the colbys episode 27 - “Jason’s choice”

Oh rich people problems. The doctor determined that Sable, who has been under a lot of emotional and physical stress for the last few weeks, needs at least a week of bed rest. That must come as great news for Jason and Frankie. Sorry, I mean the opposite. Frankie, always the martyr, tells Jason that she will spend a week in the hotel while Sable recovers. Why? She has been staying in the pool house - why leave it now? Jason will hear none of it. Let’s face it, it is only a week - what could possibly happen?

I want to think that Sable manipulated the children to her side during the week, but I really don’t think she did. Sable was just being vulnerable and honest. First, Sable has that awesome dream where she returns to the mansion to see Frankie’s painting hanging on the wall and Frankie and Jason enjoying a romantic evening in Sable’s bedroom. When Sable awakes from the dream, she goes to make sure her portrait is still hanging. Thankfully for Sable it is. But, why? That portrait of her is horrible. It is the first time we get a close up look of it, and let’s hope it is the last. While staring at the portrait, Sable talks to Bliss and tells Bliss that she must leave the home, it is the Colby home, even though Bliss does not want her to leave.

Later, Monica finds Sable in her bed looking at brochures for new places to live. Sable decides she may live in Paris for a year and just have a townhouse in California so she can see the children. Sable cannot endure the humiliation of remaining in California. Monica knows her mother is just putting on a brave face and finally gets Sable to ask Monica for help because she does not know what to do. Finally, Sable talks to Miles and asks him how he can endure living in the same house as Fallon and Jeff (let’s face it, the house is pretty big). Miles says you learn to accept it but will never get over it. Sable confides that she would rather live in the house with Frankie and Jason than be completely shut out. Sable has pretty much lined the children up on her side. And why wouldn’t they support their mother?

Dominique is still in town - yah! - and meets with the person willing to purchase her hotel and Titania Records - Zach Powers. Dominique, however, will not give up the nightclub in the hotel since that is where she got her start (it wasn’t Europe?). Zach accepts all of Dominique’s terms, and why wouldn’t he? He has little interest in the recording industry - his interest is keeping Monica close to him. Monica, however, will have none of it. Monica does not take the news of Dominique’s sale very well. One should wonder why Monica did not offer to buy Titania Records, I am sure Jason would have done it for her. Then again, that would not be dramatic. Monica understands the bind that Dominique is in and her need to help Blake.

Monica, however, will not work with Zach and she tells him so. Fortunately, there is an out clause in Monica’s contract and Monica wants out. Zach is incensed by Monica’s departure as well as the lifting of the injunction in San Miguel Harbor. He goes to Jason’s office to forcefully wag his finger at Jason and promise him that he will take over Colby Enterprises and see Jason begging for mercy. That’s a little harsh, isn’t it Zach.

Side note: Dominique also goes to talk to Jason and asks him not to ship the oil of what is now Denver Colby until Blake is able to get his company back. Come on Dominique, you should know better than that. Jason cannot breach his contract regardless of the owner. At least the scene gives Dominique the opportunity to zing Jason on being attacked by a bitter, vindictive woman. Gee, to whom could she be referring?

Fallon, still not thrilled with Jeff’s behavior and concerned that Jeff would not accept the child if it is Miles’s, does what she does best - run away. She wants to go back to Denver - her home - for a bit to think about things. Jeff does not want her to run away, and offers to take her to Carmel for a couple of days. The trip is a good idea until the two go get Chinese food and open up their fortune cookies. You would think that after the encounter with the psychic in Jamaica that they would not tempt the fates again. Fallon’s fortune is about meeting a handsome stranger, while Jeff has the great fortune of, “You’re deceiving a loved one.” What the hell kind of fortune is that? Jeff does not want to share it with Fallon - dumb move - but eventually shares it. As a result of Jeff’s reluctance, Fallon concludes that Jeff is concerned the child may be Miles’ and is concerned what that would mean if true. Fallon shares the same concern.

Channing shows up at the mansion to spend some time there. Did she actually work out a date with Sable because I am pretty sure Sable is in no condition for this? No matter, Miles is there to invite Channing into the home and tells her to snoop around - I am sure Channing does not need Miles’s permission. In fact, Miles will leave work early to give Channing a grand tour. Does Miles really work that much? It is clear that Channing is there to land Miles by manipulating him and Miles falls for it so easily. The two make love after Miles tells her that he wants to make love to her and not Randall/Fallon. Afterward, Channing claims it was a mistake. Oh, come on. Miles then says they should take it slow and Channing “reluctantly” agrees. Channing leaves Miles’s bedroom with a smile of conquest. Miles, you sucker.

You know, we never see many scenes of the three Colby children together. They have met to discuss their parents. Miles and Bliss want to convince Jason that Sable should stay. Monica reluctantly goes along with them. The three interrupt a romantic moment between Jason and Frankie to speak to Jason. How any of the three could tolerate that is beyond me. They ask to speak to Jason alone - bye bye Auntie Frankie. They guilt Jason into letting Sable stay until she can figure out what she wants to do. That seems fair.

Jason, however, does not tell Frankie that night what the children wanted. Oh, it is great that they are having dinner together in the pool house. Frankie believes that her nieces and nephew will warm up to her eventually, especially after Sable leaves the home. Really? Do they call her Aunt Frankie (not that they ever did) or step mummy? That may have been a good time for Jason to mention things to Frankie. Instead, Jason tells Sable that he has agreed to let her stay as long as she does not contest the divorce, with generous settlement terms. Sable agrees.

Frankie is totally going to take this well. Wait, Frankie is pissed when she finds out! What? Why? This whole time Frankie has been “understanding” and a “martyr” and is now annoyed that Jason agreed to let Sable stay. I thought Frankie was enjoying the pool house. Pissed, Frankie opens the door and tells Jason he must choose. Hence, the title of the episode - so clever.

Memorable Dialogue

Jason: I still run my company, Dominique.
Dominique: I’m asking you to help Blake do the same. He’s a good man. He’s fighting a bitter, vindictive woman. I’m surprised you can’t identify with that, Jason.

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