GH in Review: Tricks and (Maybe) Treats
by Judy Ellison
The good news for October was the disposal of Angel Boris, because that opened
up room in the canvas for scenes with far more formidable characters (like Stefan
Cassadine). Unfortunately, the writing still consisted of more tricks than treats.
I remain largely unimpressed with GH as a whole, and I'm afraid my disinterest
in the show is apparent in this month's review. For my part, I apologize in advance.
1. The Q's
There was, at least, some story movement in the Quartermaine household this
month, but, as with most stories on the show, it lacked real substance and common
sense. Mostly we've seen Skye orbiting Jax, trying to enlist him in her latest
scheme to Get AJ Back/Get Michael Back/Get Edward Back (in a different sense of
the word)/Get Rich, whatever. And while Jax is unconvinced by her words, her sweater
proves very convincing.
Meanwhile, AJ hangs around in a meat locker until he is forced to relinquish
all rights to Michael, in a story that manages to make everyone involved (Sonny,
AJ, and Zander) look idiotic and unsympathetic. I hate that Zander's become the
next Jason, blindly attaching himself to Sonny. (To think that I used to love
this guy! Note to Chad Brannon: explore other dialogue fillers besides "okay"...okay?).
I hate that AJ told that big whoppin' lie to Emily, knowing how much it would
hurt her (sure, AJ's a known liar, among other things, but I don't think the AJ
of headwriters past would stoop that low). And I hate that Sonny's stupid enough
to pull such a stunt when there are more covert ways to achieve the same goal.
As for Ned and Kristina, I'm not sure if they belong in the Quartermaine section
or the Cassadine/Spencer section, but either way, they've had very little to do
this month. I think the actor portraying Kristina is promising (though I haven't
yet learned her name), but I'm disappointed in the lack of a real story with her
and the rest of the Cassadines. All she is right now is someone who "needs
protection." But we've not been given enough of a reason to care whether
or not she actually gets it. And poor Ned, I wish he'd stop trying to rehash his
relationship with Alexis (it's dead! let it be!) and just get on with his life
(if he can find one).
It was difficult to choose My Most Hated Moment of this month (being a month
chock full of hated moments), but the prize goes to the Edward-as-Sweetcheeks
saga. Sure, Edward cheating on Lila could've been a great story had it been handled
by a competent headwriter, who could've explored the anguish and frustration Edward
feels when confronted by his wife's increasingly fragile health. He meets another
woman, who reminds him of Lila in healthier times, and is torn between remaining
faithful to Lila and seeking physical comfort with this Lila surrogate. Instead,
we get this sleazy Janine, and a story so laden with winks and nudges that it
would embarrass even a tabloid journalist. Yuck!
2. Sonny and Carly
Once again, they spend the entire month analyzing and reanalyzing their relationship,
and I spend the entire month yelling at my TV screen: "Who cares!" I
noticed that they've recast Michael and Leticia, but I'm thankful they've left
Johnny intact.
As I mention in the Cassadine section, I do like Alexis and Sonny together,
but I'm not sure if I want them to be lovers (or, at least, not in the long term).
Sure, the steamy dreams are great, but for this couple, I think the attraction
shows more promise than the action. Whatever the outcome, it's been nice watching
Maurice Benard play opposite an actor of his caliber again.
3. Hercule Poirot or Inspector Cleuseau?
The gathering at the mansion was ill conceived and accomplished nothing, except
to extract a confession out of everyone except the guilty party. How Mac and Felicia
figured out that it was Angel whodunit after all that is beyond my powers of reason.
What it did accomplish, however, was the swift disposal of one of my least favorite
characters, and for that, I'll always be grateful.
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