Episode 148 - 1/18/67

Frank finds out that the woman who died in the fire in Phoenix may have been murdered. Lieutenant Riley tells him the woman may have been incapacitated before the fire consumed her. Frank says it's absurd that without a motive, or even an identification of the victim, that they could be considering a murder. The lieutenant says that Laura has a history of mental disturbance. They also confirmed the fire started in Laura's kitchen, and that no one can confirm that they saw Laura on any form of transportation leaving when she said she did. They do however, have a witness claiming she saw Laura in Phoenix the day of the fire.

Vicki drops by Burke's apartment to see him. Burke tells Vicki that Laura is a remarkable woman, and she has no reason to distrust her. Vicki says that's the opposite of what he said yesterday. Vicki asked what made him change his mind. Burke says Vicki is the only one who can help Laura. She says she can't make up David's mind for him. Vicki asks Burke how he felt when Laura married Roger. She says that because of the way he feels about Laura, he may not know her as well as he thinks he does. He asks her to do what she can to help Laura, and she says she'll do what she can to help David.

Frank tells the lieutenant he has no basis to charge Laura with anything. He agrees, provided they don't find more evidence. The lieutenant leaves, and Vicki arrives to see Frank. She asks if he learned anything from the lieutenant, and Frank says yes, and he doesn't like the facts.

Burke is on the phone with Logansport when Carolyn arrives to see him. After he gets off the phone, she checks his forehead and says he doesn't look like he has a fever. Burke doesn't understand what she's saying, and she describes that she hasn't seen him since he ran out with Laura's suitcase several days ago. Burke says it's been a long time since he's thrown a young beautiful girl out of his room, but it looks like this is going to be one of those times.

Frank explains that murder is a possibility in the Phoenix case. And that Laura Collins was seen in Phoenix on the day of the fire. Vicki says Laura left five days before the fire, and Frank agrees that's what she said, and asks if that's what really happened.

Carolyn paces in Burke's apartment, and he says that it may be best if they don't see each other for awhile. She asks if it's best for her aunt Laura. She says that maybe her mother and uncle were right—he was using her and now he's found someone else to use. Burke tells her that he doesn't have to explain himself to her. He tells Carolyn to leave Laura out of the discussion. Carolyn tells Burke goodbye and storms out.

Vicki is shocked that Laura could be a murder suspect. She tells Frank that Burke asked her to do everything she could to get David to spend time with his mother. She says she's going to do everything she can to keep Laura away from David.

Our thoughts

John: Carolyn shows up in this episode to remind us that even when not present, she's always jealous. We know from past experience that her last words are almost never that, but now that she's scratched Joe and Burke off her list, who's next. Frank Garner?

Christine: I don't know if she will let go of Burke so easily. I expect her to act really snotty to her aunt in the meantime. That should be fun to watch.

John: So now Laura Collins is a possible suspect in the murder of Laura Collins. Good luck working that one out, locket or no locket.

Christine: It's a confusing situation. It will be interesting to see how that is explained.

John: I don't know if I'm more disappointed that Burke is falling under Laura's spell, or that he's doing so without the same supernatural influence that's infecting everyone else.

Christine: It certainly is disappointing to see Burke act like a lovesick fool. In Episode 86, Burke tells Carolyn he was in love "once," leading us to believe that Laura is his one true love. His days of making kissy-face with Vicki seem to be on hold, and his designs on Carolyn seem to be of no interest while Laura holds sway. It may be the most horrifying thing we've witnessed so far. I have to believe that at least some of it is due to supernatural influence.