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I ask this not in the context of what James Harmon Brown and Barbara Esensten are doing wrong, but just what is it they are doing that has everyone up in arms... Certain websites about GL are spewing forth vitriol not seen since the days of Nola Reardon trying to come between Kelly Nelson and Morgan Richards. Only this time the spewing is not directed at actors but _ unfairly_ at the writers. I, for one, appreciate Brown and Esensten's talent and ability to push the envelope. You have to admit, although the clone story didn't exactly work, and many are up in arms that Signy Coleman is Annie and not the much-missed Cynthia Watros, the point is at least they tried. In order to move shows forward, sometimes writers have to push beyond the conventional boundaries and do stuff that is different. Brown and Esensten's ability to write mystery stories is something not seen since the days of Henry Slesar and Douglas Marland. Their "Loving Murders" plot was gripping, very well written, and suspenseful to the end. Should anyone think of reviving "Edge of Night" and Slesar didn't wish to return, Brown and Esensten would have made fine replacements. The nursery rhyme stalker story has been entertaining, and... admit it... the revelation Holly was the culprit came out of left field yet, when explained, made perfect sense. The revelation of "Teri is Annie" was, despite a few dropped hints, a total shock to the audience. And Signy Coleman is doing a respectable job as Annie Dutton (Cynthia will never be topped, but at least the role is in capable hands). My guess is people are upset because old favorites are being worked into the storyline and not taking up the whole show; Brown and Esensten are spreading stories around. Not all of their stories work; the Jesse/Michelle saga is winding down as it is apparent Paolo Benedeti shares more chemistry with Tammy Blanchard (Drew). The return of David Grant isn't exactly lighting a fire, as David '99 bears no resemblance to David '93 (Monti Sharp), the streetwise young man with a good heart. But think about it. Doug Marland had stories that didn't go anywhere. Agnes Nixon wrote a few clunkers in her heyday. Henry Slesar's Edge of Night mysteries were superb, but even he stumbled sometimes. No writers are perfect. That is why I believe Brown and Esensten should be spared from the hatred that is pervading many GL pages. The bottom line: if you don't like what you're watching, turn the channel. Robert Guza is doing a heckuva job writing General Hospital, after all. As for me, I'll stay with the Light. And look forward to what the writing team comes up with next.
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