"THE GREAT RACE" (1965) Review

”THE GREAT RACE” (1965) Review

During the 1950s and the 1960s, the Hollywood film industry released many films that were later dubbed as ”blockbusters”. These films had been made to compete with the growing popularity of television during the post-World War II era. Most of the blockbusters released during the 1950s turned out to be period dramas and musicals. The period dramas and musicals continued into the 1960s. However, they were joined by all-star comedies with long running times. One of these comedies turned out to be 1965’s ”THE GREAT RACE”.

Directed by Blake Edwards, ”THE GREAT RACE” told the story of a long distance road race from New York City to Paris in 1908, between two daredevil rivals. One of these rivals happened to be Leslie Gallant III (aka “The Great Leslie”), a handsome, brave and dashing daredevil who represented the epitome of the well-groomed American gentleman of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Leslie also possessed a slightly condescending manner that matched his superficial perfection to a “T”. The Great Leslie’s rival turned out to be a swarthy, mustache-twirling villain named Professor Fate – also a daredevil. But whereas Leslie’s successful stunts gave him respectability from American businessmen and the media, Fate has been nearly regulated to the status of a buffoon, due to his constant failures. The latter resulted in Fate’s eternal grudge against his more handsome rival. When the white-suited hero proposed a long road race from New York City to Paris in order to promote a new car (the Leslie Special) designed by him and built by the Weber Motor Company, Fate decided to thwart Leslie’s plans of victory by building his own super car for the race (the Hannibal Eight). Meanwhile, a female photojournalist and suffragette named Maggie Dubois managed to convince the editor of the The New York Sentinel to hire her to cover the race.

I might as well be blunt. I tend to have mixed views about Hollywood blockbusters. I either love them, in spite of themselves. Or I dislike them. While viewing some of these blockbusters from the 50s and 60s, I noticed they were just as bloated as some of today’s blockbusters. And ”THE GREAT RACE” struck me as blockbuster of the bloated variety. With a running time of two hours and forty minutes, it seemed to long. Really. The movie shared a similar flaw with another 1965 blockbuster, ”THOSE MAGNIFICENT MEN IN THEIR FLYING MACHINES”. In other words, it is a long movie about a race in which only a small percentage of the film featured the actual event. First of all, Edwards and his co-writer, Arthur A. Ross, spent at least 40 to 45 minutes of the film setting up his characters and the preparation for the race. Forty-five minutes. And although the next two hours centered on the actual race, moviegoers only saw the participants race during the first leg of the race that featured the results of sabotage committed by Fate’s assistant Maximilian, against Leslie and Fate’s other competitors. Most of the movie centered around the main characters’ adventures in the small Western town of Boracho, in Alaska, Russia and a fictionalized European country called Carpania and its capital of Potsdorf (during which the movie became a spoof of Anthony Hope’s classic, ”The Prisoner of Zenda”). Moviegoers were able to see the race one last time, when the Leslie Special and the Hannibal Eight raced along the outskirts of Paris and within the city itself. One the two competitors reached the Eiffel Tower, the race ended. For a movie called ”THE GREAT RACE”, very little racing was actually seen.

Another problem that ”THE GREAT RACE” shared with ”THOSE MAGNIFICENT MEN IN THEIR FLYING MACHINES” was the abundance of slapstick humor in the story. It dangerously came close to being too MUCH for my sensibilities. I did not mind the Boracho saloon fight (an obvious spoof of fight scenes in Hollywood Westerns). Nor did I mind Maximilian’s sabotage of Fate’s other competitors at the beginning of the race. But Fate’s attempts to sabotage Leslie’s daredevil stunts in the movie’s first fifteen or twenty minutes and the pie fight inside the Potsdorf royal kitchen really irritated me. I believe that both scenes may have unnecessarily dragged the film.

Yet, bloated or not, I cannot deny that ”THE GREAT RACE” is a very, very entertaining film. Edwards and Ross did a top notch job in creating a story set during the pre-World War I era. During this period, Western society was in its last gasp of clinging to the nineteenth century – a world filled with constricting fashion for women, elegant manners, European royalty with some political power, and society’s rules. And yet . . . Edwards and Ross’s story made it clear this world was also changing, thanks to the presence of motorized vehicles on the roads, the suffragette movement, the popularity of daredevils like Leslie and Fate, the threat of political loss for European royalty and the diminished presence of Native Americans in the West. What made ”THE GREAT RACE” so amazing was that Edwards revealed these social changes in a cinematic style straight from silent era films like ”THE PERILS OF PAULINE”, with slapstick comedy added for good measure.

Speaking of the movie’s comedy, I realize that I had complained a good deal about some of it. However, Edwards and Ross’ script did provide plenty of comedic moments that I absolutely enjoyed. One such moment featured the Great Leslie’s meeting with the board members of the Weber Motor Company. The meeting itself merely served as the springboard for the race. But a surprise visitor gave the scene a comedic touch that I found particularly funny. Other funny moments included:

*Maggie Dubois’ reaction to singer Lily O’Lay’s flirtation with Leslie

*The entire Boracho sequence

*Maggie Dubois’ successful attempt to replace Hezekial Sturdy as Leslie’s co-driver

*Fate’s explanation of the attraction between Leslie and Miss Dubois

*The entire Alaska sequence

*Fate, Miss Dubois and Max’s arrival in a Russian town

*General Kuhster’s attempt to instruct Fate on how to impersonate Crown Prince Hapnick’s laugh

*Leslie and Miss Dubois’ quarrel during the race’s last leg

*Fate’s rant against Leslie’s perfection after the two competitors reached the Eiffel Tower

”THE GREAT RACE” also included an entertaining score written by Henry Mancini. The composer also co-wrote two songs with Johnny Mercer – a charming tune called ”The Singing Tree” (that also served as the movie’s main tune) and a rousing song called ”He Shouldn't A Hadn't A Oughtn't A Swang on Me”. Donfeld aka Don Feld designed some colorful costumes, reminiscent of the fashions of the 20th century’s first decade. However, I must admit that I found one of Natalie Wood’s costumes a bit over-the-top – namely the Western outfit she wore following the Leslie Special and the Hannibal Eight’s departures from Boracho. The movie also featured a swordfight between Leslie and a Carpanian aristocrat named Baron Von Stuppe during the Potsdorf sequence, which I consider to be one of the best in Hollywood history. I am aware that Curtis had some theatrical sword fighting experience in some of the swashbucklers from the 1950s. But Martin’s skills with a sword took me by surprise. Perhaps he learned it while training for the theater.

