Death Stalks Lucy
A dangerous plan may be Ian's only hope of saving his lover
Soaps in Depth - June 24, 2003

This week on PORT CHARLES, when last-ditch efforts to save blood-poisoned Lucy fail, the slayer comes to grips with her certain fate. But can Ian and the children do the same?

Rafe Calls it Quits:

First, Lucy tries to buck up her despondent cousin, Rafe, who swears he's giving up on love and vampire-slaying, and refuses to fight back when one of Joshua's goons attacks. As if that wasn't perplexing enough, a strange vision leads to Lucy's collapse! When a second blood transfusion fails, Ian fears that the hot springs may soon claim yet another victim.  Will the confession concerned angel Casey makes change his perspective?

Ian Gets Desperate!

Natch, the very thing that attracted Lucy and Ian to each other may be the reason they refuse to give up hope. "I think they're both survivors, and maybe they recognize like kinds," offers Lynn Herring (Lucy) of the couple's unique relationship.

Inspired to save his beloved, Dr. Thornhart theorizes that perhaps transfusing the blood of a fellow vampire slayer would do the trick. However, when Rafe proves too wrapped up in his own problems to help, the doctor is forced to take matters into his own hands! But will Lucy's second sighting of an unearthly visitor prove to be a bad omen?

The procedure nets horrific results, prompting the patient to insist on going home to be with her kids. "Here is a mother of two daughters, and she wants to be there for them, especially for her younger daughter who has already been through so much and lost [her biological mom, Julie]," offers headwriter Barbara Esensten.

Will Lucy Choose Her Own Fate?

When the tender last moments Lucy shares with her girls leave Ian heartbroken, he offers a shocking suggestion. "Ian has the power to give Lucy eternal life because all he has to do is bite her," Esensten explains. "He's never fed on anyone before, and it's not something he wants to do, but if he can't save her medically, is that an option? And what a dilemma that is!"

Alas, Lucy's left with an impossible choice:  life on earth with her lover and children or the loss of her eternal soul. Will she make the ultimate sacrifice?