Viki and Dorian
Dorian Cramer Lord
Conflict with Viki started: 1973
Actresses:
Nancy Pinkerton (1975–1977)
Dixie Carter (1974) (temporary replacement for Nancy Pinkerton)
Claire Malis (1977–1979)
Robin Strasser (1979–1987, 1993–2000, 2003-2011, 2013)
Elaine Princi (1990–1993)
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History
By: M. Schade
Life in Llanview would never be the same after a certain doctor named Dr. Dorian Cramer blew into town in 1973. She immediately wrecked havoc by seducing a younger married doctor, Mark Toland. After a tiff with his lover, Dorian, Dr. Toland administered a dose of medication to Rachel Wilson, a patient with Hodgkin's. Dorian had already administered the drug but failed to initial her chart thus causing her death with the overdose. Realizing their negligence, they conspired to cover up their error thus allowing Dr. Larry Wolek to stand trail and be found guilty of murder. The relationship between Dorian and Dr. Toland began to sour. They argued, and she fell down the steps and lay in a coma while Toland fled. After emerging from the coma, Dorian confessed to her part in the cover up and was fined and suspended from the hospital. Thus was born the feud between Viki and Dorian because Dorian blamed Viki, a hospital board member, and vowed to get revenge.
Dorian immediately found a job as the private physician to Victor Lord who was confined to bed because of a heart attack. Viki was distraught over Dorian's presence and even more upset when she discovered her father had married her. Dorian used every opportunity to remind Viki that she was now the mistress of Llanfair. She threw a party and tried to humiliate Viki by replacing her mother's portrait with one of herself. Viki, recovering from injuries from the auto accident in which Joe's daughter, Megan, was killed, was walking with a cane. However, she turned the tables on Dorian when she bravely walked down the stairs without her cane.
In April 1976 Victor suffered a massive stroke when he discovered Dorian had known before anyone that Tony was his son. A second stroke sent him to the hospital, but he didn't survive long enough to tell Viki about Dorian's deception. He died in June under mysterious circumstances.
Victor's will gave Dorian control of the estate, and she moved quickly to take over the Lord Empire. Knowing that Viki and Joe were overjoyed with the news of Viki's first pregnancy and that Viki was hiding Joe's congenital heart problem from him, Dorian vowed to get even by accidentally blurting out the heredity heart problem to Joe. This caused the first rift in the Riley marriage.
Kevin had been kidnapped in late 1976, and by early 1977 Joe began drinking heavily. Viki and Joe started arguing, and one night after a drinking binge, he spent the night at Dorian's at Llanfair. Dorian got what she wanted, and Viki asked Joe to move out. They reconciled when Kevin was returned, but Dorian was not about to give up. She discovered Joe passed out at his desk and learned he and been having headaches and blurred vision. Using this information to her advantage, she took him to New York for tests without Viki's knowledge. She convinced Joe to keep his illness from Viki, but when he decided to confide in Viki, Dorian panicked. When Joe passed out at Llanfair, Dorian ripped her dress and trashed the room and succeeded in making Joe think he was violent. Afraid he'd hurt Viki or Kevin, he persuaded Viki to take Kevin and go to the cabin. Dorian proceeded to try to get the vulnerable Joe into bed, but Dr. Peter Janssen found Joe during a seizure and convinced him to tell Viki. Joe's brain tumor was benign. Viki and Joe were closer than ever, and Dorian was left out in the cold.
Dorian had even tried to seduce Clint when he first came to town, but he quickly lost interest in her.
Imagine Dorian's ire when Clint fell in love with Viki. To add insult Clint bodily removed Dorian from Llanfair when she refused to leave and faked illness. Dorian was livid. She had lost her beloved home and her status in the community.
By the end of 1984 Dorian had set her sights on blue-collar Harry O'Neill. As their relationship intensified, a woman from Harry's past by the name of Nicole Smith resurfaced. Harry was still very much in love with he mysterious Nicole thus complicating his relationship with Dorian. Imagine Dorian's chagrin when she realized that the man she was romancing was in love with her nemesis, Viki Buchanan (aka Nicole Smith). Dorian lost another man to her enemy.
