OLTL ~ Young Love

One Life To Live is pretty great right now. After so long, I finally have a couple that I am so in love with. Usually it's difficult to like teen stories. But when they work, they're impossible not to enjoy. They especially work when they're focused on characters not aged and already beloved.

Starr Manning is growing up before our very eyes by Kristen Alderson, who stepped into the role around ten years ago. We watched Starr as a bratty child, and now she is a teenager. She has always been special, being a product of the infamous Todd and Blair. Now she is also dating an older guy, with whom she has so much chemistry.

I love Starr and Cole so much! They're so sweet together. And since the world is against them, it's hard not to root for them. It doesn't even matter that Cole should be WAY younger than Starr; they work!

It wasn't that long ago that I was a teenager, but I never dated. So, there was no trouble between guys and my parents. Thus, it's SO frustrating to be a Starr and Cole fan! Their parents want them apart. WHY? It's ridiculous! Starr and Cole are adorable and in love. All they are doing is dating; no one is getting hurt. Why can't they be together?

Okay...yes, months ago Cole used steroids and went on a rampage in front of Starr. He didn't hurt her! He didn't try to rape her! All he did was tear the room apart! And the things he was saying was the drugs talking. He got past all that. He stopped using the steroids; he was kicked off the football team. He and Starr have moved on from that terrible time. Why can't their parents move on?

And why can't their parents listen to them? Starr and Cole can't even get a word in about anything; they don't get the chance to explain their relationship. I know they've been lying to their parents about seeing each other, so their parents would have a hard time believing anything they say. But they'd tell the truth about their relationship if only their parents would just talk with them and hear their side of things. But that hasn't happened...

Their parents are acting like children. Marty's the most sane one; I think she wants them apart just to protect Cole from the wraths of Todd and Blair. Todd is the maniac. He believes just because of one incident that Cole can never change and not hurt Starr. And Blair... She just wants them apart because she hates Marty.

Starr and Cole love their parents, but in their eyes their parents are completely wrong. And they're right. Cole would never hurt Starr, and he would never force her to do anything she isn't ready for. And they are in love! When two people love each other, nothing can keep them apart. Their parents are blind.

But what can I do? And what can Starr & Cole do? They're teenagers. Not much can be done, which is why they reverted to sneaking around in order to be together. And recently they tried to run away. Sounded like a great idea, but they were caught by their parents, who won't let them explain anything. Parents believe what they want to believe, and they don't want to let their children go and grow up.

Hence, Starr and Cole's story is a long and frustrating one. But that's what makes it so great. They're in love, but they can't be together. When there's a likable couple in that situation, the frustration is worth it. It'll be a huge reward when they can be together. Great scenes there will be when (if) that happens.

Until then we need to hope for the best and bask in the past... I have two favorite Starr/Cole moments: their night babysitting little Tommy and their whole night alone at the ski cabin.

Nelly Furtado was playing at Capricorn, where all parents were. Michael and Marcie went too, so Starr had to babysit. It was perfect for her and Cole to be together. It was sweet and simple - pizza and a movie. Sure, they shared some kisses, and they talked about sex two important things for a young couple. But most importantly, they had that perfect evening without getting caught.

There was a Winter Festival at Llantano Mountain. Parents went, and Starr & Cole were convinced to go too. They didn't know their parents were there until they were already there. They avoided them, and the place became snowed in for the night. Starr and Cole managed to get a room just for them, and it was the most romantic time of their lives. They were together for the whole night, and they said, "I love you," to each other. And I got what I hoped for... They didn't have sex, which is good since they are so young. Instead, they slept in each other's arms and woke up together. It's so beautiful when a couple does that and sex isn't even in the picture.

But that time of course was ruined because that time they did get caught, and everything went so far down hill. Very sad indeed.

But let's end on a positive... Starr and Cole are wonderful together, and their parents are nuts.

The defense of a teenage love rests.

OLTL ~ Truman Murder

One Life To Live if HUGE right now!

The sick, evil Spencer Truman has been murdered in Blair Cramer’s hospital room.

