December 25, 1974 |
The Karrs and Pollocks gather for Christmas open house at Mike and Nancy's house. Mike, still recovering from hepatitis, wishes he were well enough to defend Martha Marceau, who is being tried for the murder of Taffy Simms. Joe questions Mike about the status of the case.
If they could only find the gun
Nancy tells everyone The Marceaus won't be stopping by, as they'd rather have a quiet day at home. However, Johnny and Laurie will visit, and so will Adam and Brandy.
Johnny and Laurie invite Danny to the Karr open house, but he declines. The Dallases worry about Danny being alone on Christmas, the first since his wife Babs was killed. Johnny wonders why his sister Tracy isn't at work.
Laurie wishes Danny would change his mind about going to Mike and Nancy's. Danny tells his friend not to worry. He's really okay.
There's no Christmas cheer at Brandy Henderson's apartment when her boss DA Ira Paulson stops by to discuss the Simms murder case. Ira is determined to win the case so that he can move to a higher office. When he moves on, he expects his people to go, too.
Brandy insists she is doing the best she can to convict Martha Marceau, but Ira suggests Brandy's relationship with Adam is interfering with the prosecution. 
Adam is surprised to find Paulson at Brandy's apartment on Christmas Day. Doesn't he have family? Ira reveals he and Brandy have a great deal of work to do, despite the holiday season.
At the Karr home, Rose wonders if it's too early to toast the New Year. Nancy and Mike don't think so, but Mike can only have ginger ale. Johnny declines making a toast; he has everything he wants.
Nancy thinks Mike looks unwell, but he protests that he's fine. Nancy answers the door and finds Adam, alone.
At the New Moon, Danny says a quiet Merry Christmas to himself. He sits at a table, just watching the Christmas tree. He begins to daydream about the Christmas he didn't have.
Danny envisions his late wife Babs at the tree, laughing and opening gifts. It would have been their first Christmas as husband and wife.
Babs reaches out to Danny with her gift. Suddenly, Danny snaps back to reality. It isn't Babs at all. It's Tracy.
After apologizing for his rude behavior, Danny opens his gift from Tracy, a lovely scarf. Tracy senses something troubles Danny today, then she realizes he is thinking of Babs.
Tracy listens intently as Danny discusses his grief and loneliness. When he breaks down, she holds him tightly, realizing he is a deeply loving man.