As far as I am concerned, the best asset of ”THE GREAT RACE” was its cast. Edwards managed to collect a top-notch cast filled with extremely talented performers. Aside from the stars, the movie was filled with some great talent. Arthur O’Connell and Vivian Vance were hilarious as Maggie Dubois’ long-suffering editor and his pushy suffragette wife, Henry and Hester Goodbody. Marvin Kaplan portrayed Frisbee’ Mr. Goodbody’s slightly befuddled assistant. The Boracho sequence featured a hilarious performance by Larry Storch as the town’s ruthless local outlaw, Texas Jack. And Dorothy Provine gave one of the movie’s best performances as Boracho’s local saloon chanteuse, Lily O’Lay. Not only did she give a rousing rendition of ”He Shouldn't A Hadn't A Oughtn't A Swang on Me”, she also injected her character with plenty of wacky humor and charm. The Carpania sequence provided George Macready to give a solid performance as Prince Hapnick’s solid, but traitorous aide, General Kuhster. And Ross Martin was deliciously suave and villainous as Baron Rolfe von Stuppe, General Kuhster’s ally in the coup d’état against the Crown Prince.

Peter Falk garnered a great deal of notice as Maximilian, Professor Fate’s loyal, yet slippery henchman. And he deserved all of the good notice he had received, thanks to his subtle and sly performance. More importantly, Falk managed to create a first-rate comedic team with Jack Lemmon. Keenan Wynn’s role as Hezekiah Sturdy, Leslie’s assistant. Wynn basically gave a solid performance as Leslie’s right-hand man. But Edwards gave him two scenes in which he absolutely shone without saying a word. One featured a moment in which his character tried to work up the courage to ask a beautiful Carpanian aristocrat to dance at the royal ball. Another featured his silent, yet long-suffering reaction to Leslie and Miss Dubois’ final battle-of-the-sexes during the race’s last leg into Paris.

Tony Curtis had worked with his two co-stars in previous movies. He had co-starred with Natalie Wood in 1964’s ”SEX AND THE SINGLE GIRL” And he worked with Jack Lemmon in Billy Wilder’s 1959 comedy classic, ”SOME LIKE IT HOT”. In ”THE GREAT RACE”, he created screen chemistry with the pair, once again. He portrayed the handsome, clean-cut and well accomplished daredevil, Leslie Gallant III aka the Great Leslie. Superficially, his character seemed rather dull and bland in compare to Lemmon and Wood’s. Superficially. But after watching Curtis portray the embodiment of early 20th century male perfection, one could finally understand why Professor Fate disliked him so much. Curtis’ Leslie was so INSUFFERABLY perfect. Anyone who spent even a day in his company could easily develop an inferiority complex. And Curtis did such a superb job in portraying Leslie’s rather annoying perfection with an excellent mixture of slight pomposity and tongue-in-cheek. Some of the best moments featured a long speech by Leslie, followed by a cinematic twinkle in his eyes or on his teeth that led other characters to do a double take. Curtis’s Great Leslie gave a perfect example of why straight arrow types are secretly despised.

The one character that managed to create cracks in Leslie’s perfectionism turned out to be the suffragette/journalist, Maggie Dubois – portrayed with great enthusiasm and perfection by Natalie Wood. The curious thing about Miss Dubois was that Edwards and Ross wrote her and Wood portrayed her with a mixture of Leslie and Fate’s personalities. Like Leslie, Miss Dubois was an accomplished and highly intelligent woman who also happened to be a multi-linguist and excellent fencer. On the other hand, she shared Fate’s cunning and taste for manipulation. She also possessed a moral ambiguity that led her into conning Hezekiah to relax his guard, so that she could handcuff him onto an eastbound train. Unlike other women, Miss Dubois never allowed herself to swoon at Leslie’s feet . . . even if she wanted to. Instead, I found it a pleasure to watcher her tear down Leslie’s self-esteem, until he found himself declaring his love for her.

One cannot discuss ”THE GREAT RACE” without mentioning Jack Lemmon’s performance. His Professor Fate has to be one of the best roles in the actor’s career. More importantly, I believe that Fate is one of the most entertaining villains in Hollywood history. This was a character that seemed to revel in his villainy with a bombastic manner, a five o’clock shadow on his chin and deep impatience and contempt toward anyone who was not . . . well, him. Yet, he was shrewd enough to surmise that Maggie Dubois’ dedication toward women’s sufferage would prove to be the Great Leslie’s chink in the latter armor . . . or Achilles’ heel. And his rant against his handsome rival near the film’s conclusion was a delicious study in Fate’s insecurities about Leslie. If portraying the moustache-twirling villain was not enough, Lemmon also portrayed the affable, yet drunken Crown Prince Hapnick of Carpania with a slight effeminate twist during the film’s parody of ”The Prisoner of Zenda”. Hapnick’s regal, yet slightly drunken entrance turned out to be one of the film’s highlights for me. I always thought it was a shame that Fate and Hapnick never really got the chance to interact with each other. Considering Lemmon’s comedic talent, such a scene would have been a hoot.

As I had stated earlier, ”THE GREAT RACE” has plenty of obvious flaws. It is an overblown film about a long distance road race, in which little of the actual race was shown. And there were times when the slapstick comedy threatened to become just a bit too much. Especially during the famous pie fight sequence. But Blake Edwards, with co-writer Arthur Ross, created a fun and colorful film that re-created the world of old-fashioned road races and daredevil stunts during the turn of the last century. It also featured colorful costumes and settings, great humor, one of the best screen swordfights ever and a superb cast led by Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Natalie Wood. I highly recommend it.

"The Corellian Connection" [PG-13] - Chapter Four

"THE CORELLIAN CONNECTION"

CHAPTER FOUR

OUTSIDE ALDERA, ALDERAAN

Padme stepped out onto the villa's terrace and found Raymus Antilles pacing back and forth near the balustrade. "Captain Antilles," she greeted politely. "How kind of you to visit."

The captain ceased his pacing and faced Padme with a grim expression. "I'm afraid this isn't a social visit, Milady. Alderaan's intelligence has just received news that that an Imperial emissary will be arriving here, pretty soon. It seems that someone had traced Solipo Yeb's message to this planet."

A sense of alarm filled Padme. "Oh no! Bail! Has His Highness been arrested?"

"Thankfully no," Antilles replied. "He managed to leave Alderaan before the Empire's arrival."

Padme frowned. "You mean that this emissary is here?"

"He will be. Soon." With a sigh, Antilles continued, "Her Majesty and I believe that this emissary might search for the holoprojector that had received Senator Yeb's message." Unease crept into his eyes.

Padme asked, "Is there something else?"

Antilles inhaled sharply. "We've also learned that the emissary is someone with the title of 'Darth'. Possibly a Sith Lord."

A gasp left Padme's mouth. She stared at Antilles with anxious eyes. "But that's not possible! According to Bail and Master Kenobi, Anakin had turned away . . ."

