As I sit at my computer each week, I try to come up with ways to express how Guiding Light has done recently on-screen and off and what I think about will happen. Some weeks the words come easily, and other are pulled from me. Trying to connect the dots in a fictional town can be tricky.
This week, though, I have to cry foul. I realize that GL portrays Springfield as a fairly small town, with their own police force and mayor. But to have an elected official discuss the personal lives of law-abiding citizens during a news conference is a cheap shot and a real shortcut at bringing this story forward.
Why in the world did Doris Wolfe, ever the attention grabbing mayor of Springfield go on the air to "out" a "couple" who aren't actually a couple? I'm sure in this economic climate that a small town mayor has his or her hands full with balancing the budget and running a town. But this little scene with Doris was just a mean spirited bitch who can't even manage her own family life successfully.
Yes, the show wants to move the Natalia and Olivia story forward, and get people aware of Emma's report, but this was not the way to do it. Fans have been speaking out on the great performances that Crystal Chappell (Olivia) and Jessica Leccia (Natalia) have been giving, but this was not great way to move the story along. I know first hand that there are people in the world who have her views but to paint them all with such a bitter brush stroke is really cheap. Doris is a character that can aid in moving and adding to many stories, but has no place in this one. And to abuse her power in this way, and cause pain to a little girl, albeit a fictional one, is absurd. At least Natalia's feelings come from her religious views and are not mean spirited. I just hope that GL can move this story along without mudslinging in the future.
This week we also saw the build up to the return of Phillip Spaulding. Beth has caved to Alan's threats (no surprise there) but Coop is determined to fight to the death for true love. The Spaulding family has so many loose ends for Phillip to help tie up, and I hope that GL starts addressing them right away: Lizzie's kidnapping, Beth and Alan, Alex's absence and no one seems to be minding the Spaudling-Lewis "store" - once a hallmark of the show. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out
While I know that all of the press has been centered on Grant's full time return, which is fine, I am thrilled to see the return of Fiona Hutchinson (Jenna) for a few days this month. Although her return gives away how the story will play out (which I won't spoil if you haven't figured it out) I am so happy to see her back in Springfield. I got to know Fiona a bit when she was on GL full time and was a staunch defendant of hers when TPTB decided to kill off Jenna when Fiona voiced her opinions when the show fired Michael Zaslow (Roger).
Springfield's new/old resident bad boy has been keeping secrets. While I'm not surprised to see Edmund is holding out information on Lara's pregnancy, I can't imagine how Shayne could recover. While I am not always a fan of where stories go (like Doris butting into the Olivia/Natalia story) this revelation could bring Shayne to his knees. It will be interesting to see how this news, once Shayne learns the truth (which you know he will), along with all of the other upheavals in Springfield, will play out this spring! I can't wait!
Keep the Light Shining and Have a Great Week!
Kimberly
