JULY 2, 1973 (EP. #2275)
Dennis talked to Linda about feeling more at home in the hospital because he gets many visitors and made friends with some of the other children. Dennis reflected that he was lonely in New York because his parents were out of town frequently and Louise seemed to prefer talking to her plants instead of Dennis. Russ promised Zack that he would rearrange his schedule so that he could have a consultation with Fred Carter's parents on their son's health. Russ impressed upon Eliot that he and Iris should spend more time with Dennis because he may become discouraged due to the extensive treatment he was about to start. Eliot swore that he would work on his column in Bay City for Dennis's sake, despite his editor's objections. Iris speculated to a concerned Louise that Eliot may reconsider entertaining people like Alice once he discovers that they are staying in the same wing of the Bayview Hotel. Louise took notes as Iris laid out plans to host a cocktail party at her suite. Iris learned that Eliot had flown into Bay City this morning. Lenore admitted to Robert that she wished Steve and Rachel's wedding was not taking place although Alice thought it best for Jamie to consent to divorcing Steve, but Alice was too proud to admit that she was deeply hurt by the divorce and the impending nuptials. Robert opined to Lenore that Steve loved Rachel, but Lenore maintained that Jamie was the most important person in the world to him. Lenore got defensive when Robert groused that she was evasive about making commitments and expected him to be a part-time father to Wally. Lenore angrily told Robert not to cut his attendance short at Steve and Rachel's champagne celebration for her benefit before she stormed out of the office. Louise dodged talking to Eliot about Iris's decision to take a suite at the Bayview Hotel. Eliot warned Iris not to interfere in his personal life. Eliot and Iris squared off over his wishes to obtain a divorce from her. Iris told Louise that she planned to attend Rachel's wedding because she would be a valuable ally in stopping Eliot from making a fool of himself by pursuing Alice romantically.
Iris: "I'm going to tell you something. No matter how close you become to Alice, you'll never be free to marry her."
Eliot: "We'll see about that."
Iris: "Why don't we discuss it right now? Let's have lunch? I have a reservation downstairs."
Eliot: "If we ever get to the point of discussing my freedom, it won't be over a lunch table, I assure you..."
Iris: "Well, wherever it is, Eliot, I don't think you can change the realities of the situation, no matter how much you'd like to."
Eliot: "I'll certainly do my damnest, Iris, you can count on that." (HE GOES OUT QUICKLY AND IRIS SMILES AFTER HIM)
JULY 3, 1973 (EP. #2276)
Rachel ruefully confided to Janice that she had pre-wedding jitters over marrying Steve because of the many errors she has made in the past. Janice tried to soothe Rachel's concerns by stressing that it meant so much to Steve that she and Jamie would openly be part of his life and that marrying Alice was a mistake. Alice burst into tears as she reminisced with Pat about getting married to Steve in the house that he had built for her. Pat maintained that the past could not be changed when Alice lamented that she should have let Rachel have Steve because he had fathered her baby, that Steve had lied to her repeatedly, and that her dreams in life would go unfulfilled. Pat urged Alice to cope with her sorrow and to be optimistic that things would work out for her in the future. Robert assured Steve that he, Lenore, and Janice would take care of everything at the office and encouraged Steve to concentrate on enjoying his honeymoon with Rachel. Robert discussed the wedding ceremony with Reverend Fuller. Steve sunk down onto a sofa and stared into space after he complimented Jamie's appearance and exchanged pleasantries with Ada. Gerald surprised Rachel by arriving for the wedding and humbly accepted Rachel's gratitude for making her wedding to Steve possible. Ada reluctantly complied to Rachel's request that she and Gerald would not get into any arguments on her special day. Rachel happily accepted Gerald's offer to escort her down the aisle to Steve. Robert introduced Iris to Gerald, Gil, Ada, and Jamie. As Reverend Fuller officiated Steve and Rachel's wedding, Alice chose to brood alone instead of assisting Pat and Lenore with waking up the twins from their nap. Steve joked to the wedding guests that all of the toasts were preventing him, Rachel, and Jamie from heading to the airport to fly to St. Croix to start their honeymoon. Gerald remarked to Janice that Rachel seemed to be the only person who was pleased by his attendance at the wedding. Iris convinced Robert to contact Lenore from her suite after inviting him and Janice to continue celebrating Steve and Rachel's nuptials at her place.
(ROBERT GOES TO THE LIVING ROOM, AND COMES OUT WITH STEVE, WHO TAKES HIS PLACE IN FRONT OF THE ALTAR, WHERE REVEREND FULLER IS STANDING. THE ORGANIST BEGINS THE WEDDING MARCH AND AFTER A MOMENT, JANICE ENTERS, FOLLOWED BY RACHEL, WHO IS HOLDING ON TO GERALD'S ARM. THEY REACH THE ALTAR, AND GERALD STEPS TO ONE SIDE. ROBERT MOVES AWAY SLIGHTLY FROM STEVE, AND THE MINISTER BEGINS THE SERVICE. THROUGHOUT THIS, THE CAMERA MOVES FROM ADA AND GIL TO JANICE, TO IRIS, TO GERALD, AND BACK TO THE BRIDAL COUPLE).
Fuller: "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together today, to join in matrimony Steven and Rachel..."
[...]
Fuller: "For as much as Steve and Rachel have promised to be faithful and true [to] each other and have witnessed the same before God and this company by giving and receiving a ring, and by joining hands, now therefore in accordance with the laws of God and this state, I pronounce them husband and wife. Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder. You may kiss the bride now Mr. Frame..."
Production Notes: The wedding scenes were taped on May 31, 1973, during the dress rehearsal and on a special schedule. The same tape operators were used for the segments recording and playback.
JULY 4, 1973 (EP. #2277)
Jim advised Mary to call Ada and ask whether or not Steve and Rachel had decided against living in the house because Mary was worried about Alice's reaction to such a decision. Gil opined to a pessimistic Ada that she should be cheerful on Rachel's special day because Jamie had gained the family that Ada had always wanted for him. Gil admitted to Ada that he kept quiet about Rachel's phone conversation with Gerald because Rachel sensed correctly that Ada would suspect that he had ulterior motives for coming to the wedding and Gil did not want Ada to be upset during the ceremony. Ada surmised to Gil that Gerald had found a good reason to attend and recalled that Rachel had credited Gerald for making her nuptials to Steve possible. Ada confirmed for Mary that Steve and Rachel had not changed their minds about living in the house. Jim stressed that Steve and Rachel's decision must be accepted when Mary denounced them for being spiteful to Alice. Mary reminded Jim that Alice divorced Steve for Jamie's benefit. Eliot kept Jim and Mary company until Alice arrived home. Robert and Janice told Iris that Steve commissioned Robert to build a house for Alice while she was in Europe, despite the fact that Steve was uncertain whether or not she would return to Bay City. Iris downplayed Eliot's interest in Alice by contending to Robert and Janice that he often got infatuated with the women he hired to take care of Dennis. Helen failed to convince Lenore to return Robert's call. Iris expressed admiration towards Janice for having the scruples not to interfere in Robert and Lenore's romance. Janice carped to Iris that Lenore constantly sides with Alice and chose to decline Steve's invitation to the wedding. Lenore brusquely told Robert to enjoy Iris's party and abruptly hung up the phone on him. Helen advised Lenore to clear the air with Janice and not to hedge on committing to Robert since he was an attractive, eligible bachelor. Alice greeted Lenore and introduced Eliot to Helen and Wally. Lenore decided against leaving a phone message for Robert upon learning from Louise that he and Janice had gone out to dinner with Iris.
JULY 5, 1973 (EP. #2278)
Lenore maintained an apathetic attitude as Janice described Steve and Rachel's wedding and was surprised to hear that Iris and Rachel liked each other very much. Janice told Lenore that she, Iris, and Robert talked for hours while going out to dinner and speculated that Lenore would have enjoyed herself had she joined them. Pat was displeased when Janice casually mentioned that Steve and Rachel took Jamie with them on their honeymoon and would be staying at their house in St. Croix. Lenore sheepishly admitted to Pat that she was annoyed because Robert went to a party with Janice at Iris's suite and berated herself for foolishly rejecting Robert's invitation to join them. Pat made excuses so that Lenore would be free to have lunch with Robert. Pat chastised Lenore for being jealous of Janice and ascertained that Lenore should accept that Robert was solely interested in her. Linda was pleased by Dennis's excitement when Zack gifted him a marble veil angel fish. Zack suggested that Dennis attend his softball team's games once his condition improves so that he could spend more time outdoors. Dennis got confused when Iris mentioned that she attended the wedding of Alice's ex-husband and the mother of his biological son. Iris told Dennis that she would like Dennis to meet Steve, Rachel, and Jamie so that they could become friends. Zack tried to ease Linda's worries towards him joining the police force as a detective because she was reminded that Dick Nolan was killed while on duty. Linda fretted to Zack that Dennis gets upset when Eliot and Iris get into one of their many disagreements. Pat bade a hasty retreat after Iris mentioned throwing a party to continue the celebration over Steve and Rachel's nuptials. Iris was immediately contrite once Dennis explained Pat and Alice's connections to Steve and Rachel. Robert accused Lenore of inventing ways to put walls between them and becoming evasive each time that Robert wished to discuss their future together. Lenore confessed to Robert that she could not risk allowing her faith to be shattered again and that she needed more time to trust herself.