He has caused the town so much pain and agony. It’s a hefty list to dive into. But people are angry he hasn’t paid for his crimes. Marty declared him not fit for trial, so he was supposed to go to an asylum. The town wanted him in prison! For good reason too… At the hospital he took Marty hostage and could have shot Todd. And he escaped his room again…

Spencer was crazy. Before his escape, he kept seeing and talking to Blair even though she wasn’t actually there. Then he killed his lawyer and switched clothes with him. He was free to make a getaway…straight to Blair. He’s obsessed with her. He kept pumping her with drugs. He put her in a wedding dress and had a fake ceremony; he spoke to a minister that wasn’t there. Afterwards, Spencer said it was time to consummate the marriage. He got on top of her and was so going to rape her.

But then you see the perspective of someone entering the room, picking up scissors, and stabbing Spencer multiple times in the back. Blood splattered everywhere, and Spencer fell to the floor dead. It was a brilliant murder; it looked like a rendition of Psycho.

Now, just to let you know, I missed Monday’s (1/29) show. So you guys probably know more than I do.

I am now going to provide a list of suspects – the people that I think could have done it. And just as a reminder, Blair was passed out when the murder occurred. She has no clue who did it, but we viewers can probably figure it out…

Suspects

Rex Balsom - the most likely suspect. He was found in the room standing over the body and holding the murder weapon. Bo’s trying to give him time, but he’s just not telling the truth as to why he was there. He looks extremely guilty! He could be protecting someone, though, and he doesn’t want anyone to know that little Tommy McBain is really Todd’s missing son. Motive: Spencer knew the truth about Tommy; Rex could have killed him to make sure he didn’t talk. Other than that, what on Earth would lead Rex to committing murder?

Todd Manning - the one most likely to be a murderer. I’m not sure where Todd was when the murder happened, but I did see him at home with Jack before the murder. He has a criminal past, and he was in prison for an alleged murder, a set-up by Spencer. He’s not acting guilty, but he’s extremely pleased that Spencer is dead. Motive: His family has suffered enough because of Spencer. He would do anything to protect Blair and keep her safe. He would do anything to keep his family safe.

John McBain - the one wanting to see Spencer pay more than anyone else. He left abruptly from his apartment the night of the murder, and Michael found him at the hospital. I think he was helpless on the ground, due to still recovering from a car accident of course. He shouldn’t even be out and about in the first place, but he’s been the most frustrated about Spencer not going to prison. Motive: Spencer killed John’s father years ago. After finding that out, John’s been full of revenge. He wanted to go after Spencer while they were both in the hospital.

Asa Buchanan - the one who doesn’t let anyone mess with his family and get away with it. Spencer thought he was a Buchanan and wanted revenge for the way Asa treated his mother. Even though he’s not a Buchanan, he still wanted revenge. He was a Buchanan enemy, and Asa wouldn’t just sit around and do nothing. Asa was seen the night of the murder at The Palace; he had a cryptic phone call, asking, “Did you get the job done?” Motive: Spencer did all kinds of thing to his family. He even tortured Asa himself. And Asa would do anything to protect his family. Nobody messes with the Buchanans.

Michael McBain - the one who doesn’t seem capable of murder. He is a gentle soul; it’s no wonder why Marcie loves him so much. He is John’s brother, so he understands John’s revenge drive. He knows his son is really Todd’s and that Spencer knows too. He is also a doctor, so he’d have ample opportunity to kill Spencer. What’s suspicious about him is that he left Marcie in the middle of the murder night to take care of something. Motive: He hasn’t told Marcie about Tommy; he doesn’t want her to know. So, he could have murdered Spencer in order to keep the secret buried. And Spencer killed his father. So I’m sure there is a part of him that wants either revenge or justice.

