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REFLECTIONS BY JILL….I don’t think I can start anywhere else but with the happy newlyweds (tongue in cheek). Of course, I mean Jessica and Tico. I’m just waiting for Jessica to figure out where she left her sanity because she sure isn’t carrying it around with her these days. Have you noticed that from the minute she agreed to become Mrs. Tico Santi she has undergone a physical metamorphosis? All of a sudden she is dressing like the lady of the manor, rather than the trendy young woman she has always been. Not that she doesn’t look beautiful, because she certainly does, but it seems like all of a sudden she is fitting into an image that just isn’t her. She’s been raised in a mansion all her life and has always been a very down to earth girl. Somehow she just doesn’t fit into her new world and it is obvious that she already realizes she just might have made a mistake. Hello Jess…what were you thinking?
Did your skin crawl like mine did when Tico told her, “You are like a beautiful, wild bird that I have finally tamed.” There’s your first clue Jess…run for the hills and don’t look back. Tico is already starting to rule with an iron fist…like when she wanted to drive her own car home and he insisted, against her multiple protests that his driver take her. The look on her face said, “What have I gotten myself into? I used to make my own decisions.”
Isn’t it funny how things turn around so quickly? It seems like just a minute ago Jessica was trying to convince Natalie that she shouldn’t waste her time with Paul and now Natalie is doing everything she can to convince Jessica that she has made the biggest mistake of her life. I love seeing Natalie with her brain functioning again. That was a really slick move bringing Jamie over to visit with Jessica. You just knew that Tico was busting a gut inside when he saw Jamie in his home. I guess he thought he covered well, but Natalie could see right through him. I knew he’d find a way to forbid Jamie to come back again. If I were Natalie, I’d be very careful and weigh my moves. I don’t think Tico would think twice about “getting her out of his hair”, if you know what I mean. After all, he didn’t think twice about eliminating his mother when she got in his way. He would probably think getting rid of Natalie was like swatting an annoying fly.
I love Natalie’s spirit. I love that she’s not afraid of anything or anyone. I love the way she threatened Tico (maybe not so smart)…I love the way she is now so honest with John…and most of all I love the way she decked Paul. RJ shouldn’t have had her cited for public disturbance…he should have cheered her on to do it again.
Oh, and speaking of Paul…when is he supposed to meet his end? Not soon enough for me. And how typical…blackmailing Jen with that XXX videotape of Lindsay and Rex. I think Jen should have decked him the same way Natalie did instead of agreeing to his terms for giving her the tape. My gosh…wouldn’t it be refreshing…just once…if someone were being blackmailed and actually went to the police to call the blackmailer’s bluff? Why don’t we ever see that on a soap? I mean, come on…if Jen went to Bo and told him what Paul was up to, we could possibly see Paul in jail for a change. You know that Bo wouldn’t even blink an eye if Jen told him about Lindsay being on that tape. Why would he even be surprised? I hate to see Jen even considering giving Paul what he wants after how far she has come to be a good person with some self esteem.
I do have one thing to say about Rex. Isn’t it just a bit scary that compared to Paul, Rex now looks like one of the good guys? Of course, he was the idiot that made that tape of himself with Lindsay at Ultra Violet, but suddenly he realizes that Paul makes him look like a saint…and he’s right. He might even feel really bad if that tapes gets spread around and humiliates Lindsay. Will wonders never cease?
Haven’t we played enough of the coincidence game with Nora and Bo? I say let them get it on already. The only thing left that hasn’t happened to throw them together is for them to somehow be caught naked together in the shower and I’m sure that’s going to happen somewhere down the road. Old crazy Asa, who is definitely no so crazy, has the right idea…he knows Bo and Nora are destined to be together. I say at least let them try it again and see where it goes. At least it will stop little Matthew from whining about his parents’ situation.