JULY 6, 1973 (EP. #2279)
Russ informed Dennis that he was keeping a record of his heartbeat and pulse rates because Dennis feared that Russ and Linda were being secretive about his condition. Dennis told Eliot that Pat got upset that Iris had hosted a party for Robert and Janice after Steve and Rachel's wedding ceremony, that Iris befriended Rachel, and surmised that Pat did not share Iris's feelings towards her. Eliot accused Iris of having ulterior motives for befriending Steve and Rachel, telling Pat about the wedding, and inviting Robert and Janice to a party to cause trouble between him and Lenore, which caused Dennis to become distraught. Russ interrupted Eliot and Iris's fight and ordered them to attend a conference with him. Russ tried to console Dennis, who blamed his illness for instigating Eliot and Iris's fights and wished that he had never been born. Gil teased Ada for spoiling him. Ada told Gil that she intended to question Rachel about her assertion that Gerald made it possible for her and Steve to get married once she returns from her honeymoon. Gil concluded that certain people were incapable of accepting the responsibility for children as Ada reflected that Gerald abandoned her and Rachel, that he was a bad influence on her, and that Ada would never walk out on Rachel despite their many disagreements. Gil promised Ada that he would get in touch with Tim and attempt to mend fences when he ascertained that the time was right. Russ demanded that Eliot and Iris quit behaving irresponsibly in front of Dennis because he blames himself for causing their arguments. Iris acquiesced to Russ and Eliot's request that a nurse be present during their visits with Dennis. Eliot mused to Russ and Iris that he must make changes in his life because his estrangement from Iris hurts Dennis. Russ adamantly refused to discuss Eliot's interest in Alice with Iris and suggested that she curb her preoccupation with other people's problems. Iris praised Russ for being strong-minded and assertive. Iris told Louise that Eliot was becoming protective towards the Matthews family and their friends and made plans to seek "expert advice" in New York.
Ada: "...Sit down, let me give you some coffee and cake."
Gil: "Stop tempting me. I've gained twelve pounds in the last four months."
Ada: "I just made it."
Gil: (SITTING) "You're spoiling me."
Ada: "Why shouldn't you be spoiled?"
Gil: "I want to do things for you. You're a terrible woman, you know that."
Ada: "I know that."
Gil: "You know I'm weak-willed. Why do you tempt me?"
Ada: "It's good. It should be."
Gil: "I'll need another wardrobe if you keep on like this."
JULY 9, 1973 (EP. #2280)
Louise informed a suspicious Eliot that Iris flew to New York to close her apartment and to have her belongings sent to Bay City instead of Louise doing it. Eliot stressed that Louise had agreed to come to Bay City to dig into Alice's background to justify his warnings against encouraging Iris to interfere in his life. Gil told John that his son, Tim, finished law school recently and was seeking employment at a firm in Seattle, but lamented that Tim would not speak candidly with him unless Gil had a proposition to offer to him. John promised Gil that he would set aside some time to give Tim legal advice once Gil had persuaded Tim into coming to Bay City. Eliot felt awkward as Gil recalled that he had met Iris at Steve and Rachel's wedding and had met Louise while she was posing as Dorothy Shaw. John advised Eliot that his more relaxed conditions towards Iris's visits with Dennis might undermine the separation agreement reached by the court. Eliot told John that he could not obtain a divorce from Iris without ruining his career. John asked Eliot to provide the necessary legal documents so that he could study the separation and his contract with Mac. John told Pat that he was giving legal advice to Eliot. Lenore told Robert that the collapse of Steve's marriage to Alice and hasty marriage to Rachel did not give her much faith in the institution. Robert asserted to Lenore that she must trust him and be open to marriage. Pat bitterly concluded to Robert, John, and Lenore that Rachel achieved her goals, but conceded that it was best for Jamie that his parents got married. Robert told John, Pat, and Lenore that Gerald attended Rachel's wedding and disappeared shortly after the ceremony. Pat joked to Eliot that she had an ulterior motive for inviting him to dinner because of his importance in Alice's life. Eliot told John, Robert, Lenore, and Pat that Dennis relies heavily on Alice's company at the hospital. Russ was troubled to learn from Eliot that Iris abruptly went to New York to handle a personal matter without telling him or Eliot. Eliot expressed gratitude to Russ for forcing him and Iris to modify their behavior for the sake of Dennis's health.
Notes: Gil mentions that Tim was the youngest of his two sons, that Tim had left home at the age of seventeen and put himself through law school because he refused to accept any money from Gil. Eliot's editor in New York is named Whitney. Alice's favorite restaurant in New York was called "Marcel's."
JULY 10, 1973 (EP. #2281)
Alice told Mary that she was seeing Eliot to alleviate his loneliness in Bay City and that they could be nothing more than friends as long as he remained married. Louise explained to Alice that Iris went to New York unexpectedly on a matter that required her immediate attention. Alice was resolute in following Russ's instructions that Dennis's visitors were accompanied by a hospital staff member because Dennis was going through complicated treatment, despite Louise's protests. Louise made Alice feel awkward as she recalled that Eliot and Iris were happy and could not stand to be apart when Dennis was first born and Louise had started working for the family. Alice politely refused Louise's request to convince Eliot that he and Iris should act cordial towards each other for Dennis' sake since Russ had already talked to them about it. Alice took Louise to Dennis's hospital room to give him the presents that Iris had shipped from New York. Dennis showed Louise the fish that Zack had bought for his fish tank. Louise informed Dennis that Iris needed to close her apartment and handle some other matters in New York since she planned to spend the summer in Bay City with him. Dennis and Louise bemoaned that Eliot and Alice could not reconcile so that the four of them could be together again. Alice temporarily left Louise alone with Dennis so that she and Eliot could talk privately in the corridor. Eliot expressed regret to Alice that he had allowed Iris to provoke him into losing his temper in front of Dennis. Gil was delighted that Ada approved of Steve and Jamie bonding in St. Croix. Gil hinted to Ada that he could persuade Tim into coming to Bay City for a special occasion and proposed marriage to her. Ada convinced Gil that she could not accept his marriage proposal until she was certain that Rachel was happy with Steve. Eliot opined to Alice that Iris does not have friends because she exploits people and wants to keep them from being together. Alice requested that they progress slowly in response to Eliot's willingness to risk his career on the condition that he could count on Alice to take the next step with him in their relationship.
Ada: "Oh, Gil...I've burned the pie I was making for your dessert."
Gil: "Won't hurt me to skip dessert."
Ada: (LAUGHING) "The first pie I've burned in ten years, and it's all your fault!"
Gil: (TAKING HER IN HIS ARMS) "You'll have lots of chances to make more pies."
JULY 11, 1973: Pre-empted due to Watergate Hearings.
JULY 12, 1973 (EP. #2282)
Lenore asked an apprehensive Janice out to lunch so that they could work out their attitudes towards each other and the unspoken differences between them. Mary fretted to Pat that Alice spends most of her time at the hospital, keeps to herself, and does not openly express any lingering feelings she might have towards Steve and Rachel's wedding. Pat told Mary that Eliot and Iris have been legally separated for years, but remain married because of Dennis's health. Pat contended to Mary that it was a rather impulsive whim for Iris to invite Robert and Janice to a party after Steve and Rachel's reception, despite that Lenore was dating Robert. Lenore confessed to Janice that Steve and Rachel's wedding was not her concern, that she had hoped that Alice would not be hurt by the situation, and acknowledged that Janice was in a difficult position because Steve was Janice's brother. Janice defended her friendship with Rachel and was incredulous when Lenore doubted her claims that Eliot and Alice were having an affair. Lenore tried to appease Janice by proposing that she and Robert keep their relationship impersonal at the office and dissembled acceptance once Janice proclaimed that she would fight Lenore for Robert's affection. Janice seethed when Lenore accused her of creating opportunities to be alone with Robert, prompting Lenore to cut their luncheon short. Gil told Robert that Ada was upset that Gerald returned to Bay City and started interfering in Rachel's life after being absent for many years. Robert informed Gil that he did not have a chance to ask Gerald about his cryptic remarks to Rachel before the ceremony. Janice told Robert that Lenore's intentions for them to have a friendly lunch together were unsuccessful. Pat noticed hostility between Lenore and Janice when she came to visit Robert and Lenore at the office. Lenore hypothesized to Pat that Rachel was giving Janice lessons on pursuing Robert. Ada told Gil that she did not share Robert's opinion that Gerald was harmless. Gil felt that Ada was stirring up trouble by wanting to confront Gerald in San Francisco about his conversation with Rachel.
Lenore: "Janice, have you ever been in love?"
Janice: "Well, not exactly."
Lenore: "Not ever?"
Janice: "Lenore, I've spent most of my life working hard just to make sure I've had a place to live and enough to eat..."
Lenore: "I know that."
Janice: "You think you know, but you don't..."
Lenore: "You mean you've never had time to be in love."
Janice: "No, it's more than that. I've seen what love does to people and I'm not willing to take a chance on it."
JULY 13, 1973 (EP. #2283)
Alice told Eliot that Iris had not visited Dennis when he presumed that she had returned to Bay City after closing her apartment in New York. John arranged a conference with Eliot to discuss his publishing contract with Mac. Alice agreed to dine with Eliot in his hotel suite so that they could talk privately, despite having reservations about being there alone with him. Jim understood when Alice declined his and Mary's dinner invitation because she had made plans with Eliot. Alice told Jim that Eliot was meeting with John to discuss the possibility of breaking his contract with Mac to relieve Eliot from obligations to his father-in-law. Eliot was discouraged when John revealed that there were no loopholes in the contract and that he would face unemployment for five years should Eliot attempt to breach it. John cautioned Eliot against provoking Mac to fire him until he had a chance to review the document further and to study precedents to give him ideas on legal strategies. Eliot told John that he suspects that Iris secretly went to New York to consult with Mac on his wishes to obtain a divorce since Iris would not normally handle such things as closing an apartment on her own. John grew pensive as Eliot hinted that he had plans for the future that did not involve Iris or Mac. Ada groused to Gil that Rachel may become dissatisfied with life, get ideas about going to Europe, and yearn to move in affluent social circles by getting to know people like Iris. Gil disagreed with Ada's suspicions that Steve married Rachel so that he could provide a home for Jamie. Ada theorized to Gil that Gerald set it up so that Rachel could take Steve away from Alice, but Gil maintained that Steve and Rachel started seeing each other after Alice left him and that Ada should let Rachel live her own life. Ada told Gil that she would attempt to extract the truth from Rachel before talking to Sam about Gerald. Eliot urged Louise to continue visiting Dennis despite the differences between Eliot and Louise. Louise overheard Eliot tell Alice that he cannot continue to be tied to Iris and Mac despite that Alice warned Eliot that he would be miserable without his career.
