Reflections by Jill - A Weekly Commentary for OLTL

So, the mourning continues for a man who is not dead. Boy, they really are playing out John’s “death” to the hilt. I don’t remember the last time someone died on a soap opera and we watched the family actually sit down with the funeral director and pick out flowers and caskets. That was pretty sad to watch, especially if you’ve ever had to do that in real life. I have to say that I am enjoying Nathaniel Marston’s performances so much. As John’s brother, Marcie’s husband and Eve’s only remaining son, Michael has show us the true depth of his grief over John’s death, as well as his tremendous strength in dealing with everything that goes along with putting a loved one to rest. I applaud Nathaniel; he’s doing a great job.

I have read the reactions of many people to Natalie’s behavior during this ordeal and although many people have said that Melissa Archer is over the top in her portrayal of a grieving Natalie, I simply cannot agree. Aside from the fact that Natalie tried to attack Spencer at the police station (can you blame her?) I think her behavior and reactions to everything she’s had to take in have been very real and believable. Natalie tries to put on a brave front most of the time when she has to deal with family and friends, which is perfectly understandable since she did not grow up in the midst of the warmth and support of a clan like the Buchanans and she has always pulled back a little bit when the “family thing” started to close in around her. However, when she’s alone and allows herself to break down and really feel things, those are the times when I find her most believable and vulnerable. Plenty of people would just want to be alone to deal with their grief, just like Natalie and she knows where to find the support she needs when she needs it.

Speaking of support, let’s just start with Roxy. The woman is a riot and I love the way she can go from acting like a raving maniac to crying and grieving when something terrible happens to one of her kids. I thought her idea of having a few beers and having a little party in John’s honor with Rex and Natalie was just what was needed at the time for Natalie to be a tiny bit distracted even for a short while. Lately, I think we’re seeing too much of a drunken Roxy. She’s great without all the booze. It’s not necessary for her to be plowed all the time.

But when it comes to support, there is no one, and I mean no one who compares with Viki. Her kids are so lucky to have her. She listens and supports with a gentle hand and kind, loving words. I think she said it all when she sat with Natalie, talking about how you deal with such a terrible blow and she said, “I think that God knows exactly how many days we have from the moment we’re born and there’s nothing we can do to change that. I believe that and that’s how I got through losing Ben.” Well, if I hadn’t shed enough tears in the last few days, I certainly couldn’t help shedding a few more when Viki mentioned my beloved Ben. Oops, I mean her beloved Ben. (Note to TPTB: Hey, listen, if John can “die” and come back, maybe it’s time to revisit the subject of other hot, wonderful leading men “rising from the ashes.” And if I have to name names, then I’ll know for sure no one has been listening to me…LOL)

The person who really broke my heart this week was Bo. I figured it was about time he broke down. He’s been holding everyone else up since John’s “death” and finally it all hit him when he was alone in John’s office and just sat down in the corner and gave into his grief. That was an incredible moment. Kudos to Bob Woods. He has been great.

And where is poor Hugh in the midst of all that is going on? Well, some sources say that Josh Casaubon has been let go from the show and that Hugh is dead. I do think that Hugh is probably dead, but at this point I haven’t seen or heard of any definite confirmation that the actor has been let go. Speculation is rampant, but that’s to be expected. It is, however, pretty common knowledge that it is John in that bed all bandaged up and not Hugh and that after his leave, Michael Easton will reappear as John in November.

I liked Kelly’s scenes when she visited Hugh in the hospital. She has grown very close to him and it has been obvious that Hugh wanted more from her than friendship. Kelly’s conversation with Paige was really touching as she told Paige how she was able to confide in Hugh about her pregnancy when she didn’t feel close to anyone else and he helped her cope with so many things. It was nice for Paige when Kelly told her, “You son is a beautiful man.”