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Melrose Place
Episode #188 / Season #6
Title: "A Christine Runs Through It"
Original Air Date: Monday, March 02, 1997 [Outside of Canyon Chapel]
The clanging sound of the tin cans dangling from Kyle's car as it speeds away from the chapel are replaced with a sound almost as irritating, that of Taylor's frantic voice screaming at Nick. "You didn't have to kill her," Taylor shrieks. Nick says it was an accident, that Christine Denton hit her head, and now at least, her last name matches the mark on her forehead, but Taylor doesn't think the cops will buy that story. Taylor continues, "You're fingerprints are all over the body." Nick looks at Taylor, wondering how she knew he and Christine had sex. Nick drags the dead body and puts it in the back of Taylor's Bravada and the three of them drive to get Christine's car. [Ocean Crest Hotel]
Mr. and Mrs. McBride arrive at the hotel, ready to make use of the honeymoon suite. Amanda can't believe her ears, asking, "You got the honeymoon suite?" Kyle answers, "Yeah, I got it for tonight, a year from tonight, every year after that." And with that promise, I hope all worries about the show returning for the next few seasons will subside. The desk clerk informs them that the last couple had great staying power, resulting in a late checkout, and that the suite won't be ready for another half-hour. Amanda pouts, "But I'm ready now." "You know, actually, I'm kind of hungry." Duh, isn't that what Amanda was trying to say? So, to whittle away the minutes, they head to the dining room, where Kyle is Grusin for a bruisin'. [Harvest Motel Parking Lot]
Nick tells Taylor to drive to the same spot on the railroad tracks where Christine tried to "commit suicide" before, and he'll follow her in Christine's car. But Taylor's not bravada enough to drive her SUV with a dead body in it, saying if the cops pull her over she'll lose it, so they switch places and Nick drives the SUV while Taylor agrees to follow in Christine's car. Apparently, Taylor's already "lost it," considering minutes earlier, she was worrying about someone finding Nick's fingerprints on Christine's body, yet now she willingly jumps into Christine's car, plastering her prints all over the door handle and interior without a clue. While in transit, Peter calls Taylor on her cell phone, telling her he needs desperately to contact Kyle. Taylor recommends he not disturb Kyle and Amanda while their honeymooning, then pretends not to know their whereabouts when Peter persists. Next, Peter asks Taylor if she's seen Christine. Taylor gasps, then says she heard Christine went back to New Mexico. Before Peter can ask her anymore questions, however, Taylor makes up the excuse that their cell call is breaking up and hangs up on Peter. For once, the poor quality of analog phones is used to one's advantage rather than as a hindrance. [Ocean Crest Hotel]
Along with the luggage, the bellhop delivers a phone message left at the front desk for Amanda, which reads, "Amanda, I do have the guts. Catching that train tonight. Thanks for the shove. - Christine." Amanda tells Kyle it's just a note from the office, wishing them the best. And speaking of business, that's exactly what Kyle wants to get down to, but Amanda tells him to take a quick shower while she changes into some sexy new lingerie she brought. She fails to mention to Kyle, however, that he take a COLD shower because after what happens shortly, Amanda's lips are gonna zip shut for the rest of this season! Kyle heads off for the shower, and Amanda runs for the lobby, as fast as one can while wearing stiletto heels and a hip-hugging dress. She makes a 9-1-1 call, telling the operator someone is going to commit suicide. Meanwhile, the phone rings in the honeymoon suite. Peter, dialing every hotel in the Yellow Pages, is fortunate that there aren't too many people named McBride getting married that night, and he manages to find the hotel where the latest newlyweds of MP are staying, all before the first commercial break. He informs Kyle that Christine somehow escaped from the hospital. Kyle notices Amanda is missing, so he hangs up on Peter and runs out looking for her. Kyle finds Amanda in the lobby, and Amanda confesses that the phone message was a suicide note from Christine. Kyle insists they go out and find Christine. [Railroad Tracks in Glendale]
Taylor and Nick park their cars alongside the railroad tracks and wait for the next freight train to come their way. When they see a train approaching, they lay her body across the tracks, hoping to employ the same principle used when putting pennies on the rail. The train toots, as they drive away and hide in some nearby bushes. Seconds later, Kyle and Amanda zoom up in his car, but too late to save her. Unlike a Lincoln head penny, however, they manage to find Christine's flattened head after the train has finished going by. [Kyle's Car, Glendale]