Notes: An Office Memorandum dated June 11, 1973, from Dorothy Purser to Paul Rauch, Mary S. Bonner, Vickie Ramirez, and Sherry Lynn stated, "James Staley and Mark Lamos are confirmed for the On-Camera audition for Another World (for the role of Tim McGowan) on June 14. They will meet here at the Agency for the car pick-up at 3:00 so that they arrive at the Studio by 3:45 for makeup." According to the script, Rose Perrini's husband's name was originally named Louis.
JULY 16, 1973: Pre-empted due to Watergate Hearings.
JULY 17, 1973 (EP. #2284)
Jim and Mary teased each other for postponing their plans to take vacations over the years because Jim rarely took time off at the office and Mary would find reasons to stay home at the last moment, though Alice felt it was a step in the right direction that Jim brought home various travel folders for Mary to read. Jim echoed Alice's contentions that she did not do anything shameful by having dinner with Eliot in his hotel suite to ease Mary's fears that he was still married to Iris and other people might spread gossip about them. Alice told Mary that she was thinking about her plans once Dennis's health improved and stated that she was living day to day. Alice divulged the details of Eliot's meeting with John to Mary, who deemed it odd that Iris would hold onto a man who does not love her and spent a lot of time at the Carrington residence in New York because of Dennis even though she and Eliot are legally separated. Mary told Alice that she could not stand to watch her be humiliated by Steve and Rachel because of their decision to live at the house, but Alice reasoned that no one could force them to change their minds and that it was pointless to be upset about it. Zack told Gil that he would like to attend night classes at the Police Academy so that he could continue mentoring the local youths. Gil decided to take Ada out to have lunch in the country. Alice failed to quell Russ's concerns that Iris had not contacted Dennis for days by emphasizing that she sent presents in lieu of visiting him and was prone to acting impulsively. Russ impressed upon Alice that Eliot and Iris must put aside their differences because Dennis was moving towards a critical phase of his treatment. Alice disagreed with Russ's suspicions that Iris was jealous of her and insisted that she could never care for Eliot until he was free to return her feelings for him. Mary opined that Ada should not let her concerns for Rachel impede her from accepting Gil's marriage proposal. Ada tried to justify Steve and Rachel's reasons for living in the house once they return from their honeymoon. Mary theorized to Ada that Steve and Rachel may suffer for making Alice miserable.
JULY 18, 1973 (EP. #2285)
Dennis was thrilled and anxious to see Iris, who was slightly miffed when Dennis stated over the phone that he did not want to return to New York because he had made a lot of friends in Bay City. Iris encouraged Louise to deliver presents that Mac had bought for Dennis personally and griped that the boy was becoming too fond of Alice and her friends. Louise agreed to postpone telling Iris about Eliot and Alice's intimate dinner in his hotel suite. Linda reminded Iris that Russ did not want Dennis left alone with any visitors. Iris reassured Dennis that she was staying in Bay City because he was more important than attending dinner parties in Paris and sailing on the Mediterranean Sea. Eliot decided to work in the hospital waiting room after learning from Harriet that Iris was visiting Dennis. Iris suggested that Eliot come to her suite so that they could talk, but stirred Eliot's anger by making a snide comment about Louise being present so that Eliot would not be placed into a compromising position. Robert disagreed when Janice compared her encroaching on Steve and Rachel's life by living in the house with them to Robert sharing Lenore with Wally should they get married in the future. Janice piqued Robert's curiosity when she expressed doubts that Lenore would ever get married again and made veiled remarks about Lenore considering her an enemy, despite that Janice answered her personal questions honestly. Louise urged Iris to become friendly with Lenore to stay informed on Eliot and Alice's blossoming relationship. Eliot requested that Iris put aside the hostility between them so that they could have a serious discussion. Eliot told Iris that he consulted with John about breaking his contract to stop Mac from holding it as a threat over his head. Iris threatened to expose Eliot's personal life and ruin Alice's reputation by claiming that they were having an affair. Eliot admitted his feelings for Alice and warned Iris that her ridicule against him and efforts to disparage Alice would not accomplish anything. Iris asked Louise to place an urgent call to New York and to reference Case Number 286 because Iris resolved to protect her interests.
Harriet: (Jane Alice Brandon, Exit Line) (to Eliot) "I'm sorry, Mr. Carrington."
Notes: Last appearance of Jane Alice Brandon as Nurse Harriet Sullivan. This episode seems to include the first instance that Louise named one of her plants (Pompadour) within the script instead of it possibly taking place during ad libs.
JULY 19, 1973: Pre-empted due to Watergate Hearings.
JULY 20, 1973 (EP. #2286)
Steve, Rachel, and Jamie happily greeted Janice when they arrived home from St. Croix. Janice told Steve that Robert had given her the day off from work so that she could help Rachel get settled into the house. Rachel was surprised to learn that Janice did not have time alone with Robert because Iris had invited them for drinks at her suite and took them out to dinner after Steve and Rachel's wedding reception had ended. Jamie was thrilled by Steve's request to keep him company at the office. Janice wished Rachel much happiness and readily agreed to help her redecorate the house to make it her own. Rachel insisted that Janice continue to live with her, Steve, and Jamie so that they could be together as a real family. Ada agreed that she and Gil would come to dinner to celebrate Steve and Rachel's homecoming. Alice tried to dissemble ignorance when Iris proclaimed that they should discuss Eliot since Alice felt free to spend time with him alone. Iris hinted to Alice that she should not encourage Eliot to risk his career by attempting to break his contract with Mac, speculated that Eliot's next move would be suing her for divorce, and warned Alice not to count on him becoming free from their marriage. Alice stood firm against Iris, who maintained that she was protecting Eliot from his weakness of pursuing the succession of young governesses that he had hired. Iris failed to convince Alice that she was a tolerant woman in some cases and that she and Louise could be trusted to know Eliot's nature better than her. Alice bristled when Iris contended that she was actively seeking out unhappiness after enduring the end of an unfortunate marriage. Iris lost aplomb when Alice was undaunted by her threats to destroy Eliot's career in retaliation. Rachel gushed to Ada that she has her own family and asked Ada to quit inventing imaginary problems. Steve and Ada buried the hatchet. Ada hypothesized to Rachel that she expressed gratitude to Gerald before her wedding ceremony because they had orchestrated Alice's abrupt departure, but Rachel dismissed the significance of the interaction as meaningless due to the excitement of the day.
Alice: "I used to think you loved him. I even told him that, once...but now I know he's just something you think you own."
Iris: "A marriage certificate is a fairly good deed of title to a man."
Alice: "Then you don't love him?"
Iris: "I didn't say that."
Alice: "If you love him, you wouldn't destroy his career."
Iris: "Daddy and I made that career for him, and we can take it away from him just as easily as we created it."
Alice: "You do whatever you have to do. And I'll do what I have to do." (SHE LOOKS AT IRIS, AND THEN TURNS AND LEAVES. IRIS STARES AFTER HER, BEGINNING TO LOSE HER SELF-ASSURANCE).
JULY 23, 1973 (EP. #2287)
Alice told Mary that Eliot keeps a busy schedule because he has to write his column, talk to his editor over the phone, and visits Dennis. Mary opined to Alice that it was wise for Russ to instruct Eliot and Iris not to visit Dennis at the same time because they get into arguments in front of him. Mary was touched when Louise delivered a gift-wrapped token of Iris's gratitude to Jim and Mary for their kindness towards Dennis. Louise explained that Eliot decided to reduce his staff once Dennis was brought to Bay City when Pat recalled that Louise had worked for Eliot since shortly after Dennis was born. Louise confidently predicted to Mary and Pat that, while Eliot and Iris had their differences, they would eventually reunite and be as happy again. Pat noted to Mary that Louise made it a point to emphasize that Eliot and Iris would get back together, but insisted to Mary that Alice knows the complicated situation between them. Mary decided against taking Pat's suggestion that she invite Iris out to lunch to gauge her feelings for Eliot. Russ was resolute that he would not compromise Dennis's health by allowing Eliot and Iris to visit him together, much to Iris's chagrin. Iris confided to Russ that she does not know the proper ways to express her appreciation, does not want to force herself onto people, and masks her true feelings due to being hurt by life. Russ empathized with Iris, who admitted that she was envious of his close-knit family and struggles to respond to sympathetic, warm people like Mary. Iris was annoyed when Eliot hedged on coming to her hotel suite so that they could work out their visitation schedule with Dennis because it interfered in his dinner plans with Alice. Alice was guarded when Iris apologized for her behavior the other day in front of Dennis and acknowledged Alice's importance in Dennis's life. Eliot told a skeptical Alice that he suspects that Mac pressured his editor to object to his absence from staff conferences because he was working in Bay City in an effort to keep Eliot and Alice apart. Eliot guessed rightly that Iris had asked Louise to return the briefcase he had left at her suite as an excuse to spy on him and Alice.
JULY 24, 1973: Pre-empted due to Watergate Hearings.