"Yes, Milady, but we don't know if Skywalker had returned to the emperor or not." The captain paused. "Right now, we need to get you and children away from here. I have a shuttle waiting nearby to take you away from the palace grounds. I suggest that you pack your belongings quickly."

Padme replied, "I already have. Bail had suggested that I pack. In case of an emergency."

At that moment, a shadow appeared in the sky above. Both Padme and Antilles glanced and noticed a rectangular-shaped space vehicle. An Imperial shuttle. Padme murmured, "He's here."

----------

CORONET, CORELLIA

"Room Eleven," Anakin murmured to himself, as he walked along the second floor corridor of the Selonia Hotel. The hotel was named after another planet that made up the Corellian Sector. The clean and stark interior reminded Anakin of a modest home for a respectable family. Large jars filled with flowers and other plants dotted the length of the corridor. He finally came upon his destination - Room Eleven. The pilot rang the announciator.

Seconds later, a female voice crackled from the small audio box next to the door. "Yes? Who is it?"

"Captain Set Horus," Anakin replied. "We met last night."

The door slid open, revealing Thalia Kor. Her shoulders sagged with relief. "Oh, thank goodness! Captain Horus, I'm glad that you could finally make it. Come in, please."

Once Anakin had stepped inside the modest room, he was surprised to find a human male with skin tone similar to his new client's. He knew that Miss Kor had a brother. But he had no idea that this sibling would turn out to be the missing senator from Andalia. "Senator Yeb?" he exclaimed, before he could stop himself.

The senator and his sister exchanged uneasy glances. "You know who I am?" the former demanded.

Anakin shrugged his shoulders. "Of course. Your face has been plastered consistently on the HoloNet News Service, since your escape from Andalia."

"I didn't think of that," Yeb murmured, wearing an anxious expression.

An impatient Thalia Kor (or Yeb) quickly dismissed the matter. "Never mind that. Captain Horus, can you get us both to Averam? No questions asked?"

Nodding, Anakin replied, "Sure. I only hope that the Empire hasn't traced you to here on Corellia." He saw the troubled expression on Senator Yeb's face. "Is there something wrong, Senator?"

Solipo Yeb hesitated. "Well . . . upon my arrival here, I had contacted . . . a friend to send me some much needed funds. We had also made arrangements to meet on Averam."

"And you think there might be a chance that your message had been detected by the Empire," Anakin concluded. He sighed. "I understand. I don't mean to sound mercenary, Senator, but how much are you willing to pay for passage?"

The Andalian senator immediately replied, "Three thousand Imperial credits." Anakin's eyes widened in shock. Apparently, the senator's friend had provided him with ample funds.

With an amicable smile on his face, Anakin replied, "Well then . . . you have a deal. Meet me inside the Javian Hawk's hangar." He glanced at the Andalian woman. "Your sister should know where to find it. I'll be ready to leave within two hours. Senator . . . Milady." He bowed politely and left the hotel room.

--------

ALDERA PALACE, ALDERAAN

Darth Rasche and his entourage stood inside Aldera Palace's vast and impressive foyer. Just beyond, a large staircase curved upward to the floor above. Although Rasche was familiar with the plans for the new Imperial Palace, he could not help but be impressed by this palace's elegant style and sense of history. Not that he really cared. After all, he had a job to perform.

An royal aide dressed in a long blue robe approached the Sith Lord. "May I help you, sir?"

"I am Darth Rasche," Rasche announced. "I am here to see Her Majesty Queen Breha and His Highness Prince Bail Organa, on behalf of His Imperial Highness, the Emperor Palpatine."

The aide nervously replied, "Her Majest is . . ."

"Her Majesty is here," a female's husky voice finished. The voice's owner descended the staircase's remaining steps and approached the newcomers. Dressed in a simple, elegant tangerine gown with bell-shaped sleeves, Breha Antilles-Organa looked every inch an Alderaanian queen. Even her hair, styled in two round buns pinned on each side of her head, added to the regal presence. The aide immediately bowed. To prove that he was not a rude vulgarian, Darth Rasche did the same. "We are Queen Breha of Alderaan," she continued. "May we ask who you are, sir? And what are you doing here with Imperial troops?"

Again, the Sith Lord bowed. "I am Darth Rasche, Your Majesty. I am the personal emissary of the Emperor. He believes that someone here on Alderaan had received a holographic message from Solipo Yeb on Corellia. And since your husband happened to be one of Senator Yeb's former colleagues, naturally our search will start here."

The queen's countenance formed a stony mask. "We must protest this intrusion, Lord Rasche. His Highness has been a loyal supporter of the Emperor since the latter was the Supreme Chancellor. Despite his initial misgivings, he also supported the war against the Separatists . . . even against the wishes of some of our more pacifist citizens. This is outrageous!"

"Nevertheless, Your Majesty, I must perform my duty and search the palace. You may file an official protest to the Imperial Senate, if you wish." Rasche paused, as he glanced around the foyer. When the Queen had first appeared, something seemed amiss. Now, he knew why. "Pardon me, Your Majesty, but where is your husband? Where is His Highness, Prince Bail?"

The Queen's dark eyes flickered momentarily before she assumed a haughty air. "His Highness is not here. He has left . . . on a business trip."

Allowing his eyes to penetrate the monarch's Rasche said in a silky voice, "A business trip? To Corellia, by any chance?"

Contempt poured out of Queen Breha's eyes. "Of course not! He went to Duro with a member of Alderaan's Trade Association to discuss our import contract regarding Alderaanian wine."

"Do you expect me to believe you?" Rasche coolly shot back.

"I beg your pardon?" The queen's voice radiated ice. "Do you doubt our word?"

A retort hung on Rasche's lips. But a growing sense that the Queen had no suspicions of any connection between her husband and Solipo Yeb, other than the Senate, gnawed in his mind. He also suspected that insulting Alderaan's queen might backfire against the Empire. Especially since he has yet to find any proof linking Bail Organa with Yeb. Rasche took a deep breath and bowed to the Queen. "Pardon me, Your Majesty. I would never doubt anything you say."

Queen Breha lifted her chin in a haughty manner. "You are forgiven."

Rasche felt a slight surge of anger at what he viewed as royal arrogance. Then he turned to the clone squad and barked, "Search every room for a holoprojector, and make sure that each one has been checked for any recent transmissions!" The troopers then split into smaller groups and commenced upon the search.

Meanwhile, Rasche became aware of Queen Breha's intense scrutiny. "Pardon me, Lord . . . Rasche," she began, "but your face looks familiar to us." She paused. "Were you a veteran of the recent war against the Separatists?"

The young Sith Lord's eyes flicked. "Yes . . . Your Majesty."