The next morning, the cops are still at the scene, concluding it was suicide. Happy with their brilliant detective work, they head off for donuts and coffee, while Kyle and Amanda remain at the scene and recount the past couple of episodes. If you thought this whole Christine story was boring the first time, you should sit through this. Each feels responsible, Amanda telling Kyle the words they exchanged last week. They go home. [MP, Jennifer's Apt]
Sam bolts to Jennifer's, proclaiming she's a "full blown adulterer." Jennifer wants her to define what that means, whether it's a figure of speech or if Jeff is one cunning linguist. Sam confesses how "guilty" she feels about making waves in Jeff Baylor's jacuzzi the night before, not to mention, ruining her suede jacket. Of course, she still loves Billy, or so she says. Their little talk is interrupted, however, when Billy comes rushing into Jennifer's apartment, an urgency in his voice as he says, "Can I come in? We gotta talk!" Sam's eyes bulge at the sound of her husband's voice, and with white stuff still on the edge of her lips (I assume it's from the yogurt she helped herself to), she asks, "What do you need to talk to Jennifer about?" Billy answers, he just wanted to ask Jennifer if she had seen Sam, figuring the two of them could carpool to work. Sam reminds him she has go to the mall after work, like "I'm so sure!' [Harvest Motel, Christine's Room]
Nick and Taylor somehow get into Christine's room, and continue planting fingerprints wherever they can. Nick is rummaging through Christine's belongings, trying to get rid of anything that might link her back to either of him, while Taylor just stands there, shocked at what transpired over the past 24 hours. She can't believe they killed a person, an impostor even. Taylor, now donning the infamous "turtleneck" look that Amanda made so famous during her waning months before childbirth, says she's had enough, and tries to walk out the door. Nick stops her though, explaining the reason Christine is dead is because she shot off her mouth, and suggests Taylor keep her big lips shut if she knows what's best for her. [Jeff Baylor's "Hay"]
Sam "rolls" out and into the shower. Jeff says they didn't even get a chance to talk, but I guess that's one of the sacrifices one has to make when having an affair. [MP, Amanda & Kyle's Apt]
Kyle proposes a toast, saying either "To McBride," or "To my bride," the mumbling of lines getting more and more prevalent with each episode. Why I still use my Surround Sound for this show is a good question. They're tender moment is interrupted, when Taylor knocks on the door and expresses her shock at the news and her concern for Amanda and Kyle. Amanda turns and goes to bed. Sorry Kyle, none tonight. [Peter's Marina Condo]
Kyle visits Peter, telling him Amanda thinks she's responsible for Christine's death. Which is true, if you consider the only reason Christine was there was because Taylor didn't want Amanda to marry Kyle, right? Peter tells Kyle he thought Christine was getting better until Amanda paid a visit and crushed her spirit. Kyle asks Peter to talk to Amanda, even though Peter feels Amanda is partly to blame. Kyle begs Peter to at least lie to Amanda then. He lays one of the weakest guilt trips ever heard of on Melrose Place, saying, "Hell, it was YOUR idea to go ahead with this wedding. I thought you gave a damn about us." Peter agrees to lie. After all, it wouldn't be the first time. [Amanda Woodward Advertising]
Billy stops by Sam's desk, .where she's busy trying to whip up some last minute dog food sketches, reminding her of the staff meeting. Of course, her phone rings. It's Gimp Baylor, who had a brainstorm of an idea, namely, that the two of them should run away from L.A. for a couple of days, like it wasn't already hard enough for Sam to sneak away for a couple of hours. He suggests San Diego. Since Billy is still standing there, Sam has to pretend it's the head dog at DP Dog Food. "I shouldn't have called you at the office" Baylor concedes. Duh. I'm beginning to wonder if his knee was the only thing he blew out. He adds, he's tired of being the other guy in her life. Down boy, down! [Wilshire Memorial]
Amanda, as if she hasn't caused enough damage by her last hospital visit, stalks the halls of Wilshire Memorial again. Peter catches her, and figures she's there to see him after all the phone messages he's left. "I'm not here to see you, I'm here to see Christine." Peter explains that when a person experiences the penny-syndrome, there's not much left of them to see. Still, Amanda continues. "I just want to make piece [sic] with the woman. Say I'm sorry." Yeah, it's easy to say you're sorry to their face when you know they won't say anything back. Peter tells her Kyle wanted him to speak with her. He gives her a pep talk to no avail. [Hyland Motel, Nick's Room]
