Episode #594

[Michael]

Episode #594 has been posted!

In this episode, we finally learn the root behind Loretta's years-long vendetta against the Fisher family. Meanwhile, Brent reacts to the kiss he just witnessed between his wife, Molly, and Loretta's son, Philip.

Thanks, as always, for your support!

The above link leads to our Current Episode page. For a permanent link to Episode #594, go here. All previous episodes can be found in our Archives.

[Andy Eckles]

So I read 593 & 594 in one sitting, hoping to cut down on the amount of suspense between episodes, but now I'm even more desperate for more!

The masked ball is well executed. Party scenes, as we've discussed, are always difficult to manage, but this is going well. Loretta continues to frustrate me with her prim and proper mannerisms masking her evil doings. Loved the altercation between Brent and Philip, and was glad that there was a little break in the intrigue to focus on their relationship. I kind of don't mind Molly with Philip right now. He used to seem like a total douche but now I kind of get him.

I knew the dogs would be making a return engagement. Maybe Claire can use her powers of suggestion to talk them down from attack.

Loretta's announcement was exciting. Although I don't recall her husband from the series or know a lot about him, I still find the implication very riveting. It opens up more questions that I can't wait to get the answers to.

Looking forward to more masked ball!

[Dallas]

What a super read Michael!

The Brent/Molly/Philip stuff was a lot of fun. Philip throwing Brent's recent behavior in his face was cold, but amazing. I don't get the feeling that Philip cared one bit that the only thing Brent came back with was "keep your hands off my wife". Molly didn't seem to come down too hard on Philip either for planting the kiss. She must have enjoyed it just as much as he did.

Ah ha! So Claire killed her father, which is Loretta's hubby which means she is Philip's sister! Wicked twist. I was worried the entire time Claire and Loretta were together, because you knew Loretta was up to something. Next episode will be most entertaining.

Well done Michael,

d

[Michael]

Thanks for your replies, guys!

Originally Posted by Andy Eckles

The masked ball is well executed. Party scenes, as we've discussed, are always difficult to manage, but this is going well. Loretta continues to frustrate me with her prim and proper mannerisms masking her evil doings. Loved the altercation between Brent and Philip, and was glad that there was a little break in the intrigue to focus on their relationship. I kind of don't mind Molly with Philip right now. He used to seem like a total douche but now I kind of get him.

I'm sure I've said this in recent episode threads, but I enjoy their dynamic more than I expected I would! Something about Philip is really appealing to me; he is kind of a douche, but it's unapologetic and there's also more to him than that.

I'm also glad the party scenes are coming off all right. This one feels more manageable because it's a smaller number of characters to focus on. Things with all the Fishers in attendance drive me insane, just trying to choreograph all the movements and make sure everyone is "seen" enough.

Originally Posted by Dallas

Ah ha! So Claire killed her father, which is Loretta's hubby which means she is Philip's sister! Wicked twist. I was worried the entire time Claire and Loretta were together, because you knew Loretta was up to something. Next episode will be most entertaining.

This opens up a ton of questions -- like, uh, how did Claire not know about Loretta and Philip? -- but I promise that a) there are answers built in, and b) the answers will open up future story avenues. I don't want to say too much more just yet, but I'm thrilled that the beginnings of this reveal have you intrigued!

Thanks again for your loyal readership and support, Andy and Dallas.

[Ira]

Fantastic episode, Michael. I always enjoy when you work up to some big events, and I hope that this one ends up matching the pier episodes and Shannon episodes for sheer magnitude of how it will affect the rest of the series. I'm sure it will.

Really loving the idea of Loretta being behind the bombings and everything now coming full circle. I'd figured out that James was her husband last episode, but somehow I never really put two and two together that it would make Claire half-sibling to Philip and Spencer! This has so much exciting potential in it, I can't wait. It will also throw some kinks into the Tempest storyline, I assume! Because she's for all intents and purposes made Tempest a part of her family, so how will Tempest react when Claire's other new family (by blood, no less!) comes knocking?

The Philip/Molly/Brent story continues to entertain. I get all sides of the argument here, but I'm enjoying the hell out of Philip/Molly, so...yeah. And Loretta is such a fun bitch. I'm loving every minute of her, down to the "elegance is learned!" speech.

[Michael]

Thanks, Ira!

Originally Posted by Ira

Really loving the idea of Loretta being behind the bombings and everything now coming full circle. I'd figured out that James was her husband last episode, but somehow I never really put two and two together that it would make Claire half-sibling to Philip and Spencer! This has so much exciting potential in it, I can't wait. It will also throw some kinks into the Tempest storyline, I assume! Because she's for all intents and purposes made Tempest a part of her family, so how will Tempest react when Claire's other new family (by blood, no less!) comes knocking?

This was always, always intended as the final chapter to the story that really began almost thirteen years ago, when James came back into Claire's life and tried to separate her from Tim. It's been through various iterations in my head and on paper over the years, but in my mind, the story has had three chapters: the one that ended with Tim's return from the dead; the one that ended with Nick's Last Stand; and this final confrontation with Loretta to tie it all together. And yes, it definitely will launch all these people forward in what I hope are interesting ways. There are a few more surprises (as well as full explanations) in store, as well.

Originally Posted by Ira

And Loretta is such a fun bitch. I'm loving every minute of her, down to the "elegance is learned!" speech.

Heh. Glad that didn't go unnoticed. I was so pleased with myself for working it in, especially in what felt like a fairly organic way.