When Sloan Carpenter came to town and showed an interest in Viki, Dorian sprang into action again by trying to seduce Sloan thus hoping to make Viki jealous. However, one of her most devious stunts to date occurred when she lured Clint to the ski spa in Vermont by phoning him and telling him Sloan had left Viki alone and she had broken her leg and needed him. Clint arrived only to find his wife and Sloan together in bed, which ended the Buchanan marriage.
Dorian was furious when Sloan's book hinted she might be responsible for Victor's death, so she persuaded a young coed, Emily, to file sexual harassment charges against Sloan. When her scheme was exposed, and Sloan was exonerated, she tried another drastic tactic. She lured Viki into the secret room where she tried to pressure her into keeping Sloan from publishing the book. After a night of accusations, jealousies, etc. they emerged more estranged than ever.
Believing that Dorian was responsible for Victor's death, Viki succeeded in having the body exhumed, but the two women had a knock down confrontation in the mausoleum when Viki caught Dorian trying to destroy Victor's remains with acid. Dorian was found guilty at her trial and sentenced to death. However, with the presentation of a bogus diary in which Irene Manning supposedly confessed to Victor's murder, the case was dropped. Dorian's hatred and revenge was now greater than ever.
After Sloan's death Viki received additional evidence that Dorian could be Victor's murderer after all and threatened to reopen the case. Dorian said she'd have to disclose “Viki's secret” as a child. That she was sexually abused by her father Victor Lord. At first denying it, in a memorable scene, the knowledge is too severe for Viki to handle and she splits into several alters. Whereas, before this time, Viki only knew of Niki Smith. Now, Dorian's truth telling evoked the emergence of Tommy, Jean Randolph, Princess, Tori, and Victor. Tommy first came out and threw Dorian down a flight of stairs. Jean then stuff Dorian into a trunk and moved her to the secret basement room at Llanfair. Jean held Dorian captive for weeks but slowly lost control and Dorian escaped. Dorian comforted Princess, worked with Tori, and eventually Viki's family caught on that something was wrong. Viki finally remembered the abuse of her father and remembered that Tori, not Dorian, killed Victor Lord.
Crusty, newpaper reporter, Mel Hayes moves to Llanview and works at The Banner. Mel and Dorian hit is off and Dorian finally found happiness with Mel Hayes. They marry at The Banner and begin their life together. Dorian is thrilled and Viki is alone.
Dorian's world was shattered when Mel was killed in a plane crash, and Viki's life was spared. Viki was to be on that fatal flight, but she intercepted a note meant for Mel, so she got off the plane and lived. Dorian went ballistic and held Viki responsible for Mel's death.
Her love was dead and shortly afterward when Viki met Ben, Dorian went crazy. How could Viki find a man to love when she had lost her man? It wasn't fair. Dorian, again, ended up in a sinister plot with Hugo Monroe to kidnap Viki. However, it didn't quite go as planned because Hugo turned the tables on Dorian, and she was forced to spend time in the coal cellar with the woman she despised.
To everyone's surprise Dorian appeared to have a change of heart and vowed to make amends with Viki. However on her way to Crossroads, she ran down Jessica and caused her to lose her baby and almost her life. Then Dorian did something else out of character. At Ben's confirmation before the hospital board, Dorian cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of Ben. Viki and Ben were both perplexed. What was Dorian's motive in giving her approval for Ben's appointment? They would soon find out when it was revealed Dorian was the hit and run driver. Viki was furious when Dorian didn't get jail time for the hit and run. She would never forgive or forget that Dorian killed her granddaughter and almost cost her daughter's life.
Even though Jessica forgave Dorian, it took many months for Viki and Dorian to bury the hatchet. They began to talk and decided they'd like to put an end to the feuding. Dorian donated money to the Megan Foundation and tried to get Viki back with Ben after their estrangement. Viki encouraged Dorian to go away with Drake Faraday and grab all the happiness she could. Viki also confided to Dorian the possibility of having breast cancer, and Dorian unselfishly offered to stay and help her through this ordeal. They talked about the energy they wasted with their feuding and what they admired about each other. With Dorian's departure came an end to one of the best soap pairings and feuds. Will Dorian return? Will they still try to be friends, or will the best feud on daytime be rekindled?
