after he's been a full-out ass to her." Simon's a lucky, lucky guy, and he damn well better realize it soon.

Lastly -- this just struck me this morning, but they were directly comparing KnS to Lily and Holden. Fact of the matter is -- Lily and Holden are the show's long-standing couple. Every show has one -- on Guiding Light, it's Josh and Reva, on General Hospital, it's Luke and Laura, on All My Children, it's Tad and Dixie -- that couple that gets together, breaks up, marries other people, whatever -- but you KNOW that in the end, they're gonna get back together. They're the core couple of the show, and something you can expect to see when you tune in. And they have that "always" or "together forever" sentiment about them.

Now -- do I think that the show is trying to move KnS to that position? No, of course not. But when you take a couple and compare them to the show's core couple, when TPTB do that, they're saying, "Hey, look, here's this couple, they're just like our core couple whom everyone is supposed to root for!!!" I don't see how that can be a bad thing.

I don't know, maybe it's just me, maybe I'm crazy. (I take that back, I know I'm crazy.) But even with Simon being a total jerk, they're still painting big, bright pictures in the sky that say, "Hey look, this is the couple to root for!!" What's going on with the flip-flopping, I don't know, but that's another post in in of itself. But the subtle, subliminal messages, the lines here and there, the little scenes -- THOSE are what are speaking volumes to me, that's what I'm hanging on to. Hopefully, sooner rather than later, the bigger things will follow suit.

Carrie

Your love is better than ice cream
Better than anything else that I've tried ...
Your love is better than chocolate
Better than anything else that I've tried

when Katie began reciting the Simon-Inspired-Sweet-Treat-Feelings inside. And I sincerely do not believe that Simon has ever had anyone tell him about Simon-Inspired-Sweet-Treat-Feelings before due to the eyes wide disbelieving look on his face as she spoke of those feelings. Speaking of Katie's recitation, for some reason, I really, really just loved that little moment. It was just cute and sexy and soooo Katie all at the same time. Simon should be ever so grateful he has her. Really. Reallyreallyreallyreally!

Now, please tell me that I'm not the only one who got the double entendre in that line? I really think the writers intended so due to Simon's grinning "Katie!," but no one else has mentioned it, so I am. Hehehe -- gawd! I love both the overt and subtle sex-lacing in KnS scenes!

Still, he'd probably wonder about the hurt since she'd mentioned his many numerous women earlier, and has in fact casually mentioned them in the past. Now I think the reason that this comment hurt is because it wasn't a sweeping generalization, nameless, faceless women that Simon knew B.K. (before Katie).

Here was one solitary woman, Swedish -- no doubt blonde, she's getting a mental picture, a girlfriend -- not some casual fling, into handcuffs -- kinky, she's getting a personality along with the mental image ... and all of that put together created not some vague woman from his past, but put a face and an attitude on a woman who has known him in ways that she hasn't ... and that is why I believe his off-hand comment hurt her. And dang, was that sentence way, waaaaaay too long and rather badly constructed.

1.) Has he ever looked more adorable?
2.) He is sooooo far gone for her and not a pretend husband in a relationship that he doesn't want to be in if he can say that to Katie with a mock sincerity purely designed to rile her up.

I so love it!!!

And so ends my way-too-long-never-to-be-repeated commentary on a fine episode of ATWT and I couldn't even watch the last scene cuz of Lily and her shrieking. Oh well. Final thoughts -- I actually wasn't impressed with this episode from the vid files only and prior to sitting down and actually watching it on TV, because I had already read the dialogue, and whenever that ending hit, it just closed the episode (well, the KnS part) on a rather lackluster note. However, watching it again and really being able to enjoy the scenes by basically forgetting that ending and just taking each scene as it came, I was able to see that they are just as good and a wonderful extension of the Friday scenes. Still, lame finish to the scenes. But overall, these Malta-basement scenes will really rank up there with my all-time favorite KnS scenes, no doubt!!

JenniferH.

The more I thought about it and rewound my tape, Elizabeth Page's best dialogue is in the KnS scenes .... Probably my favorite, is the perfume comment -

Katie: "I've worn the same perfume since we've met."
Simon: "Really?"

This quote to me, is maybe just a bit more telling than any other piece of dialogue I have EVER heard between these two. It is a nice clear yet subtle way of showing just how heightend Simon's senses now are when it comes to Katie. Everything about her now entices him, arouses him, gets his attention, including a perfume he didn't notice when he romped with her in the backseat of a car. But now, struggling to remain sane, Katie's scent intoxicates and distracts him and Katie gently tells him that scent has always been there.

Now that is poetry spoken in less than twenty words if I ever heard it!

Sarah

Oh, absolutely. That Friday episode was essentially a compilation of lots and lots of little, little moments& and often times, those are the best eppys. Seems like when we watch, there's always a new moment that sticks out to us-in fact many KnS eps are like this-and that's wonderful. And I really think the attention to those little moments shows so much& I just can't get over how this couple's being written with so much care.

There was the fact that Simon was able to smile and delight in Katie's presence despite the situation & and delighting in her is exactly what he was doing. From her kisses to her bets, her reaction to their situation to her flirting, from her belief in shark pits in the basement of an opera house to her reaction to him & all of it brought smiles and/or softness to his face. "I'm getting to you," she told him and she's absolutely right.

Totally. I mean, hello, they're kidnapped and stuck in a dungeon in a foreign country, yet they're both in fine spirits. And it's because they're together. I mean, if you have to be stuck in a dungeon, who better to be stuck with than your spouse, LOL! And it cracks me up, constantly, how much FUN he has with her. Probably my favorite instance of this is after she proposes the three days, and he talks about her driving a hard bargain-he's SO obviously having a blast pulling her leg. It's so cute! I just adore watching him fall for her-and really, that's what every little instance is, it's him falling for her more and more and more.

When she kissed him, despite his very words - "stop, stop, stop" - he was kissing her back thoroughly. In fact, right before those words, it was Simon who was the aggressor in the kiss. And yes, he did pull away eventually, but it was because he wanted to get out of there before any further harm could come to Katie. And again, she nailed it right on the head when she said that he wanted her safe because he loved her.