Marty Saybrooke - who knows what she’s capable of? She was Spencer’s psychologist; she’s the one who saw him unfit for a trial. She also cares about John and doesn’t want to see Todd & Blair hurt anymore (I think). I don’t know where she was during the murder, but she was a little surprised to find out he’s dead. Most importantly, Spencer held her hostage at the hospital; he had a gun to her head or body, maybe both. He could have killed her had it not been for Todd. Motive: She has been scared of Spencer attacking her again; she probably wanted him dead. So, she could have taken care of him herself. Spencer also threatened her son, Cole. If anyone harmed her son, she could be capable of anything, right?

Paige Miller - the one who shares a past with Spencer. She was his ex-wife, and they had a son together. She kept their son away from Spencer by giving him up for adoption. She was also involved in the death of John & Michael’s father; she was drunk while operating on him with Spencer. She also knew Spencer was bad news when he came to town. Motive: Spencer has caused her emotional pain over the years. He has involved her in crimes she didn’t want to be a part of (he involved her in his big set-up of Todd going to prison). She could have snapped and finally gotten the “justice” that she has hoped for.

And Natalie Buchanan - the least likely suspect. There has to be someone that people would never in a million years believe would commit murder. I think Natalie is that someone. She is personally involved in the case against Spencer mainly because John McBain is her boyfriend. And I’m not sure where she was when the murder happened. But if she’s the killer, she would not let John take the fall. She’ll protect John from the police suspecting him. Motive: She could have murdered Spencer for John, who has been obsessing over him not going to prison. John’s been so focused on Spencer that she could have ended his life just to save John from himself. Also, Spencer has done harm to her family. He hated the Buchanan family with such a passion; he made her brother sterile and dangerously taunted her grandfather. Natalie could have sought revenge.

My thoughts and theories? Well…in murder storylines, the killer is always someone no one expected. Always the LEAST likeliest suspect! And that’s why I’ve included some ‘least likely’ suspects. With that in mind… I do not believe that Rex, Todd, John, or Asa did the crime. They are too obvious. Michael looks obvious too, but who would ever believe he would commit murder? He’s a doctor! Marty, Paige, and Natalie all have some good motives, and to my knowledge they had the opportunity. It would be a little surprising to me if one of them did it, but you never know. And actually, I do think Marty did it. The cops aren’t suspecting her. And where was she during the murder? Huh? She could have done it!

But… The other day someone in the dark was shown (from behind) with a newspaper. He was at his desk, and the front-page headline was about Spencer. The person was definitely a guy, and he got angry at the headline. Who was that? Is he the murderer?

We’ll have to stay tuned, OLTL viewers…

AMC ~ Cady McClain FIRED!

It was just over a week ago that I read a spoiler in my e-mail stating that Cady McClain was fired and Dixie would be the next victim of the Satin Slayer. For the most part I kept my emotions in check, but I was shocked. On the inside I was angry and hurt. I was also in a bit of denial.

How could this happen? Cady had just returned a year ago!

Dixie being alive was a Christmas present for the fans; AMC squeezed in a couple of scenes just for us. Then in February she returned full time and was back in Pine Valley for good. There was hope and happiness in fans' eyes again; Tad and Dixie had another chance and JR got his mother back. All was well, in a sense. There was much bitterness, but everything got sorted out. Tad and Dixie had a new understanding of each other, and they were on a mission to find their missing child Kate. Fans recieved hope again for Christmas when the real Kate came to town. Everyone expected a great story of Tad and Dixie discovering her, and there was always the possibliity of Tad and Dixie reuniting. In fact, they planned a lunch date just before her fate...

Dixie died from tainted peanut butter & banana pancakes. She flatlined at the hospital on Monday after sharing one last moment with Tad, saying, "Together forever." Yesterday, Tuesday, was the ultimate heartbreak. Joe tried to revive her, but he had to break the news of her death to the family. Dixie came to her children and Tad as an angel. She saw Kathy (Kate) with Tad, and realized the girl's true identity. Her whole passing was sad and beautiful.

But how could AMC do this - not just to us but also to Cady? HOW? It's unbelievable! Dixie is a beloved character, and Cady is a huge asset to the show.

I just cannot believe they would do this!

