Thursday, December 8th

Copyright Toni's Spoiler Site. Not to be republished.

OK - so today's show is a special 'backwards' episode. Luckily you readers have an option that viewers don't have - you can go to the end of the spoiler and read backwards (which I highly suggest).

In a Vegas chapel, Deacon and Nikki are pronounced man and wife - the binding kiss is made awkward by the bride's obvious lack of enthusiasm.

In an interrogation room, Mike updates Victor; the paralyzing drug was found in Diane's bone marrow - and HIS prints were found on the syringe (taken from Victor's safe)

At CL's, Avery makes it clear that she doesn't want to be added to Nick's 'rotation'; Sharon, Phyllis - her. I don't want any part of that, she marches out.

Gazing into one another's eyes, Adam slips a huge diamond ring onto Sharon's finger.

Seated at the club with Phyllis, Ricky worries that he won't have a career if he gets caught. You won't - relax, Phyllis has it covered. It'll pay off for both of us, she promises.

This is the worst thing you could have done! Refusing to hear his 'excuses', a 'hurt' Vikki screeches at Billy to 'get out'!!

Ten minutes earlier ..... Nick arrives at CL's - to joke about Avery being here again. Getting the cold shoulder, he apologizes for storming out - and updates that he found Sharon about to jump Adam - predictable. Listening to Nick's take on Sharon, Avery questions HIS feelings (as he quickly raced off to her rescue). Having witnessed their argument, Avery accuses Nick of being jealous - his angst has nothing to do with Faith. She knew he wasn't over Phyllis - and now realizes he's not even over SHARON.

Sharon's surprised to find Adam at the ranch. He's there for files - she's there for a package. Complimented for putting Nick in his place, Sharon says she's strong when standing up for Faith. Yeah - and she stood up for HIM too. When HE'S cornered, he lashes out - ie. the wedding he set up to humiliate her (the worst as smallest thing he's ever done). If only he could undo it. Adam has her ring (which he retrieved from the guard he gave it to). *sniff* He'd give anything if Sharon would wear it again.

Taking over for Malloy, Detective Morrow gives Mike a folder he 'might find interesting'. A quick read puts a worried look on Mike's face. Joining Victor, Mike relays that Malloy's off the case - but ordered the lab to reexamine the evidence. He just received a folder containing the latest forensic data (which is clearly troubling).

In a hotel suite, Nikki's now in a white dress (and sipping vodka). Oh what a lucky man Deacon is. It's time to get married, he gently but firmly forces the glass down.

How could Billy buy into this ridiculous rumour?! He just wanted to give Vikki a heads up - this could get ugly. Claiming she's just fine, Vikki gets a message that makes her even angrier. You kidding me!? Things could get uglier huh? 'Nikki Newman accused of murder says RS'. You just couldn't resist could you? she sneers.

Twenty minutes earlier ..... Vikki huffs about - her Mom's not a suspect. Victor must be protecting someone else. Like who? Nick? Abby? Billy cautiously points out that Vikki hasn't been around her mother much lately - perhaps she's been drinking. Vikki doesn't wanna believe that - but can't deny it's 'crossed her mind'.

Leaning forward to stress how much he cares for Nikki, Paul won't let her down - trust me. If Victor will only tell him the whole story, he can help Nikki. There's extenuating circumstances - they'll to easy on her. Victor didn't mean to imply Nikki was guilty - just look after her. Paul's disappointed - that's all you're gonna tell me? Yup.

Drinking in a hotel suite, Nikki's hardly impressed when Deacon arrives with a garment bag - wait til you see this thing. It's WHITE! A veil!? Are you kidding me? Nothing's too good for Deacon's bride. Take it easy, Deacon's sure that once married, Nikki will have plenty of time to remember their great connection.

At CL's, Avery spies - as Nick and Sharon argue on the patio. He denies using Faith to punish her for Adam - Nick's only concerned about his daughter. Then why is he threatening to take Faith away? Sharon can see Faith any time - under his supervision. OK - Sharon will accept Nick's terms - for now - but WILL be taking him back to court. He'll see how much stronger she is - when she wins custody. Arms folded, Avery watches Sharon march off.

