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TO: GHR
FROM: Rachel Kipp
DATE: Tue, 14 Sep 1999
Upon reading the contents page and letters section of the Sept. issue, I noticed that there seems to be some major backlash against the character of Hannah. I have to admit it, but personally I think Hannah actually has potential. If the writers can tap into it she could become a viable character. When she was first introduced, I really hated Hannah. She looked too much like Brenda and I thought we were all being set up for Brenda/Sonny Part II; we all know how much most movie sequels stink so this was not a happy thought.
But then a few things happened to make me think. First of all, the other characters actually addressed Hannah's resemblance to the late Ms. Barrett. In fact the "identical cousins" routine was even Mike's reason to ask Sonny to stay away. By making the look-alike a recognized part of the story the writers didn't insult our intelligence. Also, luckily the actress playing Hannah is really pretty good. Also the Carly/Hannah rivalry is hilarious: it's fun to watch Carly trying to protect new "soul mate" Sonny and it's bringing she and Jason closer.
Then on Sept. 10 the truth about Ms. Scott was revealed: she's a Fed! Inevitably she is a Fed who is falling for Sonny and one who will eventually (and rightfully) feel his wrath but at least she has a what could be a compelling story.
I say "could be" because there are still a few kinks. First, hopefully it will be established that Agent Scott was picked because of her resemblance to Brenda, making that plot point a cohesive part of the story. Second, the main problem with Sonny/Hannah relationship is that it is Sonny/Brenda in fast forward. It worked for S & B because they literally had years of history but Sonny and Hannah have known each other for months. I'm sick of hearing Sonny tell Hannah he loves her and of the two making love yet again: wouldn't it be nice if they could oh I don't know talk to each other. And I'm not just talking about stupid Italian dessert dialogues.
Yes Sonny has permanent trust issues that always play into his relationships but at least with Lily they were handled differently. It might actually be kind of fun if Sonny and Hannah don't get together eventually. Having Hannah a woman he had a relationship with as an enemy would be great. And why not get her involved with the underused Taggert to really get Sonny going.
I know this is probably way too long but I just watched today's (Sept. 14) episode and Hannah was really playing on my mind. I set myself up to hate her now I just wish I could write her story so she ends up in a story that allows myself and the rest of the audience to accept her. That will only happen if Sonny is merely a vehicle to introduce her to town: he can continue to interact with her later on, but spinning her off onto the rest of the canvas is the only way to get rid of the Brenda/copycat stigma.
TO: GHR
FROM: Jennie
DATE: Wed, 1 Sep 1999
First of all, I have to say that the whole Sonny & Miss Scott story is bad; don't try to replace Brenda because you never will.
Second, I cannot stand Carly and AJ together; both she and Michael belong with Jason and that is where they should be!!
I cannot believe that the writers have killed off Lucky. I am glad that they did not try to replace him, but come on, he is a Spencer and all Spencers have gotten out of every situation that they have been placed in. And if Liz and Lucky had such a close relationship, why can't she figure out that he is still alive?
Last, Laura and Stefan--come on, how long as she been in love with Luke and now she is kissing Stefan? That is the most disgusting thing that I have seen on this show in many many years.
TO: GHR
FROM: SIPort
DATE: Wed, 8 Sep 1999
This is in reference to "And Another Thing..." from this month. The author wrote:
"Even though I want very much to see actors of color in major storylines, I'm not willing to endure snoozeworthy performances or inept acting to get there. That means I want good black and Hispanic actors, and I want them written as more than mere plot devices."
But, my question is, when will they ever BE more than plot devices. This happens to be a pet peeve issue of mine. It's more than that, because I think pet peeve completely trivializes the issue. My problem with Chloe, Hannah, et. al., is the fact that these substandard actresses (for GH), have been thrust, immediately, into the forefront of GH, with stories, backgrounds, and working with some of the best GH has to offer. They can whip up a story for neophytes with little talent, but yet Vanita Harbour can be on the show for three years, and they can't bother to even respect her enough to put some nails into some wood and give her a place to live. It's a simple action, but means so much. How can one commit to a character if all we know about the character is from other settings? The place where someone lives tells us about that character as much as anything. What would Stefan be without Wyndemere? The Brownstone isn't just a home for Bobbie Spencer, it is a statement about who she is as a woman, and from where she hails (the street). And, the routine line about it being 'Monica's house' means so much more, in terms of the character of Monica--the same for Sonny's Penthouse, which isn't just a home, it's a statement for the powerless boy beaten by Deke who found his manhood on the wrong side of the law. Is Dara Afrocentric? Does she have a family? Or, is she Martha Stewart anal retentive? I remember Ward House when Rosalind Cast was on. It radiated the soul of Mary Mae Ward.
This is more than just about plot devices. This goes to the core of whether one sees African-Americans and other non-whites as human beings. Of whether they even see that they live, breath, hate, love, lie, and die, just like everyone else. That they experience the full range of the emotional spectrum, and that their purpose is more than just to react to white characters.
It's 1999, the cusp of the next Millenium, and I can't believe that non-whites are like the 'Invisible Man'.