| "Reflections by Jill" - A Weekly Commentary on One Life to Live | |
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REFLECTIONS BY JILL….Something tells me that Blair’s safety is going to be short lived if she thinks she can keep sleeping with Spencer, spying on him, and getting away with it. Boy, it sure is sickening to see her in bed with Spencer, isn’t it? And it seems like every time he gets near her he is all over her trying to get her into bed. I guess he figures he can continue to work his magic and deception on her that way. All I can say is…Note to self: Refrain from eating dinner while watching tape of the show if you see that Spencer and Blair are anywhere near a bed at the beginning of the show!
How stupid was Blair to go rifling through Spencer’s things when she thought he was asleep? I’d say she was pretty stupid considering the fact that she already knows to what lengths he’s gone to hurt the people who have crossed him. Blair better look out because Spencer will consider hers the ultimate betrayal and he won’t think twice about wiping her off the face of the earth in spite of his love for her (which isn’t love anyway) if she crosses him. But the strangest thing to me is that he seems to still trust her. I was shocked that he gave her that sedative and just believed she took it and slept through his whole revealing conversation with David. Obviously, Blair is Spencer’s only weakness.
So, Spencer bailed David out…big surprise there…NOT! Too bad Spencer didn’t have the guts to show is face in court when David was arraigned.
And let’s talk about David for a minute. What does the prosecution really have on him? They have a witness from 25 years ago, which even David’s little creepy lawyer should be able to discredit. And although there is no statute of limitations for murder cases, are they going to be realistic enough to take into account that David was a minor when he supposedly (or should I say allegedly) shot John’s father? I don’t think Hugh is going to have a real case to prosecute until he gets his hands on Spencer…if that ever happens.
And Michael really laced into David, didn’t he? I have to say that I thought the acting on Nathaniel Marsten’s part was incredible. Michael sure locked his jaws around David, but there are a lot of mixed feelings out there about how severely Michael berated David. Personally, I can’t really blame Michael. He’s been the sane one…going through life missing his father but putting one foot in front of the other to make a decent life for himself and I think he just needed to get all his feelings out. Unfortunately, David just had to stand there and take it…but let’s be honest…we all love David for the way he makes us laugh, but he would basically sell his own mother for a good deal. I know he loves Dorian, but she’s about the only person he regrets hurting in his life. And he was going to let Todd die for a murder he knew never even happened. I love David and no one makes me laugh more, but let’s face it…he was due for a little comeuppance….and from what he said to Spencer, maybe he’s ready to take responsibility for his life now.
While we’re on the subject of Thomas McBain, I have to talk about John. It really saddened me to see his reaction after David’s arraignment. When he went home and heard about it on the radio and smashed the radio with that baseball bat I said, “Wow, somebody better get this guy back to Dr. Crosby.” I think it’s sad that John can’t find any peace and I wondered if he would call Natalie. I was glad that he did and it was such an honest moment when she came in, saw the mess he had made and didn’t even make a big deal out of it. It’s very sad that John can’t get any peace and he expressed that so well when Natalie asked him how he felt and he said that he waited over 20 years for justice for his father and he thought it would make a difference but he doesn’t feel any better.” John is so deeply troubled that it’s hard to understand sometimes how nothing gives him any closure and peace….but it is now becoming clear that he feels there is more to the story and that’s why he can’t feel that it’s over. I think it’s more than possible that Spencer shot Thomas McBain and David is taking the fall. John will figure that out. I thought it was a very poignant moment when he said to Natalie, “I just didn’t want to be alone.” That was a huge admission and I totally felt the tenderness in that scene when they went into each other’s arms. Now that was a nice scene….no clawing and grabbing at each other. I think we’re making some progress here. We don’t get nearly enough of those sweet John and Natalie scenes. But then we got yet another nice scene up on the roof. A little satisfaction…it feels good.
Boy, Viki sure has had it with Todd. Honestly, I understood where she was coming from when she wanted him to forgive Blair and go back to his family with total disregard for revenge…but even though we all know that Viki was right about all the horrendous things Todd has done over the years to hurt Blair and make her distrust him, I couldn’t help siding with Todd a little bit. It’s one thing for Blair to write him off and decide to be with another man…it’s completely another thing for her to hook up with Spencer, the man whom everyone has warned her about. I do think Todd is entitled to at least a bit of bitterness towards Blair and hey, can you fault the guy for wanting to destroy the guy who set him up and almost successfully sent him to his death?
Wow, I feel sorry for Bo. That poor guy is never anything but a good guy and look what he has to deal with now. That morgue attendant must have done something pretty awful for Spencer to have such a hold on him that he wasn’t afraid to lie to Bo. I thought for sure Bo would get the truth out of him when he slammed him up against the wall and gave him his best cowboy tough guy attitude. That guy has nerves of steel. I wonder what old Spencer has on him.