Thirty minutes earlier ... Adam arrives at the ranch; Nikki? The maid announces that she's not there - and leaves Adam to gather files (and call Nikki with a reminder to get Nick to butt out of NE)

At CL's, Avery mosey's over to eavesdrop - as Sharon explains her plan to get Adam to open up to her. Didn't Avery tell Nick? What about the other night? Nick's not buyin' that they ran into each other.

Mom wasn't in GC the night Diane was killed - she was probably bar hopping in Dubuque, Vikki believes. Billy hopes so - as it's an easily verified alibi. But maybe the cops DID check - and that's why Victor confessed.

Paul visits Victor - him confessing - just as the cops were closing in on Nikki - is suspicious. His stomach is full of 'dread' - how worried does Paul need to be? As an investigator - or as a friend? Paul should be very worried.

Deacon and Nikki arrive at the Vegas suite - what a great view! Heading for the mini bar, Nikki decides the tiny bottles aren't enough to get her through this wedding (so orders up a bottle of vodka - immediately).

Forty minutes earlier ... At home, Vikki reports that Victor asked her to lie - say she saw him kill Diane. His desperation to take the rap must mean he's protecting someone - Nick? Abby? After Ricky's visit, Billy suggests another possibility - your Mom.

Ricky bumps into Paul at the GCAC. Let's get together soon ~hug~ After Paul leaves, Phyllis accosts Ricky - to discuss resolving their legal issues. Talk to my lawyer. Yeah - but - Avery's a paint by numbers kinda gal - and Phyllis colours outside the lines (like Ricky). And that innocent look is perfect for what she has in mind.

Mike's at CL's for some brownies for Lauren. And Avery? She never left. Sharon tricking Adam was a long shot, Mike points out. Yes - with Nick interfering. Mike then rants about Daisy - and everyone she's hurt (including Avery's nephew; whom Mike found bleeding to death in the snow - where Daisy left him unconscious). Everyone deserves representation, Avery sniffs (though Mike knows it's more about Phyllis). She has flaws - but at least she owns them - doesn't pass herself off as a saint. Oh look - Mike spots Nick on the patio; the flaw in your brilliant plan).

As Avery makes her way towards the patio, Sharon thanks Nick for meeting her. Avery told him about the plan to entrap Adam - but the only thing he'd confess is his undying love for Sharon. Further, Nick's sure that if he hadn't walked in when he did, Sharon and Adam would likely be in bed.

Four hours earlier .... At CL's, Avery and Mike discuss Sharon (the brave volunteer) playing Mata Hari (to entrap Adam). The 'something new' that Avery's learned - is that Nick 'loses it' whenever Adam goes near his ex wife.

Back to office. Nick has just one rule for Sharon (who balks at the idea that he has the right to dictate rules). Nick's the guy who decides where (and with whom) Faith spends time. Adam interrupts - their conversation doesn't endanger Faith. Nick reminds that Sharon's lost Faith three times (because of Adam). Pointing out her pathetic (and repeat) mistakes is not 'abusive'. Sharon won't let Nick separate her from Faith. Try me, Nick growls.

Knowing Ricky hasn't actually met Nikki, Billy says she's 'yay big' - couldn't hurt anything larger than a cockroach. Yeah - well - the police aren't laughing. No, Ricky's not making threats to get a job at RS - he's showing he's got what it takes to get the big story. Not interested, Billy points the way to the elevator (which Ricky angrily strides to).

In the interrogation room, Vikki wants to know who Victor's protecting. I'm guilty, he insists. Time's up, Det. Morrow announces. As Vikki leaves, vowing to figure it out, Victor congratulates Morrow on her inheritance - trusting the money is now in her account. Careful not to get her fingerprints on it, Morrow removes the syringe pouch from her boot - and hands it to Victor (who puts his prints all over it).

At the ranch, Deacon saunters in as Nikki awakens groggily on the couch. We gotta hurry - to the airport. Deacon then explains that Nikki got blood all over herself when trying to save Diane - from Victor and ... Vikki. The secret is eating away at him. Nikki can talk him out of going to the cops by being sweet to him. Yes, he's very serious. He's going to Vegas - or the station.

The present .... Mike wants to know how Victor's prints got onto a leather case he never touched. The evidence speaks for itself, Victor doesn't want to discuss it. He has his reasons for what he's doing.

That's the last time you'll ever kiss me, the bride snarls and wriggles free. 'Sweetheart' is prodded to smile - as the minister takes a photo with Deacon's cell (which his pal at the tabloid will post 'everywhere').

