| "Reflections by Jill" - A Weekly Commentary on One Life to Live | |
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REFLECTIONS BY JILL….Just when I think TPTB can’t make any more stupid mistakes…just when I think they’ve cast too many unnecessary roles and done away with too many very necessary ones, they go and make an even dumber mistake than I thought they were capable of making. I just found out last week, as I’m sure many of you have, that the contract of Ilene Kristin, our beloved Roxy, will not be renewed when it expires this coming fall. Of course the press release states that this does not mean we won’t be treated to Roxy’s zany antics any more, but maybe we should remind these great visionaries who are in charge how much we dislike waiting to see characters like Renee for six months at a clip…or Andrew only when someone gets married or dies. It’s shameful the way some of the best actors on the show have faded into the woodwork when they were taken off contract.
I could spend a lot of time talking about what an actress like Ilene means to a show like One Life To Live, but I know that it would be like preaching to the choir. There aren’t many people who would disagree with me that she has brought joy, lightheartedness, belly laughs, and yes, sometimes even serious emotion to her scenes…from Roxy’s dealings with her kids - to the hysterical contrast in linking her life to Viki’s, Nigel’s, Max’s, etc. – to her human weaknesses as well as her strengths. Every single cast member benefits and shines being in scenes with her. She knows how to cavort with the bad guys and loosen up the good guys. TPTB are making a huge mistake in not keeping this actress busy for a long time to come. Saying that I will miss seeing her on a regular basis is a huge understatement.
Honestly, if it weren’t for characters like Roxy and David, I don’t know where the show would be. When I see Roxy in a scene, I just sit back and wait for her to make me laugh and of course, for her to botch the English language. Not since Harry the Hook have I so enjoyed trying to figure out exactly what the words mean when they come out of someone’s mouth. Take, for example, Viki’s visit to the Love Shack (hate that name) to check out how things were going and Roxy telling her, “Don’t worry Vik, I run a real tight slip.” Obviously, she meant to say “tight ship”…or…maybe she meant to say, “I wear a really tight slip.” That would be more like it…lol. I also loved Roxy’s comments about Viki’s haircut, especially when she told Viki that the next time she needed a haircut she should let her take a stab at it. And, oh, wouldn’t you love to see Viki accept Roxy’s challenge to join her in emceeing the boys’ striptease show? I’d pay good money to see that. Too bad Viki turned it down. I think the writers missed a huge opportunity there. I mean, come on…Viki once had the nerve to get up in a dive bar and sing karaoke…why not have her emcee a strip show? I’ll bet if Ben were around she’d have the guts to take Roxy up on her offer.
Anyway, I hope TPTB get bombarded with letters from disgruntled fans over this contract bungling.
I guess I have to discuss the Santis since they take up about 90% of the show these days…to my dismay. I actually have more of a question than a comment about this family. Is it me? Has my brain reached the limit of its capacity and can take in no more? Does it seem to you like a busload of Santis just took a wrong exit off the turnpike and wound up in the unlucky town of Llanview? I’m telling you…my brain is so overloaded with Santis and their associates and trying to figure out who is doing what and to whom that I can’t even get their names straight before they dump a new batch in town. It sure doesn’t help that there are so many similar looking beautiful dark haired women. When someone walks into the room, I have to look closely to figure out if it’s Sonia (who replaced Sara at The Hookup – did we already forget Sara?) – or if it’s Carlotta, or Angelina. I hope Adriana doesn’t let her hair grow too long…I won’t be able to pick her out either. I was having enough trouble trying to figure out what Tico and Sonia were up to before they dragged in Angelina. I heard a rumor…don’t know if it’s true…that she could be the head of the crime family (probably not)…but don’t I remember Saundra Santiago being the head of a major Italian crime family in Springfield on Guiding Light not too long ago. Maybe she likes toting a gun. And then we have Octavio, who came to bump off Sonia for killing Padilla. See what I mean….I am so confused! And to be perfectly honest, if the storyline was at least interesting, I wouldn’t mind trying to figure them all out…but we’re getting too many new characters too quickly and not enough facts.