The Queen frowned. "Were you a former Jedi Knight, by any chance? Aside from the clone troopers, the only other humans engaged in combat were . . ."

Longing to avoid memories of his previous life, Rasche curtly interrupted. "There were other humans that fought against Dooku and Grievious." Queen Breha's eyes bored into his. He added quietly, "Your Majesty."

"I see."

Rasche decided to change the subject. "By the way, I had noticed a charming villa near the palace's lagoon. Who lives there, if I may ask?"

A touch of fear flicked in the Queen's eyes. Much to Rasche's surprise. Interesting.

"My husband's cousin lives there," Queen Breha finally replied. "Cousin Yane Organa-Rivaaj. Well . . . she and her children used to live there. Until recently. She is a war widow."

Rasche asked, "Why did she leave?"

A pause followed before Queen Breha answered, "Painful memories. It was not the same fol . . . following her husband's death. He was killed during the Separatists' assault upon our homeworld."

Rasche nodded politely, already bored by the tragic story. Several minutes later, three clone troopers appeared from the palace's east wing. One of them reported, "We found a holoprojector each in both the Queen and Prince Organa's private offices. Neither had recently received a message from Corellia."

"You searched our private rooms?" Queen Breha demanded angrily.

Ignoring the furious monarch, Rasche ordered the two troopers to search the villa near the palace's lagoon. "If you find the holoprojector, inform me as soon as possible." Once the troopers left, Rasche turned to face Queen Breha. To his satisfaction, the fear he had earlier spotted in her eyes, had returned.

----------

CORONET, CORELLIA

"I had killed more than one person. Hundreds of them, as a matter of fact. Including children."

Captain Horus' words replayed over and over, inside Han's mind. Nor could he forget the pilot's eyes when those words spilled of his mouth. Hard. Intense. Scary and yet, a little sad. Recalling the blond-haired pilot, Han felt relieved that the man had rejected him. On the other hand, a swell of pity touched Han whenever he thought about Captain Horus' underlying sadness. What exactly had Horus done to make him so frightening and yet, sad at the same time?

Han shivered. Then he returned his attention to his drink. After leaving the Torvian Blue Hotel, the eleven year-old had made his way toward the city's spaceport in the hopes of finding passage off Corellia. Unfortunately, most ships seemed to be arriving in Coronet, instead of leaving. An old Republic cruiser had departed for Mos Espa on Tatooine. Han would have been a passenger, if the pilot had not demanded more credits than he possessed. Now, he found himself sitting in a open-air café, drinking Java Juice and waiting for the next starship to depart.

A familiar figure appeared at the spaceport's entrance. It was Set Horus. Han watched the young pilot stride into one of the hangars. Then a woman dressed in dark blue pants, a white blouse and a tan short jacket appeared at the spaceport's entrance. Han immediately recognized her aqualine features and long, dark-brown braid. It was Yenohla Jen, one of Corellia's top pilots. He had learned from the portmaster that she would be departing for Coruscant within an hour or two. And unlike the Republic cruiser's pilot, Captain Jen would not overcharge him.

After finishing his drink, Han paid two credits and slid out of his chair. He grabbed his burlap sack and started across the street. The eleven year-old had not taken five steps when a strong hand grabbed him by the back of his collar. Han screamed for help, as he struggled to escape his captor. Typically, no one bothered to rescue him. Not even a CorSec officer.

"Calm down, kid," his captor growled. "Shrike wants to speak to you." In other words - he was deep in bantha fodder.

Shrike’s thug, a blond-haired human male with narrow blue eyes, shoved him into an enclosed speeder, where he found another waiting for them. Within minutes, both men delivered him to Shrike’s villa, near the edge of town. One of the thugs dragged the eleven year-old inside the villa and delivered him to the courtyard, where the gangster awaited them. The latter’s grim expression did not seem to bode well for Han. “Well, well,” Shrike said in a low, menacing voice. “Hanging around the spaceport like some local scum, Solo? Weren’t you supposed to be doing something else? Like collecting the credits that you owe me?”

Han stared at his boss in angry silence. Only he felt anger at himself, for being stupid enough to be caught off guard by Shrike’s thugs.

“Well? Aren’t you going to say something?” Shrike demanded. His eyes fell upon Han’s burlap sack. “Where did you get that?” He snatched the sack from Han’s grip. At that moment, the Wookie cook appeared in the courtyard. She took one look at Han and gasped. “That’s right, Dewlanna,” Shrike continued with a sneer. “Solo is back. I can only assume that you helped him escape by giving him this.” He held up the burlap sack. Then he peered inside. “Let’s see. Food and and a credit chip. Interesting.”

Dewlanna growled, “He would have starved if I had not given him something.”

“Really?” Shrike glared at her. “You should have told me that he had left, in the first place.”

For Dewlanna’s sake, Han spoke up. “You leave Dewlanna out of this!” he cried angrily. “It’s not her fault!”

“No, it’s not,” Shrike coolly replied. “It’s yours. You made the choice to run away. But Dewlanna . . . well, she did make the choice to help you. And now, both of you must be punished.”

At that moment, an adolescent, green-skinned Twi’lek entered the courtyard. It was Alema Passik, one of Shrike’s slaves and his personal companion. She called out the gangster’s name. “Shrike! You have an incoming message on your holoprojector! The one you are waiting for.”

A sigh left Shrike’s mouth. He seemed to have forgotten about Han, as he diverted his attention to Alema. “I’m waiting for a lot of messages. Who is it?” he demanded, as he started toward the archway that led to the villa’s interiors.

Shrike was not the only one who became distracted by Alema’s appearance. The gangster’s two thugs had released their grip on Han’s arms. The eleven year-old decided to take advantage of a fortuitous opportunity. Using great force, Han stomped on the blond-haired thug’s foot. The man cried out in pain. Then the eleven year-old Corellian kicked the other thug’s shin and made a run for the courtyard’s gate.

A loud roar filled Han’s ears, when he reached the gate. She glanced over his shoulder and saw Dewlanna knock the second thug to the ground. The blond thug pulled out a blaster, but Dewlanna knocked him out before he could fire. Then she roared, “Run Han! Get out of here! Get out . . .”

Blaster fire from Shrike’s side weapon interrupted the Wookie’s cries. Struck directly into the chest, Dewlanna slowly sank to the ground. Han cried out, “Nooo!” Then he saw an armed Shrike rush toward him. Before Han could open the gate, the fallen Wookie grabbed one of Shrike’s ankles and jerked him to the ground. Han needed no further argument. He opened the gate and finally made good his escape.

----------

CORELLIAN SECTOR

Commander Jaffe approached the Agamemnon’s senior officer. “We’re now approaching Corellia, Captain Hardy. We should be in orbit above the planet within fifteen minutes.”