JULY 25, 1973 (EP. #2288)
Rachel opined to Steve that it was good for Jamie to know other kids by going to day camp. Janice explained that a woman wants to feel that her house reflects her personality when Steve did not understand Rachel's drive to redecorate it. Rachel excitedly hugged Steve, who advised her not to worry about expenses and to do everything she wished to be happy in the house. Gil told Ada that he was heading out to Steve's housing development to check on the boys who are working for him because Zack was starting at the Police Academy. Ada told Gil that she intends to uncover the truth behind her gratitude towards Gerald for making it possible for Rachel to marry Steve. Gil tried to deter Ada from going to San Francisco to confront Gerald and to focus on setting a date for their wedding. Janice told Robert that she decided to continue living with Steve, Rachel, and Jamie since the large house afforded everyone ample privacy. Robert was surprised by Janice's ambivalent attitude towards having children of her own someday. Lenore told Robert that she and Janice failed to settle their differences because they got into petty arguments over Steve, Rachel, and Alice. Robert warned Lenore that she and Janice could make their work environment unbearable for everyone by continuing to feud. Ada was pleased by Jamie's plan to visit her every day as he was heading home from day camp. Rachel confessed to Ada that Gerald had summoned her to the Fireside Inn because Steve had tried to drown his sorrows over Alice by getting drunk and realized that they loved each other while spending the night talking in his apartment. Ada remained suspicious that Rachel was concealing facts from her. Steve got Janice to admit that she harbors feelings for Robert, griped that Lenore defends Alice, and proclaimed that she would not tolerate criticisms of Steve and Rachel. Janice was dubious towards Steve's assertions that Lenore was an understanding person and that she endured an unhappy period in her life after Walter died. Steve cautioned Janice against causing trouble for herself and other people by resenting Robert and Lenore's romance.
JULY 26, 1973 (EP. #2289)
John grew slightly perturbed with Pat, who tried to explain the significance of Louise delivering a present to Jim and Mary on Iris's behalf while musing about the reason people are motivated to make certain remarks. Pat told John that Louise stated some things that led her and Mary to believe that Eliot and Iris would reconcile and Alice would get hurt should she come between them. John and Pat discussed Eliot and Alice's feelings for each other and debated whether or not Iris was still in love with Eliot. Pat got John to admit that he was handling legal matters for Eliot, which involved potentially breaking his contract with Mac and studying his separation agreement from Iris. John impressed upon Pat that his consultations with Eliot should be kept under the strictest confidence because Eliot may ruin his career by taking action against Iris. Gil gave Zack tips on completing investigation forms for the precinct. Rachel told Gil that Ada worries excessively, but did not have cause to delay marrying him. Gil promised Rachel that he would work on easing Ada's concerns towards Steve and Rachel's marriage and her interaction with Gerald at the wedding. Rachel told herself that her marriage to Steve would be doomed should he discover Gerald's role in getting Alice to ditch Steve and that he would never belong to her while Alice remains in town. Linda and Iris enjoyed watching Dennis enthuse over the new tropical fish that Zack had bought to put in his fish tank. Dennis was disappointed that Iris did not deliver her present to Jim and Mary personally because he wished for Iris to get to know them better. Dennis convinced Iris to host a party in honor of everyone who had been kind to Dennis since they arrived in Bay City. Iris was amused when Dennis pulled out a notepad with numbers that he obtained from the phone book so that they could call to invite the guests personally. Jim fretted to Pat that Mary does not approve of Alice spending time with a married man and that she was vulnerable because her relationship with Eliot could get serious. Iris encouraged Dennis to invite Eliot to the party due to his willingness to ensure Dennis's happiness.
JULY 27, 1973: Pre-empted due to Watergate Hearings.
JULY 30, 1973 (EP. #2290)
Janice took time off of work so that she could help Rachel purchase new furniture for the house. Steve decided to talk to Lenore when Janice reiterated her fervent belief that the two women would never resolve their conflicts. John informed Eliot that Iris may be awarded custody of Dennis should Eliot divorce her since the issue was not argued in court when their separation agreement was finalized. Eliot told John that Iris spent a lot of time in Europe and that being responsible for Dennis would have tied her down, that Eliot forbade her from taking Dennis out of the country, and that Iris occasionally forgets her obligations due to being impulsive. John theorized to Eliot that Iris willingly gave him custody of Dennis because he had information that would have caused a major scandal and to weaken Eliot's position towards any potential divorce proceedings. Eliot admitted to John that he and Iris had ammunition to ruin each other's reputations. John sympathized when Eliot fretted that, while he did want to risk losing Dennis, he refused to be trapped in an unhappy marriage for the rest of his life. Iris convinced Mary to attend her party because it would mean so much to Dennis. Mary became troubled when Iris claimed that she and Eliot plan things together to make Dennis happy. John informed Eliot that he could not legally break his contract with Mac. Eliot reflected to John that he signed the contract because it guaranteed complete freedom of expression under lucrative terms and that the love that he once had for Iris had turned to contempt because he found himself becoming shallow like Iris's friends and buried himself in his career. John warned Eliot to expect unpleasant publicity that Dennis may read should he file for divorce from Iris. Eliot told John that he could not carry out his plan to marry Alice until Iris frees him. Lenore confided to Steve that she fears that Janice would take Robert away from her and that they have opposing views on Steve, Alice, and Rachel. Steve was bewildered when Lenore retreated from the office because she could not bring herself to reveal the reasons that Walter had turned her against marriage.
Eliot: "I found myself becoming as shallow as the people she spent her life with."
John: "Is that what caused your marital problems?"
Eliot: "I couldn't fly to Europe to be a good newspaperman."
John: "Your work meant more to you than your marriage?"
Eliot: "Only when I saw my marriage brought out the more frivolous aspects of my own nature."
John: "And Iris resented that?"
Eliot: "The more I became involved in my work, the more possessive she became."
John: "Isn't it possible that's because she loves you?"
Eliot: "No, it's because she wanted to show off the man Daddy had bought for her."
JULY 31, 1973 (EP. #2291)
Jim was surprised to learn from Mary that Iris had stopped by the house and that the women had had a nice chat. Alice told Jim and Mary that she had no knowledge of Iris's plan to throw a party on Dennis's behalf, that Dennis chose the guests himself, and that Iris claimed that Eliot and Alice would be attending it. Rachel suggested that Janice stick around while she consults with Robert on designing a hideaway for Jamie during bouts of bad weather so that Janice could see Robert without Lenore being present. Janice groused to Rachel that she was foolish to admit her feelings for Robert to Lenore. Rachel encouraged Janice to actively pursue Robert, despite Janice's contentions that Lenore does not want to get married again. Janice and Rachel were stunned to find baby clothes and a yellow bunting packed in boxes as they were clearing out the attic. Rachel thoughtfully stared at the baby bunting as Janice suggested that they donate all of the baby things to charity. Dennis was delighted when Alice showed him the schedule of daily physical activities that Russ had scheduled so that Dennis could increase his strength. Alice empathized with Dennis, who convinced her to attend Iris's party, but lamented that he would not be able to attend it himself. Dennis told Alice that Iris enjoyed socializing and found humor in life until she and Eliot had separated. Dennis pleaded with Alice to make sure that Eliot attended the party to ensure that Iris had a good time. Leonard Sykes informed Louise that he was recruited by an employment agency in New York to complete a job for Mac in Bay City. Louise protested getting involved when Sykes explained that he needed to see Eliot, Alice, and Dennis in person to become familiar with their appearances. Iris asked Louise to conquer her reservations towards working with Sykes, but emphasized that she must feign ignorance over the arrangement. Alice hypothesized to Eliot that Dennis may have taken the place of the baby she miscarried. Jim and Mary were appalled by Rachel's cruelty for mailing a package and a note addressed to Alice that contained baby clothes and a bunting.
(THE DOORBELL RINGS AND SHE [LOUISE] HURRIEDLY PUTS THE HAT BACK ON THE TABLE AND ANSWERS THE DOOR TO A STRANGE MAN)
Louise: "Yes?"
Sykes: (Introduction Line) "Mrs. Carrington?"
Louise: "No, I'm Mrs. Goddard her secretary. May I help you?"
Sykes: "My name is Leonard Sykes." (HE HOLDS OUT HIS HAND, WHICH LOUISE TAKES RELUCTANTLY) "I thought you were Mrs. Carrington."
Louise: "Is she expecting you?"
Sykes: "She's expecting me sometime let's put it that way."
Rachel's note to Alice: "Dear Alice. Found these in the attic and thought you might want them back. Rachel."
Notes: First appearance of Stefan Gierasch as Leonard Sykes. Eliot and Iris have been legally separated for two years. Dennis liked to name his pet fish after Egyptian deities (Nefertiti), British nobility (Murgatroyd), and flowers (Gardenia).
AUGUST 1, 1973: Pre-empted due to Watergate Hearings.
AUGUST 2, 1973 (EP. #2292)
Mary vowed to Jim that she would not be a messenger to Rachel's insults by allowing Alice to see the package of baby items that Rachel had delivered to the Matthews' house. Jim doubted that Steve would deliberately hurt Alice and opined that he should know about Rachel's vindictive behavior, but Mary maintained that Steve and Rachel's marriage had nothing to do with Alice and that she could leave Bay City again should Rachel make her life miserable. Jim went to store the package in the master bedroom's closet while Mary hurriedly pocketed Rachel's note to answer the door to Russ. Russ admitted to Mary that he was remiss for thinking that Rachel would change after marrying Steve and questioned the ways that she could benefit by being spiteful to Alice by sending her the package of baby items. Steve and Janice told Rachel and Jamie about growing up on their family's farm and listed the names of all of their siblings. Rachel felt awkward when Steve had to admit to Jamie that she did not meet Emma during her brief visit to Bay City last year because he was married to someone else at the time. Steve became glum while telling Janice that everything between him and Alice started going wrong after she suffered a miscarriage. Janice insisted to Steve that Rachel only casually mentioned Alice losing a baby while they were talking about redecorating the house. Eliot and Alice were thrilled when Russ agreed that Dennis could attend Iris's party under medical supervision. Russ accepted Eliot and Alice's proposal that Dennis become an out-patient since Eliot and Iris had reached an understanding and Alice had consented to being Dennis's full-time nurse. Mary immediately became apprehensive upon realizing that Alice would be living with Eliot and Dennis again. Steve agreed with Rachel's assertions that Alice could not share his past and did not understand him. Rachel recounted writing the note for Alice as she and Steve promised each other that they would not have secrets between them and would talk through their problems. Steve made a toast to their marriage as Rachel smiled and sipped some brandy.