Man I loved that moment. Loved it loved it. He totally didn't deny it either, just kind of avoided it. He cracks me up!

And Simon, at this point, is no longer bothering to even outright deny her declarations that he loves her. He makes the faces, he looks away, he smirks, makes a lame comment or two, but there more for show now - it's almost become a game, one which Katie doesn't appear to mind playing and Simon frankly gets a kick out of it. Perhaps it strokes his ego. For whatever reason, both know -- as Katie so clearly stated when betting for the three-day honeymoon suite stay, "Oh, come on. You want it just as much as I do. Don't pretend you don't." - that Simon wants to be with her as much as she wants to be with him.

Uh, yeah, like I just said. Way to reread the post before you start replying, Carrie& Anyhow, I do love that-for some reason, I'm normally the most anxious person ever to get couples together, but in this instance, I'm more than willing to wait. It is a game, really, I think-they both know what's really going on, but now it's "Let's pretend Simon doesn't care about Katie" and they go through the motions that they used to, but now with a smile. "Does it hurt?" "What, having you in my life? Yeah, sometimes." And it's something he would've said, six months, in all dead seriousness and cruelty-but now it's said almost lovingly, to poke fun at her, to give her a hard time. He's not serious, he knows it, and she knows it. And for what ever strange reason, they seem to be enjoying it-as am I, so you won't hear a complaint from this corner of the fanbase.

Again, she is absolutely right & as those little things show. My single favorite moment in the entire marvelous 11 minutes and 45 seconds was when he leaned in for the first time to look for the cross and paused to inhale the scent of her. And then laughing with an almost boyish tenderness, he said, "That's a really nice perfume, you know." And her gentle response that it was the same one she'd been wearing since the day he met just illuminated the difference in how Simon reacts to his wife now. Whereas he once took everything about Katie for granted and basically beneath his notice, now he is beginning to notice every little thing about her ... and it is affecting him.

Katie is definitely getting to him.

See, I totally agree with this. I'm not sure what my single favorite moment was-I don't think I could pick-but this is one of the many, many that I loved. And I have nothing else to add, LOL.

And is it ever obvious how he gets to her. True, we've all known that for sometime, but Simon's never unleashed all of his "attention" on his wife before. Thinking back to his discussion with Lily in the jail, his line about "producing that effect in women [falling madly in love with him] for a living" was rather ironic in the light of that conversation, since Katie is probably the first and only woman he has specifically NOT tried to produce that effect in. And then, no less than two days later -- finally -- we saw him actually work his mojo on the missus: the soft shoulder kisses, the direct look into her eyes with that intense, piercing gaze, the lowered, husky voice & if she was a puddle prior with his inattentive attentions, in Friday's episode she was practically steam.

Okay, I just loved you calling her the missus. LOL. Reminds me of when the jail guy called her "Senora Frasier"-I just love it when people ackowledge they're married.

Sorry, tangent.

Anyhow-I think what we have to come is a lot of Simon discovery, etc, but we *are* going to see the same from Katie. Not so obviously-Simon's learning to be willing to admit he's fallen for her is going to be much easier to detect, but, I think, as Katie sees more of this side of Simon-the side that did garner him four other wives, etc-we're going to get to see her fall for him more and more. And I can't wait.

As were no doubt most viewers - the entire atmosphere of their scenes (for the most part - the guard's fake accented "Silence! Or I'll shoot you!" was a tad bit of a groaner amidst the overall excellence) just oozed with sensuality. Especially, the moments of, uhm, Katie's unveiling; aided considerably by the pulsating music, the entire sequence was simply one of the sexiest things I've seen on daytime. The sound of the zipper coming down, the way Simon peered over her shoulder, looking down her bodice, and the silent communication as Katie merely glanced down at the strap of her dress, prompting him to remove first the left and the right strap with his teeth. Just heavenly & although, that might not be quite the best word to use in describing these scenes.

LOL! Anyhow, one of my top most favoritest (not a word, I know) moments was that glance at the shoulder-they're getting to that point that I *adore* in my couples, where they don't have to speak-this is another tangent entirely, which I won't hit, but that very first hint in the strap, where they shared a thought, was just wonderful.

Carrie

There was the fact that Simon was able to smile and delight in Katie's presence despite the situation & and delighting in her is exactly what he was doing. From her kisses to her bets, her reaction to their situation to her flirting, from her belief in shark pits in the basement of an opera house to her reaction to him & all of it brought smiles and/or softness to his face. "I'm getting to you," she told him and she's absolutely right.

When she kissed him, despite his very words - "stop, stop, stop" - he was kissing her back thoroughly. In fact, right before those words, it was Simon who was the aggressor in the kiss. And yes, he did pull away eventually, but it was because he wanted to get out of there before any further harm could come to Katie. And again, she nailed it right on the head when she said that he wanted her safe because he loved her.

And Simon, at this point, is no longer bothering to even outright deny her declarations that he loves her. He makes the faces, he looks away, he smirks, makes a lame comment or two, but there more for show now - it's almost become a game, one which Katie doesn't appear to mind playing and Simon frankly gets a kick out of it. Perhaps it strokes his ego. For whatever reason, both know -- as Katie so clearly stated when betting for the three-day honeymoon suite stay, "Oh, come on. You want it just as much as I do. Don't pretend you don't." - that Simon wants to be with her as much as she wants to be with him.

Again, she is absolutely right & as those little things show. My single favorite moment in the entire marvelous 11 minutes and 45 seconds was when he leaned in for the first time to look for the cross and paused to inhale the scent of her. And then laughing with an almost boyish tenderness, he said, "That's a really nice perfume, you know." And her gentle response that it was the same one she'd been wearing since the day he met just illuminated the difference in how Simon reacts to his wife now. Whereas he once took everything about Katie for granted and basically beneath his notice, now he is beginning to notice every little thing about her ... and it is affecting him.

Katie is definitely getting to him.

