I've mulled over the complaints about the lack of realism in this particular story-line, and I certainly have my share (then and even now). But the more I think about them, the more I accept the scenarios that have played out. Granted, I still think they could've been better.

On the manner which DoctorRick had Michelle kidnapped and committed ... the decisions/actions of Doctor Bradford and the rest of the psych ward [i'm gonna try to keep a lid on my ranting- and laughing-fit when it comes to credentials, "authority figures" and related issues] ... the consequences which may or may not follow ------ When we ask for a "realistic" portrayal of events, which side of the coin do we mean? Realistic -- as in only what happens a majority of the time in "real" life ... as in what is "acceptable" to the majority of "sane" and "responsible" members of society? But what about the flip side of "reality" -- as in what CAN and DOES happen a few times in "real" life ... as in the usually hidden and barely acknowledged "dark" truths about society?

On the objections about "cruelty" -- does this mean that "cruel" or "disturbing" should never be shown?

Marie described an alternate scenario, in which Rick would have had Michelle "isolated" from Danny by whisking her off to the Bauer cabin. Michelle's "loved" ones would gather around and talk some "sense" into her about the mob life, then Michelle herself would counter with explanations why Danny is her safety/home. I agree that this certainly would have been a nice scenario.

Now compare that scenario with the one the writers actually gave us: a "socially respected" doctor who is also a "family" member has Michelle kidnapped and committed to "protect" her from Mafia bullets, while "social outcasts" and mobsters (Danny and even Carmen) are the ones willing to do whatever they have to do (selfless or self-serving motivations aside) in order to "rescue" Michelle from the HOSPITAL.

Just my opinion -- the loony-bin scenario made a much louder and more effective question/statement about Michelle's "abandonment" ... "safety"... "family" ... "loved" ones ... and as Betty puts it -- the thin line between BAUERNESS and SANTOSITY ... and how everyone inside the "Bauer" point of view (which means almost or all of Sunny Springfield) would never *get* the "Santos" point of view and Michelle's "need" for them.

When we raise our hackles about the execution style of a story-line -- is it really the writers' "narrow-mindedness" and "lack" of follow-through ... or are *we* the ones creating/putting the limiting lines where none actually exists while missing important boundaries that do matter? What assumptions do *we* make about TPTB's own expectations from us?

Let's move on to another point. "Does the end justify the means?" Rick's "ends" and "means" have been discussed to the ground. But what about Abby? Danny? Carmen? ALL of these characters did or were willing to do things -- from highly questionable, disruptive, disturbing to outright illegal means -- to achieve their ends. Can/should *we* (not the characters themselves) overlook/forgive or punish one or all of them?

Whichever layers were peeled back or whatever issues were or were not explored to our hearts' content -- were characterization and themes destroyed or strengthened and made even more connected?

I am convinced that we have NOT seen the end of all the above questions/issues (and more) from the writers/story because too many of them have come up over and over again, almost from the very beginning of the story. Hence, it is easier for me to believe that the writers did set out to make these commentaries --- not a sudden one with only this particular arc, but a reasoned one with the whole canvas (of which, the loony-bin story-line is only a piece, but an important one, in my opinion).

Just so I don't start getting postal, I've to keep believing that the writers are not forcing me to agree or disagree with them... that all they're doing is giving *me* questions to think about and a chance to ask even more questions.

Having said all that again.... Oh darn, maybe I do need to go to a mental ward with all the swirling in my head...

Anyway, I am probably downing too much tequila and reading much more into the story than what the writers intended. On the other hand, too much fits too well. Okay, not all the symmetries and ironies we continually observe were carefully laid out. But the way I see it -- the writers have laid out such a strong foundation that some "un-intentional" threads fall perfectly into place.

Can't resist closing with one of my fave quotes: "Understanding is a three-edged sword: your side, their side and the truth." -- B5

Melissa