Production Notes: The script for this episode includes Office Memorandums stating that Another World's taping schedule would be shortened to take advantage of the fact that Somerset did not tape episodes during the week July 16-20, 1973, and the use of facilities for a segment playback of the end of Act IV from Episode #2291.
Notes: According to this episode, the birth order of the Frame siblings was as followed: Steve, Emma, Sharlene, Janice, Norman, Otis (later renamed Vince), and Willis. Janice stated that Otis was a year younger than Norman. This seems to be the first episode in which all of the Frame siblings are named.
AUGUST 3, 1973 (EP. #2293)
Louise disagreed with Eliot's assertion that Iris's suite would be inconvenient for all of the people she had invited to the party because Russ had permitted Dennis to attend it. Sykes arrived unexpectedly and enthusiastically introduced himself to Eliot. Louise covered by telling Eliot that Sykes was a fan of his column and had come to check out the liquor supply since he was hired to act as a butler for the party. Sykes agreed with Louise's plan for him to tend bar so that he could see the people who were being placed under his surveillance and for Louise to field questions he might have about them. Louise coolly resisted Sykes' friendly gestures by suggesting that they maintain a somewhat formal relationship. Iris maintained that Louise should provide backgrounds for the people that Sykes would be investigating since she did not want to be directly involved in the scheme. Ada got defensive when Mary pointed out that the package of baby clothes that Rachel had mailed to Alice was proof that she was determined to make Alice's life miserable. Mary convinced a reluctant Ada to talk to Rachel about her machinations. Ada was relieved when Gil unintentionally interrupted her heated discussion with Mary. Gil urged Ada to let others handle their own problems and to focus on setting a date for their wedding. Eliot was appreciative yet somewhat noncommittal when Iris promised to get along with him at the party and apologized for being thoughtless and unable to control her emotions at times. Ada confided to Gil that Mary believes that Rachel deliberately tried to hurt Alice by sending her the package of baby clothes to remind Alice of her miscarriage. Gil's theory that Rachel may feel insecure about her marriage to Steve because of Alice's presence in Bay City led Ada to question whether or not Rachel was trying to keep Alice from learning that Gerald may have helped Rachel snag Steve away from her. Ada echoed Gil's sentiments that they had a "ready-made" family because they both had adult children. Gil convinced Ada that her friendship with Mary would never be broken despite the conflicts between Rachel and Alice.
Louise: "I really wish she wouldn't turn such as distasteful matter over to me."
Sykes: "Don't let it bother you, Louise. People like Mrs. Carrington can afford to have other people do their dirty work for them. And why should we complain, as long as we get paid for it?"
Notes: First reference to Burt McGowan, Gil's older son.
AUGUST 6, 1973: Pre-empted due to Watergate Hearings.
AUGUST 7, 1973 (EP. #2294)
Robert and Lenore wrapped up business for the day and waited for Janice to return from the housing development project before they left the office to attend the party for Dennis. Lenore understood when Steve decided to talk to Eliot instead of Iris about introducing Jamie to Dennis since Eliot had custody of him. Steve asked Lenore to tell Alice that he wished that she finds every possible happiness in life. Russ informed Dennis that he may become an out-patient and resume living with Eliot should his medical tests continue to yield positive results. Eliot advised Iris that Russ will not release Dennis from the hospital unless they promise to maintain a friendly atmosphere for him, but emphasized that they have been getting along lately because they are not allowed to see Dennis at the same time. Iris nearly caused an argument by protesting Eliot's plans for Alice to live at his suite while acting as Dennis's nurse instead of allowing him to stay with Iris each time Eliot was away in New York. Eliot cautioned Iris against spoiling the party by creating conflicts. Sykes boasted to Louise that he had started spying on Eliot. Alice reassured Iris that she did not mind being on duty as long as Dennis enjoyed himself at the party. Robert, Lenore, John, Pat, Jim, and Mary arrived to greet Dennis and give him presents as Louise pointed out everyone to Sykes. Louise told Sykes that John's major client was Frame Enterprises, that Steve was not coming to the party, and that no one was certain of Steve's feelings for Alice. Rachel good-naturedly ribbed Steve for being a softy when it comes to children. Steve readily agreed to Rachel's suggestion that he take Jamie out to dinner while she finished rearranging the furniture in the house. Louise introduced Sykes to Robert as an architecture student who was working on a special assignment about single dwellings. Sykes was pleased when Robert invited him to the Frame Enterprises offices so that he could look at files of blueprints. Alice was dubious when Lenore relayed Steve's message to her. Jim, Mary, and Pat grew concerned while watching Alice cheerfully urging Dennis to open his presents.
AUGUST 8, 1973 (EP. #2295)
Iris claimed to Mary and Lenore that Dennis would be seeing a lot of his parents since Eliot's suite was directly below hers to dispute Eliot's claim that Dennis would be living with him once he becomes an outpatient. Linda pointed out that she must accept the medical cases in which she was assigned as a member of the hospital staff when Iris wished to appoint Linda as Dennis's full-time nurse instead of Alice, prompting Mary to emphasize that Alice enjoyed taking care of Dennis, that she and Jim trust her, and that they do not interfere in Alice's professional decisions. Eliot disagreed with Iris's opinion that it would be improper for Alice to live in his suite and maintained that there was no reason that the situation would cause gossip. Eliot approved of Robert, Lenore, and Pat's idea to take Dennis out on a picnic at the lake with Wally and the twins. John and Eliot scheduled a meeting to discuss his contract with Mac at Eliot's suite. Mary cringed when Iris tried to encourage Lenore to stay longer since she missed the party that took place after Steve and Rachel's wedding. Iris told Jim and Mary that she and Rachel are friends and have sons who were close in age. Rachel and Janice gushed about Steve and Jamie's blossoming relationship. Janice tried to dissuade Rachel from talking to Steve, despite that Janice lamented that she does not have much time with Robert because of Lenore's constant presence in the office. Robert, Lenore, and Iris talked about settling down in one place to develop friendships. Eliot chastised Iris for pretending that she still had any influence on his work. Lenore dispelled Iris's assumption that she was annoyed at her for inviting Robert and Janice to drinks and dinner after Rachel's reception. Iris griped to Robert and Lenore that Eliot accused her of deliberately trying to upset Lenore, but conceded that she might unintentionally commit a faux pas in social situations. Ada criticized a defensive Rachel for being vindictive towards Alice despite achieving her goals by marrying Steve. Ada warned Rachel that she may have to fight for her marriage should Steve uncover Rachel's motivations for her actions.
AUGUST 9, 1973 (EP. #2296)
Alice told Jim and Mary that Dennis was outgoing and social despite that he had to be kept indoors while staying with Eliot in New York because of his heart ailment. Mary told Alice that she questions whether or not it was right for her to be Dennis's full-time nurse since it might look improper for Alice to be living in Eliot's hotel suite. Alice expressed doubts to Jim and Mary that Iris cared about her reputation because Iris was jealous of any woman who was taking care of Dennis. Alice told Jim and Mary that she would consider her next steps once Dennis's condition had improved and ruefully remarked that Steve had taught her not to count on things that might turn out to be mistakes. Jim chided Mary for badgering Alice about her plans. Mary told Jim that Alice was not likely to forgive Steve because he was with Rachel on the day that she miscarried. Jim talked Mary into making amends with Ada. Mary hypothesized to Jim that Ada would be unable to stop Rachel from hurting Alice because she seemed intent on forcing her to leave town so that she would never see Steve again. Rachel tried to convince Steve to transfer Lenore to John's office to ease the tension at Frame Enterprises between her and Lenore, though Steve expressed concerns that he might side with Janice against Lenore in the process. Ada helped Gil get over his qualms towards contacting Tim, who was surprised to hear from Gil but agreed that they should start making a concerted effort to stay in touch. Tim begrudgingly agreed to consider being Gil's best man after Ada tried to convince him to attend the wedding. Ada was relieved when Mary agreed to be her matron of honor and vowed that they would not allow Rachel to ruin their friendship. Lenore suggested that Steve talk Janice into being transferred to John's office since she adamantly refused to be separated from Robert. Steve seemed unconvinced when Lenore claimed that Alice was moved by his wishes for her to find happiness. Lenore confessed to Steve that she was not ready to make a commitment, prompting him to warn Lenore that there was a limit in which a man was willing to wait for the woman he loved.
Tim: (Introduction Line) (Over the phone) "Hello?"
Gil: "Tim?"
Tim: "Yeah. Oh, Pop... how are you?"
Notes: First appearance of Christopher Allport as Tim McGowan.
AUGUST 10, 1973 (EP. #2297)
Dennis told Alice that he hoped to play on Zack's softball team while they were packing his clothes and belongings in a suitcase and a carton. Iris acquiesced when Alice insisted that they should talk to Eliot before allowing Dennis to take her ride in the limousine to Eliot's hotel suite. Alice told Iris that it would be at Russ's discretion to relax his instructions on limiting the time Dennis spends outside and requiring a nurse to be present during Iris's visits. Eliot was annoyed upon learning from Russ that Iris came to the hospital on a whim to help Alice and Dennis pack. Russ warned Eliot that he would bring Dennis back to the hospital should he and Iris start feuding in front of him again. Eliot told Russ that he does not anticipate any conflicts since Iris accepted that Alice would be present when Dennis has visitors and would be living in the suite to take care of Dennis while Eliot was out of town. Alice readily accepted Lenore's dinner invitation once Eliot decided to spend the evening with Dennis. Sykes was disappointed that the blueprint of the house that Robert had built for Steve was not among those that Robert had pulled from his files. Steve offered to give Sykes a tour of the house to ostensibly assist him with completing his school project. Lenore had to postpone Steve's invitation for her and Wally to come to the house since she had already made dinner plans with Alice. Iris groused that Eliot was harping on Russ's instructions for Dennis. Eliot tersely opined to Iris that he had not noticed her trying to reform and that it was too late for them to repair their marriage. Iris suggested to Eliot that they become friends for Dennis's sake and their own. Lenore fondly watched as Robert played with Wally. Robert hinted to Alice that he hoped that Wally would become his son in the future. Alice told Robert that it did not matter whether or not she runs into Steve since he married Rachel. Robert told Alice that he yearns to help Lenore come to terms with Walter's death. Lenore quickly grabbed the phone to spare Alice from having to talk to Steve. Alice told Lenore not to let her influence whether or not she spends time with Steve and Rachel at the house.