It's You for Me and Me for You
Soap Opera Weekly
July 12, 1994
Dorian gleefully pouring Viki a glass of champagne? Viki accepting it with a smile? The duo bumping tushes and breaking out into a capella rendition of Together Wherever We Go? Huh? OK, so maybe this wouldn't happen on-screen, but off-screen Erika Slezak and Robin Strasser enjoy each other's company, which came across clearly during this issue's cover shoot. And while Dorian would be hard pressed to say anything complimentary about Viki, Strasser has nothing but the highest regard for her longtime co-star.
“Nobody tops Erika, no one. You do know she's one of the smartest women in this business, period. When we have a lot to do together, I have somebody come in and I have them help me with the lines so that I am really ready to go over it because Erika has that all-encompassing ability to not only act – I mean she is accurate to the text; she remember it, she doesn't forget a word, she doesn't need to go over it. Like a heavyweight rematch, I have to train about 10 times as hard, and I do. I love working with her, and I am in awe of what she does.”
Viki - Dorian Transcript
February 22, 2000 Robin - Erika last scene*
*Robin returned again in 2003, concluding her run as Dorian in 2011, and then in OLTL’s online version in 2013.
This is the actual dialogue that was scripted for Dorian and Viki's last show together when Robin left the show int 2000. Dorian is leaving town with Drake, having finally emerged from her loss of Mel. Viki and Ben are estranged. Viki has been told she might have breast cancer but hasn't told Ben yet.
One Life to Live
Show #8085
Airdate – February 22, 2000
Directed by John O'Connell
Scriptwriter: James Fryman
Breakdown: Anna Theresa Cascio
Copyright, ABC
Dorian: Off Camera Victoria? (VIKI SLOWLY LOOKS UP: DORIAN STANDS IN THE DOORWAY. SHE APPROACHES) What happened? Why did you let him go? (VIKI LOOKS AT HER A LONG, LONG MOMENT, STRUGGLING FOR CONTROL, ABOUT TO CRUMBLE, NEEDING SOMEONE…AND FINALLY)
Viki: I might have breast cancer. (IT TAKES A MOMENT TO REGISTER…AND AS THE FRIGHTENING TRUTH SEEPS IN, DORIAN DOESN'T HESITATE; SHE MOVES IN, FOLDS VIKI INTO HER ARMS. ON THE TO WOMEN CLINGING TO EACH OTHER)
VIKI GENTLY DISENGAGES FROM DORIAN'S HOLD, VALIANTLY PULLING HERSELF TOGETHER, STILL VULNERABLE)
Viki: A biopsy…that's the next step. And I'm so damned scared…
Dorian: I'll stay, Viki. I'll help you through this.
Viki: No, you are not going to do that.
Dorian: I know what you're feeling.
Viki: I remember, but, Dorian –
Dorian: No “buts.” I'm not going. When you and Ben aren't together? How could I do that to you?
Viki: How could you do this to me…not go? Put your life on hold…give up the chance at love? I am not going to let you do that, Dorian.
Dorian: Your family…they know?
Viki: Only Kevin as yet, but once I have the results of the biopsy, I'll tell the others…if there's anything to tell.
Dorian: Then let me stay through the biopsy results.
Viki: If you want to give me hope, Dorian, do it by taking this chance with Drake. Nothing would make me feel more optimistic about the future…and I am not being noble.
Dorian: Well, I'm not so sure about that. Nobility is such a part of your nature, Viki, I doubt you're even aware of it, but, okay, I'll do as you ask. And I'll remind you again that I did go through this once…including, even, the dreaded diagnosis of cancer and surgery…which pray God, you won't face…and I am still here. I know that doesn't make it any easier.
Viki: I wish it did.
Dorian: (STEPS IN CLOSER) Why face it alone? Viki, don't go through this without Ben.
Viki: I don't have Ben.
Dorian: Yes. Yes, you do. Victoria, for once in your life, stop being so damned strong; stop being so…so Viki. (AT VIKI'S FAINT SMILE) You need Ben. Ben, who loves you. You need that – now more than ever. And if you told him, whatever it is that's torn the two of you apart would vanish in a heartbeat.
Viki: I know that he still loves me. I know he'd forget about all the revenge and retaliation…for a while…and I'd be the most important thing in his life again. Because I might be sick. (SHE TAKES A PAUSE) I can't do it, Dorian. I don't want him back because he feels sorry for me; because I might have some disfiguring disease that he'd want to “doctor” me through. I know he'd see me through this, with grace, and heart, and love…but so help me, I don't want him with me because I need him…which I do…so badly it hurts.