And I was cheering Bo on when he was with Paige and he told him the whole truth and he said, “Who are you? You were going to let an innocent man die!” And what about protecting Paige, the only person who can destroy Spencer? Why on earth would Bo leave Paige unattended and without protection around the clock when he knows…and Spencer knows…that she is the one person who can put him behind bars? Hey, they put a nurse outside Todd’s door to keep Blair out…you’d think they would put 10 guards on Paige to protect the only witness left.
I was sorry to see Bo having to hand over his gun and badge, but it showed what class Bo has when he voluntarily handed them over to Hugh before Hugh had to ask for them. I was sorry that Evangeline refused to represent him, but I could understand her feelings. She wants him to have the best defense, if it comes to that, but I was glad that he asked her anyway.
So Jessica finally watched that horrible tape. I have to give her credit for staying strong enough to watch it twice and not allow Tess to emerge to shield her. It’s really something how much Jessica and Tess have realized they feel for each other. Tess knows that Jessica has to be in control right now, as much as she fears she will disappear forever…and Jessica is realizing that she owes Tess so much for protecting her and for taking all that abuse as a young child, while Jessica was allowed to grow up and have a life without having to deal with the horror of what happened to her. Even though Jessica didn’t remember what actually happened to her, she is making good progress. Antonio didn’t help much when Jess watched the tape the second time and still didn’t remember. It wasn’t too smart of him to speak up and tell the doctor that he thought Jessica would be integrated after watching the tape. Doesn’t he have a clue yet?
I loved the scene between Natalie and Viki when they were waiting for Jessica to watch the tape and Natalie was remembering how horrible she was to Viki when she first came to town. I enjoyed watching the flashbacks and seeing how far Natalie and Viki have come since those days.
And did anyone besides me wonder what he was thinking when Kevin showed up at the house when Jess was watching the tape and was angry that no one called to tell him what was going on? Hmmm…it’s not as if Kevin has been a responsible member of the family lately. He’s been too busy wallowing in his own self-pity…so why would they add to the family’s tension by having to guess whether or not he’d arrive drunk?
What a powerful scene it was when Jessica confronted Norman Leeds. I have to give Bree Williamson so much credit…yet again. Jessica held herself together so well when she was telling Leeds what he did to her and the other little girls. And it was hard to watch Viki and Clint as well…especially Viki. It’s so incredible to watch the way she deals with everything, especially since every bit of Jessica’s ordeal only reminds her of what Victor did to her as a child. But Norman Leeds has died…it’s too bad he didn’t have to face what he did a long time ago in a court of law. It showed real strength on Jessica’s part when she had her parents take her to the bar when everything started. It reminded me a lot of the storyline several years ago when Lindsay was on trial for running Jessica down with her car, causing her to lose her baby. I remember Viki and Ben taking Jessica to Crossroads where she relived what happened and realized that it was Dorian driving the car and not Lindsay.
And wasn’t it just a bit silly to watch Nash carrying on an entire conversation with an imaginary Tess? I feel bad for Nash. This guy really got a bum deal from the start and all he did was fall in love with a woman who annoyed him from day one. And I thought he showed a lot of class when he called Clint to see how Jessica was and told Clint he was sorry for what the family was going through.
I hope Nash is not making too big a mistake by trusting Claudia to help him. She’s got her own agenda and I was a bit surprised that Rex agreed to investigate Jessica for her. I wonder if he’s going to give her any information that could harm Jessica or her family, or if he’s going to stick close to Claudia and treat her like that old adage says, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” I’m not sure which way Rex will go. On the one hand he has a huge loyalty to Bo and his family…and on the other hand he is proud that he got his P.I. license and wants to make money doing what he likes doing. I wonder where his loyalties will lie if he finds out that Claudia is up to no good.
I heard that Adriana’s stalker is going to step it up when it comes to going after her…and now he has. I read a quote from head writer Dena Higley where she said that the stalker is someone that we know well. Hmmm…I was hoping it would be Daryl, Dorian’s new assistant…but I guess he has an alibi.
Can I just say that Adriana needs to do so much growing up? She had no right to carry on in front of Claudia when Rex was considering taking her on as a client. Adriana didn’t know what Rex had in mind and she behaved like a spoiled little girl. Then she had to blurt out to Bo that Rex was up to something and honestly, I think Rex exhibited great restraint in not just walking away from her. Adriana is a nice girl, but in some ways she is a princess like her mother and she still lacks a lot of maturity. And speaking of leaving people in danger unattended…why did Rex suggest that Adriana head to the gym for Cristian’s fight alone and meet her there later? Was he all of a sudden not worried about her going to a sleazy place at night be herself? That was stupid. Maybe Rex will be more careful, especially since Adriana has now been attacked at her own home. And the fact that she begged him not to get the police involved shows just how immature she is…more worried about Dorian driving her crazy than she is about her own safety. And Rex was almost killed in that pool…hey Adriana, he’s in danger, too.