AUGUST 16, 1973 (EP. #2301)
Wedding of Gil McGowan and Ada. Mary and Sam (listed) were attendants.
Rachel: Oh, mom, I hope you'll be as happy as Steve and I are.
Notes: Sam Lucas is listed with Mary as wedding attendants. His planned appearance in this episode was likely dropped based on script notes and the character's lack of dialogue.
AUGUST 20, 1973 (EP. #2303)
Eliot and Dennis played chess. Rachel made Eliot's acquaintance while spending the day with Iris at the Carrington residence. Jamie and Dennis met for the first time and instantly became friends. Eliot reminded Dennis that they have to check with Russ before he can play outside. Rachel and Iris socialized in Iris's suite while Eliot went to make some business phone calls.
Jamie: "Your Dad's nice."
Dennis: "Yeah, he's quite a guy. What's yours like?"
Jamie: "He's great. But I haven't known him very long."
Dennis: "I don't get it."
Jamie: "Well, my Mom and Dad just got married a little while ago."
Dennis: "Oh, he's your stepfather?"
Jamie: "No, he's my real father, but they couldn't get married when I was born but now it's all worked out fine."
Dennis: "Good."
Jamie: "I went with them on their honeymoon to St. Croix."
Dennis: "You did? Hey, Dad and I went to St. Croix last spring, too."
Jamie: "With your mother?"
Dennis: "Well, she came down to visit us. My parents are separated."
Jamie: "How come?"
Dennis: "They just don't get along together."
Jamie: "Grownups sure have pretty mixed up lives sometimes, don't they?"
Dennis: "You can say that again, but I keep hoping Dad and Mom will get back together."
Jamie: "Don't give up Dennis. My folks got together finally and maybe yours will too."
SEPTEMBER 10, 1973 (EP. #2318)
Last appearance of Walter Mathews as Gerald Davis (1973).
Gerald: (Exit Line) (To Rachel Cory in the Frame house) "Honey, I never meant to hurt you, believe me. But you've got to look out for yourself, because no one else ever does it for you."
SEPTEMBER 17, 1973 (EP. #2323)
Leonard Sykes gifted Louise with Mr. Pepys, a parakeet in honor of their meetings by the bird
cages. Sykes played his latest audio tape for Iris, of Alice protesting to Eliot that she didn't love
Steve, and she told him Louise would pay him at the usual spot, by the aviary at the zoo. Iris
planned to get Steve and Alice together so that Sykes could tape them. To help Iris's plan, Louise
phoned Lenore and said Iris was interested in building a house in Bay City, as it would give Iris an
excuse to talk to Steve. Russ dropped Dennis off at home, where he complained to Eliot that he
never gets to do the physical things Jamie does. Steve told Iris the feelings were mutual when she
said Dennis was very fond of Jamie. Louise hid the transcripts she was making when Rachel
dropped by to invite Iris to dinner so she and Steve could get to know her better, since their sons
were becoming fast friends. Iris tried to tempt Rachel into visiting her friends Stockton and Bibi
Ruggles in Switzerland to get her out of town.
Louise: (To her plants) "Good morning, friends." [CUPPING ONE PLANT AFFECTIONATELY] "Now, now, Emily, why do you look so dour this morning? Don't tell me you and Mr. Belvedere are still arguing?"
SEPTEMBER 18, 1973 (EP. #2324)
Dennis apologized to Alice for blurting out that Jamie had accompanied Steve and Rachel on their
honeymoon. Alice told Jim that while she was very fond of Eliot, the main reason she didn't want
to accept his marriage proposal was that it might make Dennis unhappy, since he was entertaining
thoughts of his parents reuniting. Steve implied he may have made the same mistake with Rachel
when Robert lamented that he rushed things with Lenore by proposing. Robert was silent when
Russ arrived to pick Lenore up for lunch. Tim was irritated when Janice broke their lunch date to
accept a date with Robert. John invited Tim home to dinner when he sensed he was having a
rough time settling in to Bay City. Russ told a despondent Lenore that he was there if she wanted
to discuss the nightmares plaguing her, then had to comfort her some more when Janice and
Robert walked into the restaurant laughing and joking.
SEPTEMBER 19, 1973 (EP. #2325)
Tim complained that Gil had no faith in him when Gil had doubts about Tim's idea to woo back
former clients to John's business. Pat was clueless when Robert thought she might know why
Lenore was so violently against marriage. Robert was defensive when Lenore had less than kinds
words for his dinner with Janice. Tim told Lenore he, not Robert, was the right man for Janice.
Rachel protested to Steve that she hadn't known at the time that Gerald had tricked Alice into
finding Rachel and Steve together (which, although innocent, was interpreted by Alice as
something incriminating). Steve agreed to start over when Rachel declared she loved him and
wanted to give him the family he'd always wanted.
SEPTEMBER 20, 1973 (EP. #2326)
Alice wasn't up to it when Pat came over to see if she could talk her into coming over for dinner.
Louise showed Iris the latest batch of transcripts. Iris didn't believe the one in which Alice tells Jim
she can't make up her mind on whether she'll marry Eliot. Louise covered when Alice caught her
double-checking that the mike was well hidden in the bookcase of Eliot's study. Alice insisted to
Lenore that she wasn't mistaken when she'd eavesdropped on Rachel and Steve and heard them
say they'd been seeing each other behind her back since the day Steve married her. Iris dropped
hints about her and Eliot reconciling when she had dinner with Robert, Rachel, and Steve, and
later told Rachel she may have found a way to force Alice out of their lives forever.
SEPTEMBER 21, 1973 (EP. #2327)
Tim said he'd take Jamie to the ball game when Gil got a call about a break-in. Robert told Lenore
he suspects her interest in him was mostly as a substitute father to Wally. Robert told Janice she
had nothing to do with the difficulties he was having with Lenore. Lenore confided in Steve that
she feels a marriage would make her just a shadow of a man. Rachel gushed to Ada that things
were wonderful with Steve, who confided to Lenore that things are fine when he's with Rachel but
that when he's not, he begins to realize he doesn't really love her.
SEPTEMBER 24, 1973 (EP. #2328)
Sykes told Louise it was too risky to plant bugs in the Randolph and Curtin homes. Alice told Russ
she really wasn't interested in either Steve or Eliot. Iris told Louise to sew some designer labels into
some cheap hats she was giving Rachel. Iris and Louise prepared to scramble when the latest
transcripts revealed Lenore was trying to convince Alice to see Steve. Jim didn't want to hear about
Janice's suspicions of Alice and Eliot. Tim criticized Janice's harsh treatment of Jim, but she didn't
like Jim's superior airs or his feelings toward Rachel. Dennis showed off his swimming certificate
to Eliot.
Louise: "But that's wicked, Mrs. Carrington."
Iris: "[SMILING] Isn't it?"
SEPTEMBER 25, 1973: Pre-empted due Watergate Senate Hearings
SEPTEMBER 26, 1973 (EP. #2329)
Rachel told Janice how impressed she was with Iris and her lavish lifestyle. Rachel advised Janice
to take the initiative and pursue Robert. Taking Rachel's advice to drop in on Robert at his office,
Janice overheard Lenore tell Pat that Steve implied to her things weren't going well with Rachel.
Janice stalked out of the room when Tim told her she was fooling herself by pursuing Robert. Tim
peeked at a confidential envelope Robert had brought over. Eliot tried to warn Rachel about Iris,
and she got irritated with him when he wouldn't confirm his interest in Alice.
SEPTEMBER 27, 1973 (EP. #2330)
Janice told Rachel she heard Lenore and Pat conspiring to get Alice and Steve back together.
Rachel was suspicious when Steve called to say he had a business dinner and wouldn't be home
until late. Before she intervened on Steve's behalf, Pat made him reassure her he wasn't going to
do anything to hurt Alice. Gil told Tim he was taking special care of himself ever since he married
Ada. When Rachel came over to see Ada (who wasn't there), Gil told her she wouldn't be able to
stop Steve from seeing Alice if that was what he wanted.
SEPTEMBER 28, 1973 (EP. #2331)
Russ told Eliot that Dennis was almost fully recovered. Eliot told Iris she was the one getting bored
with Bay City when she wanted to take Dennis to Europe. Iris got Steve to speak to Rachel about
going on a short trip to New York with her. Pat dropped the twins off with Jim so she could go
and talk to Alice. Alice agreed to see Steve only if Pat were present.
Iris: "Rachel is my friend, not yours."
Eliot: "I know you'd like her to believe that."
Notes: First appearance of Tom Sabota, Jr. as Michael Randolph and Jill Turnbull as Marianne Randolph.
OCTOBER 1, 1973 (EP. #2332)
Iris and Louise made plans to detain Rachel in New York so she wouldn't interfere in Steve and
Alice's meeting. Sykes came by and warned Louise that Eliot would probably press charges if their
activities were uncovered. Steve wondered why Iris wanted to live in Bay City when Lenore
showed him the rough plans Robert drew up for her house. Pat came to tell Steve that Alice finally
agreed to meet with him, but warned him that Alice was still bitter about what happened between
them. Louise covered when Rachel came by and happened to glance at the transcripts Louise was
typing. Iris wasn't happy when Rachel told her she'd changed her mind about the trip to New
York. Steve insisted Rachel call and renew her trip plans when she told him about postponing
them.