And is it ever obvious how he gets to her. True, we've all known that for sometime, but Simon's never unleashed all of his "attention" on his wife before. Thinking back to his discussion with Lily in the jail, his line about "producing that effect in women [falling madly in love with him] for a living" was rather ironic in the light of that conversation, since Katie is probably the first and only woman he has specifically NOT tried to produce that effect in. And then, no less than two days later -- finally -- we saw him actually work his mojo on the missus: the soft shoulder kisses, the direct look into her eyes with that intense, piercing gaze, the lowered, husky voice & if she was a puddle prior with his inattentive attentions, in Friday's episode she was practically steam.

As were no doubt most viewers - the entire atmosphere of their scenes (for the most part - the guard's fake accented "Silence! Or I'll shoot you!" was a tad bit of a groaner amidst the overall excellence) just oozed with sensuality. Especially, the moments of, uhm, Katie's unveiling; aided considerably by the pulsating music, the entire sequence was simply one of the sexiest things I've seen on daytime. The sound of the zipper coming down, the way Simon peered over her shoulder, looking down her bodice, and the silent communication as Katie merely glanced down at the strap of her dress, prompting him to remove first the left and the right strap with his teeth. Just heavenly & although, that might not be quite the best word to use in describing these scenes.

From beginning to end, the KnS scenes were just wonderful. And as a fan of the couple, it was so nice seeing such attention and focus given to them. Perhaps its because this is the first successful pairing that was created from scratch by Hogan Sheffer. Maybe it's because of his obvious regard for the always fabulous Terri Conn or perhaps it has nothing to do with anything behind the scenes, other than the fact that Paul Leyden and Conn simply work so well together & and their characters have found a strange, yet perfect sort of directionless direction with one another. Whatever the reason, I'm loving it - I'm loving the pairing and I'm not only hoping, but expecting more episodes featuring them of such caliber.

JenniferH.

Read Carrie's Response

Theresa

Carrie and Malynda

Yes, there were the awesome kisses, but then they went on to create a classic soap scene or scenes I should say. It's the kind of wonderful escape that should be treasured when "it" is there and IT was definitely there today. We had two characters who were stuck in a dangerous situation. The way to get out of the situation involved an unavoidably sexy scene. I loved how he had to undress her without using his hands and reach for the necklace with his mouth.

They generated a lot of heat while doing the most unromantic thing of trying to save their lives.

But, just when you think it can't get any better, we have an unexpected emotional connection. Simon questioning Katie as to why she hadn't made love to anyone before him. After all she's beautiful and intelligent, why wait to make love to a guy who's involved with someone else and about to be deported? Maybe she's scared of being close....Then right to the shoulder kisses.

What I loved most about this is it gave us some time to explore Katie's issues that she can so often hide behind her 100% positive everything will work out attitude. Then came my favorite moment when Simon told Katie that they could slow down and she professed her fear that he'd leave. To which Simon responded that she'd just follow him as she has done in the past just as Katie then pointed out that he followed her out of town as well.

Simon: I guess we're stuck with each other for a while.
Katie: Forever!!! (yeah )
Simon: (smiling) Don't press your luck.

The reason Simon's "We can slow it down" was my favorite part was because he basically stated with this sentence, that he wasn't going anywhere. Not anymore. He's admitted that to himself and to her.

Irlandesa

To the point, I do see what you're saying. See, my thing is not that Simon is upset with her, I fully expect him (and think he is right to be) furious with her ... it's HOW he is getting upset with her that bugs me. Chastising her, yelling at her (which I'm assuming may have or will come into play) not only IN FRONT of Lily, but also ALONGSIDE her is just demeaning and terrible and plain wrong.

And furthermore, to just stand by while what's her name goes off on Katie is even worse -- no matter how in the wrong Katie is, her H-U-S-B-A-N-D should not just be standing there without not only a word of defense, but also nodding along with every harsh word spoken. And frankly, nothing that Katie did deserves being thrown out on the street, and that Simon didn't say a word when what's her name threw out that little morsel just ups the Jerky-Boy quotient to extra Jerky-Boy-Extraordinaire.

Katie is his wife. She is supposedly his friend. Lily is his ex-almost-lover/whatever ... and taking such obvious sides is just wrong. It's wrong, damnit! That is what I object to here. I totally see both Simon and what's her name's point of view and see where they're coming from, especially knowing that Katie goes off on this jealous rant (ah, Katie, Katie, Katie), but it's HIS -- JBE coming to the forefront -- method of expressing that point of view that is pissing me off so.

JenniferH.

Okay, I might say something that will get me banned from this place, lol, but I have to offer up a differing view about the events that took place today.

I actully *gulp* found myself seeing Lily and Simon's point of view.

I am a Katie fan, a Terri Conn fan, and I hate to take sides in a relationship but I'd also have to say that I'm a Katie Fan First. A lot of what first attracted me to KnS is because I wanted what Katie wanted. Yes, my love for them has deepened, but when it's reasonable, I'll be protective of her. (Disclaimer over.)

That said, while Simon did have some jerky moments today, I also felt Katie played it badly.

She knew she made a mistake when she walked in and realized that the little *seduce me* scenario that our devious Katie might have played isn't what Lily was playing.

In my opinion, she should have given it up immediately and NEVER admitted that jealousy is what motivated her to get on that plane. Wouldn't scheming Katie said that she was worried about Simon instead of jealous that he was going to fall into Lily's trap again? I know Simon and Lily have a past, but she did possibly lose her son and a man she has been involved with for fifteen odd years, romance just wouldn't be on her mind. In this case I don't think honestly was her best policy. Her rantings did seem a bit out of place. It's not as if she doesn't know what's going on because she does. I'm not surprised Simon and Lily were annoyed.

However, even though Katie was kind of in the wrong, it did not excuse the two of them throwing her out. That made me mad. If it weren't for the ex-Mrs Silva woman listening at the door, Katie would have been out on the street.

I did like a few things like Katie explaining her actions to Lily and the way Simon looked Katie up and down and remarked that she couldn't go unnoticed in the streets. He didn't worry about that with Lily. :) (Okay, I took it to mean she was Katie was too sexy to ignore, LOL, even if it wasn't.)

I do think Katie will have some reason to be a little mad and I hoped she makes Simon work for her a little after this Malta story, which she will be the heroine in. I love a man chasing after a woman.

