| "Reflections by Jill" - A Weekly Commentary on One Life to Live | |
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REFLECTIONS BY JILL….So, are we sad that Margaret is finally going to meet her end? Is she really going to? I have to admit that I have gotten more than a few hundred great laughs from that lunatic, but I’m ready to move on and deal with the aftermath of her reign of terror. Supposedly she and Todd are going to go overboard this week and of course, she can’t swim…or at least that’s what she told Todd.
I think Starr did a pretty good job of standing up to her, even though Margaret is crazy enough to scare a 500 pound gorilla. One thing you have to say about Starr…she’s one tough kid. Think about it. I think most 13-year olds would just drop down and faint if a crazy woman came at them with a broken shard of glass and yelled, “Why don’t you stand still and let me kill you?”
I’m at that point again with Todd. He does it to me all the time. It’s just a matter of time with him. He always seems to have come so far…he has something terrible happen to him and vows to change his ways and become a good husband and father…and then in the blink of an eye he’s back to the old Todd…not being able to be honest…keeping secrets that can only hurt his marriage and his family. The sad thing is that when you look at Blair, you can see the sheer terror in her eyes and on her face. She lives in fear of Margaret and I think it’s horrible of Todd that he doesn’t see that his way of handling things is hurting his wife. Blair has her head in the sand and is trusting Todd because she’s afraid to think about the alternative.
Keeping the secret about Margaret being back in Llanview and pregnant is just about the dumbest thing he’s ever done, considering the fact that he and Blair were almost killed by Margaret not long ago. But what made me angry beyond belief was the fact that he so badly wanted to protect the secret that he forced Starr, his beloved daughter who he’d kill for, to lie to her mother for him. After all Starr has been through with Margaret, how could Todd even think of doing something as disgusting as asking a traumatized young girl to lie to her mother like that. I think this is Todd’s all-time low and the only think I hate worse than what he’s doing, is the fact that it could succeed in sending Bair into Spencer’s arms. That would make me sicker than anything.
Tell me….how does a woman like Margaret, especially a pregnant one, always manages to get the better of Todd physically? She had him tied up in that cabin for months and even now when he thinks he’s got everything planned out and brings his own weapon when he meets her, she managers to get the better of him. How stupid was it when he turned away from her for so long to answer that guy who was asking for matches? Jeez, Todd gave Margaret enough time to not only whack him over the head, but enough time to go out for dinner, too.
I have to hand it to the writers. Just when I think they can’t make Margaret any crazier, she comes out with the new song she’s written, “Row, row, row your boat….” When I was watching her prance down the pier singing with the gun on Todd’s back I couldn’t help but thinking they should have been singing, “Follow the yellow brick road.” It just reminded me of Dorothy dancing down the road with her new friends in the Land of Oz.
OK…on to another parent who cares more about protecting their dirty deeds than they do about their children. We come to Dorian. I’ve seen her do a lot of wicked things, but I was shocked when Adriana wanted to tell Duke about the file Dorian found and Dorian implied that she’d tell Duke that Adriana kissed Rex. BLACKMAILING YOUR OWN DAUGHTER? Like Todd, this was a disgusting all-time low for Dorian.
And what about Adriana casually saying she could easily decipher that encrypted file? Hmmm…all of a sudden we have a young hacker on our hands. Give me a break. For a while there Adriana was standing up to Dorian…I hope she doesn’t back down and keeps track of what Mommie Dearest is up to. Dorian is not even a good liar…she’s easy to see through and she doesn’t care if she makes trouble for anyone, including David. I think she’ll lose too much in the end. Maybe she and Todd can become drinking buddies when Blair and David toss them out.
One thing I do have to say is that I always get a good laugh when the scenes involve Dorian, David and Todd…like the scene the other day when Dorian wanted to talk to Starr alone and Todd didn’t want that to happen. Starr insisted she could handle Dorian and David and Todd were heading out the door. Todd said, “OK, but I’ll be right outside in case she starts to stir her cauldron” and David replied, “Hey, that’s out of line. She doesn’t have a cauldron.” I think David and Todd working together would be a riot. David certainly has developed a protective side when it comes to his new family, hasn’t he? And there was no reason to worry about Starr. Just as soon as Dorian started badgering her, she put her in her place by reminding her of how she framed Viki by forging that check from the University account. Go Starr! At least someone knows how to shut Dorian up.
Alrighty…time to stir the pot….I LOVED those scenes between John and Natalie. I can’t help it. For as long as it lasts, I am enjoying the romance and the fun and honestly, in spite of the fact that John can’t say “the words”, I think he’s doing a pretty good job of showing Natalie that he’s happy to be with her. And Natalie is being very careful not to say those words too quickly either, which I think is a huge leap for her. Before the killings and kidnapping, she couldn’t say it enough and couldn’t stop trying to get John to admit his feelings either. Say what you want…I think Natalie is changing for the better. I think she’s trying to take things in her stride, she looks happier and softer (except for the still too tight tank tops), more peaceful. Sure, she did get a bit peeved when John at first didn’t want their relationship made public at the police station, but that’s a bit of Natalie that comes from her insecurity and hopefully she’ll continue to work on it.