OCTOBER 2, 1973 (EP. #2333)
Pat and Jim tried to convince Mary it would be good for Alice to talk to Steve. Iris protested about
Eliot's plan to enroll Dennis in the local school when Russ told them Dennis should start his life as
a normal boy but would have to remain in town so that Russ could monitor his progress. Russ tried
to ask Iris out to dinner to discuss Bay City schools. Tim hoped Robert would fill him in on some
aspects of Frame Enterprises. Rachel told Ada she's worried Steve may see Alice while she's away,
but felt the trip with Iris was important as Iris could open doors for her.
OCTOBER 3, 1973 (EP. #2334)
Alice told Mary she was tired of running away like a little girl when things got rough and would
see Steve since it might make her realize he doesn't mean that much to her anymore. Robert tried
to get Janice interested in Tim, but she wouldn't bite. Robert said at least Janice was honest about
the way she feels when Lenore commented that he fell for it every time Janice buttered him up.
Eliot agreed to let Alice meet Steve in his study. Robert was uncomfortable when Janice dropped
by his apartment to tell him she loved him. Janice told him he didn't have to be lonely, and Robert
didn't pull away when she kissed him.
OCTOBER 4, 1973 (EP. #2335)
John told Steve he was making a mistake if he saw Alice behind Rachel's back. Steve revealed to
him that when Gerald had returned briefly a few weeks ago he'd been by to say Steve owed him
money for making it possible for Rachel and Steve to marry by having tricked Alice. Eliot got into
an argument with Iris for encouraging Rachel to place importance on the kind of lifestyle Iris led.
Tim wondered why Janice was all smiles. Rachel asked Janice to keep Steve busy while she was
away, but Janice had counted on spending all her free time with Robert. Iris told Rachel her father
was giving a little party in her honor when they arrived in New York.
OCTOBER 5, 1973 (EP. #2336)
Ada wasn't home when Mary came to talk so Gil filled her shoes, telling Mary that Ada had
overheard Gerald tell Rachel at her wedding that she wouldn't be getting married if it wasn't for
him. Even though Mary was Ada's best friend, Gil worried about Ada getting caught in the middle
when Mary wanted Ada to talk Steve out of seeing Alice. Eliot arranged to go out of town (as part
of Iris's plan) and Louise was only too happy to take Dennis out while Alice had her afternoon
appointment. Gil warned Steve that Ada would have to pick up the pieces if Rachel's marriage fell
apart. Pat left the room when she brought Steve to meet with Alice. Steve begged Alice to listen to
what he had to say, as Sykes listened in on their conversation.
Alice: (To Steve) "You lied to me, and cheated on me, and now you expect me to believe there is an explanation."
OCTOBER 8, 9, and 10, 1973: Pre-empted for the American League Playoffs.
OCTOBER 11, 1973 (EP. #2337)
Alice told Steve she'd heard Rachel say that he was with her the day Alice lost her baby. Steve said
he'd never told her that Rachel insisted on being present whenever he saw Jamie because he knew
how Alice felt about Rachel. Steve said he married Rachel only to provide a home for Jamie.
Rachel worried when she phoned from New York and Janice told her Steve wasn't at home. Mary
got upset when Russ told her today was the day Steve and Alice were meeting. Alice admitted she
couldn't forget what she and Steve had shared together. When she wept that he was married to
Rachel, he vowed to free himself. Alice thanked Pat for arranging the meeting, feeling hope for the
first time in months. Louise chided Dennis for prying into other people's personal affairs when Dennis
was curious about Steve's presence in Eliot's suite, but Steve explained to Dennis that Pat had arranged
for him to speak privately with Alice. Louise secretly gazed at the tape recorder, which Sykes had
planted in hopes of capturing Steve and Alice's conversation.
Steve: (To Alice) "I loved you more than anything on earth."
OCTOBER 12, 1973 (EP. #2338)
Pat interrupted Lenore and Helen's Scrabble game to relate what she knew of Alice and Steve's meeting, which wasn't much. Robert told Steve he might have to fight Rachel if he wants a divorce from her. Gil cautioned Tim against going behind John's back to unearth details on Frame Enterprises. Russ thought it might ease Iris's jealousy of Alice when Pat told him Louise (who would tell Iris) saw Alice and Steve together at Eliot's. Steve dropped by to thank Lenore for her help in reuniting him with Alice. Robert voiced his frustrations when Lenore said she wanted to start again where they left off. Tim pumped Robert and Janice about Frame Enterprises' business dealings again. John agreed to Steve's request that he initiate divorce proceedings from Rachel and keep Jamie with him without alerting Rachel, though John pointed out that Steve does not have sufficient grounds for such a suit right now. Iris rushed Rachel back to Bay City upon learning that Steve and Alice's conversation had been captured on tape. Rachel tried to decide on a course of action after Iris gave her a duplicate tape of Steve and Alice's meeting. Alice remained hopeful that she and Steve could reconcile once he divorces Rachel.
Steve: (To Robert) "Alice loves me and I love her and I'm going to make sure we get back together again."
OCTOBER 15, 1973: Pre-empted.
OCTOBER 16, 1973 (EP. #2339)
While Iris was away, Louise tried on one of her furs and admired herself in the mirror. Eliot told
Louise it was nobody else's business that Alice had a meeting with Steve. Iris apologized to Rachel
for cutting short their trip and making her miss out on some of their plans when Louise phoned
that Sykes had a tape of Alice and Steve's conversation. Steve was less than enthusiastic when
Rachel called to tell him she was coming home. Louise and Sykes had a close call when Eliot
dropped by. John warned Steve he had no proof of fraud or that Rachel was involved in Gerald's
schemes. Dennis gave his enthusiastic approval when Eliot told him he loved Alice and hoped to
marry her. Eliot was outraged and in shock when he discovered the hidden microphone in his
bookcase.
OCTOBER 17, 1973 (EP. #2340)
Alice told Jim and Mary that she was as much to blame as Steve for their separation. Mary was
upset when Alice insisted she'd forced Steve to lie to her, and was dejected when she couldn't talk
Alice out of a reconciliation. While Alice chastised herself for playing into Rachel's hands, Russ
warned that Rachel may not go quietly into divorce. Eliot came to see Gil about the wire he found.
When he rejected Mac or Iris as the culprit, Zack, Gil's new assistant, said it might have been done
with someone besides Eliot in mind. Iris was thrilled when Louise played the tape of Steve and Alice's
conversation, but Louise cautioned her that it would go badly for her if she played the tape for
Eliot. Iris and Sykes squared off over who would take the fall when he revealed that the mike had
gone dead, and he gained the upper hand when he revealed that he'd made secret tapes of Iris and
Louise's conversations.
OCTOBER 18, 1973 (EP. #2341)
Steve was evasive when Rachel inquired about his cold kisses and distant behavior, but admitted
he had seen Alice. Janice tried to calm Rachel's fears about Steve and Alice. Janice argued with
Steve that whatever Rachel has done was because she loved him. Steve advised Lenore to show
Robert she loved him when she got upset that he readily accepted Janice's invitation to lunch.
Rachel was dumbfounded when Iris played the Steve/Alice tape for her.
OCTOBER 19, 1973 (EP. #2342)
Iris and Louise feigned innocence about the tape's origins to Rachel, to whom they gave it. Iris
bolstered Rachel's courage when she felt at a disadvantage. Louise laughed and admired Iris's
ingenuity when Iris said they could play the tape for Eliot on the pretext of having got a copy from
Rachel. Russ was pleased with Dennis's progress as it proved his theory that certain heart
conditions could be treated without surgery. Iris told Louise to pay Sykes into leaving town when
Louise worried about being implicated. Eliot's hopes took a blow when Alice (who no longer
works for him now that Dennis is better) hinted at her meeting with Steve. Gil and Zack arrived at
Eliot's to reinsert the wire and tell Eliot to set up some fake conversations in hopes of leading them
to whoever was responsible. Rachel didn't let on to anything when she came home and saw Steve
helping Jamie with his homework.
Iris: (Listening to the Steve/Alice tape) "Oh, turn it off, Louise. I've had all I can take of that sentimental pair."
OCTOBER 22, 1973 (EP. #2343)
John got furious when Eliot invited him to his suite and began speaking badly of Alice, highly of Iris, and proclaimed that he was dropping his divorce suit against Iris because Alice was simply a diversion to him. Eliot calmed John's temper once he explained that he had intentionally made false statements because he was following instructions from Gil, who hoped that other conversations in Eliot's suite might be recorded. Robert was up front with Janice about the possibility that he will never be able to reciprocate Janice's love and that he still has feelings for Lenore. Pat was shocked when John badmouthed Eliot, unaware that John was maintaining the ruse to help Gil and Eliot's investigation. Tim yearned to assume Frame Enterprises as a client and hoped Janice would get over her infatuation with Robert and start a relationship with him.
OCTOBER 23, 1973 (EP. #2344)
Iris wasn't pleased that Eliot had enrolled Dennis in Bay City Junior High, and he told her he didn't
want Dennis to make the same mistakes he did of being taken in by spoiled, frivolous people.
Mary was concerned for Alice while Jim was just happy she'd opened up to them. Pat came to ask
Jim if he knew why John was so harsh in his views of Eliot. Iris was elated when Louise revealed
the latest tapes showed Eliot admitting his love for Iris. Russ noticed Iris's good mood right away
when he came to talk about Dennis's schooling situation. Eliot told Lenore about the police's plan
so that she wouldn't go to Alice about hearing that Eliot was saying things that were contradictory.