My feelings have not changed…I still don’t care at all for the boxing storyline. Vincent Jones is just annoying and now he’s setting Cristian up and betting against him…oh, that’s lovely to watch! Layla is not too bright to date the guy, is she? And somehow, I don’t see Evangeline fitting into this whole storyline. It’s just plain silly. When Cristian was down for the count and she miraculously found her way to the ring and knew exactly where he was lying I just shook my head…but then it got even worse when she so passionately spoke to him and he was able to rally and amazingly win the fight. Oh boy…can anybody say, “Yo, Adrian?” I don’t even think Adrian could have done that for Rocky. I think the whole boxing storyline was a bad direction to take and I hope we get Cristian and Evangeline involved in things that are more pleasurable to watch.
I heard that Adriana and Rex will be on the run this summer from the stalker…UGH…and that the other big storyline coming up deals with Nash, Claudia and Bruce. I also heard that the actor who plays Bruce has just signed a contract. I was hoping he was one flunky we’d only have to see once in a while until we got rid of Claudia’s father….no such luck I guess. I this is not going to be one of those forgettable summers like we’ve experienced in the past. Fingers crossed!
See ya
next week….
Jill Berry
FAN
FEEDBACK AND QUESTIONS
Before we hear from the fans, I have to take a minute to apologize for a big oops on my part. I answered Ann’s question a couple of weeks ago by saying that during the tornado the rectory on one side of the street was destroyed while the church remained completely in tact. I was completely wrong and had my churches totally mixed up (which many of you so lovingly pointed out to me…lol…I thank you). Anyway, I’m sorry for my confusion…it’s a good thing I don’t work for the government…or maybe I’d fit in very well there???? Sorry Ann!
Bertha writes: “I generally agree with your take on things, with one major exception. I would dearly love to see Evangeline and John reunite. They have such great chemistry, and contrary to many other opinions, I can't find any chemistry with her and Cristian. The romantic scenes with him seem extremely contrived and forced - particularly on Cristian's part. And, as far as I'm concerned the Natalie character is a complete waste as written. She has such great potential, but the writers repeatedly show her in only two lights: marching around with her breasts pushed out or impulsively jumping from one endeavor or relationship to another with dire consequences. And pairing her with John is a complete waste of his character's potential. I do hope that the writers will come to their senses and change this storyline.”
Dear Bertha: I thank you and I appreciate the mature and thoughtful expression of your feelings about the John/Natalie/Cristian/Evangeline storyline. I’m sure you know that I am really enjoying the relationship between Evangeline and Cristian. I think it’s very sweet and has great potential but I accept all opinions and am happy to post yours. I have always like Natalie’s character because I enjoyed watching her from when she first came to Llanview as such a bitter and lost young girl to the person she became once she became a real Buchanan. Yes, Natalie has some rough edges…you’ll get no argument from me…and I have said in previous articles that I dislike the way they choose to dress her on the show. It keeps her looking very harsh and I don’t like it, but I think the relationship between Natalie and John is very unique and I don’t agree that pairing John and Natalie has wasted his character’s potential. John relates to Natalie in a way he doesn’t relate to anyone else. He lets Natalie see when he needs her and he is more honest with her than with anyone else. For whatever reason, I don’t think he related to Evangeline the same way even though she wanted nothing more than for him to do just that. John and Evangeline care for each other like two mature adults who have both moved on, but that’s where I think it will always end for them.
Rhonda writes: “I must say I agree with about 90% of what you have to say about all the characters. I, too, never liked John and Evangeline together. They just didn't fit for me. I do like her and yes she needs someone more suited for her. I am so glad they are done with the whole Jessica/Tess story. Enough is enough. IMO Nash needs to wake up and stop being so selfish by thinking he can have a life with "Tess". She is not real and he needs to take Viki and Clint’s feelings into consideration. When are we going to find out who Paige's son is??? Don't tell me they are going to drop that one for now. I have always thought it was Rex but then again I think they want us to think that. I sure as heck hope it is NOT Nash. I think I would like him more if he were not involved with Jessica.”
Dear Rhonda: Are they done with the Jessica/Tess storyline? When did that happen? I don’t think it’s going to be over for a while and let’s not forget that the baby belongs to Nash…so unless there is a mistake in paternity…which is always a possibility on soaps…I don’t see Nash disappearing from the situation at all. I know that Viki is very upset but it’s not because she dislikes Nash…it’s because she wants Jessica to be whole again and feels that Nash stands in the way of that. And from what I can see, Clint sides with Nash about 110% of the time. He totally understands where Nash is coming from and I like Clint’s attitude. He’s fair to everyone in this situation and he knows that Nash has no one on his side. Clint is a good buffer when Antonio gets too overbearing. As far as Paige’s son goes…I’m hoping when she’s up and around again we get back into that storyline. She’s going to help Bo take care of Spencer (hopefully) and maybe the truth about her son will come out then. I’d like Hugh to be Spencer’s son. Then maybe I could feel sorry enough for Hugh to like him again.
