Reflections by Jill - A Weekly Commentary for OLTL

Well, I don’t know about you, but Spencer had me laughing so hard last week that I nearly choked. Oh yeah, Spencer is crazy and I’m the Queen of England. I will admit that for the first time since he set foot in Llanview, Spencer amused me. Every other time he makes me sick to my stomach. I thought that banging his head against the bed frame and using the blood to write on the jail cell wall was a nice touch. Hey, if you watch enough medical shows on television, you know that head wounds bleed a lot and often look worse than they are. Of course, being the esteemed, world-renowned doctor that he is Spencer knows this and used it to his advantage. Too bad he’s not going to get a chance to see what it’s like to live in a place like Wingdale Sanitarium because Todd sure has other plans for him. And somehow, even though I want to smack Todd most of the time, I can’t seem to get annoyed at him at all for what he’s doing to Spencer. I’m not happy that Todd chose to put himself in a position to get in trouble with the law again. The one thing that never changes about Todd is his tunnel vision when he gets an idea in his head and everything else be damned, even his family.

I’m sure that Marty Saybrook thinks she’s doing her professional duty by standing behind her determination that Spencer is insane and unfit to stand trial, but every time I see her face with that little self-satisfied smirk, I just get that nagging feeling that she’s enjoying annoying everyone just a bit too much. If I’m wrong about her, I will admit it, but for now that’s my take on her. Maybe someone should run down Spencer’s rap sheet for her; that is if Marty has a couple of days free, and maybe then she’d understand what everyone is so up in arms about. And how did Marty come to be the psychiatrist who spent six sessions with Spencer before the trial? Obviously, Spencer got wind of who Marty is and planned the whole thing. It all fits entirely too nicely for it to be coincidence. And I wonder what Marty thinks about Spencer’s comment to her about the fact that he always holds back a few secrets.

I sure wasn’t sorry to see Blair give Marty that shove that knocked her off her feet. Yes, I know that’s petty of me, just like it was petty of Blair, but hey, when someone defends Spencer all bets are off. I wish Blair had knocked down Spencer’s lawyer, too. He is the biggest jerk of all.

I couldn’t believe that the judge granted a mistrial. Spencer’s lawyer didn’t keep his joy to himself, which only reinforces everyone’s belief that he masterminded this whole insanity plan with Spencer. Was he kidding when he asked the judge if his client was free to go? What made him think Spencer would be free?

Isn’t it nice to see the McBain brothers back together? It’s great to see Michael and John when they’re talking seriously, as well as joking around with each other. I had to laugh when Michael told John how happy he was that he was alive and seeing Michael’s excitement John said, “Hug me and I’ll hit you with my bedpan.” These brothers have a great relationship and I love the way they can talk so honestly with each other. I was glad that Michael was honest with John about their mom giving the engagement ring to Natalie. And I was not surprised when Michael asked John if he still wanted to marry Natalie and John hesitated but told him he didn’t want to blow a second chance with her. And I did hold my breath when John told Michael he wanted to see a mirror and Michael tried to discourage him. I think John took it really well when he finally saw his face.

Obviously John has a long way to go in his recovery and it was nice to see how he reacted to Natalie constantly being at his side. I think the old John would have been depressed and told her to leave, but it’s great to see John come right out and say, “I need you” and “I came back for you.” I don’t think anything could make Natalie happier (well, maybe a trip down the aisle and a couple of babies, LOL). That had to be like music to her ears. It’s so great to hear John talk so openly about his feelings. I think Natalie deserves to hear every word after all this time and I guess John agreed when he told her, “I think I’ve loved you for a long time.” Now he can make up for never telling her. It must be a very liberating thing for John to come out and say what he feels. I’m still getting used to those words coming out of that man’s mouth. And I loved the scene where he was worried that his face would turn her off because he wasn’t the same and she said, “Not a chance.” Natalie was very wise not to push John about the engagement ring. I think all she needs to know is that he loves her and wants to be with her and the rest can come in time. Hmmm, we’re having some mature moments here. How nice.

I liked the scene where John made sure to let Vincent know that Natalie is “Hands Off” where he’s concerned. John is too smart to believe that Vincent doesn’t still have feelings for Natalie after lying in that bed listening to Vincent when he thought he was confiding in Hugh. I liked the way John put it very plainly when he said, “She thought I was dead. Now I’m back.” Vincent may be able to fool some people, but he can’t fool John. Vincent admits to himself that he has feelings for Natalie and as far as I’m concerned, he is not necessary in this storyline or any others.