OCTOBER 24, 1973 (EP. #2345)
Rachel told Ada she's got evidence of a meeting between Steve and Alice. Janice broke off her dinner date with Robert when Rachel asked her to come over so she could tell her about the tape. Ada feared that Steve and Rachel's marriage would be doomed after Rachel confided to her about the taped conversation of Steve and Alice. Iris and Louise panicked as Gil and Zack worked to uncover the true identity of "Barrett." Rachel told Janice that she intends to confront Alice about the tape.
OCTOBER 25, 1973 (EP. #2346)
Alice didn't have a clue when Mary asked her about John's new attitude toward Eliot. Jim agreed
when Mary asked him to confront John about it since it might involve Alice. Gil told Eliot that the
microphone was connected to a room in Eliot's hotel used by a man named "Barrett." Gil relented when
Eliot insisted on telling Alice her conversation with Steve may have been taped. Robert didn't have
much to offer when Steve wanted to know if Janice could help explain Rachel's recent behavior.
Mary tried to block her way when Rachel showed up demanding to talk to Alice, but Rachel stuck
her foot between the door and the jamb. Rachel began to play the tape for Alice after Alice sent
Mary to Pat's.
Notes: Unfortunately, the scripts for October 26 - December 31, 1973 are inexplicably missing from the collection at the Popular Culture Library of Bowling Green State University. Following are synopses that came from a column called, "Daytime Serial Newsletters" that were provided to the AWHP by an anonymous soap fan.
OCTOBER 26 - 31, 1973 (EPS. #2347 - EPS. #2350)
Sykes removed the recording device from Eliot's suite. Iris and Louise were overjoyed that their plot to prove that Steve and Alice still loved each other was successful. Ada told Gil that Rachel claims that she has a copy of a recording that captured Steve and Alice's conversation. Gil questioned whether or not there had been a connection between Rachel's proof and the recording device thar was discovered in Eliot's suite. Iris dropped her objections to Eliot's plans for Dennis to attend a public school instead of an exclusive private school. Rachel told Alice that she would never let go of Steve, would destroy Steve financially, and use the tape to ruin Alice's reputation. Rachel insisted to Alice that Steve married her because of her upbringing and social status and that Alice fleeing town allowed Steve to think clearly and accept his love for Rachel. Alice was speechless when Rachel boasted that she is the only person who could truly understand Steve because of their similar backgrounds and that she and Steve were meant for each other. Rachel threatened to make sure that Steve never sees Jamie should Alice tell Steve that their meeting in Eliot's suite had been recorded. Alice was heartbroken while telling Mary that she loves Steve, but that a reconciliation is impossible because she could not enable Rachel to keep Steve away from Jamie. Steve angrily told Rachel to steer clear of Alice. Robert remained indecisive while nursing feelings for Lenore and Janice. Alice decided to leave town for a while. Rachel swore that she would not allow Steve to see Alice behind her back. Gil learned that "Barrett" was an alias used by Leonard Sykes, who occasionally worked as a waiter at Iris's parties.
NOVEMBER 2, 1973 (EP. #2352)
Steve accused Rachel of not having any use for him unless she can get something in return. Steve urged Rachel to travel and meet Iris's New York society friends, but Rachel insisted that she only cared about being married to him. Rachel told a surprised Steve that she had settled for being his wife in name only. Steve did not want to talk about Alice with Rachel, who proclaimed that Alice was ruining his life and denounced her for running away from her problems instead of facing them. Steve warned Rachel that she was fighting a losing battle and that he would leave her if not for wanting to protect Jamie.
NOVEMBER 7, 1973: Pre-empted for News coverage of President Richard Nixon's speech on the energy crisis.
NOVEMBER 22, 1973: Pre-empted for Holiday Programming.
NOVEMBER 1973
Rachel countered Steve's efforts to pressure her into granting him a divorce by using Jamie to hold onto him. Rachel insisted that Steve was confused about the woman he loved and the things that he needed in life. Alice wrote a note to Steve professing her love to him, but stated that they could not be together because Steve would be at risk of losing Jamie. Alice went to Arizona to visit Liz. Rachel asked Gil to provide her with legal representation. Gil warned Rachel that the tapes that Iris gave to him are blackmail and that wiretaps are illegal. Rachel admitted to Gil that she listened to Steve and Alice's taped conversation, but refused to disclose whether or not she had a recording of it. Steve accused Rachel of hiring someone to bug Eliot's suite and threatened to have her arrested. Janice informed Steve that Rachel had a copy of the tape in her possession. Rachel handed over the tape per Steve's demands, but felt insulted that Steve refused to believe that Iris gave the recording to Rachel. Steve was furious when Rachel arranged for Jamie to temporarily live with Gil and Ada, but Rachel was adamant that Jamie should not witness her and Steve's arguments. Rachel lambasted Janice for breaking her confidence, prompting Janice to move into the apartment above Steve's offices. Steve proclaimed that Rachel ruined his marriage to Alice and that he and Rachel have nothing between them despite that Ada implored Steve to reconcile with Rachel.
Gil learned that the wiretap that was found in Eliot's suite led to the hotel room of Sykes, who used the alias "Mr. Barrett" while working for Iris and Louise. Gil, Zack, and Eliot questioned Louise, who insisted that Sykes was merely a waiter that worked for Iris on occasion. Iris became frightened that she would be exposed and convinced Louise to claim that she acted alone in bugging Eliot's suite. Iris avoided Rachel's phone calls requesting help, lied that she was not involved in the wiretap, and denied that she gave Rachel a recording of Steve and Alice's meeting. Iris tried to influence Russ by incriminating Rachel and opined that she was a deranged woman. Eliot believed Rachel's account since he was quite familiar with Iris's manipulative, diabolical nature. Eliot deduced that Iris used Rachel to drive Alice away because Eliot had wanted to marry Alice. Rachel professed her innocence to Gil and recalled that Iris gave her a duplicate copy of the original tape, which Gil hoped to use as evidence against Iris.
Sykes threatened to give Eliot tapes that proved that Iris and Louise had hired him to bug Eliot's suite unless Iris paid him $20,000.00. Iris became terribly nervous, prompting Russ to grow concerned over her health. Steve alerted Gil when Sykes offered to sell the tape of Steve and Alice's conversation to him. Rachel tried desperately to raise the money to get Sykes' tapes of Iris and Louise hiring him into her possession to no avail. Steve and John threatened to fire Tim should he accept Rachel as a client. Steve gloated to Rachel that she had lost her lawyer before Tim had a chance to relay the news to her.
Alice returned to Bay City and was determined to fight for Steve. Mary feared that Alice would be hurt again and begged Alice to forget about Steve. Iris realized that Eliot had discovered the wiretap and that he had purposely made taped recordings of him denying that he loved Alice to set a trap for Iris. Janice encouraged Robert to accept the fact that Lenore would never marry him and to concentrate on a future that Robert and Janice could have together. Steve and Tim warned Janice against harboring feelings for a man who was in love with another woman. Pat and Lenore were appalled when Janice ridiculed Lenore about her intimate dates with Robert. Robert accepted Janice's attentions, but admitted that he cannot quit thinking about Lenore. Tim felt defeated in trying to win Janice's affections and advised Robert not to hurt her.
DECEMBER 1973
Rachel asked Eliot to help her buy the tapes that proved that Iris had hired Sykes to bug Eliot's suite. Eliot relayed this information to Gil, who apprehended Sykes while he was about to retrieve the bribe money. Iris was terrified when Gil played the tapes for her. Tim agreed to legally represent Iris, but warned her that she could not weasel out of the dilemma and must be prepared should Eliot press charges against her. Russ asked Pat to throw a party for Iris to help her ease into Bay City's social circles. Tim told Janice that she was fighting an uphill battle with Lenore for Robert's affections and pursued her with earnest again.
Steve's hopes of obtaining a divorce from Rachel and retaining custody of Jamie were dashed when Rachel was cleared of involvement in the bugging of Eliot's suite. John warned Steve that he should proceed cautiously or Rachel may be awarded his fortune and full custody of Jamie in a potential divorce suit. Steve was upset when John cautioned him against moving out of the house because Rachel could obtain a legal separation on grounds of desertion. Ada begged Steve to reconcile with Rachel for Jamie's sake, but Steve adamantly swore that he would remarry Alice once he was free of Rachel. Rachel told John that she intended to fight Steve's efforts to divorce her. Janice became disillusioned with Rachel and ended their friendship.
Alice promised to wait until Steve had divorced Rachel. Mary was displeased that Steve and Alice were meeting secretly at Lenore's house because the situation was similar to Steve seeing Rachel behind Alice's back. Alice became furious with Mary, who expressed concerns for her future and opined that Steve had made Alice miserable for years. Alice became fed up with Mary's constant pressure to forget about Steve and planned to move out of the Matthews house. Steve convinced Janice to befriend Alice. Janice and Alice decided to share an apartment together, much to Jim and Mary's chagrin. Jim and Mary expressed fears to Alice that Rachel could name her as a correspondent in a messy divorce and that Alice was more vulnerable than Steve in scandals and legal issues. Mac had Eliot sign a long-term publishing contract to keep him under Iris's thumb.
Robert admitted to Janice that he still harbored feelings for Lenore and emphasized that Janice could be hurt in the process. Janice agreed with Robert's assertion that they do not have claims on each other, then begged Robert to give her the chance to express her love and help him get over Lenore. Robert declined Lenore's requests to clear the air, maintained that their beautiful relationship had ended, and confessed that he does not expect much out of life anymore. Steve had Lenore accompany Jamie during his visits to see Steve, much to Rachel and Robert's chagrin. Eliot understood when Alice revealed that she still loved Steve. Jamie and Dennis bonded because their respective parents were estranged and fighting constantly. Robert started his own architectural firm. Sam Lucas visited Ada during the holidays. Gil and Ada extended an offer for Sam to live with them so that he could piece his life back together.