The Goodbye Girl: Courtney Leaves Jason

And speaking of blowing it all to hell… The not-so-happy Mr. And Mrs. Morgan find their newly pledged wedding vows strained to the limit this week in the wake of Sonny and Carly's marital miss.  "The first thing that's going on that's a big deal is that Courtney and Jason have been taking care of Sonny and carly's kids while Carly's been in a coma," says Guza. "And Courtney has bonded big time with these kids. Remember, Courtney lost her baby through her own devices when she went after Alcazar, (WTF?) and it haunts her hugely. It also haunts Jason."

Confirms Alicia Leight Willis (Courtney), "Of course, she has a lot of emptiness inside of her because she doesn't think she can have kids of her own and she lost her baby.  So, yeah, I think she has formed an attachment to the kids. But her main concern is keeping them safe, I don't think she's going crazy or anything."

She's not, assures Pratt.  "She's not deranged. She's not like Alexis. (LMAO!) Courtney can give up the child.  She understands intellectually, but emotionally, it's much more difficult."

"The other thing that's going on here is that Courtney and Jason are having conflict about what he does for a living," continues Guza.  She has been able to deal with it so far, and she's still able to deal with it even though she doesn't like it," Says Pratt, "So much of this is more about not the business he's in, but the code that he lives by."

A code, say, diametrically opposed to the one that newcomer Brian lives by, no? "Brian is, in a way, a reflection of the good side of the world," muses Pratt.  "It's a way to more objectively look at family and the life that she has become embroiled in." Nods Guza, "Brian is completely stand-up. He puts no pressure on Courtney.  But he is developing feelings for her." 

Which isn't to say that she returns the sentiment, argues Guza. "On her part, she does not.  She loves Jason. But she is getting to the point where it's increasingly difficult to abide what Jason does."  Adds Pratt, "Brian is a patient guy. When he sees difficulty between Jason and Courtney, he's going to make sure – and not in an evil way – that he'll be there to catch Courtney when she falls."

Which could happen sooner than any of them thinks.  "There's a new development," hedges Guza.  "Jason makes a decision vis-á-vis Sonny. For Jason, it's business; for Courtney, it's personal.  Jason crosses a line that Courtney cannot cross with him. It involves Sonny leaving Carly to go after Alcazar."

And sends Courtney out the door, bags packed. Shares Willis, "She's hoping that Jason will come around, but right now, she's thinking that if she doesn't risk their marriage, she could be risking lives. She needs to get him away from that business or she'll lost him forever."

"As a result of Carly telling Sonny about her feelings for Alcazar," previews Guza, "this sets into motion a sequence of events that will blow Jason and Courtney sky high."

Soap Opera Digest, December 2, 2003