User Reviews

Episode 191 offers the dramatic denouement of the Laura storyline. Essentially this is a three-hander between Victoria, David and Laura, with every bit of drama eked out of that long-awaited showdown. However, it's also nice to see Elizabeth taking part in the story again as an aside. Dated it might be, but this episode is everything you could hope for.

It's the end of the modern version of Laura Collins (who will return later as one of her previous existences) in a heated episode how to say dad must have had fans on pins and needles and walking on egg shells as they waited over the weekend for Monday's episode. Victoria rushes to get there, hoping that it is not too late, having been given silent warning by the ever concerned spirit of Josette. It's frustrating watching Victoria question her as she wastes time. But then we're in Boston with Carolyn, looking on at her mother (Joan Bennett, back from a six week vacation), and at least we have one sign of hope that one of the Collins will come out of this alive. It gives the viewer a brief stretch of time to relax from the fiery situation back in Collinswood, and the sense of joy as well for the audience.

Does the reemergence of Elizabeth automatically mean that Laura has been taken care of? The way this episode is edited indicates a way that we are not sure, but we must spend several minutes watching Laura try to convince her son to join her in the flame. David seems transfixed as he recites the legend of the Phoenix, not even hearing Victoria outside. But somehow Elizabeth can hear David and her first words after coming out of her state are calling his name over and over. You see the flames consuming the calm Laura, but the call from his aunt reaches him. This is absolutely nail biting and thrilling, especially seeing Diana Millay's expression change from joy to terror to defeat. It's this type of TV that leaves you with phoenix bumps, let alone goose.