Taylor interrupts Nick's bar dip session, telling him the police had stopped by the restaurant earlier asking a million questions. Nick tells her all she had to do is say she didn't know squat. But when Taylor concludes the police must know something, Nick starts packing his duffel bag, saying he's leaving this screwed up town and that he can't stand looking at her face anymore. Ha, sounds like the discussions in the newsgroups and listservers! Taylor suddenly realizes, she doesn't even know this Christine-impersonator's real name, so Nick tells her it was Tiffany Heart, a chorus girl in Vegas strip joint. Nick got in a car accident, mangling her face, teaching him a valuable lesson: "Don't Drink and Drive, It May Save Your Heart." [MP, Amanda & Kyle's Apt]
Kyle admits he feels Amanda's partially responsible for Christine's suicide, but that their marriage can get through this thing. But Amanda doesn't think so, saying "Christine is a bigger problem for us dead than she ever was alive." If women were kitchen appliances, right now Sam would be an electric oven -- just twist her knobs then watch her bake -- whereas, Amanda would definitely be a FRIGIDaire, cold as ice. Kyle reaches for her, but Amanda backs away saying she doesn't want to be touched and that it would be better if he slept in his apartment tonight. Sorry Kyle, none tonight! [MP, Jennifer's Apt]
Sam has apparently mistaken Jennifer's apartment for a church confessional, telling Jennifer all the sordid details as if to cleanse her soul. "Our relationship is so intense. I know it's just an affair, but it just doesn't feel like one." Like she really knows what it's supposed to feel like? I don't know about you, but I was more interested to see what Pool Boy was up to in this scene rather than hear how much Sam's libido is forcing her to run the bases with Baylor one more time. Jennifer hints that it wouldn't be so bad to spend more time with Baylor, since Sam has her whole lifetime to spend with Billy. So, with that in mind, Sam tells Jennifer about the San Diego idea, and asks Jennifer to lie for her, telling whomever will listen that she has to visit one of Jennifer's suppliers in San Diego. [Upstairs Jazz Club]
Taylor, wearing turtleneck #2, tries to comfort Kyle, telling him not to blame himself for Christine's death, and citing how he did everything "to get Christine back on TRACK." Kyle, man that he is, says he doesn't blame himself, but blames Amanda instead. Then Taylor almost sticks her foot between those big fat lips of hers, saying maybe he shouldn't be blaming Amanda either, that maybe he didn't really know Christine as well as he thought. As an analogy, she brings up Kyle's relationship with Nick, saying how Kyle thought he knew that guy, and how he turned out to be a rat. Kyle wonders why she's bringing up Nick's name all of a sudden, causing Taylor's lips to quiver and her to run off to the kitchen to play Dinah with Mario. [Amanda Woodward Advertising]
Billy presents Sam with a gift. She asks him what it is, but he tells her to just open it. Hopefully, what's inside is nicer than the hideous flowery gift wrap! Inside, she finds a nice dress (something else she can ruin by swimming in it at a San Diego beach), telling her he'd like for her to wear it to the Gala Committee Awards Dinner tomorrow night. So Sam breaks the news that she has to run off to San Diego, to one of Jennifer and Coop's distributors. Billy tells her the award is for "family values," and that Sam is his family. Sam reminds him, "business is pleasure," although I think she meant, "business before pleasure." Quickly, before Billy can wipe that perplexed look off his face, Sam suggests he ask Jennifer to the dinner instead. Billy finds this a bit odd, but agrees. Sam immediately calls Jennifer and tells her the ball, or balling, is in motion. Jennifer agrees to go out with Billy. [MP, Taylor's Apt]
Taylor arrives home wearing that same white turtleneck, but this time it has some sort of fishing fly stuck to it over her right breast, as if that's going to fool me into thinking this is some new outfit. Nick is waiting for her in her apartment, startling her as she enters. Then there's a knock at the door. It's Kyle paying Taylor a visit. Talk about surprises! Nick hides in the bathroom. Kyle is still thinking about their conversation in the Jazz club, his mind always lagging by a couple scenes. He tells her she better not be up to anything. After Kyle leaves, Taylor runs to the bathroom, but there's no sign of Nick, only an open window. That "rat" Nick is no fool, leaving the window open as a diversion and closing the toilet seat behind him. [Kyle's the Restaurant]
It's nice to see people still frequent Kyle's the Restaurant. Michael and Megan are having dinner together. Apparently, Megan has set Michael up with an interview in the E.R., and is also willing to help him with his resume, even though, how many resumes would a girl of the street have written during her career? Coop makes his obligatory appearance, there for some takeout food. While most people who are looking for takeout restaurants with an Irish name usually go to MacDonalds, people on this show always seem to end up at McBride's. He gets mildly upset at seeing Megan dining with Michael. [Upstairs Jazz Club]