“Good,” Captain Hardy replied. “Contact the head of the Corellian Security Force. Inform him that I will meet him at the CorSec office on Coronet. And Have Lieutenant Rhue and his platoon meet me in the shuttle bay. I am going to the surface. I’m leaving you in command of the Agamemnon.”

The executive officer nodded. “As you wish, Captain.” He turned to a subordinate. “Contact Lieutenant Rhue and tell him to form his platoon, inside the hangar bay.”

Satisfied that his orders would be carried out, Captain Hardy left the bridge in order to prepare for his trip to Corellia’s surface.


END OF CHAPTER FOUR

A Few Observations of "MAD MEN": (3.11) "The Gypsy and the Hobo"

After viewing the eleventh Season Three episode of ”MAD MEN” called (3.11) “The Gypsy and the Hobo”, I came up with the following observations:


A Few Observations of “MAD MEN”: (3.11) “The Gypsy and the Hobo”

*Ever since his affair with Suzanne Farrell began in (3.09) “Wee Small Hours”, Don Draper has been increasingly dismissive of Betty’s presence. In some ways, he seemed to be in a great hurry to get her and the kids out of the house. And that is understandable, considering that he had proposed to Suzanne, a trip to Mystic, Connecticut during Betty’s absence in order to continue their romantic interlude.

*The scene in which Betty asked Don for more money before her departure reminded me at how women were (and probably still are) regarded as children by their husband. I could not help but wonder if the $200 dollars in Betty’s bank account is regarded as nothing more than allowance by both of them.

*Annabelle Mathis seems to be the first woman since Mona Sterling who seemed to have a romantic connection to Roger. She must have hurt him a great deal when she dumped him to marry another man to run her father’s dog food company, Caldecott Farms. Some fans have suggested that Annabelle’s earlier rejection of him may have led to his cavalier attitude toward women. I have no answer in regard to that suggestion. But I could sense that the attraction between them had remained strong.

*Like many of the series’ fans and Don in (3.03) “My Kentucky Home”, Annabelle seemed dismissive of Roger’s marriage to the 20-something Jane. Whether they are right or wrong remains to be seen. Judging from his conversation with Joan Harris over her request to find additional work, it is obvious that Roger still have feelings for the red-haired former office manager. But he had rejected Annabelle’s overtures on Jane’s behalf.

*I am a little confused over the situation regarding Gene Hofstadt’s house. Correct me if I am wrong, but did he give 50/50 ownership of the house to both Betty and William? What are the exact terms regarding the inheritance? Does anyone know?

*I never had any idea that the divorce laws for New York State were so stringent that the Hofstadts’ attorney, Milton Lowell, would advise Betty to remain married to Don. Was this only the case for women? Or did men who longed for a divorce from their wives also faced difficulties?

*I find it interesting that Annabelle Mathis seemed very reluctant to follow Don and Roger’s advice about changing the brand name of her product. Are they right? After all, Caldecott Farms is one of the companies reeling from the horse meat/dog food expose. If Don had been the only one advising Annabelle to do this, I would have sympathized more with her. I might as well be honest. Don has a history of not only following this advice himself – a tactic he had used to escape from Korea – but he had advised Peggy to forget the reason why she had ended up in the hospital in November/December 1960. Perhaps Don’s past history in this particular area may have led me to be a little prejudiced against his advice. But Roger had offered the same advice. And considering that the topic is dog food, I really do not see why Annabelle would ignore such advice.

*How did Joan Harris’ husband, Greg, expect to transfer from the field of medical surgery to psychiatry so easily? Would that have required his return to school . . . even in 1963?

*After Joan’s encounter with Sally Draper in Season Two’s (2.04) “Three Sundays”, I had believed that she was not the maternal type. I changed my mind. Watching Joan help Greg practice with his job interview, I realized that she is the maternal type . . . but with grown men.

*I might as well be frank. I found nothing to cheer about Joan’s assault upon Greg. I found it childish and violent. I realize that Joan was weary of Greg’s self-pity act and childish whining. But Joan proved that she could be just as violent and childish as her husband, when she struck him on the head with that vase, out of her own frustration and anger. And Greg’s reaction to Joan’s assault was similar to Joan’s reaction to Greg’s rape. As Joan had done last season, Greg caved in and begged her forgiveness for being whiny. I found it just as disgusting, as I had found Joan’s decision to go ahead with the marriage. But what really disgusted me was how many fans had condoned Joan’s violent act.

*When the Suzanne Farrell character first appeared, I did not like her. I did not like the idea of Sally Draper’s teacher having an affair with Don. Mind you, I do not dislike Suzanne any more. Actually, I feel rather sorry for her. Despite her past experience with married man, meeting Don had led her to drop her guard and risk encountering further heartache. Watching her climb out of Don’s car and slink away from the Draper residence was rather sad.

*On the other hand, I do not feel that Jon Hamm (who portrays Don) and Abigail Spencer (who portrays Suzanne) have any screen chemistry. I simply do not see the magic. Perhaps that is the main reason I found it difficult to buy the Don/Suzanne affair.

*The expression on Don’s face when he realized that Sally, Bobby and Betty had returned from Philadelphia a lot sooner was priceless. He looked as if someone had pulled a rug from underneath him. Actually, this is exactly what Betty was about to do.

*Jon Hamm and January Jones were superb in this episode. Honestly. Both did an excellent job of conveying this moment of truth in the Draper marriage. Watching Hamm convey Don’s transformation from “Master of the Universe” Don Draper to the frightened Dick Whitman was amazing. The man not only deserves an Emmy nomination, he deserves to win the award . . . unless someone else can do better. It took me a while to get over the Emmys’ failure to nominate January Jones for a Best Actress award for last season. After her performance in this episode, it would be downright criminal if they fail to nominate her.

*There was an episode in late Season One, in which Betty was visiting her psychiatrist, Dr. Wayne. He had said something that obviously annoyed her. And she reacted by sitting up and giving him a dark look. That look told me that regardless of any personality flaws that she possessed, Betty might prove to be a formidable woman. Kicking Don out of the house at the end (2.08) “A Night to Remember” and her confrontation with him in this episode has proven me right.

*So . . . Greg upped and enlisted in the U.S. Army as a surgeon/officer. He claimed that since he will acquire the rank of captain, Joan would not have to work. Whether he is right or not, I suspect that Joan is not the type to sit around the apartment and collect Greg’s checks. Unless Matt Weiner proves otherwise. Some fans see Greg’s entry into the Army as an opportunity for his character to end up in Vietnam . . . and dead. And a widowed Joan will be able to seek solace with Roger Sterling. Hmmm. Last year, many had assumed that Joan would not go ahead with her marriage to Greg after the rape. Weiner proved them wrong. Perhaps Greg will end up dead. Then again . . . perhaps not.