And what about the boy who keeps surprising me when I think he can’t sink any lower? That’s right…Kevin has done it again. Wow, talk about kissing up! He sure knows how to pull his family’s strings when he needs them to back him in the election. Honestly, I was shocked that Viki fell for it. Well, she didn’t really fall for it…she did admit that she knew he needed her to give him some family credibility, but once again she will do anything for her kids. But what happened to her banishing him until he changed his ways? She must be getting desperate to have her family back together if she is going to campaign for him knowing the creeps he’s hooked up with. I’m surprised at her. I was hoping that Todd giving her the file on Kevin’s cronies would wake her up…I guess not. And I’m surprised that Jessica has started to come around, but Kevin is playing her like a violin being the only one who supports her marriage to Tico. I was glad that she didn’t fall right into his lap when he offered her that big promotion at The Banner. At least she said she’d have to think about it. Maybe she has a few live brain cells left. Of course, I figured Kelly would do anything except jump off a bridge for Kevin as long as he let her see more of Ace. Maybe she would even jump off a bridge. How low was Kevin when he put on that act for Kelly saying that Ace needs to see more of his mom? The thing that gets me is that his whole family knows what he’s doing and they let him run over them anyway. Ahhh, the soap family…someone explain it to me…lol!
I like the way Michael’s character is being written these days. I like they way he supports Marcie and I like the way he is at least trying to understand her brother Eric and his goals in life, even if he doesn’t necessarily agree with them. I think he’s a big person to have his own convictions, but be able to at least listen and try to accept what is not the norm for him. Even if he never fully comes to accept everything about Eric’s lifestyle, I think Marcie should be happy that he is open-minded enough to try.
I was impressed with the scenes at the train station where Evangeline was attacked. It was a good show that day, combining different situations where bigotry was involved…Eric’s conversation with Michael and Evangeline dealing with that idiot who assaulted her. I also loved the scenes where John got involved. It was great to see his emotions come out and to see him invest himself personally in the situation. For all the John/Evangeline fans that think I’m so dead set against this couple, I will say that I did feel a new connection between them last week. The majority of my heart is still with John and Natalie, but as I said in my last column, it’s going to be very interesting to see how this all plays out. There are now strong connections for both couples, even though John and Natalie don’t have the same intimacy that John and Evangeline have. Honestly, I’m just glad to see John letting himself get emotionally involved no matter what. I like seeing him care so much about Evangeline and whenever he’s around Natalie it is obvious that he always cares and worries about her as well. Right now the relationships are very different…that’s what makes it interesting…the different connections.
I haven’t gotten to end this column with any pearls of wisdom from Roxy in a while, so it’s my pleasure to recall her hysterical line when she spotted John and Evangeline in each other’s arms and said, “Well, if that ain’t a kick in the solar plexiglasses.” And how funny was it that she took a swing at Paul, too. He just brings out the best in women, doesn’t he? We miss you Roxy!
See ya next week...
Jill Berry
FAN
FEEDBACK AND QUESTIONS
Michelle writes: “I've read your commentaries from time to time, and I've never felt compelled to e-mail you as I do now. I'm disappointed in the way you are handling your site. You are not a neutral person when it comes to John/Evangeline/Nat, and you don't seem to report what you're seeing on your television…so should you really be writing any commentaries? John had a relationship with Evangeline going - and Nat knew that, even if she was unaware if that relationship was with or without strings. You agree with Nat disrespecting herself, John, and Evangeline by telling John that she loves him, and that's sad. What Nat did was manipulative and low and should not be applauded. Even though I’m a Jovan fan, I enjoy Nat and would not wish her dignity to be drilled and sacrificed just for her to get John. I understand that I have a much different view of this situation than you do, but don't you think you should include all facets of the situation, and not only encourage your love for Jolie? I'm positive you won't print what I've written, so I don't expect much from you. What you wrote was a pathetic attempt to hold on to what Jolie fans you do have. Glad you're a reporter....I hope not professionally though, cuz this would be an embarrassment on your part! I hope you do better with your next commentary and stand on a neutral ground!”