There was so much story left for Dixie and Tad. They were suppose to find and raise Kate together! They were suppose to marry and divorce a couple more times. They were suppose to wish on stars together again. They had a future! Fans had hope! And AMC just squandered everything! They ruined the show just to provide a major death to their serial killer storyline. What a waste of a good year! Just when T&D were getting back on track...as well as JR turning into a man Dixie can be proud of...

IT'S TERRIBLE! Every AMC viewer should be outraged by this action! I am, all the Cady/Dixie fans are, and all the Tad & Dixie fans are. It's the WORST firing AMC has EVER done!

But maybe us fans/viewers can bring Cady back...make AMC reverse their choice in a way. I don't believe that there's a chance for Dixie; we saw her die on-screen. But maybe we can get Cady back. It's not like she wanted to leave; there was no negotiation with her. AMC told her what they planned. The choice is all on their hands. So Cady could return...some way.

But she needs our help!

Write to the people of All My Children. Call the people of All My Children. Write to the soap magazines. Let yourself be heard! Sign the Save Dixie petition. And if you are so inclned to, boycott AMC. Stop watching the show. Some fans are doing that; more power to them!

Let AMC know how horrible this death/firing is!

Go here to find writing and calling information: Contacts

Here is the petition: Save Dixie

And also keep in touch with Cady; let her know how you feel: Cady's Official Site

RIP: Dixie Cooney Martin. You will always be loved and never forgotten.

GL ~ Happy 70th!!!!!!!

70 years ago on January 25, 1937 The Guiding Light debuted on NBC radio at 4:15 pm.

It has come a long way since that day... It moved to CBS. It was on the radio for 15 years and made its transition to television in June 1952. Many soap operas had failed to survive such a transition, but creator Irna Phillips had much faith in The Guiding Light's success. And succeed, it did.

Irna Phillips is credited with being the inventor of the soap opera. Without her, where would numerous devoted fans be? Where would the actors and crew be? What path would the writers, producers, and creators have taken? Irna Phillips is a person to adore and be grateful for.

Like I said, Guiding Light has come a LONG way. Its first family was the Bauers, whose next generations are still seen today. It dropped the "The" in the late seventies and has had a couple of signature logos and theme music over the decades. No matter what, though, the lighthouse will always be its key symbol. And of course characters and families have come and gone. Today's families include the Coopers, Spauldings, and Lewises. Today's divas are Reva, Harley, and Olivia. Today's dashing men are Josh, Gus, and Alan. But no matter who pops up in town, the show reflects its history, usually.

And its history is obviously a huge one. I couldn't possibly cover it all in any blog of mine. In fact, I don't even know it all. I've only been watching six years! But one thing remains true - GL is one in a million. Why? Because it's the longest running show in broadcast history. God forbid the day that it's cancelled.

This year marks an incredible one for not only the show but also its cast, crew, and viewers. The cast and crew are having a yearlong celebration by promoting volunteerism and creating three special, spectacular episodes.

The first show was on January 3rd; it focused on the idea from the movie Pay It Forward. Their theme is called "Find Your Light". In the episode little Zach found a bag of hundreds of dollars with no identification. Later, a note was found, and the money was for the town of Springfield. Dinah was the one tracking the money and the note. What she found was that several Springfield citizens had helped one another, spreading the saying, "Find your light". The episode also showed a connection between the characters - the theme of brotherhood. I've recently discovered that this theme was vital to GL back in its early days. So, the present has fused with the past through brotherhood. But not only in that episode...

Either for this month or for the whole year, Guiding Light's opening has been altered. It features a guiding light (from a lighthouse?), hands joining together, and the cast reciting a poem that was once said before each show during its radio days.
The poem and the current theme is this:

There is a destiny that makes us brothers.
None goes his way alone.
All that we send into the lives of others
Comes back into our own.