I remember Dena Higley, the head writer, saying in an interview that her main objective in moving the show along was romance. I think she’s doing a good job. The scene where John was on a stake out and he was looking in Natalie’s window while they talked on the phone was very sweet….as was the fact that he closed down Rodi’s to have give them some private time together. John did promise her a dance and he delivered. He’s surprising me more every day. By the way, I still can’t look at that pool table at Rodi’s, which came from Crossroads, without thinking of Ben and Viki…but you already knew that! Anyway, back to John and Natalie…the best scene by far was the one where he wanted to prove to her that he wasn’t ashamed to be with her and invited everyone at the police station to watch while he planted a big one on her lips. Say what you want, that was a great scene…a major big deal for John…and the look on Natalie’s face was priceless.
I hear that Evangeline is going to be responsible for helping Cristian and getting him out of jail. That’s going to be more than interesting. Do you think we’re going to see a more hardened Evangeline now that she knows the secret? I found her conversation with Dr. Jameson interesting when she told him about the DNA test and he asked her why she cared what John did with the test and why she cares what John does at all? He was smart to tell her not to dwell on “what ifs.” I also found it interesting that she implied that maybe if Natalie hadn’t come between her and John things might be different. Wasn’t it Evangeline who kept insisting to John and everyone else that Natalie was not the reason she broke up with him? Wasn’t her reason for the break up the fact that she was patient for a long time while he supposedly dealt with his feelings and she realized he just couldn’t give her what she wanted…that what they had wasn’t enough for her? Rather than do what she’s doing, I think Evangeline should go right to John and confront him with what she knows about Cristian. With Evangeline’s confession to Dr. Jameson that she was still in love with John and didn’t know if she’d ever get over it, I wonder how far she’ll go now that she is having a hard time dealing with John and Natalie being together. And with her sister Layla to goad her on, who knows what could happen? I remember when Melanie was with Bo and they were so happy, about to be married. Melanie let her sister Lindsay mess with her head and she ruined her life by becoming a vindictive person we never thought she could become.
On a lighter note, it’s hard to believe, but Asa and I finally have something in common. We both dislike Spencer. Actually, dislike is too mild a word for my feelings about Spencer. And what about Asa wanting everyone in his family to move into his new compound? Maybe he has visions of being the Kennedys…or the Ewings!
And are we learning a bit about Paige’s secret? Spencer did imply that she probably couldn’t remember some things that happened in the past. Was he hinting at a drug problem she had? A drinking problem? She’s pretty dumb if she thinks she can get him to leave her alone. He’s out to run Llanview and he’s starting with his ex-wife being in a position to let him run wild at the hospital.
Lindsay is really getting interesting again, isn’t she? She’s become a bit of the old Lindsay. Obviously, she’s very grief-stricken over the loss of Jen, but even RJ can see that her attachment to Jamie could be unhealthy when it comes to the custody battle. I thought Antonio’s teeth would fall out when Lindsay called Jamie “my child.” RJ is smart enough to know that Lindsay’s attachment may not be the healthiest one at this time and won’t help him get Jamie if Lindsay gets too crazy and involved. RJ has plenty to worry about now that he has to keep a leash on Lindsay, watch Antonio play house with Layla and try to keep his involvement in the latest crime spree in Llanview from being exposed. Good luck RJ!
I can’t wait until Nash finds out about the real Jessica Buchanan and with a private investigator on the job it’s just a matter of time. I can’t wait for Erika Slezak to be back on screen from her vacation so that we can get Viki involved and move this story along.
And in closing…yes we have a new Clint Buchanan. Jerry ver Dorn (formerly Ross Marler for a very long time on Guiding Light) has signed a long-term contract to play the role of Clint. Sorry to those fans who wanted Clint Ritchie to reprise the role. I, personally, was hoping that Clint’s return to Llanview would be temporary, but that might not be so. And will a romance be rekindled between Viki and Clint? Hmmm…it’s no secret that I’m not in favor of Viki going back to Clint. I think it’s unrealistic after all they’ve been through and after Viki has been with the man she said was “the greatest love of her life.” Don’t get me wrong. I watched Jerry on Guiding Light for years and I liked him. I know that he could make a good Clint and I know that there are many Viki fans that want to see her in a romance no matter what, but I just can’t wrap my mind around it being with Clint. As far as Clint coming back to town to help Viki deal with their daughters…I have to say that Clint stayed in London for about 95% of their kids’ troubles, Kevin’s included, and Ben was more of a dad to those kids when they were really in trouble than their father was. Ok, I promise to give Jerry a shot as Clint and at bringing back one of the Buchanan brothers. It’s going to take a whole lot more for me to see Clint ever back in Viki’s bed. Oh, oxygen, please!!!!!!!
See ya next week...
Jill Berry
FAN
FEEDBACK AND QUESTIONS
Mariga writes: “Get real, I'm sure Layla is acting out her part in the script that she didn't write. The statement she's been appalling should be address to the writers. I do think the writers should slow Layla’s role, but honestly why are you so annoyed by the character? Be fair when you answer the question.”
