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Seeing the Light
by Dianne
posted 10/19/98
These are interesting times for Guiding Light fans.
 TPTB know how popular Phillip and Harley are. Rauch's pairing of Ehlers and Aleksander has been a real treat. The return of Beth (and her friendship with Ben Warren) has kept fan's buzzing. From Chamberlin's mannerisms to the clothes Beth wears, she's definitely brought forth a lot of discussion. I never seriously thought Beth would come in between Phillip and Harley. I guess I knew soaps too well. But even Aleksander stated it was out of character for Phillip not to return to Beth. Didn't matter, this was one romance fans accepted. Phillip and Harley have proved so popular, even the Josh/Reva wedding was put aside for their nuptials. TPTB were ready to marry this couple, there was no doubt this wedding was going to happen. Now word is that Beth Ehlers (Harley) is ill and oh what timing. No one even knows when she'll return or if she'll return. What to do? Fans are in an uproar. Is there enough time to rewrite? Should they rewrite if Ehlers never returns? She's released a statement she hopes you'll continue to support Phillip and Harley. That is the best that a fan can do. Bottom line: Ehlers' health is far more important than a storyline.
 Reportedly, Fiona Hutchison was disappointed in Jenna's lack of storyline. When TPTB couldn't accomodate her, she asked to be let out of her contract. TPTB complied. Okay, so they could have made a decision to put her on front burner all the time. But would that have raised ratings to a new high? Even a die-hard Jenna fan would admit that Jenna every day is not what a show makes. A well-rounded show means that some characters will be on the back burner for awhile. Since Hutchison's return, Jenna has been involved with the hugely successful sting storyline, gotten back together with Buzz, married him, and had his child. Most characters aren't so lucky. Bottom line: If Hutchison is unhappy, let her go.***
 William Bumiller has been released from the show, most say due to lack of storyline. Am I the only one who saw this coming? Bumiller shined very bright as hunky island guy. Bumiller and Zimmer had great chemistry. When Sean hit Springfield, he was still hung up on Reva. That basically meant that Cassie would have had to knock him off his socks for him to notice her. Kind of hard when she was deep in her relationship with Hart. Moniz and Bumiller really clicked. Dinah was still hog-wild over Hart. No way was Sean going to break up Josh and Reva (let's be realistic here). This really left Sean hanging. Kind of hard to keep Bumiller around (contracts do cost money) as a secondary figure in many people's lives. Bottom line: It was great while it lasted.
 After months of speculation as to will they or won't they, Wendy Moniz (Dinah) and Frank Grillo (Hart) have decided to re-sign their contracts. You've got to love-to-hate Dinah. Moniz plays her perfectly. She's one of the few villianesses this show has right now. Thank goodness Moniz decided to stay. As for Hart, although we could debate who the best Hart is for eternity, at this point Grillo is the longest-running Hart. Keeping the same actor in a role helps with continuity for viewers. Bottom line: Let's keep enjoying them while we can.
 The word is that Teri is Annie Dutton. WHAT?! Okay, there is plastic surgery, and that has been done on soaps before. But are we ready to accept that Teri DeMarco is Annie Dutton? Will Signy Coleman be able to fill Cynthia Watros' shoes? I've no idea. This rumor is just wild speculation right now, but it sure makes for interesting discussion. Bottom line: Stay tuned.
Mary Kay Adams is returning as India von Halkein (and with her beautiful brunette tresses). Don't worry, Phillip is safe (and Phillip is way past India anyhow). This is exciting. Of all the characters I could hope to have back on the show, India is one of them. There is no way Mary Kay Adams won't sparkle, even if the storyline isn't good. Bottom line: How does GL get all the fantastic actors and actresses?
 Marj Dusay is returning as Alexandra Spaulding. So they said no one could fill Beverlee McKinsey's shoes. Dusay did it and made Alexandra her own. To many, Dusay is Alexandra as they've never seen anyone else as Alex. The Spaulding matriarch is back. Yes! Bottom line: Welcome home.
Joie Lenz (ex-teen Cleva) has accepted the role of Michelle Bauer as Rebecca Budig has decided to leave the show. Could they have picked a better replacement (assuming that Rachel Miner wouldn't return)? Bottom line: This is something to look forward to.
GL tried to get Jay Hammer to return as Fletcher Reade (probably to wrap up some storylines). Hammer and GL couldn't work out a deal, but things ended on good terms. Bottom line: In the future, it's always possible.
With good, there is always some bad. Change happens. We adjust, we change ourselves. Although it's sad to see some characters (and actors) go, it is a fact of life. GL has been on for over 60 years. The show you see today is not the one that was shown 60 years ago. That is not all bad. Hindsight is 20/20. The good memories remain and we forget the things we didn't like, complained and griped about. That's okay, but it's something to remember as we continue to see the Light.
***It was originally reported by Jonathan Reiner that Fiona Hutchison (Jenna) was fired. Through her spokeswoman he issued a correction that Fiona was not fired, but volunteered to leave. At the fan club gathering this past weekend, Fiona stated she was fired. She found out Jenna was being killed off when she got her script. This IMO was written before I knew that Fiona stated she was fired at the fan club gathering. I fully support a balanced Guiding Light and am disappointed TPTB believe there is not room in Springfield for Jenna.
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