GL's second special episode was shown today. It brought the past to the present, or the present to the past. Today's major characters/actors were the characters/actors of its radio and early TV years. The episode was quite impressive. The sets, clothes, make-up, and hair were revamped to the times of yester-years. And major players turned into major players of the past. Justin Deas (Buzz) became Papa Bauer. Crystal Chappell (Olivia) became Meta Bauer. The two most important roles went to today's biggest divas... Kim Zimmer (Reva) was the beloved Charita Bauer as Bert Bauer. And Beth Ehlers (Harley) was the intimidating Irna Phillips; she did a superb job. There are no words to perfectly describe the episode because it is quite phenomenal. I advise you to watch it even if you are not a regular viewer of Guiding Light.

The third special episode has not aired yet; tune in on February 14th. To tell the truth, it’s not even a real episode. It revolves around the actors participating in their volunteerism. GL’s cast and crew are undergoing a yearlong project to help build homes. Each month they will be helping in a new town of a different state; they’ve begun with Biloxi, Mississippi. And they plan to take viewers with them on along the way. Viewers are invited to join GL in each town, helping in any way they can. This all leads back to the slogan “Find Your Light”… There is a website for fans to keep track of GL’s anniversary celebration: FindYourLight.net. You can see where the actors will be next. You can post photos of “your light” and watch the actors share their “lights”. You can see pictures from each volunteer visit. If you are a GL fan, this is a remarkable site for you.

Everything the people of Guiding Light are doing is remarkable; no other show has celebrated an anniversary in this manner. At least not that I know of.

So join GL in its yearlong celebration by visiting the website, watching the special episodes, or volunteering in either your community or the towns where GL’s cast will be. Or simply celebrate by watching past episodes or wishing Guiding Light a very happy birthday, as I will be doing today.

Now there’s only one last thing to say…

HAPPY 70th BIRTHDAY, GUIDING LIGHT!!! May you continue your fun, beautiful, melodramatic ride for many more years and reach 100!

GL - The Dynamic Threesome

Can you believe what’s happening with Lizzie, Jonathan, and Tammy? I think their story has gotten absurd!

They were once this great trio, banding together against Alan in order to protect Lizzie and her unborn baby. It put a damper on Jammy’s relationship, but it’s Jonathon’s baby too. I admire Tammy for sticking by her man and helping him protect his child when it’s not her own. It was cute seeing all three come together for the sake of the baby and work out a living arrangement so that Lizzie didn’t have to reside in the Spaulding mansion.

The trio seemed to be handling Alan’s machinations very well, and despite being worried about his every move, they put on a brave front. They were not going to let him push them around and ruin their lives, and they certainly weren’t going to let him control the baby’s life/future.

But of course the tables turned, and Lizzie was the one to crack and make a mistake. I don’t remember the full story with the almost shooting of Alan, but it definitely sent the trio down a hole. Lizzie’s predicament looked grave, and the options were slim. I understand there wasn’t much for the trio to do to keep Lizzie and the baby from Alan’s clutches. Can’t say I blame Jonathon for coming up with a last-minute stunt; what else could he do to “save” his daughter?

Jonathon and Lizzie have been married for a while now, right? It’s getting to be a little too long, and the trio is no more. After all Tammy sacrificed before with letting Lizzie practically live with them, now she has to let Jonathon go. She can’t even be anywhere near Jonathon and Lizzie without it looking suspicious. Tammy has been shut out!

I understand that they’re all doing this for the baby; it’s an important cause. And Jonathon & Lizzie are doing a terrific job with their façade; they’ve proven their dedication to their baby. But as a Jammy fan, this story is starting to get out of control. It’s becoming all bad news for the cousin lovin’. They have to sneak around for everything, even to share sweet, loving gazes, not an easy thing to do since Alan has eyes and ears everywhere. How frustrating! To make matters worse they’ve got Lizzie and Remy coming between them. Oh my goodness!

Lizzie is in love with Jonathon without him knowing it. Remy is falling for Tammy without her knowing it. Lizzie is deliberately trying to come between them, and Remy has already shared a kiss with Tammy. When will Jonathon and Tammy realize what’s really happening? And what more will happen as this story progresses?

The big question on my mind – how much longer will Jonathon and Lizzie’s marriage last? It can’t go on forever, especially since I don’t see Jonathon falling for Lizzie anytime soon. Maybe they’ll keep it up until the baby is born, or maybe Alan will lay off them. Both predictions are pretty far-fetched, but there has to be a new twist that causes the marriage to backfire.