Irlandesa

Read JenniferH.'s Response.

I also loved his little tete-a-tete with Craig about Katie -- especially how he was glaring at his brother-in-law as Craig sauntered out of the room -- and that anger was swiftly directed at Lucinda once they were alone. I was worried that I would be irritated by how it was set up for Simon to agree to go to Malta, but the conversation with Lucinda was very well done and not annoying at all to this KnS fan who dreads any connection between Simon and what's her name.

Lucinda's apologies, his anger fading for the most part as he listened to her pleas worked perfectly and I liked how his immediate response to "you care about Lily" was to shut her down. I don't think he did that because he does still care about Lily so, but more because he was sick and tired of first Rose and now Lucinda always using that, because frankly, I don't think it flies anymore and it's rather demeaning that they think he has such a one-track mind and will be stuck on that same track forever and ever.

And oh my, but Lucinda's shouted, nearly strangled "Darling!" just killed me. Only Lucinda. Only Lucinda. Coupled with that was her obvious contrition and devastation over what could happen to her daughter. Elizabeth Hubbard is wonderful. Her "I would die for Lily" was just heart-breaking. How could Simon say no? I think the writers did an excellent job in showing why Simon didn't ... it made sense to me and didn't upset my little KnS heart.

I've mentioned before how great Paul Leyden's facial reactions are to situations, and he did not disappoint here. When Lucinda asked when he could leave and he knew that he would have to leave right away, the look on his face, was so completely 'damnit, I wanna go home and have sex' followed by frustration as he gave in to her unspoken plea.

Finally, I loved how Lucinda reached up for his face to kiss him, and he pulled back. I know it would have been oh so inappropriate, but still hilarious had he said, "I kissed you once, live on the memory." LOL!

Now to the KnS scenes -- be prepared, I may go on and on and on here -- these are gonna rank up there with my favorite KnS scenes for awhile.

Katie primping before the mirror was one thing, but when she knelt on the bed and did that little bump'n'grind, I just lost it. How many lead characters could get away with such a move and make it work so wonderfully? Is it redundant to comment on how Terri does so rock? And of course that was followed by her practicing a sexy pose on the bed -- reminds me of her comment to Simon once that everything she learned about being a femme fatale was from the movies.

And then Simon entered the room and the way she said, "there you are," sashayed across the room to him, so confident, so sexy and sure of herself, pulling him to her in a kiss which he responded to with abandon was just wonderful to behold. And this time, he said the "wow" in front of her, before nervously trying to tell her that he was leaving.

When she interrupted with her "I missed you so much," she sounded so happy and in love and utterly joyous that my heart just broke for her. She's pulling at his hand, pushing him onto the bed, unbuttoning his shirt all the while she's talking in a completely marital, conversational tone, again so full of that sexy confidence.

And then he said that "no," and once she realized what it meant, she just deflated. And then when he said that it wasn't about the money, but instead Lily, that confidence was just annilated completely. Her "Lily. Of course Lily. It's always Lily" contained the whole last year's worth of frustration and hurt and jealousy. And it just made me wanna cry for her all over again.

However, Simon really helped ease my feelings on the matter because throughout this whole scene, he was fumbling for words. It made it clear, I think, that he knows that he shouldn't be leaving her. Dingo Boy done feels guilty. And he should feel guilty! Still, although he did leave, it at least shows that he is finally thinking of Katie and her feelings and emotions. He really took the time and tried to choose the right words to make this easier for her.

And I was further heartened by the fact that Simon did not contradict or show any negative reaction to Katie's comment that they were going to "start our life." Made me a real happy camper. And then again with the 'wanting to have sex, damnit!' look when she said that they were going to have sex for the first time in their marriage. He paused mid-packing and grimaced as if to say, 'don't remind me. This is hard enough!' (No pun intended.)

And then just making me forget all about the JBE moniker completely (at least for this episode) was how he immediately said and looked her straight in the eye when he clarified that he was not doing this because of residual romantic feelings. Just the fact that he used the term "residual" (which means leftover, crumbs, the very little bit that's left, haha) and then denied even that was just wonderful. And glory be, I actually believed him! Still, I understand why Katie did not -- she does have history to back her up.

However, a tad bit of jerky-boy came into my conscious thought when he told her to "think about someone else for a change." He didn't say it in a mean way, his tone of voice was actually almost nice, but it was still annoying because Katie has been thinking of him and ONLY him for some time now. Bad, Simon. Bad.

Still, it was wonderful how Katie took his words to heart and immediately decided to save the day. Then it was quite amusing how once Simon realized what she intended, he repeatedly said "no, no, no." Quite, quite amusing. I found even more fun in her turning his head to kiss him and how he immediately kissed her back even in the midst of his frustration. Methinks once they start getting it on on a regular basis that Katie is going to win plenty of arguments this way.

The next scene (my favorite KnS scene ever!) started out wonderfully, continued wonderfully, ended wonderfully ... but I'm getting ahead of myself. I absolutely loved how him not wanting her to go to Malta was ALL about his concern for her, straight down the line, 100%. Good, Simon. Good. Still, Katie's response just melted him to the core, you could tell. The sincerity, the love radiating from every pore when she told him that she finally got what she wanted (him) and she didn't want to lose him was just heartbreaking. Her eyes softening, reaching for him ... how could he resist her?

And of course, really, in that instant he didn't. Simon came the closest to showing just how much he does care about her in the thirty seconds that followed. From his so-softly-spoken-you-could-barely-hear-them words, "Listen, come 'ere" as he pulled her onto his lap, through that oh so glorious, sweet and sensual kiss to his whispered, almost tortured "I can't, I can't, I can't," my breath was just held, suspended.

Again, there was the softness of his voice, the way he pulled her onto his lap, promising her confidently that he would be back in one piece as he gazed into her eyes, holding her locked there. And then that kiss ... that kiss, that kiss, that kiss. Oh my, it took him long enough, but now that he is finally allowing the physical contact in their marriage, he is more than making up for lost time. I've been drowning in the utter, beautiful physicality of these two since he said "I'll do it" in the plane, from the final airport scene on Monday, all throughout the oh, so delicious Tuesday (which is still awaiting a post from me, I know) and then in their two sweet, sweet scenes today. Just bliss.