Dorian: You're ascribing motives to him that may not even exist.
Viki: - no. I want him back because he chooses me over everything else. Because he loves me. I want him to choose me for me, not for what some illness makes me. Surely you understand that. Surely… (AND SHE'S ON THE VERGE OF LOSING IT; DORIAN SEES IT. SHE STEPS IN, TAKES VIKI'S HAND. IF THERE'S BEEN A SINCERE MOMENT IN DORIAN'S LIFE, THIS IS QUIETLY IT).
Dorian: I understand. You're so strong – much stronger than I – whether you feel that way or not right now. Difficult as it is for me to admit, that's what I've admired about you…all this time…we've been through so much…and we're not through, Viki. You and me…we're not through. Yes, I'm going away. But we'll endure. The two of us. We'll endure. (HOLD THE LOOK BETWEEN THEM; THESE TWO, THESE STRONG, BATTLE-SCARRED VETERANS, THESE TWO, SO DIFFERENT, SO MUCH THE SAME…ALL OF THAT IN THEIR EYES…)
Blair: Off Camera There you are. (THEY'RE SHAKEN OUT OF THE CONNECTION; THEY TURN – BLAIR'S IN THE DOORWAY) We've been waiting to say goodbye…everybody downstairs…unless you've changed your mind…(DORIAN LOOKS AT VIKI…WHO SMILES, JUST FOR HER, AND LOOKS TO BLAIR)
Viki: Dorian hasn't changed her mind. She's leaving with Drake. (LOOKS DIRECTLY AT DORIAN) And she's going to drink up enough life for all of us. (IT'S A MANDATE. AND ON VIKI AND DORIAN, EACH GAINING STRENGTH FROM THE OTHER'S SINCERE SUPPORT)
VIKI'S ALONE, GATHERING HERSELF, CLEARLY ABOUT TO LEAVE…DORIAN ENTERS WITH THE CHAMPAGNE AND TWO GLASSES)
Viki: Dorian
Dorian: Sshhh. (SHE SMILES, SILENTLY HANDS HER A GLASS, FILLS IT, AND THEN HER OWN) Before you go, we're going to drink a toast, Victoria. (SHE RAISES HER GLASS; VIKI DOES THE SAME) It's been a long time for us.
Viki: Hasn't it.
Dorian: A long, road we've traveled, you and I (FAINT SMILE) mostly together. For better or worse.
Viki: We've shared a lot of history. A lot of life.
Dorian: And I want you to know…I cherish it all.
Viki: As do I.
Dorian: Let's you and I not drink to the future. Let's drink to the past. Our past. The people and things we've shared; all we've lived through together…and not to the future. Not to the things neither of us can possibly know. (HOLD THEIR LONG LOOK, VIKI TOUCHED, EYES SHINING IN GRATITUDE, MOMENTARILY ABLE TO FORGET ALL BUT THIS, THIS MOMENT FROZEN IN TIME).
DORIAN AND VIKI STAND WITH THEIR GLASSES ALOFT
Dorian: To my worst enemy…and oddly…my best friend.
Viki: To you, Dorian. You've made my life hell over and over again…and yet, in a very real and, profound way…you've made my life. I'll miss you.
Dorian: You've been such an irritant to me for so long…the grain of sand grating at me…and suddenly, none of it matters. Now I see the pearl. The jewel that was there all along. (AT VIKI'S SMILE) Someday, when I've been away from you long enough…away from wanting to be like you…I'll come back. And you – you are going to be here. Right here. Shining with that pride of yours; with that spirit, that life you have…that life I'll always admire. You'll be right here. (HOLD THEIR LOOK, SO MUCH EMOTION, SO MUCH HISTORY, SO MUCH SHARED EXPERIENCE…VIKI COMES IN TO HER; THEY EMBRACE. AND VIKI WHISPERS:)
Viki: One way or another, Dorian, I'll see you shine as well. Wherever you are…wherever I am…I'll see you…and we'll both shine…
Dorian: That, dear Viki is a date… (ON THEIR LIFE AND DEATH EMBRACE)
