One of the scenes where Dennis Patrick's acting skills shined brilliantly was Jason's last encounter with Vicki at the Blue Whale. I think that Dennis had been very good at presenting a truly despicable character who was very good at hiding his vulnerabilities. As he is about to leave a town where most everyone despises him, his meeting Vicki at the Blue Whale presents him with perhaps his last chance of at least one person's forgiveness. Of all at Collinwood, Vicki has been the most fair to him. Although his pride does not allow him a direct apology (to Vicki) for all the hurt he has caused, I felt that beneath Jason's cocky projections Dennis was allowing the villain one last attempt to offer an olive branch with at least one of the people he has wronged. Vicki, feeling the hurt of Elizabeth more than her own, rejects Jason's rare extended hand. Not showing his hurt, Jason then immediately reverts to his cold, bitter and tormenting demeanor. And in a shocking final retaliation, he unexpectedly strikes at Vicki's most vulnerable secret, leaving her stunned.
"Vicki," he says. "Oh, Vicki, Vicki, Vicki. I wonder about you. I wonder just how corruptible YOU are? Hmm? What would it take? What's YOUR price?"
"There is NO price. And there never will be," she replies.
"Oh, don't be so sure. The time may come very soon when a price just might be extended."
"What do you mean?" she asks.
"Ah... just generalizing, that's all."
"Well, in that case, you're talking through your hat."
"Now that is something I never do," he says, insulted. "All right, Miss Morality. The time for YOUR test will come very soon. I'm just sorry I won't be around to see it, that's all."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Well, where ever I am I'll be laughing at you, Vicki Winters. And don't you forget it."
"There's nothing as sad as a hollow threat," she says as she walks towards the door.
With his back to her, Jason fires his ammunition. "Vicki Winters! Just who ARE you? And WHERE do you come from?"
"Why do you ask that?" she replies, stunned.
"Because I know that you don't know the answer to those questions. Well, I was in this vicinity 18 years ago. And maybe I DO know the answers."
"What do you know?"
"Whatever I know, my dear, I'll take with me when I go."
"You're only trying to hurt me."
"Am I succeeding?" With that, Vicki turns and runs out the entrance of the Blue Whale. Jason looks after her with perhaps (thank to Dennis Patrick) a look of regret for hurting Vicki so much. But immediately, the sociopathic part of Jason washes away any guilt with a gulp full of beer.
Thank you, Dennis Patrick, for your wonderful characters!
SDP