And that kiss! Talk about a fairytale kiss delivered by Katie's own prince. It was sweet and soft and oh so romantic, and it was sexy and sensual and oh so passionate. The fingers threading through her hair (still nice and wavy/curly), the cradling of her head, the leaning into her, her arms around his neck, in his hair, the beautiful, beautiful music playing in the background ... oh, it was utterly divine.

And then Katie whispering against his lips, still caught in his kiss, a whimper and a plea lacing every word, "come back to bed, please." Oh, it was sweet and aching and oh so vulnerable at the same time. And he kept kissing her before he instead pulled away, need and want on his face, paired with obvious regret in his eyes as he looked away from her, his arms still locked about her and answered softly, "I can't, I can't, I can't." Oh, my heart was soaring at the pure beauty of the scene, while breaking at the angst.

And man, after he said that he had to catch a plane, you could just tell by the look on his face that he wanted to just stay right there with her and not leave, seeing her sadness, oh it was so bittersweet. And it was so obvious why the words 'I love you' almost came out right then and there. Also, I think that Katie might have thought he was on the verge of saying them herself judging by that quick burst of hope in her eyes. But of course, instead, he went for another sweet, swift kiss, which really, truly seemed in lieu of the words themselves here. And I think she knew that.

As he walked out, she looked so sad, so devastated, fearful for him, just not wanting him to go and needing to say the words, even if he couldn't. And he almost did again, but stopped himself, choosing some innocuous phrase. You gotta think though, if he keeps this up, pretty soon he's gonna run out of euphemisms for 'I love you.'

Finally, I loved how the music changed from that beautiful love theme to scheming Katie music as soon as he was gone. Really, Simon is quite the moron to not realize that, of course, Katie is going to follow him. And yes, loved, loved, loved how her first thought was to get a baby-sitter for Snickers. Too cute.

Oh man, I just loved this episode, loved those scenes, adore this couple!

JenniferH.

First Scene:

- This whole exchange was hilarious!

Katie: "It began in the plane when you said that four letter word."
Simon: "Now, wait, wait, wait, wait, I have been tempted, but I have never used profanity with you."

- I love Snickers! Simon welcoming the rabbit home was too funny.
- Simon, if you untie your shoelaces first, it would be easier to remove the hiking boots. The boy was having major issues removing the shoes! I was waiting for him to fall over.
- Katie remembered Henry is stuck on the island! They acknowledged it and Simon said he would call the coast guard and tell them where he is.
- The wardrobe department really does like to show off Terri Conn's midriff a lot, doesn't it?!
- Simon was so damn happy in today's show. He has really lightened up a lot. He was all smiles at Katie's antics.

Second Scene:

- Did Katie wash her hair? Didn't seem that way and lots of salt water in my hair never feels good. Oh well ...
- Our hunky boy snores? Oh dear, that's an illusion breaker. But, maybe it's just a cold, LOL.
- LOL, Katie sure knows how to wake someone up!
- Did Simon fall asleep fully-clothed on purpose, or was he waiting for Katie and doze off?
- LOL at Simon warning Katie he was tired and may not be able to do this!
- He sure woke up fast enough. He tried to swallow her with their kiss in this segment! (not that I'm complaining!)

Third scene (my favorite!):

(Simon and Katie still kissing and rolling around in the bed a bit. Simon stops and holds her face to look into her eyes.)

Simon: What do you see in me, Katie?
Katie: Have you looked in the mirror lately?
Simon:Wait. Wait. Do I shower you with gifts? Do I write you long passionate love letters? (Katie laughs a little, like "ya right!") Do I pamper you at all?
Katie: I don't need those things.
Simon: What do you need?
Katie: (clutches his face and kisses him) Simple. I need you. Hm, you said the word. I don't care how you love me. Even if its in a loosely-defined way.
(Simon pulls away and sits clutching his knees. Katie comes up and wraps her arm around his neck. Her hand can be seen lightly touching the back of his neck during the rest of the conversation. He wipes his eyes -- I swear I saw tears!)
Katie: Love is love, you know. And its not doled out in these little increments. It's... You feel it or you don't. See, that's what was wrong with all of your exes. They just didn't have the patience to wait you out.
Simon: Don't rewrite history, OK. I treated them badly.
Katie: (solemnly and kind of like chastating him, I think) Don't talk about yourself like that, OK. You're my prince.
Simon: Prince of what?
Katie: Of my dreams. (Simon looks at her -- I think, a little disbelieving). I'm young. I have time on my side. I can wait forever because I know that someday you are going to come out of this negative, moody love-doesn't-exist phase. And when you do, you're gonna fall for me like a ton of bricks.
Simon: By then, we both might be too old to do anything about it. (Simon smirks)
Katie: Well, I'll risk it. Look, I know, I know, you're a guy. You have needs. That's why you gave into me tonight. I'm not totally clueless. But, I also know someday you're gonna want me because you want ME, not because your hormones are raging. So, I'll be there waiting.
Simon: You're serious, aren't you?
Katie: I don't joke when it comes to us.
Simon: Us is just a fantasy in that tangled brain of yours.
Katie: Really? Well, this tangled brain got you to fly across the country to some pinhead island to save her. And, I know... I would bet the rest of my savings on it, that a teeny bit of you was worried that something had happened to me. Maybe Cooley had used me for shark bait or something or worse. It's true, isn't it? You were scared. You were scared that you might not get to see this face or this tangled brain again.

(Simon looks at her, like he wants to say something, I think. He gently strokes her face, brings her to him, kisses her tenderly and they fall back onto the bed. But alas, then we get Rose-interruptus!)