Dear Mariga: I am a bit insulted by your last directive. As most readers know, I am always fair when I answer questions. Every comment I make is my personal opinion and I never knock anyone’s opinion when it differs with mine. In this week’s edition, as well as all others, you will always see differing opinions and whether or not I agree with them, I respect them all. What you also don’t seem to know, which all of my readers definitely know, is that I never, never voice negative opinions about an actor or actress. ALL of my comments are directed at the characters, which I might remind you are fictional, so my distaste for Layla has nothing to do with Tika Sumpter, the actress, whom I don’t know from Adam. My criticism is always about the written character and just like there are people in real life whom we don’t care for, there are people we watch on television or read about in books that we also don’t like. I have had negative feelings about plenty of characters and I say so when I do…Layla is no different.
Barb writes: “Well, Jill, I don't agree with you AT ALL about Natalie and John
being a
good couple. Natalie makes me SICK-so much so that I often switch channels when
she's on. I was hoping she would die in that pit! She's a BITCH, a whiner, and a
victim. She doesn't deserve John. I hope he hurts her-bad-like he's done to
Evangeline. I was rooting for Evangeline to be with John, but now that he's
slept with Natalie, I hope she moves on to greener pastures. She deserves
better. While she's moving on, I do agree with you on this one, I hope she
doesn't tell her over-acting sister where she's going! I have to either mute or
turn the channel when Layla's on the screen, too. What's with their casting
director? It's disappointing.”
Dear Barb: Good for you, girl! I’ll bet you feel better after that venting experience. I feel better for you…lol. Actually, I agree that at one point or another, Natalie has been all the colorful things you describe her as. I don’t agree that she’s that way now…or I should say that I think she is changing in positive, subtle ways for the better. What she’ll do in reaction to finding out about Cristian is anyone’s guess. Remember, even when she thought the real Cristian was back, she fought with her feelings for John. I wait with baited breath. I agree that Evangeline deserves better than someone who couldn’t give her what she wants and needs. Obviously, her needs and Natalie’s needs are not quite the same. Although I think Natalie will also want things John might not be able to give, I don’t think she’ll react the same way Evangeline did. Natalie and Evangeline come from two entirely different places and for now, the romance is enough for Natalie to be happy. Remember, it was enough for Evangeline for a long time, too.
Karen writes: “I very much want to see Viki & Clint get back together! I've loved the two of them together over so many years. And I just pray that Clint Ritchie reprises the role of Clint Buchanan! I do not want to see another actor in that role.”
Dear Karen: Sorry…unfortunately for you, Clint Ritchie won’t be reprising the role of Clint Buchanan. Whether or not you’ll see Viki and Clint back together again remains to be seen. Lots of people think it will happen. My feelings about that are well known. I used to like Clint and Viki together also. I didn’t necessarily want them back together, but the day that Viki met Ben, all thoughts of Clint went out of my head and will probably stay out. Maybe you’ll like Jerry verDorn. I think he’s a good actor and could make a good Clint…I just don’t see Viki and Clint doing the romance thing again after all these years.
Kat writes: “I am just curious, what makes Natalie suddenly less conniving and
exploitive to other people's lives than Layla? I personally agree that Layla is
annoying, but she is undoubtedly doing the proper job of protecting Evangeline
from Natalie in all her "I stole your man stance" regardless of the fact that
she dumped John. Are we so blind to see the truth of what happened? She spent
months throwing herself into the mix of Evangeline and John's relationship. To
say that I am thrilled to see Natalie with John is to say that I am just as
excited as I could be about having my lips cut off, teeth knocked out, being
dragged 25ft on concrete and rinsing with a Listerine/Peroxide combo. Since my
honest opinion will probably never make it on your site, I guess I may as well
also add that I am disgusted that Natalie has not been told about or returned to
her supposed true love, Cristian before John got his claws in her. I am now
definitely opposed to Evangeline being reunited with John after all that he has
put her through by way of Natalie.”
Dear Kat:
Thanks for the laugh…I guess you take these things pretty seriously if you’d
rather have your lips cut off, etc…Jeez, don’t go that far…you’ll probably
regret it. And I never said that Natalie was less conniving and exploitive than
Layla. When Natalie first came to Llanview and tried to destroy Viki and Jessica
I wanted to run her out of town in five minutes and I said so many, many times.
I haven’t said my feelings couldn’t change about Layla, but so far I don’t see
any redeeming qualities at all and if you think she’s doing “the proper job” of
protecting Evangeline from Natalie by breaking into John’s apartment and
embarrassing her sister in public every chance she gets, I can’t agree with you
that Layla is doing Evangeline any good. I think Evangeline would agree that she
has been mortified enough in the short time Layla has been around. And as far as
your thought that your honest opinion would never make it into print…sorry,
wrong! Most readers know my style better than that…I welcome differing views and
when you throw in the hilarity of a mouthwash of Listerine and peroxide, I will
always put you in print so everyone else can get a good chuckle, too.
© Copyright by Katherine
Thurston, 2005