*I was relieved that Don finally told Betty the truth about his background. However, I was surprised that he had described his stepfather – Uncle Mac – as being kind to him. Yet, in (1.10) “The Long Weekend”, Don had described his stepfather to Rachel Mencken in a different way:

”"You told me your mother died in childbirth. Mine did too. She was a prostitute. I don't know what my father paid her, but when she died they brought me to him, and his wife. And when I was ten years old he died. He was a drunk who got kicked in the face by a horse. She buried him and took up with some other man, and I was raised by...those two sorry people."

Don did not have any kind words to say about his father Archie, his stepmother Abigail or his stepfather Mac. Yet in last Sunday’s episode, he had kind words for Mac. To whom had he told the truth – Rachel or Betty?

*Speaking of Don’s half-truths, I noticed that he had put a twist on his story about how he had left Korea. Audiences know that Dick Whitman had accidentally killed the real Don Draper by accidentally dropping a lit match into gasoline. Audiences also know that he had deliberately switched dog tags with the officer. Yet, he told Betty that that the real Draper was simply killed and that the Army had mistakenly switched their identities. Even in confession, Don Draper aka Dick Whitman cannot be completely truthful.

"THE BLACK DAHLIA" (2006) Photo Gallery

Below is a gallery featuring photos from the 2006 noir film based upon James Ellroy's 1987 novel:


"THE BLACK DAHLIA" (2006) Photo Gallery

"Buffy's Relationship With the Scoobies"

I have something of a problem with Buffy's relationship with the Scoobies:


"BUFFY'S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SCOOBIES"

I am watching the Season 3 episode, (3.07) "Revelations" right now. I am watching the scene in which the Scoobies reveal to Buffy that they know that Angel is still alive and she had been keeping his presence a secret from them. Apparently, Xander had decided to spy on Buffy, due to her secretive nature and found her kissing Angel.

Now, I realize that they had a right to be angry that she failed to tell them about Angel being alive. But . . . God, this scene pissed me off! If there is one thing about Buffy's relationship with Giles and the Scoobies that has burned me is that she has allowed them to dictate her behavior and moral compass, due to her own fear of losing their friendship. Has Buffy ever put such pressure on Xander, Willow or Giles? I wonder. For years, they put her on this pedestal called "THE SLAYER" and rarely allow Buffy to be herself or have her own life.

Xander is the worst offender of them all. I do not know how this character came to be so beloved by the series' fans. Granted, Xander can be entertaining. But of all the characters, he is probably the most self-righteous of the bunch. And he has allowed his self-righteousness, along with his jealousy toward Buffy's relationships with both Angel and Spike to compromise his morals without any remorse. Good examples would be his lie to Willow about Buffy's wishes regarding Angel in (2.22) "Becoming - Part II" and his attempt to murder a chipped Spike in (6.18) "Entropy" for having sex with the fiancee he had dumped at the altar. Even in "Revelations", he was behaving in the most self-righteous manner about Buffy's lie regarding Angel . . . yet, at the same time, was kissing Willow behind Cordelia's back. Some would say that at least his infidelity with Willow was not a threat to anyone. But his and Willow's actions ended up hurting Cordelia in more ways than one.

The Scoobies' attitude toward Buffy reached its pennacle in Season 6. In (6.01)"Bargaining - Part I", Willow, with Xander, Anya and Tara's assistance, brought Buffy back from the dead . . . without her consent or anything. An act that led to a year long depression for for the Slayer. And they did this, because they needed "THE SLAYER". They believed that Sunnydale needed a Slayer. Despite the fact that Sunnydale had managed to exist without a Slayer for nearly a century before Buffy's arrival.

Is it any wonder why Buffy began to emotionally distance herself from her friends" in Season 7?

”THE MOVING FINGER” (1942) Book Review

”THE MOVING FINGER” (1942) Book Review

Published in 1942, ”THE MOVING FINGER” is an Agatha Christie murder mystery about a small English town rocked by a series of poison pen letters that lead to suicide and murder. This particular novel featured the elderly Jane Marple as the story’s chief detective, despite the fact that the character only has a minor role.

Set during the early years of World War II, Jerry and Joanna Burton are disaffected siblings from London society who take a country house in idyllic town of Lymstock, so that Jerry can rest from injuries received in a wartime plane crash. They are just getting to know the town's strange cast of characters when an anonymous letter arrives, rudely accusing the two of not being brother and sister, but lovers. They quickly discover that these letters have been recently circulating around town, indiscriminate and completely inaccurate. One of the letters eventually hits its target, when a local woman commits suicide after receiving hers. The story’s narrator – Jerry Burton – becomes suspicious that the woman’s maid may have witnessed something. Before he can alert the local police, the maid becomes a murder victim.

Author Agatha Christie has been known to admit that ”THE MOVING FINGER” was one of her favorites:

”"I find that another one [book] I am really pleased with is ”The Moving Finger’. It is a great test to re-read what one has written some seventeen or eighteen years before. One's view changes. Some do not stand the test of time, others do."

I wish I could agree with the renowned mystery writer. I really do. However . . . I found ”THE MOVING FINGER” to be very unimpressive. It struck me as pedestrian and rather sloppily written. It seemed as if Mrs. Christie did not put much effort to create a well written. Even worse, this is supposed to be a Jane Marple novel. Yet, the elderly amateur detective did not even appear in the story, until the sixth chapter and appeared in a few scenes. And the novel only possessed eight chapters. Apparently one of the characters, the vicar’s wife, had decided to summon the one person she felt could solve the case – namely Miss Marple. Unfortunately, the elderly visitor from St. Mary Mead was used by Christie as a minor, deus ex machine style character. Which I found disappointing.

The only interest I found in ”THE MOVING FINGER” was the romance between Jerry Burton and Megan Hunter, the twenty year-old daughter of the woman who had committed suicide. I found it interesting, due to Burton being an interesting narrator. However, I also found his condescending attitude toward Megan and the ugly ducking/beautiful swan motif that surrounded her character and their romance barely palatable. All right, I found it damn annoying. But I must say that it was a hell of a lot more interesting that the main mystery. Speaking of which, it was not much of a mystery to me, considering that I was able to guess the identity of the murderer by the third or fourth chapter.

I am major fan of Agatha Christie. I have been one for years – ever since I was thirteen years old. But I must admit that ”THE MOVING FINGER” proved to be quite a disappointment to me. It seemed like a hastily written murder mystery, in which the main detective has only a few brief appearance. It also possessed an annoying romance between the novel’s slightly condescending narrator and a gauche twenty year-old. Christie could have done better than this.