At the ranch, Sharon removes the ring and hands it back to Adam. I can't do this. You know I can't. Taking her package, she hurries out - leaving Adam to mope over the ring.

Nick chases Avery out of CL's. You don't know what you're talking about. He silences her talk about Phyllis and Sharon with a passionate kiss (which she hungrily returns).

This better play out the way you said, Ricky frets. It will - as long as he doesn't tell anyone where he got the passwords to the RS website. Phyllis will be in touch. Seconds after Ricky leaves, Mike comes over - wondering why she's talking to her legal adversary. We came to an understanding, Phyllis replies.

I don't know how it got on the site, Billy assures Vikki that he didn't write, authorize or upload it. Suspecting Ricky, he'll pull it down and post a retraction. Apologizing for her reaction, Vikki worries about her Mom (who couldn't have killed Diane) ~hug~

Visiting Victor, Sharon's phone goes off. I don't know how to tell you this, she looks horrified. Nikki just married Deacon Sharpe. A devastated Victor closes his eyes - utterly dismayed by the photo of Deacon and Nikki (on Sharon's phone).

Next: Deacon forces a ring onto a huffing Nikki's finger - you're my wife and I expect you to look and act like it in every way ... Ronan has an invitation for Phyllis - Wanna go rogue with me? Wanna figure out who Diane's murderer is? ... I can explain, Nikki sighs to a glum looking Victor.

My Thoughts: The whole 'backwards' concept CAN be effective, very effective - when used sparingly - but if adds nothing to the suspense if it's nothing more than a gimmick. This episode was confusing and anticlimactic... Vikki doesn't have any kids to tend to - no job - so why isn't she going to visit the mother she's been moaning and groaning about for days? If you're so damn worried, go over! .... Sharon shoulda reminded Nick that he only got sole custody because she was falsely charged with murder. If she promised not to have Adam over when Faith was there, Nick really wouldn't have grounds to deny access. Who will Avery represent I wonder. Either way, it's a conflict of interest and sticky situation - so to speak .... You'd think the front door of the ranch would be kept locked, given all the press and murderers running around - so that 'sub humans' like Adam can't just walk in as they please. Whatever happened to Victor 'beefing up' security? Security at the front gate haven't noticed Deacon parading around like he owns the place? He sure dresses well for a former bartender (who hasn't worked at G-worm in ages). Maybe Kay snapping at Bonnie scared the poor girl from ever answering the front door again ... NOW Avery's not willing to be part of Nick's harem? She didn't mind sleeping with a guy who she knew wasn't 'over' her sister - but she can't tolerate the fact that Nick might not be over his first wife? Oh well - her concerns were easily forgotten with a sloppy kiss ... Nikki couldn't hurt anything bigger than a cockroach? Bobby Marsino's brother and her father (both killed by Nikki) were bigger - and the one time we saw Nikki encounter a cockroach (in Deacon's seedy motel room), she didn't kill it - she squealed in fright ... How nice - another member of GC's police department is on the take (and in TGVN's back pocket). But how on earth did Victor arrange transfer of a large amount of money? Kay should know how corrupted the department is - before she hosts her annual Policeman's Ball. Odd that Morrow wasn't swept up when all the other crooked cops were taken down with Pomerantz .... The cops need to make up their minds. Today there's tons of evidence piling up against Nikki - yet the other day, Ronan admitted he had NOTHING on Nikki - but needed 'a minute' to investigate further. And since there WAS nothing on Nikki (the cops don't even know about her waking up covered in blood etc.) why would Victor go to such drastic measures? Why not just let the brilliant Baldwin defend her ... Adam has a lot of nerve telling Sharon that jilting her at the alter (the fake jailhouse wedding) was the worst thing he ever did. Huh? It's not even in Adam's top 10! It's should only be listed a few spots higher than giving a prison guard a ring - then asking for it back. Pretty nice ring - pretty honest guard. I'd be like; huh? What ring? .... Of COURSE neither Nick or Billy thought to change the passwords to the RS website/server. Nick shoulda done it as soon as he fired Phyllis (for - oh yes - posting inappropriate content without approval) .. Billy shoulda had the passwords changed as soon as he signed the contract. Have the RS staff even noticed they've got a new boss?