It seems that characters and actors are leaving Oakdale like crazy these days; it's almost too much to keep track of. Some of the changes are welcomed but what is going on behind the scenes to cause all of these upheavals.
This story is about to end abruptly with Lucy being out of the picture. I don't think this story would work well without Peyton List as Lucy. It takes time to get used to a recast so I don't know when Lucy will resurface with a new face. Now word comes that AJ Lamas as Rafi is being recast for no know reason. They gave the line about taking the character in a different direction. The character was new so why not just send Rafi back to Montega?
I think this story has run its course anyway. After Lucy and Rafi were stranded like she was when she fell in love with Dusty, I felt like it was time to move on. I think it was time for Dusty to get into a more adult relationship with someone like maybe Sierra - there is always some spark between them when they are discussing his ill-fated relationship with Lucy. Craig would really have a problem with that.
They have finally found themselves together and said goodbye to Chris Hughes this week. The latest announcement is that Agim Kaba who plays Aaron has decided not to renew his contract. He has matured as an actor and showed some acting skills after he was out of his relationship with Lucy - that relationship was very, very boring. He has a spark with Allison so just as they are picking up steam as a couple he is leaving the show. Now if Jessica Dunphy decides not to renew as well then they could send Aaron and Allison off into the sunset together.
We now have a new Will Munson, a new Casey Hughes and a new Luke Snyder - wow! So far, all of these guys appear to be good young actors. I like the fact that the show is introducing these guys with adult characters and not just throwing them together into a teen storyline yet. They need to slowly integrate them into Oakdale before sending them into a teen storyline that have not really worked well in Oakdale lately. I wish they could more like Y&R or Guiding Light when it comes to teens.
Holden and Lily are separated and finally Holden has a story of his own even if it's with another character that is on her way out - Julia. This separation thing would be more interesting if Holden had someone to turn to. I will be quite happy to see Julia leave Oakdale for good and take her son with her.
Carly and Jack are still suffering as a result of her presence in Jack's life. Carly has said what viewers have said for months, how could she get involved with a guy who had no memory of his past? Now she has moved on to lonely Holden. How will Jack react when it dawns on him that Holden and Julia are hitting the sheets? This should be a huge test for their relationship - that should be good to watch. What will Emma do?
Finally, the truth about Barbara is about to come out. I have to admit that finally putting Emily and Paul together in a story was long overdue. One of the major problems that this writing staff has is not addressing issues of history. It is so hard to watch when Paul never admitted he had feelings for Emily long ago so now when history comes into play; it makes it all the more interesting to watch.
One more thing, isn't this story with Henry and Katie great? Finally, Henry is able to be with the woman he loves even if he is acting like it's only to help her get back Mike. I am watching and enjoying every minute of this interesting quadrangle.
That's all I have for now.
Reggie Jackson