"Second Power" [PG-13] - 8/8

"SECOND POWER"

PART EIGHT

Later that afternoon, the Charmed Ones sat around the manor's Solarium, discussing the day's events. Not long after their return, Leo had orbed to the Whitelighter's Realm to report on what happened.

"I can't believe it!" Piper declared. "All this time, the Elders had someone else to vanquish the Source and they used us!"

Paige commented, "I don't think they really had much of a choice. After all, the Source did come after us. I wonder why he didn't bother going after Olivia's cousin."

"Maybe he thought we would be an easier target," Phoebe added. "Being more inexperienced as witches than the McNeills. Even Olivia and her brothers are more experienced than us."

Piper rolled her eyes. "Honey, experience doesn't mean anything. Not really. There is such a thing as talent. Or power."

"Geez Piper!" Paige retorted. "I think we've already discovered how powerful Olivia and her brothers are. Especially Olivia. And none of us can't deny that they are talented witches."

The oldest Halliwell glared at the youngest. Phoebe realized that Piper found the idea of Olivia McNeill being just as powerful as the Charmed Ones, unpleasant. She had to be honest that deep down, she also found the idea a little disturbing. It made the Power of Three seem less . . . special. But what really bothered Phoebe was that someone as allegedly powerful as Olivia would associate herself with Cole.

The image of that circle of fire surrounding Cole and Olivia replayed in Phoebe's mind. Psychic connection? Familiars? Was it possible? Why not? She had once formed a psychic connection with a Native American in some Old West town, stuck in another dimension. Phoebe had always believed she and Cole possessed a connection that made them soul mates. But the events of the past year seemed to have perverted that belief. Or had it been her fears and later rejection of Cole?

"By the way," Piper added, "that was the last time I will attend a birthday party at that house. From now on, Paige, you're on your own."

Paige shot back, "It wasn't that bad. Cole even liked your present." She added under her breath. "If you can call it one."

Piper protested, "Cole didn't mind! Why should you?"

"C'mon Piper! A cookbook? "THE JOY OF COOKING", both volumes? What on earth is he going to do with that? He can't cook!"

Squirming in her seat, Piper muttered, "I'm sure that Olivia can help him. Or maybe her mother, or Sheila. Or maybe he'll learn how. What are you worried about? You gave him a nice present. A watercolor painting of Golden Gate Park and the Bridge. Painted by you."

"Well, at least I had taken the time to give him a present that he would enjoy! You know how he likes Golden Gate Park."

Piper rolled her eyes. "Paige! Oh please! You painted that picture, three months ago!"

While her sisters continued to squabble, Phoebe's mind returned to a scene at the birthday party. Just before the cake had been served, Darryl's wife, Sheila, asked the half-demon his age. For a moment, panic seemed to have enveloped the McNeill drawing room . . . until Cole, of all people, saved the day. He told Sheila that he had been born on January 19, 1969 - making him 34 years old, instead of 118 years.

Following that little scene, the McNeills' manservant had brought out the birthday cake and everyone began to sing, "Happy Birthday". Phoebe had never seen her ex-husband look so . . . happy. Not since the day she had announced being preg . . .

Phoebe shook her head. The last thing she wanted to think about was that dark period in her life. That period in which Cole had been the Source of All Evil, and she, his queen. It still hurt, after eight long months, just thinking about it. Phoebe then recalled Paige's revelation that Cole had been possessed by the Source's essence during those three months. At first she refused to believe her sister. To do so would mean facing the possibility that the Charmed Ones had killed an innocent, instead of bothering to save him. Deliberately.

Although Phoebe has finally decided to consider the possibility that Paige might be right - one would have difficulty arguing with a powerful Voodoo priestess' vision - she still could not consider any reconciliation with Cole. Innocent or not, he represented one of the worst moments in her life. Phoebe could not help but wonder if she had vanquished Cole when she first learned he was Belthazor, she would have spared herself and her sisters, great heartache. And being Queen of the Underworld. Besides, staying away from Cole would be better, in the end. Better for her and her family. Especially in regard to Cole's new powers and Ed Miller. Unlike the McNeills, Phoebe could not overlook those two matters.

"The Bearer of Aingeal Staff," Piper muttered, with a shake of her head. "I just can't believe it! The Bearer of Aingeal Staff and Belthazor. I bet the Elders will have a field day with that!"

Again, the image of Cole and Olivia popped into Phoebe's head. She tried to tell herself that she felt no jealousy. Not really. After all, the events from last spring had only convinced her that she and Cole were never meant to be. So why did the idea of those two forming a psychic bond bothered her?

Piper continued, "Don't any of you find it strange that Leo has never heard of this Aingeal staff, before?"

Heaving a sigh, Paige answered, "Maybe the Elders never thought Olivia would become the next Bearer of the Aingeal Staff. Then again, who knows? If they did know, I can tell you one thing - I don't know if I can ever completely trust them again."

* * * *

"Why didn't you tell me about the Staff of Aingeal?" Leo demanded angrily. He stood before the Elders' Council, trembling with righteous anger.

Elder MacKenzie regarded the sixty year-old whitelighter with supercilious eyes. "Are you asking a question, Leo? Or questioning our decision?"

Leo faltered. "I didn't mean . . ." He paused, as frustration welled inside of him. "What I meant was . . ." Oh to hell with it! "Yes! Yes, I am questioning your decision. I'm Olivia's friend, for heaven's sake! And her former whitelighter! Surely you could have warned me that she would become the next Bearer of the Aingeal Staff! I didn't even know what that was, until this morning!"

"Please, Leo. Calm down. We had never considered the possibility that she would become the staff's bearer," Mathilda calmly replied. "Until her fire power manifested. Even then, we believed there was a chance for another McNeill witch to claim the title. However, no other candidate has materialized."

Leo paused, wondering if the Elders knew about this morning's incident. He opened his mouth to speak. Then closed it before he could.

Elder Sylvester added, "Jack McNeill must have told you about the Staff." He sighed. "How I wish that damnable staff had never ended up with a powerful family of witches! Especially that particular family!"

"Don't forget Sylvester," Mathilda quietly reminded her colleague, "the McNeills are descended from Niallghas, who was a very powerful wizard. Which is why we had to . . . pin our hopes on the Charmed Ones. Because of their bloodline, the McNeills would have proven to be undependable. The Bearer of the Aingeal Staff have always been reluctant about going after the Source. And I suspect that your friend, Olivia, is no different."

MacKenzie sniffed derisively. "Hmmph, tainted blood from a wizard." He peered at Leo, who had barely been listening. "Leo, is there a problem? You seemed unusually quiet."

