Monday, October 23, 2006, Episode #4920

Shane tells Thorne what he saw.

At the L.A. County Courthouse, Stephanie urges Thorne to hear Shane out. Taylor insists to Stephanie that she's already confessed and been sentenced. All the more reason to hear Shane's testimony, Stephanie suggests, asking the judge to consider that Darla's death was an accident. Judge Owens turns to the two attorneys, who are both surprised at the arrival of this witness. Jennifer Tartaro (the Assistant D.A.) argues that Shane's testimony should not matter, as Taylor was already sentenced. "It matters to me," Judge Owens states. Thorne asks Shane to tell him what happened. Shane recounts how he stayed around after Phoebe turned down his offer of help with her flat tire/ He watched as Darla arrived and tried to help Phoebe, only to have the last lug nut pop off and send Darla falling onto the road - and into the path of Taylor's car. There was no way Taylor could miss her, he recalls. As the assembled crowd gasps at the realization that it really was an accident, Storm asks Taylor if she knew about this. She just looks away. The judge orders Jennifer, Storm and Thorne to join him in his chambers, instructing the guard to make sure anyone connected with the case stays in the courtroom. As Thorne leaves, Taylor insists that she had no idea Stephanie was doing this; he just glares at her as he exits the courtroom.

The Forresters have questions about Shane.

While Stephanie tells Taylor to be happy about this latest turn of events, Phoebe thanks Shane. Sally sarcastically comments about how Queen Stephanie made a dramatic situation even more explosive. Stephanie and Phoebe answer the family's anxious questions about Shane, who tells them that he was glad to help. Stephanie thanks him for what he did today. Ridge asks Taylor why she didn't tell anyone that there was another witness. "Because I'm still to blame," Taylor replies. Brooke and Bridget point out that it's not a crime if Darla fell, but Taylor says it doesn't matter! Reporters Jarrett, Sophie and Danica try to get a statement from Shane, but Stephanie tries to shoo them off. Lt. Baker breaks it up, reminding the reporters that this is just a sentencing hearing, so Shane is not a witness. As the reporters back away, Stephanie thanks Lt. Baker, who retorts to her, "You didn't need any help turning this into a circus." Stephanie says she just wanted justice. For Taylor, Baker asks, or for Darla? Sally wants to know the answer to that, too. Stephanie tells Sally that the truth is out, so now it's up to the judge.

Harry brings Hector to the courtroom.

Harry brings Hector into the courtroom. While Harry goes to talk to Phoebe, Hector asks Stephanie if Shane told the judge what happened. Stephanie confirms that he did. Hector thinks that's great news, since it means Taylor will be released. Stephanie tells him that the judge had already sentenced Taylor, so their only hope is if Taylor can change her plea; if that happens, then the case will go to trial, in which case Shane's testimony will be essential. Hector asks Stephanie how Taylor is; Stephanie admits that she's more worried about the rest of the family. She excuses herself so she can check on them.

Ridge, Brooke, Eric, Bridget and Thomas stand with Taylor, wondering what's going on in the judge's chambers. Brooke notes that Storm thought he could beat the manslaughter charge with a witness to back up Phoebe's story. Taylor gets upset hearing that, as she refuses to put Thorne and Alexandria through a trial.

Phoebe asks Harry if he can forgive her for lying.

Meanwhile, Phoebe tells Harry how amazing Shane was by testifying. Harry seems concerned about Shane suddenly coming to the rescue. Stephanie comes over; Shane asks what she thought of his speech; she only cares that he's convincing. Shane reminds her that they had a deal; whether he was convincing or not, he intends to collect what he wants. Off to the side, Phoebe asks Harry if he can forgive her for lying to him. Harry understands that she was trying to protect her mom, so he's OK with her keeping a secret for someone she cares about. Lt. Baker approaches Hector and comments that he always knew Taylor would do the right thing. Hector hopes Taylor doesn't get punished for it. "We'll find out," Baker responds.

Storm and Jennifer argue about the case.

In the judge's chambers, Jennifer and Storm argue about what Shane's testimony means for Taylor. Jennifer states that the hearing is over, but Judge Owens reminds her that it's over when he says so. Thorne tells the judge he had nothing to do with Shane's appearance. But he was quite interested in what Shane said, the judge notes, asking Thorne how he feels. Thorne explains that he was unsure when Phoebe said it was an accident, since Phoebe has lied to protect her mother before. But when it comes to Shane, he's not sure what to think. He admits that Taylor should not have been driving that night, nor should she have lied. But if Darla's death really was an accident, he has to ask if Taylor deserves to spend ten years in jail. Jennifer reminds Thorne that he said earlier that Taylor shouldn't have been driving that night, since she had a suspended license and was drinking. Storm points out that Taylor was never given a breathalyzer test. Because she fled, Jennifer argues. Storm points out that their witness called it an accident, but Jennifer reminds him of Taylor's confession. Storm is willing to concede the charges for driving with a suspended license and obstructing justice, but he can't see how Taylor can be guilty of manslaughter if, as the witness claims, it was an accident. He suggests they go to trial on the last charge. Jennifer objects to that. Judge Owens reminds them both that he'll be the one deciding what the defendant deserves; to that end, he asks Thorne what he'd like to see happen.

Taylor changes her plea.

Everyone takes their places as the judge reconvenes the courtroom. Taylor tells Stephanie that Thorne will never forgive her, even though Shane confirmed Darla's death was an accident. Even so, she's touched by Stephanie's efforts. Stephanie says that she did it for Thorne and Ally as well as Taylor, which is why Taylor can't give up. As the judge enters, he asks Jennifer to proceed. Ms. Tartaro states that the guilty pleas and sentences on the first two charges of driving with a suspended license and obstruction will stand. However, in light of the new evidence, even though she feels the prosecution has earned its conviction, she is willing to let the defendant change her plea on the gross vehicular manslaughter charge. Storm thanks the court, but Taylor says it will not be necessary. Storm and Stephanie urge Taylor to fight this, but Taylor still refuses to put Thorne's family though a legal battle. Stephanie tells her that Thorne does not want her to go to prison. Taylor looks to Thorne, who nods at her, so Taylor changes her plea.

Stephanie thanks Shane again.

As Ridge thanks Shane, Phoebe and Bridget go to call Steffy to give her the news. Ridge points out that Taylor still has to go to trial, but Brooke is sure Taylor can win with Shane's testimony. But with the deal off the table, Ridge points out, the prosecutor can still go after Hector and Phoebe. Stephanie and Eric add their thanks to Shane, who Harry notes is "the big hero" now. The family is confident that Taylor will get through the trial thanks to the support of Shane and Stephanie. Stephanie, however, points out that the real man of the hour is Thorne, who was able to open his heart to save Taylor. She hopes Thorne finds a chance to be happy now, since both he and Taylor will need the family's full support now.