Trudi writes: “It is always so good to see your take on John and Natalie. The explicit sex scenes have never been what float my boat. I love the little things…the multiple kisses on the hand. The little smile and “Yeah?” he gave when Natalie said she wouldn’t go anywhere when he asked her to wait for him at his apartment. The way John caressed Natalie’s face after he kissed her goodbye at his door. I am just feeling these two as a couple now. Still have some wrinkles to iron out – but considering John’s been known to smell his shirt before he puts it on, perhaps some good ironing is in order now.”
Dear Trudi: I couldn’t agree more. Those little nuances between John and Natalie are what sets them apart…it’s the way they communicate. So true…there are wrinkles…and I love your quip about the ironing. Do you think John owns an iron?
FlowersinSpringtime writes: “I read your recent column with raised eyebrows. I have to join those who question your motives in suddenly having something good to say about Evangeline and Cris. Your newfound interest in Evangeline's well being rings hollow and seems self-serving. You rarely had anything positive to say about Evangeline in your previous columns and almost nothing positive to say about Evangeline and John. You were always very vocal and biased about John and Natalie. Now that you've gotten your couple, you suddenly have something positive to say about a character you previously seemed to have no use for. Why the sudden change? Do you hope to persuade the writers that Cris & Evangeline are a wonderful couple to assure that John and Natalie go forward without the Evangeline factor? The sudden 180 in your columns smacks of an agenda. As an Evangeline fan, I much prefer the courtesy of your honest hatred than your sudden hypocritical overtures.”
Dear FlowersinSpringtime: Oh my goodness…I can’t stop laughing. Let’s be real…the only negative thing I ever felt about Evangeline was that she was wasting her time pining over a man who would never love her the way she needs and wants to be loved. I thought she was mismatched with John and as many people think the same as disagree. Oh, and by the way, in case you haven’t noticed lately, there is no Evangeline factor in John and Natalie’s relationship these days. No one can predict what will happen down the line, but right now what’s real is right in front of our faces. But what has me laughing is that you think I have an agenda and hope the writers will be persuaded by what I say. Do you have any idea how insignificant my thoughts are to the writers? They don’t have thoughts about my column at all. Do you think they are sitting over their morning coffee pondering what I have to say? Please! And please, have the sense to let everyone have their own opinions just as you have yours and save your comments about my “honest hatred” and hypocrisy for someone who deserves them. You would be hard pressed to find many commentary writers who happily and willingly post a complete cross section of viewpoints, even when they don’t agree with their own. And by the way, I know what it’s like to root for a couple and love them together and then have what you loved watching most ripped away from you. Everyone knows that I loved Ben and Viki more than anything on the show and to quote the writer above, Ben and Viki definitely floated my boat. I have been very verbal about the fact that without Ben, there is no man for Viki. I know that sounds silly, but for me, that was the great love of her life…and his. Back when Ben and Viki were an item, there was plenty of verbal battling on the Net between the Ben/Viki fans and the Clint/Viki fans, but it never got as vile as the battles are today. These days, lots of fans want Viki once again romantically involved with Clint. I can’t say that I want that to happen. I don’t think Viki should go for it with Clint for a third time…but I can guarantee you this 100%...lots of fans and some of my best buddies don’t agree with me but if they throw Viki and Clint into bed together tomorrow, no one will be able to use the words “hatred” and “hypocrisy” when referring to me. I’d be disappointed and I’d say so, but I’d live with it without stooping to a level that would embarrass me.
BMConway53 writes: “I've had enough of this yo-yo relationship between Todd and Blair. This time it's his choice whether or not they get back together and I truly hope he's done with her. Todd needs to move on and let Blair stay with Spencer. She betrayed him and I hope he never forgives her.”
Dear BMConway53: Although I’d love to see Todd snub Blair for a very long time, I don’t know if that will happen. I still think these two are destined to torture each other together for life…lol…but I definitely want to see Todd make her suffer for a good, long while. I hope that Blair does not stay with Spencer because that would probably mean that we’d have him around for a very long time and I’d like to see him gone tomorrow.
DF writes: “Help! Can you tell me what part Brandon Routh (the new Superman in films) played on OLTL for one year? I forgot!”
Dear
DF: Brandon Routh played the original Seth, who came to Llanview with Natalie to
rile up the Buchanans several years ago.
© Copyright by Katherine
Thurston, 2006