Fifth Scene:

- Loved Simon kissing Katie before going to answer the door and telling her he wouldn't be long!
- Yes, Katie, sic Snickers on anyone who interrupts the two of you!
- LOL at Rose barging in and saying she wanted to get the image of Katie in the negligee out of her head, so Katie flashed open her robe again!
- Yay, mature Katie pausing and offering condolences to Rose for the loss of Holden and Luke.
- Katie, you took the words out of my mouth "Again with you, Lily and this island!" and props to the writers realizing that Katie wouldn't know who the heck Damian is.
- Loved Simon looking at Katie when Rose was inferring he was afraid of being close to Lily again. Its like he wanted to see if she was handling rambling Rose okay.
- Ugh, I hate Simon/Lily, but I want Katie to make Simon fight for her for running after Lily again. Katie looked so hopeful that he wasn't going to help that I am glad I read spoilers or it would have hurt to be hopeful too!

Last Scene:

- Love lots of KnS time! We got a lot of scenes, and good ones.
- He intends to diss Lucinda and come back to Katie? That's what it looked like as he gave her a GOODBYE KISS and patted her bottom on the way out!
- Glad to see some of selfish Katie saying she felt sorry for Lily for losing her family, but not enough to let Simon go!

Oh, I so loved today because of the meaty dialogue and him realizing how much she cares.

Frances

It was when Katie said that she bet he was worried about her on the island, and then she looks at his face, and you can tell by Simon's expression that he was more than worried, especially when she said "or something worse." And she called him on it ... "you were scared, weren't you? You were scared that you were never gonna see this face or this tangled brain again?"

That was the moment. You can see the wheels turning in Simon's mind in that moment -- maybe he's not head over heels in love with her, but he does care a heck of a lot about her, she is pretty much the single most important person in his life right now and he really and truly could have lost her for good. Couple that with the fact that, as you said, she's this beautiful, smart woman who could have just about any guy and she's utterly besotted with him, warts and all.

That was why he dove back into those waters and why he was determined to keep on swimming.

JenniferH.

1. When Simon finished or stopped (I couldn't tell which) to ask Katie what she saw in him (incredible dialogue by Judith in these scenes), to ask why Katie didn't need all the showering that Lily and his other wives had needed, you could see the conflict and confusion. Simon is used to needing to worm his grungy self into women's hearts enough that they'll wear his ring. He is used to romance novel declarations of love and he hasn't been able to get a woman's attention without it. However, here is Katie, a young, bright, beautiful woman, who could find another man to make her happy, a richer man, a smarter man, a more stable man, a man that could help her reestablish her career even. And she is head over heels, to the point of blind obsession for him. He doesn't know or understand such loyalty, especially when she has seen his bad side, his love for Lily, and his uncaring side as well. It was a beautifully telling moment.

2. Katie's explanation, however, was missing something, an explanation. Yes, everything she said about waiting for Simon, wonderfully done, but I realized all the times she has told other people how she feels about Simon, and what he has done for her, she has never said to him and here was her opportunity and Judith blew it. I mean, yes, she wants a father figure, but she had that in Holden, what makes Simon different? She said it so beautifully to Henry, showed her devotion to Lucinda, stated her case to Margo, and she doesn't explain it to Simon? I mean, heck, I know why, the two are similar, they are friends, they both have wounded hearts, both like to walk on the wild side, both don't want the hypocritical brass of Oakdale judging them, etc. They work well together, there is a give and take, I could go on and on and on ... But they didn't go there. Why?

3. Hogan Sheffer de-SOARsing Katie into this childish manner, is taking a lot of the bite out of the couple IMO. Now it is like a teenager having a relentless crush and this man just falling for her because she is cute. Now I don't agree with the Simon/Lily fans who seem to think of Simon as such a mature, grown man who just is too smart and levelheaded for Katie, not when this guy is a world class gigolo who wanders around the country like a nomad, trouble following him wherever he goes. But Katie's strength, tenacity, cleverness, and mind for business have taken a beating as of late and those were all the things I knew Simon couldn't help loving about Katie, besides her positive attitude, her wild side, and her non judgmental attitude.

4. When Simon then resumed kissing Katie, I must have missed the moment, maybe a KnS fan can fill me in. Where was the moment, besides Simon realizing how deep Katie's feelings ran, that caused him to go back into "infested waters?" Not that I didn't buy Simon's affection or him being touched by Katie's devotion, but I didn't buy it to the extent that Simon would kick Rose out, and promise Katie with a kiss he would be right back after telling off Lucinda. Something happened in that room that changed everything, but I must have missed it, or Judith forgot to clearly define it.

Random thoughts - Okay, poll time, who thinks Simon and Katie's talk was after they had finished sleeping together and they were going for a second round when Rose interrupted, and who thinks Simon stopped mid foreplay to have that conversation? Me? I'm not sure, the dialogue implied the former though. I also did appreciate the Henry dialogue.

And about Rose, I'm sorry, what the heck is with Rose having Simon come and save the day for Lily over and over??? What about Jack, what about her grandfather??? Anyone, besides Simon. I'm not getting that at all. It is like the obvious choice that keeps leaping to mind for Rose and I don't get that train of thinking without her subconsciously trying to make a last ditch effort for Holden, which I know she's not. Is it all about conflict for KnS now or what?

And they dropped a HUGE ball with Katie's reaction about Holden, and I mean HUGE. When did THAT come up in conversation between her rescue and their romp in the sack?! And all Katie has to say is she is sorry, to ROSE???? Um, I don't think so. Not to mention her lack of reaction when Rose mentioned they might be alive, which unless I missed something, Simon thought was true as well. So how is it that he told Katie they were dead without mentioning there is a chance they are alive???

Sarah -- Read JenniferH.'s Response

2.) In defense of Simon, it has only been an hour or so since he stopped looking for Katie. There is also a chance he can still mention it to someone the next time he's on. I want Simon to mention his concerns for Katie too, but who could he say them to? Simon is obviously a very private person. He never told anyone about his past, not even Katie or Lily who he's closest to. So I don't think its out of character for him not to bring up Katie's disappearance.

The part that bothers me is that logically Katie is the one who he should be most concerned about. Lily, the one he cares about, is safe at home and has many people caring for her. Jake can search for Holden and Luke on his own. Simon and Margo are the only ones worried about Katie, and now they're both too preoccupied with other things to be concerned about her. Margo is more entitled to let it go than Simon is. I hope she has another talk with him about where his priorities should be if she finds out about the explosion investigation.