Billy drops by to ask Jennifer to the black tie affair, but before he can say anything, she says "I'd be happy to be your date." When he tells her it's not a date, but an affair, she says something to the effect, "Not a problem. I can dig up some underwear." Meanwhile, Coop finds he and Peter are the only two patrons at the bar. They're both pounding down the old McBride scotch. While they talk, they seem to keep squinting their eyes, as if they've had too much to drink, or the McBride scotch tastes as good as its name is original. Coop tells Peter that Love is more valuable than money, and to prove it, he tells Peter about the secret codicil willing him $10 million if he remarries Lexi, but that he loves Megan soooo much that the money means nothing to him. However, he adds that it would really help matters if Peter would get back together with Lexi, so that he would have no alternative but to stay with Megan. [Kyle's the Restaurant]
Nick stops by the restaurant to pay Taylor another unexpected visit. Taylor is afraid that Kyle might see him there, but Nick assures her he saw Kyle leave and knows he won't be back for the evening. Nick has a drink of that cheap whiskey, then wipes his fingerprints off the glass. Then, as fast as a running back, he puts on a pair of gloves. Next, he pops open the register and starts stealing all the cash. When Taylor questions his behavior, he tells her he figured he might as well make it look like a robbery. Putting on a pair of gloves threw Taylor off for a second, since Nick had never cared about leaving fingerprints up until this point. However, she has an uneasy feeling about his motives, and tries to escape. He chases her into the kitchen, where he throws her up against the wall. He's just about to give her a Denton the head, just like Christine, when Michael returns to the restaurant, calling out Taylor's name. Michael, it seems, forgot the resume Megan handed him during dinner, and he came back to get it. He hears some noise coming from the kitchen, so he races over to see what all the commotion is about. Nick runs and hides in the storage room, and Michael finds Taylor, barely conscious. She mumbles something about being attacked by Nick and left for dead. She tells him Kyle can't find out what happened. Michael tells her he knows exactly where to take her and carries her away. [Mancini Medical Clinic]
Michael's diagnosis of Taylor's injuries, is that she has no fractures but is suffering from a concussion. Michael tells her she has to stay for few days so he can observe her, but she says she has to get out of town, away from Nick. Michael asks her to explain everything, so she recounts the last few weeks storylines into thirty seconds, ending the story with, "And now, I'm a loose end that Nick wants to tie up, and well, if I go to the cops, I'm going to be an accessory." "To murder?" Michael asks, unbelievingly. "Well, I was hoping for manslaughter. Or just, accidental whatever" Taylor answers. Granted, no violent shaking was involved, but just to be on the safe side, maybe Taylor's next call should be to Barry Scheck. Michael agrees to help her, but it's going to cost her, "big time." [Burns-Mancini-Coop Medical Office]
Lexi shows up to meet Coop, but Coop had to take a call, so Peter brings her a cup of coffee with sugar, no cream. Peter says to her, "I missed you." Yeah, so did the rest of the viewing public, until 53 minutes into the show! Lexi admits she's missed Peter too, and asks what the doctor would prescribe. Apparently, mouth-to-mouth is the answer, and the two start ravaging each other. I guess maybe she'll want the cream later after all? [The Waterfront]
It's funny, but it looks like this is the same hotel where Michael got caught doing a little tongue depressing with Brandi, Miss Tarzana, in the 4/1/96 episode. The brochure said they handle any sort of affair, but I don't think this is what they had in mind. Anyway, Sam and Jeff Baylor do the steamy shower scene, something everybody needs to experience at least once in their life. Baylor says he loves her, and asks her to move in with him. She'd probably answer him if her tongue wasn't so busy doing other things at the time... [Wilshire Memorial]
Nick pays a visit to the hospital, looking for Taylor McBride's room. Michael receives him, telling him she never made, it, cause of death being intracerebral hemorrhage. [Harvest Motel, Christine's Former Room]
Kyle visits the empty room, looking for answers. His only problem, he doesn't even know the questions. [Railroad Tracks in Glendale]
Amanda drives to the spot where Christine was swept off her feet for the last time. She flashes back to her words with Christine, daring her to kill herself. [Century Plaza Hotel]
Billy and Jennifer are just about to leave for home after the family values awards dinner. When Billy wishes the evening wouldn't end, Jennifer reminds him they're at a hotel. Seconds later, Billy's groping at her awkwardly, as if afraid he's going to smudge one of her many tattoos. The scene quickly transitions to two silhouetted naked bodies, some typical slo-motion, and of course, a bunch of slurping. [To Be Continued...] |
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