And didn’t you love that little housewarming party at Tico’s new mansion? Hmmm…it must be nice to have all that money…it only took ten minutes from the time he bought the house to the time it was completely renovated and all the furniture was delivered from Madrid. That’s even faster than you can drive from Llanview to Atlantic City. It’s a good thing David was there to break up the monotony. I died laughing when Carlotta said she couldn’t accept Tico’s expensive gift and David said, “I’ll take it.” Not to mention David asking Tico if he’s going to give out gifts every time them come over. And will I ever look at Tico again and not think of David deciding to call him “Gus?” I really love watching David and as much as Dorian annoys me, I couldn’t help but scream with laughter when David expressed jealousy over her attention to Tico, said he was going upstairs to fantasize about Sonia, and Dorian started spanking his bottom saying, “Bad boy, bad boy.” I wonder who enjoyed that more, David or Dorian…or Tuc or Robin.
I only have a minute’s worth of patience to talk about Kevin this week…I could say he’s disgusting again, but that would be repeating myself…for the umpteenth time. But hey, the guy is disgusting. I can’t help myself. The way he marched into Dorian’s house and had the marshals take that baby from Kelly’s arms…well, I can’t think of anything bad enough to say about him. I haven’t had a bit of sympathy for Kelly since this situation came about but the other day she made me cry. That’s how bad Kevin has gotten. I was grateful that Viki and Renee gave it to him with both barrels, telling him that his anger has overtaken him and that he will destroy himself with it. Too bad it doesn’t look like anyone at all can get through to him.
I loved it when he had to give the baby back to Kelly after the hearing. How awful was he to bring up, with that smug sneer on his face, that Kelly went to visit her mother in a mental institution? I’m going to stop thinking he can’t get lower than he already is because he always makes a liar out of me and sinks to new lows.
And isn’t it just like Todd to be able to take .12 acres of land on Asa’s property, a manure pile that was deeded to Blair in her divorce from Asa, and have it turn out to be 12 acres that belong to Blair because of a typo in the divorce decree. And to top it off, then to have it be the exact spot that Asa’s mansion lies on? This is just going to be too funny! Do you think Todd will help Kevin pack his bags?
I loved Jen sleepwalking right into Riley’s bed. I know that’s how it really happened, but it would be a great way to create a little heat under the guy even if she were faking it, wouldn’t it? I know, I know…that would be the old Jen. I much prefer the new one…and I would very much like to see these two take the next step. I really like them together.
The John/Evangeline thing is getting interesting. I guess I have to call it a “thing” because I don’t know what the heck it is yet. What I do know is that I don’t dislike it as much as I used to. I really like Evangeline…I’m so glad she gave up on RJ…and you know I really love John. Together they are developing more and more chemistry. Since I was a John/Natalie fan from the beginning, I was glad to see John show up at Rodi’s last week when he had some time on his hands to think and suggested they play pool. It does appear that he still has Natalie on his mind and wants to see her. At this point, I don’t know where Natalie’s head is and when she’s going to get it screwed on straight…and like John told Evangeline…life for him now is like learning to walk again after both of your legs have been broken. I say that he needs to crank up the physical therapy because Evangeline is too nice a person to hurt and Natalie has a rude awakening coming when she finds out that her devoted Paul stole that baby for Kelly. John will have his hands full, in my opinion, when and if he is pulled between these two women.
I wonder if the gay marriage issue is going to be a sore point for Michael and Marcie. She sure didn’t take too well to his comments about gay people when she first knew him and she didn’t seem very pleased, to say the least, when he sided with Ron the other day about their brother Eric’s intention to marry his partner. I love Marcie’s dedication, openness and acceptance. She loves her brother unconditionally and I love the way she defends what she believes in. Michael better be careful…this is a biggie for Marcie. And Nick’s reaction to having a gay roommate was so typical. I guess with an ego like his he had no idea that Viki would react the way she did to his request for another roommate when he told her he couldn’t room with a “homo.” There’s a guy who needs someone to hit him over the head with a big shovel the next time they are at the construction site.