Starlight

However, I have two problems with today's episode -- one minor and one extremely immense.

1.) A little scene, wouldn't take more than a few lines of dialogue, truly should have occurred between Simon and Jake wherein they actually discuss that they are going to do some investigating on their own. I know it seems a small quibble, but we go from them exchanging ideas at the Snyder Farm to suddenly developing strategies at the Lakeview. Transition IS a good thing.

2.) Today it was as if the Simon from the last couple of episodes didn't even exist in terms of his wife's disappearance. It was as if Katie was not missing, as if Simon had not spent the last couple of days tracking people down, going through papers, making phone calls, etc. One word to Jake about the situation with Katie -- even a not so loving, un-husband-like comment such as: "my wife has gone missing, but knowing her, it's probably nothing and this is more important. It can wait."

Would that have been annoying as heck? Absolutely. Still, would it have fit both the truth of Simon AND Katie? You betcha. Without its inclusion (or something similiar) does it not seem as if it was a completely different character looking for his wife the last couple of days? Darn tootin'. And this bothers me ... a lot, because it is very, very poor writing and weaving of storylines together.

The original spoiler said that Simon looks into Holden and Luke's death because it's how he is supposed to get the money from Rose in order to rescue Katie. That way, both stories, investigations, are understandably, realistically woven together without seriously damaging the credibility or believability of either one while still maintaining logic in character and story. However, this ... Simon not even acknowledging that an hour ago he was investigating a completely different, unrelated mystery involving (as he is so quick to remind us this days) his wife.

Again, this bothers me -- it really, really bothers me. I expect better of Hogan and his team. Much, much better. It's going to take some fancy footwork and a lot of explaining to make up for this one and I honestly do not know if they can (or even will attempt to) do it.

Personally, I would like for Katie to find out that Simon just stopped looking for her to run to Lily's side and have her basically shut him down, walk away from him, give him the cold shoulder and absolutely mean it ... and make him feel like the biggest, lowest louse on the planet. It's certainly how I'm seeing him right now.

I don't know, maybe TPTB don't see it that way. Perhaps, they figure that the audience will decide that Katie's just a peripheral, comic-relief, bad girl and no one really cares if the only person who occasionally gives a damn about her completely forgets her existence because after all the show's heroine and reigning queen needs every single person on the canvas at her beck and call. Therefore, it shouldn't make Simon look bad, but instead just make him another one of Lily's supporters. Well, obviously, this viewer doesn't see it that way. When I read the spoilers, I was afraid that this situation would make Simon look bad and it is already.

Understand, I'm not damning Simon for rushing to Lily's side. It is in character. It makes sense. I am not upset that he seemed to forget all about Katie and her disappearance when he found out about Lily's pain. I KNOW that he loves her and would naturally want to be there for her. Again, it is completely in character. My problem is with the fact that it is suddenly as if the entire purpose of Simon on the show the last couple of days didn't happen. My frustration is with the fact that it is as if Katie is not missing and that Simon wasn't just trying to track her down. It is as if it has all been forgotten.

Bad storytelling that has nothing to do with Simon still loving Lily, but rather makes Simon look like a thoughtless jerk. Yes, he loves Lily, yes, he doesn't love Katie (yet, damnit!), but he does care about Katie and she is missing and he was looking for her and now because Lily has a problem in her life it's as if Katie simply does not exist. For all he knows, Katie could be dead right now, dying somewhere, any worse-case scenario. He knows how crazy she is about him and that she would not leave him for an extended amount of time (especially with the knowledge that he is leaving soon), therefore SOMETHING must be wrong and yet, it's like that is not even part of the equation anymore.

I can not stress enough how much this bugs me!

JenniferH. -- Read Starlight's Response

As well, I don't know WHAT was going on with Henry and Katie. More correctly Henry - Katie was fine, she was Katie, and for that matter she had a moment in which I was more convinced of her love for Simon than I ever have been before. I wish I could remember what moment that was; I guess I'll figure it out on rewatch. But Henry? Not only was he looking at her quite oddly when she was asking him if he'd ever been in love, but I swear there was some time-when Katie was sitting on the log, and he was kneeling in front of her-that I thought he was going to kiss her! Ick! I actually had to bury my head in the pillow that was on my lap, LOL.

Now, before I defeat my own purpose, let me add that there ARE scenes in which the "mixed signals" bit can be effective. Perfect example? The Safari Sam kiss. Simon was all, "Oh, no, not affecting me at allllllll," but we KNEW it had. And, of course, they showed us the outside-the-door "Wow," to make sure that it was clear.

But in today's episode, that wasn't the case. I got Simon-Katie vibes, absolutely, but I also got Henry-Katie and Simon-Lily vibes. And that disturbs me, only because up until this point, there's been a steady progression from solid Simon-Lily, to having that taper off to a great degree, and slowly increasing the Simon-Katie vibes. The Henry-Katie vibes came out of nowhere-I mean, he barely reacted when he saw her naked!!! And now we're supposed to believe that he's in love with her? Geesh, that's even more sudden than Leo falling in love with Laura over on All My Children -- and that's saying something.

I don't know what to make of this. The only explanations I can come up with are change in storyline direction, or sloppiness. If it's the former, I'm truly puzzled-as recently as ten days ago, Hogan Sheffer seemed gung-ho for Simon and Katie. And if it's the latter? I'm truly disturbed, because if Sheffer either handed the story off to someone else, or is writing this sloppily on his own, then he clearly doesn't care as much for Simon and Katie-and particularly the character of Katie (although her "message" was held intact yesterday)-as we'd like to think, and as he needs to for this duo to become a successful pairing.

Am I just overreacting here? I've been known to do this, but I do feel pretty laid-back about this couple, I mean, I've been just barely angry at Simon (unlike SOME people :P, who would like to have his head!) But, at the same time, I truly didn't like not being able to instinctively feel the direction of the story. That to me heralds something we should ALL be worried about, because unclear direction onscreen means unclear direction in the minds of the writers, which means more sloppiness to come.