How to tell them? Leo took a deep breath. "Uh, I guess you all know that Cole is still helping Olivia with her new power."

Sylvester's lips formed a grim line. "Yes. Apparently, you had failed to convince the witch that training with an all-powerful demon is a mistake. Considering that you were dealing with a McNeill, your failure is understandable."

Profanity hovered on Leo's lips, but he managed to keep himself in check. Instead, he decided to drop the bombshell. "When my family went to visit the McNeills this morning, we found Olivia and Cole in a state of meditation."

"And?" MacKenzie demanded.

Leo frowned. "You really don't know, do you? You didn't sense it?" He shook his head. "Of course not."

Heaving an impatient sigh, MacKenzie continued, "Sense what?"

"While meditating, Olivia and Cole . . ." Leo hesitated. ". . . managed to form some kind of psychic bond. It's believe that they have become each other's familiar."

The news struck the Elders' Council with the force of a whirlwind. Once again, anxious voices filled the chamber. "WHAT???" Sylvester roared. "Familiars? A psychic bond between a witch and a demon??"

"How could you allow this to happen?" MacKenzie demanded angrily.

Leo immediately became defensive. "I couldn't do anything about it! By the time we had arrived at the McNeills' home, they had already began to form a bond. And I'm no longer her whitelighter. Remember?"

Anxiety of every form were expressed by the Elders. Leo felt like a failure, as he stood before his superiors. And yet . . . a small spark of resentment simmered within his breast. Resentment created by anger at the demands made upon him and the Elders' failure to warn him about his former charge's new role in the supernatural world. Leo began to wonder if both his wife's family and the McNeills had been right about the Elders. And if his bosses' methods and narrow attitudes have been responsible for the growing chaos in the Whitelighters' Realm.

* * * *

The couple slowly made their way down the corridor, until they reached the front of Olivia's apartment. Cole remained silent, while Olivia dug into her purse for the key. She inserted the latter into the door's lock and opened it. Slowly facing Cole, she asked, "Why don't you come inside for a cup of coffee? Or the usual late Sunday afternoon martini?"

Cole wanted to accept Olivia's offer. Wanted to discuss what had passed between them, this morning. But a part of him held back, fearful of the impact such a discussion might have on his already shaky relationship with Olivia.

"Uh, I don't know," he said. "I have some work to catch up on." Cole inwardly winced at disappointed expression on Olivia's face. And changed his mind. "Well, maybe I can come in. I'm sure that my work can wait."

Olivia smiled. "Good, because I have your present, inside." She and Cole walked inside the apartment. "Have a seat. I'll make you a birthday drink." She glanced at his hands. "Say, where are your presents?"

"I sent them to the penthouse," Cole replied. "As for my martini, don't forget the onion." He sat down on the sofa. While Olivia began preparation of the martinis, he added, "By the way, how do you feel? About the possibility of being the new Bearer of the Aingeal Staff?"

Olivia shrugged. "How should I feel? I don't have it, yet. There is a chance that a few other McNeill cousins might become pyrokinetics. I can think of at least three who are around my age. Gran told me that our Scottish cousins will be arranging some kind of ceremony to determine who will be the staff's new owner, this June. Some kind of coronation, I guess."

"Sounds ceremonial," Cole murmured. He paused momentarily before continuing, "Listen, Olivia, about what happened this morning . . ."

"Yeah, I've been thinking about it, myself. I must say that I found it very interesting. What about you?"

Cole sighed. "Yeah, I did. Almost . . ." What could he say? Frightening? He never thought that anyone would learn so much about him, in such a short space of time.

Olivia walked over to the sofa, holding two martinis - with onions. "Almost what? Scary?" She handed one martini glass to Cole, before sitting next to him. "It was scary for me. I guess . . . well, you're probably the first person who has ever discovered so much about me," she added, repeating his thoughts. Her green eyes pierced his. "What about you?"

"Yeah," Cole managed to say. He took a sip of his martini. "The first." He sighed. "Look, about what you saw of my past . . ."

A long, dry sigh escaped Olivia's mouth. "You mean your past as Belthazor? I know what you're capable of, Cole. I saw it when you saved me from that Crozat warlock. And I saw it when we were at that warehouse. You're a killer. In fact, you're a very good killer. But then . . . so am I. I haven't survived nearly nine years of being a cop and dealing with other kinds of evil for nothing. Perhaps the only thing you should worry about is not choosing that old life you had as Belthazor, again." Olivia's eyes grew more penetrating. "You know what I mean?"

Cole returned her stare. Electricity crackled between them. Cole could feel it. He could also feel growing warmth that seemed to be spreading all over his chest. The same warmth he had experienced that night at the New Year's party - just seconds before he had kissed Olivia. Panic struck him. He managed to control it with a few deep breaths. Olivia's eyes expressed concern. "Cole, are you alright? Your face look slightly red."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," he lied. Then Cole took a gulp of his martini. "Just feeling a little flushed. You know, big day for me. Birthday." Then he glanced up at Olivia. "Speaking of birthdays, don't you have a present for me?"

* * * *

Two hours later, Cole left Olivia's apartment. His first instinct was to return to his penthouse. But there was someone he wanted to speak with, first. Cole beamed out of the hallway and reappeared in front of a three-story townhouse, in the middle of New Orleans' French Quarter. Cole walked over to the door and rang the bell.

A familiar figure opened the door, over a minute later. It was Andre. The latter broke into a wide smile. "Hey, hey! It's the birthday boy! Happy Birthday, man!" The two friends exchanged hugs.

Cole allowed himself a small smile. "Thanks, Andre."

The other man glanced at Cole's wrist. "What's this?" he asked.

"My birthday present," Cole said, lifting his wrist to display the new watch that adorned it. "From Olivia."

Andre nodded. "Very nice. I guess you're here for your present. It's too bad that Cecile isn't here. She went to see her grandmother, over near Metairie. Come on it." The two men entered the house. Andre led Cole to the spartanly furnished living room. "So, Olivia gave you a new watch. You two are talking, now?"

"Yeah. We . . . uh, we made our peace. And I'm still helping her with her new power." Cole sighed.

Black eyes stared pointedly at Cole. "Okay, I know that sigh, anywhere," the Vodoun priest continued. "What's the problem now? Why are you really here?"

Another sigh left Cole's mouth. He lowered his head into his open palms. "Andre, I think I'm in a world of shit."

"Oh? What kind of shit are you talking about?" Andre asked.

Cole hesitated. "I think . . . God! I think I'm in love. And it's not with my ex-wife."


THE END


**NOTE: As of this story, the Halliwells are unaware that Cole can cook. However, I have already established in "Return With Vengeance" that he does know how to cook - he had prepared dinner for the now dead warlock, Suzanne Crozat.