Dear Michelle: Surprise, surprise! What made you think I wouldn’t print your e-mail? Despite what you wrote and what you think, I welcome all comments, criticism and opinions regarding my column and am happy to print them all. And by the way, this is not MY site. I’m just a contributor to its content. One thing that you should be aware of is the definition of the word “commentary.” I was offered the opportunity to write this column a few years ago with the provision that it would be just that…a commentary…which means that it is my take on One Life To Live. It is not meant to be unbiased. It is a weekly summary of my viewpoints on the show and its storylines and it is not supposed to be neutral. Anyone who is looking for a neutral write-up on the show can read the wonderful daily recaps on this site written by some fine writers. No, I am not a reporter…this is just something I do for fun, which is why I am always so surprised that some people take it so seriously. Believe me, my life does not hinge on whether John winds up with Natalie or Evangeline…I hope yours doesn’t either. I know what I like…what couples I’d like to see together…and that doesn’t always stay the same. Oh, and as far as holding on to whatever John/Natalie fans I have (I hate those nicknames like Jovan and Jolie and never use them myself), I don’t really think about holding on to any fans. I write in the hopes that people will enjoy reading, maybe get a good chuckle and share their opinions with me, which I then share with everyone as often as I can. I read lots of other writers’ commentaries on other sites and although they all have different opinions, I enjoy reading them all. If you ever get your own column, I’ll be happy to read it and respect your opinions. Have a lovely day!
Beth writes: “As a diehard Ben and Blondie fan, I am now ready for Viki to move on and have a life. Derwin has said he doesn't want to come back…even Frons said he asked and the answer was no, and Ben is dead, so it is time. So last week we got a new man for Viki-Harrison Brooks as played by Andrew Masset. For those of us not at all familiar with this actor, I welcomed his new approach to the role and thoroughly enjoyed his obvious chemistry with Erika Slezak. You may see him as an actor from another show, but I, not being at all familiar with him from DOOL, see him as a great possible love interest for Viki. I really hope OLTL goes in that direction too. Viki needs a life of her own, and I think Erika and Andrew look great together. I hope you give them a chance because some of us really like the actor, will enjoy getting to see his work, and will very much enjoy seeing Viki in a life that is not just one of propping her kids and being town wallpaper. I support Harrison and Viki this time around because OLTL has a wonderful actor, Andrew Masset, in the role, and he is a nice actor for Erika to play off of. Plus the storyline possibilities for Viki falling for a pseudo bad guy are endless and it would be far better than the nonstop Santi/Antonio show we all suffer through. Before I was- 'Ben is it for Viki!', but now I am Viki and Harrison = go for it OLTL!”
Dear Beth: I do agree with you that Viki needs a life, although what she needs in her life is what I think is debatable. I’ve thought a lot about Viki’s life and what’s important to her and I don’t think she’s past the point where she can have a meaningful romance. Of course I have a mental block about the actor playing the governor which may seem silly to some people and I will admit, probably is…but for me it’s just not realistic for Viki to have a romance at this time. She has spent the year nearly dying from heart failure, had to endure a heart transplant at the same time she dealt with losing the man whom she claimed to be more in love with than any man in her life. I won’t deny it…it will be so, so hard for me to see Viki with anyone besides Ben, but I feel that if she is going to have a romance, please let it be someone with a moral character that is worthy of her. She dumped Harrison for good reason the last time around and now he’s in even dirtier company than before…not only with Dawes, but now with Tico. Viki is the only character I can think of that so far has not been in a storyline that goes against her moral and ethical essence. I’d hate for them to write her a storyline that doesn’t do her character justice. I think Viki deserves better…don’t you?
Marie writes: “Just wanted to let you know I read your column all the time and agree with you most of the time. I also enjoy it very much (You can never say how much the Santi storyline sucks often enough for me...) but I must disagree on Daniel being a "nice guy", he was introduced as a huge jerk and an alcoholic who used to beat his wife and neglect his son... I hate that the writers seem to have forgotten this little tidbit of information there... But I guess it's asking way too much that this show have any sort of continuity at all.”
Dear Marie: I know Daniel is an alcoholic and did neglect Riley, but was it in the storyline that he beat his wife? I don’t remember that. That would definitely color my opinion of him. I’ll have to check out that bit of information. I do believe that he is doing all he can to handle his drinking problem and is making great strides in mending his relationship with Riley. I gave him a second chance because I see that he wants to be a better person and a decent father and I think he’s changed only for the better. Yes, he was a huge jerk and I couldn’t stand the site of him in the beginning, but to me it’s the sign of a good actor when he can make me change my mind about him. I’m not charitable when it comes to the “bad guys” so when one of them changes my mind, I give the actor credit.
© Copyright by Katherine Thurston, 2004