Carrie

This was something that Simon actually acknowledged to Rose not to long ago -- Katie's realization of that fact. And because of her insight, it allowed her to see past Lily's "passionate pitstop" with Simon to what could be there afterwards. She saw their friendship, who he was around her, how he treated her when he barely knew her, their backseat boffing and mixed it altogether to create a possible future in her mind for them. And that dreamt future is beginning to grow into fruition with each passing day.

What's that saying? Pride goeth before a fall ... in this case, he's falling into love.

JenniferH.

Okay, I'm just gonna jot down some random thoughts, just whatever pops into my head from two viewings ...

And I like that. I like that she is completely open and unfettered about her feelings with him. It's such a refreshing change for daytime. And to be honest, although it's on the other end of the spectrum, he's pretty open too. For a marriage that isn't real -- these two have one of the most trusting marriages on daytime.

It was nice how he genuinely does seem to want her to not have it so bad for him simply because he believes that she deserves better. Another sign that he genuinely likes her. Going back a bit to the whole Silly thing -- apt nickname in my book -- while I didn't watch it, I know a bit about it, including the fact that they didn't like each other or trust each other for some time. Compare that to Katie and Simon: They hit it off from almost the beginning and except for the whole pregnancy thing -- haven't gotten to the denouement there in the transcripts -- have been pretty much honest and straightforward with one another.

And they also LIKE each other. And that is such a rare, but wonderful thing in soaps.

Now, I don't say that Lily doesn't love the men she claims to love. She absolutely loves Holden. And she absolutely loved Damian and she loved Simon, but it never seems to be enough for her, does it? Well, that's not true. Damian and Luke seemed enough for her before he "died." But now, she still seems always to be searching for something more. What, I have no clue -- if any one had everything in life, it's Lily.

I think so.

JenniferH.

Setting the stage: Katie was aware that things were over ("again!" - echoing Henry) between Simon and Lily and was doing her best to be a comforting wife. Walking in on him playing the guitar - which I stupidly, stupidly, stupidly accidentally taped over the first couple of seconds of - she began with gentle comments, compliments, you know the usual, the way Katie treats Simon. And in turn, Simon treated her the way he normally does - doing his best to convince her to not care and just forget him.

Her response: "Ever since we kissed, forgetting you was not an option, and when we made love & Simon, face it, every day I just love you more."

His response: A heavy sigh, eyes closed in frustration and a quick shake of head in exasperation.

Yeah, typical Katie and Simon (okay, I get the typical from the transcripts I've been reading left and right, not my extensive viewing {{sigh}}). When the scene returned, that's when the good stuff really started. He was saying how he couldn't work for her dirtbag of a brother - which was saying something as he was hardly a saint himself - and that he would be quitting soon, if Craig didn't fire him. Immediately, Katie jumped to the defense & of Simon, completely ignoring the insult to Craig.

Which Simon pointed out in disbelief - you know, you gotta think this guy has never really had anyone go to bat for him, right? Anyway, Katie calmly replied that Simon was her husband and she liked him more than Craig anyway. Walking into the bedroom, he continued trying to convince her that he was lousy for her, she shouldn't want him to stay. Naturally, it all went in one ear and out the other.

This is Katie we're talking about.

Then came the first sweet, sweet moment. He looked at her and said seriously, "you do know how beautiful you are?" And she just kinda gazed at him and he was like, "you are. You're beautiful and you're brilliant (and I'm sure he was thinking of her rather ingenious way of working situations - see, they're perfect for each other. They soooo understand one another.) and you deserve so much more, blah, blah, blah." Naturally, Katie pretty much stopped listening after he told her oh so sincerely that she was beautiful and brilliant - what girl wouldn't? Especially when coming from a guy who looks like that??

Back to responses, again, she ignored his words of warning about the big bad that was Simon Frasier. In turn, he threw his hands in the air and walked out in frustration. You know, frankly, I think the guy just needs to get laid. And we all know who's willing. And ready. And legally his. Anyhoo, I thought that would be their last scene, but noooo - I got me a treat!

Goodie #1 - Simon. Shirtless. Sigh.

Goodie #2 - Did I mention that Simon wasn't wearing a shirt?

Goodie #3 - Katie was so sweet, being all hesitant and trying not to upset him because she knew he was upset about Lily - who I officially now have a reason for disliking. I'm really mad at her about that whole honeymoon thing. Whether Lily likes Katie or not, whether Katie married him for her own selfish reasons, the bottom line is that had the INS agents (who have disappeared I've heard) caught Lily on Simon and Katie's honeymoon - Lily would have lost just another fawning supplicant. Katie would have gone to jail. Harrumph!

Anyway, Katie was being all sweet, Simon was being a bit sharp and then Katie just laid it out. She knew that he was trying to keep her from being hurt like he had been by Lily, but it was too late for her. She already loved him. And you know, I think she really does. Not LOVE love, but she loves him and is falling in love with him. He honestly treats her better than anyone else in Oakdale (which doesn't say much.), has been there for her emotionally (sometimes), defends her (even when she's not there - I will forever love the fact that he defended her to Lily on more than one occasion & gotta love the transcripts!) and he gives her a half-way decent goal to fight for & something that Katie needs. I think she always needs to have a purpose of some sort.

Goodie #4 - So, she says she loves him and then says quietly, "I'm not coming onto you, but would you mind if I held you in my arms?" She then goes onto say that sometimes it just helps when you feel sad, even if you're not in the arms of the person you love. And he asks, "who are we trying to make feel better?" With a smile, she responded, "take your pick." And then he said yeah, and he laid down in her lap, while she rested against the headboard. So technically he wasn't in her arms, but it was pretty close as she laid one hand on his bare back, the other stroking the back of his hair.

"You know, you're an odd duck, Katie," he said, looking more at peace than he has since I've been watching and she said softly, "birds of a feather," before telling him that everything would be all right. And he probably didn't believe her, but it was a nice moment that they both enjoyed and just another step in the growing bond between them.

Goodie #5 - It never hurts to acknowledge once again the happiness that is a bare-chested Simon.

Sigh. I really, really like Katie and Simon.

Sigh.

JenniferH.

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