Before SUNSET BEACH ended, Sam Behrens made an astute observation about the decision of the powers-that-be to split up Gregory and Olivia: "Someone didn't understand how these two people, who were so dysfunctional, could actually love one another." Well, their final, poignant scenes together demonstrated the power of the pair, with Behrens and Lesley-Anne Down turning in emotional, eloquently understated performances.

It was odd to see wealthy Gregory and Olivia meeting at the police station (he'd been jailed for murder), but the bare setting of the interrogation room was perfect for plain talk, expressed in a quiet, deeply affecting manner, devoid of the duo's usual sarcasm and bitterness. "Do you even know the meaning of the word love?" Olivia wondered. Down's inflection and intense gaze allayed any doubt that this was merely a rhetorical question. "What you're really asking is, 'Did I ever love you?' More than life," Gregory replied, the words catching in his throat. His eyes misted, but didn't overflow, thanks to Behren's careful control. Later, Gregory predicted, "We're both headed for hell. I'm headed for prison' you're headed for oblivion."

Despite the dismal forecast, Olivia couldn't help caressing Gregory's cheek before she left; he instinctively leaned into her hand to fully absorb her touch. Subtle, but powerful gestures symbolizing their deep bond. Alone, Behrens conveyed a weary emptiness as Gregory finally comprehended all that he'd lost. Meanwhile, the glow and serenity emanating from Down when Olivia reunited with her children let us know that she'd be just fine.

The end of Gregory and Olivia's saga was sad, but appropriate, and it let us savor the Behrens/Down pairing one more time. They will be missed.