And I hope that twist happens soon because I’m ready for the next phase of the trio plus baby girl. Bring it, GL!

ATWT - Storm Baby

Who would have thought that an ice storm would bring on the death of a baby? Am I right?

Well…maybe I’m not…since Emily was pregnant and about to leave town while the storm was happening. What was she thinking?! Don’t tell me that she was so paranoid that she couldn’t even think of her child’s safety and well-being!

Oh, Emily…

I understand her desire to leave town somewhat because you never know what Paul might do, but to leave town when a fierce storm is coming? That has trouble written all over it! Meg was so right in trying to stop her, but it’s a shame that Emily is completely against her. Storm + Meg = stress for her and the baby. If Emily wasn’t so angry with Meg, I’m sure things would have gone differently. Meg might have gotten through to her and wouldn’t have had to lock her in the barn. But alas…

I wish Emily were more rational; she practically put herself in danger with all the ranting, fighting, and pleading. She doesn’t make a very good pregnant woman. Luckily Meg was the sensible one and a nurse. She knew what she was talking about where the baby was concerned, even though Emily wanted none of her help. But what could she do?

And of course Emily went into labor. Everyone knew that would happen, right? She had to put complete trust in Meg to take care of her and the baby, but she didn’t do that very easily. Can’t say I blame her since she hates Meg.

But who would have thought that a fire would start? I mean, that kinda came out of nowhere. Luckily Emily wasn’t pushing yet, hehe. But why didn’t they head to the house in the first place? The barn isn’t sanitary/sterilized, and the walk to the house can’t be that far. And there are more supplies in the house, but I guess Meg wasn’t thinking. The storm also must have been so bad that they just couldn’t go out at all in it…until they were forced to, of course.

Paul showed up at just the right time, didn’t he? I can’t believe that Meg even got through to him on the phone! It was blizzard conditions out there, and yet their cell phones still worked and they could hear each other. But yes, Paul saved the day by saving them from the fire, which only took a couple of blankets and speed.

And Emily’s labor process went forth at Emma’s house with all kinds of helpful supplies and a very sturdy kitchen table. I guess ATWT couldn’t spring for a living room set where Emily could be comfortable, or they didn’t have much time to get Emily to anywhere but the table.

The labor looked extremely unpleasant (kudos to Kelley Menighan Hensley for the realness), but Emily gave birth to a baby girl, Jennifer. How sweet of her wanting to name the baby after Paul’s sister. And of course the baby wasn’t crying because she wasn’t breathing, which is how Friday’s show ended.

I expected the baby to be born early from this storm and to not initially breathe; it’s happened countless times before on numerous shows. And naturally, I expected her to start crying because ATWT just wanted to give us a little scare, right? Low and behold the terrible news in the latest Soap Opera Digest: Paul and Emily’s baby DIES!

RIP: Baby Jennifer Stewart Ryan. Your auntie Jennifer will look after you now.

How could ATWT do this?! It’s unbelievable! This show doesn’t carry the baby-killer reputation, right? I was looking forward to see what this baby would do to Paul and Emily’s relationship – whether unite them or cause custody battles. I was looking forward to this baby girl going through her teen years and acting out like Paul and Emily have done so many times in the past. But this baby doesn’t have a future, which is extremely sad since Emily is one of my favorite soap characters.

I feel Emily’s pain due to being very empathetic, and it doesn’t surprise me that she blames Meg for the tragedy. It’s typical Emily, right? But it’s just as much Emily’s fault too because she planned on traveling in a STORM and kept fighting with Meg. She brought on some of the stress, and the storm did too. The whole situation brought on the possible death of the baby, but Emily is blinded by her hatred of Meg. I wonder what Paul will do in response to everything. Yes, he’s devastated too, but what’s he gonna do about Emily vs. Meg?

All I can be sure of is that this will be an ugly, on-going war. Tears will be shed, and catfights will ensue. Look out, Oakdale!