the last couple of times Lucas was off the show – they gave some kind of explanation – burned in that fire (can’t remember the SL on that one), and the last time was rehab right? Most of the other characters either move to England, Switzerland or Africa or even go to the "looney bin" or a cave under Stephano’s mansion but at least we "know" they are tucked away there. So that at least knowing that the story is alluding that there is a possiblity of a return…I don’t like when the characters just diappear into thin air – not fair! Especially the ones that we really know and have come into our homes for years and years.