In closing, I have a suggestion for TPTB. Please get a continuity consultant if you don’t already have one. Does anyone keep track of what people look like from one scene to another? Did anyone take notice of the fact that in one scene last week where Jessica and Viki were at the Palace Bar, Jessica’s hair was up in a pony tail and right after the commercial they were in the same exact spot, in the same conversation and Jessica’s hair was down and beautifully blown out? Come on guys…my 4-year old niece can pick out these things.
See ya next week...
Jill Berry
FAN
FEEDBACK AND QUESTIONS
Daneal writes: “Couldn't resist a comment about crazy Kevin. It's
obvious to me that sleeping with all those insane Kramer women finally got to
him. Let's see…Cassie, Kelly and Blair.”
Dear Daneal: Thank you so much! Finally
someone has figured out what has happened to Kevin. It’s insanity by
osmosis! Why the heck didn’t I think of that? So maybe we should give the poor
guy a break since his evil behavior is beyond his control? NAH, NO WAY! Better
keep an eye on Joey…after all, he’s already slept with Dorian and there are a
few Cramer women who are now available…he’d be smart to stay across the ocean.
Christina writes: “Okay you knew I was
going to come by and defend my hunk of a man - Kevin! Oh yes, he has gone to
that darker side and what fun it is to watch, though yes I want to slap him up
side his head the way he is treating his mother and siblings but none the less
am totally enjoying Dan's portrayal of a man going over board in his need for
revenge. I love that they are going down this road of revenge with Kevin and
Todd because for years it has been played very subdued and I love that they have
found two actors that can pull such an intense storyline off. Kudos of course,
to Dan the Man and to Trevor as well. Can't wait to see where these two will go
next in their quest.”
Dear Christina: No fair…you just knew that in the spirit of fair play I’d post your defense of Kevin…lol. Although I grit my teeth when nice things are said about him, it’s no fun if everyone doesn’t get their say. I do have to agree…I love the heated scenes between Kevin and Todd, even though I am always cheering for Todd to win (How sick is that?). No question…these two actors are some of the brightest talents on the show. I couldn’t have such intense feelings about Kevin or Todd if the acting wasn’t so strong. For sure, we do both share a love for Viki and both hate most what Kevin is doing to her. And don’t worry, I am a very smart woman…I know better than to try to come between you and your love for Dan the Man. I’m thinking we should get you an open return when you come to New York for the luncheon…it’s quite possible we won’t get you back on your scheduled flight after a weekend of seeing your Men of Llanview. Thanks for writing!
Tom writes: “Don't you find it a little odd how Eve suddenly disappeared from Llanview? Did they ever explain what happened to her? One minute Bo was getting interested and then she was just gone. Her sons and her niece don't even mention her. Like crazy Margaret, they didn't seem to let that character develop much at all.”
Dear Tom: I don’t really think Eve was ever meant to be around for a long time, but I haven’t heard that we’ll never see her again. As far as her relationship with Bo goes, I think that was a big, old, lead balloon. I didn’t see any chemistry there, even though some people thought they were interesting together. I don’t see much of a place for Eve on the canvas, unless they plan to involve her in some storyline with her kids and Shannon, but I’d say we’ve had enough of Shannon already and the McBain boys don’t seem to need their mom too much at this point. After Eve was abducted by the crazy Music Box Killer, Dr. Haver, I’ll bet she figured life in Atlantic City was pretty tame and couldn’t wait to go back.
Myra writes: “Just wondering if you have the list of stars who will be attending the fan club luncheon on August 21st. Much appreciated.”
Dear Myra: Actually, you are in luck. A friend of mine just sent me an updated list of the stars that will be attending the luncheon. I’m assuming it’s pretty accurate. Of course you can never tell at the last minute what might change, but this is the latest list I’ve got.
Matthew – Starr – Natalie – Nigel – Marcie – Blair – Antonio – Daniel – John -Evangeline – Kevin – Adriana – Lindsay – Roxanne – Rex – Sonia – Jennifer – Michael – Duke – Carlotta – Tico – Dorian – Todd - R.J. – Bo – Jessica – Riley – David – Angelina – Julie.
© Copyright by Katherine Thurston, 2004
